McFarlane Toys has carved out a massive corner of the collector market by translating edgy comic book storylines into detailed, highly articulated plastic. Among their most striking releases is the Infected Superman figure from the DC Multiverse line. Based on the twisted version of the Man of Steel infected by the Batman Who Laughs in the Batman/Superman comic run, this collectible captures a terrifying corruption of DC's greatest hero. If you're trying to figure out if this release belongs on your display shelf, or if you want to know how it stacks up against standard Superman variants, this breakdown covers sculpt details, articulation, and what makes this dark version stand out.
The figure draws directly from Scott Snyder and David Marquez’s The Infected story arc, where key heroes fell victim to Batman Who Laughs nanomachines. McFarlane's sculpt captures that grim transformation with spiked metal armor, torn elements, and an aggressive facial expression that completely subverts Clark Kent's traditional heroism. Let's look closely at what you get when you open the box, how the articulation handles, and whether it holds long-term value for collectors.
Origins of the Dark Universe Design
The aesthetic of this collectible stems from one of modern DC Comics' most chaotic eras. When the Batman Who Laughs infected members of the Justice League, Superman's corruption became a nightmare scenario for the DC Universe. The figure mirrors this storyline by blending classic Kryptonian iconography with spiky, heavy metal accessories and a grim, veins-showing expression.
McFarlane Toys didn't just slap a new head on a standard mold. The chest emblem, while recognizable as the House of El shield, is warped and shadowed by jagged dark lines. The texturing across the suit mimics woven fabric layered with armored plates. It’s a stark contrast to the bright, primary-colored outfits collectors usually associate with the character.
Key Design Elements
- Corrupted Visage: The facial sculpt features heavy frowning lines, sharp eyes, and skin details that suggest a hostile transformation is actively taking place.
- Sculpted Armor: Unlike cloth-good figures, the rigid plastic spikes on the shoulders and forearms give the silhouette a menacing, combat-ready profile.
- Muted Color Palette: The suit relies on darker blues, blacks, and metallic silver accents instead of vibrant primary tones, fitting the dark multiverse theme.
Articulation and Posability
Action figure collectors know that McFarlane Toys builds their DC Multiverse line with high articulation counts, usually featuring Ultra Articulation with up to 22 moving parts. Infected Superman is no exception, though the bulky armor pieces introduce some restrictions you'll want to keep in mind when posing.
The double-jointed elbows and knees allow for deep bends, making dynamic flying or landing poses possible when paired with the included flight stand. However, the shoulder guards and torso pieces can bump against each other, limiting extreme lateral arm rotations.
Joint Performance Breakdown
- Torso Movement: Ball-jointed upper and lower torso pieces let the figure crunch forward and arch backward, though the rigid belt and waist armor restrict deep side-to-side twists.
- Leg Range: Drop-down hips give the legs plenty of clearance for wide stances, kick poses, and flight configurations.
- Head Tilt: The neck joint offers good tilt range, which helps immensely when trying to capture a menacing glare or an airborne descent angle.
Accessories and Display Options
Every McFarlane DC Multiverse figure comes with standard collector-friendly extras, and Infected Superman is packed adequately for its price point. Beyond the standard black circular base, it includes a clear flight stand arm that attaches securely to the figure's back. Because this is an "Infected" version of Superman, floating poses look far more natural than standard museum standing poses on a shelf.
You also get a collectible art card featuring the character artwork on the front and a brief biography on the back, along with a plastic card stand. While some collectors toss these aside, they add nice secondary value if you keep your collection mint-in-box.
What Comes in the Box
- Infected Superman action figure
- Interchangeable hands (fists and open flight hands)
- Clear plastic flight stand and base
- Character art card with display stand
Common Collector Criticisms
No figure is without flaws, and seasoned collectors have pointed out a few recurring pain points with this specific release. Knowing these quirks helps you manage expectations before purchasing.
Joint stiffness is a common hurdle out of the box. Some collectors report stiff knee and elbow hinges that require warm water baths or gentle heat from a hair dryer to loosen safely without stressing the plastic. Additionally, the pointy shoulder armor can occasionally show paint rub if pushed against the main torso too aggressively during dynamic posing sessions.
Market Value and Availability
Released initially as an online exclusive through major retailers like Amazon, availability for this figure fluctuates. While it retailed around standard McFarlane collector price points (roughly $40 to $50 USD depending on the bundle or exclusive status), aftermarket prices shift based on demand for Dark Multiverse characters. If you are tracking down DC Multiverse variants to complete a Dark Nights: Metal or Dark Knights: Death Metal display, grabbing this figure while retail stock remains accessible is usually the smartest move. You can explore official manufacturer updates directly on the McFarlane Toys Official Site or read broader comic histories on DC Comics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Infected Superman part of the standard DC canon?
Yes, the storyline originated in mainstream DC crossover events written by Scott Snyder, where infected heroes briefly served as antagonists before the heroes found a cure.
Does this figure fit with other brands like Marvel Legends or NECA?
No. McFarlane DC Multiverse figures stand at a strict 7-inch scale (18 cm), making them noticeably taller and bulkier than standard 6-inch lines like Marvel Legends.
Can the flight stand support heavy dynamic poses?
Yes, the included flight base handles standard hovering and diagonal flight angles well, though you should ensure the waist clamp or peg is firmly secured to prevent tipping.
Are there other figures from this specific storyline?
McFarlane has released several figures tied to the Dark Multiverse, including various Batman variants like the Batman Who Laughs, Devastator, and Grim Knight.
