DC Collectibles has released a new line of action figures featuring characters from the DC Universe. The “DC Comics Icons” line features iconic representations of some of DC’s most popular characters with highly articulated sculpts, interchangeable hands and accessories. Among the initial assortment is the “DC Icons Forever Evil Black Adam” action figure. Designed by comic book artist Ivan Reis and sculpted by Dave Cortes, this figure showcases Black Adam as he appeared during the “Forever Evil” story line.
The current design is a slight update from Black Adam’s traditional look and brings the character more in line with his New 52 counterpart Shazam. Adam has donned a cape and the lightning emblem on his chest has a more kinetic look to it. These minor changes to the costume work well to add a more modern touch to the character. The emblem, especially, is an example of the impact of modern computer techniques and makes the visual representation on the page more compelling. The hooded cape melds well with both the magical and regal aspects of the character.
The “DC Comics Icons” line comes in at a scale of 6 1/4 inches, somewhat smaller than the standard DC Collectibles DC Universe figure. This is likely to accommodate for the additional accessories on the “Icons” line. For Black Adam, the figure comes with two additional sets of interchangeable hands. The three sets are closed fists, open, as well as open with translucent blue lightning shooting out from the finger tips.
The hand sets chosen for Black Adam could not better encompass the character. The lightning projection hands are an excellent manifestation of the power Adam so highly craves and has no reservations about using to their fullest measure. The open hand set has the fingers only slightly bent with fingers spread as if Adam is grasping for more of that very same power. Finally, the closed ones represent Adam’s base expression of his strength. The sculpting of the former two sets are fully on point and the figure stands well even with his arms outstretched with the lightning hands. The closed hands, however, could have been crafted to represent a proper punch. The knuckles are somewhat angled and the wrist slightly bent. Throwing a fist like this is likely to give one a broken hand or wrist.
The fists aside, the sculpt is otherwise flawless. It has 27 points of articulation, including double articulated knees and elbows and a rotatable chest. Despite ankle joints, the figure has remained firmly on display for over two weeks and is resistant to subtle vibrations. The cape is a molded rubberized plastic.
DC Collectibles’ “DC Comics Icons Black Adam” action figure is a near perfect representation of the ruler of Kahndaq and is well-suited for display or play. The figure is available now at comic book retailers everywhere, as well as the DC Entertainment Shop.
