If you're a fan of the Flash, you may be thinking of grabbing the Justice League Task Force Flash action figure from McFarlane Toys. Based on Wally West's costume from The Flash (vol. 2) #50, this figure offers a fresh take on a classic character. I was pretty excited about it, but does it live up to the hype? Let’s take a closer look at its features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you decide if it's worth adding to your collection.
Wally West, also known as Kid Flash and later The Flash, is one of DC Comics' most beloved speedsters. Created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino, Wally first appeared in The Flash #110 (1959). Initially introduced as the teenage nephew of Iris West and a die-hard fan of Barry Allen, Wally gained superspeed after a freak accident replicated the circumstances of Barry's transformation into the Flash.
As Kid Flash, Wally served as a founding member of the Teen Titans, showcasing his bravery and heart as a hero. After Barry Allen's death during the Crisis on Infinite Earths, Wally stepped into the role of the Flash, becoming the Scarlet Speedster for a new generation. Under writers like Mark Waid and Geoff Johns, Wally's tenure emphasized his growth as a hero, husband, and father, cementing him as one of the most relatable and humanized characters in the DC Universe.
Known for his lighthearted personality, compassion, and unwavering dedication to protecting Central City, Wally is a fan-favorite Flash. He also holds the title of being the fastest among all speedsters, often pushing the Speed Force to its limits.
Accessories: 3/10
One of the more disappointing aspects of this action figure is its accessories. Unlike other McFarlane releases that come packed with various extras, this Flash figure includes just a basic figure stand, two lightning/punching effects, the Darkseid Build a Figure Torso and a collectible card. This limited accessory set feels less than impressive. In fact, the punching effects are so bad that mine keep falling off the fists when I put them in place. This is just lazy on McFarlane's part.
For a character known for his incredible speed, you'd expect some dynamic enhancements like speed effects, alternate hands, or extra lightning attachments. The Justice League Task Force Flash misses out on these essential features. This absence leaves fans feeling like the figure doesn't truly capture the spirit of the character’s speed and dynamism.
Appearance: 4/10
Aesthetically, the figure does succeed in bringing Wally West’s Justice League Task Force look to life. The red is almost a reddish/orange where other Flash figures are more of the deeper red. The yellow portions of the costume are a mustard yellow, muted in tone, which further detracts from the bright style we're used to. I do like the sculpted belt and wings on his mask, but more paint would have helped the edges of the belt. The left wing on his cowl is also slightly warped, making it sit further out on his head. Thankfully, some heat did help to move it back into place, more or less. The lightning around his forearms is painted on which is terrible. It's too transparent and could have benefitted from additional coats. The other issue is that it's applied very sloppily, which just looks terrible. There is one tiny stripe of brighter yellow cel shading on the left arm and it looks ridiculously out of place.
When I saw the other figures in the wave and understood that the digitizing cel shading was meant to convey the JL Task Force video game, I was honestly pleased that the Flash didn't have as much as the rest. Unfortunately, what is added to this character is so badly done that I'm tempted to try and remove it, just on principal alone. The effect on his mask looks like someone smeared cupcake icing on his forehead. The lack of advanced digital paint effects hinders the overall look. Wally’s iconic lightning streaks appear flat, missing the vibrancy seen in other Flash figures. In fact, the only real cel effects on his body suit are highlights on the face, chest, abs, and quads. However, aside from the icing look on his face, the rest are virtually invisible. They are applied so lightly that that the highlights come off looking more like discolorations than the intended digital effect. His chest logo is probably the most digitized artwork, and it falls terribly short, coming off looking fuzzy and slightly out of focus. The yellow accents on his belt and boots are probably the best in a very weak attempt. A strong design should convey movement and energy, yet this figure falls short in that regard. Figures such as Batman or even Superman, in this line, come with vibrant digital paint effects that add excitement and uniqueness.
Moreover, there’s a significant issue with the right leg sculpt. The shin is awkwardly angled, giving it a crooked appearance that distracts from the figure’s otherwise sleek design. Speed and agility are core characteristics of the Flash, and this strange sculpting choice detracts from this essence. I was really excited to get this figure because I always liked the upgraded design of the costume, but McFarlane didn't just drop the ball here... they doused it in gasoline and threw it into a firepit.
Articulation: 7/10
The McFarlane Toys Justice League Task Force Flash figure features the standard McFarlane articulation scheme, boasting a decent range of articulation. This includes ball joints in the neck, torso, wrists, and ankles, double-jointed knees and elbows, and a functional range of motion in the hips and shoulders. However, while the articulation is good on paper, execution leaves room for improvement.
Upper Body Articulation: The head sits on a ball joint, allowing for decent tilt and rotation, though upward motion is somewhat limited, which is disappointing for a character known for dynamic running poses. The shoulders feature butterfly joints, which should enhance forward and backward motion for sprinting or action poses. Unfortunately, the range of these joints is restricted, resulting in only marginal improvement over figures without them. The double-jointed elbows provide excellent range, allowing the arms to bend fully, but the wrist joints can feel stiff, making certain hand positions harder to achieve.
Torso and Waist Articulation: The ball-jointed torso provides moderate forward crunch and decent side-to-side motion, though it feels less refined compared to other figures in the McFarlane line. The waist swivel helps compensate for this, allowing for smoother twisting poses, but the overall range of motion feels slightly hindered compared to more agile characters in the line, such as Red Death or other Flash variants.
Lower Body Articulation: The legs are where things get complicated. The hips have a respectable outward range, allowing for a near-split pose. However, the forward motion is somewhat limited by the sculpt of the thighs, which restrict the figure's ability to achieve a full sprinting stance. Double-jointed knees provide excellent bending motion, but the biggest issue lies with the right leg’s sculpt. The shin is angled awkwardly below the knee, and while it technically doesn’t impede articulation, it creates an unnatural look in many poses.
The ankles are equipped with ball joints, providing solid pivoting motion, which is useful for balancing in dynamic running poses. Additionally, the toe hinge adds extra versatility, though its range is somewhat tight and may require careful adjustment.
Dynamic Poses and Limitations: Despite the generous articulation points, achieving truly dynamic and fluid poses is difficult due to a combination of restricted butterfly joints, limited torso crunch, and the awkward leg sculpt. For collectors who value aesthetics and fluidity in poses, this could be a dealbreaker.
Affordability: 7/10
Priced between $20 and $25, the figure is accessible to many collectors. However, considering the limited accessories and the contentious paint application, some may question the value for money.
Overall, when we consider all aspects, the Justice League Task Force Flash action figure is somewhat underwhelming. With a mixture of strengths, such as decent sculpting and articulation, combined with weaknesses in accessories and appearance, it lands an uninspiring score of:
5 out of 10 ToyBoxes
The Justice League Task Force Flash action figure from McFarlane Toys offers a unique collectible experience but comes with notable flaws. While the design captures Wally's essence, it does suffer from limited accessories and significant paint and appearance issues.
For true fans of the Flash, this figure may still hold an appeal. Yet, if you are looking for a more dynamic portrayal of one of DC's fastest characters, you might want to explore other options or wait for future collections. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on your enthusiasm for the character and your ability to overlook its shortcomings. Thanks for stopping by Dan's ToyBox! Until next time... GEEK OUT!!!!