When Mattel’s Justice League Unlimited toyline utilized the three-pack action figure format, little did I realize that some of these characters were not included at all. Instead, they were sold as single-carded figures. To rub even more salt to the wound, these single figures also included accessories, unlike the three-pack sets. This is how I found Steel, an ally of Superman and quite a cool character. He is almost considered to be the “Iron Man” of the DC Universe.

It’s hard not to identify Steel from this lineup. He has quite a striking appearance, mostly due to the complexities of his costume (or in this case his armour). He doesn’t seem to follow the generic mold of the other figures; in fact, he seems a bit bulkier. Again, this could be due to the add-on armoured pieces that make up his overall appearance.

The question is how does one make a character that is coloured in metallic grey look interesting. Mattel actually does a good job in this department and follows the template of Bruce Timm’s design of the animated series. His costume is comprised of two shades of grey—dark and light. It’s a simple yet very effective solution. I also appreciate that his armour isn’t ridiculously complicated or ornate in nature. In following with the animated style, this streamlined version works very well. At first, when he made his debut on Superman: The Animated Series, he did so sans red cape, unlike his comic book counterpart. I didn’t like this in the beginning but looking at him now it makes more sense not to have a cape. He becomes more Doctor Doom in appearance than Iron Man. It also doesn’t seem practically, so kudos to everyone on that decision.

And what is Steel without his huge, trusty hammer? This identifies the character even moreso than the cape. He needs it. It would be like Captain America without his shield, and everybody knows Cap always has his shield on hand. The same goes with Steel. It is a well-crafted accessory and one that is necessary to complete the character’s look. Quite simply, it’s not a throwaway accessory that doesn’t serve any purpose at all.

Steel was first released as a single figure and has recently been re-released again, this time in both as a single figure and in an exclusive K-Mart three-pack set (along with Superman and Supergirl), the latter without accessories of course. This is a great looking figure and one that should adorn any collection, even though articulation is at its minimal. Characters like Steel add variation to an already generic makeup. Besides, I’m a sucker for the big war hammer. It always does the trick for me.


______________________________________________________________



DC Superheroes: Justice League Unlimited (single figures)
Series 4
Orion

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 4.99
Type of Toy: Action Figure
Age Range of Child: Kids to Teens