That's what I've noticed when I watched reviews of the Beast Kingdom and Mafex action figures. Articulation isn't that much better than McF's, and some body parts fell off as the reviewers were manipulating them. Hard pass.

If I really want accurate likeness, though, I just get statues (which I also collect).

Ughh, i hate it when i buy an expensive figure only to have defects that range from "i can fix this with super glue" to "i'm never buying from this line/company ever again."

Going a bit off-topic here, part of the reason why mcfarlane's figures are so appealing to me (unlike [redacted] who'd rather waste time by ranting like a mad dog all day) are its price and availability. Every toy store i go has more shelves of mcfarlane's products, overshadowing marvel legends/any hasbro toy line nowadays.

Even Figuarts could be hit or miss. They did a great job overall with all their Black Widows and Harley Quinns, but somehow completely missed it on others. I've never had quality issue with any of my Figuarts though. Hasbro has gotten much better since they started face-printing figures who are real life people. Their Scarlet Witch was a prime example of how big a difference it made with the new technology, even using the exact same mold. I don't know if it's some kind of "industry secret", or if it's something too expensive for a smaller company like McFarlane to attempt, but I'm willing to bet a lot of their sculpting is there, it's just the painting that ruined it.

Mcfarlane has been using similar digital printing technology to Hasbro. Neca uses it as well. Their workflows may be different but digital printing has been seen on figures like Rebirth Superman(but not The Solar Suit version).

Actually looking at those two, I'd say the issue is mostly on sculpt. A weak sculpt is a weak sculpt. A better paint can help it out. But a good sculpt works even with a mediocre paint job.

Despite not having all the paint and shading, the bearded Superman head looks great. Even going back to the first Superman release in the line. The face was solid.

Yes Henry Cavil's face has been all over the place. Same man with different haircuts. The three normal sculpts Mcfarlane has done have been pretty week and they don't look like the same man.

They either don't push the sculpt further for it's scale or it's just not the person. I also feel they are sculpting in the wrong perspective.

Not all figures look off but when they get it right, it stands out.

I think mcfarlane's at his best when he's not doing faces based on real people. That general zod, aquaman and black suit supes do look superb. If there's a regular supes costume sans the beard, it'll be an instant buy for me.