HISTORY: The DC Universe version of Lex Luthor that was sold with Supergirl is one of my favorite figures of all time. For those fortunate enough to grow up in the 80s, with Kenner's Super Powers' Lex Luthor this is a special treat. From Ed McGuinness' comic book rendition of Luthor's armour in "Superman/Batman" to the animated Justice League there have been a plethora of visual interpretations of this character but in toy form this is it.
Super Powers' Lex Luthor Superman/Batman Armored Lex Luthor
ARTICULATION: The articulation of Luthor is limited in some respects because of the suit he's wearing; this is a small gripe that I can't imagine really being corrected any time soon. It makes little sense repositioning his head as he would be staring at his enormous shoulder pads. The skirt (kilt?) also limits his leg movement but again, the overall look of the figure is more important than increased poseability. I'm a big fan of poseability as I see toys ultimately as mini-statues so for me to say the poor articulation in the figure is worth over looking is near heretical.
SCULPT/COLOURS: As mentioned before, the sculpt is easily the best part of the figure. The level of detail is amazing. From the furrow above his nose to the cables coming out of his chest the sculptors must have really had some love for Luthor's hate. Mattel really went all out on the paint scheme as well. The purple has a slightly metallic sheen to it and the green chest armor looks almost pearlescent. Despite these praises there is one glaring problem with the colour. The green of the kilt is a more fluorescent colour than the other greens and really sticks out. Besides that one criticism I don't think purple and green have ever looked so good.
OVERALL: Mattel's DC Universe line is constantly expanding. It's a good line, often prone to a lot of easy and obvious retooling, some weak sculpting (in the fists mainly) and bland paint applications, but this is a premium figure. Even if I wasn't interested in this line, which I am, I would have to own this figure. Lex is an iconic figure and there has never been a better version of him than this one.
