The Main Man Gets A Fraggin’ Fun Figure, Finally!
DC Comics’ Lobo is one of their characters that you’ll either hate or abhor. Based on several violent stereotypes in comic books during the 1990′s, particularly Marvel’s Wolverine and the Punisher, Lobo’s creators Keith Giffen and Roger Slifer weren’t even banking on him being a hit. Eventually, under the (mischievous) guiding hands of Alan Grant, Simon Bisley, and Val Semeiks, Lobo undergoes a major overhaul. Now as the last Czarnian – this white-skinned, hook-toting, ‘hawg’-riding, anti-hero bounty hunter finally finds a niche among comic book fans. And yes, I’m one of them.
Having waded through 60+ issues of the regular series, as well as crossovers, one-shots and other series, I’ve always wanted to get a hold on an action figure based on the Main Man himself. And none can be more deserving of a representation as by Mattel’s recent DC Universe Classics version. Belonging to no particular ‘wave’ in the series, Lobo is released as a San Diego Comic Con exclusive.
Anyway, let’s get down to the fraggin’ review…
Packaging
Front
Back
Background insert and stand
The clamshell for this guy is huge, though the form is standard for DCUC figures. Labels and small inserts abound throughout the front, with an information card at back. Note the background insert for Lobo, sprayed with artwork – you can turn this over, as a special image is printed at the back. It’s labeled as a “Wanted” poster, with a ‘torn’ opening artwork, like Lobo just entered through it. What’s special about it is it’s drawn for use with 3D glasses – so that it does look like it’s jumping out the carton.
Also, a carton stand is located under Lobo’s feet, depicted with metal artwork, labeled as ‘Spacedock 0807′ – which when turned upside down will read as Lobo. “Feetal’s Gizz! That’s so clever!”
Another fine addition to the packaging are the blister locks. Unlike other clamshells where you have to tear the sides to get to the contents, with Lobo’s, you can pop open the sides, take out everything, and leave the sides intact – you can put everything back in and claim it’s Mint on Card. Har. Scammer :p
Yeah, the packaging’s a real joy to behold, what with all the extras – you won’t want to get rid of this!
Sculpt
The Four Horsemen have definitely poured out their skills in sculpting this bastich. He’s got tons of great detail. Starting off with the head – the sculpted hair flows done liberally like a head-banger’s bad wild hair day. Note though, that Bo’s got think sideburns running under his hairpiece. Much that I’d want to speculate that he looks like he’s got a classic short hair version underneath, I wouldn’t try pulling his long hair upwards. Only problem with the hair is that it goes on too long as to hit the shoulders, impeding movement of the head.
Lobo’s mug definitely devious – red pupil-less eyes, black paint around the ‘em. The chin area looks great, with some stubble and pore details added in. The grin is as menacing as the art in the comics as well.
Going to the body – he’s got a hefty build – wide chest and abdomen area, complimented by big arms – though they turn out a bit scrappy around the forearms. The leather jacket’s got the good texture, complete with ripped crown of the sleeves and edges. For the lower part, the pants are mostly covered by the big utility belt, eating up the entire thigh. The detail on the skull belt buckle, pouches, and straps is commendable – everything’s accounted for. He’s also got a movable pistol holster on his left side. His signature metal skull kneepads also look solid and menacing, down to the thick, metal-toothed boots. Overall, Lobo looks amazing – the heft, weight, and stature are perfectly captured from the comics. But seriously, one gripe is that he’s enormous!
This, in terms of scale. He’s over the normal scale of 6″ for the DCUC line. He’s about 9″! What a monster! Posing him beside any of your regular DCUC figures will have him towering several inches of ‘too much’. Referring to the comics – he’s depicted as a real hulk, but nowhere near his massiveness here. Not that I’m complaining though – just read on…
Paint
Unlike most of the DCUC figures, which sport little to no drybrushing, ‘Bo gets good doses – from the muscle details on his arms and torso (though a bit light – you can only notice through closer inspection), to the numerous pouches around his waist. Solid paint apps all around – on the skin, metal finishings, leather parts. Details like blood and mud (naah, must be blood!) splatters are located on the boots and metal shin-guards. Cool effects – the paint doesn’t disappoint!
Articulation
As with standard DCUC action figures, Lobo follows the same number of articulation: ball-jointed neck, shoulders, hinge elbows, abdomen, knees and ankles. Some swivel for the wrists and upper legs. A swivel for the hips, too (you just have to turn it with some effort). Needless to say, movement for the neck are a little blocked by the hair – but you still can move it around. The belt, however, is another matter – you can’t make Lobo sit down / turn his legs up by 90 degrees. The thick belt, that’s so finely sculpted on his waist blocks the movement of the thigh swivel/hinges. If you’re thinking about slicing the utility belt from his upper belt, just be careful, as they’re not sculpted cleanly – they overlap at some angles. I might try doing this however, as I plan on giving the Main Man a custom Space Hawg 
No hand articulation – the grip is left as is for holding weapons on both hands. Not bad, though – all the articulation suits him just fine, but no radical movements here, regrettably.
Accessories
Here’s where the fun really picks up. Lobo’s got a load of accessories and add-ons! For weapons, the Main Man sports a big rifle – incredibly detailed as any futuristic lazzeer rifle should be, it reaches up to his shoulders when stood from the ground. From what I’ve seen from DCUC wave 4′s Despero, this is the same rifle, only with silver paint apps. His hip holster has a removable pistol, which slides in perfectly, though looks small when put in ‘Bo’s hands. Of course, not to be forgotten – is Lobo’s signature hook and chain. The hook is large and looks wicked, with a real metal chain tied on its end. You can wrap the chain on his right arm, where its tied to two holed pegs, painted the same as his skin color.
The ultimate accessory that ‘Bo comes with is Dawg – the bulldog that’s “not his”, which only “follows him around”. That’s his claim, though. But with how Dawg is built – anyone’d claim otherwise. Made of solid plastic – Dawg’s evil-toothed grin is perfectly captured both through sculpt and paint, complete with band-aid on the cheek. His only articulation is that of his swivel neck, hidden in the rubber, spiked collar. This is the perfect accessory (as always) for Lobo.
We’re not through yet – as mentioned earlier, the 3D artwork on the cardboard insert needs 3D glasses for the full effect – and TWO pairs come with the package. Yep, that’s right. TWO. One pair inside the box, and another one handed out by Mattel. Who cares if they gave out the other pair because they manufactured the lenses wrong for the one inside the package? Har, that’s a hoot!
Well anyway, with labels of Lobo’s logo (a-huh) and a note about “Th’ specs better work – or some marketin’ geek’s gonna need a new fraggin’ set o’ peepers!” – the 3D glasses are a welcome, amusing plus. Lobo’s got a small plastic version that he wears on him as well. Matching accessories for both Lobo and you – woohoo!
What can I say? This is one well-thought out tribute to the Main Man – with all the great stuff included! You can get several good deals on e-bay (where I got mine, with the extra pair of 3D glasses) for about US$20. Even for US$25, you’re still bound to get your money’s worth with this bastich!
Now to get me an Etrigan…and maybe customize my very own Jonas Glim!
Oh yeah, more pics!
