In Dark Nights: Metal, our heroes learn that everything you dread splits off into its own dark universe where the fear you imagined becomes reality. And we all know that Batman has invested a great deal of time plotting ways to persevere in the event that The Man of Steel turned against humanity. And it was in one of these brainstorming sessions that he shuddered at the potential consequences of one particularly devastating strategy that would require injecting himself with the Doomsday virus. In that instant that a chill ran down The Dark Knight’s spine… The Devastator’s world was born. And yes, I did intentionally use the word “devastating” a couple of sentences back.
I’ll be approaching this review from two directions. To start, you’ll get a “First Impression,” which is a quick overview with some anecdotes about my own experience showing the statue off in my home. Then there’s the “Scrutinized” section which will go into more detail about the paint, sculpt, assembly, packaging, etc. etc. That portion of the review is for anyone who is on the fence about dropping $130 dollars on this collectible, and need to know all the particulars. However, I have to go ahead and say that the more critical portion of this review will most likely be just as brief as the “First Impression” section because I honestly have nothing but positive things to say about this statue. I mean, just look.
First Impressions
A casual comics fan will say “Is that doomsday? That’s bad ass!” And anyone who doesn’t read comics will also remark on the Devastator’s undeniable badassness and immediately ask if they can pick it up. If you permit them to lift it, they will be shocked at the statue’s heft and immediately put it back down out of fear of breaking it and owing you one-hundred and thirty dollars. At least, that’s been my experience with showing it to friends and family. Also, I have had two friends ask if they could buy it from me. Such is the power of The Devastator.
I have amassed a great many spectacular Batman-related items in my home over the years, but few things have gotten the immediate, enthusiastic reaction that The Devastator has received. Its big, spikey awesomeness captures everyone’s imagination.
Scrutinized
The Doomsday-ified Dark Knight comes in a large box that keeps with the style of packaging we’ve seen from the other figures in this (calling it now) impressive series of statues. And, like the others, Devastator is nestled inside a dense two-piece Styrofoam shell and wrapped in a plastic bag. Although he does not sport a separate base like most DC Collectibles statues, Devastator remains a two-piece figure due to his removable, magnetic head. There are no other head sculpts included, but this option allows you to adjust the monster’s focus depending on how you set up your display. You could even mount his head upside down, if you so desire. But let me turn back to the figure’s base for a moment and say that Devasator’s (intentionally) shattered foundation is one of my favorite aspects of the whole statue!
All of the evil Batmen from this line stand on a hexagon-shaped, black platform etched with red lines that form a bat-pentagram-like symbol. Each of them has this and I’ve gotten used to seeing it from figure to figure as I’ve done these review. So when I opened The Devastator and saw that his base was made to look as if it had been crushed underfoot, I was floored by how cool of an idea that was on DC Collectibles’ part. It’s such a creative touch that really leaves an impression on everyone who sees it.
Devastator measures 9.1 inches and, after putting him on the scale, I can report that he weighs a tad over 5 lbs. which, when you factor in the surprisingly sharp spikes, makes this object one HIGHLY dangerous work of art. I’m not recommending you do it, nor am I noting it as a pro or a con, but I’m just saying that you could definitely kill a man with this statue. And it would be an exceedingly gruesome demise, I promise you that. Seriously, the keenly edged claws and jagged spikes are not to be trifled with.
In addition to an intimidating pose that makes Devastator appear to be on the warpath, the beast also sports an exquisite paint job. In addition to some piercing red eyes, the character’s mountainous frame features a blend of smokey shades that add texture to every dangerous detail. His cool grays and blues are coated in a black wash that makes his thick skin and dagger-like bones appear, in my opinion, all the more craggily. And, if you look closely, you’ll also see black bands weaving around the monster’s well-defined, gargantuan muscles or weaving between his overgrown protrusions. These remnants of black material are all that’s left of a Batsuit that’s been stretched beyond recognition. At least, that’s my interpretation, and I think it’s a cool way of looking at it. Then again, he also wears an “I’m the Devastator” bat emblem on his chest so maybe this evil Batman asked to wrap himself in random straps as well. Who knows? Let’s not over think it! It just looks interesting! And, by the way, if you’re not interested in the whole Dark Nights: Metal thing and just love the Doomsday design, you could rather easily file/grind the chest emblem away and pretend Devastator is a straight-up Doomsday statue and nobody would question it.
From the peak of his highest stalagmite to the chips of his thoroughly stomped foundation, Devastator is an absolute crowd-pleaser that I think is totally worth every penny of it’s $130 price tag. I don’t think you’re going to find a better Doomsday/Devastator statue at a cheaper price. And since only 5,000 sculptures were produced, you should hurry up and pick up yours before they all sell out.
Overall
It is every bit as cool as it looks. So cool that it doesn’t even need the other evil Batmen around it to make one hell of a statement on your shelf. And if you’ve already been collecting the other evil Batmen, you would have to be a fool to not rush out and buy Devastator as well! This beast is absolutely incredible!
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