I’m sure many, many people would fail to answer this question: “Who is Superman’s oldest villain?” Here’s a hint: he’s a bald, scientific genius. But if you are going to say Lex Luthor, then you are utterly and completely wrong. Thanks for playing. Please come again. The Ultra-Humanite first appeared in Action Comics #13 back in 1939. That’s a full year before Lex Luthor came onto the scene in Action Comics #23 in 1940.

Ultra-Humanite is supposed to be Superman’s opposite. While the Man of Steel has superhuman strength and abilities, Ultra-Humanite is a crippled scientist with highly advanced intelligence. As you can see, over the course of time, Lex Luthor took over that role. So what became of Ultra-Humanite as a result? Do what any mad scientist would do… transfer his brain to a giant albino ape.

I was very shocked when I first saw Ultra-Humanite in an episode of Justice League and was even more amused when Mattel decided he was worthy enough to grace its toyline. After all, one can never get fight enough monkeys. The animated series takes a bit of a different spin by adding a sense of culture and refinement to the character on top of his already vast intellect.

The action figure is quite an excellent one and very unique to the entire line. I really like how he is depicted. Great care has been taken to sculpting him the way he appears on the animated show. Just by the look in his eyes, one can already tell that this isn’t your average-of-the-mill monkey. He has a piercing yet quiet intellect that is very unassuming. I’m almost picturing Kelsey Grammar’s character Fraiser in this simian form.

The details on the entire figure are superb. It’s minimal but conveys enough to tell the whole story. Fur is rendered in select places on his body to indicate that he’s hairy all over. His big head has pulsating veins on the sides to show that he’s smarter-than-the-average bear. His costume is beautifully crafted, very reminiscent of a Roman gladiator.

I usually scoff at the notion that these figures are only equipped with the basic moving parts. In the case of the Ultra-Humanite, he moves up a couple of notches. A sturdy 9-points of articulation is awarded to our furry companion; the basic head, arm and leg movement is joined by elbow and wrist joints. I would have loved if some waist and knee action was included, but beggars can’t be choosy. In fact, his arms are so long that it comes all the way down to his feet. I absolutely love it.

Ultra-Humanite is part of the Morph Gear series. This is a 2-for-1 type of weapon. It can either be used as sled with a giant gun or turn into a rocket launcher. It’s actually a great accessory and I’m glad it’s included with the pack.

I was lucky I obtained him when I did a few years ago. The villains are scarce especially in this particular wave. Only three ever manifested at all (Lex Luthor and Darkseid being the other two). But while he is a very rare figure to find, Mattel has decided to re-release him in an upcoming three-pack set. Here’s for all those who missed him the first time.

I keep saying that Superman needs more foes for him to fight and I always forget that the Ultra-Humanite is his oldest adversary. Unfortunately, he’s the forgotten one; however; he has received a whole new life in the Justice League series. I guess apes really are the masters of the world.


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Justice League Unlimited (single figures)
Series 1
The Atom || Brainiac

Series 2
Amazo || Atom Smasher || Aquaman || Booster Gold || Red Tornado


DC Superheroes: Justice League Unlimited (single figures)
Series 3
Aztek || Steel || Superman w/Black Mercy || Waverider || Wildcat

Series 4
Elongated Man || Metamorpho || Orion || Rocket Red || Vigilante

Series 5
Green Lantern Kyle Rayner || The Shade || Sinestro

Series 6
Blue Devil || Shining Knight

Exclusives
Solomon Grundy




Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 5.99
Type of Toy: Action Figure
Age Range of Child: Kids to Teens