LEGION TOYS: Invisible Kid (DC Direct 2004)

 

I suppose you could say that the Matty Collector Set acknowledged this character by having an empty packing tray as a gag. While I think we'd have been happier with a translucent action figure instead, this turned my attention to the figure from the DC Direct Legion of Super-Heroes line. Although it's not easy to come by on the aftermarket, Lyle Norg a.k.a. Invisible Kid was in the set of figures sent to me by Russell "Bilingual Boy" Burbage. Thanks again, Bilingual Boy!

Sculpt:
While most DC Universe Classics are around 6.5 inches and fit within the 1/12 collector scale, typically adult-sized DC Direct (and now DC Collectibles) figures fall into more of a 7 inch scale. Having said that, Invisible Kid is more of a teenage-sized figure and comes in at exactly 6 inches. Although the Mattel practice of buck re-use doesn't always come into play in these lines, you can see that Invisible Kid shares some parts with the DC Direct DC Direct Brainiac 5 and Mon-El. Like those figures, Invisible Kid has a closed fist on his right hand and an open palm for his left hand. The head sculpt is an original piece, and incorporates the mustard yellow collar of his shirt into that head sculpt, along with a sculpted head-band on his forehead with the same color. The brown hair is nicely sculpted and the quizzical look on his face (in my opinion) is one of the best facial sculpts in the entire line.

Articulation:
DC Direct figures are better known for their sculpts than articulation. There are 11-points of articulation that I count on Invisible Kid. The head is on a swivel joint and can move from side to side for about 140 degrees. It cannot tilt, nor move up or down. The collar itself actually has a separate cut, but does not articulate either and limits the usual 360 degrees of movement. Arms can only rotate at the shoulder, up or down, in a circular fashion in 360 degrees.  Arms cannot move out to the sides, but there is a 90 degree elbow cut, so the arm can go from being straight to a 90 degree angle. The closed fist and open palm can also rotate in a in 360 degree circular fashion. There is a "T-Crotch" which allows for only forward movement of the legs at a  90 degree angle. If needed, Invisible Kid could be seated. Finally, the knees also articulate from straight to a 90 degree angle.

Paint:
The paint job is pretty flawless. I don't see any bleed between the greens, mustard yellows, flesh tones, browns,  and beiges. If anything there is a timid paint application between the boot cuts and pant legs, but that is definitely preferred to a sloppy application of the paint.

 

Overall:

So we got through another dead guy action figure review. You're killing me here, Legion!!! All kidding aside, I really like this interpretation of the Invisible Kid. He doesn't look too happy-go-lucky or like he's forcing a smile for his high school yearbook. Instead, he's got a more serious look, which I would have preferred on some of the other face sculpts in this line.

Maybe it's because he's filling a gap in my DC Comics world-building in my action figure collection, or maybe it's because he's a cool member of the Legion Espionage Squad - - but either way, it's a pretty nice figure.