Shazam! Maquette Statue

From the "Superman/Shazam: Return of Black Adam" DVD, DC Direct offers up Shazam!

Distributor DC Direct
Sculptor Derek Miller
Size 9"H
Type Maquette Statue
Release November 2010
Price $99.99

Zimm's Two Cents
What is it about these Maquette pieces that I like so much? Robert probably knows better then I do.

Points in Favor

• Colors. Great colors.
• Cape is awesome. I like how it flows.

Points Against

• It's Shazam. I'm not a big fan. You have to understand.
• Seems incredibly simple - even for a Maquette.
• Hair looks to be painted on.

Recommendation: Pass. Not because I am not a fan. I have bought a plenty of statues and busts of characters that I don't like, but I have to like the work.

Robert's Two Cents
I really like the balance between simplicity and detail of most of the DC maquettes. This one missed that mark.

Points in Favor

• The colors are nicely done.
  

Points Against

• The cape should have the detail at the edges and is not posed for a semi iconic piece. His cape should be too short to wrap around him like that.
  
• The hairline looks more like Black Adam than Captain Marvel.
• The seam on his chest is too thick. Am I picking nits? Probably.
• I'm not even sure they got his boots right.
• He should have more of a Fred MacMurray look to his face.
  

Recommendation: Pass. I like Captain Marvel. I'm not his number one fan, but I enjoy the character. His cartoon was on the air when I was a kid. He's an interesting character. One of the things that make the Big Red Cheese interesting is he's a kid, but he has all of this responsibility and power on his shoulders. Can you imagine? I can't.

This piece doesn't look like Captain Marvel to me. It's more of a Superman pose with the Captain Marvel costume. This character has a very iconic look and this piece doesn't fit that look to my eye.

Sideshow: Colossus

Just as a starter: "Drool, drool, drool."

Distributor SideShow Collectibles
Artists
Rudy Garcia
David Igo
Sideshow Collectibles Design and Development Team
Size 19"H x 19"W x 11"L
Type Statue
Release 1st Quarter 2011
Price $289.99

Zimm's Two Cents

Wow! I have a small Colossus, and I have been considering getting another one because of it. And this piece would be a "Wow."

Maybe I am coming off of a Silver Surfer high, but this piece is looking really cool.

Points in Favor

• The coloring. I really like the coloring.
• Great pose. Have to give them something there, as it is a little different from what I have seen.
• Loving the costume. Not classic, but striking.

Points Against

• Not quite that sure about the face. Seems off.
• Size. Seriously, it would be another massive piece in my rather small office. However, I could really get into a couple more of these.

Recommendation: I am going with a "Buy." Sideshow is really kicking it up a notch. Silver Surfer, Spider-Man, Colossus, and Thanos.....to name a few.  Update:  I'm going to have to agree with Robert.  The face is horrible, as is the one on Nightcrawler.   Definitive Pass! 

As a side note:  The pics from Comic-Con were spot on.  I wish they provided more of those types in the future.  Nice catch, Robert.

Robert's Two Cents

Very nice. I actually like that costume. I don't normally like that costume.
Update: I have seen a close up photo of the face on Statue Marvels and have to say I hate it.

Points in Favor

• Nice paint job. It has that splotchy effect that I bitch about too much, but it's used to great effect here.
  
• The metal textures are very nicely done even though it's not chrome.
  
• The pose is OK. Again it's not classic, but it works.
  

Points Against

• It's not the costume I'd prefer.
  
• The face looks too scrunched up.
  

Recommendation: I'll give it a BUY. It's not a classic Colossus and definitely not my favorite costume. Also, as Zimm said, the face is a bit off. Still it's a very nice Colossus piece.

Update: I am going to change my review from BUY to Pass. The face is awful. This isn't Colossus. It's Robo Colossus. See this close up pic from Statue Marvels for more info: http://www.statuemarvels.com/f226/san-diego-comic-con-2010-gallery-9389-5.html#post252447

Blackest Night: Black Hand

2nd bust in a mini-bust series based upon the Blackest Night series.

Distributor DC Direct
Designer Ivan Reis
Sculptor Jean St. Jean
Size 5.5"H
Type Bust
Release February 2011
Price $70.00

Zimm's Two Cents
I really enjoyed the Blackest Night series, and surprisingly enough, I am enjoying the Green Lantern character - something that I never did as a kid.

Points in Favor: Still enjoying the base.

Points Against

• All of the 'sketch' lines in the face, skull, and arms bother me.
• Colors aren't as vibrant as I would want. Black can still be vibrant.
• Never liked the whole "Bruce Wayne" skull thing. (Why green horns anyway?)

Recommendation: Passing on this one. Originally, I thought about getting the entire series; however, this piece really doesn't cut it for me. I am second guessing myself on that idea.

What the.....White Ring ..... LED Lights???

I avoided buying the last set, yet I was lucky enough to pick Black Ring up at the Houston ComicCon. (Forget who snatched that one away? Hmmmmm???) But does someone really want to invest in the new set? With a white ring? With LED lights that have a special key to change the battery.

Recommendation: Pass. I can spend $60 elsewhere or Neverwhere. Also, from the picture, the lights look white instead of their intended colors.

Release Date: July 2010

AME-COMI: Artemis

Yet another one! Keep them coming, Ame-Comi.

Distributed by DC Direct
Sculpted By Jack Mathews
Size 9.5"h
Type PVC Figurine
Release Nov. 2010
Price $60.00

Zimm's Two Cents
She looks really familiar. In fact, if I squint a bit, I think that she reminds me of the Ame-Comi Wonder Woman.

Points in Favor

• As always, the colors.

Points Against

• I feel like this is Wonder Woman repainted, renamed.....rebranded.
• Isn't there only one 'magic lasso'?

Recommendation: Get the original - find the Wonder Woman. If you don't have it, have fun getting the sword to fit into her hand. Beautiful, but I will Pass.

Robert is the one that is really collecting these. I wonder what he thinks.

Robert's Two Cents
Zimm, she's the fill in Wonder Woman from the mid 90s, who herself was based on a character who was introduced years ago as the previous bearer of the title before Diana. Mike Deodata Jr. was the artist on the book at the time.

Points in Favor

• I liked the Artemis storyline.
• The color choices are dead on. She wore a non Wonder Woman costume and these colors match the costume she was wearing in her own series.
• The head sculpt and the sandles are actually probably more appropriate for Artemis than Diana.
• I almost think they had intended the original to be Artemis.

Points Against

• It is a repaint of the existing Wonder Woman. I would have preferred that she at least get her own sculpt.
  
• They should have given Diana an axe and Artemis the sword. Also Artemis should have a bow and arrows. Artemis is an archer.
  

Recommendation: I'd also get the original. However, if you were a huge fan of Artemis, this is the more appropriate one to get. I'm calling it Neutral, unless you're an Artemis fan.

Bowen Designs: Psycho-Man Bust

Hmmmm. Not quite certain how exciting this one is going to be.

Manufacturer Bowen Designs
Sculptor Avinash Hegde
Type Mini-Bust
Size Over 8"H
Release June 2010
Price $60.00

Zimm's Two Cents
I've never really been hooked on the Fantastic Four series, so I don't really know that much that I could tell you about the Psycho-Man.

Points in Favor

• Good Sculpt. While it is a digital sculpt, the little things are what make most of these statues.

Points Against

• Boring base.
• I would prefer brighter colors on this one. This is one of the times that the 'splotchy' paint jobs really distract from the character.

Recommendation: Pass. Unless you love the Fantastic Four, this one really doesn't seem that big of a 'must have.'

Nope, not that exciting.

Ame-Comi Heroine: Star Sapphire

Another Ame-Comi PVC Figure from DC Direct. Showing some definite bias-ism.

Manufacturer DC Direct
Sculptor Sam Greenwell
Type PVC Statue
Size 9.75"H
Release October 2010
Price $60.00

Zimm's Two Cents

I don't have that much to say about this one.

Points in Favor

• Great Colors.
• Unique take on the character.
• Niece would probably like the boots.
  

Points Against

• Costume Makes me think of Witchblade character.
• A little adult for the line of characters.

Recommendation: Still like the series, but this one is a Pass for me.

Kotobukiya: Reborn Captain America

Kotobukiya presents the second in a 3 part series that will also include Thor and Iron Man. These pieces are based on the come back of the original Avengers.

Licensed By Marvel
Manufactured by Kotobukiya
Artist Junnosuke Abe
Type Cold Cast Porcelain Statue
Size 12.5"H
Ship Date May 2010
Retail Cost $184.99

Zimm's Two Cents
I still love the Thor piece of this 3 part series, but this one. No. This is what always worries me about multi-part sets. I like one piece, but I don't like the entire set.

Points in Favor

• The little pieces of detail. The boots, belt and chain mail.
• The glove and his holding of the Shield. (Sometimes it is the little things).

Points Against

• Sculpting looks funny. The muscles in his legs look funny.
• Not quite certain that I like this version of his costume.
• The paint looks splochy, which is one of the things that Robert originally pointed out. While I like it at times, it doesn't fit here.
• I've seen one where he is wearing a helmet instead of a mask. Ugh.
  

Recommendation: Pass. While I didn't get a good look at his face (just yet), I don't really have enough interest to go hunting it down.

Robert's Two Cents
Blech!

Points in Favor

• The base is cool. The whole set should look good together even if one or two of them aren't quite right.
  
• The shield looks good.
  

Points Against

• I don't like the boots. They remind me too much of cheesy super hero Halloween costumes.
  
• I know I don't like this version of his costume. It almost looks like a Rob Liefeld design, which isn't necessarily bad in its own right, but it would be one of his worse designs.
  
• I hate when sculptors feel they have to add too much texture with the paint. It makes the paint look splotchy as Zimm says.
  
• The face looks too small to me. Also, he looks like he's smelling his own armpit. I hate this pose on super hero statues.
• He shouldn't have a pouch on the front of his belt.
  

Recommendation: Pass. I don't like it. There's a lot wrong with it. Kotobukiya does some cool things some times. Other times they don't.

Sideshow Toy: Spider-Woman

Licensed By Marvel
Manufactured by Sideshow Collectibles
Artists
*Pablo Viggiano
*Mireya Romo-Bowen
*Sideshow Collectibles Design and Development Team
Type Legendary Scale Bust
Size 18"H x 9"W x 8.5"D
Ship Date 1st Quarter 2010
Retail Cost $199.99 - Sold Out

Zimm's Two Cents
I don't provide a review of all of the statues and busts out there. In some cases, it is an artist rendition, and I would rather see the final product before I provide my two cents. (e.g. Bowen's recent release of Havok.)

In this case, the statue just does nothing for me. I'm not certain if it is the hair, the pose (shoulder lifted up), or the implants. But whatever it is, I opt to pass on writing up a review rather then provide a review.

Points in Favor

• Colors. Clean and clear.
• Sculpting - but all of these Legendary Scale Busts are good in the sculpting area.

Points Against

• Hair. I just don't like it.
• All Busts. I know that works for some guys, but I'm not certain that I want to take up shelf space for those.

Recommendation: You've probably already guessed, but Pass. But can I really say, "Pass"? Its a good piece, but it is just not for me. So maybe, just maybe, this should be a Neutral.

Your Thoughts?

Robert's Two Cents
I really, really like Spider-Woman and her costume. This bust doesn't really impress me.

Points in Favor

• The face looks decent. Although the eyes are shaped wrong I think.
  

Points Against

• I don't like the pose.
• The breasts seem awkwardly positioned.
  
• The hair. If you're going to have her hair going up behind her, you need to include all of her hair. Her hair is supposed to be incredibly long. Instead they hacked it to make it fit. I'd rather they let it hang and chop it where the bust ends.
• The base is extremely bland.
  

Recommendation: Pass. I have always been a fan of the Jessica Drew Spider-Woman, but this bust leaves me feeling a little blah. With that said, I will qualify my review with the statement that I'm not following what Bendis is doing with the character, so this representation may be good for his and Alex Maleev's series.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Raven Bust - Women of the DC Universe

Part of Series 3, DC Direct offers Raven as part of their Women of the DC Universe. I love the fact that they keep giving us someone different.

Designed by Amanda Conner
Sculpted by Jack Matthews
Size 5.75"h x 3.5"w x 4.25"d
Type Bust
Ship Date June 2010
Retail Price $60.00

Zimm's Two Cents
I enjoy my Titans, and like the X-Men, I try to accept them no matter what the cost. This bust is not one of those times. Flat and unappealing, I really don't like this.

Points in Favor

• It's Raven. She can be so cool.

Points Against

• She could be so much cooler looking.
• Statue lacks a lot of depth and personality.
• I know who she is, but is she really supposed to be so pasty looking?
• This piece really does not have the detail of so many other busts out there. Look at her buttons, or eyes, or the tower.
• The base doesn't fit. I know, I know. It is the Titan's Tower; however, there are so many other things that they could have done with it.

Recommendation: Pass. Not much more of an explanation is needed here.

Gotham City Stories - Part 2: Catwoman

DC Direct presents the second in a series of statues which they have labeled 'dimensional display pieces.'

Produced By DC Direct
Sculpted By Joseph Menna
Size 5.75"H x 5.75"w x 2.25"d
Type Porcelain Display Piece
Edition Size TBD
Release Date May 2010
Price $99.00

Zimm's Two Cents
If you looked back at my previous post, I was not impressed with the Batman piece of this series. Unfortunately, I have not changed my opinion, and instead of me repeating my dislikes, I will try to simplify my thoughts.

Points in Favor

• Only one worth repeating is that it is different from your other statues.
• Little changes from Batman's - like the hole and scratches in the window panes.

Points Against

• Same wall and windows as the previous piece.
• Catwoman looks stiff - especially the arm.
• Her face is emotionless and looks like a toy.
• I like the cat, but I don't like the cat. It too looks to stiff.

Recommendation: Still holding onto my Pass. Not a series that I think that I would enjoy.

Robert's Two Cents
I don't think either of us were that impressed with the Batman. The biggest thing these have going for them is they're something different. They've come up with a theme that is so Gotham City and would work with very few properties other than Batman. Kudos to DC Direct for taking a chance and trying something different.

Points in Favor

• It's something different.
• I could see this set hanging up in my son's bedroom (at least 5 feet high of course, he's only 2).
  
• Thematically this piece works well with the Batman.
• I like the detailing they did include; the bank vault, the cat, the hole in the window, etc.
  

Points Against

• The scale doesn't work to get the details right. Her face looks quite plastic. I know it is, but you know what I mean.
  
• I know we're not judging by price any more, but for $100 I expect a lot more.
  
• This could have been a lower end plastic toy piece and have been just as effective.
  

Recommendation: It's not for me, but I'm going to give it a Neutral pretty much on the merits of DC Direct trying something different.

Ame-Comi Heroine: Wonder Girl

Ame-Comi provides us with another DC Heroine; and I imagine that there are more to come. Let's just hope that they are considering adding a few more Heroes to the series.

Produced By DC Direct
Designed By Sanford Green
Sculpted By Jonathan Matthews
Type PVC Statue
Size 8.25" H
Ship April 2010
Price $60.00

Zimm's Two Cents
What the frack were they thinking? I mean...come on!

Points in Favor

• It's another Ame-Comi piece for the collection. (That's all I got on this one.)

Points Against

• She looks like a stripper! I realize that some heroines where small outfits, but they don't look like stripper outfits.
• Her pose reminds me of an old Sears' catalog - entirely unnatural.
• What is with the facial expression? Once again, we are back to the stripper or is she a 'woman-of-the-evening'?
• This statue looks more like a Barbie Doll toll then a PVC collectible.

Recommendation: Pass. If you do want to get it (which I would never understand), wait for clearance.

Robert's Two Cents
Umm...underage stripper? Really?

Points in Favor

• The overall look has the proper colors and the required elements to be Wonder Girl are there, but....
  

Points Against

• I agree with Zimm. Not only does she look like a stripper, she looks like an underage stripper. Cassie's supposed to be about 16.
  
• Maybe if they hadn't put the chaps on her and done something different with the bottoms and changed her pose, I might feel differently.
  
• They even made the lasso inappropriate.
  

Recommendation: Pass. I might be biased. I have a daughter and am personally protesting the TV shows with little girls in beauty pageants. I think this costume and pose is completely inappropriate. Ame Comi Fail!

Ame-Comi: Wonder Woman v2

Ame-Comi released two more figures in their ongoing PVC Figures.

Produced By DC Direct
Designed By Dustin Nguyen
Sculpted By Jack Mathews
Type PVC statue
Size 8.75"H
Ship April 2010
Price $60.00

Zimm's Two Cent's
What happened? I was enjoying the majority of this series, and then this one showed up. This one may be a personal preference, but very little about it screams Wonder Woman.

Points in Favor

• The axe looks good. Truthfully, I prefer the sword, but the axe is a great change.
• Great colors - but Ame-Comi tends to be consistent in this area. Who knew that Wonder Woman spent so much time on her toenails.
• As you have a choice of the hair being up or down, the down one reminds me of Linda Carter.

Points Against

• The gorgon head is lacking. From the face, to the snakes, to the blood.
  
• Not a big fan of the Princess Leia based costume. I'm probably an exception here, as Star War fans everywhere should love this. Lynda Carter in a Princess Leia outfit, but I don't see this as something that she would have worn into battle against a gorgon.
• Very little of the "Ame-Comi" feel that the other pieces have. Especially in the eyes.
  

Recommendation: Pass. Unless you love Wonder Woman and Princess Leia and have always wanted them combined, this one is not as enticing as Ame-Comi's first Wonder Woman.

Robert's Two Cent's
This one is a bit of a contradiction for me. I will say I much prefer the original Wonder Woman Ame Comi over this one, but I really do like this one. The devil's in the details.

Points in Favor

• It's based on a design by Dustin Nguyen. He's a phenomenal artist and this piece screams with his touch.
  
• The design of the logo on the chest piece is really cool. I also like the embellishments on her bracelets. Both are very nice touches.
  
• I think I prefer the hair up version for some reason.
• This is one of those pieces where I'd really like to hear her story. She looks a bit Asian to me but she's holding the Medusa/gorgon head. Is there a dichotomy or were the features of her face made Asian because this is supposed to be the mangaized DC characters? I really would like to hear more.
  

Points Against

• If I stare at it too long, I may turn to stone.
  
• I don't love the costume. However, like I said above I do like all of the little embellishments.
• I don't like the one boot thing she has going one. We haven't asked yet, but I don't think Zimm's niece is going to like the shoes.
• The axe is cool. I'd prefer a sword, but I get that they didn't want to do that again.
  
• Shouldn't she have a mirrored shield too?
  

Recommendation: Qualified Buy. If I didn't already have the first Wonder Woman, I'd be all over this one. The first one is a better piece on many levels. This is cool and has a lot of personality and Dustin Nguyen is one of the best comic book artists on the planet. The original screams Wonder Woman more. This one could be any mythology based heroine.

Sideshow: Scarlet Witch Comiquette

Sideshow is offering us another Marvel Comiquette; however, what I would really like from them is another busts like Apocalypse or Galactus.

Produced By Sideshow Collectibles
Artists
* Idol Workshop
* Anthony Mestas
* Adam Ross
* Mark Brooks
* Tom Gilliland
* Simon Garciea
* The Sideshow Collectibles Design and Development Team
Type Comiquette Polystone Statue
Size 17.5" H x 12" W x 12" D
Ship 1st Qtr 2010
Price $204.99

Zimm's Two Cents
Sideshow is turning into a 50/50 for me (when it comes to the Marvel statues); however, as I understand it, there is a really good market for them. I think it is because they keep such a tight limit on their edition sizes.
Points in Favors

• Love the colors on this one.
• Great Detail. The seams, the face, and the hair all look good.
• Love the cape on this one. I like the flow of it on the back.

Points Against

• Vision robot toy.
• Power Girl breasts.

Recommendation: Pass. I don't like the Vision robot toy. If she were standing there on her own, this one may have ended up with a different recommendation.

Sideshow Collectibles: Mystique

Produced By Sideshow Collectibles
Artists
* Tim Miller
* Mike Najera
* Adam Hughes
* Simon Garciean
* The Sideshow Collectibles Design and Development Team
Type Comiquette Polystone Statue
Size 16" H x 10" W x 6" D
Ship 1st Qtr 2010
Price $159.99

Zimm's Two Cents
Great piece. I'm really excited about this one.

Points in Favor

• Classic Mystique and costume.
• Nice base. A lot of detail for something that seems so simple. It ties into the belt and small forehead skulls.
  
• Good solid sculpting - If you look at the clothes or the boots, they included the seam lines. It provides little pieces of detail that make a great statue - the skull base, the skull belt, the gun, the flowing costume.
• Nice colors.
  

Points Against

• Something about her hair. Can't figure it out, but there is something that seems too 'over the top' about the hair. Looks almost like she has added in some extensions.
  
• I'm not quite certain that Power Girl's breast are a part of Mystique.
  

Recommendation: Buy! Sideshow is producing some good collectible stuff.

Robert's Two Cents
She looks great from the neck down.

Points in Favor

• The sculpting is great as it has been with this whole series.
  
• Skulls are definitely a Mystique motif.
• The detail work on the base.
• The detail in the gun.
• Breasts aren't as much of a focus as some of the others in this line have been. The statue is designed by Adam Hughes. He draws women with big boobs. It's what he does.
  

Points Against

• The first thing I said to myself when I saw this was her hair's too big.
• It's difficult to make Mystique's face look alive. They haven't succeeded here either.
• She might be just a bit too vampy.
  

Recommendation: Pass! Yes, Mystique is a seductress amongst other things, but to me the root of the character is that she's a killer. I can't say I can see her posing like that flipping back her hair while holding a gun like that. It may just be me though. Let us hear your opinion.

The hair also pulls me out of the moment with this character. It's way off for her.

It's a great design otherwise (like I said before, from the neck down) and Sideshow is producing some great collectibles. I think my favorite piece by them is still the Apocalypse life sized bust.