McFarlane DC Multiverse reviews may start to form a bigger presence now than they did even in 2021! After feeling disappointed by the Mattel DCUC offerings as well as lacking confidence in DC Collectibles or Icons having a complete roster I can track down with no issue, the McFarlane line does at least provide me with the opportunity to catch up with the offerings they had in the past. Even if there is a 1% chance the license will be dropped, I'd take that as an absolute certainty by getting a figure like Green Lantern. I previously took a look at the John Stewart last year and put him in my Snyder Cut display, but that was a more modern design part of the 2018 relaunch. Let's see how Hal Jordan turned out for this review because he's the reason you'd want to get this figure in the first place; no flimsy terabyte-drainer needed!
Here we have Green Lantern in hand. The details of his costume are applied via paint, with the base mold originating from possibly the Blue Beetle/Booster Gold 2-pack. In my opinion, having details of a costume be raised in relief from the rest of the design does vary on the character in question; I like seeing a more three-dimensional chest logo for Superman and Batman to add a bit of layer to the iconic S-shield and Bat-symbol (especially if the latter has to be on a yellow oval). In the case of the Green Lantern, I'm fine with having it tampo'd on given how much simpler it looks compared to the other examples I mentioned, with the main priority for the paint transfer to be crisp, aligned properly, and opaque. McFarlane did a great job ensuring all paint details on the costume are applied properly and with a little to no QC errors as possible, whether it's the flesh tones on the neck or the color breakup between the black on the arms compared to the green on the torso or white of the gloves. The proportions are also great for a comic book character with a decent build, as Hal Jordan's physique doesn't have to be super-dynamic given his main strength lies in the power of his ring rather than prioritize the brawn you'd normally see on characters like Superman. The only oddity would have to be the choice of the diaper-piece associated with almost every McFarlane figure. While it makes sense for Superman and Batman to hide the hip joints, it comes off as an extra piece of the costume that normally isn't present on a Green Lantern. Beyond that, the figure looks great, with the actual main issue I have is how awkward the indents on the ankles are, making it difficult to have the figure standing straight.
The head sculpt suits Hal Jordan perfectly, with the hairdo and domino mask already signature traits of the character design. What elevates this further is the appropriate size for the white eyes on said mask as well as the slight smirk befitting Hal's character. Being a fighter jet pilot before his role as the Green Lantern of Earth, he grew to develop a somewhat cocky attitude that'd almost make him perfect for any military movie if he was never given the power ring. Speaking of, you can see it sculpted and painted on the right hand as it should be in the articulation photo next to the head sculpt pic. Also speaking of, he has a double-ball neck joint, ball joints for front and back motion in addition to having them shift around with the rotator cuffs hiding said joint, hinges for outward arm movement, bicep rotation, double-jointed elbows, and double-purpose wrists that can rotate at two pegs, with the connection at the forearm allowing the hands to hinge either vertically or horizontally. The torso includes a diaphragm joint and dumbbell waist, hips can move front and back as well as in and out, slight thigh rotation is included, knees bend with double-joints, and the feet can rotate, hinge, and pivot. Finally, the toes can bend for natural walking poses. Though he has no flight stand, you are free to supply one for him from any other Dc Multiverse figure that comes with one.
The figure comes with two punch effect pieces, which fit snugly into either hand (the right one moreso than the left hand). These are appropriate for any Green Lantern figure given their whole schtick being the power to generate weapons or enhanced attacks thanks to their rings. Also suitable for a Green Lantern to come with is a lantern to hold. While I'd like to see Green Lantern have some additional accessories that'd allow for more display options, what he comes with is at least enough for the price tag we're offered...for the most part. Also, not pictured is the the splayed-open alternate hand that we'll see later down in the review.
Here he is next to the Green Lantern I reviewed last year, and while many have their issues with McFarlane's DC Multiverse line, be it for genuine criticisms or whiny shit people spout (similar issues with Marvel Legends criticisms but not as prominent), I love it when the company can improve their body sculpts in terms of proportions and where it is appropriate to make suit cuts for articulation. I like putting my John Stewart with my ZSJL figures, but I know his proportions seem fairly wonky thanks to the length of the arms in addition to how much the upper body slopes downwards compared to the way they look on Hal. I also like it when we have the option to give figures alternate hands rather than leave them with their hands constantly in a C-joint pose if they're not holding their accessories. Despite both being from the same universe, the different costume aesthetics don't make them as much of a match compared to other versions of John Stewart. Unless you're fine with mixing and matching different versions of the Green Lantern Corps, then you should find versions that match either version. Also, I wanted to talk about the display base being distinct for the new logo and what that entails.
This whole digital thing essentially means you have the opportunity to get an NFT equivalent to a digital action figure in a virtual showroom, with CAD files you can place wherever you want after everything is minted. It's a very complicated process that I don't see interest in. I've never been a fan of the whole NFT concept, as it's much easier to just mess with the figure than deal with a 3D environment with less of the fun you'd get from animating in Blender or playing a game. There are things Todd McFarlane doesn't deserve the blame for, but this is probably his stupidest idea ever.
For a group shot with some of the Justice League members I have out of their boxes, here he is with Black & Grey Knightfall Batman, Action Comics #1000 Superman, and Collector Edition Wonder Woman. Fun fact: I was going to use the regular Knightfall Batman, but then I remember I prefer my Batman in black and gray a la the Animated Series, Arkhamverse, Batfleck, etc. I'm already more impressed with the higher variety of body types and unique sculptwork between the male characters in the McFarlane line, especially after the way the DCUC characters turned out. That being said, some may say that either Wonder Woman is a little taller than normal or Superman is not tall enough. Oh, and Green Lantern has his second alternate hand. It's odd how the other set of alternate hands are exclusive to the left side, but I perhaps it makes sense if he's going to showcase that ring constantly as a fist. Overall, I'm pretty happy with how Green Lantern turned out, even if there are some things I'd change here and there. At the very least, I got him for a slightly cheaper price after he was sold out everywhere, not to mention my huge lack of interest in the NFT concept. I'll stick with just the action figure, thank you very much. Also random fact: I spotted this same figure at a FYE when I checked out a mall yesterday and was not impressed by that $39.99 price tag. I'd rather buy that Superman vs Ultraman 2-pack with the smiling Pepe the Frog looking ass Supes head if it was at a discount.
Final ranking: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
