With all the announcements last month, I'm starting to fall behind on reviews a bit. When wave 16 was announced, it was bitter sweet for me. As a Batman fan, I really wanna see Mattel give us as many DC Universe Classics Batman related characters as possible. So when I saw the line up for wave 16 with Riddler, Robin and Bane specifically, I was happy with the way they looked in the demo pictures but a bit ticked too. We've already gotten 2 versions of Robin and a Riddler already. Plus Bane as covered in the DC Superheroes toy line back in 2007-08. Give us new Batman characters Mattel!!! They are DC's bread and butter! Hopefully we'll see more with the new Batman Legacy toy line. So with regards to The Riddler, this is a different version compared to the DCUC Wave 5 Riddler. Wave 16 Riddler resembles the more "campy" version that people may most remember from the Super Friends cartoon back in the late 70s early 80s. So lets take a closer look.
I don't like to spend a lot of time going over the packaging but here are the pictures for those interested.
The head sculpt is unique and supports some good detail and a classic sinister smirk. Mattel couldn't really use the same head sculpt from Wave 5 as that version of the Riddler supports a hat and does not really fit in with this version.
Here's a close up shot, you can see the great detail work in the face. No complaints with the head sculpt or the paint job. He's does look pretty good. The color scheme used is spot on to this version of the Riddler.
A side by side comparison between Wave 16 (left) and Wave 5(right) Riddler's, its looks as though the Riddler has been on steroids between wave 5 and wave 16. This is a much more muscular version, perhaps too muscular some might say. But i think its a good fit. The torso is less boxy and has bigger legs, arms and shoulders in Wave 16 Riddler.
For the Riddler to be the same size Batman is probably not accurate but i still think Mattel has pulled off a good look. If you look at the picture below of the Riddler, he does have some pretty good muscle definition in the comics. If you're gonna wear a jump suit, you better be in good shape! I'm pretty sure if a smaller sculpt was used, say the size of Wave 16, Mercury or even a shorter body type like Wave 2 Sinestro, people would complain that he is too small.
As for accessories, in addition to the collect and connect action figure piece of Bane included with the Riddler, you will also get the same Question Mark Staff that we got in the Wave 5 version. It fits nicely into his left had. Riddlers right hand is a closed fist this time.
As for The Riddlers articulation, its the same as we've been use to since this toy line began. He has joints in the neck, shoulders, biceps, elbows, forearms, wrists, abdominal, waist, hips, quads, knees and ankles. There are no double jointed knees or elbows or hinged wrists or ankles on this action figure unlike some of the others DCUC wave 16 action figures (like Robin). All joints were in find working condition out of the package. Not to loose or too stiff. Another plus over wave 5's Riddler, is the leg joints can get more movement now that he does not have that long suit jacket on.
Overall, I'd say that the Riddler is a great action figure. If you're putting together a classic Legion of Doom collection, this is the Riddler you want over the Wave 5 version. Also, if you're a Batman fan, its a must have. The paint job is close to perfect and along with the usual great articulation you are getting a awesome action figure. I really, really like this version of the Riddler. I think those of you that collect this toy line will be quite happy with it.
Sculpt - 9, Paint - 10, Accessories - 5, Articulation - 9, Fun - 8, Value 8
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