We are getting close to the end of reviewing the Crime Syndicate action figure line from DC Collectibles, today I will take a look at the evil Green Lantern, Power Ring. Opposed to his “good” counterpart, this fearful and weak character is an interesting addition to the evil team. I love the fact that none of these lanterns want their power and that their lanterns act as more of a parasite when it comes to their symbiotic relationship! This figure is one of my favorites in the line due to the time spent on the face expression and the details shown of how the ring’s power slowly manipulates the host’s body.
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Power Ring is one of the members of the Crime Syndicate to arrive from Earth-3 at the conclusion of the “Trinity War” event. Power Ring is a counterpart to Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern, known as Harold Jordan on Earth-3. Harold works as a janitor at Ferris Air, where he spies on Carol Ferris’ operations to sell them out. When being confronted by Carl Ferris, Abin Sur’s ring of Volthoom chooses Harold, bringing him to Abin’s crashed ship. Abin begs Harold to take the ring, which he does, freeing Abin Sur. Harold quickly realizes his mistake, as the ring opens a pocket dimensional portal to charge itself, unleashing a creature that attacks Harold.
During the “Forever Evil” storyline, Power Ring accompanies Deathstorm in his raid on Belle Reve to free its inmates. Later, again accompanying Deathstorm, Power Ring attacks the Rogues, who have refused to cause mass deaths in their own city, against the Crime Syndicate’s orders. When Deathstorm leaves to head back to the Syndicate’s lab, Power Ring, with Secret Society members, attack Batman, Catwoman, and Lex Luthor’s Injustice Society at Wayne Enterprises. Batman attempts to stop Power Ring with a Sinestro Corps ring, but Power Ring’s constructs are able to remove the ring and destroy it. However, Batman’s use of the ring summons Sinestro. Power Ring battles Sinestro, but Sinestro cuts off his right arm, releasing him from the ring’s control. Power Ring thanks Sinestro for freeing him from his curse. Sinestro welcomes his thanks and incinerates him. The ownerless ring then flies off to find a new host.
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Green is my favorite color. Not that this has much to do with the review of this figure but I thought I should mention that. I love the green motif that the window box gets and the cardboard backdrop as a great light green tone that makes for a great backdrop when taking pictures. The windowbox packaging is my favorite of all time as it makes for easy opening and removal of the figure, while also providing a great display option for those of you who like to keep your action figures sealed. Just like their great logo, DC is able to replicate it on the front of the packaging to emulate a comic book page turning, this is a great touch.
The paint scheme on Power Ring is rather simple, but what detailing the artists did makes the figure special. It’s easy to paint the character all in green and add the white to differentiate the logo on his chest, his boots and gloves, and so on. The sculptors did a bang up job with the muscle tone which makes takes a dull one colored character from decent to great. From head to toe, Power Ring is cut perfectly but what really stands out is the detail work they did on the ring taking over his body. Starting at the hand, the ring fills Power Ring’s veins with some kind of green substance that eventually gives him his power. This is shown by using a darker green, which you can see clearly on his face and glove. His arm is done in the same fashion, but due to the uniform’s color it doesn’t stand out as much. This is fine because they do a nice job raising the lines so they are more visible. In the end you get a great “infected” look that is straight from the comics.
Power Ring’s head is a great piece as well. Showing off his fear and uncertainty very well, he displays the most emotion of all the figures. His hair is not a separate piece as some of the other have been, but instead is part of the head sculpt. This is fine, though I do prefer a separate, molded piece most of the time. The strands stand out as being individual and the swooping bang is a nice touch. Accessory-wise, in my review of Johnny Quick from earlier this week, I admitted that Atomica is actually an accessory as well, so Power Ring doesn’t stand alone in that category. What would a lantern be with out his lantern?! This lantern is not one to miss either! Looking like something straight out of a Nightmare on Elm Street movie, this terrifying piece of plastic is a great addition to the set. Unfortunately mine came in pieces, which is fine and it is meant to be that way, but mine was more broken than anything. I was able to put the lantern back together for the shoot and everything worked out. But this is something to look out for.
These days any lack of articulation doesn’t cut it, especially now that adult collector action figures are ranging from $15-$30 dollars, and some are even more than that! The bar has been raised and the expectations are high! But the beauty is that great companies like Gentle Giant are teaming up with companies like DC Collectibles and the result is beautiful! Here’s what you get!
- Ball-joined head
- ball-hinged shoulders, swivel right biceps
- hinged elbows, ball-hinged wrists (side-side swivel)
- hinged torso and swivel waist
- ball-hinged hips, swivel thighs
- front-back hinged higher and lower knees, and ball-hinged ankles
These figures have taken articulation for DC Collectibles to a whole new level, and that’s wonderful news for all of us! Even the new Capullo Series has great poseability! This is steps above where the series was just recently. But now DC Collectibles can proudly sit at the top of the market. When you are paying top dollar for collectibles these days it’s nice to know that you are getting a quality product. Sometimes it’s just nice to justify it to yourself! Proving that working with Gentle Giant Studios on the Crime Syndicate series was ingenious! I look forward to their next endeavor!
I give the DC Collectibles Super Villains Forever Evil Crime Syndicate Power Ring action figure a 5 outta 5 Stars! This guy is perfect all around and so far my favorite of the lot. Funny thing is that he is my least favorite member of the team in the comics. From a perfect paint job and an unbeatable facial expression, to maximum articulation, Power Ring is indeed one of the best action figures on my shelf. It’ll be interesting to see who takes on the mantle of the Power Ring now that Harold is dead….. I have to go read Forever Evil #7, like now.
I’ll be wrapping up my reviews of the series next week with Owlman. Check out my previous reviews of Johnny Quick, Ultraman and Superwoman!
~CynicNerd
