DC DIrect's Classic Star Sapphire Busts in to AFB!

I have been very impressed with DC Direct’s consistent output in the bust arena. The Women of the DC Universe Bust line is one of the longest running. We’re now in the third series of the line, which is based on Amanda Conner’s art.

The latest in the line that I’m reviewing is the classic version of Green Lantern’s foe / flame Star Sapphire. She’s had a rather sexed-up redesign in recent times, but there’s always a place on my shelves for the classics, and this is a very welcome addition to my shelves.

Classic Star Sapphire is a natural match for Conner’s artistic style. The sculpting effort here is  very straightforward and the effect is full of classic goodness. The combination of Conner’s cartoonish style, the smooth textures of the sculpt and the use of matte paints combine for a very effective final product that makes the bust visually hark back to Star Sapphire’s early appearances.

One of the things that I love about Conner’s designs is the element of humour they often contain. This one has a big nod to Star Sapphire’s role in the Green Lantern mythos - she’s wearing what you would assume is Hal Jordan’s power ring, and showing it off like one might a shiny new engagement rock. This is Star Sapphire at her classic - and craziest - best.

The base is a sapphire burst, which works because it’s made of translucent materials. It really lifts the entire piece to another level, and makes my point about why I thought the yellow “energy” on the recent Sinestro bust needed to be translucent. While Sinny looks like he’s plunging into a vat of mustard, Star Sapphire looks bathed in energy, and the translucent material is a great counterpoint to the matte paint on the bust itself.

It’s nice to see new characters enter this line, as the big names do get repeated for each new artist. This particular piece is a real treat not just because of the uniqueness of the character, but because of the use of her fantastic classic look. A true winner in my book!

With all of the changes happening at DC, there is obviously a great deal of uncertainty about the future of DC Direct. I do hope that they don’t completely end their statue output, as lines like these have brought us so many gems over the years and there is still so much more of the DCU to explore before they finish. Here’s hoping!

You can see more pics at Facebook, discuss this at the AFB Forum, and you can comment on this post to enter the June AFB Comment of the Month Contest!

Until next time!