DC Comics

Batman: The Brave and the Bold

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Cartoon Network has announced Batman: The Brave and The Bold, a new animated series slated to debut in 2008.

"Batman isn't going at it alone this time! From Warner Bros. Animation comes the latest interpretation of the classic Batman franchise. Our caped crusader is teamed up with heroes from across the DC Universe, delivering nonstop action and adventure with a touch of comic relief. Blue Beetle, Green Arrow, Aquaman and countless others will get a chance to uphold justice alongside Batman. Though still based in Gotham, Batman will frequently find himself outside city limits, facing situations that are both unfamiliar and exhilarating. With formidable foes around every corner, Batman will still rely on his stealth, resourcefulness and limitless supply of cool gadgets to bring justice home."

The series, consisting of 30-minute episodes, will be produced by James Tucker and Linda M. Steiner -- the team behind Legion of Super Heroes -- and will be executive produced by Sam Register. Other creators include line producer Amy McKenna, story editor Michael Jelenic and directors Ben Jones, Brandon Vietti and Michael Chang.

Birds of Prey: The Complete Series

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BURBANK, CA (April 2, 2008) – The wait is over! Birds of Prey, the hit WB show, will finally make it to DVD. Three young female heroines will be fighting together, living together, and soaring into adventure together when Warner Home Video's (WHV) releases of Birds of Prey: The Complete Series on July 15, 2008 for $39.98 SRP. Birds of Prey: The Complete Series includes all 13 episodes from the series plus all-new bonus features in a 4-disc collection.

From the creators of the CW hit Smallville, Birds of the Prey was produced in 2002 for the WB and is loosely based on the DC Comics series with the same name. The hit show brought in 7.6 million viewers each week and was the largest audience in the 18-34 demographic for the network at that time. While the world was sleeping at night, the Birds of Prey flock together to fight crime on the streets of New Gotham City. Several years after the city was abandoned by Batman, the awesome threesome of Huntress (Ashley Scott), Oracle (Dina Meyer), and Dinah (Rachel Skarsten) was formed. Huntress is the daughter of Batman and Catwoman, and can smell danger from miles away. Dinah has the gift of clairvoyance and Oracle leads the team through her cyber experience, despite being wheelchair bound by the Joker. During the course of the show, the girls are often confronted with schemes masterminded by Dr. Quinzel, but always prevail and beat her at her own game.

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"The Birds of Prey continues the legacy of Batman in an action-packed show with a trio of female heroines that are adored by fans," said Rosemary Markson, WHV Vice President, TV Marketing, "We are delighted to finally release Birds of Prey: The Complete Series for the very loyal fan base and a new generation of comics lovers."

In addition to the entire series, complete with 13 full episodes, Birds of Prey: The Complete Series includes never-before-seen special features such as:
  • Gotham Girls S1-3 – An animated series of shorts starring the Birds of Prey characters.

Birds of Prey: The Complete Series
Street Date: July 15, 2008
DVD SRP: $39.98
Running Time: 727 mins

DC Infinite Heroes

Mattel has revealed a new line of 3.75 inch action figures called DC Infinite Universe.

I've always said that there should be a 3.75 inch DC Universe with realistic sculpts and limited articulation similar to Star Wars figures.

DC Direct tried Pocket Superheroes, but not realistic enough for me.
DC Minimates, look cool but not a collection I would go after.

Mattel's DC Infinite Heroes finally got it right.
Pictured below are: Gotham City Police Officers, Commissioner Gordon, Black Adam, Flash: Jay Garrick, Supergirl, Bizarro, Wonder Girl, Batwoman, Batman, Catwoman, GCPD Police, The Question, Hush, Black Hand, LexCorp Goon?, Green Arrow, Black Canary, Green Lantern, GCPD Police, Power Girl, Shazam! (Captain Marvel), Zoom, Wildcat, Killer Croc, Weather Wizard, Thanagarian Guards and Hawkman.

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Cool Custom Figure: Supergirl

Here is a cool custom figure make by fp_spirit.

The recipe is:
DC Superheroes Supergirl body
DC Direct Superman/Batman Series 2 Supergirl cape
DC Direct Flamebird head
painted the boots to match the cape
painted the skin to match the head


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DC Superhero Barbies for 2008

Mattel will be releasing some new DC Superhero Barbie figures this year.
These figures look like they use the new body type. They will be in the collectors series and priced about $35.00 each.

The current release dates are:
Batgirl - July 2008
Supergirl - August 2008
Black Canary - September 2008
Wonder Woman - October 2008


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New York Comic Con: Exclusive Mattel DC Universe Classics

At the 2008 New York Comic Con, Mattel will be offering an exclusive Mr.Freeze action figure. They will also make the Knight Shadow Batman and Black Suit Superman available again.

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Mr.Freeze

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Knight Shadow Batman

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Black Suit Superman

The DC Comics Action Figure Archive

I've been collecting DC Comics related action figures for many years. I also feature some photo archives on my website. Well, today I received my copy of The DC Comics Action Figure Archive. This is a nice reference book for DC toy fans like myself.

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Synopsis
For the legions that collect the immensely popular DC Comics action figures, we have good news: the official visual compendium of more than 1,400 characters has finally arrived. The DC Comics Action Figure Archive is the definitive reference for the serious enthusiast. Assembled by lead collector Scott Beatty and the experts at DC Comics, this sturdy hardcover features more than 600 full-color photographs and an easily navigable A-to-Z structure. Here, too, are previously impossible-to-find release dates, variants and "redecoes," as well as detailed information on action figure scales and articulation points. From Ace the Bat-Hound to Zauriel, with lots of Batman and Superman in-between, this collector's must-have guide doesn't miss a beat.

DC Direct: All Star Action Figures

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DC DIRECT - ALL STAR ACTION FIGURES
It's an all-star lineup featuring the work of two fan-favorite artists in this series! Four of DC's superstars are represented here:
Batman and Batgirl, as drawn by Jim Lee in All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder, and Superman and Super Lois, as drawn by Frank Quitely in the Eisner Award-winning All Star Superman!
Advance-solicited; on sale September 3, 2008

Action Figures:

Batman 6.75" h

Superman 6.75" h

Batgirl 5.5" h

Super Lois 6.5" h
Each figure features multiple points of articulation and a base.

Comic Book Pick of the Week

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THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #7

Written by Mark Waid; Art by George Pérez and Bob Wiacek; Cover by Pérez


Wonder Woman and Power Girl fight side-by-side against a foe who may be more powerful than both of them combined!

DC Universe  |  32pg.  |  Color  |  $2.99 US

On Sale October 17, 2007

Comic Book Pick of the Week

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GREEN LANTERN #24

Written by Geoff Johns; Art and Cover by Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert


"The Sinestro Corps War" continues as Hal Jordan and the world's greatest heroes struggle against the combined terror of Sinestro, Parallax and the Corps of Fear. And when Hal finds himself face-to-face with one of the most bizarre members of the Sinestro Corps he has a simple choice to make — keep fighting and die or lay down and walk away. Plus, what is the prophecy of the Blackest Night and what does it mean to the future of Hal Jordan and the Corps?

DC Universe  |  32pg.  |  Color  |  $2.99 US

On Sale October 10, 2007

Comic Book Pick of the Week

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JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #13

Written by Dwayne McDuffie; Art by Joe Benitez and Victor Llamas; Cover by Ian Churchill


Don't miss the debut of the new JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA creative team! The "Injustice League Unlimited" story continues from the JLA WEDDING SPECIAL as a hero is severely beaten by the new Injustice League, forcing the JLA to fight back!

DC Universe  |  32pg.  |  Color  |  $2.99 US

On Sale September 26, 2007

Comic Book Pick of the Week

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THE GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY WEDDING SPECIAL

Written by Judd Winick; Art by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti; Cover by Conner


Everyone will have seen Black Canary's response to Green Arrow's proposal from GREEN ARROW #75 and the BLACK CANARY miniseries…now see why that response may have been the biggest mistake for both of them in this landmark special issue!

DC Universe  |  48pg.  |  Color  |  $3.99 US

On Sale September 19, 2007

Comic Book Pick of the Week

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GREEN LANTERN #23

Written by Geoff Johns; Art and Cover by Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert


Fear spreads across the universe as "The Sinestro Corps War" continues! Hal Jordan! John Stewart! Guy Gardner! Kyle Rayner! Trapped in the depths of the Sinestro Corps' Citadel and face-to-face with the Guardian of Sinestro's army of fear! What it means will change the entire tide of the war. And as Oa prepares for the ultimate attack, the Guardians come to a terrifying conclusion.

DC Universe  |  32pg.  |  Color  |  $2.99 US

On Sale September 12, 2007

Mattel gets the Master Toy License for DC Comics Characters

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Offical Press Release:

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP), on behalf of DC Comics, announced today that it has entered into a multi-year deal with leading worldwide toy manufacturer, Mattel, Inc., which names them master toy licensee for the complete DC Universe property portfolio. Under the terms of this strategic alliance, Mattel is granted unprecedented access to the complete breadth and scope of the DC Comics vault of characters, which includes more than a thousand world-famous DC Super Heroes and Super Villains, such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Joker, and The Riddler. Further, the agreement includes well loved characters such as The Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Shazam!, Green Arrow and Hawkman. Financial terms of the relationship were not released.

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In addition to the rights to existing DC Comics characters, animation and motion pictures, the deal gives Mattel rights to produce toys based on future DC Universe film and animation projects that are developed and produced during the term of the agreement. Mattel will support the DC Universe characters across all of its key brands including Hot Wheels, Radica, Fisher-Price, Tyco and Mattel Games.

Mattel will bring the talents of their world-class sculptors, designers and developers to create product lines that target both kids and collectors. In combination with their expertise in kids and kid-targeted marketing, product and content development, they will develop DC SUPER HEROES sections in the toy aisle designed to attract a new generation of kids into the DC Universe for the first time while fueling the flames of collectors’ and fans’ passion for these characters. With the broad scope of category rights granted, Mattel is uniquely positioned to leverage this rich portfolio across many different categories.

“Combining the power and richness of the DC Comics Universe with the unparalleled creativity and expertise of Mattel makes for an incredible alliance,” said Brad Globe, president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “Knowing that the vast catalogue of DC Comics properties will be in the hands of the world’s most successful toy manufacturer ensures a consistency and quality in product development for years to come.”

Beyond the strong stable of notable heroes that serve as the face of the DC Universe, characters from such world renowned super powered teams as the Justice League and Teen Titans will allow Mattel to expand on their extensive, existing relationship with DC Comics to develop products that go far deeper and broader with their individual characters.

“Working closely with Mattel across a broad spectrum of our characters will increase the variety available to our fans and collectors, and help introduce the DC Universe to a new generation of toy buyers. We look forward to collaborating with their dedicated team to make toys as yet undreamed of into playful reality,” said Paul Levitz, President and Publisher of DC Comics.

During its seven-year relationship with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Mattel has created and delivered a number of successful toy lines that bring the fun, action-packed heroism and excitement of DC Comics’ characters to life, including top-of-the-line action figures and vehicles for the 2005 release of “Batman Begins,” innovative toys for “The Batman” animated series, along with a collection of heroes and villains from the popular Justice League Animated Series and the Batman and Superman family of DC Super Heroes action figure lines.

“We are thrilled to expand our long-standing partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products,” said Neil Friedman, President, Mattel Brands. “We strongly value our close-working relationship and Warner Bros. Consumer Products’ extensive portfolio of characters from the DC Comics Universe presents a fantastic opportunity for us to bring even more characters to life for kids and collectors alike.”

DC Direct announces new Action Figures

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JUSTICE LEAGUE (ALEX ROSS) SERIES 4: Action Figures
Features multiple points of articulation, character specific accessories and a display base. Packaged in a four-color blister
Advance-solicited; on sale September 6, 2006
SHAZAM! 7.25" H
BLACK ADAM 7.25" H
HAWKMAN 7.5" H
ZATANNA 6.75" H
SOLOMON GRUNDY 8" H

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INFINITE CRISIS SERIES 1 ACTION FIGURES
Features multiple points of articulation, character specific accessories and display base. Packaged in a four-color blister.
Advance-solicited; on sale September 20, 2006
POWER GIRL 6.25" H
ALEXANDER LUTHOR 6.5" H
EARTH-PRIME SUPERBOY 6.125" H
OMAC 7.25" H
MONGUL 9" H

Check my
DC Direct Action Figure List to see what else is coming out.