Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Review 1: Square Enix Play Arts Kai DC Variant 1/7th scale Hawkman 11.6" Collectible Figure

Hawkman first appeared in Flash Comics #1 (1940), and was a featured character in that title throughout the 1940s. This Hawkman was Carter Hall, a reincarnation of the ancient Egyptian prince, Khufu. Hall discovered that the mysterious "ninth metal" could negate the effects of gravity and allow him to fly. He donned a costume with large wings to allow him to control his flight and became the crimefighter, Hawkman.

DC Comics would go on to re-invent Hawkman to fit in with the times. In the 1960s, Hawkman was revived in The Brave and the Bold # 34 (Feb-Mar 1961), this time as an alien policeman from the planet Thanagar, though his powers were largely the same.


All incarnations of Hawkman used the fictional "ninth metal" or "Nth metal" to defy gravity and allow them to fly. The metal is in their costume's belt, boots, and wings. Its abilities are controlled mentally. Their wings allow them to control their flight, though they can be "flapped" through use of shoulder motions. The Nth metal also regulates the body temperature of the wearer, preventing the need for heavy protective clothing while in high altitudes. It also has the property of radiating heat, which can be controlled to warm the wearer in colder climates. The Nth metal greatly aids in healing, closing wounds almost instantaneously. In most comic books he is known to have slightly enhanced physical strength.

This is the Square Enix Play Arts Kai DC Variant 1/7th scale Hawkman 11.6" Collectible Figure. The Hawkman collectible figure features a realistic flesh tone, metallic armor, an Nth Metal mace, Axe and Kukri Knife. With accessories including: interchangeable hands, a stand, and the Thanagarian Relic, the Claw of Horus.

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Click on them for bigger and better views.


In this instance, I feel that the box art does not show off the awesomeness of this figure. If I were to go on the box art alone, I would never have gotten this figure. I pre-ordered this figure based on the preview pictures (posted HERE) which were pretty impressive but nothing beats having the actual figure in your hands.


Here's the Hawkman figure in the top tray. The bottom tray holds his wings.


All versions of Hawkman preferred to use archaic weaponry—particularly maces, nets, spears, and shields—rather than modern or futuristic weapons. There is, however, one significantly unique weapon Carter employs occasionally: the Claw of Horus. Included with this set are an Nth Metal mace, Axe and Kukri Knife. The Claw of Horus is already attached with the action figure.


Hawkman's wings in the rest position, waiting to be attached.


Here's Square Enix Play Arts Kai DC Variant 1/7th scale Hawkman 11.6" Collectible Figure with wings attached. The figure measures 11.6" H (294.64mm) x 5.12" W (130.05mm) x 2" L (50.8mm) with his wings in the rest position. Check out the turnaround views


Hawkman is a unique hero with roots in ancient Egypt, drawing inspiration from the god Horus. Re-imagined by Play Arts Kai craftsmanship, Hawkman has a divine appearance with large wings and a broad wingspan, taking the original design to the next level with a modernized expression and fine details.


I really like how the Square Enix designers re-imagined and interpreted this Hawkman. I can so see the Egyptian roots on this Hawkman design. I like this even more than the original Hawkman.


Check out Hawkman's wings. They are actually made up of three parts and each section can move independently. Very nice design and toy engineering by the manufacturer.


Check out the Thanagar emblem on his chest and close-up shots of Square Enix Play Arts Kai DC Variant 1/7th scale Hawkman 11.6-inch tall Collectible Figure


Here's another look at the Claw of Horus. Hawkman used it to defeat Superman, using its Nth metal to channel the Earth's gravitational field. As he explained to Superman, "Essentially, I just hit you with the planet."


NEXT: Hawkman with wings expanded. Square Enix Play Arts Kai DC Variant 1/7th scale Hawkman has a maximized range of motion in the neck, shoulders, and ankles which allows for majestic flight poses.