My Collection: DC Universe Classics Wave 20 Green Arrow

I have always been a fan of the Green Arrow since I became first aware of the character in the first episode of Justice League Unlimited series, which he was a prominent figure in that episode. I have only been really getting into the character recently with the Arrow TV series and now that Season 2 is complete I've been getting into his best stories collected in various Graphic Novels. I’m highly anticipating its return in a few months for Season 3.



I became a huge fan of the TV series and I think it was one of the best shows on television. It is a great thriller action drama series that got better and better. It's brilliant. Since I stated my action figure collection I knew I would have liked a Green Arrow figure and then later on with the release of DC Universe Classics Wave 20 I knew that this was the figure that I wanted. The new look first appeared Into The Woods as part of the Brightest Day event. I made the purchase on eBay from Taiwan for a really good price. 

In the last few years Green Arrow has become one the characters in the DC Universe I became interested in. When he was introduced into to the Justice League Unlimited TV series I became a fan of this character. His views and want he did appealed to me and I always like heroes with no super powers that tackled street level crime like two of my other favorite comic book heroes; Batman & Daredevil.

Batman is the most popular comic book hero and when Green Arrow first appeared in More Fun Comics #73 in November 1941 he was intimation after the success of Batman. Oliver Queen, A wealthy playboy with no super powers instead fought crime with a wide array of gadgets/trick arrows, The Arrow Car, The Arrow Plane and a teenage sidekick - Speedy, he was very similar to Batman. He stared off as a knock off but then become distinctive in his own way the superhero community for his voice, views and controversial opinions. He became a important hero. 

In his first Justice League Unlimited episode he told Batman how he always strives to help the little guy and was reluctant to join the league. His political views differentiated him from other heroes. He is truly a socially conscious hero as displayed during Denny O' Neil and Neal Adams 1970’s series when he partnered with Hal Jordan/Green Lantern tackling the dangers of drug abuse, racism, pollution, corruption, and more. For a character deeply rooted in a capes and tights universe where the solution to everything is to punch it in the face, that’s pretty noteworthy.

Wave 9 Green Arrow

Since Wave 17 of Mattel’s DC Universe Classics, each wave was themed on a DC Comics story line. Wave 17 was based on character appearances from the Blackest Night and Wave 20 figures were themed on the Brightest Day event and each figure contained a piece to collect and connect to build the Nekron figure. Green Arrow is one of the very few figures to get a second sculpt released. His Silver Age inspired look was first introduced in Wave 9 and is considered one of the best figures of Mattel’s DC Universe Classics line of adult collector action figures and this new release of the Emerald Archer is shares that privilege.

There is so much detail and many things to love about this figure. Most superheroes wear a one piece suit with a cape and a chest logo. Heroes like Green Arrow with no powers rely on more than just their super abilities. I love the modern rendition of this figure and the loss of the underwear/trunks look. 

So many new details on this new look, smaller quiver, arm gauntlets with small arrows on them, the band and pouch on his leg. His new belt with pouches and updated G logo belt buckle. The knife on the back of his belt and the subtle detailing in the stitching in the lower part of his tunic and creased parts of his hood are all great on this figure. The bow and arrow accessory is just okay, it would have been nice to get a little bit of silver paint applied to the arrow. Like the Mattel's Wave 9 bow and arrow did but this is just one piece, but does the job and is looks okay. This is also a new head sculpt with a minor alternation, in the previous Green Arrow figure the hair was all underneath his hat but in this hooded version you can see small frays of hair on display above his mask. This new look figure still retains elements of his best know look, cross stitching on the vest, pointed shoulders and the wraps on the biceps and of course the hood. The hooded look first made its appearance in writer/artist Mike Grell’s run in the late 80’s. The hood look had been used times at the various parts in his career including 2007's Green Arrow: Year One and Judd Winick and Scott Daniel’s stories from 2006.The hood aspect has been retained in Green Arrow’s appearance in the New 52. As well as his other appearances in DC Animated Short Green Arrow, Young Justice animated series and both live action TV appearances. I still prefer this more natural look than the armored elements of his New 52 costume. 

DC Universe Classics called it a day 3 years after Wave 20. It was the final wave of figures to contain a Collect and Connect build a figure and the last numbered wave before it was renamed as All Stars with the first of the New 52 figures and later re-branded into DC Comics Unlimited and Batman Unlimited. This Green Arrow figure was released the same year as my New 52 Batman and Superman. 

I was aware of that he featured in Smallville but I never got into the show. Arrow is amazing, I was hooked. It was dark and moody, and didn't shy away from the fact that its hero was primarily using a weapon designed specifically to kill. The opening scenes hinted at how deep the series was going to go, and the acting and action were both really promising. The shows more than lived up to expectations. The Dark Knight of TV is easily the best superhero live action series right now and beyond. The darker color scheme, smaller quiver and the  hood are all elements that translated to Arrow costume for the highly acclaimed TV series. 

Green Arrow is one of the lesser known and underrated characters of the DC Universe but is one of my favorites. The previous classic look Green Arrow figure looks great too and I‘d nearly consider adding it to my collection. But the modern version is so much more prevalent and goes along better with my other modern appearances superhero action figures.This is the single Green Arrow related merchandise I own, I have t-shirts and clotting of other characters but this is the first and only Green Arrow related item I own. It is such an excellent figure. This is my favorite of all the Green Arrow costume designs.

Mattel's earlier Green Arrow figure may have had a more iconic look, but the costume design on this one is just a lot more interesting. Being both a huge Green Arrow and the TV series Arrow, The modern rendition of the Emerald Archer is a great addition to my collection symbolizing one my new favorite comic book hero of the last decade.

K

Graphic Novel Book Reviews, Daredevil, Justice League, Green Lantern, Green Arrow.

Hello readers,

I'm catching up on some of my recent Graphic Novels reviews. Daredevil Vol. 1 was the last one I read that I received at Christmas and the rest that have followed from then up until last night. Hope you enjoy them and you find these useful.

Marvel Masterworks Daredevil Vol.1

Marvel Masterworks is a series of graphic novels collecting issues of the original series of Marvels most loved characters. These books reprint the issues in full colour. Marvel Essential series collect more issues in a single volume but all issues are in black and white. So in my opinion Marvel Masterworks are the best choice when wanting to experience the original incarnations of Marvels most popular heroes. This Daredevil collection features the first 11 issues of Stan Lee’s Man without fear, Daredevil. Issue one depicts his origin and the rest of the book follows his early adventures and foes. All was as introducing readers to Foggy and Karen Page. 

I thought this was a fantastic book full of crazy and really out there moments that would have been the norm in the 70’s when these comics were first published. There fun and gives readers a real taste of how these characters in their first incarnation.Daredevil meets many foes and a love triangle develops between Karen, Foggy and Matt. These earliest stories were the inspiration for Tim Sales and Jeph Loeb’s much loved mini series Daredevil: Yellow.

Justice

The Justice League are not the only ones who can come together working towards a common goal. Enter the Legion of Doom.The Justice Leagues fall at the hands of their villains as they all strike them at once, how will the heroes come back and how will they stop the evil plans of all their enemies combined. This Graphic Novel collects all 12 issues of this mini series by Jim Kruger and the amazing Alex Ross.This is a brilliant book, I got such a kick out of it and I couldn't recommend it enough. It was a great story from Alex Ross and Jim Krueger. This 12 issue series is one of the best books I've read in recent months.

Although superhero stories can be very complex and have over the decades grew past the traditional good guy vs. the bad guys kind of stories. This story is both the traditional aspect of a group of Superheroes and Super-villains facing each other while still being an extremely clever and sophisticated blockbuster of a tale. It feels epic.

When a group of villains all experience a shared dream of earth’s demise and The World’s Greatest Super-Heroes, the Justice League unable to stop it they form an alliance to prevent the destruction of the planet. Every character gets their moment in this story with each hero narrates their own chapter that their the lead in, giving great variety to the narrative as villains take down heroes, one by one in a coordinated attack, while the characters like Poison Ivy and Captain Cold are doing good deeds to benefit mankind as the Legion of Doom turn the populace against earth's heroes. The story is full of great surprises and turns that I don't want to give away. Its one of the best Justice League stories out there and  I cannot praise this book enough, it’s exceptional, a good old fashioned tale of good guys vs. the bad in this awesome story.

Justice League Vol.4 The Grid

Throne of Atlantis was the high point of the series and in my opinion, the best stories of Justice League New 52. This story carries on for the events from Throne of Atlantis where the League wants to expand it ranks and give full time membership to many of it's reserves. Two story-lines exist in this book, the second is that of the Justice League series has been building to since its beginning; The Trinity War, where three different Leagues to war over a mysterious object. The Trinity War was the first big crossover event and this volume collects the first and the concluding chapter of the epic story-line with chapters of the story found in other books of to complete the Trinity War story arc. I wasn't really a fan of this story, it was good but it to too hard to top the three previous volumes that have come before it; Origin, The Villain’s Journey and the crowning glory Throne of Atlantis. These tales by Geoff Johns and various artists just got better and better and will be difficult to top. I enjoyed this book but I don’t feel the need to go and seek out the missing parts to complete the story, it wasn't for me. On a positive note I was extremely satisfied with the final issue and conclusion of the Trinity War story as it paved the way for a bigger and more interesting plot to unfold in Volume 5 with the arrival of the Crime Syndicate of Earth-3. 

Green Lantern: Secret Origin
Geoff Johns retells comics most popular Green Lantern, Hal Jordan’s origin story. This story was released mid way through Johns 2005-2011 series in issues of Green Lantern #29 - #35. The story was re-imagined to include several new aspects of the Green Lantern mythos; The Blackest Night prophecy and the introduction of Atrocitus , the soon be leader of the Red Lanterns. This story line served as the main inspiration for the Green Lantern 2010 live action movie in which Geoff Johns was involved with. You get to discover a lot of similarities between the book and the movie, even some direct quotes and scenes. The also focuses on some of Hal’s moments of his youth. The book is great and it tells the pretty standard origin story and it does a great job of wetting your appetite and wanting more of a Green Lantern story. This book is a great introduction into Hal Jordan, Green Lantern of Sector 2814. 

Identity Crisis

Such an brilliant book and suspenseful a murder mystery story. The 7 issue miniseries by Brad Meltzer, a well known and acclaimed thriller novelist creates a truly suspenseful and dark tale. Sue Dinby, wife of the Elongated Man is preparing her husbands Birthday surprise when an unknown intruder attacks and resulting in Sue’s murder. This tale takes a more human look at our heroes, every hero is out searching for the killer while still in fear that their own loved ones could be next.

This was a hugely successful story. I think it is exceptional when writers incorporated a classic genre story into the world of Super-heroes. Green Arrow has a prominent role in the story and long buried secrets come to light. There is a division in the Justice League, a team within a team. It is a great aspect of this story. It will keep you hooked from start to finish and with ramifications for years to come.

Green Lantern: Rebirth 

Geoff Johns 6 issue mini-series that resurrected the greatest Green Lantern of them all, Hal Jordan.

Hal made the ultimate sacrifice and had taken his final bow. A new Green Lantern of earth had taken his place. Kyle Rayner had been earth's primary Green Lantern for many years since Hal’s death and he is vital in his resurrection. Hal’s body was dead but his soul was seeking redemption and became the host for the Spectre; the Spirit of Vengeance. During the Identity Crisis story I was introduced to this aspect of Jordan’s new existence and during a conversation with his best friend Oliver Queen/Green Arrow, Hal teased that he was working on something when Oliver asked him about making a return to the land of the living.

This was easily one of the greatest Green Lantern epics that will ever be told. At a previous Comic Con DC Comics had a video of various creators and had a montage of them all specifying it was one of the best stories and also this was the place for new fans to begin with Green Lantern. Mid way through the story Kyle summarizes the events that had transpired to fully catch the reader up to what had happened. It was a great part in  the story and if you had been a long time reader of Green Lantern you would know the story but it was delivered here is such a great fashion and integral to the story.

It is another one of those epic stories that features the entire Justice League and other heroes including the other earth bound Green Lanterns. It is easily one of the most important Green Lantern stories of in existence and better again Green Lantern’s Brightest Day.

Green Arrow: Year One

I've had this book for quite a while and it was worth the wait. I'd been saving it along with other Green Arrow books for after the fantastic second season of the ARROW TV series had come to its conclusion. I was waiting to enjoy these books when I was missing the greatest TV show I had ever watched.

Green Arrow is a great character to get into, he's one of my favorites and it's great getting into the characters roots. These comics are the TV series inspiration as well as potential future story lines. Green Arrow graphic novels new and old are growing in popularity due to the success of the show and Green Arrow: Year One is the best place to start. First of all I love the cover, when I ordered the book online it had a different cover image. This one is just exceptional looking and so reminiscent on the ARROW TV series. Green Arrow Year One as the title suggests is the origin story of how Star City's Emerald Archer came to be. This 2007 mini series written by Andy Diggle with great art by Jock who modernizes and retells the events the led to the arrival of Green Arrow.

Oliver Queen; frivolous playboy and reckless thrill-seeker, who also seeks more out of life, and after a rather embarrassing public display Oliver decides to join his friend and bodyguard, Hackett on a sea voyage. Oliver later finds himself betrayed and left for dead, marooned on a not so deserted island. He struggles to survive the harsh environment and later stumbles upon drug running cartel that has enslaved some the islands inhabitants for their drug manufacturing operation all ran by a woman Oliver has named China White. He has always been seeking a more meaningful life and has now found one thing he does care about, justice. Oliver takes the stand to stop them and free the people, and all while figuring out what he wants to do with his life and who he wants to be. The story plays out like a survivor action story in this grounded superhero origin tale. All the adventure takes place on the island while giving birth to a new hero for justice.

This series served as an inspiration for the creation of the ARROW TV series. Writer Andy Diggle even has two characters named after him, one of the main characters John Diggle who has a brother named Andy. The character of China White, whose first and only appearance is in this limited series, appears in the television series, - Season 3 has her introduced as a main villain in the flashbacks- direct homage, it seems, to her role in Year One.

This book is a great start for fans looking to begin an interest in the Emerald Archers stories. Green Arrow Year One manages to tell a thrilling re-imagining of Oliver Queen's beginnings as Green Arrow that keeps the essence of the original origin but updates it in a very formidable approach to Green Arrow's definitive origin story.

Green Lantern: No Fear 

The greatest Green Lantern of them all is back. I really enjoyed Green Lantern: Rebirth, Hal’s resurrection and redemption was complete, now it time for him to get on with his life as Hal Jordan and a Green Lantern. No Fear was the follow up and the re-launch of a new Green Lantern series penned by Geoff Johns. The book collects the first six issues. I wanted to get this because I like origin stories and stories early in a hero’s career. I was interested too because it is an earth bound Green Lantern story. It featured two antagonists that I as a reader haven’t encountered before. The opening segment is beautifully illustrated by Darwyn Cooke. His work is a joy to behold but in my collection of graphic novels it is scarce. The opening of the book is Hal flying with Kyle Rayner, without him Hal would not have gotten a second chance and Hal is very grateful of that. The story could never be as good as its predecessor but is still good. It is a new start and introduction to the series and Hal’s life on his home. I enjoy his new relationship with General Stone, calling on Green Lantern when matters arise. There is some great action scene’s in this story, especially those involving The Shark, a gruesome villain that I've never encountered before. The book is great and I really enjoyed the earth bound element of it all. I liked the “What Has Gone Before” cosmic recap of events. The book was great but for now I’ll skip the next two books and go straight into the next big event;The Sinestro Corps War is coming soon.

Bye for now

K

Mattel DC Universe Super Powers unveiled at Toy Fair 2014, End of DC Universe Classics

Mattel DC Universe Classics News

So, after few blog entries on my DC Universe Classics Collection I went online to Matty Collector to see what was next for Mattel's DC Universe figures in light of the New York Toy Fair 2014 . These new figures from Mattel are a throwback to toy manufactures Kenner's Super Powers action figures that were released in the mid 1980's. The Super Powers line of figures inspired Mattel's DC Universe Classics in ways of general design and of character choices. 

                               

The Super Powers line celebrates it's 30th Anniversary this year. It is also sad news as it the end of DC Universe collectors figures from Mattel. Mattel's DC Universe Classics have been going since 2008 and now this year come to an end. Mattel's DC Universe Adult Collectors Action  Figures have been my preferred line of DC Collector figures and in my opinion the best.

Now in 2014 they get there send off in the appearance of the Super Powers figures from the 1980's that  Mattel had taken inspiration from. Below is the is the article from Matty Collectors News. 

2014 Toy Fair Reveals
Straight From the Action in New York

DC Universe Super Powers 

A milestone in modern toy collecting comes to a close as the DC Universe Classics and DC Signature series makes a heroic finale. But we wouldn’t ride into the sunset without one final hurrah for our fans! Now, as we celebrate both the end of DC Universe Classics and the 30th anniversary of Super Powers, we’re proud to present a final six figure series in Four Horsemen style, with packaging harkening back to the classic 80′s toy line. As one era ends, we celebrate the entire modern history of collecting DC Comics action figures with the DC Super Powers 6″ collection!*

• Superman™: coming September
• Batman™: coming September
• Wonder Woman: coming September
• Gold Superman™: coming October
• Green Lantern as The Riddler: coming October
• Mr. Mxyzptlk: coming October
• Kalibak: collect and connect figure

  

*While we are extremely excited for this Super Powers finale, please know this is a onetime 2014 sendoff. It does not represent a rebranding or potential relaunch of the 6” line. Once these are gone, they are gone!

The 30th Anniversary of Super Powers Collection from Mattel are the original and classic appearances of the big three, Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman which all look great.

Green Lantern as the Riddler is a bit of an odd appearance but its a homage to how the Riddler Super Powers action figure appeared back in the 80's. Back then The Riddler figure was just a repaint of the Green Lantern figure and still retaining his power ring  on this hand. The Riddler is decorated in the same way his original figure was down to the discolored limbs. The Gold Superman was never released in the Super Powers Collection, although during the 80's Superman was celebrating his 50th anniversary and Kenner planned to produce a Gold Superman figure. The figure never got released only a prototype figure was made. 

Kenner's Super Powers Action Figures

The other figures that will be released is Superman foe Mr. Mxyzptlk who wasn't part of the Super Powers line. The final figure is Collect and Connect Kalibak in his 80's Super Powers paint deco. Each of the other figures will include a piece to build Kalibak in fashion of the Waves 1-20 of the DC Universe Classics. 

These figures are really cool painted in their 80's colour scheme and vintage style packaging. Each Collect and Connect piece will be attached outside of the packaging so it gives collectors the option to display the figure in package.

So as Mattel ends its DC Universe Adult Collector Action Figures it all comes full circle as the line of figures ends with the toy line it was inspired by. These retro style figures that celebrates the 30th anniversary of Kenner's Super Powers line. 

It had to end sometime, but its great that the end of Mattel's figures coincided with the 30th anniversary of Kenner's Super Powers 80's toy line and it goes out with a celbration paying homage to brining the best of both in it's final relase of Adult Collectors Action Figures.

Thanks for reading

Have fun

K

XMI X-mini ME ThumbSize Speaker Review

Hey Guys, 

I love getting little gadgets. I found this mini speaker and thought it was really cool. The main selling point for me was the the small size of this mini speaker and the ability to attach it to a key chain whilst still retaining the good sound of this quality product. The sound quality is great, it's loud and the music is not distorted at my iPod's full volume. The speaker is compatible with any device that features a audio/headphone jack, laptop, tablets, mp3 players iPod, iPhone and more.

Redefining the idea of portable sound at just 4.4mm in height.

When opening the box it is hard to believer this tiny little object is a speaker. It is tiny, but there is a trade off, most portable speakers have the audio line in cable built in to the unit. With this speaker being so small it does not feature the volume control or the audio line. Connect your music device to the speaker through a separate cable that it included and can neatly stored on the cable tidy. USB charger is also on this cable.I like how you can attach it on to a key ring/chain. It clever and creative and I like how the rubber cap can be secured on the bottom of the speaker too, so it all looks neat and tidy. It weights 44g and the loudspeaker has a sound output of1.5W. X-mini is one leading brands in the portable speaker brands. This speaker front features a L.E.D.. This light is bright blue when turned and goes dim when the battery is low. Light turns to red when the unit is charging. At either side of the of the speaker is the power switch and the mini USB port. The metal bar is on the back for attaching the included lanyard or attaching a key chain.

Although I first thought it was inconvenience to have a portable speaker with no audio line built in and stored at the bottom are separate. but its just not feasible to have a speaker this small and be able to store the audio line underneath, the cables are all enclosed together by the cable tidy and it has the USB for charging and audio line on the one place. I some times misplaced my USB charger cable on my previous portable speaker so this is a real convenience having both the cables together with the cable tidy.

iPod Classic and Speaker

I really liked the look and portability of this speaker. It looks like cross between a tiny grenade and a large camera lens. I mostly got it for the size, being able to put in your pocket and even better attach to keys and such. the rubber coating helps protect from scratches and bumps. It's a neat little touch how the rubber cap can also be stored on the bottom of the unit too. Smart too, the rubber cap doesn't hang over the speaker when opened. Its method of design means the cap is not in the way hanging over the sound output.

Comparison with
6 inch figure

The speaker gives 6 hours of playback and takes approx 1.5 hours to charge. The instruction booklet advises you to Initially charge it for 8 hours before you use it.The box includes: a lanyard, instruction booklets, sticker and the cables, mini USB cable tidy to charge and connect audio to this mini speaker.

The X-mini ME Thumbsize Speaker is a great little speaker and I sounds great when I need that extra bit of volume on my laptop and my iPod.  This is a great portable speaker. I really how it can be on my key chain when I'm on the go, simply connect my iPod to the speaker and I get great sound quality. And unlike my previous portable speaker both audio and USB charger on on the one cable so your never without the other. 


The X-mini ME Thumbsize Speaker is available in Black, Blue, Yellow and Pink. And if you want a wireless option you can check out  the Bluetooth enabled X-mini WE Thumbsize Speaker.

This is a great little speaker and I was happy to blog about it. I highly recommend this speaker that I got at my local Argos. And as far as I can tell, it's the only portable speaker out there that's designed to be easily attached onto a key chain for that extra portability.

Enjoy  and Bye for now

K

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: Man of Steel Movie Masters Action Figure Superman

Man of Steel Movie Masters Action Figure Superman

The Man of Steel. I had my eye on this figure for quite sometime. I was a huge fan and really enjoyed the Man of Steel movie. I was highly anticipating the release of this movie and loved the new take on the Man of Steel. I was buying Empire Magazine with the great covers and features for the upcoming movie was massively exciting. Then on the big release day me and my girlfriend to went to see it and it was amazing. It was one of the best movies we had ever seen, and to my delight she suggested going to see it again a week later. Mostly I think, down to the looks and charm of it's leading man, it was good outcome either way.

With the release of this awesome movie saw the release of the Movie Masters Man of Steel adult collectors action figures. 

MOVIE MASTERS With authentic detail, deluxe articulation and supreme quality, the Movie Masters line offers fans the premium collecting experience.  True-to-scale, these figures are expertly crafted to ensue the highest standards for your collection.

I saw the releases online and really wanted the Superman action figure. But I restrained myself and did not buy the figure for about 9 months and then I gave in when I discovered The Wave 2 Superman release in this line included the "Krpytonian Command Key" accessory as a neat little extra. A Superman figure usually wouldn't come with accessories but this was a cool bonus with the figure that I was already a huge fan of, I'm glad I waited. 

I already owned Mattel's Batman figure from The Dark Knight Rises Movie Masters line and was both impressed and pleased with the figure.I held off for a few months but still remained interested in the figure. I got the DVD for Christmas and really wanted something to represent my interest of both movie and comic book interpretations of Superman.

After I made sure that this figure was a re-release of the the Wave 1 figure,  with no changes I decided to add this figure and awesome accessory to my collection. The command key is a die cast metal accessory with a metal chain. I don't wear it but it is suitable for that purpose if you wish. Great replica prop from an innovative and creative aspect of the film. This accessory sealed the deal for me getting this edition of the figure. The wave 2 Superman release also came with the figure stand that came with the previous first Superman figure release. Each of the figures in this line all came with a figure stand with the insignia of the house they belong to. 


I love everything about the film's definition of both the new symbol and the iconic costume.
I admire how the cape is open as if its flowing in the wind and both paying homage to when we first see Superman in his new costume for the first time in the movie. This new suit takes of inspiration of how Superman has been appearing since the New 52 since 2011 primarily the fact that Superman no longer wears the red trunks, which I'm okay with. 
Really happy that I was able to pair it with a another figure.This looks great beside my movie Batman, giving us an visual conception of how Worlds Finest appear next to one another in their movie inspired action figures. 

See you in 2016

Movies has always been my big interest of mine. then becoming a fan of comic book movies and then my interest in comics graphic novels and the collectibles associated with them. Both my Batman and Superman Movie Master figures, these two figures represent the intersection of both of my main interests. 

Bye for now

K

My Collection:DC Comics Batman "The Killing Joke" Joker ArtFX Statue

One of the best things that I own. Based on the iconic cover image of one of comics best stories.This classic Batman story comes to life in BATMAN THE KILLING JOKE THE JOKER! A 1988 graphic novel by Alan Moore and drawn by Brian Bolland, The Killing Joke is a story about Joker and how he came to be the Clown Prince of Crime.

Other than an interesting origin story for him, the book also features one of the most famous scenes in the history of comics: Joker shooting Barbara Gordon, which would in turn lead to her becoming the hero Oracle. Almost as famous as its contents is Joke's iconic cover image, captured for the first time as an ARTFX Statue! Featuring a portrait inspired by the graphic novel cover art coupled with an original pose by Kotobukiya, this new statue brings the maniacal clown to life as you've never seen him before .

The Joker's elongated white painted face leaps right off of the graphic novel cover with its deep laugh lines, left eye squeezed shut, and unruly green hair peeking out from under his hat.

This statue is awesome, I got this Christmas 2013, another wonderful Joker gift for Christmas. This is brilliant, large statue figure of the Joker, straight form the cover of one of me and my girlfriend’s favorite graphic novels. The Killing Joke was the fourth Batman book I bought. I am so so happy with this statue, I have never taken so many pictures of one object before. This is one of the coolest statues I have ever seen. and Thanks to my girlfriend I got it and it has become the biggest highlights of my collection. This statue is directly from the cover of the one of the most prolific Batman and Joker stories. It is a classic and held in very high regard. It is also the definitive Joker story.This statue came in a really nicely designed box. And I couldn't wait to take this statue out for display. It’s fantastic. the face sculpt is amazingly detailed. 


Leaping of the cover of one of the most famous Batman graphic novels of all time. This awesome piece, eye catching. This is more than just a statue, this statue has a motion sensor and flashes with sound.as it the Joker is taking your picture. 

SMILE !

For me, the only off-putting aspect with this statue was the cherub henchmen that was positioned underneath and looking up at the Joker’s crotch. I found this figure to be distracting and takes away from the Joker and this amazing statue. But thankfully this character is optional and I chose not to display it. There is a small bit of a assembling the required. simply placing the crate and the Joker onto the base. And then positioning the camera into the joker hands to hold. Thankfully you can get a close look at the Joker's face before it is hidden by his camera. The motion sensor feature works cool and can be turned of or on by a switch on back of the base. The lamp and the dynamite stick can be positioned where desired. This image is iconic and from one of the best loved Joker and Batman stories ever told.This Kotobukiya display piece is excellent, they are defiantly one of the best and most creative manufactures of collectors display pieces.

This is easily the best statue that I could ever own. I usually just go for figures. My other two statues were accompanied with the Batman Video games. This statue is specialist and superior quality piece. This is amazing statue. The greatest Joker collectors item anyone could ever own. it is an Outstanding and iconic piece.

Keep smiling

K