Out of the Box: Grifter (Playmates 1993 WildCATS series)

Grifter

I'm back in Toronto for a month, so I may have an opportunity to hunt out a few more retro items, but before I do, I did de-box a few more toys before I left, so I still have some things to share in the meantime.

First up is this Grifter Figure from a series of WildCATS characters that Playmates released in 1993.  In those days, the WildStorm comics imprint was part of Image rather than DC, and a side effect of that is that these figures differ quite significantly from the DC Direct ones that would be released not-quite a decade later.

Of course to be fair, changing styles also account for some of those differences.  This older line had the thicker bodies that were favourites by the artists of the times, so that's one difference that's perfectly in line with the evolution of the characters in the comics themselves.

In the box.

The box itself is designed to mimic the look and colour combinations that were commonly found on the covers of the WildCATS comics.  Which might be a bit dated, but is still very appealing (at least to me - I actually liked it enough that I was conflicted about de-boxing him, and I've never been a MIB/MIC collector).

Included with the figure were four accessory pieces (three guns and a "communicator", which looks like an early 90s mobile phone, and is hugely amusing now because of it), a card with a character portrait on one side and facts on the reverse, and a stand (which is actually quite solid - better than most of the stands we see at this price point).


The figure itself is nicely detailed, with well-sculpted outfit and nicely done hair.  The paint work is almost perfect (within the standard of a mass produced figure at least), and the colours are fantastic - the coat is maybe a little to green to be the character's standard look, but it's bright and crisp and that's good enough for me.

The articulation is standard for the times - 7 points, although the "wrist" articulation is actually at the mid-forearm point - it's rotational, so less strange than that might sound, although it's still not hugely useful for posing purposes.  The hands are set to fit each of the included weapons (and that brick of a phone), and he stands well on his own even off the stand.

On the stand, showing off his gun and phone.

In comparison to The Midnighter from the later DC Direct Wildstorm line.
You can imagine them reenacting the "Grifter and The Midnighter" mini-series here. ;)