Merry Christmas!!! Today's deep dive into the realm of action figures features: The Eradicator. Once again, Mafex shows off their skill at creating comic book accurate figures. Medicom's #219 Eradicator from the Return of Superman storyline is exceptional and, once again, a figure worth pursuing.
The Eradicator is a complex character deeply rooted in Superman lore. Initially conceived as a Kryptonian artifact, the Eradicator evolved into a sentient being, playing a pivotal role in the "Return of Superman" storyline, part of the larger "Death and Return of Superman" saga from the 1990s.
The Eradicator was created by the Kryptonian scientist Kem-L, intended as a device to preserve Kryptonian culture. After Krypton’s destruction, the artifact made its way to Earth, where its exposure to Superman (Kal-El) awakened its sentience. Over time, the Eradicator developed an identity as a guardian of Kryptonian legacy, albeit with increasingly rigid and authoritarian tendencies.
The "Return of Superman" arc followed the events of Superman’s death at the hands of Doomsday and introduced four individuals claiming his mantle: Steel, Superboy, Cyborg Superman, and the Last Son of Krypton (later revealed as the Eradicator).
The Eradicator emerged as the most enigmatic of the four “Supermen,” donning a black-and-blue suit with the traditional "S" emblem. His face was obscured by a visor, and his demeanor was cold and ruthless, far removed from the compassion associated with the original Superman.
Believing himself to be the true successor to Superman's legacy, the Eradicator began a campaign of extreme justice, punishing criminals with lethal force. However, as the story unfolded, it became clear that he wasn’t Clark Kent resurrected but rather a product of Kryptonian technology infused with Superman’s DNA and memories.
As the real Superman was revived, the Eradicator underwent a transformation. Realizing the true meaning of Superman’s legacy—hope and justice tempered with mercy—he sacrificed himself in battle against Cyborg Superman to protect Earth and aid in the Man of Steel’s return. His death served as a poignant moment, solidifying him as a flawed yet heroic figure.
The Eradicator’s role in the "Return of Superman" storyline highlights themes of identity, legacy, and redemption. His journey from a cold enforcer of Kryptonian ideals to a selfless protector adds layers of depth to the Superman mythos, making him one of the standout characters from this seminal arc in DC Comics history.
His striking black costume, glowing white eyes, and wired cape helped make the Eradicator an iconic visual presence, resonating with fans and making his inclusion in action figure form a sought-after addition to any Superman collection.
Accessories: 9/10
Mafex has done an excellent job including a variety of accessories for the Eradicator, ensuring fans can replicate his comic book presence. The set includes:
Two alternate head sculpts: One neutral expression and one intense, teeth gritted sculpt, capturing his Kryptonian fury perfectly. The paint on the eyes is flawless, with a clear transition to the flesh of his face. The transparent yellow visor looks excellent and sits nicely on both head sculpts.
Multiple pairs of hands: Open palm, gripping, flight, translucent orange power blast hands, relaxed, and fists, providing great versatility for posing. The hand sculpts are clean, and easily slide onto the wrist pegs, then remaining firmly in place.
Wired cape: A standout accessory, allowing dynamic posing. The cape is made of a high-quality fabric, with wires running along the edges for maximum flexibility. It’s big enough to recreate his signature flowing cape look while maintaining durability during handling.
Translucent orange/yellow blast effects: The blasts are molded to fit over the orange power blasting hands. They do slide into place nicely and sit firmly on the hands. The joints on the wrists are firm enough to keep the hands elevated with the blast effects in place.
Appearance: 9/10
The figure’s paintwork and sculpting are extraordinary.
The blue and black costume is immaculate, with the glossy black portions contrasting beautifully with the matte blue. The yellow "House of El" emblem on the chest is perfectly centered, with sharp, clean lines and no bleed.
The muscle definition in the sculpt is detailed but not over-exaggerated, staying true to his comic book representation.
The head sculpts are meticulously painted.
There is one major issue which, thankfully, is hidden by the cape. There is some kind of stain on the figure's lower back which has been resistant to removal. The flare pieces, for the cape also have a tiny issue in that the left side peeks out from under the cape, and rests on his neck. It's just a touch frustrating, but coupled with the stain on the back, serve to detract just a touch from the score.
Mafex has outdone itself, creating a figure that looks like it stepped right off the page.
Articulation: 9/10
The Eradicator’s articulation is among the best in its class, offering impressive range and fluidity. Key highlights include:
Head and neck: Ball joints allow for a wide range of motion, including tilts, forward/backward motion, and smooth rotation.
Shoulders: Butterfly joints work exceptionally well, enabling dramatic reaching poses.
Arms: Double-jointed elbows and swivel joints at the biceps ensure dynamic arm movement.
Torso: A combination of upper diaphragm and lower waist articulation allows for excellent forward crunches and side tilts.
Legs: Drop-down hip joints, thigh swivels, and double-jointed knees ensure that crouching or wide-legged stances look natural.
Ankles: Hinges and rockers provide great stability, even in action poses, while toe articulation enhances balance further.
Wired cape: The cape’s articulation takes the figure to another level, enabling flight poses, billowing effects, or subtle draping for more grounded stances.
One minor limitation is that the cape can feel a bit stiff at times, requiring patience to pose exactly as desired.
Affordability: 8/10
At a premium price point (typically between $80-$100), the Mafex Eradicator is undoubtedly an investment. However, considering the exceptional quality of the sculpt, paint, articulation, and accessories, it offers excellent value for collectors. Its premium features justify the cost, though it may be a stretch for casual fans.
Overall, the Mafex #219 Eradicator is an outstanding figure that perfectly captures the essence of the character. From its exceptional paint applications (stain notwithstanding) to its poseable wired cape, it delivers on nearly every front. While the price might deter some, it’s a must-have for dedicated fans and collectors. Thus, earning the Eradicator a solid
9 out of 10 ToyBoxes
Whether you’re recreating battle scenes or displaying him in a powerful flight pose, the Eradicator stands tall as one of Mafex’s finest offerings. Whether you're a Superman fan or just a collector of action figures, this one will be a nice addition to any collection. Thank you! Until next time... GEEK OUT!!!