Third in our five-part series featuring the ninth wave of DC Universe Classics, this review covers Mantis and his variant, Mantis.
These two figures are comprised of the same basic parts. It’s obvious from afar that the Classic Mantis features the standard buck body with a new head, and new lower arms and legs (which all conveniently hook into his super-flexible cape). But what it not so obvious, is that the Super Power Mantis is also built around the same buck. SP Mantis also features unique lower arms and legs, but the rest of the look is accomplished with add-on pieces. There is the chest armor, the pelvic armor, two thigh guards, and another piece of plastic over the ab crunch to smooth the figure out. These few highly-detailed pieces transform the whole figure and make it a perfect update of the classic Super Powers version. Simply put, he’s a work of genius. Even if you’re not interested in the Super Powers themed versions in this line, you should still appreciate the planning and execution that went into this version of Mantis.
Classic Mantis has a great head sculpt with the bright yellow paints that makes him really standout. The unique face sculpt is really appreciated here. There’s just something about it that really sets it apart from the others and that’s important. Particularly on a figure like Mantis, where the headsculpt has to do most of the heavy lifting. As the line grows, unique headsculpts like this will really help compensate for the body reuse. I should also take a moment to thank Vault for loaning me his Mantis for this review. Mantis is currently the one DCUC9 figure I’ve yet to run across.
These figures are somewhat night and day when it comes to paint apps. Classic Mantis just needed a few sharp green lines to finish out the detailing on his costume, but he also sports some dark green/black lines to bring out the details in his gauntlets/boots and to provide some variety to his cape. All of these lines are done well.
Super Powers Mantis is reliant on paint apps. In addition to the green/yellow contrast of his overall costume, Mantis is appropriately covered in bolts. Most of these went on cleanly, but you might keep an eye out since the number of apps increases the likelihood that there will be slop.
There’s no accessories for these two figures, but the cape on Classic Mantis is a standout piece. One of the problems with early DC Classics, and some more recent ones, is the bulky cape. There’s a couple where the ab crunch can’t hold the figure forward because of the weight of the cape. There are others where the cape juts away from the figure and they need extra clearance behind them on the shelf. For those figures, it’d be interesting to see some of the capes molded in this more flexible plastic. It’s a little awkward on Mantis since putting his arms down makes it bunch up a little, but we think it might work nicely on some of the figures instead of the thick folded capes.
Overall, Mantis and his variant are good pieces in a sleeper wave. If you’re a big Super Powers fan, you can’t ask for a nicer update than the Mantis. If you prefer Kirby’s classic versions of the New Gods, this wave takes care of you as well. You may not put either Mantis towards the front of your display, but both figures are worthy of the spotlight.
A magic bad writing sword? LOL.
What can I say? I’m still a little bitter.
Love the new Firestorm, but that was a moronic way to kill off the old one.
I wasn’t familiar with this character until just last week. I was watching some episodes of JLU that were included on the Public Enemies Blu-Ray and he was fighting Superman and Capt. Atom. Thought that was pretty cool.
Unfortunately, I haven’t come across any wave 9 figs in my area. I bought Deadshot & Black Adam online, but had to pay $20 apiece. And now I’m more concerned with hunting down wave 10!
I didn’t know what the regular Mantis was like til many years later. He has never held the same appeal to me.
Robo-Mantis is pretty tall. Neat.
His extra pieces do make him taller than the others. It’s cool.
Snuck Power Girl in there too, I see.
Yep. I’ve got wave ten reviews to do too!
Robot beats Flying Squirrel! 😀
LOL. Every time.
I loved those minicomics. I wish I knew where they were.
I have some, but some day I need to eBay a set.
if i were looking at re-use possibilities… what can you do w/ the robot mantis parts? maybe a brainiac?
I don’t know if they can be re-used, but I think Mattel is okay to update the head, lower arms, and lower legs as one-offs.
YAY. TOYS I CAN TALK ABOUT!!! Classic mantis is easily one of my favorite DCUC, and hopefully the beginning of awesome capes.
Ironically, Mantis is still the one I don’t have. LOL.
I’ll pick up a Superpowers Mantis if I ever see him…
It seems Mattel might actually need to do an 8/9 case the way they made so many 6/7 cases.
Course then we won’t get wave thirteen in sufficient quantities. LOL
I’m still missing Gentlemen Ghost, Hawkgirl, Green Arrow, Kirby Mantis, and all of DC10!!
It’s a very hard time to be a DC Classics collector. 🙁
Way too much at once. I’m at my limit and we’ve still got 10/15 and PE to go…
Firestorm fan, I take it? 🙂
I’ve only found Kirby Mantis so far, but I’d love to run across a Super Powers Mantis. The SP variants were a great idea.
I love Firestorm.
I’d love a Black Bison figure too.
I can not wait for the New Gods to be done!! God, so many more important characters are being skipped for the dumbest New Gods.
Where’s J’Onn? Where’s Ralph? Where’s Supergirl? Where’s the Phantom Stranger? I don’t know, but they’ve made Mantis and Forager!
I’m not ready for the New Gods to be done yet. I still want Highfather, Granny, and Metron at least.
I never saw Wave 8 in mass retail. Saw it in an LCS, otherwise, NOTHING. Still want Hawkgirl and Gent Ghost. Also Green Arrow…
I found it a couple times, but not nearly as much as 6 and 7.
I’ve found everything so far and without too much trouble. Plenty of W8 at Target, W9 at TRU, and now W10 at WallyWorld.
That’s where I’ve found those specific waves too.
You have Power Girl too?? You suck!
Are you finding these at stores??
LOL. Yep.
When’s the Chemo review! Sadly, he’s the only one I wanted from this wave.
He’ll be last.
Man, I need to get caught up.
Good luck in your searching.
Wave 9 and 10 are good waves.
Power Girl! Yay!
When did Firestorm model underwear?? o.0
In Extreme Justice back in the 90s. That book is kind of a guilty pleasure.