McFarlane Toys DC Multiverse Wave 15 Superman review

With the Wave 15 Superman, McFarlane Toys gives us a pretty close to the ideal classic version of the Man of Steel.

There are a few things holding it back — naturally — but we’re getting closer. The real question is does the Wave 15 Superman have what it takes to be the placeholder definitive for now?

Let’s see if this Superman soars or is still looking up at the Action Comics #1000 figure as another close, but no cigar contender?

Packaging: Yeah, I don’t have much new to report on this one. McFarlane Toys hasn’t changed up anything, which is fine if you’re an MOC collector and appreciate the consistency.

The rear image is an odd choice as it’s featuring what I think is a Darywn Cooke drawing of Superman and Lois. The Wave 15 Superman seems far more inspired by Gary Frank’s version of Superman. (See Doomsday Clock on Amazon).

Likeness: McFarlane has a plethora of bodies now for various Superman figures. For this one, they revisit the first Page Punchers Superman with a new head sculpt. That mold is a pretty good base for a Superman from the 70s who’s not particularly bigger than Batman, Flash etc. The Action Comics version is broader.

This cape is more in motion flowing behind his back as if the wind is catching it from the left. I prefer the relaxed cape compared to a posed one.

There are two elements keeping this from being a fully classic Superman attire. The cuffs have piping with points. And the belt has the Superman logo instead of a circle and there’s no belt loops.

The head sculpt has been somewhat divisive. It’s a smiling portrait showing a happier Superman than we’re accustomed to with most figures.

I think what throws it off once you get in close is the teeth. It’s a partial smile with only the top row showing again revealing that Frank influence. Frank seemed to use Christopher Reeve as his Superman model — hardly a terrible way to go.

With the figure, a closed mouth smile might have made for a more natural expression as this one looks slightly awkward. I get what McFarlane was attempting even if it didn’t turn out perfectly.

One thing that is undeniable is the hand sculpts are huge. They’re scaled up just big enough to be noticeable. Maybe not comically so, but they’re definitely hard to miss.

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Scale: Superman is thankfully taller than his Justice League teammates with the Flashpoint Flash and Knightfall Batman. I wouldn’t mind him being taller and a little wider though.

Paint:  The big draw with this Superman is he’s painted in an old school color scheme with a softer light blue shade. Superman’s cape, shorts and boots are done in a vibrant red and the yellow in the shield and belt are a bright yellow.

A very minor portion of the belt has some red chipped coming through on it, but that’s all I could find in terms of paint problems.

Articulation: Superman has 22 points of articulation. Thanks to the double-jointed elbows, this is one of the better articulated Superman figures we’ve gotten from the McFarlane Toys’ line.

Wave 15 Superman has:

• neck
• ball-jointed shoulders [with pop up/down point]
• butterfly shoulders
• elbow (double-jointed)
• wrist
• wrist hinge
• torso
• waist
• hip
• thigh
• knee (double-jointed)
• ankle
• toe

Accessories: McFarlane Toys’ Superman don’t tend to come with a ton of accessories. An extra portrait definitely would have been nice here.

He does come with some useful extra parts. He’s got two additional sets of hands — flat, flying and gripping hands. They’re sensible additions for Superman but an extra portrait, specifically a serious expression, would have been welcome.

Wave 15 Superman finally gets another flight stand. These are invaluable — not just for McFarlane DC Multiverse figures — they’re great for all kinds of lines and I can never have too many of them.

Worth it? McFarlane Toys figures vary at the price point these days. Superman is available from $19.99 to $22.99 depending on your location. One of the longtime subscribers to Lyles Figure Files, Jamilyn Parks, sent Superman along in support of the channel. Thanks again Jamilyn!

Rating: 9 out of 10

The brighter colors make for the definitive color scheme for Superman. I’d love a serious additional head sculpt, a classic belt and traditional sleeves. Still, this is a pretty solid classic stand-in for now.

Where to get it?  Superman is starting to show up at more retail spots like Target and GameStop. You can also grab him at Amazon and Entertainment Earth.

As an Amazon and Entertainment Earth affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.