Bowen Designs: Ant-Man statue

Produced By Bowen Designs
Sculpted By Jason Smith
Size 12"H
Type Statue
Release March 2010
Retail Price $160

Zimm's Two Cents
This is another good piece by Jason, and I am enjoying the sneak peaks into the alternate version.

Points in Favor

• Realistic in the sculpting piece - he doesn't have an 8 or 10 pack stomach.
• Nice detail. The eyes are visible inside the helmet. The seams in the boots.
• I like the colors; however, you have to be okay with the 'shadow' effect that he puts in the colors.

Points Again

• Not an elaborate base. I realize that this is more of a museum pose piece, but I still like more in the base.

Recommendation: It is a good Buy; however, the real Buy is going to be the alternative piece coming out in a few weeks.

Robert's Two Cents
I like it. I think I would like the alternate version better. Zimm, I think the shadow effects that Bowen's artists put in most of the time are one of the biggest dislikes I have of Bowen's pieces. I've really liked that they've been doing less of that.

Points in Favor

• I love the helmet.
  
• The quarter makes the perfect base for Ant-Man
  
• Good pose.
  

Points Again

• Not a point against per se, but I'd almost like it to be smaller. It just doesn't seem to make sense to have an Ant-Man at this scale.

Recommendation: Buy; but I agree with Zimm the alternate is the one to get.

Is it Scott Lang or Henry Pym?

Heroes of the DC Universe: Bizarro

Produced By DC Direct
Sculpted By Jean St. Jean
Size 6"H
Type Porcelain Bust
Release July 2010
Retail Price $70

Zimm's Two Cents
Sometimes there are charaters that you just do not like, and for me, this happens to be one of them. However, I have always found a way to step aside and provide an objective view. Case in Point: Mojo.

Points in Favor

• Good Colors. Skin, eyes, costume, and square planet - they all have good color.
• Details - Backward S, Bizarro Name Plate, Dirty teath.
• Great Expression - confused anger.

Points Against

• Hair - looks wrong, but isn't Bizarro's hair wrong anyway?

Recommendation: Pass. I haven't picked up that many from this series, and this will not be one of them. I'm not quite certain that it is a bad piece, but I just feel like it is not something that I would want to include in my random set of characters.

Robert's Two Cents
Meh. Sorry folks. I was offline most of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Points in Favor

• The base is really cool. Bizarro World.
  
• They did a great job on the costume.
  

Points Against

• He's a bit too Frankenstein's Monstery.
• He looks more like Solomon Grunday than Bizarro.
• Skin should be more stony colored than zombified skin toned.
• His expression should be less animated.
• His hair shouldn't just look mussed. It should be completely disheveled.
  

Recommendation: Pass. That pretty much sums it up. That or I'm just being grouchy.

Bowen Designs: Black Panther Classic statue

Produced By Bowen Designs
Sculpted By Jason Smith
Size 12"H
Type Statue
Release March 2010
Retail Price $160

Zimm's Two Cents
I was lucky enough to get the Randy Bowen Black Panther from phase II, but this piece is sweet. I'm really enjoying Jason's work. Additionally, which is the only reason that I am holding off for the note, Bowen Designs stated, "That an alternate version will be offered at a later date."

Do I wait? I have seen the upcoming alternative version for Ant-Man.

Points in Favor

• Nice job on the sculpting. It is the little things that make it stand out. Gloves, belt, fingernails.
• The Stomach is realistic in how his 'six pack' looks.
• Impressive piece, which is making me look for more of Jason's work.
  

Points Against

• Not much of a base.

Recommendation: Buy, definitive Buy. If you don't have a Black Panther yet, then think about gabbing this one. The only thing that would make this piece look even better is if it was Faux Bronze.

Did you hear me, Randy? FAUX BRONZE.

Robert's Two Cents
I like the one from phase II better. Also, what's up with the alternative version being released later?

Points in Favor

• Nice sculpt.
• Good job with the costume. There are subtleties to Black Panther's costume and he did a good job capturing them. He even made the stripes on BP's gloves make sense.
  

Points Against

• The whole concept of alternative piece being released later. Plus having seen pictures of the alternative sculpt at statuemarvels.com, I like it better.
• Black Panther should have more action in him. He didn't do a bad job with it. He could have put a bit more spring in the pose.
  
• He looks like he should be wearing a cape.
  

Recommendation: Neutral, I like it, but even a museum style Black Panther should be in a slightly more action pose. I also agree with Zimm on the Faux Bronze, but use the earlier sculp.

Bowen Designs: Spider-Girl Bust 2 Pack

Produced By Bowen Designs

Sculpted by Bruno Bolteau and Randy Bowen
Size 6"H each
Type Bust
Release March 2010
Retail Price $80

Zimm's Two Cents
You can definitely tell that it feels like Christmas. By not peaking at the chat boards, I did not see or hear about this 2 Pack, and I am thrilled. It also may be that I just got my Hulk statue, and he is AWESOME!!!!

Points in Favor

• Its a two pack! One with the Red and Black costume, and the other with the stylish ever so cool - black costume.
• Its Spider-Girl. So - somewhat different.
• Great colors.
• Is it me, or can you tell when Randy has a part of the work.
  

Points Against

• Can't really say anything. The busts, while simple, are still cool.

Recommendation: Buy; however, I will Pass. I love the look of this set; however, a most recent experience with buying a 2-pack was somewhat unsatisfying. And I don't want the same thing to happen again.

Ame-Comi Heroine: SuperGirl (v.2)

Produced By DC Direct
Designed By Jonathan Matthews
Sculpted By Jonathan Matthews
Size 8.75"H
Type PVC Statue
Release July 2010
Retail Price $60

Zimm's Two Cents
I was a huge fan of the first Supergirl; however, this one leaves a tad bit to be desired. Overall, it is pretty good, but there are a few things that stand out.

Points in Favor

• The mirror is a nice touch.
• She looks more like a cheerleader then a hustler - which tends to be an ongoing them with Ame-Comi. This statue seems to have more of a 'cartoon' simplistic style to it. Look at the face and legs.
• I like the corset style costume. Great colors, Kryptonian symbols, and great cape.
• Colors really pop.

Points Against

• The face seems a tad bit flat.
• The hand poses are not natural. Both the one holding the mirror and the one on her hip appear to be out of place.
• The boots may be lacking - I will follow-up with the niece.

Recommendation: Pass. This one is nice, but not perfect. If you collect ALL of them, sure. If you only collect a few, there are others to grab before it.

Robert's Two Cents
I too am a huge fan of the original Supergirl. This one sucks.

Points in Favor

• Nothing in my book.
  

Points Against

• The mirror seems like a stupid accessory for her to have.
  
• The costume is lame. It's a bit too Buffy the movie for my tastes.
  
• The hair and face are way off.
  

Recommendation:Pass . I did think of one positive, the costume and hair are slightly reminiscent of Supergirl's first appearance.

Robert Updated to add: I'll also give Zimm that the Kryptonian symbols are cool. It reflects further my whole point of it "reflecting" the original appearance of Supergirl. Still think the mirror thing is lame.

Ame-Comi Heroine: Steel

Ame-Comi. Ame-Comi! AME-COMI!!!!! WAHOOOOOO!

Produced By DC Direct
Designed By Dustin Nguyen
Sculpted By Jonathan Matthews
Size 8.25"H
Type PVC Statue
Release July 2010
Retail Price $60

Zimm's Two Cents
While I haven't enjoyed all of the releases, I have enjoyed the series. I have enjoyed the different takes on the DC Universe characters, and this is one of them. I am always excited to see a new piece from them.

Points in Favor

• Steampunk Goggles! Wahoo. I got to combine Steampunk with a Statue Review.
• Colors - Simple, but Striking. From the Blue, to the red and yellow and the white of the metal contrasting to her skin tone. NICE.
• The little pieces of detail. Gloves, eye/lip liners, differences in the boots.
• The take on the character. I like this Ame-Comi version of Steel.
• The pose. Some statues just do not seem natural, this one does.

Points Against

• The base is always the same - so while it is nothing fancy, they are consistent.
• PVC Statue. I haven't really bought into the "PVC" style of statues yet.
  

Recommendation: Buy. If you have been collecting this series, this will be an excellent addition to the series.

Robert's Two Cents
This is one of the better one's so far. It reminds me a lot of the period of time where John Henry Irons' niece was Steel.

Points in Favor

• Reminds me a lot of a character I enjoyed a lot.
• The accessories. I love her goggles and the hammer.
• Also the design is by Dustin Nguyen. I love most of his designs.
  

Points Against

• She really should have more armor on.
  

Recommendation: Buy. This is one I'll probably get. I like most of these so far. There have been a few misses, but this isn't one of them.

I wonder if they'll reference Titans: Stone Paper Scissors when they get around to more of the Titans characters.

DC Dynamics: Superman

This is the fourth, in a six part series, of statues scheduled for a 2010 release. While we have seen Batman, Aquaman, Wonder Woman and Superman, I am wondering who the remaining two statues are and what environment they will be interacting in. (Robert: Um, Green Lantern & Flash? Not that I'm cynical or anything.)

Distributed By DC Direct
Designed By Tim Bruckner
Sculpted By Tim Bruckner
Size 11.75"H x 6"W x 5"D
Type Porcelain Statue
Release July 2010
Retail Price $195.00

Zimm's Two Cents
So far, the only statue that I really, really liked out of this bunch has been the Aquaman; however, I think that this Superman comes in second. His interaction, like Aquaman's, appears to make sense.

Points in Favor

• Like with all of these - the colors. The paint job is incredible.
• While I have something against the overall sense of the statue, the sculpting on this piece is clean.
• Little details are always great - spit curl.
• This is a classic representation of Superman taking off or 'speeding' through the air.
• The proper blending of blue and red on his lower half to reflect his red trunks and blue leggings.
  

Points Against

• Superman should either be determined or smiling....not so 'distant' in his facial expression.
• Statue looks very 'flat' in the sense of showing personality.

Recommendation: Overall, I'm Neutral on this one. It is a good statue. I haven't been a big fan of this entire series, and there is something about this statue that just doesn't 'grab' me. This one, I have to leave up to the individual.

Robert's Two Cents
It's hideous.

Points in Favor

• The sculpt is nice.
  
• DC Direct always does a good job with the paint and colors..well almost always. This piece has good colors.
• It does look like Superman is taking off faster than a speeding bullet.
  

Points Against

• Let's face it. It's a overpriced bust.
  
• The arms don't really look quite right.
• The face is very unSupermanly.
  

Recommendation:Pass. I hate this entire series. This piece is no exception. They're tall mini busts being passed off as statues.

Crisis on Two Earths: Owlman

It looks to be the first of a series of Maquette characters from the upcoming DVD Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths. Here we have the villain, from a parallel universe, the Owlman.

Produced By DC Direct
Sculpted by Derek Miller
Type Porcelain Maquette Statue
Edition Size 4000
Size 9.2"H x 5.5"W x 8.75"D
Release February 2010
Retail Price $99.99

Zimm's Two Cents
I like the Maquette style of statues, and in general, I am rather accepting of them - there have been some that I have not enjoyed but this is not one of them.

Points in Favor

• Simplicity in colors. The Owlman is the Parallel Universe equivalent of the Batman, and he doesn't have much going on in colors.
• While a Maquette with a little going on, he does have some rather nice detail.
• The cloak work great, it even shadows some of the arms.

Points Against

• Bland Base telling you who is and where he is from.

Recommendation: Buy. I'm actually enjoying this piece and considering collecting the entire series of characters.

Robert's Two Cents
I like this one, but I don't really get the point. I wonder how many people really want an Owlman piece for their collection. Most

Points in Favor

• Well done. Nice detail work.
  
• They did a good job with the cape.
  
• Almost overdone to be a "maquette".
• I'm a pretty big fan of the CSA, so to have this series interests me.
  

Points Against

• Yet another series where they start with Batman...sorta.
• The base is bland, but isn't aren't most maquettes? Isn't that the point of a maquette? It's supposed to be a representation of the character.
  

Recommendation: Pass. I like it and am interested in the series, but it's boring and it's just another character I barely am interested in enough to bother explaining it to people who come over. One thing about obscure characters, I have to care about them enough to want to explain who they are to people who visit in order to buy a statue or bust or maquette. Owman, notsomuch. I'll wait until I see Superwoman to make a final judgement on the whole series.

Heroes

Is anyone still watching Heroes? Monday's episode was the first I've watched in weeks. Sadly little progress has been made in the storylines.

The Sylar/Matt Parkman situation was, for me, the most interesting part of the whole episode.

I did like how they tied back to season 1 by Sylar taking Matt back to Midland, TX, to the diner where Charlie worked.

Otherwise, it wasn't really very interesting.

One thing I don't understand is why they keep tweaking the various characters' powers, especially Peter Petrelli. It doesn't add anything of interest to the story for me.

Anyone with a different opinion?

Comic Geek Agenda

My neighbors next door had a baby girl. Down the street it was a boy. Across the street they are going to have a baby boy, while his sister just had a baby girl.

What I realize, is that I have to start early. I have to indoctrinate the children into the Geek lifestyle. I have to start it off with something simple, and then, as they grow, to keep the work up. To empower them with their inner geekiness until - one day - they turn to their mom and/or dad and say, "Can I go to ComicCon?"

With all of them being babies, I can buy them a Nintendo or comic book. I can flood the house with Ben 10 DVDs, but I can buy them baby clothes. Lots and lots of baby clothes.

Bwahahahahahaha

Sizes range from 6-12 mos, 12-18 mos, 18-24 mos. So you can start them at anytime.
They also have: Batman, Batgril, Superman, Supergirl, and a Superman/Batman one.

Robert: I wish they had these when my kids were babies.

Bowen Designs: Blazing Skull

Produced by Bowen Designs
Sculpted by Randy Bowen
Size 7"H
Type Bust
Ship Feb 2010
Retail Price $75.00

Zimm's Two Cents
With this being a Website Exclusive, the number of releases on this is going to be a lot lower than usual.

Points in Favor

• The detail - but this is Randy, so I kind-of expected it to have the detail.
• The skulls at the bottom of the bust.
• The skull. While I enjoyed the Ghost Rider skulls, I like this one a little bit more. This one has the creepiness that I would expect from a skull
• Colors. The flames look really good with the Blazing Skull's costume.

Points Against

• While the skulls are at the bottom of the base, the rest of the base seems rather bland.

Recommendation: Buy - because it is a Bowen piece, I know that it is going to be a good addition to any collection.

Robert's Two Cents
Sweet! It's not a character I care about in the least. The only thing I ever read with him was some of the more recent Invaders relaunch. But I wish the Ghost Rider busts looked this cool and I really like them.

Points in Favor

• The details.
  
• The flames. They really show through his head. You could believe his skull is aflame.
  
• Very realistic looking skull.
• The base is mildly interesting, but it's done in a way to complement the piece without overwhelming the rest of the bust.
  

Points Against

• The torso. The proportions seem a bit off.
• I know so little about the Blazing Skull, it's not funny. I had to go read his Wikipedia entry to remember where I had seen him before.
  

Recommendation: Buy - With it being a website exclusive and the detail work make this one a decent collectible and if you have a real love for the character, it's a great representation.

Green Lantern Legacies - Part 2 & 3

This multi-part statue came out in 3 different releases, with a total of 4 different parts. Part 2 featured Kyle Rayner and the Original Manhunter, while part 3 includes Guy Gardner and John Stewart. If you purchased all 3 different packages, you were able to build the forth part of the statue: Alan Scott.

Produced by DC Direct
Sculpted by Mike Locascio
Entire Multi-Part Statue 16"H x 10.5"w x 11.75"
Type Statue
Ship Date June 2010
Retail Price/package $195.00

Zimm's Two Cents
Though I have been drooling all over the Blackest Night series and would love to add a Green Lantern to my collection, this set did not hit the mark.

Points in Favor

• It includes all of the different Lanterns and a few supporting characters.
• Good colors, but then again the black and green really pop.
• I like the different Lanterns.

Points Against

• Characters are a tad bit stiff and not all of the poses look natural.
• Looks more like toy figures then a sculpture.
• Compared to some of the other statues out there, this one does not seem to have the same level of quality or detail as the others.

Recommendation: I'm sticking with my Pass. DC Direct has some other great statues, and you should hold out for a good Lantern too.

Bowen Designs: Logan Bust

Produced by Bowen Designs
Sculpted by Arnaud Guilliams and Randy Bowen (base)
Size 6"H
Type Bust
Ship Date Feb 2010
Retail Price $60.00

Zimm's Two Cents
I don't think the picture shown here is an actual sculpt. Bowen states that the pictures are of the prototype. The reason that I state this, is that the colors and pieces of this bust look more like a drawing then an actual sculptor. I will still give you my two cents.

Points in Favor

• Great design! The smirk, pose, facial expression and bullet holes all scream - Logan!
• The base is simple but perfect.
• I hate the belt, but it fits the character. Hating the belt is merely a personal issue - having grown up in Texas.
• Details in the glove, belt, and hair make this a nice piece.

Points Against

• While I like some of the bullet holes, others seem 'off'.

Recommendation: While I am uncertain, this is a good BUY for anyone who does get it. I tend to focus on statues of people that I don't have, and while I don't have a Logan, I do have enough Wolverines.

Also, the only reason that this is not a "Hot Buy" is that the photos are of the prototype, and I want to hold final judgment until I see an actual bust.

Bowen Designs: Gladiator Statue

Produced by Bowen Designs
Sculpted by Jason Smith and Randy Bowen (base)
Size 18" H
Type Statue
Ship Date Feb 2010
Retail Price $250.00

Zimm's Two Cents
This is a BEAUTIFUL piece. I have had my eyes on this piece for quite a while, as Bowen posted some early sneak peaks on statuemarvels.com. In fact, this was the statue that made me quit visiting the site so much, as I was too anxious to see the final product.

To be honest, I have not been that inspired by that many statues as of late, but this piece is why I collect in the first place.

Points in Favor

• Incredible Pose. How arrogant can the Gladiator get!
• Love the colors, and it looks like there is some metallic blue paint being used in parts.
• I actually like the face. I've said it before - I'm picky, but this one works for me.
• I like the little things. The cloak. The belt.
• It is someone other then Spider-man, Daredevil, Ironman, etc.

Points Against

• Does anyone really have that many muscles in their stomach? Since he is alien, I guess it is easier for him.
• I don't know what the base is going to look like; however, Randy is the one working on it. Sooooooo.......

Recommendation: Hot Buy! RED Hot Buy! Drooooooooooool.

Robert's Two Cents
It's very nice and a character that I'm actually interested in. I've always been a fan of Gladiator and most of the characters in the Shi'ar empire.

Points in Favor

• It's great to see more Randy Bowen sculpts.
  
• Paint is phenomenal.
• The costume is spot on.
  

Points Against

• I wasn't impressed by the glimpses we've had of the base. It's kinda plain.
  
• The face. He should look even more intense. Gladiator is one of the few people in the universe who can make Cyclops seem relaxed.
  

Recommendation: Buy! It's another of the characters that not very many people are going to care about, but it's well sculpted and has great colors and paints. I'm not 100% crazy about the face. It's probably not stern enough for me.

Bowen Designs: Wonderman

Produced by Bowen Designs
Sculpted by Randy Bowen
Size 6"H
Type Bust
Ship Date Feb 2010
Retail Price $50.00

Zimm's Two Cents
I've always have been a Wonderman fan. Not exactly sure why, but I like him. I especially enjoyed the early dynamics between the Beast and him.

Points in Favor

• Modern Costume. There were quite a few of his costumes that I HATED, but this one seems to fit.
• Good facial structure. I tend to prefer character's with masks, as the faces don't always work with the statue/bust.
• Clean colors. Primarily talking about the red.
• It's a Randy Bowen piece

Points Against

• The base is rather bland.
  

Recommendation: Buy. I may be being biased here, but I do like it.

Robert's Two Cents
I've also always been a huge Wonder Man fan. Of course the whole reason they created Wonder Man is a funny story. It's actually the same reason that Luke Cage is also known as Power man. But that's a story for another day.

The second comic I ever collected religiously on a monthly basis was the West Coast Avengers. The whole team became my favorite members of the Avengers for years. Simon Williams was 2nd only to Hawkeye in my book.

Points in Favor

• This is the best costume Simon ever wore. I especially loved it without his sunglasses. The only thing about this time I didn't like was when he grew a mullet.
  
• It really, really looks like Wonder Man.
  
• I agree with Zimm that it's always great to get a Randy Bowen sculpt.
• The costume. It's the perfect starkness between the black and the red.
• The base. I didn't even get there. The piece stands on its own and a fancy base would probably distract.

Points Against

• Nothing really.
  

Recommendation: Hot Buy. I've not been buying many pieces lately for a variety of reasons. This one will have me abandoning my buying freeze. It's on my buy list for sure.

Pull List for January 2010

It's the time of the month where I decide what comics I'm going to get in January.

Pulls:

Question #37 - It's part of the Blackest Night crossover, but it's an interesting way to make it fit. It's the Question written by Greg Rucka and with art by Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz. It's Vic Sage, Black Lantern.

Starman #81 - It's Starman and it's written by James Robinson. It's also part of the Blackest Night crossover. It's not Jack. Wha? Which Starman has returned as a Black Lantern?

Suicide Squad #67 - The Suicide Squad by John Ostrander and Gail Simone and it's another tie in to the Blackest Night crossover. It'll be interesting to see how The Wall deals with Blackest Night.

All three of those are series I read and loved when they were coming out, so I'm interested to see what's going on with them. These are the only three issues of the Blackest Night crossover that I'm purchasing so far. I've read some of the crossover though. I'm not as impressed as Caleb and Zimm have been.

Lone Ranger #20 - I love this series. It's really good. It's one of the few comics I look forward to receiving whenever each issue ships. The biggest negative to the series is the amount of time between issues.

X-Men Forver #15 & 16 - X-Men Forever and Astonishing X-Men are the only two X-Titles I'm buying these days. The cool thing about X-Men Forever is it's the X-Men as if Chris Claremont had never left the title and with less editorial interference. Some of you say this isn't a good thing. For me when Chris Claremont was able to do what he wanted with the X-Men were some of the best years they had. Also, Tom Grummett art doesn't hurt either.