Action Figure Review: Robin (Batman: Fighting the Frozen) from DC Page Punchers by McFarlane Toys/ DC Direct

 

   

   Today I'm checking out the final figure in the DC Page Punchers "Batman: Fighting the Frozen" series of figures: Robin! Like Batgirl and Batman, this version of Robin isn't overtly named as any specific Robin (Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Damian Wayne, Tim Drake, etc.); since this is kind of an Elseworlds tale set 16,000 years in the past, it's just an alternate take on the character of Robin. Robin isn't from the Bat-Clan like Batman and Batgirl, but is a member of a neighboring tribe affected by Mr. Freeze's icy experimentations. While he's still a "caveman" take on a DC character like the other two heroes in the series, Robin does add a bit more color and a different aesthetic to the set. My Robin shipped a bit later than the rest of the figures in the series, so I didn't have him until a week or two after the rest of the crew. This series is one of my favorite releases of the year and I'm very excited to finish my review of the full series. Let's take a look at Robin after the break...

The Facts:

Height: 6 7/8ths inches

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

 

Accessories: Spear, dagger, comic book, collector card, and display stand.

 

Non-Scalper Price: $25 dollars

The Positives:

* This series of figures has done an incredible job of capturing some of the major recognizable details of these characters while also making them really different from their classic depictions. Robin's sporting red and yellow with black highlights, so more like a Tim Drake or even Red Robin costume, as it's lacking the classic green. The pants are baggy with a rough texture and a loose, and Robin's keeping them up with a yellow "utility" belt made from straps of leather and various stones. He definitely looks like he's from a more advanced tribe than Batman and Batgirl. The bird skull on the necklace is accompanied by an "R" logo made of bird bones and beads of some sort, so there's no doubt he's gone all in on the bird theme. 

* I like the headsculpt. It's very different, with Robin sporting a mohawk with kind of a buzz cut. He looks pretty serious (no grinning for this guy!) and he's also rocking the whited out comic eyes underneath his black bandanna-like mask. 

* Robin has a bit of protection when in combat thanks to his bracers (the right one only covers his forearm while the left one also extends out to his hand) and the pauldron on his left shoulder. I'm almost getting a Japanese style vibe for some of his armor, though I could be completely wrong. I mean, it's not like these are based on actual prehistoric references or anything, right? These guys are over the top but oh so cool. 

* Robin's utility belt has a cool selection of arrowheads on it, kind of like a little selection of throwing knives. 

* The DC Page Punchers are built identically to the DC Multiverse figures and are sturdier than anything DC Direct or DC Collectibles ever put out on their own. Well articulated, sturdy, and looks great in a variety of battle poses. Robin's a bit more limber than the other figures in the line thanks to his slender build and lack of a cape, so he can be placed in some incredibly agile battle poses.

* His double pointed battle staff or spear is really nice with a shaft that nicely replicates wood and some stone formed blades.

* Robin also comes with a back up weapon: A dagger. Fashioned with a bone handle and carrying a serrated blade, this is a solid tool to keep by his side.

* He has a loop on the left side of his utility belt for storing the knife, too. It fits right in and stays in place securely. 

*  Like DC Multiverse, the Page Punchers also come with collectible card. Here they're showing off the cover of the included comic book. Since everyone gets a unique cover in this series (like in the Aquaman series), each card is unique. There's a short summary of Batman: Fighting the Frozen on the back, too.

* You also get a display stand to help keep Robin upright and at the ready.

* And here's the included full size comic book of Batman: Fighting the Frozen with the cover artwork exclusive to this figure. It's a very cool steampunk meets caveman time travel story that ought to remind you of the older Elseworlds titles. I really enjoyed it, though I would have loved if it had been a four part story with a different issue included with each character,

The Negatives:

* I'm still sitting here and complaining that McFarlane doesn't always match the color of the pegs in the foot hinge with the color of the foot or boot itself. Seriously, this seems like such an easy issue to remedy. 

   Robin is another excellent figure in this series, which has been a real standout of the year so far. I'd love to see more Page Punchers sets like this that explore the Elseworlds side of things, particularly with the Batfamily and Batman's villains. But, hey, that's just me. Robin is a Great and a 1/2 figure and an excellent figure. Maybe not as outrageously cool as the other figures in the line, but still pretty darn impressive. I like his colorful look and how he stands out from the other figures in the set, which is kind of what Robin is intended to do, anyway. Who is your favorite figure from the Fighting the Frozen series? Tell us in the comments below!


   This Robin isn't identified as any particular Robin, so who knows? If you're looking for more Robin reviews I've also checked out Mattel's DC Comics Multiverse Damian Wayne Robin (Robin War), Duke Thomas (We Are Robin), Red Robin (DC Rebirth), and Robin (The Dark Knight Returns), the Jada Nano Metalfigs DC102 Robin, Robin from the Batcave set, DC56- Robin (Tim Drake), and the Teen Titans Go! To The Movies Cyborg, Robin, Slade, Starfire, and Wonder Woman 5-Pack.

For more DC Page Punchers, check out the following:
Aquaman
Batgirl (Fighting the Frozen)
Batman (Fighting the Frozen)
Black Adam
The Flash
John Constantine
Mr. Freeze (Batman: Fighting the Frozen)
Supergirl (Injustice)