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

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: Batman Arkham Origins Collectors Edition Statue

The Batman Arkham games are excellent. They give players and fans another impressive Batman story, that and along with the closet opportunity most of us will ever to be of being Batman. I’m a fan of these games and the collector’s editions always contain an excellent amount of extras and Batman Arkham Origins Collectors Edition set featured some of the best so far.

I got this from my kid brothers Christmas 2012, the collectors set came in a larger that expected box. My brothers were beaming with excitement on presenting this to me. This set came with a lot of extras including a steel case of the game, three sets of downloadable content, large hardcover art book and Intel dossiers of the eight assassins featured in the game, as well as a copy of their contract. But easily the greatest part of this Collectors Edition is this remarkable statue. It stands at around 30cm tall, with the Batman Arkham Origins logo on the brick wall of the building while depicting the continuing confrontation of two of comic’s greatest rivalries between Batman and The Joker.

The US edition came with a different statue, But if I had the choice I would still chose this one. I love the portrayal in this piece, the in action depiction, the Joker's devilish expression that belies the situation he is in and the overall iconic moment between Batman and The Joker.

I really enjoyed the game and I particularly partial to origin stories. This is not the Origin of Batman, but the origin of all that he has come to be. Taking place before the rise of Gotham’s most dangerous criminals, that storyline showcases a young and unrefined Batman as he faces a defining moment in his early crime fighting career that sets his path to becoming the Dark Knight. The storyline in this game was immense. The comic book joker origin has always been always been mystery, even to himself.. There had been many ties in history to between the Joker and infamous masked criminal named the Red Hood. These elements feature in this story, so it was interesting to see the games take on the Joker’s origin.

A story of firsts; before Robin, before the Batmobile and before a time when Batman could consider Jim Gordon as his ally. This story depicted the first meeting of Batman with the Joker and depicts why the Clown Prince of Crime developed his obsession with the Dark Knight .of all the firsts in the story of Batman Arkham Origins, the meeting of the Joker and Batman is the most anticipated moment of them all. Their first meeting has such a legendary depth. It is an extremely significant encounter as we all know the dynamic between these two comic legends. The Joker is always considered the yin to Batman’s yang. This display piece is befitting in symbolising the facing off of comics and popular cultures greatest adversaries.

Bye for now

K