DC Universe Classics & Batman Legacy - New York Comic Con 2011

 This past weekend was the 2011 New York Comic Con and Mattel revealed some cool new additions to their DC Universe Classics and Batman Legacy toy lines.  There is so much to go over so lets take a look at some of the new action figures we can look forward to seeing in 2012

 

Starting off with the Batman Legacy toy line, Mattel is releasing a "First Appearance Batman" action figure (above).  If you're not familiar with this look, google some images of some of the first Batman comic books.  

 

Catwoman seems to getting more press these days, with her appearance in the The Dark Knight rises movie coming next year, as well as Batman Year One and her role in the new Arkham City video Game.  Now Mattel will also be releasing a Silver/Bronze Age Catwoman action figure too.  More on Catwoman in a bit.  

  

 Mattel's next Arkham City Two-Pack from the Batman Legacy edition and based on the Batman: Arkham City Video Game, will be the combo of Robin (Tim Drake) and Joker.  We already new about these action figures from the SDCC but not that they were going to be sold together as a two pack.

 Could this combo (above) be the next two pack?  Possibly.  We have seen prototypes of Harley Quinn but not Nightwing until now.  Since it appears that these Arkham City action figures are being sold as two-packs, my money is on this group being the next edition. 

 You can probably also count on this duo (above) to be sold as a two pack.  Catwoman and a blue version of Batman, similar to the Batman action figure from the two pack with Arkham City Two-Face. 

Now, I'm not sure if the above Super Powers version of  The Penguin is going to be part of the Batman Legacy toy line or the DC Universe Classics toy line, but really, does it matter?  We know it will be released at retail but not part of a specific wave.  I'm really curious to see what Mattel will be doing with the DCUC stuff at the retail level.  Apparently just popular characters, but will they still be released as waves and no CNC figures (a la DC Superheroes toy line back in 2007-08)

Penguin's head sculpt is brand new and looks a little cartoony.  The rest of the body and his umbrella are exactly the same sculpt as the original DCUC Penguin in Wave 1 .  Okay, that's it for Batman Legacy, on to the DC Universe Classics

 Back at the 2011 SDCC, the final full wave 20 of the DC Universe Classics toy line was announced however, we did not get a look at White Lantern Flash or the size corrected Sinestro Corps Sinestro.  At NYCC 2011, as you can see, the entire set was on display.  Sinestro appears to have been given the same body size as the many Hal Jordan action figures we've seen released in this toy line. 

White Lantern Flash has been given similar attachments that we saw back in DCUC Wave 2 on the red and blue Superman variants.  

 New Toys R Us Two Packs were also announced but they are also just repaints of previous figures.  We have a Blue Lantern Kyle Rainer & Sinestro Corps Hal Jordan Two-pack.  I'm not 100% sure but i believe the Hal Jordan head is from one of the Wave 17 Hal Jordan's (White Lantern i believe). 

The second Two-Pack is a Battle Damaged Batman and Azrael two pack.  Again, these appear to just be repaints.  The symbol on Batman's chest is ripped and his head is pure blue.  Other than that, this is similar to the original Wave 1 Batman and the many repaints after that.  Azrael is a repaint of Wave 16 Azrael.  The blue on the original figure has been replaced with red.   

 A lot of Rainbow Lantern action figures coming out here and there, makes you wonder if the rumors of another Rainbow Lantern wave was true at one point.  Mattel will be releasing this Orange Lantern Larfleeze action figure at retail apparently but on an individual basis.  He will not be part of any set....?

He's got a very cool head sculpt.  Love the horns coming out of the side of his head and the teeth look amazing!!

 On display again were the Matty Collector DCUC Infinite Earth Club action figures, Starman, Jay Garrick and Atrocitus.  No other Infinite Earth Club action figures were present or announced so members will have to hold their breath a little longer for more news.  

 The winning action figure and the first large size action figure to be released in the Infinite Earth Club of the Matty collector poll is Metron and he was on display at the 2011 NYCC along with the Mobius Chair.  Metron apparently will stand 12 inches tall. 

 A close up of the Mobius chair above and a close up of Metron below. 

Finally, you can't go to Comic Con without there being an exclusive action figure.  This year is a scary version of the Joker from Arkham City.  It is different from the Arkham City two pack Joker

  That is one messed up head sculpt!  I've actually seen a few of these on eBay already.  There's only 4000

of these Joker action figures out there so if you want to get your hands on one, click here immediately!

Unfortunately, there was no sign of any Mattel version of the "New 52" Justice League or any other rebooted characters, so i guess we'll have to wait and see if Mattel does anything in the future

Thats it for this post.  Be sure to check back with Action Toy Review for all your DC Universe action figure news info and reviews.  Also be sure to help keeps Action Toy Review alive by visiting our sponsors.  Thanks Mates.  Until the next post.

DC Universe Classics - Batman Legacy (SDCC 2011)

Originally the Batman Legacy toy line was announced by Mattel back in March at the 2011 Toy Fair.  It is a 'new' toy line that will celebrate the Dark Knight's rich history.  You will see a variety of different versions of Batman characters from movies, video games as well as from different eras.  These action figures will be released in the stores soon but you will actually be able to find some of them online on various websites as well as on eBay.

For the most part, SDCC 2011 did not reveal too much about the Batman Legacy toy line that we already didn't know.  So, lets take a look at what may be the more interesting figures fans will want to get their hands on.  

Above is the Batman / Two-Face two pack.  These action figures are based on the upcoming Batman: Arkham City video game, set to be released later this year.  Compared to the DC Universe Classics toy line, these action figures have a much darker and grittier look and ....i guess the best way to describe it is....they are a little more realistic than comic book looking...

Next we have images of Harley Quinn (above) and the Joker (below), also from the video game, Arkham City. I quite like this version of Harley compared to her comic book version.

For those of you interested in purchasing the Arkham City video game, if you purchase it from Toys R Us, you will also get the chance have your very own Arkham City Batman action in his 1970's outfit (below).  You will not be able to purchase this anywhere else but I'm sure people will try to sell them on eBay for twice the value. 

I'm really impressed with what i see so far with the Arkham City action figures.  HOPEFULLY, we will see more like Poison Ivy and Killer Croc! 

As mentioned, Mattel is also releasing the Movie Masters action figures, based on the Christopher Nolan films.  See my Toy Fair 2011 post for more info.   You can get a Gordon/Batman prototype (from Batman Begins) two pack or a Honor Guard Joker and Batman two-pack (from Dark Knight).  Personally, the Movie Masters are not my favorite and I will probably skip.  I might go for Gordon though if Mattel does not release a different version.

So for the remaining Batman Legacy action figures, are more to what the DC Universe Classics fans are accustom to.   First we have Golden Age Batman which is basically the same body and cape as Batman from DCUC Wave 1 with a new head sculpt.  Also the bat symbol on his chest is different as well as Batman is supporting black underwear instead of blue.  Apparently, this version will come with a "Batmite" accessory

Then we have Golden Age Joker.  Basically a mismatch of parts previously used and the head sculpt IS new compared to DCUC Wave 10 Joker.  Accessories appear to be similar however.

This is a repaint of the original Batgirl action figure from the DC Super Heroes toy line back in 2007-08.  It was re-released in a two pack with Azrael in 2008 i believe......Anyway, the only difference in the sculpt is Batgirl's belt.  In my opinion, this is definitely a chance for the better compared to the older version.

Next up is Catman.  A completely new character which we have not seen yet in the DC Universe Classics toy line.  Why Catman, i have no idea.  There are maybe 10-15 other characters from the Batman Universe I would love to see, and we get Catman....Ok, well at least its someone different.  Lets be positive.

This Mr. Freeze is a repaint of the same action figure that Mattel has re-released as a repaint probably 4 times before.  In my opinion, the best version is the 2007 NY comic con version.  I believe this new re-painted version is suppose to represent a silver age version of the character. 

And finally, we have a modern age version of Batman, which is essentially the body of the DC Super Heroes Batman from wave 8 (which is still, today, my favorite Batman action figure) and the head of the DC Universe Classics wave 15 Sinestro Corps Batman

An image has been released of the Robin actiono figure from Arkham City video game. Can't say I'm a big fan of this one.

That's covers basically the first two waves of the Batman Legacy action figures.  Since it appears that Mattel will not be releasing anymore Green Lantern waves in the near future, hopefully we'll see more waves of these Batman Legacy action figures in the near future.  And hopefully it will include some of the main characters that we've been missing in the first 20 DC Universe Classics waves thus far.  Since Batman is the backbone to the DC Universe, I think its reasonable to expect a few more waves before Mattel moves their focus on to something else (Superman perhaps??).

DC Universe Classics - Mad Love & Mightiest Mortals PREVIEW

Not to much DC Universe Classics news these days, but something interesting has been buzzing for the last couple days.  I'm not sure that an official announcement has been made by Mattel, but there seem to be 2 new DCUC 2 packs making their way to your friendly neighbourhood department store and now there are pictures to confirm it. 

The first is a Joker and Harley Quinn pack called "Mad Love".   You will see that Joker is a re-paint from the DCUC Wave 10 series.  This time he is supporting a black and white tuxedo.  Harley Quinn looks pretty much the same as the original DCUC wave 2 release.  Lets hope this time, Mattel has not shaded her face with blue paint this time which was a HUGE complaint of mine as well as many other collectors.  It looks as though you will get all the same accessories that came with these action figures in their original release. 

Next up we have the "Mightiest Mortals" two pack which features the very VERY hard to get Black Adam from wave 9 and Captain Marval, aka Shazam from wave 6.  Both action figures appear to be basically the same as their original release.  As far as I can tell, there are no accessories included in this set.  Those who missed out on the rare Black Adam should be all over this baby. 

For those into the repaints or looking for a improved Harley Quinn, the Mad Love two pack may be right up your alley.  Those also looking to finally get a Black Adam of their very own will now have the chance. 

If you're looking for DC Universe Classics action figures, there is no better place to find them online than eBay.  You will find such a huge variety, be sure to check out eBay by clicking here

That's it for this post.  Be sure to check back with Action Toy Review for more DC Universe Classics news, info, previews and reviews. 

What do you think of these latest two packs?  Be sure to leave your comments below. 

DC Universe Classics - Batman Legacy Action Figures Preview

For a SDCC UPDATE - July 2011 - click here

***WONDERCON 2011 UPDATE - APRIL 8th, 2011***

A couple of new action figures to add to the Batman Legacy line up.  First, we get another classic version of Batman.  Some noticeable differences compared to the other Batman action figures we've see to date in the DCUC line up, specifically a new head sculpt. 

The second new action figure is actually just a repainted Batgirl.  Apparently the belt she is supporting in this picture will not be the final version when the action figure is released.   She'll be supporting something a little less bulky.

For more on the Mattel Batman Legacy toy line (which will be released in the fall of 2011), check out my original post below from Feb 2011. 

Revealed at the 2011 Toy Fair show is the new Batman Legacy action figure toy line by Mattel which will be released sometime in the late spring or early summer.  This toy line supposedly NOT based on the Batman Legacy comic series but rather is more designed to "celebrate" the Dark Knight's rich history.  I assume this means we're going to get different versions of different characters (could mean a lot of repaints).  The first wave of Batman Legacy action figures will include "Movie Masters" action figures from Batman Begins, all in the 6 inch size, as well as a few re-released/repainted figures and some new action figures based on the new Batman Arkham City video game which will be coming at the end of September 2011.  So lets take a look at the line up:

First, the movie masters action figures which i believe will be sold as a 2 pack.  From Batman Begins, Bruce Wayne in his prototype Batman suit and Commissioner Gordon. 

Pictures from the Toy Fair 2011 show that included with the Prototype Batman action figure is a removable ski mask for Bruce. 

The Prototype Batman/Commissioner Gordon has been labelled as Wave 1 by Mattycollector and there is also a Dark Knight Batman and Police Honor Guard Joker − "Wave 2" two pack that has been announced.  No pictures or released dates though of TDK figures though.  I assume this means one Movie Master 2 pack per wave.

The following 3 Batman Legacy action figures will be sold as singles:

•Silver Age Mr. Freeze

Here we go, repaints already.  This is simply the Mr.Freeze action figure we've seen previously about 3 times back before the DC Superheroes Toy Line.  In my opinion the Mr.Freeze from the 2007 NYCC is the best version out there. It was very hard to get a hold of if you were not at the show or did not snap it up on eBay when it first came out.  Ive seen recent eBay auction go in the $60 USD range for that action figure.  Since Mr. Freeze is a must for any Batman fan, this will be a decent addition for collectors who are missing him (although, I'm not crazy about the paint scheme).   To read the ATR review click the link to the right--> DC Superheroes Mr. Freeze Review. Next up:

•Platinum Age Batman

This Platinum age Batman is simply, from the neck down, the Batman figure from the DC Superheroes Wave 8 line up (which is considered to be quite rare).  The DCSH Batman from Wave 8 is still one of my favorite Batman action figures to date.  It had a limited release just prior to the DCUC toy line began.  The head sculpt looks exactly like the Sinestro Corps Batman in DCUC Wave 15.

DC Superheroes Wave 8 Batman Review

 

And the third action figure to be sold as a single will be: 

•The Joker

For the most part, this Joker is very similar to the DC Universe Classics wave 10 Joker.  The differences being, in the Batman Legacy version, The Joker is supporting a long trench coat instead of the jacket with coat tails and flower on the lapel.  I would guess, the trench coat is probably similar to the one used on The Question from Wave 11, just in purple.  The rest of this sculpt is probably spot on to Wave 10 Joker.  As far as the paint job is concerned, gone are the pin stripped pants and orange vest replaced by a solid purple color for both.  Also Joker's shoes are now all black. 

Finally, from the upcoming Batman: Arkham City video game (which is a follow up to the very popular Arkham Asylum video game), we get a Batman and Two Face 2 pack which is also listed as Wave 1.

I must admit that these Arkham City Batman action figures look pretty sweet.  Batman Arkham Asylum had some amazing character designs and you know they will look even better in Arkham City.  It appears these action figures are entirely new sculpts so even though they will compare in size to your DC Universe Classics collection, the will look slightly different.  This does give us potential for finally getting characters such as Poison Ivy, Ra's Al Ghul, a new Killer Croc, Scarecrow and so much more.  Almost every major Batman villain are in these games in some form or another.

That pretty much covers the DC Universe Classics news from Toy Fair 2011. If you missed my previous posts about other Toy Fair announcements, such as DCUC Wave 18 and the Crime Syndicate box set, be sure to check them out. 

Don't forget to help keep Action Toy Review alive simply by visiting our sponsors and also be sure ylou check back for more info, news, previews and reviews of Mattel's DC Universe Classics, DC Universe Green Lantern Classics and down the road, Batman Legacy action figures. 

To find and/or purchase Mattel's DC Universe Classics action figures on eBay, click here.

DC Universe Classics - The Joker

After waiting for so long, I've finally gotten my hands on some of the DC Universe Classics Walmart (and USA) exclusive Wave 10 action figures.  Todays review will be on the one action figure from the group that most people have been looking to get their hands on, The Joker.

People who collected Mattel's DC Superheroes action figure toy line should be happy with this new version of The Joker.   The DC Universe Classics version of the Joker has a better sculpt, is taller, more articulate and thankfully comes with all new accessories to boot.  (You can see my review of DC Superheroes Joker by clicking here). 

The design of the action figure is great.  Classic Joker outfit

Joker's head sculpt is really cool.  His hair is very well detailed as is the classic pointed joker nose and big wicked grin.  The paint job is really well done and it would be hard to pin point any minor mistakes he may have. 

Joker is not an entirely new sculpt.  The head is, of course but if you take a close look at DCUC Wave 8's Gentleman Ghost (below), you will notice most parts, especially the lower half, are very similar.   Not that this is a big deal.  Joker's paint job and custome are unique enough that its not entirely noticeable.

Joker's articulation as mentioned is way better than the DC Superheroes Joker and almost lives up to DCUC standards but just falls short.  Joints include are at the neck, shoulders, biceps, elbows, wrists, abdominal, hips thighs, knees and ankles.  Whats missing?  A waist joint.  Also the ankles cannot turn side to side, only up and down.  Regardless, Joker can still be posed in a number of different ways. 

Thankfully Joker comes with a number of accessories.

Included with the action figure you'll get a big green Joker Mallet, a Joker cane which has a joker head sculpted at the top.  A deck of cards and a smiley face fish.  The mallet, fish and cane fit easily in Joker's hands.  The cards are a little tougher to hold on to. 

Overall, Joker has some minor flaws but he is arguably one of the best DC Universe Classics action figures and probably one of the best Joker action figures of all time.  If you're lucky enough to get your hands on this bad boy at your local Wal-Mart, do not hesitate to take it up to the cashier and purchase it. 

Sculpt/Design - 9.5, Paint, 9.5, Articulation - 8, Accessories - 10, Fun - 9

For those of you in a similar situation as me and cannot find DCUC Joker at your local Wal-Mart, your only other option is going to be eBay.

To find Mattel's DC Universe classics Joker on eBay, click here.