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Zack Snyder’s vision of Superman came with the inspired casting of Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe as Jor-El. Everyone who knows the Superman story knows Jor-El’s fate, but in MAN OF STEEL he had even more screen time than his own planet Krypton did. And fortunately for you and me, Hot Toys, the maker of amazing life-like 12” figures has created a version of Jor-El to stick around in your collection. Despite having reviewed Henry Cavill’s Superman figure previously (read it HERE), it was actually Jor-El that was released first and Hot Toys did another amazing job, naturally.
The box for Jor-El is much like the packaging for Superman and other Hot Toys releases. The art for Jor-El showcases Krypton on its final days but no other photographs of the character exist elsewhere. The box contains a front flap that is contained with a magnet and opening it reveals the figure inside. The figure and its base and accessories are well contained in many layers of plastic trays. This method saves space and yet also keeps all contents from moving about inside.
Sculpting on all Hot Toys 12” figures are unparalleled and the likeness to Russell Crowe is uncanny. They’ve really nailed a character who realizes that all is lost. If I had a complaint about the sculpt it actually would be that he seems perhaps too worried. I would prefer a sterner expression but even with the sad expression, the sculptors nailed the likeness.
The portrait is hand-painted just as well with incredibly lifelike eyes and hair detail. It might not be as obvious in photos but there’s a very slight fade in his beard that makes for a far more natural look. It’s really well done.
The outfit for Jor-El reflects his attire from the very beginning of MAN OF STEEL (he goes through a few costume changes throughout the film). This particular costume has a base layer of a blue patterned bodysuit with a brown robe over it. The robe features some very highly detailed tailoring. A chest and shoulder armor with a red cape tops off the costume but unfortunately, none of it is removable to reproduce his look in the film when he swims to get the codex. The cape is wired, meaning you can pose it or at least try to anyway.
Jor-El comes with a decent amount of accessories and it’s actually more than I was expecting considering the outfit we got. There are three pairs of interchangeable hands: one pair of fists, one pair of relaxed hands, and one pair of gun holding palms.
Jor-El also comes with one Kryptonian Gun which he uses in the film fighting off General Zod’s men. And then there’s the Codex, which is a small partial skull. It isn’t listed in Sideshow’s description so it may be a new addition. The problem with including the Codex here is that he’s never seen in holding it with this costume but I suppose that’s not a major issue, as it’s great to have it. There’s also an S-Shield base for display and it’s very nicely made, complete with a poseable arm that can hold Jor-El in place. Jor-El though doesn’t really need any dynamic poses so the base isn’t as well suited for him as it is for Superman. The base also takes up a considerable amount of space.
Articulation is like all Hot Toys figures (approximately 30+ points of articulation) but with Jor-El’s outfit, his range is quite limited. The robes around his legs don’t allow for a lot of movement; no sitting, no kicking, no fighting stances. His shoulder armor also limits motion in the arms so Jor-El is really to stand around and look pretty.
The Man of Steel Jor-El figure is now available at online retailers such as Sideshow Collectibles. It’s priced at $220, which is higher than the man of steel himself, but I think Hot Toys did a remarkable job here. The headsculpt is steller and the work on his costume is equally impressive. Jor-El is the perfect piece for any Man of Steel fan.
Review and Photography by David Yeh
Review Sample Courtesy of Hot Toys
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