My Collection: DC Universe Classics Wave 20 Green Lantern All Star Action Figure Review.

When I first saw this figure a few years ago I thought it was really cool. At the time I wasn’t a big Green Lantern but in the last two years I become more and more a Hal Jordan fan. It was Justice League books that I had gotten me more and more interested in Hal Jordan as a Green Lantern, especially the New 52 Justice League series. Hal Jordan is one to the most important characters in the DC Universe. Possibly like most people I was introduced to the Green Lanterns thorough the Justice League animated series. In the series John Stewart was earth’s Green Lantern. The stern straight laced militaristic Stewart did not instantly appeal to me. It wasn’t until I was first discovered Hal Jordan in the DC Animated Original Movie - Green Lantern: First Flight and later animated movies where I became more liking of the character. I really enjoyed the 2011 live action movie which I thought was great fun and gave another great introduction of the character and his universe. I hugely enjoyed the complex and the complex and dynamic relationship with Thaal Sinestro and along with the animated series which was great also, I felt like I got to know enough about the character and his surroundings to get into the books. 

Hal Jordan as Green Lantern became a growing favorite and his characterization in Geoff John's New 52 Justice League series really won me over and I began getting into the best of the pre-New 52 Green Lantern graphic novels from the 2005 series also by Johns. His departure from the team in the Villain’s Journey story arc and the how big a role the character played in Justice graphic novel by Jim Kruger and Alex Ross really influenced me to start getting into his books. Starting with Green Lantern:Secret Origin, the updated origin story which covered familiar ground and later got into John’s big Green Lantern trilogy; Rebirth, The Sinestro Corps War and Blackest Night miniseries. I'm currently reading and enjoying the continuation of Geoff John's run on Green Lantern of as part of the New 52.

Hal Jordan made his comic book debut in Showcase #22 October 1959. This new Silver Age Green Lantern was created by John Broome and Gil Kane in a revamp of characters away from the magic and supernatural based stories of the Golden Age and replaced them with the science fiction based superhero stories.The Green Lantern of the Golden Age whose powers were derived from magic was named Alan Scott. Hal Jordan was the first human inducted into the Green Lantern Corps, an intergalactic police force. This new Green Lantern along with along with re-imagining of other DC heroes such as the Atom, the Flash and Hawkman marked the beginning of the Silver Age of DC Comics.

While training in a flight simulator, test pilot Hal Jordan was suddenly transported to the crash site of an alien spacecraft. The injured pilot named Abin Sur - Green Lantern of Sector 2814 passed on to Jordan his green power ring. Hal Jordan was chosen by the ring to become a member of the Green Lantern Corps, an intergalactic police force. The ring allowed him to make real anything that he could imagine, one of the most powerful weapons in the Universe. Hal Jordan is the most well-known Green Lantern and was the first earth man ever inducted into the Green Lantern Corps and has been heralded as possibly the greatest Green Lantern of all time. He fights evil across the Universe with a ring that grants him a variety of extraordinary powers. Hal is also a founding member of the Justice League of America. Hal’s been through some pretty dark times. He’s responsible for nearly decimating the entire Green Lantern Corps while possessed by Parallax, the evil yellow entity of fear. But since that event - and the subsequent redemption attempt during Final Night story line where he died trying to save Earth. Hal was later revived in the stellar 2005 miniseries Green Lantern: Rebirth by Geoff Johns making him a Green Lantern once more, representing the model Green Lantern and one of the greatest heroes in the DC Universe.

Green Lantern Hal Jordan has been released several times in Mattel's DC Universe Classics. As the most popular Green Lantern Hal Jordan first appeared in Wave 3 of the line several times since with various differences all with the stand 21 points of articulation. This final release comes in standard package design for the series since Wave 16. This All Star figure was included as part of Wave 20 of the action figure line. All Star are a series of figure of DC’s most popular characters re-released sometimes with new paint deco for the purchasing by newer collectors. All Star figures does not include collect and connect piece. The Green Lantern is the final Green Lantern by Mattel's DC Universe Classics.


To me this is the best DC Universe Classics Green Lantern figure available, and there has been quite a few. The new shiny metallic Green Lantern figure is great, the paint job speaks for itself. It’s a modern rendition of the same Wave 3 sculpt that was released in 2007 that featured his classic and best know look but now this 2012 release feature an improved figure featuring the modern look of Hal Jordan as Green Lantern. The new look is ditches the small over shorts look thus begins the iteration of the modern Green Lantern look, the green parts of the costume stops pointed above the waist, the look that Hal Jordan has wore since his return in the Rebirth story arc and is still retained this look since the New 52 reboot whereas most of the characters has their costumes had changed and updated. The change is style to his costume and the metallic paint application helps the costume looks more modernized. As well as making the costume appear like it is energy based uniform that would be part on an intergalactic police force. It is the only Green Lantern action figure to be given the metallic paint brings a new shade of green, The first and only of DC Universe Classics Green Lantern figures to get this metallic paint job. Green Lantern is such a big part of the DC Universe that it has its own sub line of figures as part of DC Universe Classics.


Hal Jordan has been released many times in Mattel's series of figures, having more repaints and re-releases than Batman. The character appeared several times as a Green Lantern as well as Yellow, Black and White Lantern action figures. This marks sixth figure release of Hal Jordan as Green Lantern. The initial five releases were the original Wave 3 release the classic look, first appearance with black shoulders that featured a two pack with his predecessor Abin Sur, 90’s Hal Jordan with grey sideburns that appeared in the Green Lantern’s Light 5 pack. Then came the metallic paint variations of the figure. First was the classic look with the metallic green, old fashioned logo and added pupils released in the Hal Jordan VS Sinestro two pack.

The first modern rendition of the figure was released in the Toys R Us exclusive 75 years of Super Powers All Stars release. The figure had the same look but had the metallic green paint only, the rest of the figure had the standard matt black and white along with a pale reddish brown hair colour which didn’t look right. This Wave 20 All-Stars version fixes that snafu and restores the darkness to Hal’s hair, making this figure complete and totally recognizable as the Hal Jordan. This new figure features all over new paint deco, the metallic green and the new glossy black and white that gives the gloves a peralised appearance. The one thing that the previous that figure release did have going for it was that included a lantern accessory. 


In my opinion the best Green lantern figure, this latest release is the best of the lot. The main selling-point of this Green Lantern figure is its shiny metallic paint job and luckily, the paint job turns out to be pretty spectacular. The green used is a nice reflective deep green metallic paint that makes Hal really shines as a cosmic action figure. Exceptionally neatly painted and the logo is clean and crisp on the figure. Photos don’t do the figure justice, it’s a real standout figure. The body is the basic figure mold that has been used on countless figures since but the detailing and focus is that paint job, it adds the necessary layer of depth to what would be otherwise a plain figure. It is what we’ve seen before but better, it looks stunning and is unlike any of the other DC Universe Classics collectors action figures I own.

It's a fitting end for the last of Mattel figure I will more than likely add to my collection. It's an excellent figure and representation of Hal Jordan who is on to the most important characters in the DC Universe. I never thought I would have wanted a Green Lantern figure until I seen this one a over a year ago. Initially I wasn’t a Green Lantern fan at the time but I really appreciated how distinctive this figure was. The more I got into DC comics graphic novels and became more of a fan of Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps. All of the books I’ve read have been by one of the best and modern writers in comics Geoff Johns this brilliant writer who's always able to convey the best qualities in superhero comics and his highly acclaimed nine year run that was one of the main reasons I was such a big fan of Green Lantern Hal Jordan. 

I got this last Mattel DC Universe Classics figure at a great price when I was becoming a bigger fan of Hal Jordan. The final Green Lantern before Mattel DC Universe Classics called in a day in 2014. When I first got into comics, heroes like Batman and Daredevil appealed to me most, the gritty and realistic stories I was interested in. Green Lantern stories is the antithesis of those kind of heroes. Space, aliens, an intergalactic police force and a ring as the most powerful weapons in the universe. All these science fiction elements are of imagination and creativity is the reason superhero comics exist, taking inspiration from the one that stared it all, Superman in 1938.

All in all there is not as much detailing in this figure as other in the DC Universe Classics line and doesn't come with any accessories. The new paint job speaks for itself. Not a lot else to say, it’s the same figure that has came out before but different in one big way that makes up for it. Its modernized look fits in great with my other modern versions of DC heroes; Green Arrow, Superman and Batman. Signalling the time when I became a Green Lantern fan.

In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might, beware my power... Green Lantern's light!

My Collection: DC Universe Batman Legacy Edition Batman First Appearance

The one that started it all…it's the first ever Batman appearance when he made his debut in Detective Comics #27 in May 1939. 

As of this month, Batman has entertained fans for the past 75 years. He is now the only comic book superhero who has remained continuously in print since the Golden Age of comics, outlasting even his most famous colleague, Superman disappeared in 1992 but was then resurrected.

I purchased this figure from Amazon in October 2013 and with Batman’s 75th anniversary I felt there was no better time to open this great action figure based on his first appearance from 1939.

Today Batman still retains his original origin and motivations for his crusade for justice. Most artist interpretations primarily consist of this colour scheme,the black cape and cowl, gray suit and yellow utility belt. 

Over his 75 years Batman has updated his costume many times, I like how this costume gets a reference in various forms of Batman related media, animated shows, video games etc.

Ominous. Driven. Relentless.

Unleashed in Detective Comics #27, and inspired by the graphic stories of the pulp fiction era. The Batman arrived nearly fully formed. From the start, the Caped Crusader was a master detective and a man of science, driven to avenge the murder of his parents. This first iteration of the batman wore gloves to conceal his fingers prints and his signature dark ominous cape and cowl to strike fear into the hearts of criminals everywhere. A super hero without super powers, Batman is the ultimate expression of a man pushed to his physical and mental limits in the pursuit of justice!

This is an outstanding action figure being influenced from Batman’s first appearance in Detective Comics #27 - An Exclusive mini poster is included depicting that iconic cover. All figures in the Batman Legacy line include a poster representative of the character from their era that they are inspired from.It's hard to believe Batman is 75 years old, but something about him is compelling- his mysterious, dark nature is identifiable to us all somehow. Many great artists have rendered him over the years, likely none of which haven't looked to his roots as inspiration. Most people have never known a world without Batman, it's hard to imagine how bizarre he appeared to people back in 1939.

This is very likely to be the last Batman figure I will purchase for my collection. I started with New 52 Batman then inadvertently worked my way back to the Golden Age First Appearance figure. I have a Batman from each period that meant the most to me and I end with how it began with this Batman collectors figure. The figure is part of Mattel's Batman Legacy series, a line of adult collector action figures that celebrates the legacy of one the greatest superheroes of all time, paying homage to the caped crusader! The Batman Legacy series contains a wide array of looks and characters from the Batman universe from comics, video games and the modern live action movies. The figure comes in a really nice box containing some original artwork specific to the figure, I really like the Batman logo too. All figures in this series included a personalized display stand and an Exclusive mini poster of the character. The poster depicts the cover of Detective Comics #27 and is about the same size as a comic book. Other figures in this wave contained Nightwing and Harley Quinn figures form the Batman Arkham City video game.

Batman Legacy Wave 3 was released in 2012 after DC Universe Classics Wave 20 but before the All Stars line that featured the New 52 Batman. Previous Batman Legacy figures featured Batman figures of the Modern and Golden Age. In my opinion, this one defiantly the best. Even though this is my fourth Batman figure from Mattel, it is not a repaint of of another previous Batman sculpt. This figure’s torso is slimmer than the first DC Universe Classics Batman.

Batman Legacy action figures include a nice Batman figure display stand in either gold, silver or black representing the era the figure's appearance is influenced from. This figure stand is gold and has the a bat symbol on it. Some lines of the DC Universe Classics figures came with a figure display stands, but now with Batman having his own line of action figures it means that fans also get a great display stand. For me, this benefits the significance of this figure from his first appearance in 1939 in the period know as the Golden Age of comic books.

It is such a cool figure, I liked having my other three Batman comic book figures of my favorite looks, the classic 70’s, New 52 and the movie version. I did want to add the first look figure to my collection as it just looks great. It's made by Mattel and similar to other DC Universe Classics figures I own. I love the overall look of the figure and the basic and stripped down aspect of the figure. It would have been really cool if the this Batman included a gun accessory. We all know Batman is against guns but back in his early days he did use a gun for a short time and it would have been a little tribute to his before it was later refined. First appearance figures are awesome and and have a real throw back vibe to the first version of the much loved comic book characters. This look pays tribute to Bob Kane’s initial conception for the character that first appeared on Detective Comics #27 in May 1939 without it there would be no Batman that we all love and adore today.

Classic 70's, Golden Age & New 52 figures

The First Appearance Batman action figure acts as a center-piece of my Mattel DC Universe Collector figures. I have it displayed in the middle of my two comic book Batman figures paired with their figure of that era. 70's Classic style Batman and The Joker New 52 Batman and Superman.

I'm really happy and couldn't pass up such a great offer of a great action figure. I'm a big fan of all things Batman. It is extremely likely that this could be my last Batman figure for my collection, so it's extremely fitting it this is that last one where it began for the Caped Crusader during the celebration of Batman's 75th anniversary. This Batman has a unique feel to it, Batman has inspired most of the characters around him. Without the creation of Batman, there would have been no other Batman action figures, no Joker and DC Comics wouldn't be the powerhouse it is today without the arrival of it's best known and most popular character. 

This Batman collectors figure has a real novelty and uniqueness to it. Innovation and originality makes this figure so remarkable, resembling the early creation of the character. 75 years ago the creation of The Batman was momentous, it has inspired most of the figures around him. Without the creation of Batman there would have been no other Batman figures,no Joker and DC Comics would not be the powerhouse it is today without the arrival of it's best known and most popular creation. The Batman. I feel this a very significant collectors figure in a fan's Batman figure collection. I got them all in reverse order of staring with my 2011 New 52 look Batman working back to 2008, 1970's then the 1939 First Appearance of the Batman.

Hope you enjoyed this Batman figure story / mini history lesson. Batman like so many people is a big thing to me, my favorite comic book super-hero/crime fighter.

Bye for now Bat-fans


Chat soon

Bye
K

My Collection: DC Comics Super Villains: The Joker Action Figure

The DC COMICS - THE NEW 52 look of Batman's arch nemesis, The Joker is perfectly captured in this action figure based on the designs from the "Death of the Family" story.

DC Collectibles produce all kinds of collectibles including statues, props, replicas and action figures directly resembling comic book characters style of appearance from the comics, video game or animated movie that they are based on. The DC Collectibles products are for the direct market, primarily serving comic book stores.

DC Universe Classics is my preferred line of collector action figures. They've got great articulation, and usually bright and glossy depictions of the characters, they just look fun. I was aware of the DC Collectibles line, it featured figures directly influence from various sources of comic story lines resembling the artists interpretation of characters, in different forms of media. I always preferred the DC Universe Classics iterations of New 52 Superman and Batman to that of their DC Collectibles counterparts. They just looked too stern and not as fun. I never intended to own anything from this line, that was until – The Joker. 

The book was brilliant and the figure was due for release around the same time as the graphic novel in October 2013. I kept an eye online deciding whether I should get this figure, I had seen images and just assumed it was a Mattel Collectors Action Figure. For a while I was undecided. That was until I seen the figure in a comic book store and a month later, That Christmas my girlfriend surprised me with this amazing figure. The figure came in a window box with lime green accents and the Joker’s sinister smile on one side. 

Akin to my other Joker figure, this too came with a few accessories, tools that which can be stored in his tool belt or held in his hands. The oversized gloves are nice touch too. The detailed head sculpt is both incredibly detailed and disgusting. The rotting flesh and colour of the facial features are the most eye-catching part of this action figure. The rotten flesh of the face is of a dirty grey. The arms show this great contrast of the how bright as white the jokers skin used to be opposed to his skin mask. The face brilliantly sculpted showing the two layers to the face, the flesh mask and the eyes underneath. Joker is still remains the only villain figures I have in my collection. This DC Collectibles Joker is a great addition, this highly detailed figure directly form the pages of the latest New 52 Batman graphic novel. The Jokers reappearance after a year long absence was one of Batman’s greatest challenges perpetrated by his greatest foe makes this Joker, one of Action figure fans most coveted collectors item. It is directly inspired by possibly the New 52 largest and most popular storyline so far.

DC Universe Classics is still my preferred line for my small action figure collection. This Joker figure is just a stand out from the DC Collectibles line and enough for merit a unique addition to my collection. This proudly sits on my shelf as the one DC Collectible figure I own as a direct reminder of one of the best, and best Batman New 52 story arcs so far. This is an amazing figure and it's so good, I have added this to my collection from an action figure line I do not even collect from. More than likely the stand out piece of DC Collectibles and perhaps the only figure from that I line that I will ever own. 

I love my retro appearance Joker figure, but this one is incredibly detailed and new. I loved the Death of The Family story arc that featured in Scott Snyder's Batman comics. Easy to say it's the creepiest and only disgusting figure I own.

Keep on smiling 

K

My Collection: Marvel Select DAREDEVIL

Marvel Select Daredevil

The one that started it all.This was my first Adult Collectors Action Figure. My wonderful girlfriend got it to me on our first trip away together while we went on a trip to Dublin for a concert. I love Daredevil. He's always been one of my favorite comic book characters, and now with this figure I can display that as well as a souvenir of our first time away together. 

I was first introduced to Daredevil in the Spider-Man animated series two part episode "Framed " and "The Man without Fear" and later the live action movie. I really like and he became one of my favorites comic book characters. I liked the grittiness and how he didn't have super powers just enhanced abilities and how he trained himself to become a crime fighter. I loved the best of the graphic novels, Frank Millers tales, Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale Yellow mini-series and currently the outstanding Mark Waid series that I'm really enjoying at the movement. I'll later make my way onto the Brian Michael Bendis's run of Daredevil stories.

This was the one that started off my collectors action figure collection. I have quite a few Daredevil Graphic Novels as I am a huge fan. He  is a great character that has featured in some great stories that both me and my girlfriend both really enjoy.This an excellent and detailed figure. The figure is subtly detailed in a way not to look too much like a toy but more item for adult collectors figure. It also comes with the cross cathedral rooftop display base, just like the cover of issue #3 in Kevin Smith's Guardian Devil story. Marvel Select Daredevil stands at 7 inches tall and for me is a must have action figure. 

Bye for now

K