REVIEW: DC Unlimited World of Warcraft Series 3

Four more figures fill out the ever-expanding video game series...

For a great selection of World of Warcraft figures and collectibles as well as other video game action figures and collectibles, check out BigBadToyStore.com.

The third series of DC Unlimited's on-going line of World of Warcraft figures has hit toy shelves and no doubt players of the massively multiplayer online role-playing game as well as collectors of super-detailed figures have come to hold this series in high regards. Featuring some of the finest sculpting around, these impressive characters - which include an Undead Rogue, a Blood Elf Paladin, a Human Priestess and a Draenei Mage - come to life in perfect plastic form thanks to the extreme talents of DC Unlimited's artists.

PACKAGING:
Like previously released waves, the third series comes packaged in a durable plastic clam shell inside which a unique paper insert features a background image and the character's specific name. Both durable and attractive, this ensures the figure stays in minty mint condition until the fan is ready to open it. In fact, there's so much empty space inside a couple of these clam shells, it almost seems like the packaging is too large, but collectors who want to ensure their figures reach them in perfect condition no doubt appreciate the effort.

SCULPTING:
As previously mentioned, the Warcraft series features some of the most impressive, detailed sculpting of any action figure line on toy shelves today. Each character is brought to life perfectly and there's no doubt die-hard Warcraft fans are ecstatic with amount of care DC Unlimited is showing this line.

The most impressive this go-round is no doubt the Undead Rogue (above/below), whose rotting corpse of a body includes both undead skin and bones underneath an incredibly detailed suit of ancient armor.

The figure's wrinkled skin and wavy hair add character to the figure while the pre-posed action stance captures the warrior in action.

Likewise, the Blood Elf Paladin comes ready for war in an ornate suit of layered armor. The detailed plate and intricate, fluted armor design makes another striking addition to this line of figures and will no doubt impress fans and collectors.

PAINT APPLICATION:
A wide variety of colors are included in this series; from bright reds and dark greens to weathered whites and brilliant golds. The stark contrast - and variety of color - is immediately apparent in the Human Priestess, who includes black skin, blue eyes, and a white robe with gold trim (above).

Each intricate part of the character's form is painted with exacting detail; the white robes weathered with a slight blackwash while the gold trim catches the eye and gives intricate form to the Priestess' wings, armor and gown.

Another impressive figure color-wise is the Draenei Mage (above). Featuring light blue skin under brown and purple armor featuring silver trim, the colors on this magic user compliment one another well. The gold circlets on her tail also instantly catch the eye (because of their contrasting color). The figure's head features a wash of the daker blue color which not only brings out the details in the horns, but also in the small dreads at the side of her face (below).

The Undead Rogue also impresses with its paint detail; the exposed white bones of the figure's skeleton a sharp contrast to the dark armor surrounding it (above).

ARTICULATION:
Each figure includes multiple points of articulation. However, like in series past, the figures are sculpted in pre-posed action stances and thus the articulation acts more as a molding joint than a true point of articulation. The minor exception in this series is the Undead Rogue's left arm, which can pivot both up and down, allowing it to strike numerous poses.

ACCESSORIES:
As impressive as the figures themselves, the accessories too have an intricate amount of detail, as can be seen by the Human Priestess' book (above). The Draenei Mage disappoints slightly in this category with a simple short sword/dagger. Ornate in design, it's not nearly as impressive as the other accessories or weapons. However, the Blood Elf Paladin more than makes up for it with his impressive double edged war blade and an ornate shield, which features a bird motif. Likewise, the Undead Rogue includes two matching intricate blades which look sinister and compliment the dark, evil feel of the character.

COST & OVERALL IMPRESSION:
Individually, each figure retails for approximately $15 - $20, depending on where you buy the figures from. BigBadToyStore.com currently has the full set of four available in-stock and ready to ship for $59.99, which breaks down to about $15 per figure before shipping.

Overall, for the die-hard Warcraft fan or for someone who plays the game as one of these characters, these are a "must own." Fantasy fans and collectors will also want to give this new series some attention as they would surely compliment any fantasy display thanks to the various characters included in the wave. And for the collector of all fine action figures in general, they don't get much better than this. From the gorgeous sculpts and intricate paint to the dynamic poses and beautiful accessories, DC Unlimited's World of Warcraft Series 3 is an attention-grabbing show stopper and one of the finest action figure lines available in stores today.

Be sure to check out the photo gallery below for over 100 photos of these four impressive figures!

DC Unlimited World of Warcraft Series 3 PHOTO GALLERY