Action Figure Review: The Signal Duke Thomas from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

  

 Back in 2017 I reviewed the We Are Robin version of Duke Thomas from Mattel's DC Comics Multiverse line. He was a cool figure but I was really looking forward to Duke as the Signal. Finally, about 5 1/2 years later, McFarlane Toys has delivered the Signal in DC Multiverse, and he's a stellar figure. It's always really exciting to add a new member of the Batfamily to the shelf as Batman, his allies, and his enemies are my main reasons for collecting this line. McFarlane did release Duke Thomas as Batman from Tales from the Dark Multiverse but that figure isn't recognizable Duke in the same way that this figure is. Ready to check out the Signal? Then join me after the break...

The Facts:

Height: 7 inches

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

 

Accessories: 2 kama, collector card, and display stand.

 

Non-Scalper Price: $20 dollars

The Positives:

* Duke Thomas first appeared as the Signal in 2018 and his costume hasn't varied too much since then as far as I'm aware. His costume also really stands out with bright yellow armored bits. Everything about this figure just looks so good and I just love it. The articulation flows with the sculpt, there's lots of really cool detail on the bodysuit and armored bits, and the yellow color outfit stands out and doesn't run or get messy looking when abutting black paint, as yellow paint is often fond of doing. The build definitely looks like that of a younger man, too, nicely capturing Duke's youth while still keeping him looking like a formidable hero.  

* The Signal wears a helmet rather than a cowl or domino mask, though the visor of the helmet does pay tribute to Batman and the other members of the Batfamily with a black, bat-shaped visor. His mouth is also exposed, though his chin is covered and protected by the helmet. 

* Flip the Signal around and you'll be impressed by the paintwork and the detailed sculpting on his armor. He looks excellent from every angle. 

* Here's a close-up of the segmented chest armor and belt, which actually hides the balljointed torso and waist. You can also see the unique textures on the different areas of his bodysuit. 

* The Signal's articulation is awesome. He has the same articulation scheme as most other DC Multiverse figures but the joints just feel like they flow and move better, especially those torso and waist joints. Oh, and the neck. They all flow like butter. He's really fun to mess around with and looks really striking in most poses. 

* The Signal comes toting a pair of kama with bat-like blades. He does use these in the comics and McFarlane did a really nice job on them. Sometimes he has them attached via a cable, so McFarlane left some holes at the bottom of each handle to allow you to had a string or thread if you desire. 

* I'm still pleased that McFarlane includes a 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 Signal features a card showing off an older image of the character from the comics before he changed the chest logo to the larger, gray bat logo. Still, you get a nice bio here, too, so all is well. 

   The Signal, Duke Thomas, is another Epic figure in the DC Multiverse line and one of my favorites of 2023 so far. That black and yellow color scheme just stands out beautifully and the articulation and range of movement really puts Duke above the rest. The Signal is a fantastic addition to the Batfamily collection and it's cool to get him in this costume as both Mattel's DC Comics Multiverse and DC Direct/ DC Collectibles never got to him (though the Imaginext team did!). This guy is just awesome and a ton of fun to mess around with. 

   For more of Duke Thomas, whether as the Signal, Robin, or Batman, check out my reviews of Mattel's DC Comics Multiverse Duke Thomas (We Are Robin) and the McFarlane DC Multiverse Batman Duke Thomas (Tales from the Dark Multiverse).

For more DC Multiverse reviews check out the following:

Bane
Bane (The Dark Knight Trilogy)
Batman (DC vs Vampires)
Batman (Hush)
Batman Duke Thomas (Tales from the Dark Multiverse)
Batwoman Unmasked (Batman Beyond)
Beast Boy (Teen Titans)
Catwoman (Batman: Knightfall)

Deadman (DC Rebirth)
Earth-2 Batman (Batman: Arkham Knight)
The Flash Jay Garrick (Jay Garrick: The Flash Age)
Gladiator Batman (Dark Knights: Metal)
Grifter (Infinite Frontier)

Harley Quinn (The Suicide Squad)
The Joker (Infinite Frontier)
Kalibak (The Darkseid War)
Man-Bat (DC Rebirth)
Mister Freeze (Victor Fries)
Nekron (Blackest Night)
The Riddler (Arkham City)
Scarecrow (The Dark Knight Trilogy)
Two-Face (The Dark Knight Trilogy)