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View Full Version : Superman and Wonder Woman "The Kiss" - DC Collectibles


Macethy
11-22-2013, 02:24 AM
(Please note: This review was done on the second batch release of the piece)

Superman and Wonder Woman "The Kiss" statue (November 2013) - $249.95
Based on the artwork of Jim Lee
Sculpted by Tim Bruckner
Measure approximately 14.3" tall

When the reboot of the DC universe happened in September of 2011, it brought about many changes including new suits, altered origin stories, and in some cases even different relationships partners. Alongside the changes was the re-branding of DCs collectible side of the business to, well "DC Collectibles". A division of the company that has struggled to find its feet since the rebooted universe came into existence, with complaints of over priced action figures, poor paint application on statues, and just generally leaving everyone feeling underwhelmed with the potential that the New 52 brought. What they really needed was something to bring DC Collectibles out if its negative slump and I believe that with this piece, they have managed to do just that.

While not everyone may agree with the Wonder Woman and Superman relationship (I feel it's too forced and artificial), it does make for some spectacular art and now, a spectacular statue. Starting with the base, I'm really glad that they decided on something quite different from their usual generic bases that seem to have become common in their lines. The base is sculpted to look like clouds and does a great job of portraying the sense of flight. It looks light, slightly translucent and even has a slight sparkling tinge to it, possibly creating the effect of the sun shining through it.

Which the New 52 outfits of both Wonder Woman and Superman, the paint was applied with an almost metallic finish. Wonder Woman's corset looks stunning in this finish, really doing justice to her figure and with Superman's cape matching the same type of finish, it really creates a spectacular finish to the piece. Superman's suit isn't the same type of finish, it appears more matte but I like that they didn't go with a flashier paint application, as it might have been to much for the piece.

Sculpt wise, there is nothing that can be faulted here. Tim Bruckner once again shows his master skills as sculpting and everything from the expressions on their faces, to the cape draped around them is expertly crafted. Some liberties were taken if you compare the piece to the original artwork by superstar artist Jim Lee, but they are quite understandable as balance needs to be found between form and function, but I still would have prefer the cape to be around Wonder Woman a bit more, to show more of an embrace. What appears to have happened with the second batch of this piece, it that Superman legs have been slightly glued/painted together but if somebody didn't point this out to me I wouldn't have noticed and feel like it is really a non issue, if CS Moore can do it and everyone loves their pieces, DC collectibles should be allowed the same leniency.

An important question which is everyone is asking is surely “Is the piece worth the $250 price tag?”. At $250, it is not a small amount of money to most people and many of you will be saying you that it is approaching SideShow prices for a statue that is nowhere near 1/4 scale. I think the perfect price point would have been around $199, maybe even $215 at a stretch but I honestly don't feel cheated or "ripped off" by paying the asking price for the piece. If this is the quality which one receives from DC at this price point, then I fell that their other lines are actually overpriced, and it's a great price for what I believe to be the new flagship piece of DC collectibles.

Since the introduction of the New 52 back in September 2011, DC has done many things with their collectibles line. From action figures, to busts, a new Cover Girls line and even a Superman version of the “Black and White” line, but nothing compares to The Kiss statue that was reviewed here. Simply put this is the greatest piece that DC Collectibles has brought out in more than two year (including the Batman vs. Killer Croc repaint), I found it to be nearly faultless and a piece that belongs front and center for the DC collectibles. If you're a fan of Wonder Woman, or of Superman, or of DC comics, or even of great statues, I highly recommend that you add this wonderful piece to your collection!

Sculpt – Excellent, with attention to minor details that even unpainted this piece would be stunning.
Paint application – Excellent, one or two minor mishaps on the application but the metallic finishes and great flesh tones really make it a job well done!
Base – Thankfully not a generic base and quite pleasant to look at.
Accuracy – While not exactly identical to the artwork, it does an excellent job of portraying the look and feel of the original art.
Value for money - While the price may be a bit high, it's worth the price of admission for what I believe to be DC Collectibles flagship piece.

Overall score - 9.5/10

Simply put, if you only buy one piece from DC Collectibles from the last two years, it SHOULD be this one.

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Matches Malone
11-22-2013, 09:39 AM
Great review bro. Truly a stunning sculpt. Having said that I had to pass as I just can't buy into the Supes/WW relationship. (and that's despite reading the current books as well)

JP Sarri
11-22-2013, 09:57 AM
Awesome review and great piece, Mack! I definetely agree with all the points mentioned. I will eventually add this fantastic looking diorama to my collection. :)

Bullseye
11-22-2013, 10:00 AM
Fantastic review of a fantastic sculpt. But I'm with MM on this one on. Not a fan of that match up. Glad the current WW 52 is a standalone universe.

OGURATZ
11-22-2013, 10:13 AM
Nice! I love the cloud base. I'm not too familiar with Wonder Woman, is there a reason for the stripper band on her left leg?

nexus
11-22-2013, 11:11 AM
So roughly what scale is this? Not a fan of tiny statues.

VS1976
11-22-2013, 09:00 PM
I saw this today and it's a phenomenal piece. If this was the old school costume, I would buy it instantly.

Matches Malone
11-22-2013, 11:09 PM
Nice! I love the cloud base. I'm not too familiar with Wonder Woman, is there a reason for the stripper band on her left leg?

It's where the scabbard for her sword attaches.

Macethy
11-25-2013, 02:43 AM
Great review bro. Truly a stunning sculpt. Having said that I had to pass as I just can't buy into the Supes/WW relationship. (and that's despite reading the current books as well)

:iagree: The relationship feels very forced to me, it didn't evolve over time like the Superman and Lois Lane did, it simply came out of nowhere for the sake of having the two together. Either way, still makes for a stunning statue.