McFarlane Super Powers Wildcat Figure Review: Ted Grant Joins the JSA

A classic JSA bruiser in miniature

Ted Grant’s appeal has always come from a straightforward idea: a boxer steps into a costume, solves the crime that put him on the run, and finds a second calling as Wildcat. McFarlane’s Super Powers figure leans into that classic version of the character, giving the growing JSA lineup a sturdy, old-school presence.

“In 1941, boxer Ted Grant was framed for murder and on the run when a comic book inspired him to don a costume and track down the real killer. As Wildcat, Ted cleared his name and, loving the double life, kept going.”

That origin gives Wildcat a different starting point from the many Golden Age heroes whose crime-fighting careers grew out of scientific work or other professional skills. Grant already knows how to fight; the costume gives him a name and a way to keep going. Later, after Earths 1 and 2 merged following Crisis on Infinite Earths, his experience as a boxer and veteran hero made him a natural trainer for younger heroes. That history gives him a useful place in the broader JSA story: he can connect the team’s earlier era with its newer members.

Wildcat has also built a lasting following despite beginning in the shadow of Wonder Woman. His recognizable silhouette and practical fighting background translate neatly into a small action figure. This release brings him into the latest McFarlane Super Powers assortment, where he adds another familiar JSA face to a lineup that has been filling out the team.

Figure 71: sculpt, costume and articulation

Wildcat is the second-to-last figure in the 14th assortment and number 71 in the overall line. He is the second of three JSA figures in this round, sitting between Black Adam’s more modern membership and Dr. Mid-Nite’s classic team association. His costume is a classic take, without the hand wrappings and more defined mask seen in some later versions. That choice feels at home among the other JSA figures in McFarlane’s updated line.

The figure stands just under 4 3/4 inches tall and has 7 points of articulation. His base is a modified version of the newer Superman mold from Wave 10. The stocky build suits Ted Grant, and most of the costume details have been cleared away to better match Wildcat. As a result, the body gives him the weighty, compact look you’d want from a boxer, even though the reused parts bring a couple of visible compromises.

The right hand is molded to grip something rather than form a fist, which feels like a missed opportunity for a character whose identity is so closely tied to boxing. The belt is also a leftover detail that doesn’t belong on Ted’s costume. Neither issue changes the overall outline, but both stand out because the rest of the costume has been adjusted with care.

Wildcat gets a new head sculpt. Its details are a little soft, though the design makes the character’s feline features clear. In particular, the sculpt reads as a distinct mask and face rather than a familiar superhero head with only slightly altered ears. That clarity does a lot for the figure’s personality at this scale.

The paint is spare. Most of the figure is molded in a very dark blue, with paint mainly used for the face and eyes. It’s a simple treatment, and the result reflects the classic look rather than a more modern interpretation. Collectors looking for bold paint applications may find the finish plain, but the limited color work suits the straightforward costume design.

A welcome addition to the shelf

My own connection to Wildcat began with JLA/JSA crossovers, but the first figure I remember clearly is the original DC Direct release from 2001. Its understated design made the character easy to recognize without overcomplicating the costume. This McFarlane version keeps that same appeal: it has a strong overall look, and it helps the JSA shelf feel more complete.

The reused body parts and basic paint scheme keep the figure from being a perfect match for Ted Grant. The gripping hand and belt are the clearest misses, while the softer head details are a smaller drawback. Still, the broad build and classic costume do most of the work. For collectors following the JSA additions to Super Powers, Wildcat brings a distinct veteran presence to the group.

There’s also a personal measure of success here: my daughter Aubrey, who insists on helping open each of these Super Powers figures, immediately took to Wildcat. She calls him “Kitty Cat” and pulls him off my shelf whenever she spots him. That kind of recognition comes naturally to a character whose design is simple, memorable and easy to read. Ted Grant may not have elaborate gear or a complicated costume, but this figure captures the part that matters: a tough, familiar hero who belongs among the JSA.