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REVIEW: Kotobukiya DC Comics Justice League The Flash ARTFX+ Statues
New 52 Scarlet Speedster Makes Three...
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Just a couple of weeks ago we took a look at two of Kotobukiya’s new line of ARTFX+ statues dedicated to DC’s Justice League (specifically that of the New 52). If you missed it, see our review of Superman and Green Lantern HERE. The ARTFX+ shrinks the traditional ARTFX scale of 1/7 to 1/10, with cool characters and all of the high quality and attention to detail you expect from Koto. For those of you who may not be keeping up with your comics, the “New 52” was DC Comics’ company-wide re-launch in 2011 updating and reinterpreting characters across the board. To spearhead the movement the company brought together superstars Geoff Johns and Jim Lee to headline the new Justice League, comprised of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg. Now, Kotobukiya has brought Lee’s iconic Justice League to art in this awesome new ARTFX+ statue set. Today’s we’ll be taking a look at the third member of the League, The Flash!
The Scarlet Speedster comes to you in the same style of packaging as his teammates, with his own unique markings. The Justice League box is a tall, mostly clear edifice with different decorations on each side. The front panel gives you a good look at the Flash, though the statue is wrapped in plastic for extra security. In the corners of the front panel are logos, DC Comics at the top-right and the individual’s name at the top-left. At the very bottom is the character’s name and Kotobukiya branding.
Turn the box clockwise once to see another clear panel decorated with the Flash’s iconic lightning bolt symbol. The back panel has the same frosted Justice League logo poster, this time in a deep red. The last side captures the Flash’s portrait from Jim Lee’s lineup of heroes.
Barry Allen was not the first man to run as the Flash, but he’s probably the most beloved. He began his career in 1956’s Showcase #4 and was a mainstay of the DC universe until his death during the Crisis on Infinite Earths in 1985. Unlike in modern comics where death is a temporary setback at worst, fatalities used to mean something and Barry didn’t return from the great beyond until 2008’s Final Crisis. Ever since he’s served as the main Flash, and of course as one of the “Big 7” in the New 52’s Justice League. The Barry Allen ARTFX+ statue continues the trends established by his two predecessors, capturing the heroes as they appeared in Jim Lee’s art but with their own distinctive flavor.
The Flash stands about 7 ½ inches tall (1/10 scale). He has one of the more unique poses of the group, and that has translated really well from the art to the statue. While Barry is often depicted in some sort of running pose, this version has him standing still and looking tough by cracking his knuckles. There’s even more character in the way his head is cocked to one side, giving him a cool look. As with the other Leaguers, the Flash has magnets in his feet, perfect for standing on the included “Justice League” logo bases without dealing with holes and pegs; you place the figure on the base where you want him to go.
Barry’s sculpt manages to make the speedster look fast standing still, with sleek muscles ready for action. With the New 52 the Flash got an updated costume, and that’s in full effect here with its intricate pattern of lines all over the suit. The lightning bolt belt and forearm details are sculpted as well as painted, while the tall armored boots have varying textures and rugged, reinforced soles. The Flash’s lightning bolt emblem stands out from his chest, and of course the winged decorations on his head. Barry’s face, outlined and partially covered by his costume’s headpiece, is serene and watchful with his lips in a thin line and his eyes focused off toward his right.
All of the Justice League ARTFX+ statues feature metallic paint jobs, and while Superman and Green Lantern looked great I think Flash may be my favorite so far. The Scarlet Speedster lives up to his name with an overall bright red metallic costume that’s glossy and really reflective. The secondary gold elements stand out on his boots, belt, forearms, chest, and head, contrasting nicely with the red. The Flash’s chest emblem is further highlighted by its stark white background. The only parts of his body left uncovered are the lower part of Barry’s face and his eyes, bringing a standard Caucasian skin tone and dark blue eyes to the ensemble.
Each Justice Leaguer has his strengths, and the Flash brings a composed cool to the lineup with his eye-catching red color and subtly threatening pose. He looks great alongside the previously released Superman and Green Lantern or other Flash figures and statues, probably the best statue of the New 52 version yet. The ARTFX+ Flash retails for approximately $39.99, and he’ll be followed in coming months by Aquaman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and finally Cyborg. Look for the Flash to hit stores later this month, and if you’re a fan of the character or the Justice League don’t wait to grab yours.
Review and Photos by Scott Rubin
Review Sample Courtesy of Kotobukiya
