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ADVANCE LOOK: Kotobukiya DC Comics Red Hood ARTFX+ Statue
Former Robin Takes No Prisoners...
Just a couple years ago Kotobukiya debuted the ARTFX+ Statue format, a smaller, more affordable (yet just as detailed) 1/10th scale. Collectors weren’t sure if it was going to take off or not, but fast forward to today and they’re cranking out ARTFX+ versions of DC and Marvel Comics heroes and villains, Star Wars characters, and more. In the DC lineup Koto began with the “Big 7” of the New 52 Justice League and then moved on to other superheroes, some of their archenemies, and even the Bat Family of characters. The latest addition continues that last theme of collecting those lucky few to live in Batman’s world, and it happens to be a character that I’ve always enjoyed. Today I’ll give you a sneak peek at the brand new DC Comics Red Hood ARTFX+ Statue, on target to hit stores in the next couple weeks!
“Red Hood” is a moniker that has been around in the DC Comics universe since way back in 1951 when it was the name of a mysterious gangster in a weird costume. That villain turned out to be the Joker before his transformation in one of several origin stories for the Clown Prince of Crime. Decades later in the early 80s Batman was in a transitionary period after his original sidekick Robin, Dick Grayson, left his mentor to become the leader of the Teen Titans. DC determined that the Caped Crusader worked best with a young ward and created Jason Todd to fill that spot. Originally a near clone of Grayson, Todd later got a new origin as a street tough who impressed Batman with his daring and willingness to fight bad guys. Jason served as the second Robin until his tragic death at the hands of the Joker in 1988. In 2005 a new Red Hood began a crime spree in Gotham City targeting villains like the Joker and Black Mask, and after taunting Bruce Wayne revealed himself to be the resurrected Jason Todd. His death and return had warped him and for years he would fight the dark side within him to be a hero again, in the process redeeming the name “Red Hood.”
Packaging for the DC Comics ARTFX+ Statues has kept the same style since the first Justice Leaguers with tall boxes that are primarily translucent with some really nice artwork and graphics. The front is clear giving you a good look at the figure suspended inside (though there is some plastic wrap around it) and there are logos and titles for Kotobukiya, DC Comics, and the Red Hood & the Outlaws book. Spinning the box you’ll see the angular Red Hood bat symbol on one side, and on the other a cool action shot of Todd from behind as he holds a pistol in his right hand. Finally, the back panel of the box continues the dark red color scheme with a broken glass look and the Red Hood logo.
If you didn’t know the backstory of this character you might think that you’re looking at a bad guy; that’s how badass the ARTFX+ Red Hood looks. Clad in his leathers, body armor, and stylish jacket he stands in a dynamic pose doing a bit of gun fu. Todd leans forward with his legs set apart for balance, turning a bit at the waist and raising his twin pistols with one held in front of his chest and the other lifted up by his head which is of course encased in his distinctive helmet. Red Hood stands approximately 7 ½ inches tall on his included solid black display base, the standard one that comes with Koto’s 1/10 scale ARTFX+ figures.
Red Hood’s sculpt (by Naoya Muto) is pretty great and deserves an up close look. Just like in the comics the anti-hero wears a variety of materials in his clothing, and those are replicated with appropriately different details. There are nice creases in his pants and jacket, along with seams, zippers, buttons, and the like. There are even armored kneepads protruding from the slacks! Jason wears heavy-duty combat shoes with thick soles, and over his pants are twin, empty holsters with the flaps unattached. Visible underneath the jacket is Red Hood’s armored breastplate, sculpted with deeply cut muscle details. His overall helmet is mostly smooth with twin lines running over the top and a fearsome face depicting only eyes and a nose. Red Hood’s pistols are nicely detailed as well.
Jason Todd’s latest alter ego isn’t the most colorful, but ARTFX+ version captures the look perfectly with its well done paint job. There are a lot of dark colors, perfect for adventuring in the dismal world of Gotham City and the underworlds of the DC universe. While Red Hood’s pants and chest armor are both black, there’s a really nice contrast with the difference in matte and glossy finishes. Everything from the waist down is flat and muted, with blacks and grays for the pants, boots, and holsters. The jacket is a flat tan color with shading to highlight the movement and creases, and of course cool dark gray elbow pads and orange accents at the wrists. The aforementioned chest armor is glossy black with matching gloves, and of course across the chest is a shiny red bat symbol. The same coloration is used on Red Hood’s titular helmet with silvery-white eyes outlined in black.
If you’re a fan of Jason Todd’s Red Hood like I am, this ARTFX+ Statue is an absolute must-have, and if you’re a DC and Batman reader you’ll want to check it out too. He looks fantastic and totally perfect for the character, and he also caps off the amazing ARTFX+ “Batman Family” series, looking great alongside other statues like Batman, Robin, Batgirl, and Red Robin. There’s even a recently announced New 52 Joker on the way who will make an ideal counterpoint to Red Hood in your display! Red Hood will be arriving at comic shops near you within the next few weeks and is widely available for pre-order between $50 and $55.
Review and photos by Scott Rubin.
Review sample courtesy of Kotobukiya.
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