DC Universe Classics - 2009 Year In Review

The second full year into Mattel's DC Universe Classics and we've seen some pretty cool action figures through out the year.   So I'll just go over some of the main characters and my favs we've seen released through out the 2009 calendar year.

For starter, Mattel gave us the biggest Collect and Connect action figure thus far in Wave 8's Giganta standing at about 10 inches tall.  Easily one of the best looking CnC figures aswell to date. 

We've also seen the dreded return of the Walmart Exclusive set, much like Wave 5 in 2008, wave 10 in 2009 was another walmart exclusive set.  This set featured a very import action figure of The Joker which would be important to any DC Comics fan.  Joker was arguably one of the best DCUC action figures of the year in my opinion.  We also saw and a repainted Batman figure was released again in this set.  That would make this the 4th repaint using this same sculpt.  Mattel thankfully included some cool new accessories with Bats.

Power Girl, also part of wave 10 and Superman from the Gotham City 5 pack (another wal-mart exclusive).  The unfortunate thing about these walmart exclusives is that so many people have a hard time finding them.  It appears that Mattel or Walmart is only releasing this in certain areas around the US.  If you're in Canada (like me) or somewhere else, you can forget about it.  Ebay is your only option. 

Captain Cold and Flash from wave 7 were some of the A list characters released in 2009.  I like how Mattel has been releasing a big name hero with one of their popular arch enemies with each set. 

We also saw some New Genesis/Apokolips characters introduced such as Big Barda from wave 7, Mister Miracle from wave 6, Kalibak also from wave 6, Mantis from wave 9 and Parademon from wave 8.  Look out for more of these characters including a new Darkseid in 2010's wave 12 set. 

Below we have Hawkman from wave 6 and Gentleman Ghost from wave 8.  There were some complaints about low numbers of wave 8 and 9 being released.  I myself still have not been able to finish either set.  Gentleman Ghost was very hard to find at a reasonable price.

Below we have some of the DCUC wave 9 action figures.  Left to right is Black Canary, Green Arrow, Deadshot and Mantis.

As mentioned above, Batman fans saw a few repaints of the wave 1 Detective Batman sculpt and also got some new additions for their rogue collection.  In the pic below we have from let to right, Two-Face (DCSH repaint), Catwoman (DCSH repaint), Killer Moth from wave 6, Batman (Gotham City), Deadshot and The Joker.  Is it just me or is there a lot of purple here?

There were a few two-packs released this year.  Below we see the Clash of the Cosmos Superman and Brainiac pack.

And of course, a classic Lex Luthor which also came in the Gotham City 5 Pack.  This was the only original sculpt in the set and I'm sure a lot of people bought the set just for this figure.  Fans of the old Superfriends cartoon were surely happy with this release. 

Well, thats Mattel's DC Universe Classics 2009 wrap up for you.  2010 looks to have some interesting new releases.  Waves 11, 12 and 13 have been announced and I've also got my own person list of characters I hope to see wave 14 and 15 or any new two packs.  To check out some previews of waves 11, 12 and 13, click on the links below.

DC Universe Classics Wave 11

DC Universe Classics Wave 12

DC Universe Classics Wave 13

DC Universe Classics - Power Girl

As requested by Action Toy Review fans, the next review will be on the DC Universe Classics (Wal-Mart Exclusive) wave 10 Power Girl action figure. 

Power Girls sculpt is made up similar body parts that we've seen before on other DCUC female action figures..with the exception of the chest piece.  That being said, she is still unique enough that it really doesn't matter. 

Each female DCUC action figure has had a different hair style and Power Girl is no different.  Very well detailed head sculpt.  My one minor complaint is that the neck seems to be a tad bit long.

As far as Power Girl's paint job goes, aside from one blue spot on the inside of her left elbow, its excellent.  Her face is flawless and you can even notice a touch of make up around the eyes.   In general, the paint jobs have of all the DCUC action figures have drastically improved since the first few waves.  I am seeing less and less errors with each wave. 

If you're looking for accessories, there are none to speak of with Power Girl.  She does come with the Collect and Connect leg piece of Imperiex but thats it.

Thankfully, Power Girl's articulation is up to speed with the DCUC standards unlike wave 9's Black Canary who was lacking in the hip joint department.  She comes with all the standard joints we've all grown acustom to. 

There's little to complain about this Power Girl action figure.  It is a great likeness to the DC Comic character and if you're a collector of Mattle's DC Universe Classics action figures, you will want to run out and pick up your own Power Girl.

Sculpt/Design - 8, Paint - 9, Accessories - 0, Articulation - 9, Fun - 8

Where can you buy this Power Girl action figure?  Well, you can start off by checking out your local Wal-Mart (if you're reading this in Q4 2009).  Otherwise you'll have to try eBay to get your hands on her.

To Find Mattel's DC Universe Classics Power Girl on eBay, click here

DC Universe Classics - Wave 10 Preview

Still trying to find time to finish my reviews of Wave 7 when Mattel has to go an announce the line up for wave 10 of the DC Universe Classics action figure sets. The unfortunate thing about this set is that....wait for it.....its another Wal-mart exclusive set. So all you people who had a hard time finishing the previous Wal-mart exclusive set (Wave 5) will get to experience the same thing all over again. Well, apparently there is word that these action figures will not be as hard to find this time around. We shall see. So the roster line-up for Wave 10 looks like this:

Beast Boy

Forager

Man-Bat (this figure is a re-release of the DC Superheroes version back in...2007)

Robotman

Power Girl

The Joker (yeah!!!)

Batman (appears to be a repaint of the DCUC wave 1 Batman)

And the Collect N Connect figure is Imperiex.

Personally, I am most interested in the new Joker figure. He looks like a great improvement over the DC Superheroes version (DCSH Joker)and also appears to come with a load of accessories. The Batman and Man-Bat are basically just repaints of previously released figures. Batman is painted in what looks similar to the outfit in Tim Burton's original Batman movie. He also appears to come with some different accessories than the wave 1 version. Robotman and Forager look very cool.

Since these Wal-Mart exclusive waves are generally hard to find, your next best bet is to try eBay. That is where i got my entire DCUC wave 5 set at a somewhat reasonable cost considering I can't find any of these action figures in my area....ever.

To find Mattel's DC Universe Classics action figures on eBay, click here

So I'm hoping to get through my wave 7 and eventually wave 8 reviews before wave 9 and 10 come out. Lots of good news for DCUC fans. Be sure to come back to Action Toy Review for more news, reviews and info and Mattel's DC Universe Classics action figures.