Justice League Unlimited Fan Collection Wave 3
Justice League Unlimited is a juggernaut toy line that continues to be fruitful for Mattel, something that the fans really appreciate. In fact the new Fan Collection is collecting a lot of steam and plowing through nicely at a great pace. This is, of course, because Mattel throws in some gems into each wave that really excites fans of this long standing series. Wave 3 definitely provides many incredible new characters.
Single Packs
Superman and Batman do not appear in any of the single-carded packs at all for this wave, but that doesn't mean no one from the founding members isn't represented in some way. Green Lantern John Stewart steps up to the plate as he leads thikngs off.
There are a couple of things to note with this figure. First, it actually says "Green Lantern John Stewart" on the packaging. Considering that Kilowog was in Wave 1 is also called Green Lantern, I figured someone from the top brass decided that it was time to make a distinction between all Green Lanterns. Good move, I say.
The second thing, and important one, is the appearance of the "classic" Green Lantern costume mostly associated with Hal Jordan in the comic books. John Stewart was one of Jordan's backups and did wear this costume. I'm glad to see it in this action figure form and it looks good on Stewart complete with his old look and a energy constructed mace. Definitely a character that fans snatch up just for the costume.
Booster Gold was already a great looking figure from back in the Justice League days. In fact there was one version of him where he was painted in metallic gold rather than yellow. It made him too darker and very dull-looking. This version is one of the newly color-corrected figures that is closer to the animated show's models. It is the best representatin of Booster Gold I have seen and definitely one for any fan of the character. Included with Booster Gold his is trusty robotic companion Skeets, another reason why to get this figure.
Dr. Fate is also re-colored for this wave. His previous outing feaured more of his comic book costume rather than his animated appearance. This one corrects that to reflect his animated appearance. It works very well for the figure. His ankh is now also transculent creating a more mystical energy effect.
Parasite hasn't changed from his previous appearance except that he now gains an added accessory... a bland hand. This is the same one that Rex Mason, the Element Man (Metamorpho for old timers) has for his figure. I wondered why Parasite had this accessory until I read to bio on the back on the packaging referencing to his battle in the show "Clash". There, the Parasite briefly fits Metamorpho and gains his powers; therefore, the added accessory reflecting Mason's powers. It's a bit of a stretch but decent if you don't already have this figure.
Superwoman is all-new as she has never been featured in the show. This evil version of Wonder Woman from a parallel Earth is the first of the Crme Syndicate of Amerika member to be rendered in this animated style. The figure uses the Justice Lords version of Wonder Woman as its base. I'm not too keen on the figure because she doesn't look so intimidating and very short in stature. She comes with a lasso and a plastic stand.
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Three Packs
The first three-pack features characters from the Batman Beyond animated series... Bruce Wayne, Batman and Warhawk. Old Bruce Wayne is something fans never thought they would see but here he is in plastic form. It's one of those rare occasions when the alter ego of the hero is created. Future Batman (Terry McGinnis) looks amazing and is the linchpin for this pack. The surprise is the craetion of Warhawk, the son of John Stewart (Green Lantern) and Shayeral Hol (Hawkgirl). The extra detailing on this figure is magnificent. This is one three-pack that shouldn't be passed over for any reason.
The second three-pack is an all-villain set, something that strays from the norm considering that a known hero is usally thrown into the mix. But I think the Cheetah, the Shad and Lex Luthor are storng enough to hold their own. The Shade is a re-issue of the figure but this time without his cane. Lex Luthor is a repainted version reflecting his prison garb making his yet another version of Superman's arch-nemesis. The star of this set is the long-awaited Cheetah. She looks amazing complete with tail. Having her helps complete the Injustice Gang set.
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"Mutiny in the Ranks" features Lex Luthor (in another repaint) with five new characters—Tala, Psycho Pirate, Dr. Polaris, Gentleman Ghost and Devil Ray. It's a testamnet to the popularity of the show that Lex Luthor can anchor a set like this without a hero in sight. The inclsuion of these new characters just gave the villains more bodies to its ranks and a much needed one as well. Devil Ray, in particular, is a curious one considering he is modeled after Black Manta (legal reasons prevent the name Black Manta from being used on the show at the time). Hopefully, Mattel will create an actual Black Manta figure. Gentleman Ghost was never part of this villanous team but his inclusion is a special treat.
"The League United" has a mix of old and new characters. Superman anchors this set, though it's the the newer (or should I say very old 5-point articulated figure). Elongated Man is featured again but repainted in his familar red outfit. Obsidian is a repaint from a previous release in darker colors. He is joined by fellow Justice Society of America teammates Hourman and Mr. Terrific, both of whom making debuts. Rounding up this set is an older version of Supergirl sporting the classic red and blue costume. This is the best version of the Maid of Steel to date.
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Final Note
This third wave is filled with lots of surprises with the classic Green Lantern costume, the Batman Beyond universe, and more villains.
This whole series, however, can only be found at Target or specialized comic book and online stores. Target has been selling the single-carded figures at $8.99, the three-packs at $15.99, and the six-packs sold at a reasonable price of $29.99. Already these figures are sold in secondary markets for ridiculous prices.
With new characters in this mix, it's no wonder that this is called the Fan Collection.
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Related Guides
DC Universe: Justice League Unlimited (Fan Collection)
Wave 1 || Wave 2
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