Most of the Batman figures have weird specialized costumes and weapons that appeal to the kiddies, but not so much for a purist like me. I picked it up, because the price was reasonable.
Then I got to thinking about the JLA figures that came out around Christmastime (Series 45 on this page):
I thought these toys were cool (particularly Flash and Superman) but decided against buying them for monetary reasons -- and because Green Lantern was Kyle, and because Batman and the Martian Manhunter weren't included in the lineup. But now that I found a cool Batman...
I went to a local comic & collectible store, and they had Aquaman in their bargain bin. Then they handed me a coupon for half-off all toys, so I picked up Wonder Woman and the Flash ... and a neat Green Arrow figure, too!
Then I learned that a Neal Adams-styled Hal Jordan figure existed, and I snagged that from eBay. Superman is sold out of most stores, but I found one at eBay for a premium I could stomach. Now I need J'onn Jonzz, and he's going for $40 or more...!
See what I mean about a slippery slope? Will I be able to resist the cool JSA figures? Or Teen Titans? Should I seek help?
Help? As in help selecting which one to buy next!?
I buy this kind of stuff very selectively these days, but the DC Direct Dr. Fate and Spectre (NOT the Hal Jordan Spectre, but the REAL Jim Corrigan Spectre) are AWESOME! I snagged them both off of ebay.
Hasbro's Justice League line from a few years back featured some cool characters -- a little over-muscled, and limited articulation, but otherwise very nice. The best of that series included Hawkman, the Flash, Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel (SHAZAM!), and one of the best Wonder Woman action figures I've ever seen. They also released a cool version of the Atom, but I didn't pick that one up when it was in the stores. The Aquaman figure from that collection was the beard-and-hook version, but even that was nicely done. The Kyle Raynor Green Lantern was okay, and the Parralax figure looked nice, but I didn't pick it up because that's not the Hal Jordan I grew up with.
Will I be able to resist the cool JSA figures? Or Teen Titans? Should I seek help?
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I bought all the SuperPowers figures, back when, but since then I have mostly *restricted myself to characters I created or designed, or characters for which my design became "definitive" (like Galactus).
Makes it easier on the wallet!
JB-)
*I did break this rule for some of the cooler stuff, like the Hawkman & Hawkgirl set, the Flash and Kid Flash, the Silver Age Smallville set, Superboy and Supergirl and the PVC sets of the JSA and the Green Lanterns and Flashes -- and I picked up the recent large JLA Animated figures (tho I am ticked there is no Wonder Woman or Hawkgirl -- or J'Onn!!!).
When I look at all of those wonderful lines of figures from DC Direct (the Dark Knight Returns and First Appearances lines especially), I am amazed at how well the sculptors captured the comic art.
JB should provide some sketches so DC Direct can produce a Generations line of figures! Not only could they make figures of unique designs like the 1989 Batman or Knightwing, they could do JB's definitive versions of Superman (plus white temples) or Batman (1999)!
I think JB's clean style with faces and figures would adapt nicely to action figure form. (That's why I was surprised those Alpha Flight figures were so ugly and off-model!) I like the idea of giving John's drawings three dimensional form.
........but since then I have mostly *restricted myself to characters I created or designed, or characters for which my design became "definitive" (like Galactus).
Makes it easier on the wallet!
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A sound plan, JB. I myself have the same rule too. No action figures of any characters I didn't design or make my own. Saves me stunning amounts of money!
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You are a god among insects. Never let anyone tell you different.
JB should provide some sketches so DC Direct can produce a Generations line of figures! Not only could they make figures of unique designs like the 1989 Batman or Knightwing, they could do JB's definitive versions of Superman (plus white temples) or Batman (1999)!
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I really think DC dropped the ball on that one. With GENERATIONS I gave them a whole line of toys, many of which could be created using existing molds (SuperPowers Luthor + Superman head = G1 Evil Joel, etc). Plus a fleet of Batmobiles! All I'd ask would be they give me one of each!
JB said "-- and I picked up the recent large JLA Animated figures (tho I am ticked there is no Wonder Woman or Hawkgirl -- or J'Onn!!!)."
Hey JB, are you talking about the 10" JLA figures? If so, they do make a J'Onn and a Wonder Woman. I frequent some of the toy collector sites and I know the Wonder Woman is scarce and people are always trying to buy or trade one. I've seen the J'Onn in some local stores but I have yet to see the WW myself. I don't think there's a Hawkgirl yet though.
to add my forgotten name.
This message has been edited by DaThing on Apr 17, 2004 1:19 AM
JB, are you talking about the 10" JLA figures? If so, they do make a J'Onn and a Wonder Woman.
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Haven't seen either. Mind you, I had to search for John Stewart, too. If they make WW and J'Onn, tho, why aren't they on the box?
(Just noticed they're made by Mattel! Doesn't that take me back! When I was a kid it seemed like it was almost impossible to buy toys that weren't from Mattel!)
"If they make WW and J'Onn, tho, why aren't they on the box?"
It seems to be a running thing with Mattel. There are figures that they don't list on the backs of the packages. I'm not sure if this is so that they aren't advertising figures that aren't produced in mass quantities or not. They also make a Darkseid figure in the smaller scale but don't list it on the back either. This may be what they refer to as the "chase" figures. It's a retailer incentive to keep collectors coming back to the stores looking for certain figures. The retailers hope that they pick up some extra sales when the person comes into the store looking for the figure. They don't find it but buy something else while they are in the store.
This message has been edited by DaThing on Apr 17, 2004 1:33 PM
Yeah, they did make Martian Manhunter and WW, I've found them all, but gave my daughter WW for Christmas. Haven't seen another one since (choke).
I was looking hard for John Stewart last summer, and finally found one. Last fall I saw about 40 of him in one place, so maybe WW will be abundant sometime soon.
No Hawkgirl is a headscratcher, but there is Aquaman (the crummy hook version, though).
I should research this before I go shooting off my big yap, but I had the big WW during the holidays - I thought I had J'onn, too, but I know I had WW - it sold right away, but Monday, when I go back to work, I can search all the stores (on-line - it just takes a moment), and if one exists, I can ship it right to you.
If you're interested! (They may all be sold out, but if any are left at any Tower, anywhere - it's yours for the asking.)
John, did you also get the vehicles and sets for the SuperPowers figures?
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No. Generally I don't buy the superhero "equipment". Aside from the full-sized one in my garage, I have only ever bought 2 Batmobiles, and those where the "Johnny Lightning" 50s and 60s diecast versions that came out a while back.
As noted, I sure would love to have good models of the vehicles I designed for G1, 2 and 3 tho! This:
Somewhere, I have one of the Matchbox-sized Batmobiles from years ago. I also bought the assorted SuperPowers vehicles and Hall of Justice. Which I'm still dragging along with me everytime I move. I'm still debating if I really need to keep those for the kids I may never have or find a youth who would appreciate them in the now. (I was a teenager when I got them, so it was mostly for the neet-o factor that I have the figures. Though I do like the Green Lantern and Flash figures a lot.)
I was watching "Rock Star" last night (with Mark Wahlberg) and he's driving around in the Batmobile from the Adam West series. Which one is yours?
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That one -- tho it is as yet a long way from drivable.
Now, a story:
When I was a lad my favorite toy was a tin Lincoln Futura, about 11 inches long. Seemed big as a house at the time. I called it my "Batmobile".
Many moons later, George Barris was hired to build the Batmobile for the Adam West TV series, and he carved up the only existing Futura (for which I will never forgive him) to do so.
When I finally get my Batmobile kit car built up, I plan to restore it as much as possible to the original Futura lines. I figure, if I am driving 'round in a black Futura, it will "read" as the Batmobile to most folks anyway!
"As noted, I sure would love to have good models of the vehicles I designed for G1, 2 and 3 tho!"
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No problem, just put a second mortgage on your house and pick up one of these fancy 3D printers! For anyone who hasn't seen one of these things - I'm quite serious - they take the 3 dimensional information from a computer model and "print" a physical model from it. It's really quite neat:
Okay, those links worked the first time I wrote the above and went screwy after I edited it. Sorry about that. If you want to get to the links, it seems to work if you click on the <a href= bit before each address.
Although I love the JLa animated characterizations, and bought the full size maquettes (including Aquaman), i thouhgt the action figures were lame. Too small in scale, plastic was too fragile and the newer ones have some articulation but it looks even odder BECAUSE they're so small. The Total Justice line a few years back was also cool. I just wish some of these companies would "play ball" with other companies. They keep making 'their' figures a different scale so no one goes with anyone else. I also think DC Direct has come out with some of the most beautiful figures ever such as the silver age Batman/Robin, the Hawkman/Hawkgirl 2-pack and so many more. Perhaps my favorite EVER from the line is KC's Red Robin. For a numnber of years, it seemed as though DC had Marvel on the skids in regards to quality figures but I've gotta say "Legends" beats them all. Just as much detail but with SO much articulation that any position is possible. As I look to my right, I've got the Legends version of Reed, Ben and Johnny with the front section of the old bathtub Fantasticar (Sue's invisible in there) and right behind them, the Heroclix Galactus, who's pretty much in scale with them or close enough, anyway. Ah, action figure bliss. -Rick
My favorite Darkseid was the first STAS figure they put out. He was massive and had a very cool look to him. As much as i love DC Direct, I wasn't too nutty about their version. No articulation to speak of and a somewhat tough stand. -Rick
Sure but are they better than the Super Frinds and Secret Wars figures I had as a kid??
Hard for me to really remember but I sure loved those toys as a lad.
I think I might have a couple of the Marvel ones around somewhere.
