{"id":14105,"date":"2011-08-23T23:59:27","date_gmt":"2011-08-24T04:59:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=14105"},"modified":"2011-08-24T04:04:30","modified_gmt":"2011-08-24T09:04:30","slug":"dc-universe-classics-apache-chief-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=14105","title":{"rendered":"DC Universe Classics
Apache Chief Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a>I know. Apache Chief is late for Apache Chief Week. But he’s the star, right? Give the guy some slack!! Okay, it\u2019s really me that needs it! It\u2019s been a difficult week for DC Universe Classics Collectors and it\u2019s been similarly difficult for me to work on these reviews. <\/p>\n

First, a quick aside about current events. The subscription period is over, ending at just 60% of the required number and yet things are still up in the air concerning the subscription. \u201cMatty\u201d let us know on Facebook that they\u2019ll have an update for us later in the week, but, perhaps more interestingly, Fangirl 2.0 said on Mattycollector that they\u2019ll have to \u201cmake some decisions about the 2012 offering\u201d. Considering the basic pitch was that the sub figures would be no more for 2012 should the sub fail, we may (or may not) have an interesting update on our hands sometime this week. As always, we\u2019ll bring you some news & commentary once we have it. <\/p>\n

So, on to Apache Chief… <\/p>\n

<\/center><\/p>\n

Over the weekend, I talked a bit in El Dorado\u2019s review<\/a> about the value of the ethnic characters in Super Friends<\/em> and how I tend to think they’re given a raw deal by some DC fans. The portrayals of our favorite heroes weren\u2019t exactly the greatest in the cartoons, but, often enough, we could overlook any ambiguity because we knew the characters and their history from the comics. The show-created characters were never afforded that same safety net. In many cases, the handful of appearances that each hero made are all we have to go on. I think that\u2019s more the problem than anything inherent to the characters themselves. I have no doubt that a strong writer at DC could turn any of the show-created heroes into much more interesting, layered characters. I can\u2019t write them off simply because that hasn\u2019t been done yet. <\/p>\n

To further that line of thought, if you watch the entire run of Super Friends<\/em>, you\u2019ll find that next to nothing is ever really revealed about most of the new heroes \u2013 they just appear alongside our favorite characters. But Apache Chief does stand… uh, a little taller<\/em> because he received an origin story by way of Giganta. See, in the cartoon, Giganta was the sworn enemy of Apache Chief, not Wonder Woman. <\/p>\n

<\/center><\/p>\n

The origin of the pair is shown in the episode \u201cHistory of Doom\u201d. The episode happens at some indeterminate point in the future, when some aliens (or humans in robes, whatever) visit Earth to learn more about how it was destroyed. They watch some old tapes showing various \u201chistorical records\u201d including the origin of Apache Chief and Giganta. Now, you have to turn off the logic center of your brain when I explain this to you. It\u2019s a 1978 cartoon and that means it\u2019s okay that two Native Americans were just walking around a forest in period garb, that there\u2019s a 20ft tall bear (with boobs), and that some magic powder and shouting E-NUK-CHUK is sufficient to make one grow to 50ft tall, which, in turn, is plenty big enough to pick up a 20ft bear (with boobs) and relocate him behind a nearby mountain. Hey! Once I tell you all the parts you need to suspend disbelief for\u2026 you\u2019ve already heard the entire origin. Fancy that.<\/em> Oh, and we also learn that Apache Chief\u2019s name is, in fact, Apache Chief. <\/p>\n

(And if you must know, they were followed by this evil redhead cowgirl on a horse who\u2019s strong enough to move a giant boulder and start a rockslide, can lasso a bag of magic powder from a considerable distance, and doesn\u2019t have to say E-NUK-CHUK to get really big (and really evil). Oh, and for some reason decides to dress like a cavegirl). <\/p>\n

<\/center><\/p>\n

Okay, so that\u2019s not the best<\/em> \u2013 but at least he got an origin and y\u2019know\u2026 that\u2019s something. My point about these characters receiving a little love from a high level DC writer still stands. <\/p>\n

Anyway, you\u2019re probably here for me to talk about the figure rather than prattle on about subscriptions and thirty-five year old cartoon horrors, right? Apache Chief is built on a basic 9″ male buck. It’s completely serviceable, but I’m kinda tired of so many of the recent C&Cs being the same height. I’m going to lament (i.e. whine about) the loss of the C&C for quite some time, but the truth is that it’s just not as cool as it used to be. I appreciate that we’re still getting unique sculpts like Nekron & the Anti-Monitor, and smart re-use is always fine with me too – it’s just the height that’s bugging me. <\/p>\n

<\/center><\/p>\n

We all know that the circumstances (constraints?) that Mattel produces this line under have changed quite a bit since the line started, but those early days offered a lot more variety in the C&C department than this last stretch. I think the overall line has suffered for it. Apache Chief may not be the best review to talk about that in because his sculpt works and I definitely don’t want him smaller nor do I want to complaing about he should’ve been bigger because I don’t know that Mattel could’ve made him bigger (though Giganta size might’ve been nice). Still, I wish that this last batch of C&C’s weren’t all being taken to the maximum height. I know some of you will disagree (bigger is better?), but looking back I wish there could have been some kind of tiered height system and that the “maximum” had been used more sparingly.<\/p>\n

<\/center><\/p>\n

Okay, height complaint aside. This is a well-sculpted Apache Chief. The basic buck is appropriate (and yes, there are nipples – thank you, Trigon) and some new pieces are added to get the details right – new boots, forearms, loincloth, vest, scarf, and the new head. The pieces all have some nice details – folds & stitching – to help the animated look better translate and fit in with the rest of the line. Similarly, Apache Chief’s got a great head sculpt that helps to make a great overall figure. Even better, the long hair is made of a pliable plastic that doesn’t restrict the neck movement (as is the jacket – it’s removable). Continue to Page 2…<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/center><\/p>\n

Apache Chief is mostly done in his molded colors with some light details, but it works for the figure. The paint that is there is clean and makes for a sharp looking figure. The only drawback is that the molded skin tone never seems to match with the different grades of plastics. There’s a noticeable difference between the upper and lower thigh. It’s exaggerated in the pictures, but still present in person. <\/p>\n

<\/center><\/p>\n

Articulation is standard for the line with a few extras. He’s got great range on the ball-jointed neck, ball shoulders, swivels at the bicep, wrist, waist, thighs, & calves<\/em>, hinges at the elbows, knees, & ankles, the ab crunch, the 4H hips, and rocker ankles<\/em>. Pretty much all the articulation you wish every figure in the line had. <\/p>\n

Apache Chief included no accessories. He doesn’t really need any… though the show did provide the opportunity for a few kickass pack-ins like a tiny Brainiac ship for him to wrestle with (robot Brainiac vs Apache Chief is an all-time favorite episode for me) or even just a miniature planet Earth – while Apache Chief once had a 50ft height limit, he later teamed with the Atom (crap! I forgot him in the group pic!) to enhance his size manipulation powers to unknown limits. In that episode, he grew large enough to walk around on North America like it was a small patch of land (they never said how many people he crushed to death), but he’d later grow big enough to fight a “space colossus” and save the Earth (which was getting treated like a marble at the time – worst episode ever?<\/em>).<\/p>\n

<\/center><\/p>\n

Overall, the only thing I have to nitpick is the height (which is more of an overall issue with the line of late than the figure itself) and the color change in the middle of the legs. Those two issues aside, we’ve got a well-sculpted and well-executed figure here. Apache Chief may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but he did get a solid figure. If you’re fan of the character or the show, then you’ll be pleased with this guy. If you’re not, but ended up with him anyway, the figure might just push you into giving the character a second look. (What? I’m an optimistic kinda guy…)<\/p>\n

<\/center><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

For more DC reviews, check out our
\n DC Universe Classics Collector’s Guide<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/center><\/p>\n

<\/center><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I know. Apache Chief is late for Apache Chief Week. But he’s the star, right? Give the guy some slack!! Okay, it\u2019s really me that needs it! It\u2019s been a difficult week for DC Universe Classics Collectors and it\u2019s been similarly difficult for me to work on these reviews.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":14106,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_options":[]},"categories":[6,34,10],"tags":[1141,665,939,20,27,179,1142],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.itsalltrue.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/apcTN.jpg?fit=50%2C50&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pObc6-3Fv","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":14027,"url":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=14027","url_meta":{"origin":14105,"position":0},"title":"Apache Chief Week: DC Classics Bronze Tiger Review","date":"August 17, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"If the Super Friends or Geoff Johns versions of classic characters leaves you cold, then DC Universe Classics Wave 18 probably isn\u2019t your favorite, but the wave still has something to offer even the most stalwart DC Classics Collector, one of DC\u2019s most renowned martial artists, Ben Turner, the Bronze\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "DCClassics.Com"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":14015,"url":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=14015","url_meta":{"origin":14105,"position":1},"title":"Apache Chief Week: DC Classics Black Vulcan Review","date":"August 16, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Since I did my favorite figure yesterday, I figured I'd get my least favorite figure out of the way today. Had Black Vulcan come out looking more like the 2up, I would've have enjoyed his figure nearly as much as the others, but something went awry between El Segundo and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "DCClassics.Com"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":14096,"url":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=14096","url_meta":{"origin":14105,"position":2},"title":"Apache Chief Week: DC Classics El Dorado Review","date":"August 22, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"It seems Apache Chief Week was just too ginormous to fit into a standard workweek! We\u2019ve got one figure left before we get to the big man himself, a late addition to the Hanna-Barbera Super Friends cartoon and one DC character that I was sure wouldn't get a figure, El\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "DCClassics.Com"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":14038,"url":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=14038","url_meta":{"origin":14105,"position":3},"title":"Vault Review: Apache Chief Week – Captain Boomerang","date":"August 18, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Captain Boomerang is one of those strange characters that really shouldn\u2019t be popular.\u00a0 He\u2019s the essence of a stereotypical villain with a lame costume, yet he\u2019s able to persevere where other lame characters like Angle Man couldn\u2019t.\u00a0 Even I have to admit I wanted a figure of this crazy Aussie.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "DCClassics.Com"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.itsalltrue.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/boom11.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12594,"url":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=12594","url_meta":{"origin":14105,"position":4},"title":"Matty on Facebook: DC Universe Classics 17 in Package","date":"May 11, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Earlier this week, Mattel released images of the DC Universe Classics Wave 17. This wave stirred up a lot of controversy when it was announced, so how it sells in the next few weeks will be interesting. I'm buying because I want to build the Anti-Monitor and, hey, the figures\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "DCClassics.Com"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":3730,"url":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=3730","url_meta":{"origin":14105,"position":5},"title":"ItsAllTrueReview: DC Classics – A Question and Two Deadmen","date":"February 4, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"","rel":"","context":"In "DCClassics.Com"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14105"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14105"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14105\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14124,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14105\/revisions\/14124"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14106"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14105"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14105"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14105"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}