REVIEW: DC Direct World of Warcraft Series 2

Five more figures from Azertoth join the battle...

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DC Direct's second series of action figures based on the hit MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) World of WarCraft dropped late last month and fans of the game and high-quality figures have no doubt by now added these beautiful pieces of action figure art to their collection.

This second series - which expands on the classes and races from the mythical realm of Azeroth - continues to attract attention thanks in no small part to the dynamic posing, super-detailed sculpting, and variety of characters.

DC Direct World of Warcraft Series 2 includes four regular figures and one deluxe collector figure...

* Gnome Warrior Sprocket Gyrospring

* Human Warrior Archilon Shadowheart

* Night Elf Druid Broll Bearmantle

* Troll Priest Zabra Hexx

* Deluxe Draenei Paladin Vindicator Maraad

PACKAGING :
Similarly packaged to Series 1, each of the regular figures are shipped in an large clam shell with attractive artwork. The front of the package features the series logo while the interior background artwork features a series-specific scene/environment with the character's name in the upper left corner. The deluxe figure - as with the first series' Illidan Stormrage - comes packaged in an attractive window box which allows collectors to see the figure inside. The artwork on the packaging again attracts attention and is character-specific. Overall, the clam shell and window box packaging of the series both protects the figures and appeals to fans.

SCULPTING :
DC Direct continues to impress fans with dynamic posing and detailed sculpting. Thanks to sculptors Mike Locasio, Jonathan Matthews, and Jean St. Jean, fans continue to receive the best artistry in the action figure industry and no doubt these figures appeal to not only Warcraft and fantasy, but high-quality action figures as well.The details present in these figures is incredible.

From the shrunken heads hanging from the Troll's belt to the detailed armor on the Night Elf and Draenei's shoulder pads, this second series continually impresses (below). The detail in the Human Warrior's armor suit includes some of the most intricate sculpting work on any figure this year, to include sculpted chain mail under the armor plate. Likewise, the Gnome Warrior and his mount includes an uncanny amount of mechanical detail, including armor, vents, and pipes.

PAINT APPLICATION :
Thanks to paint master extrodinaire Eddie Wires, DC Direct's line comes to life in brilliant, accurate colors. The Troll's flame-red hair, the Night Elf's green beard, the Paladin's golden armor, the Gnome's purple plate - each color compliments the figure, gives the character realism, and helps brings each to life.

The paint on the faces and head sculpts specifically demonstrates the amount of fine detail in the series. From the pupils of the Human to the golden earrings on the Troll; each minute detail shows the dedication and care taken by DC Direct in creating this line. Overall, these perfectly capture the characters with no bleeding or slop. Nothing but excellence...

POSE AND ARTICULATION :
Similar to the first line, movement comes via limited articulation and few joints. Thanks to cut joints in the wrists and biceps, most of the figures in the line can move, though – again like the first line – DC Direct stresses the sculpt over a full range of motion. Each figure comes posed in a signature static stance, prepared for battle wielding the weapons of warfare from the game.

Even with limited articulation, the line (thanks to the dynamic posing) still features plenty of intensity. The two most impressive figures in the line capture the raw emotion of video game and the characters they represent - the Human Warrior (above), his shield filled with arrows and sword drawn and ready; and the Draenei Paladin (below), hammer held high ready to crush his enemies.

COST AND OVERALL IMPRESSION :
At $15.00 per figure and $25 for the deluxe, this is one reasonably priced line of figures die-hard Warcraft fans won’t miss. Fantasy fans who like amazing sculpting and dynamic posing will also appreciate this line as will any collector looking for an attractive figure with lots of detail.

Overall, this series helps fill the ranks of Warcraft favorites and no doubt fans are already anticipating the release of Series 3 this November and Series 4 next spring.

Be sure to check out the photo gallery below for over 200 images of these impressive figures!

- review and photos by Jess C. Horsley

DC Direct World of Warcraft Series 2 Photo Gallery