Catwoman :: DC Super Heroes by Mattel

Back in 2007, everyone who collected the DC Super Heroes toyline was after this Catwoman figure. The line was not only Batman/Superman-centric, but it was also a sausage-fest. Besides a couple paint variants of Barbara Gordon Batgirl, a couple paint variants of Supergirl, and Cassandra Cain Batgirl, this was it for female characters in the line.

So the very few female characters were quite popular with collectors, and they tended to be very hard to find. I was lucky to find Catwoman but certainly missed my fair share of figures from the line (Azreal, Clayface, Babs Batgirl) so I suppose my Karma is pretty even-steven with this toyline.

Catwoman came with a whip, a cat 'statue' and a necklace accessory so she had something to steal. She also has this silly backpack, which would be ridiculous if it didn't actually make sense for her to have somewhere to stow her ill-gotten goods. Still, it comes across as a little too 'Japanese Schoolgirl Fetish' to me.

Sculpt-wise, the few who could find her at retail were not disappointed. Sadly that joy was quickly quashed by one of the oddest face paint issues in action figure history. For no logical or illogical reason anyone can imagine, the skin around Catwoman's mouth is a lighter shade than her cheeks and chin. In an almost perfect circle.

Like...I can't even...I just...I don't...

Seriously, this figure would have been perfect and flawless at the time and could still hold herself up proud to this day except for that damn weird-ass paint issue that makes her look like...well...just...I don't know.

Catwoman is pretty much in scale with Hellcat, but they don't mesh together flawlessly due to their design differences. And the fact that they are separated by eight years and two toy companies and rival comic publishers.

Cassandra Cain Batgirl Action Figure :: Mattel 2007

Back in 2007, before the DC Superheroes action figure line ventured out of the Batman/Superman character-centric territory into the all-encompassing DC Universe Classics, well, universe, Mattel surprisingly released the Cassandra Cain version of Batgirl.

I suppose it shouldn't have been a big surprise, as Mattel was able to re-use about 92% of the parts from the Barbara Gordon figure they had released previously in the same line. But still, she was an unexpected (and hard to find) character.

In typical Four-Horsemen female head-sculpt fashion, Cassandra looks great from straight-on, but flat-faced from the side. She came with a batarang or two but I don't have them within easy reach, so you'll just have to take my word for it.

The Babs Gordon body re-use may have made Cassandra look a little too blossomed-to-womanhood for her teenaged characterization, but if you want to get nerd-touchy about that you can just imagine that this action figure is the Huntress. Fun Fact: When this costume debuted during the No Man's Land storyline it was worn by the Huntress (Helena Bertinelli).

The headsculpt and sweet massive-pouched belt are the only unique parts to this figure, and the only paint apps are the bat symbol and some silver trim (some of which is completely unnecessary, but you gotta admit the silver stitches on the mask are pretty sweet!)

During the No Man's Land story, Gotham City was cut off from the rest of the world after a massive Earthquake, and Batman was who-knows-where. Helena felt that the city needed a human Bat symbol so she became Batgirl for a short time. Basically until Batman returned and got mad at her for, well, doing his job. And then a new kid shows up and hey here's a spare costume we'll save Alfred some time.

Comic book logic at it's finest.

Anyways, the figure is pretty cool, especially considering the unlikelyhood of the pretty well forgotten Cassanda Batgirl making new waves in action figure circles (unless that whole DC Convergence thing has brought her up again. I don't know, I'm not following it.)

Cassandra Batgirl was pretty tough to find at retail, so I consider myself lucky to have her. She's a cool and unique addition to my plastic Bat-family

Imaginext Solomon Grundy Coming Soon!

Fisher-Price recently revealed their newest super-sized Imaginext figure: Solomon Grundy! Not sure the exact scale on this guy, but based on the kid's hand in the following picture...

...he looks to be quite large - even larger than the Imaginext Clayface! Solomon Grundy will retail for around $15.00. No sign of him at retail or at any online retailers yet, but I expect he'll be showing up any day now, perhaps as part of stores' after holiday toy resets.

I will have to see this one in person before I commit - he may be a bit too big, although that might mean he's in scale with another action figure line like Hero World or something. He doesn't look overly kiddy/cartoony, in fact he doesn't really scream 'Imaginext' at all to me, although standard Imaginext themselves have been around so long that some older figures don't even match up with the new ones.

I regret that I never was able to get the limited/exclusive JLU Solomon Grundy, nor was I able to complete the DCUC Collect and Connect Grundy (thanks Mattel!) so I might be unable to pass on this one if I do see it at retail just to satisfy that gaping hole in my soul. Thankfully I do have the Brave and the Bold Solomon Grundy, one of the best Grundy action figures ever made!

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!

Preschool Week :: Gotham Girls

Just a pair of pictures featuring everyone you've seen this Preschool Week, together with their respective toyline teammates: Gotham Girls - Imaginext and Playmobil style!

Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn, official members of the Imaginext DC Universe lineup, and custom members of the world of Playmobil.

I have yet to come up with a way to give Catwoman cat ears (without her looking like a cheap custom job that is.) I keep hoping Playmobil will make a cat ear headband or hood or something for some Halloween themed figure or somesuch. Like I said before, these are just kitbash customs, no paintwork or part modification whatsoever. Just parts swapping. Doing these customs is challenging and fun, and while I am sure I could do all sorts of paint work or craft custom parts, I like to keep these things simple yet creative. At least for now. Who knows what the future holds?!

Preschool Week :: Imaginext Poison Ivy and Scarecrow by Fisher Price

Another theme week!

This week, we look at a bunch of toys intended for toddlers! So stick your thumb in your mouth or your finger in your nose and take a nap or throw a tantrum and don't eat your peas and be in bed by seven, because Preschool Week begins NOW!

Only the fourth female character to have made it to the DC Super Heroes Imaginext toyline line-up (behind Catwoman, Wonder Woman and Harley Quinn) - I present to you the chlorophyll cutie herself: Poison Ivy.

The detail on Poison Ivy is incredible. Her bodice and shoes are sculpted with all sorts of little details that could have been ignored in the design phase. Fisher-Price could have just given her a flat green oufit and called it a day. Her hair is nicely sculpted too, and the little plant details painted on her help her stand out as something more than just a green skinned gal. Of note: her arms are also much skinnier than the previous female Imaginext figures. It makes sense in a way because Ivy is not wearing sleeves/gloves like Catwoman or Harley, but I hope it doesn't mean female Imaginext figures are going to have a different body type moving forward. The line has lasted so long there are already design changes that make them a bit inconsistent when put together as a group (for instance, the previous sculpted faces vs. the latest painted-on faces.) And with the about-once-a-year female character releases Fisher Price seems to be keeping to, there will be massive design differences by the time we even get a handful of gals in our DC Imaginext collections!

Although Imaginext has been going strong for many years now, it's hard to believe Poison Ivy is only the fourth female character from the DC Comics line-up to make an appearance. More surprising, all three Batman themed females that they have made are villains! Sure, they made Wonder Woman, but considering other such no-brainers as Batgirl and Supergirl have yet to make the Imaginext roster of female characters, Poison Ivy is a welcome addition indeed, but does leave one wondering what goes on behind closed doors at the Fisher-Price offices!

Actually, as odd as it sounds, I honestly believe the primary gauge used for Batman themed character selection are the Arkham video games of recent years. Crazy, because this toyline is aimed at a fanbase much younger than that of the video games, but it makes sense considering that the Arkham video games have introduced Batman and his rogue gallery to a much larger audience than the comics and movies alone. It also makes sense because these toys are aimed at a young audience not familiar with the archaic mediums of entertainment their parents grew up enjoying. Like, basically, anything that doesn't have a screen!

When you consider the Arkham video games as a template for the Imaginext toyline, it makes sense to have Harley Quinn, Catwoman and Poison Ivy, who all make prominent appearances in the games and not, say, Batgirl, who does not appear in the video games (okay, she appears as Barbara Gordon/Oracle, but that is different, especially for the non-comicbook geek.)

Anyways, that's my theory, and I am sure there are many other factors that play into Fisher-Price's character selection. But I think my theory is pretty solid, and may also be reinforced by the character Poison Ivy is packed with: Scarecrow!

Scarecrow also plays an important part in the Arkham series, and is apparently lined up to play an even bigger part in the upcoming Arkham Knight game set for release later this year.

Scarecrow is incredibly detailed, you can tell a lot of love and attention went into his design. He even has a noose sculpted around his neck - or at least a rope with a knot in it - I'd love to talk to the designers and hear if they are ever asked to tone their designs down or if they are given any specific 'no-nos' when making these kiddy toys.

Scarecrow comes with a scythe that I do not believe has made a previous appearance anywhere in the Imaginext toyline, and Poison Ivy comes with a vine that seems designed to hook on other Imaginext figures' necks or heads or whatever.

Fun for the whole family!

Upcoming Imaginext Bane Battle Sled from Fisher-Price

Fisher-Price's DC Superheroes Imaginext line-up consistently slips new product out to market with little to no advanced warning; and that's a good thing. It's fun to be surprised from time to time.

Case in point, this upcoming Bane Battle Sled figure and vehicle set. Currently listed online at Smyths in the UK, this Bane and Battle Sled has been confirmed for US (and presumably 'everywhere Fisher-Price Imaginext toys are sold') via FP's Facebook Page (according to the AFI thread I discovered this on.)

The Battle Sled looks great and is a nice unique vehicle - not a re-paint. I admit the vehicle might be nothing but a 'maybe I'll buy it eventually and maybe not' since I already have a Bane figure, but the Venom attachment on Bane himself makes this set an absolute 'must-have.'

No word yet on a US release date, but count on Toyriffic to keep you posted!

Poisunday Ivy :: Imaginext Poison Ivy and More Coming Soon!

Action Figure Insider recently revealed some exciting upcoming Imaginext DC Super Friends sets, and the biggest highlight was this two-figure set that includes Poison Ivy! In a series with only three females so far (Catwoman, Wonder Woman and Harley Quinn) another female is BIG NEWS, and Poison Ivy is a welcome (if surprising) fourth female choice to add to the line-up. The set also includes Scarecrow, both brand new figures and both figures I will buy the second I see them available!

Also revealed is a new Batmobile with an all new Batman figure included. This new Imaginext Batmobile joins the roster as the fourth or possibly fifth Imaginext Batmobile design, and is clearly influenced by the Batmobile from the Arkham Asylum/Arkham City video games. I need this one!

Batman's Batpod Batcycle is also all new, as is the New 52 influenced Batman included with it. Geez, I need this too!

A Jaime Reyes Blue Beetle and Beetle-Mobile was also revealed...

...as well as a New 52 version of Martian Manhunter and a bendable Plastic Man! This set is also very tempting. Looks like I'll be adding a handful of new Imaginext toys to my (and my daughter's) collection very soon. Some of these are labeled as Target exclusives in the images, and although the Poison Ivy/Scarecrow set isn't labeled as such, I wouldn't be surprised if it ends up being a Target exclusive as well. I'll be sure to post as soon as I find it and let everyone know!

Via ActionFigureInsider.com

Brainiac Trust

I've posted in the past about my DC Superheroes Brainiac and my recently acquired Super Powers Brainiac, but I really wanted to shoot the two together. Each Brainiac is a stand-out in their respective lines and each is a great example of what a cool action figure was/is in their eras.

The 80s Superpowers Brainiac has five points of articulation, an action feature, and a vac-metal coating to simulate a metallic finish. The 200x DC Superheroes Brainiac has a highly detailed sculpt, a shit-ton points of articulation, stands a head+ taller than his 80s counterpart, and even has clear bits on his head and shoulders with 'wires' and other electronic looking parts underneath.

Although I am usually of the 'less is more' camp when it comes to articulation, I must say having so much works well on a character like robo-Brainiac, since the unsightly seams and joints meld into his robotic form effortlessly. Both figures are great, but since I have no emotional connection to the original, having never owned him as a kid, I have to say the more recent version is far superior.

Heads up! :: Lego Bat Jetski available now!

I spotted this great polybagged Batman Lego minifigure (in Keaton colors!) on a Bat Jetski (30160) at Toys R Us today! Apparently there is also a mini Batmobile (30161) available soon, but I did not see it and it appears that it does not include a minifigure like the Bat Jetski does.

At around five dollars there's no better way to add a Batman Lego minifigure to your collection!

Lego Batman 2 DC Superheroes

 

Man oh man I am going to play the living $#!t outta this! Lego Batman 2 : DC Superheroes! when it comes out this summer!

 

Cutesy Invisible Jet!

Toyriffic Facebook fan David B. alerted me to this unbelievably awesome Wonder Woman Invisible Jet by Fisher-Price that he just found at his local Target.

Wonder Woman's Invisible Jet literally flew under my radar and this is the first I am hearing about this gem. Finally, an Invisible Jet toy! It is perfection!

The Little People DC Superfriends Wonder Woman Invisible Jet is available now at Fisher-Price.com and according to the Fisher-Price website, exclusively at Target. Although the Wonder Woman/Batgirl two pack started out as a Target exclusive and has since been seen at Toys R Us, so who knows what the future holds.

Regardless, I...I mean 'my daughter'...must have it!

Oh, and I'll again take this opportunity to remind the world how much we need Wonder Woman (and other girls) in the Imaginext toyline! An Imaginext Wonder Woman and her Invisible Jet would be legendary!

Random Toy Pic :: Lego Batman

This is the newest Lego version of Batman that comes with Catwoman Catcycle City Chase set #6858

I love the extended wings - they are a single piece that connects to his neck, so there's no worries of a wing falling off or getting lost. They also have pegs on the back so a jet-pack can be built on Batman's back, but display very nicely without anything added. The blue/grey colors and the yellow oval and 'pellet' belt are reminiscent of the seventies era Batman.I love him!

Unbelievable as it may seem, this is my first Lego Batman ever - and only one of three DC superhero based Lego minifigures I have ever owned (Catwoman that came with this set and of course Harley Quinn being the other two!)

Of course, with all the new Dc Superhero Lego stuff coming in 2012, those stats won't last long!

Despite all my rage I am still just a cat roaming space...

I love/hate having a birthday a month before Christmas. I love it because all sorts of cool new toys hit the shelves in anticipation of the holiday season. I hate it because mad hordes of crazy people are out and about; making your way through any toy aisle/toy store this time of year is an exercise in patience...or more accurately an exercise in futility, because there's no way to maintain patience within the throngs of clueless parents and screaming kids sullying the toy aisles that were, mere weeks ago, places of peace and tranquility.

Anyways, I picked up a couple toys for myself for my birthday this week, (it's what I do,) and was lucky to find some new things I've been anticipating...including this Fisher-Price Hero World DC Super Friends Atrocitus and Dex-Starr set!

I'm not a massive Green Lantern fan, and although I followed along with all the rainbow lanterns storylines, I don't really have a personal affinity for Atrocitus.

I bought the set for Dex-Starr, whom I do think is a brilliant character.

Regardless, this is a pretty neat Atrocitus figure:

Atrocitus was the first Red Lantern, so he's pretty important in current Green Lantern mythos. I believe he was also (maybe retroactively) Abin Sur's prisoner back before Abin Sur died and his ring went to Hal Jordan, and he may have played a part in Abin Sur's self-doubt that led to his death. Again, I don't follow the Green Lantern tales all that closely, so I may be way off mark.

Whatever; Atrocitus is ugly and mean and red and full of rage. What's not to love?

Fisher-Price even painted his ring which is a nice touch, although it's way more black and white than red.

These Hero World figures are like giant sized Imaginext figures, and that's a compliment. They are solid and well designed and fun to look at. Atrocitus has an 'action feature' similar to the Hero World Green Lantern; you spin a dial on his back and his staff-holding hand rotates to spin his weapon. The best part though is that Atrocitus has a unique weapon with his Red Lantern symbol branded on it - it isn't just a re-color of the GL staff, which would have been an easy way for Fisher-Price to save a couple pennies and few kids would have noticed anyways. In a world of toy parts re-use, that's a nice touch as well.

Now on to Dex-Starr. He's the real reason I wanted this set, and he doesn't disappoint. He's technically Atrocitus' 'accessory' here, but he makes a great stand-alone action figure; they didn't skimp just to make him an add-on to the pack.

Dex-Starr is an Earth cat who watched as his owner was murdered, and was then subject to near-death cruelty before a Red Lantern ring found him, harnessing his rage and making him into one mean pussy.

Dex-Starr doesn't have an action feature and has pretty basic articulation at the head shoulders, tail and hips (although his legs move as a pair, not separately.) But again, the basic-ness of toys like this is a huge part of their appeal to me.

On the packaging his shoulder pads are colored red, but here they are black. I don't know if that's a mistake or if they will all be released like this, but it's a minor issue and would not have dissuaded me from buying him either way.

I heart dollies :: I HATE DOLLIES

Do not adjust your monitors. It's true. I bought a dolly yesterday. NO I DIDN'T! Yes I did! NO! NO! I DID NOT!

I got a little birthday money this past weekend and had seen this Retro Action Two-Face at a local Toys R Us express last week. I seriously considered buying him at the time but didn't - I was lucky that he was still there when I returned. A lone Two-Face among a bunch of Batmans and Aquamans.

Apparently Black Manta is also part of this release, but there was no sign of him. And although I was tempted to get Batman, I could only get one and Two-Face is a way cooler toy - partly because he never actually appeared in the original Mego line this Retro-Action line is based upon.

He's also one of the best silver-age looking Two-Face toys ever made. Look at that suit!

Sweet tie, Dent. And look at that split face! So comic booky and awesome - I like the green! What a cool dolly.

I AM NOT A DOLLY! I AM AN ACTION FIGURE!

My pants are removable. I am a dolly. Case closed.

As many others have reported regarding these Retro Action dolls, my Two-Face dolly also has the hunched back and super loose hips these guys tend to suffer from. Fortunately for Two-Face, his clothes are thick enough to support the loose joints and cover the other physical maladies.

And I'm glad about that, because he's a very fun toy! Very old-school looking in both sculpt and toy design. Two-Face truly lives up to the 'Retro' moniker.

I am a changed man, people. NO I'M NOT! I love this dolly. IT'S CRAP! I really think Two-Face is a cool dolly toy and recommend him to everyone. I HATE HIM!

I will hug him and squeeze him and call him Harvey. I WILL KICK HIM AND STUFF FIRECRACKERS DOWN HIS PANTS AND CALL HIM AN AMBULANCE!