Villains fo the DC Universe: The Joker

The second villain from DC Direct to be offered in mini-bust format. If DC is now working to create an entire line of villains alongside the heroes busts, a DC geek can look forward to having quite a diverse collection.

Manufacturer DC Direct
Designed by Gary Frank
Sculpted by Jean St. Jean
Type Mini-Bust
Dimensions 5.75" H
Release Date May 2010
Retail Price $70.00

Zimm's Two Cents
Diversity is one of the things that I look for in my collection. In fact, I tend to gravitate toward the different pieces, and while the Joker is one of the more common characters put out by DC Direct, he is one piece of a larger collection.

Points in Favor

• At a quick glance, this is a good characterization of the Joker. Him popping out of the box, holding Batman's mask like a puppet, and laughing.
• I like the colors - very vibrant.
• For a bust, only 5.75" H, there are a lot of little details in this statue. The buttons, the box, his jacket.

Points Against

• Something about his face throws me off. I will have to look up Gary Frank's work.
• The bottom part of the mask looks stiff and not 'flowy'.

Recommendation: Neutral. While I'm not overly thrilled with the piece, it still would make a good piece for those of you collecting the entire line of DC busts.

Robert's Two Cents
I'm not sure why they'd choose Gary Frank to design a Joker bust. He's spent more time in the Superman world. I first discovered Frank's work in the Incredible Hulk back in the 90s. I think he was the guy who replaced Dale Keown on the Hulk.

Zimm, I think what's throwing the face off for you is the nose. It's a more normal schnozz instead of the giant one he normally sports.

Points in Favor

• He looks good. It's definitely a very Joker pose and the joker-in-the-box thing is classic Joker. They definitely captured the spirit of the Joker.
  
• Initially, I didn't like the face either, but after looking at it for a while, I do like it. It's more of a real world depiction of the character.
  

Points Against

• It's another Joker piece and, well, I just don't need another Joker.
• I think the pose lacks personality. Yeah, it's the Joker, but it doesn't bring anything to the game. You could be looking at the Riddler or Catwoman in the same post.
  

Recommendation: Neutral. It definitely looks good. I don't think I need another Joker and if I did there's certainly no drought of material to choose from. I'd probably prefer a more traditional Joker face.