Justice League Unlimited Shazam Family 4-Pack: Mary Batson Review

When it was announced that Mattel was continuing the Justice League Unlimited toy series, fans were elated. The excitement was even more pronounced with the arrival of the "Shazam" Family four-pack set. Having Captain Marvel and Black Adam rendered in the style of the DC Animated Universe was long overdue but the inclusion of Captain Marvel's sister was a treat.

Mary Marvel (or Mary Batson as she is named in this set) is Captain Marvel's twin sister. Like her brother, she has been granted the power of Shazam whenever she speaks the wizard's name and is transformed into a superpowered heroine. With powers like her brother, she fights against crime and evil.

Her costume sports the same colours as Captain Marvel with the familiar red and yellow styling. Of course, being as she is a girl, she wears a skirt instead of long tights. Her cape is also much smaller but it is n proportion to her body. In fact, what impresses me the most is the size of the figure. She is not as tall as Wonder Woman (nor should she be at all) but I'm also glad that Mattel opted not to use the Supergirl mold when creating Mary. I hated how Supergirl and Stargirl were created for this toy line. They really look like little girls who don't belong in the Justice League at all. Instead, they are ready to join the Teen Titans. Thankfully, Mattel didn't make that mistake with Mary Batson. She looks like a teenager/young adult as opposed to a little girl.

Her face is also quite done nicely. Usually with female action figures, this is the part that gets screwed up the most. In Mary Batson's case, Mattel did a better job in depicting the features on a female face that don't look so angular and harsh. She really does have that innocent quality about her. More striking is her blue eyes that really stand out and complement her face.

The details on and around her cape really help make Mary Batson's look complete. I also like that instead on a belt, she has a sash around her waist just to show some difference between her brother's outfit. While the gold metallic paint is a nice touch, I still rather have just the bright yellow colours instead. It brightens up the costume and as well as her personality. Gold seems to weigh the character down and seems heavy.

Mary Batson is part of the "Shazam" Family four-pack from MattyCollector.com. This means in order to obtain her, you need to buy the entire set for $30.00. This is also an online exclusive offer meaning that you will not find this in any brick-and-mortar store.

Movement is limited to only five-points of articulation, as with all Justice League Unlimited figures, but it's even more limiting with Mary due to her long hair. Her head movement is even more restricted as a result.

The confusing thing is how Mattel named these characters and I believe it all has to do with licensing. Captain Marvel is referred to as "Shazam!", considering that Marvel Comics owns the right to name "Captain Marvel" when it comes to licensing. Shazam is really the name of the Wizard who gives Billy and Mary Batson their powers. I also think name Mary as "Mary Batson" for this toy also has to do with the licensing of the name "Marvel."

Mary Batson is one of the first spin-off characters of a major male superhero. She predates Supergirl by a good ten years. I'm glad that she is getting her due since she seems to get lost in the shuffle. But it really is hard to call it the "Shazam" Family without Captain Marvel's sister. She is just as important as he is in the whole grand scheme of things. They really are a package deal.