REVIEW: Indie Spotlight ShadowHawk

Background

Shocker Toys – initially known for their Shockini mini block figures – have released several action figures based on indie comic book characters. Indie Spotlight Series 1 consists of five different figures, and for purposes of this review, we’ll be looking at ShadowHawk.

After a tragic scuffle with gang members Paul contracted the HIV virus. One of his friends, a cop named Christina Reid said she and a man named Carlton Sun had been developing an exo-skeleton suit of armor that could help aid him in accomplishing his task of revenge against the men who gave him the virus. Johnstone decided to don the suit, christening himself “ShadowHawk” after his favourite superhero, and was taught how to fight effectively with the help of Christine, promising to “take back the night”. Johnstone also kept the pills needed to slow his reaction to his HIV infection in small pouches on his belt so he could take them as needed.

Packaging

Shocker Toys went with the classic carded packaging with a bubble shell. The nice thing about their approach is that the card actually slides out from the plastic, so you don’t have to tear off a glued-on bubble. The back of the packaging features a cut away bio card for ShadowHawk (with the above excerpt printed on it), as well as photos of the Indie Spotlight Series 1 lineup.

The Figure

ShadowHawk is part of the Indie Spotlight Comic Book Heroes Series 1. The figure stands approximately 6” tall and features 15 points of articulation (neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, chest, waist, hips, knees and ankles).

His shoulder pads are cinched so they slide onto ShadowHawk’s shoulders. The single accessory that’s included with the figure is a claw hand that snaps on at the wrist. Each figure in the Indie Spotlight Series includes a mini Isz figure from The Maxx comic series.

Our Opinion

The Indie Spotlight line obviously isn’t a designer toy series. They’re action figures. And while comic book giants such as Marvel and DC have tons of toys based on their various superheroes, the little, indie comics (Image Comics here) don’t have the same market share. Enter Shocker Toys.

I have a few issues with the sculpt. The belt looks out of place. It’s not a tight sculpt like the rest of the figure. Also, ShadowHawk has six pack abs…on his back. It’s a small issue, but I’m not a huge fan of the dual elbow and knee joints on action figures.

With that said, I do like the ball joints used on the wrists and ankles. And this is a figure that can actually stand on its own. No need for a display stand.

While this isn’t my favorite character from the Indie Spotlight line (The Maxx and The Tick?!!?), fans of ShadowHawk will appreciate an action figure based on their rather obscure comic book.

You can pick one up at the following:

Shocker Toys: $18.00 (including S/H)

ShadowHawk Grades:

Quality: 7/10
Paint: 7/10
Packaging: 8/10
Durability: 8/10
Hype: 7/10
Fun Factor: 7/10
Value: 5/10

Overall: 7.2/10