DC Unlimited & Batman Unlimited

 

 

 

 

 

Time to take a look at some of Mattel's future releases in 2013.  In stores very soon you will be seeing Mattel's newest toy line that will feature some of DC Comics popular characters.  These collection are called "DC Unlimted"  and "Batman Unlimited".  The good part about these sets is that they will be "unlimited" in the sense that we could get some characters in their classic looks or some of the new DCNU looks aswell.  Lets take a look at the first waves:

 

 

 

 

 

 

DC Unlimited Wave 1

The first DC Unlimited wave consists of the DCNU Superman and Flash as well as a very cool looking DCNU Hawkman. The Superman and Flash are both the same figures that were suppose to be part of the  DC Universe All-Stars toy line that I think fizzled out after Mattel came up with the DC Unlimited game plan.  Superman was released in the All-Star wave but I am not sure that its continuing.  The Hawkman figure was feature at some of the comic con shows earlier this year.  I thinks its an improvement over the last Hawkman we had from the Wave 6 DC Universe Classics line. 

Batman Unlimited - Wave 1

The first Batman unlimited wave consists of the new DCNU Batman as well DCNU Batgirl and a Super Powers version of the Penguin.  Again, this Batman figure is also part of the DC Universe All Stars toy line. Comparing to the many previous DC Universe Classics Batman figures we saw over the last few years, I'm glad that Mattel has given us a new head sculpt instead of rehashing the same old pieces.  Unfortunately  Batgirl, for the most part, is a complete repaint.  The only difference being is her belt is a little sleeker.  That being said, I think this paint job is the coolest of the bunch.  Than the previous releases which you can see here.  The Penguin's body sculpt is exactly the same as the version released back in the DC Universe Classics wave 1 set back in 2008.  The head is new though.  Accessories are also the same, just painted differently.



Next up is some of the DC Unlimited and Batman Unlimited figures we'll be seeing in the near future.

Batman Unlimited - Injustice Batman

First we have a version of the Injustice Batman which will obviously be part of the Batman Unlimited line.  To be honest, I'm not very impressed with it.  I like that its a completely unique sculpt but it just doesn't work for me.

Batman Unlimited - Planet X Batman & Batmite

Another Batman Unlimted figure will be the Planet X Batman and a repainted Batmite figure.....another no buy for me.  It is a decent likeness from the comic but my bet is this will be a peg warmer. 

 

Batman Unlimited - Dark Knight Returns Batman

And the third Batman Unlimited figure will be from the VERY cool DC Comic book and recent DC animated movie Batman: Dark Knight Returns Part 1 & 2.  If you haven't see the movie (part 2 comes out in January), be sure to pick it up for Christmas. You won't be disappointed.  As far as this action figure goes.  It's a very good likeness of the older Batman in the movies.  I am happy with this action figure but I was hoping for some more villains.  Come on.  Were's Ra's, Talia, a new Scarecrow, Croc.  So many Batman characters that they can do instead....uhhhh.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns - Watch this movie!

DC Unlimited - Wonder Woman

So far, the only DC Unlimited wave 2 figure that has been announced is the New 52 version of Wonder Woman.  It looks to be a similar, if not the same body sculpt as the DC Universe Classics Wave 4 version with the exception of the costume design over her chest and no belt.  The head sculpt appears to be a new sculpt and she is supporting a short sword instead of the axe and shield given with the DCUC action figure.  All in all not a bad looking figure and this gives you 4 of the 7 New 52 Justice League main members leaving us to wait for Green Lantern, Aquaman and Cyborg still.  Maybe they will be announced soon. 

DC Universe All-Stars - Wave 1 changes

So it appears Mattel has decided to "Tweek" its DC Universe All-Stars line up for both wave 1 and wave 2.  This is probably a good thing.  If you recall, wave was was initially suppose to include Larfleeze, Batman Beyond (DCUC wave 4 re-release), Superboy Prime and Plastic Man.  I know, not too exciting....  Wave 2 consisted of the "New 52" JLA Superman and Flash, as well as Red Robin and a repainted Supergirl action figure.

Well, apparently there has been a change.  Although no official announcement has been made by Mattel, judging by certain online toy stores, it now appears that your DC Universe All-Stars wave 1 line up will consist of the "New 52" JLA Superman AND BATMAN as well as Red Robin and Superboy Prime. 

The addition of Batman and Superman to the Wave 1 line up is probably a good idea.  Introducing a new toy line to the general public, you might wanna start with your strong characters. 

Batman looks pretty cool.  Appears to be a new head sculpt and a raised Batman symbol on his chest. 

No word yet on what the re-vamped wave 2 set will look like.  But stay tuned. 

Also for those of you interested in Mattel's Infinite Earths Club, the following action figures will be released over the next few months:

May: Golden Age The Flash
June: Atrocitus (monthly figure) & Metron (club-exclusive)
July: Starman (monthly figure) & Rocket Red (club quarterly figure)
August: Mirror Master
September: Black Mask

One question - Where is Poison Ivy?? 

Mattel at the 2012 Toy Fair - Batman Legacy, Movie Masters, DC Club Infinite Earths, DC Universe All-Stars

NYC this past weekend was the 2012 Toy Fair and Mattel did not disappoint DC fans.  Even though the DC Universe Classics toy line is ending, Mattel was showing off some upcoming new and previously announced Movie Masters, DC Universe Club Infinite Earth and DC Universe All-Stars action figures.  Lets cut to the chase and take a look and some of the shows highlights.

As far as the Batman Legacy toy line goes, Mattel showed off its Movie Masters action figures for the upcoming "Dark Knight Rises" film.  Above, you see the Tom Hardy version of Bane.  A hell of a lot different that the DC Universe Classics Bane.  It will be interesting to see how the character is portrayed in the movie as we all know, Christopher Nolan is trying to take a realistic approach with these movies.  

And of course, we have Batman from the Dark Knight Rises.  Very cool looking.  I'm wondering what the differences between The Dark Knight Batman action figure and this version will be.  I'm not sure how much the Bat suit has been updated for this movie. 

And the final Movie Masters action figure is of course, Catwoman.  Pretty cool looking action figures and I'm sure the Movie Masters collectors will be happy.  There will be 3 more Movie Masters from the Dark Knight rises each of the six figures will also include a piece of a collect and connect "Bat Signal".  Stay tuned for announcements on the remaining 3 action figures.  

Also coming in 2012 will be two new action figures of both Batman and Catwoman from the Arkham City video game.

Previously announced at the 2011 New York Comic Con, were two new DC Universe "Two Packs" which i believe are Toys R Us exclusives.  Mattel had the Boxed packs on display.  The first is the "Knightfall" two pack which includes a "Battle Damaged" Batman supporting an all blue cowl and a damaged bat symbol as well as a re-paint of the DC Universe Classics Wave 16's Azrael action figure.

The second two pack has been named "War of the Green Lanterns" and features a Sinestro Corps Hal Jordan and a Blue Lantern Kyle Rayner.  Kyle looks to be a complete repaint of the previously released DC Universe Classics Green Lantern Wave 1 Kyle Rayner.  I'm pretty sure the Hal Jordan is a complete repaint of one of the DCUC wave 17 Hals as well. 


Next up, we have some news regarding the DC Universe Infinite Earths Club as well as a few new figures on display.  We've see some of the figures that we can expect to see in the coming months but we also have release dates.

Jay Garrick (The Flash) above in the new packaging, will all be available for purchase on April 16th at the Matty Collector website. 

Metron will also be available on April 16th but only to those who has subscribed to the DC Universe Club Infinite Earths.  If you haven't subscribed, you're out of luck and be prepared to pay an arm and a leg for him on eBay. 

 

The previously announced Red Lantern Atrocitus will be available for sale on May 15th and then Starman (above) will be available for sale on June 15th

Up until the Toy Fair show, we had not yet seen a picture of the new Mirror Master action figure. (See above).  He will be available for sale on July 16th, 2012

Also previously announced but not yet seen is the new Poison Ivy action figure.  Unfortunately Mattel has not given us a release date for this.  She looks good and even though i hate the female sculpts because they are too thin, she is a must have in my opinion.

A new surprise was the addition of Black Mask to the group.  Batman fans will be really happy with this announcement.  Unfortunately, we have no idea when we'll be able to get our hands on it.  No release date announced yet. 

Metal Men fans will be happy with the addition of Platinum and Tin.  Personally, I will pass on these but a lot of DC Universe Classics fans have been asking for the completion of the Metal Men team so here are a couple more to cross off the list.  Again, no release date has been given for these figures yet.  

The final new DC Universe Club Infinite Earth action figure is Red Rocket.  Again, no release date announced yet.


And finally, for you retail fans, Mattel had their DC Universe All-Stars figures on display.  All already previously announced, these are the wave 2 figures:

Supergirl

The Flash (new 52 version)

and Superman (new 52 version)

The 4th and probably most anticipated DC Universe All-Stars wave 2 figure, Red Robin, was not on display.  

So there you have it.  All though the DC Universe Classics toy line has come to an end, fans can still enjoy a nice selection of action figures over the 2012 calendar year.   

Thanks for checking out Action Toy Review.  Be sure to check back for more info, news, previews and reviews on Mattel's DC Universe Classics, DC Universe All-Stars, DC Universe Club Infinite Earth and Batman Legacy action figures. 

DC Universe All-Stars - Wave 2 preview

Over at Comicbookresources.com, Mattel has announced the 2nd wave of their new retail DC Universe All-Stars toy line which is due to be in stores early 2012.  This wave is a little less randam than the DCU All-Stars wave 1 and focuses on the mainstream characters, but specifically the DC New Universe version of these characters.

First we have the new Superman supporting his red belt and trunkless tights.  Not a big fan of the head sculpt.  I think the DC Direct DCNU Superman head looks better.  I could be wrong but the "S" symbol appears to be raised but other than that, the body sculpt looks pretty much like the previous DC Universe Classics Superman (right)

 Next up we're getting the Flash.  Hmmmm....two main Justice League members in the same wave?  Unheard of in the DCUC waves.  Okay, well as you can see the main differences between the new DCU All-Stars Flash and the DCUC Flash are his boots and the lightning bolts across his forearms and waist.  Again, his chest symbol looks to be raised in the DCNU version.  Those seem to be the only differences here.  The head sculpts look almost identical. 

 The next DC Universe All-Star action figure is Supergirl (left) which is a complete repaint of the DC Superheroes Supergirl (right) that came out in 2007 and then again in a two pack with Lex Luthor in the DC Universe Classics toy line.   

 And the final DC Universe Classics All-Star action figure is the only real original of the bunch, Red Robin.  A pretty good likeness.  The head sculpt looks like Batman without the horns.

So there you have it, you can expect to see these toys in stores, online and at your local Target, Wal-mart, etc, early in 2012.  Also, Mattel will soon be announcing the next Batman Legacy 2 packs so as soon as that news breaks, I'll post it. 

DC Universe Classics - DC Universe All-Stars

 Mattel has given us a bit of news and some pictures regarding the new "DC Universe All-Stars" retail toy line that will be replacing the retail DC Universe Classics toy line in 2012.  You can expect to see them in stores and on eBay next year.

First, we have the Larfleeze action figure which was actually already shown off at the 2011 New York Comic Con.  Be sure to click on the link if you missed my NYCC report.

The next action figure appears to be a re-release from the DC Universe Classics Wave 4 set, Batman Beyond.  I'm a little puzzled as to why Mattel is putting this one back on the shelves.  Could this have not be released in the Batman Legacy toy series instead? 

Looks like we're getting a new Plastic Man figure at the retail level, specifically, Plastic Man from the Flashpoint comic series. Previously, Plastic man was released only as a San Diego Comic Con exclusive action figure that came with a whole bunch of attachments (see picture below), similar to the DCUC wave 1 Collect and Connect figure, Rex Mason but with even more stuff! 

At this point, all i can see is that we're getting a regular Plastic Man with, so far, no indication of attachments.  Flashpoint Plastic Man looks a little less cartoony but the SDCC Plastic Man action figure appears to be  better value.  Check him out on eBay by clicking here

Finally, we a new Superboy action figure complete with a new sculpt and all.  Previously in the DCUC wave 13 set, Mattel released a Superboy but this new one is specifically modeled after Superboy Prime in his Anti Monitor armor.

Overall, I think Plastic Man needs to have attachments and Superboy Prime and Larfleeze look like cool additions but these characters aren't really what I would expect to see in the very first "DC Universe All-Stars" toy line.   Are they really "All-Stars"....?  I'm most disappointed that Mattel is already re-issuing action figures from the DC Universe Classics toy line.  I fully expected it to happen at some point, but not right off the bat.  Was Batman Beyond really that big back when DCUC wave 4 came out?  I don't know.  It is a cool action figure and for those of you that don't have it, should grab one but I would have liked something new.  You can probably still grab a Batman Beyond action figure on eBay for a very reasonable cost right now instead of waiting for Mattel to re-release it in 2012.  

Hopefully Mattel isn't saving all the good action figures for the Infinite Earth Club.  I decided to not join after sitting on the fence for the longest time.  I wasn't too crazy about committing to paying for action figures of an unknown line up.  We'll see.  Hopefully more news will come out of Mattel soon on which other DC characters we can expect to see released in 2012.  

What do you think of the new DC Universe All-Stars?  Feel free to comment below.