DC Universe Classics is an action figure toyline, a sub-line of the DC Universe toy brand manufactured by Mattel. They were 6-inch scale figures based on the fictional characters owned by DC Comics. The entire line was sculpted by the Four Horsemen Studios, and was first available for sale in 2008. The "DC Classics" line ceased to be sold at retail in 2012 with wave 20. The series then became an online-and-convention exclusive line. It was announced in late 2014 that the line would end with a final series of six figures celebrating the history of the line.
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 was Wave 20. The line was re-branded as DC Universe All-Stars and included Superman (New 52), Superboy Prime, Batman (New 52), and Red Robin, but was later canceled due to fan criticisms and lack of retailer interest. It was then rebranded into two different lines. One for Batman and one for the rest of the DC Universe; the lines were called Batman Unlimited and DC Unlimited, respectively. These lines were cancelled in 2013.
Collect and Connect
Mattel emulated Toy Biz' 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.[4]
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,[5] but was later re-released and sold online at Mattel's website.[6] Mattel has since showed that the company has improved the availability of action figures in the line.[7]
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.[5] 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, Rocket Red) 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 sold for $15.99 to $17.99 in stores such as Toys R Us, Target, and Walmart. In 2012, Target has made the price jump again by pricing the Batman Legacy Arkham City figure at up to $20.97.
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 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) differ from how they looked in Super Powers (though Freeze would be re-released later with his Super Powers color scheme, and Penguin has been released in a more Super Powers-accurate version under the Batman Unlimited brand, also Kalibak has been re-released as a Collect and Connect figure in his Super Powers accurate color scheme with the 30th Anniversary Super Powers Collection).[8] 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).[9]
ToyFare Fans' Choice
ToyFare #133 launched a contest quite similar to one by Marvel Legends for DC Universe Classics. Through an online vote, fans of DC Universe Classics could 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 to include 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.[10]
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,[11] who appeared in the line's twentieth wave.[12]
Figures
The first wave of figures was 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[13] (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 - Metamorpho
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 | Collect and Connect Piece |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orion | Right Leg |
| 2 | Crime Stopper or Classic Detective Batman | Right Arm |
| 3 | The Penguin | Head/Torso |
| 4 | Red Tornado | Left Leg |
| 5 | The Demon, Etrigan | Left Arm |
Wave Two - Gorilla Grodd
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 | Collect and Connect Piece | Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Firestorm | Right Leg | |
| Ronnie Raymond (Classic)/Jason Rusch (Modern) | |||
| 2 | Aquaman, King of Atlantis | Right Arm | |
| Arthur Curry (Classic)/Arthur Joseph Curry (Modern) | |||
| 3 | Harley Quinn | Head/Torso | |
| 4 | Superman | Left Arm | |
| Superman Blue/Superman Red | |||
| 5 | Black Manta | Left Leg |
Wave Three - Solomon Grundy
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 | Collect and Connect Piece | Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sinestro | Right Leg | |
| Sinestro Corps | |||
| 2 | Deathstroke the Terminator | Right Arm | |
| Slade Wilson masked/unmasked | |||
| 3 | Nightwing | Head/Torso | |
| 4 | Robin (Tim Drake) | Left Arm | |
| 5 | Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) | Left Leg |
Wave Four - Despero
Wonder Woman anchors the fourth wave of figures. She and Cyborg were revealed at Toy Fair in 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.[14] Following KB's bankruptcy, the Batman Beyond and Cyborg variants were included with shipments from other retailers. The Collect and Connect for this wave is Despero in his mid-1990s incarnation, complete with two guns.
| Number | Figure | Collect and Connect Piece | Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wonder Woman | Right Leg | |
| Artemis | variant | ||
| 2 | Cyborg | Right Arm | |
| Super Powers/Sonic Blast Arm; KB Exclusive | |||
| 3 | Captain Atom | Head/Torso | |
| Classic/Kingdom Come version | |||
| 4 | Batman (Terry McGinnis) | Left Arm | |
| Masked/Unmasked; KB Exclusive | |||
| 5 | Ares | Left Leg |
Wave Five (Walmart exclusive) - Metallo
At the 2008 New York Comic Con, Mattel announced Walmart would begin carrying DC Universe Classics figures starting with wave three, besides receiving a store-exclusive wave in November 2008. At the request of Walmart, the characters included in this wave are characters that could 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 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.
Following problems with the distribution of this wave at retail, the wave was re-released only on MattyCollector.com in June 2010.[15]
| Number | Figure | Collect and Connect Piece |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amazo | Right Leg |
| 2 | The Atom | Right Arm |
| 3 | The Riddler | Head/Torso |
| 4 | Eradicator | Left Arm |
| 5 | Black Lightning | Left Leg |
Wave Six - Kalibak
Unveiled in its entirety during the 2008 San Diego Comic Con, the sixth assortment of DC Universe Classics contains several 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 | Collect and Connect Piece | Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mr. Miracle | Right Leg | |
| Dr. Impossible | variant | ||
| 2 | Hawkman | Right Arm | |
| 3 | Killer Moth | Head/Torso | |
| 4 | Superman | Left Arm | |
| Black recovery costume/Classic costume, long hair | |||
| 5 | "Shazam!" | Left Leg |
Wave Seven - Atom Smasher
Beginning with this wave, Mattel extended the number of figures in an assortment of 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). [16] 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 | Description | Collect and Connect Piece |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ocean Warrior Aquaman | Upper/Middle Torso | |
| 2 | Kid Flash (Wally West) | Right Arm | |
| 3 | Blue Beetle (Ted Kord) | Right Leg | |
| 4 | Booster Gold | Classic (with collar)/Modern (without collar) | Left Leg |
| 5 | Big Barda | With helmet/unhelmeted | Left Arm |
| 6 | Captain Cold | Head/Lower Torso | |
| 7 | The Flash | Figure stand |
Wave Eight - Giganta
In November 2008, Mattel revealed the lineup for the eighth wave on its website, including pictures. Parademon variants have a 50:50 ratio.[17] 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 | Collect and Connect Piece | Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commander Steel | Upper/Middle Torso | |
| 2 | Doctor Fate (Kent Nelson) | Right Arm | |
| Doctor Fate (Hector Hall) | variant | ||
| 3 | Mister Terrific | Right Leg | |
| 4 | Vigilante | Left Leg | |
| 5 | Parademon | Left Arm | |
| Comic version/Super Powers version | |||
| 6 | Gentleman Ghost | Head, Lower Torso, and Mini Atom | |
| 7 | Hawkgirl | Figure Stand |
Wave Nine - Chemo
On February 7, 2009, Mattel revealed the lineup for the ninth wave of the line at the 2009 New York Comic Con.[18] One villain in the wave, Mantis, has a 50/50 split comprising his comic book counterpart and his depiction in the Super Powers line.[19] 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.[20] The Collect and Connect for this wave is Chemo, the nemesis of the Metal Men, in his modern form. Chemo is the only Build A Figure with a variant. The torso piece was released with and without an inner bubbles insert. The "no bubbles" piece was the earlier release, and the "extra bubbles" piece replaced it.
| Number | Figure | Collect and Connect Piece | Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wildcat | Head/Middle Torso | |
| Black costume/Blue costume | |||
| 2 | Deadshot | Right Arm | |
| 3 | Guardian | Right Leg | |
| 4 | Black Adam | Left Leg | Classic, Scarab necklace |
| 5 | Mantis | Left Arm | |
| Comics version/Super Powers version | |||
| 6 | Black Canary | Lower Torso | |
| 7 | Green Arrow | Figure stand |
Wave Ten (Walmart exclusive) - Imperiex
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 Collect and Connect for this wave is Imperiex.
| Number | Figure | Collect and Connect Piece |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Robotman | Upper/Middle Torso |
| 2 | Beast Boy | Right Arm |
| 3 | The Joker | Right Leg |
| 4 | Power Girl | Left Leg |
| 5 | Man-Bat | Left Arm |
| 6 | Forager | Head/Lower Torso |
| 7 | Batman (Black costume) | Figure Stand |
Wave Eleven - Kilowog
Included in this wave are several 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 | Collect and Connect Piece | Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Katma Tui | Upper/Middle Torso | |
| 2 | The Shark | Right Leg | |
| 3 | Deadman | Right Arm | |
| Solid/Phasing variant | |||
| 4 | Cyborg Superman | Head/Lower Torso | Sinestro Corps version |
| 5 | The Question | Left Leg | |
| 6 | Green Lantern (John Stewart) | Left Arm | |
| 7 | Steppenwolf | Figure stand | |
| Comics version/Super Powers version | |||
Wave Twelve - Darkseid
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.[7] In celebration of DC Comics' 75th anniversary, each Classics and Infinite Heroes figure includes an anniversary button (75 buttons in all). Rather than featuring comic book art for only the characters appearing in a wave, the packaging showcases many 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 | Collect and Connect Piece | Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eclipso | Right Leg | |
| 2 | The Spectre | Right Arm | |
| Normal version/Glow-in-the-dark version | |||
| 3 | Copperhead | Head/Lower Torso | |
| 4 | Dr. Mid-Nite | Left Arm | |
| 5 | Desaad | Figure stand | |
| 6 | Mary Batson | Upper/Middle Torso | |
| White costume/Light Red costume and Dark Red costume variants | |||
| 7 | Iron | Left Leg |
Wave Thirteen - Trigon
After the official confirmation of the lineup for wave twelve came the leak of the thirteenth wave 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 with no clothing, but she was eventually released wearing a black outfit.[21] However, some online retailers received quantities of the unclothed Cheetah. Mattel has showed that this version would see a general release, but it has since been put on hold.[22] The Collect and Connect for this wave is Teen Titans foe Trigon, complete with his staff.
| Number | Figure | Collect and Connect Piece | Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Negative Man | Right Arm/Staff | |
| Bandaged head/Unbandaged head variant | |||
| 2 | Superboy | Left Arm | |
| 3 | Cyclotron | Figure stand | |
| 4 | Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes) | Left Leg | |
| 5 | Cheetah | Right Leg | |
| Barbara Ann Minerva (with black outfit) | |||
| Barbara Ann Minerva (without black outfit) | |||
| Classic | |||
| 6 | Blue Devil | Upper Torso/Cape | |
| 7 | Donna Troy | Head/Lower Torso |
Wave Fourteen (Walmart exclusive) - Ultra-Humanite
Confirmed in ToyFare #152[23] 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. Unofficially, Tyr has a dark red and a light red variant.
| Number | Figure | Collect and Connect Piece |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kamandi | Upper Torso |
| 2 | Obsidian | Left Arm |
| 3 | Tyr | Figure stand |
| 4 | Gold | Left Leg |
| 5 | Hourman (Rex Tyler) | Head/Lower Torso |
| 6 | Zatanna | Right Arm |
| 7 | Green Lantern (Alan Scott) | Right Leg |
Wave Fifteen - Validus
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.[24] The Collect and Connect figure for this wave is Validus, an enemy of the Legion of Super-Heroes.
| Number | Figure | Collect and Connect Piece | Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Golden Pharaoh | Figure stand | |
| 2 | OMAC | Right Arm | |
| 3 | Jemm | Left Arm | |
| 4 | Raven | Right Leg | |
| 5 | Martian Manhunter | Head/Lower Torso | |
| Normal version/Alien head, weapon hand | |||
| 6 | Starman (Ted Knight) | Left Leg | |
| Starman (Jack Knight) | |||
| 7 | Sinestro Corps: Batman | Upper Torso |
Wave Sixteen - Bane
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 (besides one variant). Wave sixteen features a new, larger package design, including the art of iconic DC Comics heroes. The Collect and Connect figure for this wave is Bane, who features a new sculpture in a larger size, in relation to the DC Superheroes version.
| Number | Figure | Description | Collect and Connect Piece |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonah Hex | Left Leg | |
| 2 | The Creeper | Right Arm | |
| 3 | The Riddler | Classic | Left Arm |
| 4 | Robin (Dick Grayson) | Dick Grayson (late-teens)/Dick Grayson (early-teens) | Head/Lower Torso |
| 5 | Mercury | Upper Torso | |
| 6 | Batman (Jean-Paul Valley) | Right Leg |
Wave Seventeen - Anti-Monitor
In December 2010, Mattel unveiled the lineup for the seventeenth wave of the line.[25] 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 | Collect and Connect Piece |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Star Sapphire: Wonder Woman | Upper and Middle Torso |
| 2 | Sinestro Corps: Scarecrow | Right Leg |
| 3 | Blue Lantern: The Flash | Left Arm |
| 4 | Indigo Lantern: The Atom | Right Arm |
| 5 | Orange Lantern: Lex Luthor | Left Leg |
| 6 | Black Lantern: Hal Jordan | Head and Lower Torso |
| White Lantern: Hal Jordan |
Wave Eighteen - Apache Chief
Revealed at the 2011 International Toy Fair, most of the figures in this wave tie into the Super Friends TV Series. The Collect and Connect figure for this wave is Apache Chief. This wave became the first to feature no variant figure which would continue for the duration of the line. Instead, Bronze Tiger featured an interchangeable head.
| Number | Figure | Collect and Connect Piece |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Black Vulcan | Left Leg |
| 2 | El Dorado | Upper Torso |
| 3 | Toyman | Right Arm |
| 4 | Captain Boomerang | Head & Lower Torso |
| 5 | Samurai | Left Arm |
| 6 | Bronze Tiger | Right Leg |
Wave Nineteen - S.T.R.I.P.E.
The website MTV Geek had the exclusive reveal for the nineteenth wave of the line.[26] 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 | Collect and Connect Piece |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sandman (Wesley Dodds) | Left Leg |
| 2 | Atom (Al Pratt) | Head and Lower Torso |
| 3 | Stargirl | Right Arm |
| 4 | Lord Naga | Upper Torso |
| 5 | Hawkman (Carter Hall) (Golden Age) | Left Arm |
| 6 | Magog | Right Leg |
Wave Twenty - Nekron
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 | Collect and Connect Piece |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawk | Upper Torso |
| 2 | Dove (Dawn Granger) | Lower Torso |
| 3 | Red Arrow | Left Arm |
| 4 | Green Arrow (Brightest Day) | Right Arm |
| 5 | Sinestro | Head |
| 6 | White Lantern: The Flash | Right Leg |
| 7 | Reverse Flash | Left Leg |
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 (besides 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.[27] 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, because of his persona in the comics.[4]
Toys "R" Us two-packs
Because of poor distribution when DC Universe Classics was still DC Superheroes, many fans could not get 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).[28]
| Name | Figures |
|---|---|
| Batman Figure Pack | Azrael |
| Batgirl | |
| New Gods Figure Pack | Orion |
| Lightray | |
| Green Lantern Figure Pack | Hal Jordan |
| Abin Sur | |
| Super Enemies Figure Pack | Cyborg Superman |
| Mongul |
2009
MattyCollector.com two-packs
With the 2008 San Diego Comic Con, Mattel launched a site featuring exclusive news and 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 | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Space Heroes Two-Pack | Adam Strange | January 15, 2009 |
| Starfire | |||
| 2 | Battle for Earth 3 | Ultraman | June 15, 2009 |
| Alexander Luthor | |||
| 3 | Color of Fear | Romat-Ru | November 16, 2009 |
| Karu-Sil | |||
| 4 | Justice in the Jungle | Animal Man | 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.[29] 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 |
|---|---|
| Fists of Clay Figure Pack | Clayface |
| Batman | |
| Clash in the Cosmos | Superman |
| Brainiac |
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 sculpture.
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 |
|---|---|
| Kryptonite Chaos | Lex Luthor |
| Supergirl |
Toys "R" Us All-Star figures
Four repaints (Batman, Green Lantern, The Flash, and Nightwing) were released only 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.[30]
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 repainted by 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 |
|---|---|
| Superman Vs. He-Man | Superman |
| He-Man | |
| Lex Luthor Vs. Skeletor | Lex Luthor |
| Skeletor |
Series Two
| Name | Figures |
|---|---|
| Hawkman Vs. Stratos | Hawkman |
| Stratos[31] | |
| Aquaman Vs. Mer-Man | Aquaman |
| Mer-Man[31] |
Walmart two-packs
Four exclusive two-packs were released at Walmart in 2010. The first two sets were composed entirely of repaints and feature no new sculpting; the second two were straight re-releases.
| Name | Figures |
|---|---|
| Dynamic Duo | Batman |
| Robin (Tim Drake) | |
| Undersea Assault | Aquaman |
| Black Manta | |
| Fates Intertwined | Hawkgirl |
| Gentleman Ghost | |
| Power Struggle | Superman |
| Parasite |
San Diego Comic Con
In April 2010, the G4 series Attack of the Show! revealed 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 featured two brand new characters (Guy Gardner and Tomar-Re), as well as three repaints of existing figures (Hal Jordan sporting grey temples circa the 1989 Green Lantern series, John Stewart in his Green Lantern: Mosaic costume, and a Green Lantern version of 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, were released. The Bizarro Vs. Faker two-pack was also available at the San Diego Comic-Con.[35]
| Name | Figures |
|---|---|
| Bizarro Vs. Faker | Bizarro |
| Faker | |
| Green Lantern Vs. Zodac | Green Lantern |
| Zodac | |
| Supergirl Vs. She-Ra | Supergirl |
| She-Ra |
Two-packs
Two two-packs were released. The first two-pack re-released Harley Quinn from Wave 2 and appeared to include the cancelled All-Star Joker from 2010. The second two-pack re-released 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 |
|---|---|
| Mad Love | Joker |
| Harley Quinn | |
| Mightiest Mortals | Black Adam |
| "Shazam!" |
Legion of Super-Heroes twelve-pack
Exclusive to MattyCollector.com was a twelve-pack of the Legion of Super-Heroes, the first time characters from this team were released in the DC Universe Classics line. Besides the twelve heroes listed below, the set also included a Proty accessory figure and a die-cast Legion flight ring. The ring is the difference between the original release and the reissue. The original one was gold plated. Also, an open figure slot is included in this package that is labeled for Invisible Kid.
Wal-Mart five-pack
Exclusive to Wal-Mart was 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. In September, Mattel revealed on their Facebook page that despite not reaching their subscriber goal, the club would still go forward. To offer the subscription, Mattel would raise the prices of figures for non-subscribers. They also revealed that the winner of the club's exclusive poll was Metron.[38]
Besides Metron, the first figures to be released through the club were Atrocitus, Flash (Jay Garrick), Starman (Thom Kallor), and Poison Ivy. It was also revealed that Platinum, of the Metal Men, with her accessory Tin, Mirror Master, Black Mask, John Constantine, Uncle Sam, and filling the oversize slots, Rocket Red, Elasti-Girl, and Lead, of the Metal Men would be released. Mattel announced they were in preparation to announce the 2013 lineup during San Diego Comic-Con.
| Month | Figure | Accessories |
|---|---|---|
| May | Flash (Jay Garrick) | |
| June | Atrocitus | Red Lantern |
| June (Club Exclusive) | Metron | Mobius Chair |
| July | Starman (Thom Kallor) | Variant Head |
| July (Over Sized Figure) | Rocket Red | |
| August | Mirror Master | Interchangeable Mirror Guns |
| September | Black Mask | Batman's Cowl, Dagger and Double Sword Staff |
| October | Poison Ivy | |
| October (Over Sized Figure) | Elasti-Girl | Elasti-Girl (Mini Figure) |
| November | Uncle Sam | Doll Man (Mini Figure) |
| November | John Constantine | |
| December | Platinum | Tin (Under Sized Figure) |
| December (Over Sized Figure) | Lead |
2013
The DC Club Infinite Earths 2013 line up was unveiled at SDCC that year. The line-up included Saint Walker, Phantom Stranger, Elongated Man, Larfleeze, Wally West with the Club Exclusive being Monsieur Mallah, including The Brain as an accessory.
On August 7, it was announced that the club would examine, reaching the minimum number of subscriptions. At New York Comic Con, it was revealed that Red Hood, Captain Marvel Jr., and Huntress would be released during 2013. The price of figures had increased from $15 to $18 (for subscribers) and from $18 to $20 (for non-subscribers). A new line called Club Black Freighter, based on the Watchmen series, would release figures bimonthly with six figures released. There would be no DC subscription for 2014, as pre-sales did not meet expectations. However, it was announced at New York Comic Con on 10/11/2013 that five figures would be released in 2014 to finish the line. "Hook hand" Aquaman would be released in March, Ice in June, Superboy in September, and Damian Wayne as Robin in December. "Containment Suit" Doomsday would be released as the SDCC exclusive and then on mattycollector.com, after Mattel apologized to its fans that they were not given the budget to do the full, large Doomsday that would require expensive tooling, and could only afford to do a "Containment Suit" version that was considerably cheaper to produce. Shortly afterwards, Mattel did in fact announce that they would produce a full-on Collect and Connect sized "Doomsday Unleashed" figure, for nothing else than to give the fans a proper send-off and to apologize for the many figures over the years that the fans requested Mattel could not produce.
| Month | Figure | Accessories |
|---|---|---|
| January | Saint Walker | Blue Lantern |
| February | Phantom Stranger | |
| March | Elongated Man | Magnifying Glass |
| April | Larfleeze | Orange Lantern |
| April (Club Exclusive) | Monsieur Mallah | The Brain |
| May | Wally West | |
| June | Red Hood | Two red guns |
| July | Captain Marvel Jr. | |
| August | Fire | One plasma blast |
| September | Huntress (Helena Bertinelli) | Crossbow |
| October | Ocean Master | Ocean Power Trident |
| November | Ra's al Ghul | Scimitar |
| December | Batzarro | Batarang |
2013 Club Black Freighter
| Month | Figure | Accessories |
|---|---|---|
| January | Rorschach | Grapplegun |
| March | Doctor Manhattan | |
| May | Silk Spectre | |
| July | Nite Owl | Grapplegun & Owl-a-rangs |
| September | Comedian | Flamethrower Backpack & Shotgun |
| November | Ozymandias | Alternate Head |
2014
| Month | Figure | Accessories |
|---|---|---|
| March | "Hook Hand" Aquaman | |
| June | Ice | One ice blast |
| September | Superboy | |
| December | Robin (Damian Wayne) | Red batarang |
| SDCC 2014 | Doomsday Bound | |
| Winter 2015 | Doomsday Unleashed | Shredded Superman cape |
The End of the Line
The release of Doomsday Unleashed marked the final figure in the DC Universe Classics/DC Signature Series line, and Mattel even put "Final Figure" on the front of his box. Mattel offered one more set of six figures on their website celebrating the 30th anniversary of Kenner's Super Powers Collection, featuring a Collect and Connect Super Powers colored Kalibak figure. At retail, the line semi-continued under a few different names, Batman Unlimited and DC Comics Unlimited, which mixed the Horsemen sculpted comic-based figures with figures based on other media properties, like the Injustice series of video games. As of 2018, the Horsemen sculpted figures continue to be peppered into Mattel's DC Multiverse retail line, which brings back the Collect and Connect concept last seen in DC Universe Classics.
References
- ↑ "Superhero Times - INTERVIEW: Four Horsemen Studios". Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2010-12-07.
- ↑ "DC Universe Classics Series 1". toynewsi.com.
- ↑ "Mattel Q&A Round 4". toynewsi.com.
- 1 2 "Mattel Q&A Round 3". toynewsi.com.
- 1 2 "Action Figure Insider » Page not found". www.actionfigureinsider.com. Archived from the original on 2011-07-18. Retrieved 2010-12-08.
{{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help) - ↑ "Matty Update - DCU Wave 5 Is Alive". The Toyark - News. 18 March 2010.
- 1 2 "Mattycollector 2009 In Review Pt 4: DC Universe". The Toyark - News. 31 December 2009.
- ↑ A.t.r (17 October 2011). "DC Universe Classics & Batman Legacy - New York Comic Con 2011".
- ↑ Geyer, Jason (14 January 2007). "Holy Cow! Super Powers Extravaganza". Action Figure Insider. Retrieved 3 November 2011.
- ↑ "DC Universe Classics Fan Choice Announced". The Toyark - News. 20 October 2009.
- ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-09-03. Retrieved 2010-12-07.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ↑ "DC Universe Classics Fan Choice Poll 2010". toynewsi.com.
- ↑ "SDCC Day 2 - Mattel & DC Comics: A Historic Partnership Panel". toynewsi.com.
- ↑ "Mattel Panel news!". 25 July 2008.
- ↑ "The Mattel Vault: Collector Toys & Collectibles - Mattel Shop". shop.mattel.com.
- ↑ "DC Universe & Justice League Action Figure Stands". The Toyark - News. 8 November 2008.
- ↑ "DC Universe Classic Wave 8 Hi-Res Images". toynewsi.com.
- ↑ "NYCC 2009 Coverage: DCUC Wave 9 & New 2-Packs!". The Toyark - News. 7 February 2009.
- ↑ "Action Figure Insider » Page not found". www.actionfigureinsider.com. Archived from the original on 2010-08-15. Retrieved 2010-12-08.
{{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help) - ↑ "DC Universe Classics Wave 9 In Short Supply". The Toyark - News. 14 September 2009.
- ↑ "Modern Cheetah Revealed". The Toyark - News. 9 March 2010.
- ↑ "AFi's "Ask Matty" Mattel Q&A Answers for Sept. 1st, 2010". 1 September 2010.
- ↑ Ron, Author (6 February 2010). "Toyfare 152 to Feature New DC Universe Classics, Marvel Universe, and Iron Man Figures".
{{cite web}}:|first=has generic name (help) - ↑ "DCUC Wave 15 On Sale at Kmart 10/24-10/30". The Toyark - News. 19 October 2010.
- ↑ lulubee (23 December 2010). "DC Universe Classics – The Blackest Night is Here!".
- ↑ "News - Entertainment, Music, Movies, Celebrity". MTV News.
- ↑ "2008 NYCC - Mattel and DC panel". toynewsi.com.
- ↑ "Mattel Announces TRU Exclusives For DC Universe". The Toyark - News. 17 November 2008.
- ↑ "DC Universe New 2-Packs Available for Pre-Order". The Toyark - News. 19 December 2008.
- ↑ "Ask Matty November 15th Edition". It'sAllTrue.Net. 16 November 2010.
- 1 2 "New Masters of the Universe Toy Photos". The Toyark - News. 6 October 2010.
- ↑ "Today's Mattel SDCC Exclusive Reveals". 12 April 2010.
- ↑ "New Details on the Mattel SDCC Exclusives". 13 April 2010.
- ↑ "Games". SYFY. 21 August 2023.
- ↑ VeeBee (18 July 2011). "First Look – DC Universe vs Masters of the Universe Two-Packs".
- ↑ A.t.r (30 May 2011). "DC Universe Classics - Mad Love & Mightiest Mortals PREVIEW".
- ↑ VeeBee (19 July 2011). "First Look – DC Universe Classics Crime Syndicate of Amerika".
- ↑ VeeBee (1 September 2011). "Club Infinite Earths is a GO!".
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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