REVIEW: Kotobukiya DC New 52 Deathstroke ARTFX Statue

**JessHorsley** · 04-17-2014, 12:03 AM

DC's Best Assassin Gets the ARTFX Treatment...

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Thanks to a recent resurgence during DC's New 52 and his continual role in CW's on-going fan-favorite TV series Arrow , Slade Wilson aka Deathstroke is one of the most popular DC comic villains right now. A former member of Team 7 and possessing enhanced abilities including enormous strength, stamina, agility and a healing factor, not to mention the ability to use 90% of his brain (making him a strategic genius), Deathstroke makes for one of the best all-around super villains in the DCU. Thanks to Kotobukiya, die-hard fans of can now pick up the New 52 Deathstroke ARTFX Statue, an impressive, 1/6th scale plastic statue with detailed sculpting and impressive paint applications.

PACKAGING

Like other ARTFX statues, Deathstroke comes in a durable, collector-friendly cardboard window box with eye-catching graphics and imagery on the outside and a clear plastic interior which securely houses the statue and base. The exterior of the package includes a close-up photo of the statue on the left side with the figure's name down the right side in bold, orange lettering. The top and front of the package feature a clear window through which the statue, posed inside the box, is visible. The interior of the package features a form-fitting multi-piece plastic sleeve and tray which hold the statue, accessories and base securely in place, preventing any type of damage or paint rubs. Overall impressive and durable not to mention attractive, this is one cool looking package.

SCULPTING

Expertly sculpted to bring to life Slade Wilson in all of his sword-wielding glory, this dynamically posed statue fully captures Deathstroke as the rugged, master assassin of the DCU. With a costume based on the character's New 52 look - with a skintight bodysuit, belt, body harness, and armor plating over his body and thighs - Deathstroke makes for an intimidating warrior.

The updated armor Deathstroke wears (above) in the New 52 comics isn't only a modernization to an archaic costume, but a logical step into the future. Featuring the previously mentioned belt and body harness which both house weapons and tools, but also a chain mail vest complimented by spiked and armored gauntlets, boots and shoulder plates and finally two large armored plates across the back which provide protection. This is the next level of warrior wear for one of the DCU's greatest warriors.

Maybe most impressive about the statue is the facial sculpt (below), which perfectly captures Wilson's aged, sarcastic, superior look. The creases in Slade's cheeks and forehead, the slightly upturned lip, the 1,000 mile stare...all perfectly captured and made in plastic right here.

PAINT APPLICATIONS

The paint applications help compliment the amazing sculpt; the classic orange and blue color scheme bringing to life the statue. The metallic blue chain mail vest and bodysuit make a solid base for the orange belt, harness, and armor plates. The armored boots and body suit feature detailed shading throughout, giving additional depth to the figure. As an added highlight, lighter blue piping lines over the legs helps define the shape and form of the new costume and provide a more sophisticated, streamlined look.

Again, and maybe most impressive, is the minor paint applications on the facial sculpt (above). The skin tones are amazing and the small sun spots, faint lips and highlights in the hair and goatee really make Deathstroke look impressive.

ACCESSORIES

The statue includes two accessories vital to Deathstroke, a sword and a mask. Both are removable and both compliment the character in different, equally important ways. Without the sword, the statue simply looks incomplete; with the sword, Deathstroke looks unstoppable. The mask, a trademark of Deathstroke, offers three display options including fully on and covering the face, posed up and over the forehead or fully off. The mask is held in place by a magnet which is impressive engineering; unfortunately, the magnet is fully visible on the statue's forehead, making for an eyesore. The statue also includes a die-cut lettered "Deathstroke" base which helps keep the statue upright and displayed.

COST & OVERALL IMPRESSION

Priced at approx. $110 and standing 12" tall, the Kotobukiya New 52 Deathstroke ARTFX Statue is a no-brainer buy for die-hard fans of the character. From the updated, impressively-sculpted costume and detailed facial sculpt to the dynamic action pose and removable sword and mask, this is one statue that'll impress even non-DC fans.

While Deathstroke isn't getting nearly enough love in comic book form, look for the character's popularity to continue to rise as his presence in the Arrow TV series continues to grow and his place in the Batman video game series continues to be a success. Pick up your own Deathstroke ARTFX Statue from one of our fine sponsors or wherever your favorite action figures and collectibles are sold.

Be sure to check out the PHOTO GALLERY HERE for over 50 photos of this impressive statue!

- Jess C. Horsley