I’ve been a big fan of the direct-to-DVD animated films Warner Premiere has been producing based on the DC Universe over the past couple of years. The first film, Superman/Doomsday, had rough patches in terms of casting and character design, but otherwise was an entertaining take on the storyline. Justice League: A New Frontier was a flat-out wonderful adaptation of Darwyn Cooke‘s graphic novel, and Batman: Gotham Knights was a decent (if not really necessary) middle installment between the two Christian Bale Batman movies. The newest entry into the series, an animated origin story for Wonder Woman, was produced by legendary animator Bruce Timm, with a story co-written by Gail Simone, who is one of the best writers the character has ever had in the comic books. I’ve written a full review of the movie over at Comixtreme.com, which I invite you to check out.
Here, I’d like to talk a little about the specific version of the DVD I got. It’s become fashionable in the last few years to offer different extras with DVDs based on where you buy it, so if you’re a geek like me it’s no longer enough to look at how much a DVD costs. You need to look at what bonus goodies you get with it as well. Being a fan of the DC Universe Infinite Heroes action figure line, there was no way I could skip the Best Buy-exclusive pack that included a new Wonder Woman figure. Now keep in mind, there is a “regular” Wonder Woman toy in the main Infinite Heroes line as well. This figure is slightly different, painted to match the design of the the character from the movie. I am fine with this. There’s also a three-pack based on the Gotham Knights designs that I’m itching to get my hands on, and I hope to see more figures based on the various DC media properties in the future.
The paint job is okay, considering that the goal here is to imitate the design of the animated character, but it isn’t quite as detailed as the rest of the toy line. The design does a good job of mimicking the animated style, but the body is only painted, not molded like most of the other figures. This is, in essence, a blank female body with a Wonder Woman paint job. I’m not complaining, mind you. For a freebie based on a cartoon, it’s just fine. It’s just not as good as the regular toys.
I am, however, impressed that she has a different lower torso than most of the female figures I’ve gotten thus far. As I’m mentioned in some of my previous Toy Story pieces, most of the female Infinite Heroesare totally unable to stand on their own, equipped with skinny little plastic toothpicks that are supposed to be legs. Diana’s legs are perfectly shapely, but actually have a little mass to them. Standing her up is no problem at all. I really hope this far superior design is applied to all of the female figures in the line released from now on.
The movie is more than worth getting, and if you’re a major fan of Wonder Woman, get the Blu-Ray or two-disc DVD version for a nice selection of extras. As for the toy — if you’re collecting the Infinite Heroes, there’s no reason to get this DVD anywhere but Best Buy. If you’re not getting the toys, then you can pick it up anywhere and have plenty of goodies just from that.
And now, since I have all three of the characters, I couldn’t resist putting together a quick group shot of the DC Universe Trinity:
I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t mess with this team.
yay!