One of the most exciting things for me at last year's Toy Fair was the new line of Batman: The Animated Series products from DST. Namely their mini-busts of Batgirl, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn. I used to be a action figure purist, not even bothering with high end collectibles like statues and busts. But eventually I started to cave with the early Covergirls and Women of the DCU lines. I'm still pretty selective, mostly because of budget and shelf space, but I'm now addicted to the idea of having all my favorite characters represented in mini-bust format.. and especially having every possible version of those characters. I already have seven different Catwoman busts and I don't even have the animated one yet (and I'm predicting we'll see a Michelle Pfeiffer one eventually). This is my fourth Harley and I'm expecting many more. (In fact, I'm willing to bet there will be a Suicide Squad line revealed in the next few weeks). Totally digging the BTAS love lately. Let's check out the animated Harley bust below!
Time for a Group Pic!
Women of the DC Universe Series 01 Adam Hughes bust on Left, Series 03 Amanda Conner bust on the Right.
Cheers!
What are your thoughts on the paint apps? When Michael Crawford reviewed his HQ bust, he was not all together pleased with cleanness of the lines (causing his overall score to drop by half a star or so), which caused me to cancel my pre-orders for both the BTAS Catwoman and Poison Ivy busts. However, I kept my order for HQ, since the focus of my DC collection is Harley (and subsequently the Joker). But, like you, I also mostly keep to action figures, and my budget can barely keep up with that (since I collect so many other lines apart from DC). I haven't been too keen on paying $55 for 5 inches of poorly applied paint...
ReplyDeleteYou're making a very good point. The paint apps on my Harley were not great (nor were they on my recent Julie Newmar Catwoman Bust from DST). Before I photographed my Harley, I touched up a spot near her nose where the mask line was uneven making it look like there was a tear in her mask. It was super easy to fix since it was just black paint. I saw some other Harley animated busts in stores (mine was ordered online) which looked to have fine paintjobs. So I didn't think it was a systemic problem and touched it up without comment. The white paint on her neck tassels is a little sloppy on mine as well I didn't touch it up at all, but you can see how the middle pom pom is bleeding into the red. I'm not terribly disappointed with the overall paint quality. But you're right, the paint lines should be extremely simple and clean. My bust was a Christmas gift, so I guess I was subconsciously not being critical. Makes me nervous about Poison Ivy since she would have the hardest colors to fix.
DeleteI just looked at MWC's review and his Harley mask ad the exact same issues that mine did. All I can say is that it is a super easy fix if you're a Harley completist and need this bust in your collection.
Thank you for your response! Oh, she's on her way (I ordered online as well); I don't regret purchasing her one bit, as I LOVE the sculpt. I am so thrilled to have highly accurate Bruce Timm-styled BTAS/TNBA merchandise for collectors on the market. My wallet isn't, but I am. ;)
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