Action Figure Review: The Flash from DC Page Punchers by McFarlane Toys/ DC Direct

 

   It's time for some more DC Page Punchers and today I'm checking out Turbo-Man! Oh, wait, that's not Turbo-Man, is it? It kind of looks like him, though. While some of the DC Page Punchers from McFarlane Toys and DC Direct are quite faithful to their mainstream comic looks, others, like the Flash here, are a new design that ties in with the included "The Flash" comic book. Did the folks at DC Comics create the new comic first or was this comic create around McFarlane Toys' designs? Tough to say, here. Still, I kind of like how different this version of the flash looks. He's still a sleek and slick version of the Scarlet Speedster, but this time around he's wearing an outfit that looks more armored. Perhaps Barry decided he needed a few upgrades for some new threat? Let's take a look at the Page Punchers version of the Flash after the break. It's Turbo Time!

The Facts:

Height: 7 1/4ths inches

Articulation: Hinged toes, double swivel hinged ankles, double hinged knees, swivel thighs, swivel/hinge hips, balljointed waist, balljointed mid torso, swivel/hinge shoulders w/ balljointed shoulder pages and covers, bicep swivels, double hinged elbows, swivel/ hinge wrists, and a barbell jointed head..

 

Accessories: Two lightning bolts, full sized comic book, collector card, and display stand.

 

Non-Scalper Price: $25 dollars

Year of Release: 2022

The Positives:

* The DC Super Powers Flash was probably the first DC Comics action figure I ever owned and while I'm not a huge fan of the Flash, his bright red outfit always makes for a fun looking toy. This time around he's wearing a much more armored suit, kind of like the New 52 look but even more armored. Not bulky, still, but just something that looks like a Batman styled costume texture. There's not a lot of paintwork on this figure, but he is all red, which he needs to be. The detail on the costume is quite elaborate, though, and it kind of tricks your mind into thinking the color is more elaborate than it really is. Flash's hands are open like he's actively sprinting and he's sleek and sporty as can be. 

* The helmet might be the biggest difference between this version of the Flash and most others because he looks like he's actually wearing a helmet with a pretty severe visor. He's also rocking some cool lightning bolts on the sides of his head. There's not a lot of Barry Allen's face visible, but his mouth looks like he's ready to say "You can always count on me."

Wait, that's not the Flash. That's Turbo-Man again. Dang.

* See that Flash logo! It's actually a separate piece attached to the figure, as are the bolts on his shoulders, the visor, and the lightning bolts on his helmet. It actually makes these details stand out really nicely and keeps everything nice and clean. 

* The articulation is excellent on the Flash and you'll definitely be able to get some really cool running poses. Honestly, I really like the feel of the plastic quality on McFarlane's recent stuff from the past couple of years and the articulation model. the Flash also has the swivel/hinge styled shoulders with a balljointed peg at the base. That peg is covered with a piece that covers the gap when the arm is moved, allowing for more motion. It's kind of like a "butterfly" joint, but I actually like them better. What do you call these, anyway? 

* To show him moving fast, the Flash has some lightning bolt accessories that can fit over his arms. They're molded in a translucent yellow plastic and they look really neat against his red outfit, especially in the right lighting. They take a little work to get over his forearms but when you have them on his looks pretty impressive. 

* As Turbo-Man says: "Always keep your promises if you want to keep your friends." Thus, since this line is called DC Page Punchers, the Toddfather has included a comic book for Turbo-Man the Flash to punch. or for you to read. It features the five characters in this series (the Flash, the Atom, Gorilla Grodd, Captain Cold, and Heatwave)and is a full sized comic book, not just a minicomic. My only complaint is that every figure in the series comes with the same comic. Honestly, it'd be kind of cool if each figure came with one part of a larger story. Maybe someday we'll see DC page Punchers from previous storylines with the story broken up. Imagine a Page Punchers series (or three) of something like, say, Hush, each with a different issue and a character featured in that issue. 

* Rather than a character specific image like the Multiverse figures, the 7 inch Page Punchers figures come with a collectible card with an image of the included comic cover. The best thing is that there's a bio on the back. Not just a bio on the package; an actual bio you can keep. I love this it's not something we often see these days

*  I'm also still loving that McFarlane Toys includes a display stand with each of their releases these days. It's just a simple disc stand with the DC logo on it but it works well and keeps the figure standing upright in most poses.

The Negatives:

* I really like this figure but when I was showing it to my daughter she asked me why the visor wasn't transparent, allowing us to see the Flash's eyes underneath. It's not a "disguise" thing, because the comic has a transparent visor. Hasbro's been using them on many of their figures lately (the recent Marvel Legends figures of Nakia and the Wasp come to mind) and it would have been nice to see it here, too. 

   
   This is definitely a cool figure of the Flash, though I do think some paint applications and giving him the clear visor from the comic cover would have definitely improved things. Still, it's wildly fun to mess around with, offers up a unique look for the Flash, and you get a full comic book. Not bad! I like the mixture of looks in this line and this one is a solid Great. It's so much fun putting him in running poses. He just looks fantastic in them!

 If you're looking for more reviews featuring the Flash, I've looked at the DC Primal Age The Flash, standard Mattel DC Comics Multiverse Justice League Flash and the super cool Target exclusive Flash 2-pack, the Mezco One:12 Collective The Flash, the DC Comics Multiverse DK2 Flash, the Super Powers microfigure of The Flash, the Lego DC Universe Riddler Chase which comes with a minifigure Flash, the Lil Bombshells Flash (Jesse Quick), the Nano Metalfigs comics Flash by himself or as part of Five Pack A, and the Nano Metalfigs Justice League Flash.

For more DC Page Punchers reviews check out the following:
Black Adam
John Constantine