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. 

SDCC 2012 - Mattel DC Club Infinite Earths announcements

There's a lot going on this weekend down at the 2012 San Diego Comic Con and Mattel had some new announcements with regards to their DC Universe action figures.  Mattel has announced the monthly action figures which Club Infinite Earth members will be getting over the next year.  So far, Mattel has already released  The Golden Age Flash - Jay Garrick, Metron and Atrocitus.  Here is the rest of the line up, the first 5 or so aren't new but hang tight:

So, we already know, that for July 2012 there will be two releases: 

 First will be the monthly figure - Starman complete with a 2nd head. 

As well as the Quarterly OVERSIZED action figure, Red Rocket.  Price for this action figure is going to be quite a bit higher than your standard monthly releases.  

Coming in August 2012:

Another Flash rogue makes the cut, Mirror Master.  Comes with a couple sweet looking guns. 

Coming in Sep 2012: 

One I've been waiting for - Black Mask.  Love seeing these new Batman villains coming in and it looks like we'll get a few accessories with him.  I wonder why they didn't just use them in the Batman Legacy toy line, which appears to be at an end as I have not seen anything new with regards to this line.  Anyway, on to the next month.

Coming in October 2012:

Another Batman villain Poison Ivy, she looks great but no acessories.  Like the green skin version. Officially, we knew she was coming but weren't sure what month her release was.  Now its official.

Now we get into the new announcements for the Club Infinite Earths action figures. 

Also the Quarterly OVERSIZED figure coming in October: 

Elasti-Girl complete with a mini-version.

Coming in November 2012: 

Uncle Sam with Dollarman & Constantine

Coming in December 2012:

Platinum and Tin.  Much like Poison Ivy, we've seen these figures already but weren't sure of their release.  Also to be released in Dec 2012 is:

Lead

Mattel also pointed out that  "pending a min number of subscribers", the Club Infinite Earths will continue in 2013.  Assuming Mattel gets the right number of subscriptions, we will see the following figures:

Coming in January 2013:

 Saint Walker

Coming in February 2013

Phantom Stranger

Coming in March 2013

Elongated Man

Coming in April 2013

Orange Lantern: Larfleeze which we did hear about and was suppose to be included in the DC Universe All-Stars series before Mattel rehashed the line up.  

Also coming in April - for subscription members only:

Monseiur Mallah.  Looks like Mattel borrowed a few pieces from Gorilla Grodd on this one.

 And finally, the last figure announced - Coming in May 2013:

The Flash (3) aka Wally West.  

That Covers the Club Infinite Earths news from the 2012 SDCC.  I will post later on about more DC action figures at the show such as the Movie Masters and more news Mattel has announced regarding future DC Universe toy lines, so be sure to check back.

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?? 

Batman Legacy - Catman

Time to finish up my review of Mattel's Batman Legacy Wave 2 set.  If you missed them, I've already reviewed Golden Aged Batman and Batgirl.  Click on the links to see those reviews.  This review will be on the third and final action figure of the set, Catman.

The first thing you'll notice is Catman essentially looks similar to Batman.  Mattel is basically using the same body sculpt for this action figure as it has used for all the DC Universe Classics and Batman Legacy versions of Batman.  Clearly the detail is different but basically, he the same size as Bats. 

The differences are the Catman is supporting a longer cape, the belt is more of a leathery look and the cowel is slightly different that Batman.

Close up, you can see Catman's eyes under his cowl, unlike any Batman action figure which all hide Batman's eyes (painted white).  Catman's head sculpt is good.  Cleanly painted blue eyes and we're seeing more DC action figures supporting a some stubble on the face (Captain Boomerang for example).  It looks good.  Catman's paint job is really good as well.

As far as accessories go, Catman is the only action figure in the Batman Legacy Wave 2 set that comes with something other than an action figure stand.  As seen below, Catman comes with to hand held claws.  I'm actually not sure if I've placed them correctly in his hands but they are pretty cool and fit well in his hands. 

There is nothing new here with articulation.  If you have any of the DCUC Batman figures, Catman has the exact same articulation.  Mattel has not changed anything here or added either of the new elbow or knee joints.

Overall, Catman is cool, and he is a good addition for you Secret Six fans out there (including Bane from Wave 16 and Deadshot from Wave 9).  Although Catman is clearly not one of the main Batman characters, it is nice to get someone new instead of seeing another Joker or Riddler.  I'm still waiting for a Ra's Al Ghul, a new sculpt Scarecrow and many more Batman Baddies from the Rogue Gallery.  Mattel, are you listening??
Anyway, go out and buy this bad boy.  Collectors won't be disappointed.  

 If you can't find these Batman Legacy action figures in at your local toy stores, then eBay is your best option.  with Wave 3 coming out very soon, you can expect to find some decent deals on these wave 2 action figures. 

To find Mattel's Batman Legacy action figures on eBay, click here.

To find Mattel's DC Universe Classics Bane on eBay, click here.

To find Mattel's DC Universe Classics Deadshot on eBay, click here.

Thanks for coming back and checking out this review. Be sure to check back with Action Toy Review for more DC Universe Classics, DC Universe All-Stars and Batman Legacy action figure news, previews, info and reviews.

Batman Legacy - Batgirl

It will be interesting to see where Mattel takes this Batman Legacy toy line, and how long it will last.  So far, we haven't seen to many new characters like so many people have been hoping for.  Wave 2 has been out for a while and wave 3 will be released shortly, so I figured its probably a good time to start finishing up my Batman Legacy wave 2 action figure reviews.  So today's review will be on Batgirl.

I mentioned before that I'm not a big fan of the female body sculpts.  For you new collectors out there, know they very skinny compared to the male characters.  With the exception of  Wonder Woman, Big Barda and Hawkgirl from the DC Universe Classics toy line which are all very good action figures and a bigger body type.  These smaller female characters though have very skinny arms and legs, so sometimes, they are packaged so tightly that it abnormally bends plastic and warps their arms and/or legs.  Other female characters of similar build to this Batgirl action figure are Harley Quinn, Catwoman, Cheetah, Donna Troy and Star Sapphire. 

So my main problem with this Batgirl is, due to the packaging, she comes out of the box with her right leg abnormally warped as you can see below in the picture on your left.  The legs and arms are so thin that plastic bends so easily.

As you probably know, we've seen this Batgirl action figure before.  It was originally released as a two pack with Batman in the DC Superheroes toy line back in 2007 or 2008 and then re-released again in another two pack with Azrael.  This Batman Legacy version is just a repaint. 

Here are look at Batgirl from all angles.  You can see the warped right leg above.  Other than my issues with the body size, it really is a good looking action figure. The hair is sculpted really well but it does restrict the head movement so you cannot get full use of the neck joint.  Other than that, the articulation on this action figure is what you would expect.  All the usual joints are here including the hip joints which Mattel has occasionally exclude from certain female action figures (Black Canary and Zatanna for example)

I definitely like the paint colors better on this version, than the previously released Batgirl action figure. For the most part the paint job on this action figure was fairly clean except for a small area around her nose where the black paint has smudged over the line a little. 

The original Batgirl action figures in both the DC Superheroes toy line and the DC Universe Classics toy line both included a small batarang for Batgirl which fit into the small slot molded in her fist.  This time around in the Batman Legacy version, you do not get any weapons of the sort.  The only things included with this action figure are a mini-poster and the action figure stand seen in the picture below.

Well, Batman fans will be happy with this action figure.  Hopefully not to many of you will have the same problem I did with the warped leg because that is mainly the only flaw here.  A Batman collection isn't complete without a proper Batgirl action figure. 

To buy Batman Legacy action figures on eBay, click here

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Batman Legacy - Golden Age Batman

The DC Universe Classics toy line may be coming to an end after Wave 20, however, Mattel still plans on giving us a certain level of these great action figures under different toy lines.  They will have their online Infinite Earths club, their DC Universe All-Stars retail toy line as well as their current Batman Legacy retail toy line which is up to its 2nd wave.  Today, I'm going to review one of those Wave 2 action figures - Golden Age Batman

So clearly this action figure is based on Batman's early years, Definitely pre Frank Miller stuff.  Look how happy he is!  If you're comparing Golden Age Batman to other DC Universe Classics Batman, you won't notice too many differences...well......because that's because there aren't that many.  More on that later. 

First, here's a look at the packaging.  Slightly different than the DC Universe Classics packaging.  As you can see, this Golden Age Batman does NOT include the K-mart exclusive Batmite action figure.

As you can see, other than the new head sculpt, Golden Age Batman pretty much supports the same Batman sculpt as DC Universe Classics Batman from Wave 1

 

 So whats different about this Batman besides the head sculpt?  Clearly the Bat symbol on his chest.  From there its just small differences.  (See above), the blue along the side of his underwear is something we don't see on any of the DCUC figures.  After that, the paint job on the Batman Legacy action figure is a mix of both DCUC wave 1 Batman is on the right and Gotham city 5 pack Batman on the left.  It would have been nice if Mattel would have maybe changed up the belt sculpt a little.

Below is a close up of the head sculpt.  A very classic looking Batman.  Its pretty much spot on to the Golden Age look.  Also the paint job on this action figure is fairly good.  There aren't any nasty spots or blotches to speak off. 

Unfortunately, as far as accessories go, the only things that come with this Batman action figure is a mini-poster and a golden age action figure stand, which quite frankly does not securely support the action figure in any way.  As mentioned above, if you bought the K-mart exclusive, then you would also be getting a little Batmite action figure as well.  No batarangs or grapple hooks or anything else.  Not even Bat Shark repellent!  (you tube it).  Fortunately I have enough of Mattel's Batman action figure accessories that its not a big deal to me but beginner collectors may feel a bit jipped here.

Articulation has not changed in this Batman figure compared to any of previously released Batman action figures (Wave 1, Wave 10, Gotham City.....)  You have all your standard joints which are all in fine working condition with the exception of the swivel waist joint.  it seems very tight and i can't get it to turn.  I didn't want to try too hard and break my new toy but i thought i should mention it.  I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that someone else had the same problem. 

So overall, well, if you're a Batman fan, like me, you're gonna wanna get this action figure. But if you're ho-hum getting tired of seeing Mattel give us a new Batman action figure with very little changes, this one might not be for you.  Quality wise, it ranks right up there with the DC Universe Classics action figures, the only decision is whether or not you need another Batman to add to your collection.

It will be interesting to see how much longer Mattel keeps this Batman Legacy toy line alive.  Hopefully longer than the Green Lantern experiment.  I personally would like to see it keep going and have more characters covered that the DCUC line did not get to.  Ra's Al Ghul, Scarecrow, Killer Croc, Poison Ivy....this list goes on.  So far, for Batman Legacy Wave 3, we know that a "First Appearance Batman" and a Golden Age Catwoman will be included along with a Batman Arkham City Harley Quinn and Nightwing action figures.  No announcement on the NYCC 2011 "Super Powers" Penguin action figure and where he fits in on all this.  I wouldn't be surprised to see him as the 3rd Wave 3 figure and the two Arkham City action figures be sold separately as a two pack but that is pure speculation on my part.   

To find Batman Legacy action figures on eBay - click here