Batman Animated Review: Catwoman - The Animated Series

My last Batman review! I take a look at Catwoman from the original 1992 Animated Series. But is she really purrfect? Find out below!

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Batman Animated Review: Mr Freeze - New Adventures

I take a look at Mr Freeze from The New Batman Adventures!

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Batman Animated Review: Two-Face - The New Adventures

Two-Face is here! The man who lives his life based on the toss of a coin has arrived, but will chance be a factor in your purchase?

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Batman Animated Review: Batman - New Adventures

The first in a new series of reviews! I look at DC Collectibles latest line of 6" figures based on Batman the Animated Series!

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Batmobile and Wave 5 of Batman Animated figures

MTV have just revealed DC Collectibles upcoming items that will be on display at New York Toy Fair this weekend.

Hot on the heels of Roxy Rocket, we have the Batmobile! Able to fit two figures, this amazing piece also has working headlights and break lights. This is the first time this has been released in this scale and it looks spectacular.

We also have our first two-pack from the best Batman film ever made, Mask of the Phantasm! This version of Batman appears to be same as the Wave Four release but with an angrier face. It will be interesting to see how its accessories differ from the standard release too. Here's hoping Phantasm includes a Andrea Beaumont head!

Finally we have the 5th assortment of figures, predominantly New Batman Adventures. This includes Nightwing, who looks a bit weird in these images. I think he looks too spindly. We also have Bane, who looks massive but is lacking in the accessories department. There's also the Scaercrow, who we'd been shown previously, and lastly there is the Mad Hatter from his first appearance in The Animated Series. 

A very cool line-up off figures! I shall be keeping my eye out for the pre-orders of all of these items!

Stay tuned next Wednesday at 4:30 (GMT) as I review the first figure from Wave 1! See you then, guys!

Scarecrow for Wave 5 of DC Collectible's Batman Animated Line

Hot on the heel's of Roxy Rocket's reveal, DC Collectibles have released an image of the first figure from the range's fifth wave - Scarecrow!

Based on his appearance from The New Batman Adventures, this version of the character features a drastic redesign from the original 1992 series. There's something more undead about this version, complete with a macabre noose around the neck. Bruce Timm was so impressed with this design that he never wanted to see Jonathan Crane out of costume again so that there would be some mystery as to whether Scarecrow was human at all...

There's no news as to which specific episode this figure is from or what accessories he will come with, but we can safely assume that his wooden staff will be one of them.

There are still two more TNBA figures to be revealed as well as an TAS figure. More news as it comes!

Roxy Rocket soars into the Batman Animated line

UPDATE: UK collectors can now order her here for £29.99

Action Figure Insider have recently revealed one of the next figures in DC Collectibles' Batman Animated line, Roxy Rocket (with Rocket) from The New Batman Adventures. 

This is the first time this character has been produced as an action figure and is one of those characters who was created for the TV show before being adopted by the comic books.

As well as her Rocket, which appears to have it's own display stand as well as working lights (how cool is that?!), she comes with her Flare Gun, Electro Gun and a Wrench to whack Batman on the head with.

The figure is a special one-off deluxe release, separate from the main 'waves' of the line.

The figure is due for release in August at $39.95, so probably £40 for us UK collectors!

More updates as they come! We should be seeing more from Wave 5 onwards at Toy Fair next month!

Stay tuned for the reviews of the first wave of figures coming in February!

Batman the Animated Figures Wave 4 REDUCED PRICE

Forbidden Planet International were quick to place the latest wave of figures up for pre-order on their site after last week's image reveals, but after a brief period of being set to the usual pre-order price of £19.99 they have now been reduced to £16.99!

If you already pre-ordered the wave while at their normal price point then you should receive an email from FPI explaining you will be refunded the extra money.

You can pre-order all of wave 4 and the previous waves here!

Batman the Animated Series - Wave Three Images

Newly painted prototype images of the third wave of figures based on the critically acclaimed series are now available. The wave is set for release May 2015.

First up, we have the Creeper from The New Batman Adventures. 

Secondly we have Killer Croc, who comes packaged with Baby Doll. Although I'm not a fan of Croc's redesign, they have done an excellent job with the likeness. This also marks the first time Baby Doll, a character created for the series, has been released. 

Rather surprisingly, Tim Drake's Robin comes straight after Dick Grayson's Robin was released in the previous wave. At least our wave one Batman will have a sidekick with him! 

Finally, we have Harley Quinn as she appeared in the 1992 Batman the Animated Series. She will be a perfect addition to the Joker who will be released in the previous wave.

As ever, each will come with episode specific accessories and a display stand. More info as it comes! 

SDCC 2014 Highlights

That time of year has come and gone again, those few days where collective geekdom comes together in the nirvana that is San Diego Comic Con. Whether it's TV/Film announcements or the wonderful displays of new collectibles from the biggest names in the business, there's always something for somebody. So here I am giving a little rundown on what got me excited.

The action figures are my main love of SDCC. It makes British conventions look like a car boot sale. Now there a ton of properties at SDCC, Hasbro's Star Wars, Marvel and Transformers lines, Playmates Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles lines (Classic Shredder and Krang look amazing) and Mattel's various DC toy lines of varying quality. Now despite all of this stuff being cool I don't really collect these things anymore, but it's nice to see what's being made. 

Underground Toys had a large display at the con but had nothing new to share. Not even the upcoming Ace and The Time of the Doctor figures. That seems like a pretty big misstep in my book, but I'm sure we'll get new Classic Doctor Who goodies eventually.

Hot Toys

Everything Hot Toys produces is amazing, and even for properties I have no real interest in like Alien, Predator, Robocop, Back to the Future, it all looked bloody incredible. There was a big push for Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy range, all of which were very impressive. There were, of course, other characters from Marvel's cinematic properties on display, but for me it was Hot Toys Batman products that got me drooling.

The top figure that caught my eye was the upcoming Batman figure from Batman Returns. Hot Toys announced this property two or three years ago, and it was never mentioned again, leading many to think the line was scrapped. Thankfully this was not the case. This version of the Bat-suit has always been my favourite, and although I already own the 1989 version I am sorely tempted. There were no accessories on display but if it comes with a Michael Keaton headsculpt then I may have to start saving up the pennies. I'm hoping that a Danny Devito Penguin is not far behind because that would look incredible. I also have permission to get that from my other half after she bought me a screen used 'Oswald Means Order' badge from the film. So I'd love to have the figure stood alongside that.

Finally there was Arkham City Batman, another property that was announced around the same time as Batman Returns. We'd seen teases of Batman's hands and even of the Joker (not at SDCC), but this was the first full reveal. I'm not sure what to make of this one. Yes it looks cool, but I'm put off by the thick rubber suit and the nappy like underwear. Otherwise it looks fantastic, but it didn't wow me enough to think I'd want to fork out £180 for one.

DC Collectibles - Batman the Animated Series

I've posted a ton of stuff on this line already, including the reveals at SDCC. I'm disappointed that none of the accessories were ready to display, but this is shaping up to be a fantastic line. It's definitely going to be one I'm sticking with for a while. DC Collectibles also had some great figures from their Designer Series based on Greg Capullo's artwork in Batman on the Zero Year saga as well as some rather lovely statues.

Mattel - Masters of the Universe Classics 

Ah this one always turns up. I've said it many times but this is my main toyline at the moment, especially now the Doctor Who line is only limping its way into existence. The final items of the 2014 line were revealed; in October we have Eldor, his first time as an action figure since the original never made it passed the prototype stage of the cancelled Powers of Grayskull line. This looks like a cool wizardy character to display alongside He-Ro and the rest of the Preternian characters. I'm a real sucker for MotU history, so this is sure to be a fun one. November sees the release of Tung-Lashor (gotta love the names), which comes with a normal and a tongue head. As the penultimate Snake Man, I'm rather pleased with this one. Not sure about the weird hands though, I think they needed to give him the 200X version's claws. November also sees Bow's trusty steed, Arrow, as the oversized figure. I'm rather pleased to get a normal looking horse in the line, so that's cool. Also that month comes the holiday item, Gwildor. Yes, Billy Barty from the 1987 movie. The figure looks spot on, but that's just the problem. It looks like it's from a toy line based on the film rather than a Classics figure. I'm not sure what they could have done to 'classicize' it, but it's not quite right for me. Perhaps they needed to cartoon him up a bit or something? He comes with a huge version of the Cosmic Key a la the film and the original vintage toy. Now Gwildor is a little person with an accesory about his same height, how that equates to a $35 price point I have no idea. Madness.

To wrap up the year we have a Princess of Power figure, Mermista. This looks to be a lovely figure. Interchangeable legs and fish tail in a shimmery blue deco, what's not to love? As an added bonus there is also a new vehicle, the Battle Ram, complete with Jet (Sky) Sled and a new version of Man-At-Arms with 200X pony tailed head on a Filmation-esque body. Personally I'd have preferred a Snake Armour variant, but I don't see that ever happening. It's $110, so £64 for us Brits, and I can't help but think they could have skipped the new Man-At-Arms and the altered Jet Sled to keep costs down. Money grabbing buggers.

To round off 2014 the last few figures of the Princess of Power mini-sub were revealed. I can take or leave PoP outside of the main characters so I didn't bother subbing (but Goddamn do I want that Light Hope figure, he looks frigging gorgeous), but October is Sweet-Bee, November is Galactic Protector She-Ra, a 'what if' figure that looks at what She-Ra may have looked like if she became part of the New Adventures of He-Man line in the 90s (and a must buy to boot), and finally Spinnerella closes the sub in December. 

Now it's all down to 2015! The Final Year! Well, until it's rebranded in 2016. Next year promises to complete every vintage character from the original 1982 toy line, all vintage PoP characters (of which there's three left), and all a-list Filmation, NA He-Man and 200X characters. That sounds like a lot to cram into one year, but somehow they've figured it out. I expect boxsets and mini-subs to accomplish this. What will become of the line in 2016? Well seeing as they did this huge bit about how amazing the current DC Comics iteration of the franchise is, I'm guessing we'll be seeing New 52 comic book versions with a few left overs scattered in for good luck. That really will be a time for cherry picking as I have no interest in DC's designs.

So what was shown? Well in January we have Lizard Man from the Filmation cartoon, complete with Skeletor's sword and the Diamond Ray of Disappearance from the same show. This is awesome! Lizard Man had one appearance, but he's become much loved. In February it's Ninjor, now named Ninja Warrior due to copyright. I had no interest in this character, but he looks rather cool. They've made him look very snazzy and upped the decos on him so he's not boring to look at. Also that month is Snake Armour He-Man vs Battle Armour King Hss from the 200X line. This is a must have! A must, must, must have! I've wanted this version of He-Man since the line began and this new version of Hss knocks socks off the previous version! The only bummer is that the 'snake torso' of Hss doesn't come in the set, it's packaged with another toy later on (probably Sssqueeze, the final Snake Man). That's really crappy.

March is the Fan Choice figure, which was Huntara. I don't know who she is as I've never watched her episode, but reading up on her she sounds like a fun character and looks cool to boot. Also that month comes the subscription exclusive, complete with new mini-comic and Castle Grayskull poster, which is Oo-Lar the jungle He-Man (or original minicomic He-Man) that also comes packaged with a vintage style He-Man head. Honestly, I think the new head looks much better than the head they use on the current He-Man figures. Finally a wing was teased, suggesting that April's figure is Angella from PoP and the convention exclusive is a three-pack of Skeletor's Hover Robots from the Filmation show with interchangeable claws. Excellent. So there's a lot going on next year. To sub or not to sub? That is the question...

Lots of cool stuff going on from my side of things, and that's not even getting into the other cool stuff they had at SDCC. What were your favourite reveals from the con?

Batman the Animated Series - Waves Three and Four revealed at SDCC

Courtesy of Action Figure Insider  we have a better look at DC Collectibles upcoming action figure line based on Batman the Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures, as well as what's to come in the third and fourth wave.

Coming in Wave Three are Harley Quinn (BTAS), Killer Croc with Baby Doll, the Creeper and Robin, all of which are from TNBA. It's great to have Harley to go with Puddin so soon after his release, but I am rather surprised at the inclusion of the Creeper so early into the line (although I do love that episode) and Robin is also a surprise given the BTAS version only came out in the previous wave. Still, it's going to be good having the correct Robin standing with wave one's Batman! I'm also liking the look of Croc, even though I'm not a fan or the redesign, and the inclusion of Baby Doll, one of the show's weirder inventions, is an absolute delight! It also marks the first time her character has been released as an action figure. According to the display these figures will be released March 2015.

Wave Four moves back to my prefered BTAS style, with Batman, the Riddler, the Penguin, and Batgirl in her TNBA design. This is an absolute killer wave! I've been desperately awaiting the announcement of this version of Batman and I'm sure he won't disappoint!

According to AFI's report, a secret table that was not allowed to be photographed featured Roxy Rocket's titular ride! This is incredibly exciting! A great character invented for the show and her first time in plastic! This is what I was looking forward to from this line, not just our common favourites but the characters who have never had that much coverage in other media or as figures.

As an added bonus, wave one's Batman was displayed with an alternate cape with loose shoulders. This will put aside any fears of limited poseability! I would expect that wave four's Batman will have something similar, most likely a more covered version.

Check out AFI for the full coverage!

You can now pre-order the first two waves from FPI. Expect reviews when the figures are released!

Batman the Animated Series Wave Two pre-order at FPI

The second wave of the highly anticipated Batman the Animated Series figures are now available to pre-order from FPI for £19.99. The current release date states the end of November, however this is likely to be an error and so expect the actual release date to be at some point in December.

Pre-order now by following the adlinks to Forbidden Planet International to the right.

DC Collectibles has also released a full set of specifications for each figure:

BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES ROBIN – 5.25" TALL - 22 POINTS OF ARTICULATION - EPISODE: ROBIN'S RECKONING PT. 1 - ACCESSORIES INCLUDE:
• Bola
• Additional Hands
• Additional Cape
• Grappling Gun

BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES THE JOKER – 6.25" TALL - 18 POINTS OF ARTICULATION - EPISODE: THE LAST LAUGH - ACCESSORIES INCLUDE:
• Helmet
• Make Up Sponge
• Knife
• Pearl Necklace
• Telescope
• Joker Card
• Brick
• Additional Hands
• Comb
• Cologne Bottle

NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES POISON IVY – 5.5" TALL - 12 POINTS OF ARTICULATION - EPISODE: CHEMISTRY - ACCESSORIES INCLUDE:
• Additional Hands
• Assorted Chemistry Bottles

BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES MAN-BAT – 6.75" TALL - 19 POINTS OF ARTICULATION - EPISODE: ON LEATHER WINGS - ACCESSORIES INCLUDE:
• Additional Set of Wings (Sculpt Shown)
• Pill Bottle
• Tape Recorder

Batman the Animated Series figure now available to pre-order in the UK

Hot on the heels of Wave Two's announcement, Forbidden Planet International have now placed all of wave one up for pre-order! Retailing at £19.99 online (£24.99 in-store), the expected due date is the 26th November, so just in time for Christmas!

Please use the ad links to Forbidden Planet International (above and to the right) when pre-ordering!

Batman the Animated Series Wave One and Two - Thoughts

Police blimps patrol the sky, spotlights rain down on to the streets below and all is silent. Suddenly an explosion at a bank disturbs the peace and two thieves run off into the night. Elsewhere a futuristic car springs to life, a burst of flame as the thruster of the car's immense engine propels the vehicle down a vast corridor. While the thieves elude their police pursuers by climbing onto a roof, they are confronted by a shadowy figure of darkness and vengeance, his eyes gleaming a piercing white in the darkness...

That is the opening to one of the greatest animated shows ever produced, Batman the Animated Series. So cross-culturally clear was the opening to the series that the word 'Batman' never appears in the sequence. In any language, in any country, this is Batman. So why the chat about Batman? Well, this show, like Doctor Who, was a huge part of my childhood and it remains a big part of my adulthood (my dissertation was basically all based on the Film Noir element of this show), and now that DC Collectibles are producing 6" action figures based on this prestigious series and its sequel, The New Batman Adventures, it seems fitting to take a look at these first two waves and speculate on what's to come. So before we start, yes, I'm buying these figures and yes, I'll be reviewing them on this site/YouTube channel. It is batmanmarch after all. Like the 1989 Burton movie and its sequel, Batman Returns, this show made me the fan I am today. While Burton's film opened my eyes to the character in a way the Adam West show didn't, BTAS fleshed out that mythos and introduced me to characters like Two-Face, Clayface, Killer Croc and all the others who had yet to appear on the big screen or the small screen. For me, and for many other people of a certain age, this Batman ins the definitive Batman. I have read a multitude comics from every decade since the character's inception, but this show will forever be the way I see Batman.

Now I have already posted news about the first wave of figures, specifically TNBA Batman and BTAS Catwoman, but since then images of the rest of wave one and two have been released online, and all I can say is "gimmegimmegimme"! Now I've not collected a figure from DC Collectibles since they were DC Direct and there's a number of reasons, money mostly, but as much as I loved their work I was always annoyed at the lack of articulation. This is not the case with this line as each figure is set to be highly articulated without damaging the look of Bruce Timm's wonderful character designs. As a kid who grew up with the Kenner figures and their, then standard, five points of articulation, this is incredibly exciting. So lets start off with the first element of this new toy line: It features the designs of both eras of the show. Generally the whole series (both designs) is given the overarching title of Batman the Animated Series, but actually that only counts for the first season and a bit before being renamed The Adventures of Batman and Robin, because Robin was popping up more frequently. The series ran from 1992-1995 before being reborn as The New Batman Adventures (1997-1999), in which all of the characters were redesigned and, in some cases, characters were recast. Despite this, the superb score of Shirley Walker et al remained, and the show was clearly the same as its early 90s counterpart. Personally I prefer the original designs, I like the curvier look to certain characters and it was this version that really influenced me as a child. Don't get me wrong, I like the redesigns too, but you do tend to lean towards what you were most exposed to. However, some of the redesigns were down right ugly such as the bizarre alterations to the Joker (thankfully fixed in Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker and Justice League) and Killer Croc. At present each wave is set out as three figures from one series and one from another. This seems a pretty fair way of doing things and it will stop the series from getting dull in the long run.

Wave One

Batman

Based on his TNBA appearance, the figure looks very impressive and on model to the original cartoon design. The cape is probably going to hinder the more dynamic arm poses, but this iteration of Batman was broody and stoic, so it doesn't bother me too much. I actually prefer the original design of Batman with the curvier muscles and the classic yellow emblem, so I hope it's not too long before we see that variant. Something that hasn't been revealed yet is the accessories. Each figure is said to come with a range of accessories from specific episode appearances, but for someone like Batman I would guess that it's the standard batarang, grappling gun, handcuffs etc. Perhaps there'll be a few surprises in there? Interchangeable hands that are more like clenched fists? Hopefully a display stand too, but whatever he comes with, it's a great start to the line and an improvement to the original figure I often played with as a child!

Catwoman

The only BTAS figure of the wave, again this figure seems to perfectly capture Selina's look from the show. Again, I prefer this look over the more animated pasty version of the latter show, and I think this version will look more dynamic on the shelf compared to an all black figure with a white chin. No accessories have been shown, but her whip, cat statue, throwing star thingys in the shape of cats and a camera have been mentioned, all of which appear in her first appearance, The Cat and the Claw. 

Two-Face

Now this is awesome. Two-Face was basically unchanged from his original BTAS design, he just became sleeker. I had the original Kenner version of this Two-Face, and it was by far one of my favourite Batman figures. I've always had a love for two part figures, I love Two-Bad from Masters of the Universe too. Perhaps I share Harvey's fascination with duality, or maybe I think they make for funky looking figures; whatever the reason, I cannot wait to get my hands on this one. He looks wonderful. The original digital sculpts showed the following accessories: submachine gun, gasmask, and a key to the airport loker as seen in The Sins of the Father. Wait, what, where the heck is the coin? I'm sure he will come with his trademark coin, but if that's being saved for his BTAS counterpart then that's a bit mad. A key and no coin?! Yes, the key played a key part of the story, but I don't think I'm going to be as keen to display him holding the damned thing as much as his coin! I'm also kind of shocked there's no mention of a single pistol, but again, perhaps this is being saved for the other version. Either way, he shall be mine! 

Mr Freeze

If the animated series is known for anything, it's making the villains deeper three dimensional characters than they had ever been seen in any medium. Freeze is the embodiment of that, as is Clayface and others. Although Freeze appeared in only three episodes of the entire 1992-1999 run and a movie (Subzero) he had the greatest character development that even went on to Batman Beyond (Batman of the Future in Europe). Again, I prefered the bulkier 50s sci-fi look of the original Freeze, but I was a fan of this version too in his only TNBA appearance: Cold Comfort. In this story (SPOILERS AHEAD) we learn that the chemicals that made Victor Fries become Mr Freeze has been slowly eating his body to the point where he is now only a head in a jar using a robot body. He's almost immortal and now he has no physical form. It's yet another kick in the teeth to a man who was so close to being reunited with his lost love, Nora. In a macabre twist akin to John Carpenter's The Thing, Freeze now has a set of robotic spider legs to wander around on. I loved this as a kid! I had the original toy (which I believe is quite a hard one to get hold of) and it had this very feature, which was brilliant! I am pleased to say that this new version also has it as well as his trademark freezing gun. A great way to end a very strong wave.  

Wave Two

The Joker

It didn't take long did it? And thank goodness! This is perfection! Mark Hamill is the Joker. When I think of the clown prince of crime, I think of this guy. When I read a comic featuring the Ace of Knaves, I hear his voice. I had the original figure (well, the Rogues Gallery variant) and I loved it, but this is so much more. No news on accessories yet, but I'm guessing playing cards and perhaps a few other odds and sods. His hands seem pretty clenched, so perhaps alternate hands? I doubt there'll be any laughing fish here, I think that'll be saved for a trench coat version (soon please, thank you). Needless to say, this is a top figure for me, and I'm so glad they went for this BTAS design that the weird redesign. I think pretty much everyone, Timm and Paul Dini included, feel that way. 

Robin

No surprise to see the Batman's key sidekick so early on! I love Dick Grayson's Robin/Nightwing, and I loved him in this show. Tim Drake was a bit more annoying in the cartoon (I like him in the comics), simply because he was an amalgamation of bratty Jason Todd and Tim Drake. I also prefer this outfit, but I'm urked that I can't display him with wave one's Batman! Gah! I await a proper BTAS Batman with earnest! No word on accessories, but I'm guessing he'll have a range of gadgets as per the wave one Batman. 

Poison Ivy

The only TNBA figure of the wave, and I'm a fan of both designs. I like the pale plant-ness of this version compared to the 'normal woman who is obsessed with plants' design of the original, but each has its' own individual merits. Like Catwoman, this looks to be a very nice transformation from animation cells to plastic; however, the pose shown in the image is a bit odd. Perhaps that was the only way they could hold her arms for the picture? No word on accessories yet, but perhaps it'll be something from Comfort and Joy or Chemistry. We now need a Harley Quinn for Ivy and for Joker. Maybe in wave three.

Man-Bat

Another figure I went crazy for! Probably because both me and my brother owned the original figure and now this version far more accurate (still loved the original toy though). A lot of people were expecting Penguin, heck, I was anticipating the Penguin, but I expect they're trying to pace out the heavy hitters so that later waves aren't just lesser known villains. With only one appearance to his name, Man-Bat appeared in the first episode of the series, One Leather Wings. Now this is a bit of a murky area as I know this was not the first episode to air in the US. Production order and transmission order was different, but in the UK it certainly began with this episode on Cartoon Network! There doesn't seem to be much in the way of articulation at this point, which is unsurprising given the bulk of the character. In fact that was the reason I didn't even contemplate seeing this chap so soon, he's massive! I'm guessing (hoping) that he'll come with a set of swappable outstretched flying arms to emulate him soaring through the sky. It really is a lovely sculpt, just look at that sneering expression on his face! Excellent!

So that's it for the waves thus far. It's all idle speculation as to what accessories will be packaged with who, but I'm sure we'll hear about that at SDCC. I'm also hoping that the packaging keeps the Dark Deco flavour of the series, but chances are they could try and be sleek white window boxes as per DC Collectibles other ranges. It's a very good start to the range, and there's not a figure here that I'm on the fence about getting. One of the more tantalising prospects will be getting characters who never made it into figure form or were notoriously hard to find. Roxy Rocket is a particular favourite to add to the shelf as is the Ventriloquist and Scarface (seriously, why hasn't there been more figures produced of these two?). All we know for now is that DC see this as a long running toy line, which has arrived at the perfect time for me what with the 5" Doctor Who line seemingly dead and my adventures with Masters of the Universe Classics coming to a gradual end (expect a personal MotU retrospective in the near future). Could the line pave the way for a wider DC Animated Universe line with Superman the Animated Series, Batman Beyond and Justice League in the ranks? An exciting prospect for sure, although I'd be more inclined to cherry pick those. Ideally they'll make an in scale Batmobile... but I shan't get my hopes up just yet. 

When I was about twelve/thirteen I became really engrossed in comic books, both DC and Marvel, and I decided that I'd never buy a movie or animated based figure again. I wanted to stick with comic book style figures because the comics were the originals. Thankfully I didn't stick to this rule with the release of Hot Toys 1989 Batman and Joker, and I'm pleased to say that the announcement of these figures has made me break that rule again. 

Stay tuned for more updates on the line, such as when they're coming out and when they'll be available to order from Forbidden Planet, and of course stay tuned for the reviews later in the year!