- DC Universe Classics
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DC Universe Classics is an action figure toyline, a sub-line of the DC Universe toy brand manufactured by Mattel. These are 6-inch scale figures based on characters owned by DC Comics. The entire line is sculpted by the Four Horsemen Studios.
History
In 2007, Mattel was granted the rights to produce action figures of all DC Comics characters, although the company indicated the agreement excluded the DC Comics imprints Impact Comics, Vertigo, and WildStorm.[1] DC Universe Classics was first announced at San Diego Comic Con 2007, with the first wave of action figures on display.[2] The line was scheduled for initial availability in January 2008.[3] At SDCC, close-ups of the second wave of action figures were shown, along with a line of 3" game figures that sold as the "Fighting Figures" sub-line. The second wave of Classics figures (and variants) was shown at Wizard World Chicago, alongside the first wave of figures. The third wave of figures was announced in October 2007, with photos being shown in the December 12, 2007, issue of ToyFare magazine. The fourth and fifth waves were announced at the 2008 New York Comic Con, and three of the five (six, including the Collect and Connect figure) figures from the sixth wave were shown at Wizard World Philadelphia in May 2008. More figures were revealed at the 2008 San Diego Comic Con and on MattyCollector.com.
The final wave of action figures to be sold at retail will be Wave 20. The line will later be rebranded DC Universe All-Stars. The first offerings for this new line are Larfleeze, Superboy-Prime, Flashpoint Plastic Man, and Batman Beyond.[4]
Collect and Connect
Mattel emulated Toy Biz's Marvel Legends Build-A-Figure concept with the DC Universe Classics line, which featured "Collect and Connect" with five (and later, six) separate figures including pieces to build one of DC's larger characters. Variant versions of figures include the same piece as the regular version. Collect and Connect figures are at least 25% larger than the regular figures in the wave.[5] Significantly larger characters (such as Chemo) will need to be reduced in size in order to be released in the line.
Criticisms
Collectors said they had difficulty finding figures in many retail stores. For collectors, the issue was pronounced with the Walmart-exclusive fifth wave, which was underordered by the retail chain,[6] but was later re-released and sold online at Mattel's website.[7] Mattel has since indicated that the company has improved the availability of action figures in the line.[8]
Availability also became a concern with the San Diego Comic Con exclusive Gleek figure, which was only available at the convention and not offered on Mattel's website after the show.[6] The figure quickly sold out, and there are no plans to re-release it.
Collectors, concerned about quality control, said some figures they purchased had stuck joints, bad paint applications, and mismatched parts. Others have complained about scale issues, with certain figures produced either too large (Lobo) or too small (Sinestro, Big Barda), as well as the fact that Collect and Connect figures have a height limit.
Collectors have seen relatively quick price jumps since the line began. Initially, figures sold for under $10 each. Later, as the U.S. economy worsened in 2008-09, collectors saw price hikes of individual figures to $12.99 and then to $14.99 by 2010. In 2011, figures are generally sold for $15.99 to $17.99 in stores such as Toys'R'Us, Target, and Walmart.
Super Powers influence
DC Universe Classics takes much of its inspiration from Kenner's Super Powers toyline from the 1980s, from character choices to their general design. All of the characters who were in the Super Powers line have appeared in DC Universe Classics and DC Superheroes, although four of them (Kalibak, the Penguin, Orion, and Mr. Freeze) are very different from how they looked in Super Powers (though Freeze would be re-released later with his Super Powers color scheme, and Penguin will be re-released in a more Super Powers-accurate version).[9] Some characters who were redesigned for the Super Powers line (Parademon, Mantis, and Steppenwolf) were released in two versions - a comic-accurate version and a Super Powers version. Even the characters Cyclotron and Golden Pharaoh - created specifically for the Super Powers line - were released in DC Universe Classics. Further, figures that were going to be produced later in the Super Powers line were created as part of DC Universe Classics (including characters from Super Friends like El Dorado and the Wonder Twins).[10]
ToyFare Fans' Choice
ToyFare #133 launched a contest quite similar to one done by Marvel Legends for DC Universe Classics. Through an online vote, fans of DC Universe Classics were able to choose from a list of six characters to appear in a future wave: Catman, The Huntress, The Question, Ragman, Starman, and Vixen. It was announced that the Question came out on top in the December 2008 issue of ToyFare. He appeared in the eleventh wave of Classics.
For its 2009 poll, the DC Universe brand managers and ToyFare staff picked another group of six characters for possible inclusion in the line: Captain Marvel, Jr., Geo-Force, Libra, Raven, Toyman, and Uncle Sam. The winner by a large margin was Raven, who was released in the line's fifteenth wave.[11]
The 2010 ToyFare poll differs from the previous two polls in that instead of choosing a regular figure from an upcoming wave, fans got to choose the Collect and Connect figure: Blockbuster, Girder, King Shark, Nekron, Shaggy Man, and Wildebeest. The winner of this poll was Nekron,[12] who will appear in the line's twentieth wave.[13]
Figures
The first wave of figures were shown at San Diego Comic Con, while the second wave was shown at Wizard World Chicago. At the outset of the line, five figures were included in each wave[14] (with variants included when possible), with five waves per year for five years. These plans were altered to increase the number of figures per wave to seven beginning with the seventh series, and to include retailer, convention, and online exclusives at various times throughout the year. Beginning with wave sixteen, the line was scaled back to six figures per wave (plus one variant).
Wave One
Batman heads this first line of figures. The Penguin, Red Tornado, and Etrigan were originally intended to have variants, which were scrapped at different times. The Penguin's chase robotic penguin accessories were dropped for cost reasons, while Red Tornado's modern costume and a repainted Etrigan to better reflect the art of Jack Kirby were skipped in favor of getting the second wave out as soon as possible. Some of the Batman figures are labeled "Crime Stopper," while others are dubbed "Classic Detective." It is unknown if this was a variant or a running change. Along the same lines, the first shipment of figures showed the classic Red Tornado on the back of the package, while the second shipments showed the modern incarnation.
The Collect and Connect figure for this wave is Metamorpho, labeled "Rex Mason, the Element Man". Metamorpho includes snap-on accessories, including a giant right hand, a giant hammer for his left hand, and an extension for his right leg.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece 1 Orion Astro harness Classic 23 points Right Leg 2 Crime Stopper or Classic Detective Batman Grappling gun, batarang Blue and gray, yellow oval Right Arm 3 The Penguin Umbrella Classic 18 points Head/Torso 4 Red Tornado Snap-on tornado Classic 23 points Left Leg 5 The Demon, Etrigan Classic Left Arm Wave Two
The electric-costume Superman from the late 1990s anchored this second assortment of figures. There are three characters with two versions each; cases included both Superman variants and either the modern or classic Aquaman, with the modern one packed at a smaller ratio to the classic incarnation. The Firestorms were done as a running change, with the classic version showing up in the first shipments and the modern version coming in later shipments. The Collect and Connect for this wave is Gorilla Grodd.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece 1 Firestorm Atomic/molecular structures Ronnie Raymond (Classic) 23 points Right Leg Jason Rusch (Modern) 2 Aquaman, King of Atlantis Trident Arthur Curry (Classic) Right Arm Joseph Curry (Modern) 3 Harley Quinn Mallet, gun Classic Head/Torso 4 Superman Snap-on electric bolts Superman Blue Left Arm Superman Red 5 Black Manta Trident, stun-gun Classic Left Leg Wave Three
Hal Jordan heads this third line of figures. Nightwing and Robin are redone in this third wave after both previously having been produced when the line was DC Superheroes. The previous representations of these two characters were not sculpted by the Four Horsemen. The wave was first seen in the December 12, 2007 issue of ToyFare. Sinestro's variants were issued at a 50:50 ratio, while Deathstroke's were slightly less. The Collect and Connect for this wave is Solomon Grundy.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece 1 Sinestro Lantern Classic 23 points Right Leg Sinestro Corps 2 Deathstroke the Terminator Gun, sword, bo staff Classic Right Arm Slade Wilson unmasked 3 Nightwing Escrima sticks Dick Grayson (Modern) Head/Torso 4 Robin Bo staff, batarangs Tim Drake, One Year Later costume Left Arm 5 Green Lantern Lantern Hal Jordan (Classic) Left Leg Wave Four
Wonder Woman anchors the fourth wave of figures. She and Cyborg were revealed at Toy Fair 2008. The rest of the lineup was unveiled at New York Comic Con 2008. At the 2008 San Diego Comic Con, it was announced that Batman Beyond and Cyborg would feature variants that would be exclusive to KB Toys.[15] Following KB's bankruptcy, the Batman Beyond and Cyborg variants were included with shipments to other retailers. The Collect and Connect for this wave is Despero in his mid 1990s incarnation, complete with two guns.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece 1 Wonder Woman Axe, shield Classic 23 points Right Leg Artemis Bow, arrow belt Wonder Woman costume 2 Cyborg Laser and claw attachments Classic Right Arm Sonic blast attachment Sonic Blast Arm; KB Exclusive 3 Captain Atom Silver version Head/Torso Kingdom Come version 4 Batman Beyond Batarang Classic Left Arm Batarang, mask Unmasked Terry McGinnis; KB Exclusive 5 Ares Axe, Sword Classic Left Leg Wave Five (Walmart exclusive)
At the 2008 New York Comic Con, Mattel announced that Walmart would begin carrying DC Universe Classics figures starting with wave three, in addition to receiving a store-exclusive wave in November 2008. At the request of Walmart, the characters included in this wave are characters that were able to be created using relatively few new parts.
The Collect and Connect for this wave is a mech version of Metallo. According to the Four Horsemen's panel at Wizard World Philadelphia, Metallo was originally sculpted to be part of DC Superheroes but was held back when Mattel was awarded the full license to the DC library. Metallo features a removable chest plate that reveals his Kryptonite heart.
Following problems with distribution of this wave at retail, the wave was re-released exclusively on MattyCollector.com in June, 2010.[16]
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece 1 Amazo Classic 23 points Right Leg 2 The Atom Ray Palmer (Classic) Right Arm 3 The Riddler Question mark cane Modern 21 points Head/Torso 4 Eradicator Reign of the Supermen 23 points Left Arm 5 Black Lightning Modern Left Leg Wave Six
Unveiled in its entirety during the 2008 San Diego Comic Con, the sixth assortment of DC Universe Classics contains a number of characters from Jack Kirby's Fourth World storyline. Superman is, once again, the tent pole character for the wave. The Collect and Connect for this wave is Darkseid's son Kalibak with his Beta-Club.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece 1 Mr. Miracle Shackles, Hoverdisks, Mother Box Classic 23 points Right Leg Dr. Impossible Modern 2 Hawkman Shield, mace, sword Classic 27 points Right Arm 3 Killer Moth Gun Classic 23 points Head/Torso 4 Superman Recovery suit, long hair Left Arm Classic costume, long hair 5 "Shazam!" Classic Left Leg Wave Seven
Beginning with this wave, Mattel extended the number of figures in an assortment from five to seven. With these new assortments, six of the seven figures include a Collect and Connect piece to build a larger character; the seventh - who is usually the A-list hero included in the wave - includes a DC Universe display stand (which can also be bought in packs of 25 from Mattel's website[17]). The seventh wave was shipped in two assortments - each containing a mix of World's Greatest Super Heroes figures along with the regular figures in the wave. The Collect and Connect figure for this wave is Atom Smasher.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece 1 Ocean Warrior Aquaman Trident Blue camouflage costume 23 points Upper/Middle Torso 2 Kid Flash Wally West, yellow/red costume Right Arm 3 Blue Beetle Blaster Ted Kord (Classic) Right Leg 4 Booster Gold Skeets Classic (with collar) Left Leg Modern (without collar) 5 Big Barda Megarod Classic (with helmet) Left Arm Classic (without helmet) 6 Captain Cold Ice gun Classic Head/Lower Torso 7 The Flash Barry Allen (Classic) Figure Stand Wave Eight
In November 2008, Mattel revealed the lineup for the eighth wave on its website, including pictures. Parademon variants have a 50:50 ratio.[18] The Collect and Connect figure for this wave is Giganta in her classic cavewoman outfit. In addition, a miniature Atom figure was included with the Collect and Connect pieces.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece 1 Commander Steel Hank Heywood 23 points Upper/Middle Torso 2 Doctor Fate Ankh-shaped electric bolt Hector Hall (Modern) Right Arm Doctor Fate Kent Nelson (Classic) 3 Mister Terrific T-Spheres Michael Holt Right Leg 4 Vigilante Uzi, rifle, pistol Adrian Chase Left Leg 5 Parademon Club Classic Left Arm Gun Super Powers 6 Gentleman Ghost Cane, pistol Classic 21 points Head, Lower Torso, and Mini Atom 7 Hawkgirl Staff, dagger, mace Silver Age Hawkwoman 27 points Figure Stand Wave Nine
On February 7, 2009, Mattel revealed the lineup for the ninth wave of the line at the 2009 New York Comic Con.[19] One of the villains in the wave, Mantis, has a 50/50 split consisting of his comic book counterpart and his depiction in the Super Powers line.[20] A Guardian variant was initially shown, but was cancelled in favor of the Wildcat variant. Some stores only received a fraction of their pre-orders from Mattel.[21] The Collect and Connect for this wave is Chemo, the arch-nemesis of the Metal Men, in his modern form.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece 1 Wildcat Ted Grant, black costume 23 points Upper/Middle Torso Ted Grant, blue costume 2 Deadshot Classic Right Arm 3 Guardian Shield Classic Right Leg 4 Black Adam Scarab necklace Classic Left Leg 5 Mantis Comic version Left Arm Super Powers 6 Black Canary Dinah Lance (Classic) 21 points Lower Torso 7 Green Arrow Bow, arrows Classic 25 Points Figure Stand Wave Ten (Walmart exclusive)
The tenth assortment of DC Universe Classics is the second wave exclusive to Walmart. Man-Bat is a hold-over from the DC Superheroes line, which saw albino and clear versions released as convention exclusives, but the classic, brown version of the character was never released. The Joker features an updated sculpt, compared to the DC Superheroes version, to better match the style of DC Universe Classics. The Collect and Connect for this wave is Imperiex.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece 1 Robotman Removable skullcap Classic 23 points Upper/Middle Torso 2 Beast Boy Green hawk Modern Right Arm 3 The Joker Cards, fish, mallet, cane Classic 22 points Right Leg 4 Power Girl Modern 23 points Left Leg 5 Man-Bat Classic brown 19 points Left Arm 6 Forager Shield Classic 23 points Head/Lower Torso 7 Batman Bat-laptop, Batarang Black costume (Toy Biz 1989's Homage) Figure Stand Wave Eleven
Included in this wave are a number of characters that are part of the Green Lantern mythos. Also included is the winner of the 2008 ToyFare poll, The Question. The Collect and Connect for this wave is Kilowog.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece 1 Katma Tui Ring constructs (sword and shield) Classic 23 points Upper/Middle Torso 2 The Shark Classic Right Leg 3 Deadman Classic Right Arm Phasing variant 4 Cyborg Superman Sinestro Corps costume Head/Lower Torso 5 The Question Classic Left Leg 6 John Stewart Ring constructs (fist and machine gun) Modern Left Arm 7 Steppenwolf Cable snare, sword, horn Classic Figure Stand Battle Axe Super Powers Wave Twelve
Confirmed by Mattel and revealed for the first time in the November 2009 (#147) issue of ToyFare magazine, the twelfth wave of DC Universe Classics marks the switchover to a new theme and an updated package design.[8] In celebration of DC Comics' 75th anniversary, each Classics and Infinite Heroes figure includes an anniversary button (75 buttons in all). Additionally, rather than featuring comic book art for only the characters appearing in a given wave, the packaging showcases numerous DC characters.
The Collect and Connect for this wave is Darkseid, a larger version than the one released in the DC Superheroes line. Darkseid comes with his Killing Glove, which is interchangeable with his regular gloved hand, as well as a removable Mother Box.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece 1 Eclipso Bruce Gordon (Classic) 23 points Right Leg 2 The Spectre Jim Corrigan (Classic) Right Arm Glow-in-the-dark 3 Copperhead Classic Head/Lower Torso 4 Dr. Mid-Nite Hooty the Owl Charles McNider (Classic) Left Arm 5 Desaad Torture device Classic Figure Stand 6 Mary Batson White costume (Modern) 22 points Upper/Middle Torso Red costume (Classic) 7 Iron Die-cast hands, attachments Classic 23 points Left Leg Wave Thirteen
After the official confirmation of the lineup for wave twelve came the leak of the thirteenth wave's characters, as well as images. The wave includes the character Cyclotron, whose only previous appearance was as part of the Super Powers line. The modern Cheetah variant was originally shown in pictures without any clothing, but she was eventually released wearing a black outfit.[22] However, some online retailers received quantities of the unclothed Cheetah. Mattel has indicated that this version would see a general release, but it has since been put on hold.[23] The Collect and Connect for this wave is Teen Titans foe Trigon, complete with his staff.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece 1 Negative Man Classic 23 points Right Arm/Staff Unbandaged head variant 2 Superboy Reign of the Supermen costume Left Arm 3 Cyclotron Removable face and chestplate Super Powers Figure Stand 4 Blue Beetle Wing and blade attachments Modern 29 points Left Leg 5 Cheetah Priscilla Rich (Classic) 24 points Right Leg Barbara Ann Minerva (Modern, with black outfit) Barbara Ann Minerva (Modern, without black outfit) 6 Blue Devil Trident Classic 23 points Upper Torso/Cape 7 Donna Troy Classic Head/Lower Torso Wave Fourteen (Walmart exclusive)
Confirmed in ToyFare #152[24] and at the New York International Toy Fair, the fourteenth wave of DC Universe Classics is the third wave to be exclusive to Walmart. The Collect and Connect figure for this wave is the Ultra-Humanite.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece 1 Kamandi Gun, pistol, rifle Classic 23 points Upper Torso 2 Obsidian Classic Left Arm 3 Tyr Classic Figure Stand 4 Gold Die-cast hands, attachments Classic Left Leg 5 Hourman Classic Head/Lower Torso 6 Zatanna Magic wand, removable hat Classic 20 points Right Arm 7 Green Lantern Lantern Alan Scott (Classic) 23 points Right Leg Wave Fifteen
Officially confirmed on May 17, 2010, the fifteenth wave of DC Universe Classics includes another character exclusive to Super Powers - Golden Pharaoh. The winner of the 2009 ToyFare fans' choice poll, Raven, also makes her debut, as well as one of the runners-up from the 2008 poll, Starman (Jack Knight). This wave became available at Kmart stores and online retailers in early fall 2010, and was followed by other retailers later in the season.[25] The Collect and Connect figure for this wave is Validus, an enemy of the Legion of Super-Heroes.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece 1 Golden Pharaoh Pyramid power staff Super Powers 23 points Figure Stand 2 OMAC Buddy Blank (Classic) Right Arm 3 Jemm Modern Left Arm 4 Raven Classic Right Leg 5 Martian Manhunter Classic Head/Lower Torso Alien head, weapon hand 6 Starman Cosmic rod, stellar energy pistol Ted Knight Left Leg Cosmic rod Jack Knight 21 points 7 Sinestro Corps: Batman Batarang construct 23 points Upper Torso Wave Sixteen
In the September, 2010 issue of ToyFare, pictures of part of the sixteenth wave were revealed - The Creeper and Jonah Hex, as well as the Collect and Connect figure. The rest of the wave was revealed at San Diego Comic Con 2010. Beginning with this wave, each wave will now contain six figures (in addition to one variant). Wave sixteen features a new, larger package design including art of iconic DC Comics heroes. The Collect and Connect figure for this wave is Bane, who features a new sculpt in a larger size, in relation to the DC Superheroes version.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece 1 Jonah Hex Pistol, shotgun Classic 22 points Left Leg 2 The Creeper Classic 29 points Right Arm 3 The Riddler Question mark cane Classic jumpsuit 23 points Left Arm 4 Robin Grappling hook, Batarang Dick Grayson, late teens 27 points Head/Lower Torso Dick Grayson, early teens 5 Mercury Scissors hand attachment Classic 29 points Upper Torso 6 Azrael Batman Classic 27 points Right Leg Wave Seventeen
In December, 2010 Mattel unveiled the lineup for the seventeenth wave of the line.[26] Each figure is a tie-in to DC Comics' Blackest Night storyline. The Collect and Connect figure for this wave is the Anti-Monitor.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece 1 Star Sapphire: Wonder Woman Lantern Modern Upper and Middle Torso 2 Sinestro Corps: Scarecrow Lantern Modern Right Leg 3 Blue Lantern: The Flash Lantern Modern Left Arm 4 Indigo Lantern: The Atom Staff Modern Right Arm 5 Orange Lantern: Lex Luthor Lantern Modern Left Leg 6 Black Lantern: Hal Jordan Modern Head and Lower Torso White Lantern: Hal Jordan Modern Wave Eighteen
Revealed at the 2011 International Toy Fair, all figures in this wave tie into the Super Friends TV Series the Collect and Connect figure for this wave is Apache Chief.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece 1 Black Vulcan Snap-On Lightning Super Friends 23 points Left Leg 2 El Dorado Super Friends Upper Torso 3 Toyman Top & Yo-yo Super Friends Right Arm 4 Captain Boomerang Boomerang Modern Head & Lower Torso 5 Samurai Sword Super Friends Left Arm 6 Bronze Tiger Additional Head, Sword, Staff, Escrima Sticks Classic Right Leg Wave Nineteen
The website MTV Geek had the exclusive reveal for the nineteenth wave of the line.[27] This time, each figure is a tie-in to the Justice Society of America. The Collect and Connect figure for this wave is S.T.R.I.P.E.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece Atom Al Pratt (full face mask) head and lower torso Hawkman Sword, mace, interchangeable variant head Golden Age left arm Kobra Staff Modern upper torso Magog Staff, gun Modern right leg Sandman Gas gun Wesley Dodds (gas mask costume) left leg Stargirl Cosmic rod Modern right arm Wave Twenty
Revealed at the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con. The Collect and Connect figure for this wave is Nekron, the winner of the third ToyFare poll.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece Green Arrow Brightest Day Reverse-Flash Flash Rebirth Hawk Classic Dove Dawn Granger Red Arrow Modern Flash White Lantern Sinestro Corps World's Greatest Super Heroes/All-Star
The seventh wave saw the first release of World's Greatest Super Heroes (WGSH) figures, re-releases of earlier figures with a DC Universe stand. Figures released in this wave included Batman (blue and gray), Firestorm, Green Lantern, Robin, "Shazam!", and Wonder Woman. Additional figures were released under the WGSH banner, and, later, under the All-Star banner (in addition to the figure stand, All-Star figures also include a 75th anniversary button).
Figure Description Original Release WGSH/All-Star Batman Black and gray Gotham City 5 WGSH and All-Star Blue and gray Wave One WGSH Firestorm Ronnie Raymond Wave Two WGSH The Flash Wave Seven WGSH and All-Star Green Arrow Wave Nine All-Star Green Lantern Wave Three WGSH Nightwing Wave Three All-Star Power Girl Wave Ten All-Star Robin Wave Three WGSH "Shazam!" Wave Six WGSH Superman Gotham City 5 WGSH and All-Star Wonder Woman Wave Four WGSH Exclusives
2008
San Diego Comic Con
The first DC Universe Classics exclusive figure was announced at the 2008 New York Comic Con: Lobo.[28] He was sold at the Mattel booth at the 2008 San Diego Comic Con, though some very limited quantities were offered on Mattel's online store. His inclusion in the line had been in question for quite some time, as DC Comics did not feel as though he was a character they would want in a mass market toy line, due to his persona in the comics.[5]
Toys "R" Us two-packs
Because of poor distribution when DC Universe Classics was still DC Superheroes, many fans were unable to obtain several of the figures offered. As a solution, Mattel released, exclusive to Toys "R" Us, two-packs that provided collectors with a way to purchase some of these older figures. In addition, the two-packs included new figures (Abin Sur and Lightray), and new versions of recent DC Universe Classics releases (Orion and Hal Jordan Green Lantern).[29]
Name Figures Accessories Description Articulation Batman Figure Pack Azrael DC Superheroes re-releases 23 points Batgirl New Gods Figure Pack Orion Removable helmet, astro harness Classic Lightray Green Lantern Figure Pack Hal Jordan Lantern Year One costumes Abin Sur Super Enemies Figure Pack Cyborg Superman DC Superheroes re-releases Mongul 2009
MattyCollector.com two-packs
In conjunction with the 2008 San Diego Comic Con, Mattel launched a site featuring exclusive news as well as products that collectors can buy directly from Mattel. Though limited numbers of 2008 Comic Con exclusives were made available for order in late July, exclusives began in the first quarter of 2009 with two-packs of previously unreleased characters.
Set Name Figures Accessories Description Articulation Release Date 1 Space Heroes Two-Pack Adam Strange Pistol Modern 23 points January 15, 2009 Starfire 2 Battle for Earth 3 Ultraman Classic June 15, 2009 Alexander Luthor 3 Color of Fear Romat-Ru Modern November 16, 2009 Karu-Sil Pack member 4 Justice in the Jungle Animal Man Classic December 15, 2009 B'wana Beast Online and Toys "R" Us two-packs
Shortly before the 2008 Christmas holiday, four pre-orders for previously unannounced two-packs appeared on various online toy store websites.[30] They were proposed as exclusives to online retailers and Toys "R" Us. Two of the four two-packs were released in 2009; the third two-pack (featuring Lex Luthor and Supergirl) was delayed until 2010, while the fourth (featuring the Golden Age Hawkman and Hawkgirl) was not released.
Name Figures Accessories Description Articulation Fists of Clay Figure Pack Clayface DC Superheroes re-release 15 points Batman Batarang Mud-splattered 23 points Clash in the Cosmos Superman Short-haired, heat vision eyes Brainiac Ray gun Green-skinned Coluan San Diego Comic Con
The San Diego Comic Con exclusive for 2009 was a two-pack of the Super Friends characters Zan and Jayna, better known as the Wonder Twins. Available both at San Diego and on MattyCollector.com, the set comes with the aforementioned twins, along with a bucket featuring Zan in his water form and Jayna in the shape of an eagle. Gleek, their pet monkey, was available for convention attendees only.
Walmart five-pack
An exclusive five-pack was offered by Walmart stores in 2009. Four of the five figures (Superman, Batman, Two-Face, and Catwoman) are repaints of figures from the DC Superheroes and DC Universe Classics lines, while the fifth figure (Lex Luthor) is an all-new sculpt.
2010
Online and Toys "R" Us two-packs
The delayed Kryptonite Chaos two-pack that was scheduled for 2009 was finally made available at retail alongside re-releases of the Green Lantern and Super Enemies two-packs from late 2008.
Name Figures Accessories Description Articulation Kryptonite Chaos Lex Luthor Green, blue, red, and gold kryptonite DC Superheroes re-releases 24 points Supergirl 22 points Toys "R" Us All-Star figures
The following repaints were released exclusively to Toys "R" Us stores. A fifth figure featuring The Joker repainted in an Alex Ross inspired black tuxedo design was scheduled to be released as well, but was cancelled.[31]
Figure Accessories Description Articulation Batman Grappling gun, batarang, figure stand Black and grey costume, bat symbol without yellow oval 23 points Green Lantern Lantern, figure stand Modern/metallic green costume Flash Figure stand Dark red/metallic gold costume Nightwing Escrima sticks Renegade costume DC Universe Classics Vs. Masters of the Universe Classics Toys "R" Us two-packs
Combining two of Mattel's properties, these sets of figures focus on releasing Masters of the Universe Classics figures at retail. The DC figures are straight re-releases of previously produced figures, while the Masters of the Universe Classics figures are repaints of the versions released on MattyCollector.com. The two-packs in the first series each come with an exclusive comic; two-packs in the second series each come with a mini-poster.
Series One
Name Figures Accessories Description Articulation Superman Vs. He-Man Superman Gotham City 5 re-release 23 points He-Man Axe and shield Comic repaint 21 points Lex Luthor Vs. Skeletor Lex Luthor Green, blue, red, and gold kryptonite DC Superheroes re-release 24 points Skeletor Sword Comic repaint 21 points Series Two
Name Figures Accessories Description Articulation Hawkman Vs. Stratos Hawkman Mace DC Universe Classics re-release 27 points Stratos Repaint 19 points Aquaman Vs. Mer-Man Aquaman Staff DC Universe Classics re-release 23 points Mer-Man Sword Repaint 21 points Walmart two-packs
Four exclusive two-packs were released at Walmart in 2010. The first two sets are composed entirely of repaints and feature no new sculpting; the second two are straight re-releases.
Name Figures Accessories Description Articulation Dynamic Duo Batman Batarang Gray and black suit, bat symbol without yellow, and pouched belt 23 points Robin Tim Drake, in green and red color scheme. Undersea Assault Aquaman Trident Gold shirt Black Manta Stun-gun Dark blue suit Fates Intertwined Hawkgirl Mace, dagger DC Universe Classics re-releases 27 points Gentleman Ghost Pistol, cane 21 points Power Struggle Superman DC Universe Classics re-release 23 points Parasite DC Superheroes re-release San Diego Comic Con
On April 12, 2010 it was revealed on the G4 series Attack of the Show! that the 2010 San Diego Comic Con exclusive would be Plastic Man, with multiple attachments, one of which (Plastic Man in suitcase form) was only available for convention attendees.[32] In addition, the Starro exclusive for the DC Universe Infinite Heroes line came with a set of four Starro spores which are compatible with the 6" DC Universe Classics line. Like the Plastic Man suitcase, these spores were only available at the San Diego Comic Con.[33]
Walmart five-pack
Walmart's second exclusive five-pack features two brand new characters (Guy Gardner and Tomar-Re), as well as three repaints of existing figures (Hal Jordan Green Lantern, John Stewart, and Sinestro).
2011
San Diego Comic Con
On the April 28, 2011 episode of Attack of the Show!, it was revealed that the 2011 San Diego Comic Con exclusive would be Swamp Thing, a character that was previously off-limits because for a time it was not part of the mainstream DC Universe. A set of Un-Men would also be sold as a convention-only exclusive.[34]
DC Universe Classics Vs. Masters of the Universe Classics Toys "R" Us two-packs
Three more two-packs including a combination of DC Universe Classics and Masters of the Universe Classics figures are being released. The Bizarro Vs. Faker two-pack will also be available at San Diego Comic-Con.[35]
Name Figures Accessories Description Articulation Bizarro Vs. Faker Bizarro "Bizarro #1" necklace DC Superheroes repaint Faker Sword Battle Armor Green Lantern Vs. Zodac Green Lantern Machine gun construct Metallic green repaint Zodac Gun White gloves Supergirl Vs. She-Ra Supergirl DC Superheroes re-release She-Ra Sword, shield Two-packs
Two two-packs are slated for release. The first two-pack re-releases Harley Quinn from Wave 2 and appears to include the cancelled All-Star Joker from 2010. The second two-pack re-releases both Black Adam from Wave 9 and Captain Marvel from Wave 6. Adam does not have the Beetle Necklace of Wave 9[36]
Name Figures Accessories Description Articulation Mad Love Joker Mallet, cane, playing cards, laughing fish Black tuxedo Harley Quinn Gun, mallet Rerelease Mightiest Mortals Black Adam Rerelease "Shazam!" Rerelease Legion of Super-Heroes twelve-pack
Exclusive to MattyCollector.com will be a twelve-pack of the Legion of Super-Heroes, the first time characters from this team will be released in the DC Universe Classics line. In addition to the twelve heroes listed below, the set will also include a Proty accessory figure and die-cast Legion flight ring.
- Superboy
- Cosmic Boy
- Lightning Lad
- Saturn Girl
- Brainiac 5
- Chameleon Boy
- Ultra Boy
- Karate Kid
- Wildfire
- Matter-Eater Lad
- Timber Wolf
- Colossal Boy
Wal-Mart five-pack
Exclusive to Wal-Mart will be a five-pack of members of the Crime Syndicate of America, packaged with a combination of modern (Owlman, Superwoman, Ultraman) and classic (Johnny Quick, Power Ring) incarnations of the characters.[37]
2012
Club Infinite Earths
Much like their existing subscription service for Masters of the Universe Classics, Mattel unveiled a subscription service for DC Universe Classics in 2011, intended to produce figures demanded by collectors. If enough subscriptions were purchased to make the service go forward, the plan is to release 9 monthly 6" figures, 3 quarterly oversized figures, and a club exclusive figure (all figures except the club exclusive will also be available on Mattel's website). The club exclusive will be an oversized figure chosen by fans in a poll on Mattel's website among the following four figures:
- Black Lantern Swamp Thing
- Metron with Mobius Chair
- Rocket Red
- Shaggy Man
In September, Mattel revealed on their Facebook page that despite not reaching their subscriber goal, the club would still go forward. In order to offer the subscription, Mattel would raise the prices of figures for non-subscribers. They also revealed that the winner of the club exclusive poll was Metron.[38]
Besides Metron, the first figures to be released through the club will be Atrocitus, the Flash, Starman, and Poison Ivy.
Media tie-ins
Public Enemies (Target exclusive)
Mattel produced a wave of figures inspired by the direct-to-video Superman/Batman: Public Enemies, using slightly altered buck bodies with newly sculpted and animation-influenced heads. This series was released in two different waves. The first wave includes Batman (Black and Gray), Superman (Classic), Silver Banshee, and Icicle. The second wave includes Batman (Blue and Gray), Superman (Metallic), Major Force, and Black Lightning. The Collect and Connect figure for this wave is Brimstone.
Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece Batman Figure stand Black and gray 23 points Lower Torso Blue and gray Black Lightning Public Enemies costume Left Arm Icicle Modern Left Leg Major Force Classic Head/Upper Torso Silver Banshee Modern Right Leg Superman Classic Right Arm Metallic Young Justice
A line of figures based on the Young Justice animated series will be made, using a similar approach to the previous Public Enemies line, with animated-style heads on DCUC-style bodies.[39]
Series One
Figure Accessories Description Articulation Artemis Diorama, Bow, numerous Arrow similar to Green Arrow Robin Diorama, staff, 2 Batarangs, grapple, 2 discs, wrist-top computer Series Two
Figure Accessories Description Articulation Aqualad Red Arrow Arrows, Bow, and Diorama Series Three
Figure Accessories Description Articulation Superboy Sportsmaster Spin-off lines
Green Lantern Classics
It was revealed via e-tailer solicitations that a new subline of the DC Universe Classics brand would debut in stores for fall 2010, focusing on characters associated with Green Lantern. ToyFare #157 revealed that Kyle Rayner, featuring his most recent look from Blackest Night, will be in the first wave of this new line. More details were revealed at San Diego Comic Con 2010. The line will consist of two waves, each featuring six figures and a Collect-and-Connect figure.
Wave One
The first wave consists of modern interpretations of old and new characters. Each figure comes with a 3D Green Lantern mask to be used in conjunction with the website http://www.greenlanterngame.com. The Collect and Connect figure for this wave is Arkillo.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece 1 Kyle Rayner Lantern, sword construct Modern 23 points Right Leg 2 Black Lantern: Black Hand Modern 27 points Left Arm 3 Black Lantern: Abin Sur Modern 27 points Head/Lower Torso 4 Sinestro Corps: Mongul Modern 23 points Right Arm 5 Sinestro Corps: Low/Maash Interchangeable head and hands Modern 23 points Left Leg 6 Manhunter Robot Lantern Modern 25 points Upper Torso Wave Two
One of the Red Lanterns featured in this wave (Nite-Lik) is an original design by the Four Horsemen who has been named by Geoff Johns and will appear in future DC Comics titles.[40] Also, a movie-inspired "preview" figure will be included in the assortment (G'Hu). The Collect and Connect figure for this wave is Stel, in his modern form.
Number Figure Accessories Description Articulation Collect and Connect Piece B'dg, Dex-Starr, Despotellis Acid vomit/breath Modern 5,5,1 Upper/Middle Torso G'Hu Movie-inspired Right Arm Ion Interchangeable hand with Beam Construct Modern Head/Lower Torso Medphyll / NautKeLoi Interchangeable head and arms Classic Left Leg Red Lantern Skallox / Nite-Lik Interchangeable head and arms Modern Right Leg Star Sapphire Modern Left Arm Exclusives
Toys "R" Us two-pack
Name Figures Accessories Description Articulation Hal Jordan vs. Thaal Sinestro Hal Jordan Ring constructs (Buzzsaw, Ball and Chain, Machine gun) Modern/metallic green costume 23 points Thaal Sinestro Ring constructs (Wrench, Pickaxe, Mace) Classic (new mold) This set also includes a Green Lantern Battery colored in green and yellow to mimic the cover of a popular issue. Some of the attachement Constructs are Green and Yellow versions of Attachements cast for the Metal Men (Pick Axe and Buzz Saw of Gold, Ball and Chain and Wrench of Iron) while the others are the Machine Gun of John Stewart in a darker green, and the Mace from Hawkman now in yellow.
Batman Legacy
First revealed during Toy Fair 2011; a new line focusing on characters associated with Batman. The line will not be solely based on the comic book interpretations of characters, and will include movie and video game inspired appearances as well. [41]
Series One
Figure Accessories Description Articulation Batman Modern Age Joker Playing Cards, Green Hammer Golden Age Mr. Freeze Freeze Gun w/Backpack Silver Age repaint DC SuperHeroes Series Two
Figure Accessories Description Articulation Batgirl Black/yellow costume ReRelease DC Universe Superheroes Catman Claws Secret Six costume Batman Bat-Mite (Kmart exclusive) Golden Age Without Bat-Mite Series Three
Figure Accessories Description Articulation Batman First Appearance Catwoman Silver Age Two-packs Series One
Name Figures Accessories Description Articulation Arkham City Batman and Two-Face Batman Batman: Arkham City Two-Face Batman Begins Prototype Suit Batman and Lt. Jim Gordon Prototype Suit Batman Face Mask Batman Begins Lt. Jim Gordon Gun Note: The Arkham Asylum figures very slightly taller, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch, than the other DCUC Batmans and Two-face. However the Batman Begins figures Prototype Suit Batman and Lt. Jim Gordon are made on the Movie Masters figure scale which has them about a "head" shorter than the other DCUC figures
Two-packs Series Two
Name Figures Accessories Description Articulation Arkham City Joker and Robin Joker Batman: Arkham City Robin Dark Knight Batman and Police Honor Guard Joker Dark Knight Batman The Dark Knight Police Honor Guard Joker References
- ^ http://www.superherotimes.com/newsarchive/004121.php
- ^ http://toynewsi.com/news.php?catid=10&itemid=11841
- ^ http://toynewsi.com/news.php?catid=10&itemid=11953
- ^ http://thefwoosh.com/2011/11/2012-dc-universe-all-stars-sneak-peek
- ^ a b http://toynewsi.com/news.php?catid=10&itemid=11911
- ^ a b http://www.actionfigureinsider.com/main/mattels-qa-answers-for-august-2009
- ^ http://www.toyark.com/news/dc-toy-news-5/matty-update-dcu-wave-5-is-alive-2518/
- ^ a b http://www.toyark.com/news/dc-toy-news-5/mattycollector-2009-in-review-pt-4-dc-universe-2174/
- ^ http://actiontoyreview.blogspot.com/2011/10/dc-universe-classics-batman-legacy-new.html
- ^ Geyer, Jason (14 January 2007). "Holy Cow! Super Powers Extravaganza". Action Figure Insider. http://www.actionfigureinsider.com/archives/sp/spfind/index.html. Retrieved 03 November 2011.
- ^ http://www.toyark.com/news/dc-toy-news-5/dc-universe-classics-fan-choice-announced-1897/
- ^ http://www.kordindustries.com/content/wizard-dc-universe-classics-poll-winner-468/
- ^ http://toynewsi.com/article.php?itemid=16125
- ^ http://toynewsi.com/news.php?catid=10&itemid=11653
- ^ http://www.actionfigureinsider.com/main/mattel-panel-news
- ^ http://www.mattycollector.com/store/matty/en_US/DisplayProductDetailsPage/productID.184112500
- ^ http://www.toyark.com/news/dc-toy-news-5/dc-universejustice-league-action-figure-stands-180/
- ^ http://toynewsi.com/news.php?catid=10&itemid=13663
- ^ http://www.toyark.com/news/dc-toy-news-5/nycc-2009-coverage-dcuc-wave-9new-2-packs-791/
- ^ http://www.actionfigureinsider.com/main/ask-matty-qa-for-october-15th
- ^ http://www.toyark.com/news/dc-toy-news-5/dc-universe-classics-wave-9-in-short-supply-1752/
- ^ http://www.toyark.com/news/dc-toy-news-5/modern-cheetah-revealed-2480/
- ^ http://www.actionfigureinsider.com/main/ask-matty-mattel-qa-sept1-2010
- ^ http://www.actionfigurepics.com/2010/02/toyfare-152-to-feature-new-dc-universe-classics-marvel-universe-and-iron-man-figures#more-4796
- ^ http://www.toyark.com/news/dc-toy-news-5/dcuc-wave-15-on-sale-at-kmart-1024-1030-3396/
- ^ http://thefwoosh.com/2010/12/dc-universe-classics-the-blackest-night-is-here
- ^ http://geek-news.mtv.com/2011/05/31/mtv-geek-exclusive-first-look-dc-universe-classics-wave-19/
- ^ http://toynewsi.com/news.php?catid=10&itemid=12829
- ^ http://www.toyark.com/news/dc-toy-news-5/mattel-announces-tru-exclusives-for-dc-universe-235/
- ^ http://www.toyark.com/news/dc-toy-news-5/dc-universe-new-2-packs-available-for-pre-order-426/
- ^ http://www.itsalltrue.net/?p=10167
- ^ http://www.actionfigureinsider.com/main/todays-mattel-sdcc-exclusive-reveals
- ^ http://www.actionfigureinsider.com/main/new-details-on-the-mattel-sdcc-exclusives
- ^ http://www.g4tv.com/videos/52683/exclusive-mattel-toys-coming-to-comic-con/
- ^ http://thefwoosh.com/2011/07/first-look-dc-universe-vs-masters-of-the-universe-two-packs-2
- ^ http://actiontoyreview.blogspot.com/2011/05/dc-universe-classics-mad-love-mightiest.html
- ^ http://thefwoosh.com/2011/07/first-look-dc-universe-classics-crime-syndicate-of-amerika
- ^ http://thefwoosh.com/2011/09/club-infinite-earths-is-a-go
- ^ http://www.superherotimes.com/newsarchive/005610.php
- ^ http://articulationtimes.com/2010/10/08/green-lantern-classics-wave-2/
- ^ http://www.cooltoyreview.com/tf2011.asp
External links
- DCClassics.Com - Visual Checklist & Collector's Guide
- DC Universe Classics at Batman: Yesterday, Today, and Beyond
- DC Universe Classics Toy Archives @ Legions Of Gotham
- DC Universe Classics news at Toy News International
- DCUC Info Archive
- DC Universe news at Toyark.com
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