Superman Returns

Manufacturer
Mattel
Year
2006
Materials
Plastic
Height
6.4cm

Superman Returns Basic Figure Set: Missile Launching Lex Luthor

By Jordan
18th Jul 06

Hi! This is my first review so please don't roll your eyes and go 'Idiot...' whilst reading it.

OK, this is a figure in the Superman Returns series, and I have saw two versions of Lex up to now. In the movie he is played by Kevin Spacey (who is a dead ringer for Gene Hackman's Lex) and the figure, I think, does justice. Read on...

Summary:

Lex Luthor in his snow jacket with a rocket launcher, a Kryptonite crystal, goggles and binoculars. The rocket has a little crystal of Kryptonite in it.

Packaging: **

It's kinda boring, but I like the bold image of Brandon Routh as Superman. It stands out, and the accesories are clearly displayed.

Sculpt: ****

Wow. I saw this and I nearly screamed with joy. The Supes figures didn't look that much like Brandon, but this figure is the mirror image of Kevin Spacey. There isn't much detail, but the miniature details are what make it stand out. Sculpting on the boots and the coat are extremly good for a mass-market, movie cash-in figure.

Paint: ****

Like the great Michael Crawford says; 'A good paintjob can make a bad sculpt good, but a bad paintjob can ruin a good sculpt'. The simple, effective paintjob on this figure is great. There isn't a spec of paint out of place, and there is no bleed whatsoever. The only paint on Luthor's face is the eyes and the brows. The face looks like it has been darkened in the lines of the face, making it stand out, but the sculpt does that already. It's the simplicity of this thing that is it's beauty. Like I said, no bleed in the eyes at all.

Accesories: ***1/2

Unlike the Supes figures, this is packed with accesories. Lexie boy has goggles, a rocket launcher with a Kryptonite-powered rocket and binoculars. He also has a Krypton crystal (Like the ones Supes has in his Fortress of Solitude) with a transleucent thing that looks like wire-casing that you slide over it to give it that kryptonite glow. I pulled the crystal up so it looks like a knife. That'd kill Supes with a slash! Ha ha ha...
The rocket has one of these moulded into the tip of the rocket, so it's kinda obvious that his rival Supes is his intended victim.They look great on Lex, and they are cool. The only thing is the awkward pose you have to put Lex into to hold tyhe rocket launcher. His arms are sculpted so they are in a 'neutral' position. (by his sides) They are cut, but you sorta have to get Lex into this really ugly pose. I use my Kryptonite knife most anyway... :P

Playability: ****

Lex is great to play with, and the only nag is the small parts. Little kids could swallow the crystal, so that'd be a warning. I am 12, so I haven't got plans to be devouring Lex's weapons anytime soon.

Overall: ****

Good for fans aged about 6-13, but not really any younger. We wantwed a baddie, and we can't have a better choice than the malovent Lex Luthor...

Jordan.

-- Jordan 18th Jul 06