DC Superheroes - Killer Croc

As I continue the hunt for the DC Universe Classics wave 5 action figures, (one down, four to go), I'll keep up my run down of Mattel's older DC Superheroes toy line for those of you still looking to fill in your collections. By request, today I'll give you a closer look at Killer Croc from DCSH wave 1.

Croc is a bit of a re-release with a few modifications. Before the DCSH toy line, Mattel had a line of Batman figures going and there was a Killer Croc figure. When the DCSH line came out in 2006 they improved Croc with a new head and paint job and did away with his tail.

The body looks good, especially his back which is covered in thick, rigid crocodile like skin. The head sculpt is great too. The 4HM were going for a more human look with this version of Croc compared to the older figure which definitely had a more reptilian face.

Croc is only slightly taller than the DCSH Batman figures standing at about 6.5 inches which is a minor disappointment if scale is an issue for you. I would have liked to see him another half an inch taller. One other small issue was that his feet were slightly turned in at the ankles joints. You can probably see in the pictures that his feet sometimes don't go totally flat on the ground. It could have be caused from packaging though.

The paint job is pretty good. There are no noticeable errors or blotches on the body at all. Mattel has gone with a lighter color pallet compared to the older Croc action figure which supported very dark green skin. The chest and belly on this action figure are a lighter yellow, while his back is a green. For a guy that lives in the sewer, you'd think his blue pants would be a little dirtier. Maybe a dark wash could have been used on the clothing. The eyes and mouth are very clean but upon a very close inspection, the white paint on the teeth look a little blotchy. Click on the picture below to enlarge it.

Killer Croc comes with an exclusive comic book and a cluckly looking piece of sewer pipe. There isnt much to it really but it fits nice and snug in either of Croc's hands.

Killer Croc's weak point is without a doubt his articution. He is one of the least articulate action figures in the entire Mattel DC Superheroes toy line. Croc's joints include a neck which only swivels left and right, ball joint shoulders, wrists, waist and ankles. He is very much like a DC Direct figure....but even DC Direct toys usually have elbow and knee joints. I was baffled that they weren't included.

Overall, Mattel's DCSH Killer Croc is a great looking figure. If scale and articulation are issues for you, then you may be a bit disappointed, otherwise he looks great on the shelf next to the other action figures from this line. If i was rating the figure on sculpt alone, he'd get a higher score.

Sculpt/Design - 8.5, Paint - 8.5, Accessories - 5, Articulation - 4, Fun - 7

Killer Croc's Overall Score - 6.5/10

Croc isn't that hard to find on eBay and I believe this action figure sells in the $20 US range now. You can probably find the older version rather easily as well.

To find Mattel's DC Superheroes Killer Croc on eBay, click here

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