Action Figure Barbecue: Action Figure Review: The Penguin (DC Classic) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

Today I'm checking out another DC Multiverse figure from McFarlane Toys. I'm going to be reviewing quite a few of these in the days ahead because, oh my gosh, the Toddfather is dropping DC figures left and right. Specifically Batman stuff, which is mainly what I collect with DC. The Penguin is part of the same "McFarlane Collector Edition" subset as Starfire (who I reviewed a few weeks back), and thus he comes in at a higher price point. I'm still not sure how I feel about these "Collector Editions" since most of them don't really feel any more deluxe than a standard figure. Still, I like the character selection of many of them and have thus far picked up Abyss, Bat-Manga Batman, and the aforementioned Starfire, who was gifted to me by a kind reader. There's a Platinum edition of the Penguin available as well based on the classic Kenner Super Powers or Toy Biz DC Comics Super Heroes paint scheme (I had the Toy Biz figure as a kid), but I haven't found him yet. There have been any Penguin figures over the years and I own quite a few (though I haven't reviewed many for some reason). This guy strikes a nice middle ground between looking like a standard gangster (think Gotham or The Batman) and looking like a complete monster (think Batman Returns or Dark Victory). He really looks like a classic licensing art version of Oswald Cobblepot, just given some more realistic features. Ready for a stop at the Iceberg Lounge? Then join me after the break...

The Facts:

Height: 6 1/8ths inches (6 1/2 if you count the hat)

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

Accessories: Umbrella, 4 swappable hands, display stand, collectible card, and card display stand.

Non-Scalper Price: $30 dollars

Comparison:

* I didn't realize it at first but this figure uses quite a bit from the Arkham City Penguin (right). His legs, feet, upper arms, top hat, and umbrella are all reused here. It's good reuse, though, as I didn't catch any of it until I thought the umbrella looked familiar. These figures look radically different and yet share so much in common. Bizarre!

The Positives:

* This is an excellent take on the Penguin. He reminds me a good bit of the Mattel DC Universe Classics Penguin from the first series of figures that was released back in early 2008 as the colors are nearly identical. I love that figure and still have it on my shelf, but I might like this guy more. That Penguin was a little too slender while this guy has the bulk. His classic tuxedo with a vest looks great and there's a nice amount of color here without making him look too flamboyant. There's more color here than you might think, as well, as Oswald's orange vest has a subtle drybrush effect on the creases and folds and there's some subtle bluish/ purplish shades on the front of his tux jacket.

* This is a great headsculpt that captures the ruthless gangster side of the Penguin. Oswald Cobblepot definitely looks classic and recognizable, sporting a monocle, a top hat, and his signature elongated nose. An old timey cigarette holder sticking out of his mouth would have been cool, but there's no way that Warner Bros. was going to let that fly.

* Here's a side shot to show off the Penguin's girth. Hey, it's a key part of the character. He's also wearing some swanky spats!

* The Penguin is a short, stocky guy and while he's missing a few joints common to most DC Multiverse figures, he's still quite well articulated. I've really been having a lot of fun with him! His joints have a great range of movement and he can take some excellent poses. Throw in some classy weapons from one of the generic McFarlane weapons packs and you'll really have one of the best Penguin figures ever made.

* Mr. Cobblepot has four swappable hands, none of which are flippers. He has a right hand fist, a left hand posed in something of a grappling or cradling pose, a right hand pistol grip, and a left hand pistol grip with the pinkie extended. Classy!

* His umbrella is folded up and more used like a cane here. The tip is pretty sharp, though, so I'm sure it serves as a weapon. Some trick umbrellas or weapon umbrellas would have been neat extras as well, but this piece is functional and was already sculpted (it's reused from the Arkham City Penguin).

* The disc stand is the same as the rest except for the DC logo being stamped in silver. That's a mark of the McFarlane Collector Edition subset.

* The Penguin is one of the McFarlane Collector Edition figures which cost more ($29.99) as opposed to the standard figures (usually $22.99). What makes them special? As best as I can tell, they're more highly desired characters, at least by comic fan standards as opposed to mass retail standards, and they seem to utilize more unique sculpting (though not always). The collectible cards they come with are styled a bit differently, but they still come with one. In fact, they get a display for the card too. Some people hate these things. Me? I can take them or leave them depending on the figure. In a smaller display, the stand can look really nice accompanying a figure. The newest McFarlane Collector Edition figures seem to be dropping these in favor of more accessories, which I think is probably a win for us.

This is a really excellent figure of the Penguin. Going through my collection, it might be the best Penguin figure I have (I still do like both the DC Direct Secret Origins and the Arkham Asylum 4-pack sculpt). Overall, this is a Good and a 1/2 figure. My only complaints about this guy are that I wish he had a couple cool umbrellas and I wish the price on these was a bit cheaper. Still, he's a solid figure and probably the definitive comic styled Penguin in my collection at this point. Now that we have the Batman Forever figures (yes, I hate the movie; yes, I bought them; yes, I like them quite a bit; yes, I plan on reviewing them), surely we'll get to Batman Returns next, right?

If you're looking for more reviews of Oswald Cobblepot, better known as the Penguin, the Batman Tiny Mights the Penguin, I've also looked at the Lego Arkham Asylum Breakout which includes a Penguin minifigure, Mattel's Batman: Classic TV Series Penguin, and the Jada Toys DC Nano Metalfigs The Penguin (DC49).

For more DC Multiverse reviews check out the following:

Aquaman (Flashpoint)
Arsenal (Titans)
Bane
Bane (The Dark Knight Trilogy)
Bane (Trench Coat) (The Dark Knight Rises)
Batcycle (The Flash)
Batgirl (Batman: Three Jokers) Jokerized