Points of Articulation - Green Lantern Part Two!

Yeah, okay, I know, I just can't let certain things go.

Anyway, I wanted to get another column up pronto before the Marvel Legends Onslaught series arrives in stores later this month. This week, for your edification, Points of Articulation reviews DC Direct's JLA Classified Series 1 Green Lantern John Stewart - although I'd like to point out that it actually says "Jon" on the back of the card. No kidding. Hal, Guy, Kyle - heck, even G'nort gets more respect than John. Sheesh.




If you don't know by now, with DC Direct figures, what you see is pretty much what you get. Most figures have a limited number of points of articulation and a similarly limited range of motion. That's the case here - exacerbated by a muscular sculpt, although faithful to Ed McGuinness' design.

John has 13 total points of articulation, which isn't too bad for DC Direct. I can't really fault the figure for not having more, since I'm more than familiar with other DC Direct offerings - I knew what to expect. Still, I always hold up the 21-poa Superman as the gold standard for DC figs and I don't really understand why more figures couldn't strive to equal that number.

The neck is a straight cut, meaning John can look left and right, but not up and down. Personally, I prefer when the head sits on a peg as that allows a good range of movement. See the Hush Series 1 Batman for an example of this, or the recent Green Lantern Series 1 Hal Jordan.

The shoulder is the standard ball-and-socket peg construction seen on most DC figures. John's biceps are so bulky that he can barely bend his arms 90 degrees at the elbows.

John comes with no accessories other than a translucent JLA: Classified base, not even a power battery. Good thing too, since his hands are clenched fists, he wouldn't be able to hold one. Hmmm, now where have I heard that before . . .

So, why oh why, dear readers, would yours truly fork over $14.99 CDN for this figure? You already know I'm a big Green Lantern fan, so that's the main reason right there. Plus, I like Ed McGuinness' design and his art - so John will look right at home standing next to my Superman/Batman Series 1 Shazam! figure. I also like the look of the Aquaman figure in this series, but I already have the Alex Ross Aquaman figure and I see no need to get another. Maybe if there were some accessories, interchangeable hands, anything!

Despite my complaints, this figure is a damn sight better than John in his original GL costume. That figure is just horrible. Although he does have a power battery. That he can hold.


That's all for now. If you have comments or questions that you don't want to post here, feel free to email me at notoriousuli@yahoo.ca - I'll do my level best to respond right here at Waiting For Wednesday!