Another DC movie is on the way, and unlike Shazam! Fury of the Gods, this one’s getting more than just a single action figure. McFarlane Toys‘ Blue Beetle movie figures include two basic Blue Beetles, one mega-sized Carapax, and a 12-inch pre-posed Beetle. For our perusal, they sent over both Beetles — regular and Battle Mode.
Two of a Kind
Though the camera angles may trick the perspective, make no mistake — these are basically the same figure. The only difference is in the accessories and the fact that regular Blue Beetle’s backpack is glued shut. So why not simply make one deluxe figure with all the stuff? Probably so everyone can afford the main hero at regular price. Sure, it would be cool if one of them had a different paint job, like a “powered up” deco, but they don’t. So, pick the one you like best — or get both and mix and match parts. It would be the least surprising thing ever if there’s a future deluxe as a Target exclusive with an unmasked head. (That’s speculation, not fact.)
Basic Blue Beetle comes with open hands, two ring weapons, and a blaster. The blaster is deceptive, because the natural assumption is to pull off the figure’s hand and expect it to pop on. Nope. Not happening, though it looks like it should. There’s a secret, and if you have the Zack Snyder’s Justice League Cyborg figure, you might be ahead of the game. His entire left forearm pops off, and that’s what you replace with the cannon.
He also has a giant anime-style sword. It’s not immediately clear how best to hold it — the holes that look like thumb holes don’t really match the hand grip well. Just jam it in and hope for the best.
Move It Move It
Articulation is mostly the standard McFarlane 22 points, though the forearm (which removes on both figures, since again, they’re 99% the same figure) gives one extra cut joint. The wings on Battle Mode Beetle move upward a tiny bit, but since the insect legs are attached to them, those entangle to prevent much in the way of raising.
Packaging is standard McFarlane, which I assume is a big part of how the company keeps prices down. There’s a Blue Beetle movie log on both, but the trading card and the cardback display artwork of the character. The bio on both cards is the same, though the image poses are different. They include the standard DC figure stands.
Coloring on the figure isn’t super-shiny, but the blue catches the light, and the black parts have a mildly glossy finish. The sculpt is super-intricate, with the very small details looking good, and the backpack looks like a parasitic bug clamping on tight, as it ought to.
Getting Handy
In addition to the wings, Battle Mode Beetle includes alternate hands. Its default are fists, but it also includes fingers doing an apparent countdown, and a thumbs-up hand. These gestures add personality to an expressionless, masked character.
Scalewise, he fits in with similar figures, allowing for the fact that the armor likely makes Jaime Reyes taller.
Between these two figures, it’s weird that neither one displays what I think of as the most usual BB look — no wings, but those insect legs from the shoulders showing. No doubt another variant will have that appearance. For now, it’s hard to justify buying both figures unless you’re a super-completionist, so pick the one whose accessories you like best. And if you don’t mind one loose without any accessories, there’s a good chance some will show up on eBay, as wealthier collectors make their ultimate version and sell off the extra body.
Beetle Juice?
DC fans will want at least one, though. It’s one of the most detailed superhero movie figures ever, and the look is faithful to comics. Anyone collecting DC movie toys should not miss out. Expect to pay the usual $19.99, and preorder now to avoid disappointment. If you’re still not sure which one is best, take a look through the gallery below:
