INTRODUCTION:
The Joker is the Batman's arch-nemesis, a fictional super-villain created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson who made his debut appearance in the first issue of the Batman comic book(April 25, 1940) published by DC Comics.
In comic books, the Joker is regularly portrayed as a psychopath and a criminal mastermind who carries out mass murders, robberies.
As Batman's nemesis, the Joker has been part of the superhero's defining story arcs, including the murder of Jason Todd—the second Robin and Batman's ward—and the paralysis of one of Batman's allies, Barbara Gordon.
The Joker has had multiple origin stories during his decades of appearances. The most common story involves him falling into a tank of chemical waste which bleaches his skin white, turns his hair green, and his lips bright red; the resulting disfigurement drives him insane. The antithesis of Batman in personality and appearance, the Joker is considered by critics to be his perfect adversary.
Although he possesses no superhuman abilities, The Joker makes up for this with his intellect and the ability to understand the Batman unlike any other nemesis the Dark Knight has ever had. He is also well-versed in chemical engineering and has used this to develop poisonous or lethal concoctions, and thematic weaponry, including razor-tipped playing cards, deadly joy buzzers, and acid-spraying lapel flowers.
The Joker was re-introduced into mainstream television audiences via actor Mark Hamill's portrayal of the character in the animated TV series in the 1990s as well as Jack Nicholson's portrayal in the 1989 Batman movie. Most recently, the late Heath Ledger played the role to great critical acclaim, followed by Jared Leto's carrying the role in last year's Suicide Squad.
One of the most iconic characters in popular culture, the Joker has been listed among the greatest comic book villains and fictional characters ever created.
PACKAGING- 7/10
The Joker comes packaged in a deluxe fifth-panel window box with protective slipcover featuring character-specific art.
Designed for collector convenience, the packaging allows for both maximum protection as well as ease of removal for display.
This figure comes with the basics of what you might expect from the Mezco One:12 Collective, but what makes it stand apart from other Joker figures is how beautifully they've managed to craft a Clown Prince of Crime for all seasons.
ACCESSORIES- 7/10
What you get with the figure:
- 1:12 scaled, highly realistic fabric outfit - Hyper-realistic portraits - Detailed sculpted costume accents, gloves, socks, and shoes - Super articulated body with over 28 points of articulation
- Removable coat
- 1 Standard portrait - 1 Alternate portrait - 2 Fists (L&R) - 1 Posing hand (L) - 1 Holding hand (R) - 1 Card holding hand (R) - 1 Revolver - 1 Chattering teeth - 1 Display base with posing post
FIGURE- 10/10
I've owned quite a number of Joker figures in the past, ranging from 1:12 scale to 1:6 scale ones, and I have to say, Mezco's interpretation of what they think Joker should look like nails it perfectly.
Mezco, in my opinion faithfully adopts characteristics from the comics, animated tv series and somehow manages to make it its own kickass version of the Joker. The two headsculpts- one with the sly smile and slicked hair and the other with a maniacal grin is what the Joker is (or should be) all about.
The material used for the figure also seals the deal for me. The purple fabric and the fact that you can take off his coat just gives me so many ideas and ways in which I can think of posing him.
Oh, and let's not forget that he's wearing YELLOW AND BLACK BATMAN SOCKS. BOOM! Where else can you find a Joker figure that does the character justice- its about having a right balance between sheer insanity and dark, twisted humour and on this aspect The Joker delivers.
I know many collectors aren't too happy with the lack of accessories, but given the effort taken for the clothing and headsculpt, I think the pricing is quite justified in this case.
ARTICULATION- 7/10
This is the part where some collectors have expressed their dissatisfaction in- the fact that Joker is one of the least articulated figures of the One: 12 Collective line.
But I don't necessarily see it that way. Granted the figure is quite stiff in some aspects, and lacks butterfly joint articulation around the shoulder/ and arms, but he more than makes up for it in the variations of the poses that he can execute.
The figure is sturdy, and there are no issues with loose joints (so far). But I've seen collectors complain online that the ball peg which connects the hands to the arms can break if you're not careful. So just be careful when you're removing the hands. Other than that, there's pretty much no issue for me.
POSEABILITY- 9.5/10
I really had fun trying out different poses for this figure, despite the fact that it comes with just the basic accessories, its fast becoming one of my favourite Mezco figs!
VALUE- 9/10
Joker and Batman would definitely want to get their hands on this figure, and it goes well with armored Batman, Batfleck, Superman as well as the Dark Knight Returns figures from the same One:12 Collective.
Me? I'm going to get my grubby paws on all the DC figs in the Mezco line, hahahaha :)
Big Bad Toy Store has him for US$90 (RM385.31). Or you can search Ebay or Facebook for a deal. I'd avoid the scalpers though :)
OVERALL SCORE- 8.3/10
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