Women of the DC Universe
05.10.06 By Collin DavidThe definition of the word ‘bust’ can encompass many things. When implemented as a noun, we’re either referring to ‘a sculpture representing a person’s upper body’, or simply ‘the human chest’. In the case of DC Direct’s Women of the DC Universe sculpture line, we’ve pretty much got ample quantities of both.
Based on the artwork of Adam Hughes, the Women of the DC Universe series showcases some of the most well-known heroines in comics in miniature form, including Wonder Woman, Poison Ivy and Catwoman. Adam Hughes is known for his classy, art nouveau take on comics, but more notably, rendering more-than-respectable bosoms on his female characters. Within comic fandom, you can basically draw a wobbly stick figure with a couple of watermelons glued to it and you’ll be hailed as ‘an amazing talent!’ by at least one industry magazine. Some of us are more discerning, but some of us also have had girlfriends that weren’t imaginary Drow Elf princesses. Adam Hughes is a talented artist though, his produce-aisle women included. The busts themselves are sculpted by John G. Mathews, and while they’re not entirely true to Hughes’ original artworks, they’re still effective pieces of sculpture.
More than being an excuse to make a bunch of statues with slammin’ racks, the Women of the DCU line is another example of an artist-centric line of products by DC Direct, who are giving more respect and honor to comic artists than has ever been given before. They’ve been giving fairly consistent kudos to original ideas and interpretations of their valuable character properties, and I commend them for it. But mostly, slammin’ racks. When the identity and recognition of their characters is what can make or break their success, it’s a bold move to allow so much freedom to their artists and writers.
This series of busts is cast in porcelain, and hand-numbered in quantities of about 3000 each. Each bust measures about 6 inches tall, and that includes 2 inches of base. For being in such a miniature scale, roughly about 1/8th of actual size, the busts have consistently exceeded my expectations. It’s a rare case when the box art, which features imagery of professionally painted prototypes, pales in comparison to the actual product. The busts are cleanly painted, well-packed and lightweight. They only measure about 2 or 3 inches across also, so there’s plenty of room for them on your collectible shelf. Who doesn’t like strong, empowered women? Who doesn’t like them when they happen to be easy on the eye? I don’t hear any guys complaining about feeling emasculated by the perfect fantasy physique of Superman!
Beginning this past January, DC has been releasing a bust every two months, beginning with Wonder Woman, Poison Ivy, and just released this week, Catwoman. The rest of the year will be filled out with Hawkgirl, Harley Quinn and Supergirl, each arriving every two months. They’re all still fairly available for roughly 40 bucks each, and if you can justify them to your girlfriend or your mom, they’re really worth it. You know what? Don’t even justify them, because girls never listen about this stuff. Just tell them that you’re paying homage to a literary character, and if she can’t respect books, then you don’t need her. Catwoman will keep you safe and warm, and she’s clearly rich, with that diamond she’s smuggling into her… uh… safe deposit box.
Forget I said anything.
---
Article Tags: Adam Hughes, bust, Catwoman, DC Comics, Poison Ivy, porcelain, sculpture, women, Wonder Woman================
Gotta Collect? Then You Gotta Connect - Join our Collectors’ Community!
