World’s Finest: The Collection is a quarterly geeky DC Comics mystery box full of officially licensed DC collectibles and gear. For $48.99 per quarter, each box will have a specific theme and deliver exclusive items - including a brand new World’s Finest: The Collection vinyl figure.
This is one of the most impressive subscriptions, in my opinion, because it is well packaged, well planned, and completely exclusive. You can't buy these items on a shelf.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
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World's Finest: The Collection always makes brilliant use of their intellectual property and creates a box that is a real show stopper when it arrives on your doorstep. Show me any other subscription box as cool and eye-catching. This quarter's theme is "Justice League Summer" and the box features a group shot of all your favorite DC characters. Inside, as usual, the box is filled to the brim with new exclusive items. There is an information card that details the items inside.
Inside the World's Finest: The Collection - Justice League Summer
World's Finest Tee
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This quarter's tee is a simple, but cool navy shirt. It has the old "World's Finest Comics" logo on the front and a cover of an old comic of Superman, Batman, and Robin playing baseball on the back. I actually just really like the shirt with the lettering on the front. I could take or leave the back. However, it does illustrate the summer theme of the box. Nothing says "summer" quite like baseball. It's humorous to think about superheroes playing baseball, especially considering no one is really going to compare to Superman. Maybe that's why he is in the umpire position? Regardless, I dig the simplistic tee.
Green Arrow Vinyl Figure
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This quarter's vinyl figure is Green Arrow. The figure is 6 inches tall, not including the base, and features the archer beginning to draw his bow and arrow. I do not know much about the character but really dig the figure. I did find it a bit funny that the theme of the box is "summer" and everything else in the box is blue. Despite it not really fitting the theme, I think this figurine is one of the better ones I've received with this subscription. However, can I ask a stupid question: How is he going to fire that arrow with both his palms facing down? Perhaps holding the bow horizontally? Gangsta style? That's going to hurt the forearm.
The Martian Kitchen Apron
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This was one of those learning moments that this subscription gives me. I had no idea who this was when I opened the box. Martian Manhunter is an alien, one of the most powerful beings in the DC universe, and an original member of the Justice League. Despite not being familiar with the character, I really liked this kitchen apron. It features the Martian's famous X chest strap and blue undies. It's very colorful. I like that he has his hands on his hips, but it's hard to see when the apron is tied on. I've never actually worn an apron when cooking or grilling, but I think I'm going to whip this one out for my next barbecue.
Batman and Robin Salt & Pepper Shakers
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As much as I like a functional item, to make it useful and clever really kicks it up a notch for me. Enter these Batman and Robin salt & pepper shakers. They are nice as is, but once placed into their holder – made to look like the Batmobile – the cleverness is realized. I really like this idea, but I wish is that their faces would show through the windshield more.
Justice League Pint Glass
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This pint glass features a movie poster-like image of all the familiar (and unfamiliar to me) DC characters. Most prominent are Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman. I enjoy how colorful and well printed it is. Personally, I am up to my ears in pint glasses, but I will definitely be swapping an old one out for this new one.
Superman Tote
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You can't have a blue-themed DC box without a Superman item. This tote is the same blue as most of the other items and features the iconic Superman logo on one side. It's 14 x 15 inches but folds up neatly into a 6-inch square pocket. When folded, the pouch has a Daily Planet logo on it. I think this tote is a nice, useful way to show a little personality and fandom at the grocery store. Not to mention, it is nice not to rely on one-use plastic bags. Or you could use it to carry things to a picnic or barbecue.
However, there seems to be a printing issue with this item. The ink was peeling off where the bag was folded. Probably because it wasn't completely dry. Since the wear is on the creases, I suspect this is not an isolated problem, and the powers that be will be getting some phone calls. In fact, I know someone who also receives this subscription and their tote was also printed poorly. It's a shame because otherwise, it's a nice tote.
Napkin Holder
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This napkin holder features the cover of The Brave and the Bold #28 in which the Justice League teams up to battle Starro the Conqueror – a gigantic starfish alien monster thing. I suspect the choice to use this comic is directly related to the recently released "The Suicide Squad" movie. There is nothing of note on the back. The holder is 5 inches tall, 3-3/4 inches wide, and 2 inches thick. This is not something I would have even considered buying for myself, but now I could see using it at one of our cookouts. It could even be used to hold papers on your desk or something.
Plastic Man Bendy Straw
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I thought this was a good marriage of DC Comics and an everyday item. It's a red bendy straw with a clip-on logo of Plastic Man. It measures 10-1/2 inches tall and is pretty thin. While I'm not overly excited about it, I do think is a cool idea and a good low-level item. My daughter has a bendy straw that spells her name. It's impossible to keep clean. However, the Plastic Man one is pretty straightforward... for a bendy straw.
Verdict
If you've read my reviews, you know I put a lot of value on useful things. I really liked how DC Comics picked a solid theme and gave subscribers seven functional items and a cool figure to add to the collection. I really, really like the shakers, but wish they were a little different. So I'm going to go with the apron as my favorite piece. It's a functional item that shows off your nerdy side. I love it. I actually dug the napkin holder. Never something I thought I would say. The printing on the bag bummed me out. It's still usable, but if I'm receiving something new in a box, I expect it to be perfect. I can take or leave the straw, but do have to admit it was a cool way to brand something. The shirt and glass were good but not overly amazing. Again, it was a good way to integrate DC Comics into everyday items that will allow you to show your fandom and personality. Overall, I really enjoyed this quarter's box. However, I received it in mid-September. I don't know if I was a special case or they are just really behind, but I'm about to close my pool and put up the Halloween decorations. I wish this would have arrived two or three months ago.
One thing I think would help subscribers appreciate the items more is telling us where the images come from. Like the shirt or napkin holder, where are those covers from? What years did DC Comics use that logo? What was it about that image/character/cover that made you choose it? That sort of information would be cool. Even if they just had a link on their website about that quarter's box and where the inspiration for it came from would be interesting and valuable to me.
Let's Talk About Value
At $55.99 ($48.99 + $7 shipping), you are paying approximately $7 for each of these eight items. Remember these are official and exclusive. So I think that adds some value to the items. In addition, you know that I add value to functional items and everything in the box, aside from the figure, was functional. If you could buy these items in a store, I can't imagine what the cost would be. So, if you think you'd enjoy a majority of these items, you want DC items that many people don't have, and you like the surprise of receiving a big box delivered to your door every three months, this would be a good subscription for you or the comic book fan in your life.
To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you will receive the Fall 2021 "Batman Villains" box, which ships in October.
Check out all of our World’s Finest: The Collection reviews to learn more about this subscription and more geeky subscription boxes.
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