The Dark Nights: Metal saga introduced some of the most twisted and visually striking versions of Batman to ever grace the comics. Among them, The Red Death—a brutal fusion of Batman and The Flash—stands out as a fan favorite. Now, InArt has brought this terrifying speedster to life in 1/12 scale, and collectors are eager to see if the figure lives up to the hype.
In this InArt Red Death review, we'll examine every aspect of this highly anticipated action figure, from its menacing sculpt and paint application to its articulation and accessory loadout. If you're considering adding this Dark Nights: Metal villain to your shelf, read on to see if it's worth your hard-earned cash.
Packaging and First Impressions
InArt has a reputation for delivering premium packaging, and The Red Death is no exception. The box features striking artwork that captures the character's chaotic energy, with a window display that lets you admire the figure before unboxing. Inside, the figure is securely nestled in a foam tray, with all accessories neatly organized and protected.
Upon first lift, the figure feels solid and well-built, with a satisfying weight that suggests quality materials. The red and black color scheme is immediately eye-catching, and the weathered, battle-damaged details hint at the character's violent nature. Even before posing, it's clear that InArt has put significant effort into making this figure a display piece.
- Premium window box with striking artwork
- Secure foam tray protects figure and accessories
- Solid construction with a satisfying heft
Sculpt and Paint Application
The Red Death's design is a chaotic blend of Batman's cowl and Flash's speedster suit, and InArt has translated this into 1/12 scale with remarkable fidelity. The cowl features sharp, angular ears and a menacing scowl, while the suit's texture mimics the metallic sheen of the character's armor. The red paint is rich and vibrant, with subtle shading that adds depth to the sculpt.
The paint application is clean and precise, with no noticeable slop or bleeding. The yellow lightning bolts that adorn the suit are crisp, and the silver accents on the gauntlets and boots provide a nice contrast. The eyes are particularly striking, with a glowing red effect that captures the character's malevolent gaze. Overall, the sculpt and paint work are top-notch, easily rivaling figures in larger scales.
- Sharp, angular cowl with menacing expression
- Rich red paint with subtle shading and weathering
- Crisp lightning bolt details and glowing red eyes
Articulation and Posability
For a figure with such a bulky design, The Red Death offers surprisingly good articulation. The neck is on a ball joint, allowing for a decent range of head movement, while the shoulders are on double-ball joints that enable wide arm poses. The elbows bend past 90 degrees, and the wrists are on swivel hinges, making it easy to hold weapons or strike dynamic poses.
The torso has a slight ab crunch and waist swivel, which helps with twisting poses. The legs feature ball-jointed hips, double-jointed knees, and ankle tilts, providing stability for running or leaping stances. While the armor pieces limit some movement, especially in the shoulders, the figure can still achieve a variety of action poses. Collectors who enjoy dynamic displays will find plenty of options here.
- Double-ball joint shoulders for wide arm poses
- Double-jointed knees for deep bends
- Ball-jointed hips and ankle tilts for stable stances
Accessories and Extras
InArt has packed The Red Death with a generous set of accessories that enhance its play and display value. The figure comes with three interchangeable heads: a standard cowled head, an unmasked Bruce Wayne head with a maniacal grin, and a battle-damaged cowl with a cracked lens. Each head is sculpted with incredible detail, offering different expressions for various scenes.
In addition to the heads, you get multiple pairs of hands, including fists, gripping hands, and relaxed hands. The figure also includes a lightning effect part that can attach to the back, simulating The Red Death's speedster powers. A display stand with the character's logo and name is also included, providing a stable base for posing. These extras add significant value and encourage creativity.
- Three interchangeable heads: standard, unmasked, and battle-damaged
- Multiple hand options for varied poses
- Lightning effect part and display stand included
Comparison to Other 1/12 Scale Figures
When compared to other 1/12 scale figures on the market, The Red Death holds its own. Its sculpt and paint quality are on par with premium lines like the Amazing Yamaguchi Revoltech series, which is known for its dynamic articulation and detailed aesthetics. For instance, the Marvel Comics Amazing Yamaguchi Revoltech NR106 Symbiote Suit Spider-Man (Purple Ver.) Action Figure offers a similar level of detail, though with a more agile design.
Marvel Comics Amazing Yamaguchi Revoltech NR106 Symbiote Suit Spider-Man (Purple Ver.) Action Figure
In terms of accessories, The Red Death is comparable to the One-Punch Man Amazing Yamaguchi Revoltech NR064 Saitama Action Figure, which also includes multiple heads and hands. However, The Red Death's unique design and the inclusion of the lightning effect give it an edge for fans of the Dark Nights: Metal storyline. If you're a collector who values both articulation and display presence, this figure is a worthy addition.
One-Punch Man Amazing Yamaguchi Revoltech NR064 Saitama Action Figure
- Sculpt and paint rival premium 1/12 lines like Amazing Yamaguchi
- Accessory count is generous compared to similar figures
- Unique design stands out on any shelf
Value for Money
Priced competitively within the 1/12 scale market, The Red Death offers excellent value for what you get. The combination of high-quality sculpt, multiple heads, and effect parts justifies the cost, especially when compared to other figures in the same price range. For collectors who are fans of the Dark Nights: Metal event, this figure is a must-have.
That said, if you're on a budget, it's worth noting that the figure's accessories are not essential to its core display. However, the unmasked head and lightning effect add significant play value, making the overall package more appealing. Considering the craftsmanship and the character's popularity, we believe this figure is a solid investment for both display and play.
- Competitive pricing for the quality and accessories offered
- High replay value due to interchangeable parts
- A must-have for Dark Nights: Metal fans
InArt's The Red Death 1/12 scale action figure is a triumph of design and engineering. With its stunning sculpt, excellent articulation, and generous accessories, it's a standout piece that will impress both casual collectors and hardcore fans. If you're looking to expand your Dark Nights: Metal collection, this figure is an easy recommendation. Check out the Pre-Order: Dark Nights: Metal InArt The Batman The Devastator 1/12 Scale Action Figure to complete your set.
