.

The packaging is a very small semi-window box, it’s a lot smaller than the basic sets in waves 1 and 2. The Justice League Unlimited logo appears at the top left. The packaging is done in the normal C3 style, but interestingly, perhaps to highlight the Minimate more, they have added the Minimate head graphic style from the Marvel Minimates sets to the side of the box. I always liked this on the Marvel packaging, and likewise really like the use of it here. To the right, you can see the Minimate very clearly in the window portion of the box.

The C3 pieces are all bagged up in the main part of the box, and the Minimate is packaged in a tray on the right hand side. There is one twist-tie holding the figure in.

The back of the box shows the cross-sell of the other new C3 sets, and a “technical specification” type drawing to show off the set itself.

This is the second time Wally West, the fastest man alive, has received the Minimates treatment. The first Flash Minimate came with another core JLA member Martian Manhunter, and the Mini Javelin. This figure is for all intents and purposes identical to that Flash, apart from one slight change.

The expression on the face of the Flash is different. Before it was a toothy, cocky grin, whilst here, it’s a more goofy-looking smile. I prefer the old expression, but this one is OK and still suits the Flash.

The costume is identical to the first one. Not a huge problem for a couple of reasons, first, the Flash isn’t known for his wide array of crimefighting attire and second, it was done really well before and is superb again on this one. Maybe they could have differenciated them by making a battle-damaged one. There’s certainly a precedent for it in the Marvel line.

For accessories, Flash comes with a hairpiece, same as the first Flash but this time the brown colour is a tad lighter. He has the C3 feet, obviously.

Overall, this is almost a complete re-issue of the first Flash. That was a good figure, but was included in a set that was hard to get hold of. If you couldn’t find him before, this figure will be well received. If you already have a Flash, then this one holds no surprises for you.

MMC Score – 7 out of 10

The Flash Mini Flyer takes the iconic yellow lightning symbols of the Flash and incorporates them into a vehicle. Ignoring the absurdity that the Flash even needs a vehicle, apart from perhaps to fly (although this doesn’t seem to have big enough wings to enable high altitude), it does look the part.

The colours are very bright, very vivid, being red and yellow. The colouration makes the vehicle scream “Look at me!” in the same way the Riddler’s Mini Flyer did. Like the Nightwing Mini Flyer the main problem with the design is that it’s not as big and complex as it needs to be. The lighning-styled wings and the wheel-like assembly at the back are both nice visually, but I really feel if you added more blocks to get some bigger wings or an engine piece onto the back half of the flyer it wouldn’t look quite so weedy. As it is, it’s a nice miniature vehicle but it could have been so much more.

As with the other Mini Flyer sets, there are no real gimmicks to speak of, apart from the red translucent canopy which opens and the usual well-designed cockpit area for the Minimate.

Overall, the Flash Mini Flyer works well within the confines of the Mini Flyer concept, it’s bright and fun. However I can’t shake off the nagging feeling that it’s not quite as good as it should be, and that the Flyer concept is hampering this one’s full potential. 

Review and pictures by Danny Mills

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