McFarlane Toys has long been known for producing high-quality, detailed action figures that appeal to both casual fans and serious collectors. Their Huntress (The New 52) figure, part of the McFarlane Collector Edition line, is no exception. As a character with a rich history in the DC Comics universe, Huntress has always had a devoted fan base. The New 52 reboot of the DC universe gave her a fresh look and redefined her role, making this figure even more desirable for collectors who are eager to own a piece of modern comic book history. This critical review takes an in-depth look at the design, craftsmanship, and overall impact of McFarlane Toys’ Huntress figure, examining whether it lives up to its reputation as a collector’s dream.

A Character with History

Before diving into the figure itself, it’s important to understand the context of Huntress within the DC Comics universe, particularly in The New 52 reboot. Helena Wayne, also known as Huntress, has a complex origin story depending on the era of DC Comics you explore. In The New 52 continuity, she’s reintroduced with a new backstory, bringing fresh narrative elements to the character while retaining her core attributes: independence, a strong moral code, and a fierce combat style. She is often depicted as an antihero, balancing the fine line between justice and vengeance, making her a compelling character in any collection.

This context is crucial because a figure’s value—both emotional and monetary—often stems from the significance of the character it represents. For those who followed The New 52 storylines, Huntress is a key figure, and this McFarlane Collector Edition attempts to capture the essence of her updated persona.

First Impressions: Packaging and Presentation

As with most McFarlane Toys Collector Edition figures, the packaging is a highlight. Huntress comes in a sleek, windowed box that allows collectors to appreciate the figure in all its glory without even removing it from the packaging. The design of the box is modern and minimal, emphasizing the figure itself while incorporating subtle comic-inspired elements that nod to Huntress’ The New 52 incarnation.

For collectors who prefer to display their figures in-box, McFarlane Toys has delivered a package that serves as both protection and a display piece. The box features character art from The New 52 comics, giving a visual reference for where this version of Huntress comes from. This attention to detail is a reminder of the figure’s roots in the comics, offering an added layer of appeal to both comic fans and figure collectors.

Craftsmanship and Sculpting

The true strength of McFarlane Toys has always been their unparalleled craftsmanship, and Huntress (The New 52) is no exception. The figure stands approximately 7 inches tall, a standard for McFarlane’s DC Collector figures, and comes with exceptional detailing. Every aspect of Huntress’s costume, from her high-tech utility belt to the intricate patterning on her gauntlets and boots, is captured with stunning accuracy.

The sculpt itself is impressive, showcasing Huntress in her full battle-ready stance, bow in hand, and a look of determination on her face. The face sculpt is particularly noteworthy, as it balances the line between comic accuracy and realism, something McFarlane Toys has mastered over the years. Her expression conveys the grit and resilience that fans of Huntress would expect, and the detailed sculpting of her mask and flowing hair adds dynamic energy to the figure.

One area where McFarlane Toys excels is in creating figures that feel lifelike, and Huntress is no different. The muscles, folds in the fabric, and texture variations all contribute to making this figure feel like it was lifted directly from the comic pages and brought into three-dimensional form. The texturing on her bodysuit is especially well done, with subtle patterns that make the material look like it’s made from different types of fabric, reinforcing the high-tech aspects of her New 52 design.

Paint Application

While sculpting can make or break a figure, the paint application is what brings it to life, and McFarlane Toys once again delivers. The color palette used on the Huntress figure is true to her comic book counterpart, featuring deep purples, blacks, and silvers that give the figure a stealthy, yet visually striking appearance. The purple tones used in the suit offer a subtle sheen, giving a sense of premium quality that is often absent in more basic figures.

The paint application on her face is also remarkable, with fine details on her mask, lips, and eyes being crisp and precise. This is especially important for a character like Huntress, whose mask is integral to her overall design. There’s no sign of paint bleed or misalignment, which is often a problem with mass-produced figures. The shading and highlighting used on her body armor and weapons give a sense of depth, enhancing the figure’s three-dimensional appeal.

One potential drawback, however, could be the paint’s durability. McFarlane Toys figures are generally well-constructed, but collectors who handle their figures frequently might want to be cautious, as the intricate paint detailing, particularly on smaller accessories like her crossbow, could wear down over time.

Articulation and Accessories

A good action figure isn’t just about how it looks—it’s also about how it moves. McFarlane Toys is known for creating highly articulated figures, and Huntress features a wide range of movement, making her poseable in a variety of dynamic action stances. With over 22 points of articulation, the figure allows for impressive flexibility, whether you want to display her in a ready-to-strike pose or something more subdued.

However, while the articulation is impressive, there’s always the question of balance. Due to her slim build and the nature of her pose, some collectors may find that getting her to stand independently can be tricky without the included stand. While this isn’t a deal-breaker, it’s something to consider when setting up a display.

In terms of accessories, the Huntress figure doesn’t come overloaded, but what it does include is well thought out. Her iconic crossbow is present, a weapon closely associated with her character in The New 52. The crossbow is detailed and appropriately sized, fitting seamlessly into her hand. Additionally, the figure comes with a collector’s card featuring artwork of Huntress and a stand for display, both adding to the overall presentation.

Impression

What makes the McFarlane Huntress figure truly shine is its connection to The New 52 era of DC Comics, a time of reinvention and bold new storylines. For collectors, this figure isn’t just about owning a piece of plastic—it’s about owning a part of a particular moment in DC history. The New 52 was a divisive era for some fans, but it also introduced many readers to new versions of beloved characters, including Huntress.

For collectors who appreciate the evolution of comic characters, this figure represents a significant piece of that puzzle. McFarlane Toys has done an exceptional job of capturing Huntress’s essence from The New 52, translating her from the page to a three-dimensional collectible that retains her fierceness and complexity.

Final Verdict

McFarlane Toys’ Huntress (The New 52) figure is a triumph in many ways. The figure’s detailed sculpt, exceptional paint application, and impressive articulation make it a standout addition to any collector’s display. More than just an action figure, it’s a representation of the bold new direction DC Comics took with The New 52, capturing the spirit of a character who has evolved with the times.

For fans of Huntress or collectors of McFarlane’s DC line, this figure is undoubtedly a must-have. While it’s not without minor issues—such as the difficulty in balancing the figure for display—it more than makes up for them with its overall quality. Whether displayed in-box or posed dynamically on a shelf, Huntress (The New 52) is sure to become a cherished part of any collection.

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