Wonder Woman "Women of the DC U" Bust Review

[bat_collector]

The women of the DC line finally get their due as DC unleashes an entirely different line of busts focusing just on them. Based on art by fan favorite Adam Hughes, on paper these sculpts certainly seemed impressive. Especially so as the main woman of the DCU, Wonder Woman (sculpted by John G. Mathews), would be the first entry into the series. Does the bust live up the hype and potential this line seems to have?

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f100/misha444/Wonder%20Woman/IMG_0511.jpg

Statue Concept
Its not too difficult to find out what original art was used to base this sculpt on, as Adam Hughes original art work adornes the box the bust comes in. Not referencing any particular comic moment at all, instead the concept revolves around a simple classic image of Wonder Woman, in all her majesty, dignity, and sexiness. And that is the intent of the whole line, to stay true to the character but also play up the sexiness that exudes these women as well. As far as just concepts go, this one is a homer, as is the intent of the entire line.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f100/misha444/Wonder%20Woman/IMG_0510.jpg

The Sculpt
This is simply a beautiful sculpt. While staying faithful overall to the sketches Hughes submitted, it does deviate slightly from this reference. First of all, the face seems a bit more humanized than that Hughes sculpted, as there is a hint of a smile on her face. Her costume is also a bit lower, more revealing, than it shown on the reference, but that isn't a bad thing in this situation given the nature of the line. The hair is also sculpted well, and seems to flow as naturally as it should. And while the sculpt is a bit muscular, her arms, back, and stomach are not overtly so. There is still feminity to be found in this strong woman after all. The base itself is a bit inspired. It is a marble pillar that is worn away near her waist. Its almost as it Wonder Woman herself was sculpted right from the top of this pillar.
But, it is not a perfect sculpt. Let us get the obvious out of the way, this is a bit small for a bust. At only 5.5 inches tall, it is much smaller than many of the female busts produced by DST and Bowen Designs (see comparison shot). It also has a minor flaw in that the forearms are sculpted right into her side. A bit of space there could have helped the appearance quite a bit.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f100/misha444/Wonder%20Woman/IMG_0509.jpg

The Paint Job
Like most of the paint jobs from DC Direct, the paint job has a simple color scheme. Her costume could have been a bit brighter, could have used some more vibrant colors. However, I must also admit her skin tone and hair are great. And I also must comment the paint job is pretty consistent. So, while it could have been a bit better, it is still a solid paint job.

Over-All Value
Here is where it can get ugly. The sculpt, pose, inspiration, and paint job are all great. This just could have been so much better if it had been a little taller, a little broader, a little more in line withe the scale of other companies. However, it must be remembered that this is first in a series of busts. While it may not go with DST or Bowen pieces, it SHOULD go in line perfectly with Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Hawkgirl and company. But, even so, DC Direct is charging the same price as your average DST Emma bust. Therefore you may feel you aren't getting your money's worth for this piece. Finally, some may feel they want to wait and see just how good the other sculpts will be before the buy this first. This is a valid point, as it would be aweful for DC to cancel the line before a signficant amount of busts are prodcued.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f100/misha444/Wonder%20Woman/IMG_0508.jpg

Conclusion
So, is the Wonder Woman bust worth it? It highly depends. If you like the direction of the line and plan on getting the set, you probably will love it. But, even as a stand alone piece, many may pass. Any DC or Wonder Woman fan may find themselves liking it despite its smallness and relatively high MSRP. But, if you want all your busts to have the same height and width, you might want to pass on this one. After having this for a few days, I can say it definately grows on you. Due to its unique concept, beautiful sculpt (IMO) ,and solid paint job, I want to give this sculpt a high grade. However, I realize NOW that there are generally too many problems to merit that. In the first, and hopefully last time, I re-grade this bust and give it three out of five stars. Some will hate it, but I think some will enjoy it as well.

[bat_collector]

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f100/misha444/Wonder%20Woman/IMG_0506.jpg

[tombow]

I received mine yesterday....
Agree totally with you!!! i can't wait for Catwoman and Supergirl!!!
great review!!!

[Jesse321]

I actually can't beleive that you gave that piece of tripe that good a review BC, your observations are usually way more astute than this.

While I've made no secret that Adam Hughes isn't a personal favorite of mine this statue is full of problems:

Frist and foremost .. the statue is WAY too small for the price.

Second .. the face looks like Micheal Jackson's mugshot, personally, I blame this on the sculptor not Mr. Hughes because his faces are much softer than this .. I've also never been a fan of the overly muscular/body builder type Diana, this to me defeats the purpose of her being called Wonder WOMAN!

Third .. the paint job is terribly monochromatic .. there is no shading what so ever.

I'm sorry, but like the other DC lines I see this one just lingering on the shelves of LCS's and selling for WAY below retail on ebay within a few months.

[JDH]

Good review, B_C, but on a piece like this there is no way I could get beyond the 'cuff me' pose. Overall, it looks a bit weak, and if you hadn't have said I would have had no idea that Adam Hughes had been involved in the design at all; odd when he is such a distinctive artist. The flash photography maybe doesn't help, but she looks a bit like a rabbit in the headlights, not really the Amazon I'd imagine. But then again, what do I know about DC?:)

[bat_collector]

This is actually one review I don't expect everyone to agree with me on.

Jesse: I made mention of both the paint job and the size of the sculpt as problems. However, I disagree with the Michael Jackson reference and this being overly muscular. I think she is just right, muscle wise.

As far as lines lingering, I think DC has righted the ship somewhat. The batman black and white line is a success in my book, and I think the superman cover to cover will do well too. As far as this one, once the other females start coming (poison ivy, catwoman, supgergirl, etc) I think some might start changing their tune.

While I could have given this three stars, I really havn't liked a bust this much in long time, nor have I looked forward to the rest of the series.

Just my two cents, man, I respect yours too.

And yes JDH, my photography skills are aweful, and I still am trying to find out a way to get better. I wish I could have Fenix's photography skills for one day.

[Bullseye]

Wonder woman being probably my favourite Heroine means i have interest in this piece. I suspect this piece probably looks better in person but the size of this piece is just too small for my taste. I know the Psylocke is small so this one must be tiny (mico-bust). Love the DC FS but would pass on this one. Nice review B_C but i disagree with you on this one.

[Jesse321]

However, I disagree with the Michael Jackson reference REALLY? :laugh:

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f100/misha444/Wonder%20Woman/IMG_0511.jpghttp://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200311/r12407_29764.jpg

[JDH]

Someone get Joss Whedon on the phone, Jesse321 has found your Wonder Woman!:)

[Jesse321]

Someone get Joss Whedon on the phone, Jesse321 has found your Wonder Woman!:):laugh: Come on, seriously, tell me there isn't a resemblence. :laugh:

[bat_collector]

:banghead:

Man, you're seeing what you want to see.

[wktf]

:banghead:

Man, you're seeing what you want to see.
I disagree. I think he's right on. This piece has too many problems. It's too small. The smallness means the level of detail, both in sculpting and painting, simply can't be there as needed. And the price is outrageous. No pun intended but this piece falls absolutely flat. I saw it in my lcs when it came out and was sadly disappointed. And I had the Michael Jackson thought as well.

I love AH's art. I don't like this bust.

[Jesse321]

The real sad part about this whole thing is that DC has such a terrific stable of iconic characters, AS WELL AS all these incredibly talented sculpters ... yet they still keep putting out these really sub-par pieces ... I just don't get it. :banghead:

[bat_collector]

In an unprecendent move, I have re-graded the bust due to popular outcry.

Hopefully people find it a bit more fair. :)

[Bullseye]

The real sad part about this whole thing is that DC has such a terrific stable of iconic characters, AS WELL AS all these incredibly talented sculpters ... yet they still keep putting out these really sub-par pieces ... I just don't get it. :banghead:

I wouldn't agree with that sweeping statement. Their medium sized statues are incredible. WW v Serpents and GL v S are fantastic pieces.

[Bullseye]

In an unprecendent move, I have re-graded the bust due to popular outcry.

Hopefully people find it a bit more fair. :)

B_C i don't think you needed to change the ratings. You wil have just as many people who agree with your assessment as disagree with it.

[wktf]

In an unprecendent move, I have re-graded the bust due to popular outcry.

Hopefully people find it a bit more fair. :)
You should grade it in whatever way you, personally see fit. Don't change it just because others disagree. Reviews are subjective, after all. A contrarian review may cause others to think differently. It may not, also, but that's ok.

[Jesse321]

I wouldn't agree with that sweeping statement. Their medium sized statues are incredible. WW v Serpents and GL v S are fantastic pieces.While I know that others may not agree, WW v Serpents is probably THE biggest diappointment of the line for me, that statue doesn't depict Diana at all, it's more like Chyna from WWF in a skimpy WW suit.

As far as the GL v S goes, I haven't seen it in person yet, but I wasn't impressed with the promo pics for it, so I'm not holding out much hope of it once I do.

[Jesse321]

B_C i don't think you needed to change the ratings. You wil have just as many people who agree with your assessment as disagree with it.You should grade it in whatever way you, personally see fit. Don't change it just because others disagree. Reviews are subjective, after all. A contrarian review may cause others to think differently. It may not, also, but that's ok.Agreed, I told him as much in pvts, his opinion is what it is, just because some may not agree with it doesn't invalidate it.

[bat_collector]

I think a 5 of 5 statue is one pretty much everyone can agree is perfect.

A 4 out of 5 has slight problems that can be overlooked.

3 of 5 is the generic plce to put statues/busts that are good but just simply that. Niche statues, liek this one fit the mold.

2 of 5 and below are complete disasters.

so, I decided to see the scale issue as a bid deal, not a slight problem.

[Jesse321]

I think a 5 of 5 statue is one pretty much everyone can agree is perfect.

A 4 out of 5 has slight problems that can be overlooked.

3 of 5 is the generic plce to put statues/busts that are good but just simply that. Niche statues, liek this one fit the mold.

2 of 5 and below are complete disasters.

so, I decided to see the scale issue as a bid deal, not a slight problem.
Okay .. this system I can agree with :thumbs2:

[moon_knight1971]

I'm actually happy that DC is screwing up like this on their busts. It makes it so much easier for me to pass on the merchandise they put out so I can continue collecting BD & DST as they come out. I would love to have a bust line of DC characters but until they get the scale right my money goes to MARVEL. :inquisiti

[Bullseye]

While I know that others may not agree, WW v Serpents is probably THE biggest diappointment of the line for me, that statue doesn't depict Diana at all, it's more like Chyna from WWF in a skimpy WW suit.

As far as the GL v S goes, I haven't seen it in person yet, but I wasn't impressed with the promo pics for it, so I'm not holding out much hope of it once I do.

I love that WW v Serpents. Beauty in the eye of the beholder i guess. :)

[bat_collector]

I love that WW v Serpents. Beauty in the eye of the beholder i guess. :)
I agree with bulls, that is THE wonder womanbust in my opinion.

[bat_collector]

Okay .. this system I can agree with :thumbs2:
Haha,

If I were going to give examples on the rating systems:

5 out of 5 - Risso Batman black and White, BD Logan Statue

4 out of 5 - SS Colossus/Cyclops vs Sentinal, DC Green Lantern vs Sinestro

3 out of 5 - BD Cleary Spiderman, DST Wolverine as Brood

2 out of 5 - BD Ghost Rider Bust, GG Mace Windu bust

1 out of 5 - DST Ghost Rider Statue

[bane]

Great review B_C , must say to me one of your best to date .
I'm still doubting because WW is not one of my favorite characters but I look forward to Catwoman ,Harley and Superwoman .

All points handled well in the review , comparison pic helped out a lot .
Thanks

[carrillj]

I don't like this bust at all. It looks like she just got arrested. Or maybe like one of those porn busts in a bondage position, with a Wonder Woman custom paint job. It just doesn't look right.

[bat_collector]

I don't like this bust at all. It looks like she just got arrested. Or maybe like one of those porn busts in a bondage position, with a Wonder Woman custom paint job. It just doesn't look right.
Did you know, its supposed to take place right after she is arrested for killing Max Lord. :laugh:

[Pogo4321]

Actually bondage issues played a large role in Wonder Woman's early books, and while not a recent aspect of her stories I think it's appropriate that a pin-up style sculpture would at least give a slight nod in that direction.

I'm with those that say size will become a non-issue when there are more busts out in this line. I really don't get this "It doesn't fit in with my other (usually Marvel or Bowen) statues or busts.

I prefer DC direct's "simpler" paint jobs--statues are three dimensional objects that don't need shadows painted on them, the shadows will be provided by lighting.

Love this bust.

[valemeister]

At the end of the day, it's down to personal taste isn't it.

I like this bust, but from what I have seen of this line, it is certainly the weakest. In fact, as the series goes on, the sculpts seem to get better and better. Yes they are a little small, but I won't be displaying them with my Marvel stuff so scale shouldn't be an issue. I think they'll look superb as a complete set and I'm looking forward to collecting the entire line.

Great review, BC. :)

[dyc_1978]

oh man, now that u say it, it does looks like michael jackson. :)

[JM28Cardiff]

I thought it was a good review, I bought the bust even though i dont read the comic, i just liked it

[mwf6171]

The bust is WAY too small. I saw it yesterday at my LCS and was quite disappointed.

[Sniper]

good review bats and I agree with you on many points

[Silver Surfer]

Anyone know how many WDCU busts are going to be released?

[bat_collector]

Anyone know how many WDCU busts are going to be released?
Wonder Woman
Poison Ivy (already releaesed)
Catwoman
Hawkgirl
Supergirl
Harley Quinn

that's all I know of off the top of my head. But its six strong, and I think the line really starts to shine startign with Catwoman.

[Silver Surfer]

Wonder Woman
Poison Ivy (already releaesed)
Catwoman
Hawkgirl
Supergirl
Harley Quinn

that's all I know of off the top of my head. But its six strong, and I think the line really starts to shine startign with Catwoman.

Thanks for the information.

If they are the only characters being released, then I will pass them up.

[nbr3bagshotrow]

Thanks for the information.

If they are the only characters being released, then I will pass them up.
Those are the only ones currently announced.

[DD_fan96]

Anybody heard Powergirl? I've heard that a couple times but haven't seen it on the net anywhere to confirm.

[bat_collector]

Anybody heard Powergirl? I've heard that a couple times but haven't seen it on the net anywhere to confirm.
Hopefully Powergirl, Starfire, Huntress, and Cheetah make the list. :buttrock:

[bruin218]

For you Wonder Woman collectors out there, here's a comparison shot with some other pieces.

[bat_collector]

For you Wonder Woman collectors out there, here's a comparison shot with some other pieces.
Man, I really want that Wonder Woman vs the hydra/ statue. :buttrock:

[Dizneeguy]

:laugh: Come on, seriously, tell me there isn't a resemblence. :laugh:
...you're right, Jesse...that's a dead-on likeness. Just another bad factory paint job from the DC camp.