Batman TNBA Penguin Action Figure by Mattel

When Mattel took over the Batman license (and by proxy the Batman Animated license) one of the things they did right was releasing this Batman: The New Batman Adventures styled Penguin.

The original Batman Animated Penguin was based on the Danny DeVito Penguin from Tim Burton's Batman Returns, and pretty much no one will argue the merits of that Penguin design. So when Batman TNBA streamlined and classic-ized Penguin for the 'toon, it was a welcome return to the Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot we all knew and loved. When Mattel made an action figure of him it was a surprise and a welcome addition to the Batman Animated action figure ranks.

Penguin came simply with an unopened umbrella. No flashy shooty twirly neon umbrellas for this stylish old bean!

I had originally avoided the first Batman Animated Penguin action figure entirely, opting only to add this guy to my collection when he was released as a single carded figure (he first appeared in a TRU exclusive four pack that I never saw at retail.) But years later I did add the original Penguin to my collection, only because I found him for really cheap still in package. I've left him in package still to this day, but may have to finally bust him out and stand him up against this guy. Nostalgia has me liking the first version more today  than I did when the cartoon first aired, but I still like this Penguin and his classic styling the most.

Batman Animated Batman Back in Black

This black and grey Batman Animated re-paint was released with a Toys R Us exclusive repainted Batmobile in dark blue with red trim a few years into the line. It was long after the original Batmobile was unavailable at retail, but I really wanted one so I settled for the red trimmed Batmobile because I could get it at retail - It was not the best looking re-paint of the original Batman Animated Batmobile and not the worst, but this is a gorgeous action figure re-paint to be sure and helped me take the plunge on a not perfect Batmobile.

This Batman is the same sculpt as the original 'Combat Belt' Batman, but with black and darker grey and a black bat symbol sans yellow oval. One of my favorite Batman looks of all time!

I had actually forgotten that I owned this Batman action figure. It wasn't until I started down this rabbit hole of looking at my Batman Animated toys again here on the blog that I came across a photo I took years ago which included this Batman. I then had to dig through a couple boxes to find him and through the internet to remind myself how he was released. I knew I owned the Batmobile he came with, I had just forgotten that the Batmobile came with a Batman at all! And since this Batman had essentially spent 99% of his life in the cockpit of said Batmobile (both on display and for the past few years in storage) his existence had completely slipped my mind.

I'd still like to own a Combat Belt Batman with his toon accurate costume colors, but lacking him in my collection hurts less knowing I own this guy. This figure reminds me of the scene in the cartoon where Bruce first dons the cape and cowl and Alfred reacts with a gasp, which is pretty much what I did when I found him again after all those years boxed away.

Batman Animated Ra's al Ghul

When the Batman Animated Ra's al Ghul action figure was first released I was conflicted. There had never before been a Ra's al Ghul action figure, so I figured I really needed him. But The Demon's Head action figure was clad in this non-canonical armor and not in his typical green suit with cape, so I didn't really like the look of the figure.

The need for a Ra's al Ghul ended up winning out, and I picked him up off the shelves and never regretted it. A later TRU four figure set did come out a few years later and it included a suited Ra's, so fortunately I do have a proper Ra's as well, but over the years this version has grown on me and I now think it's pretty great.

The armor isn't canon, but it isn't absurd or neon purple so I can dig it. He came with a cool sword and a lame projectile launcher, but the launcher is easily ignored and the sword is the right accessory to go along with an armored Ra's, ready for battle!

I believe the Demon helmet did appear in the cartoon, and it does look pretty menacing. I am a huge fan of masks/helmets for action figures when the work well with the figure, and this one does. In fact, even though I didn't like the armor, it was probably the helmet that pushed me back into the 'pro' camp for picking up this action figure. The helmet just looks too cool, fits snugly over Ra's head and can also...

...be flipped up to reveal Ra's stoic visage before he plunges that sword into the heart of his enemies.

While I prefer the later suited Ra's, I really love this al Ghul action figure and am happy that I got over my distaste of the armor back when I could pick him up off the toy store shelf.

There have been dozens of Ra's al Ghul action figures released over the years by now, but the first is probably still one of the best. It's also pretty amazing to think of how many Batman characters got their first toy release ever thanks to the Animated Series: Ra's, Harley Quinn, Clayface, Poison Ivy, Man-Bat, Talia, Alfred, James Gordon and the list probably goes on but that's all I can think of at this moment.

DC Collectibles Animated Batman 'Tales of the Dark Knight' Set Coming Soon!

Recent posts about my classic Batman Animated action figures got me searching online for info and checklists and stuff, and in my searching I discovered this DC Collectibles Animated Batman Tales of the Dark Knight three figure set due out October 2016!

Based on the 'What If' episode of Batman the Animated Series (or perhaps it happened during the re-branded TNBA era) this set includes a Frank Miller inspired Batman, Mutant Leader and Carrie Kelley Robin! I have a pretty nice collection of Robins, but not one single version of Carrie Kelley, and that is one badass looking Batman right there! I really want his set (or at least Batman and Robin) but at $70...well at least this set is being released before my birthday, so perhaps I can convince my someone to get it for me as a birthday present!

Clay Lady Clay, Clay Across My Big Brass Bed

Clayface had never before been better represented than when he was re-imagined for the Batman Animated cartoon series. Who can forget that iconic animated moment when Batman bursts forth from Clayface via his grapple hook after being absorbed and presumably suffocated by the big brown mass of malleable mud!?!?

Clayface the action figure is a big rubber guy, he comes across as a bath toy in his makeup. But he's a perfect representation of his cartoon counterpart! One of his hands is transforming into blades, and the other...

...is morphing into a mace ball which is supposed to 'launch' when you squeeze Clayface's left arm. Mine never quite worked but I got it second-hand, so perhaps he worked well right out of the package. I was lucky to find my Clayface with his mace ball attached at the flea market many years ago. I also have a lighter brown version which came in a TRU exclusive four pack late in the line, and his left arm is different and does not include the mace ball feature. I will have to dig him out soon for a review too!

Killer on the Loose! DC Super Heroes Killer Croc :: Countdown to Halloween 2014

What's a Halloween Countdown without a killer? Killer Croc, that is!

Real Name: Waylon Jones
Known Aliases: Killer Croc, Croc, Crock Pot, Crocodile Dunderhead

Wanted for: Murder, kidnapping, extortion, and jaywalking. Also: eating puppies.

Killer Croc is a member of the Batman Rogues Gallery, and was originally envisioned as  a man with a scaly skin condition that gave him a reptilian appearance. Over the years, his croc-y mutation has grown exponentially, and nowadays he's pretty much a human/crocodile mutant. Sometimes with a tail, sometimes without. Most times more superhuman Croc than man.

He is probably best known today for his appearances in the Batman: Arkham video games. But he first reached his widest audience outside the comics as a character in the legendary Batman: The Animated Series cartoon.

Of all the action figure versions of Killer Croc ever released, I have to say that this version - made by Mattel as part of their proto-DCUC 'DC Super Heroes' line way back in the early 2000s - is the best by far.

Because essentially, this Killer Croc action figure is a serious/realistic version of the Batman: Animated Killer Croc design. What''s more amazing is that this guy is only unique in regards to his head sculpt (and paint applications) - the rest of the figure is simply a re-used Killer Croc from Mattel's six inch Batman toyline - one where Croc was far more mutated, and even had a tail!

This version fortunately does not include a tail.

But he does have a thirst for human flesh!

Batman Animated Harley Quinn from DC Collectibles :: Harley Qwednesday

DC Collectibles just unveiled a look at a slew of new action figures and statues coming soon (and to be displayed at SDCC 2014) but who cares about all that other junk - what's important is this upcoming Batman: The Animated Series / The New Batman Adventures Harley Quinn action figure! A thing of sheer beauty, I believe this Harley Quinn action figure is due out December 2014. This will be mine!

Also revealed, and relevant to our interests here, was the Batman: Arkham Knight  Harley Quinn action figure. The face isn't as cute as the source material, but I will probably still pick this one up anyways.

So that's your latest Harley Quinn action figure news - very late on a late Friday night. Because Harley Qwednesday isn't just a day: it's a state of mind!

LEGO Insect Body Mr. Freeze ver. 2.0

I've been tinkering with my custom LEGO insect body Mr. Freeze minifigure since creating him a few weeks back. He was conceptually sound, I just wasn't completely happy with how he was constructed. So I've been slowly modifying bits and pieces here and there and have now come up with a much cleaner design:

I went with a plainer LEGO skeleton head, which is less goofy looking than the one I had originally used. I think both were from Ninjago minifgures. The back legs are also a huge improvement and now look much more mechanical and menacing.

I gave him an ice pick, which makes sense for obvious reasons, and added 'binoculars' to his gun, which also allowed me to add a little clear blue piece as if it were powered by diamonds, because how the hell can a diamond power anything?

The ice missile might be overkill, but is an easily removed attachment if I decide I don't like it.

"Revenge is a dish best served...by a hot red-head in a skimpy French maid outfit. ROWR!"

Insect Body Mr. Freeze LEGO minifigure

As Batman: the Animated Series evloved into The New Batman Adventures, so too did the character designs evolve. One drastic change revealed was that Mr. Freeze's condition had led to a complete deterioration of his entire body, leaving him with nothing but his head. Of course Mr. Freeze, never one to let adversity slow him down, built a robot body and, more eerily, an 'insect body'for his head to travel around on should the need arise.

As if you wouldn't have done the same thing if you were in his...shoes.

I have the Mr. Freeze Insect Body action figure, but I do not have a Mr. Freeze LEGO minifigure. I set out last night to try and rectify that situation, and instead hit upon making an insect body version.

Genius! 

I tried a lot of different combos and leg set-ups, and finally settled on this configuration. It might need more blue pieces, but otherwise I like how he turned out.

Mr. Freeze of course has his freeze gun and some claws to hold it with.

'Batman is a dish best served...cold. Oh yeah, and with garlic. I love garlic.'

DC Collectibles 2014 Line-up Toy Fair Reveals :: TAKE ALL MY MONEY!

DC Collectibles just released to the media a sneak peek at all of their 2014 releases, and all I can say is DC Collectibles is about to get a ton of my money this year!

Say it with me kids: O-M-F-G! in 2014 DC Collectibles will be releasing all new action figures based on the penultimate in Batman on screen: Batman Animated action figures with multiple points of articulation and screen accurate sculpts! This Batman Animated Catwoman action figure WILL BE MINE...

...as will this GORGEOUS The New Batman Adventures Batman action figure. These are simply incredible looking action figures - no word yet on scale (I dare assume 6") or price etc. etc. but I will update you as soon as I find out because I am buying these on day one! EDIT: According to USA Today these will be 6" scale, retail for $24.95, and will be available November 2014. And according to MTV.com Two-Face and Mr. Freeze have also been announced! No word yet on Harley Quinn but my God will I plotz when she's announced!

And speaking of Harley Quinn:

Cuteness overload! DC Collectibles is releasing a Lil' Gotham series, and Harley Quinn is one of the first releases. Yup, buying this one on the spot too.

Leaving the more cartoony spectrum for a moment - get a load of Pajama Party Harley Quinn (from DC Collectible's Infinite Crisis line). Oh my God another must have! Harley Quinn in her pajamas, with a teddy bear taped to a bedpost and a super-soaker. LOVE!

And speaking of love...

Harley Quinn in Batman panties. Action figures have come a loooong way in my time. Expect me to own this one immediately too!

Other highlights (and figures on my list of 'almost must haves') include:

Designer Series Thrasher Armor Batman based on the art of Greg Capullo.

Infinite Crisis Atomic Poison Ivy.

Lil' Gotham Damian Wayne.

New 52 Batgirl.

And New 52 Supergirl.

Phenomenal action figures one and all - an incredible set of good Harley Quinns, an amazing surprise with the Batman Animated figures (and the sky is the limit as far as potential for that line goes!), and some good fun comic book accurate toys. I've got to get to my comic book store immediately to get my orders in!

To see more of what's coming from DC Collectibles in 2014, check out Toy News International, MTV.com, and the video below:

The New Batman Adventures Battle Damaged Batgirl

Originally part of a Toys R Us exclusive four pack, this TNBA (The New Batman Adventures) Batgirl action figure features 'battle damage' paint applications to re-create her in a post-tussle condition. Missed opportunity: Alfred with sewing kit action figure!

Unfortunately she also has some real world scrapes too! Or a cold sore - who you been kissin, Babsy?

I did not pick this set up when it was at retail. It included a battle damaged Batman, battle damaged Robin, and battle damaged Catwoman - but since I had already picked up the Catwoman and Battle Damaged Batman two pack at the time, I didn't want so many redundancies. So finding her at the flea market for a dollar a couple weekends back was a deal I couldn't pass on, scrapes or no scrapes!

I really like this design of the animated Batgirl - these few figures came out right after Mattel acquired the license. The previous Hasbro versions didn't look as close to her animated counterparts as they could have, and Mattel did a good job with the subtle contra-posto stance in this sculpt. Great figure, (see, I can say nice things about Mattel sometimes!) and while I would prefer her to have a normal 'clean' costume, I'm almost positive that they did not release one at general retail with this sculpt. I recall a silver (?!?!) version in another four pack, and of course this one - a normal costume may have been released with the 'Rise of Sun-Tzu' video game but I'm not positive, and that wouldn't have helped me at the time because I didn't have whatever game system the game was made for then anyways.

Whatever the case may be, I have Batgirl now and that's good news in my book!

Random Toy Pic :: Batman Animated Family

I took this picture over 11 years ago. At the time I had a spare room and put together a little Bat-Family shelf with all the key members from the Batman Animated toyline.

Alfred
Nightwing
Batman
Robin (Tim Drake)
Batgirl
Commissioner Gordon.

Catwoman Purrrsday :: Little Catwoman

Little Harley is back - this time as Little Catwoman!

Little cosplayer Kara Viciedo is back with an all new cosplay costume, this time it's the Batman: The Animated Series version of Catwoman! Her costume was made by the talented Holly Messinger, who also made her Harley Quinn costume.

Little Catwoman (aka Little Harley, aka Kara) also wants everyone to know about One by One Dog Rescue Inc. - she may be a Catwoman on the outside, but she loves all animals and especially loves taking care of "her puppies."

Great pics, Little Catwoman! Thanks for sharing!

Catwoman Purrrsday :: Catwoman Animated Cosplay

We first met the stunning Mary aka Kingdomofcolette way back in October of 2011 when she was featured in Toyriffic's Catwoman Purrrsday :: 20 Question Cat Chat with Catwoman.

And now she's back with some new Animated Catwoman cosplay, so let's just cut the jibber jabber and check out these awesome shots!

Wowzers! GREAT stuff as always, Mary!

Be sure to check out more of her cosplay work at http://kingdomofcolette.deviantart.com/