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Clayface (Batman (DC Collectibles)) Review
Clayface
Batman (DC Collectibles) (DC Collectibles)All these DC Collectibles Batman Animated reissues has made me sought out the original releases, and while I've been checking eBay a lot for them, I have yet to get anything off there as it relates to the line. However, a recent toy expo allowed me to get my hands on one of the originals, being none other than Clayface. He didn't appear much, but any episode with him was bound to be good, especially his debut, "Feat of Clay," and his last appearance "Growing Pains." Catwoman was my first choice, but I saw this guy and went with him instead; besides, I heard that Catwoman breaks easily.

Normally, these figures came on cardbacks, but Clayface was one of the boxed releases, due to his big size and accessories. The graphics are very simple, but there's the iconic credits illustration on the back and interior, and they also credited the sculptor, Irene Matar, on the side (more companies should be doing that, so take notes, McFarlane). You have to remove a few bits of tape, ties, and rubber bands on the inside to get everything out, but it's all easily replaceable and collector-friendly, so that's a plus. Just hope you have enough room for this long box ("Um, phrasing?").

Clayface is a design that's both simple and unique in nature, as he's a big glop of clay, mud, or whatever he's supposed to be, but it certainly sets him apart from the more human villains. His head is wide and inhuman, with sunken eyes, crooked teeth, and a big underbite. Most of the head is smooth, but his chin is more lumpy, and it fits the character's nature. His eyes and mouth are painted, as is the rest of the head, but the edges aren't very clean. The default expression is already none too happy, but you can swap it out for a roaring, mouth wide open portrait, and it's my preferred look for him. The heads are more of a soft rubber, allowing them to swap easily, a smart move on DCC's end.

Clayface stands 6 1/2", and while I could've sworn he was bigger, I'm rewatching "Feat of Clay" as I write this, and it shows he's only somewhat taller than a regular human. He is chunky, though, with a huge upper body and arms contrasting with his stubby legs. Aside from the chest, he has a very lumpy body, and again, it makes sense as he's practically a shapeshifting blob. His articulation also blends in well with the sculpt, even if it means more limited movement than usual. As said already, the "skin" is painted, but I saw some discoloration and scraping occur as I moved the joints. The consistent color is a big plus, though, and the matte finish gives off a more animated feel.

Articulation is going to be Clayface's biggest issue here, as the chunky, lumpy body means less movement than the rest of the line. The head is on a ball-peg, but the most it can really do is swivel. There are swivel/hinge shoulders and elbows, along with forearm swivels, and they serve as good substitute for wrist joints that would otherwise break up the sculpt. He has an ab crunch that leans back well, but not too much forward, along with a chest swivel. The leg movement sucks, as the usual T-crotch/hinged hips can't kick forward or out all the way, and the ankles only swivel; no tilt or rocker, and no knees either. He can get some good upper body poses, but not much from the chest down.

Another thing limited with Clayface is his accessory count, but at least what they gave him works well. Aside from the extra head, there's three morphed forearm weapons: an axe, a hook, and a flail with segmented chain. While you'll need to heat them up to get them on easily, he'll look great with them, and look good on either arm. Lastly, there's the usual stand, with a white base showing off a character turnaround, and a clear post with a clamp that can be raised up and down on it, and can be as wide open or tight as you need it to be. It's important for Clayface, as most of his poses can throw off his balance due to the small legs, but if that doesn't help, there's peg holes in the feet, so you can use a more standard base with him.

Clayface looks great, but isn't too much fun due to the limited articulation and small accessory count. Still, he's a valuable addition if you're looking to start a collection of these figures, but I mean the valuable part in both ways, as aftermarket prices can get pretty high. So unless you have money to burn, I'd keep your fingers crossed McFarlane rereleases him.

- 6/14/24

      4.4 stars by RMaster007

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