DC Collectibles: Toy Fair Artists Alley Batman Statue By Chris Uminga

DC Collectibles: Toy Fair Artists Alley Batman Statue By Chris Uminga

DC Collectibles: Toy Fair Artists Alley Batman Statue by Chris Uminga

I was graciously invited to take a walk through DC Collectibles at Toy Fair 2018.  You can check out the coverage of that walk by clicking right here.  On that walk, I spotted a really gorgeously designed statue by Chris Uminga, a grey and black suited Batman designed kind of like a kid.  My brain immediately said, “yer gonna hafta buy that”.  So, when wrapping up our walk, the folks ad DC Collectibles said, “hang on, we have a gift for you”.  I hung on.  They handed me this absolutely precious collector piece of a Blue suit batman (the one closest to my heart by miles), featuring the same incredible Chris Uminga Artist Alley design.  So ..it was the statue I fell in love with, but better than I could have imagined.  

It is because of this, that I’m going to forgo a full review of this piece.  Look at the pictures, it’s stunning, it’s beautiful, it’s on my shelf now and I love it.  It’s probably my favorite thing I got from Toy Fair this year, and I got a lot of really neat stuff.  Sometimes art speaks to you though.  This is art.  It spoke to me loudly, and DC Collectibles is amazing for making it, and further still for just handing me one to share with the universe here at MUReview.  i hope you all love it as much as I do!

The Rest | Availability Pictures

The Rest

Packaging is clean, simple, features Batman in all of his glory.  He’s numbered on the bottom, 84 of 300.  This one is mine forever…so if you want one…

Availability

You are looking at number 84 of only 300 made for distribution to attendees of Toy Fair NY 2018 by the absolutely amazing and generous folks at DC Collectibles, to goofy folks like me that write about incredible stuff like this.  So unless someone with very loose morals puts theirs up on eBay, you’ll just have to enjoy the pictures as being as close as you’ll get….to this particular Batman statue.  But grey and black Batman of the same design will be available as part of DC Collectibles main Artist Alley line (as will black and white!)!  You can pick up grey and black by clicking here.  A bunch of other great pieces are available for the line too, click here to check those out.

Pictures!

MUReview received this statue for free for review purposes.

Best of 2017: DC Icons

Best of 2017: DC Icons

One:12 | Marvel Legends 6″ | Marvel Legends 3.75″ | Marvel Legends 12″ | Selects and Statues | Minimates | DC Icons

That happened a little too fast for my taste.  DC Icons was introduced in 2015, soared to glory with a stellar roster of well crafted, beautifully designed figures in 2016 and 2017, and now, it’s over.  Their Swan Song being the Doomsday / Superman Iconic Moments Death of Superman set.  DC Collectibles has officially ended / completed the line with that last set, and they are looking to bright, bigger tomorrow’s with the DC Essentials line to launch in 2018.  I can’t wait to see the line, get hands on it, the figures are similar to the design of Icons, but larger in scale.  What got me about DC Icons was the design for certain.  The faithful treatment of DC heroes I grew up with, from those time frames in comic history.  I hope that DC Essentials continues that philosophy, if they do, I’m sure it will be another hit line for DC Collectibles.  For now, let’s take a look at highlights from 2017 for DC Icons!

Rebirth Set Aquaman

This is a perfect take on a fantastic iteration of Aquaman, Rebirth’s version of Aquaman continues to be one of the best written books in the lineup, and this figure is just amazing.

 

Rebirth Set Wonder Woman

Two DC Icons Wonder Women to choose from, but this more Amazonian look wins it for me.  She’s larger in scale, the color palate is more true to my notion of what Wonder Woman should look like, and that hair!!!

 

Supergirl

Rebirth Supergirl really does an exceptional job of taking the traditional Supergirl look and modernizing her. DC Icons did an exceptional job of capturing that look in plastic.  Included flight stand works fantastic as well!

 

Nightwing

I wasn’t sold on this Nightwing when it was first announced, he seemed to be a little short for a Storm Trooper.  In hand though, he’s a great figure, highly pose-able, authentic comic-look from the Hush run of books.  The way the blue logo paint pops off of the deep, rich black, this figure is outstanding, throw in some bat grapple accessories, it’s even better than outstanding!

 

Deathstroke

In 2016 I was enamored with Firestorm.  He’s still the golden standard by which I will hold all other Firestorm figures.  In 2017, that same title, that same standard goes to Deathstroke.  DC Icons throws in a ton of great tricks with this figure, scalloped armor sculpt detail, shimmery blue paint, highly pose-able, tons of great, authentic weaponry, and those boot flaps!  Deathstroke takes home DC Icons figure of the year for me, hands down.

 

Wishes for 2018

I sincerely hope that the DC Essentials line in 6/7 inch scale, that will go on to supplant DC Icons in 2018 and beyond, is a massive hit with figures at least as fantastic as what we got out of DC Icons.  I hope DC Collectibles chooses wisely with characters, and mixes both the standard must haves with characters that maybe were not addressed early on in the DC Icons line, like Red Tornado, Doctor Fate, and Martian Manhunter.  I’m really bummed that this is the end of the line for DC Icons.  It was one of my favorite lines while it lasted.  I’ve since trimmed my collection and kept only the figures of characters that are favorites.  As DC Essentials figures hit retail, I’ll likely cycle those newer larger figures into the collection, until eventually DC Icons is fully replaced and upgraded.  Everything I’ve seen out of DC Essentials looks bigger, and, I didn’t think it possible, but better than DC Icons.  I’m gonna miss you DC Icons!  Thanks for a great run!

DC Collectibles: Dark Knight III Mini Statue

DC Collectibles: Dark Knight III Mini Statue

DC Collectibles: Dark Knight III Mini Statue

HAPPY BATMAN DAY!!  We didn’t think we’d get to this till next week, but..it’s Batman Day, this is a Batman statue, some things were meant to be.  Enter the DC Collectibles 7 inch Batman Dark Knight III Mini Statue by   DC Designer Series by Andy Kubert.  If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Andy had a heavy part to play in the Batman Dark Knight III comics run of the past few years.  Does it translate to statue form?

The Good | The BadThe Rest | Availability Pictures

The Good

  • To say we are comic-page accurate here is a literal understatement.  When the man who drew the comics makes the statue, you get what you see. 
  • Everything about this statue, while only 7-inches in height, feels heavy and massive. 
  • The deep heavy black of his cape has this rich texture, it looks like a leather jacket, a cape made of a leather jacket is the best way I can describe it.
  • This same texture is carried to his boots and gloves and just looks absurdly cool.  Not just cool, but it makes Batman feel more real.  
  • Batman’s foot peg fits very snugly in his stand peg-hole. 
  • Can we go back to the cape for a second?  Cape technology has come such a long way, the ripples and folds here, so much attention to detail was paid to (and is appreciated) in this cape!
  • Ripples and folds throughout the figure, little divots and bumps where appropriate to convey just how much more muscular Batman is than you…and it’s very!
  • The position of his right hand, upturned in a fist.  In the right lighting (which I am incapable of capturing), it gives chills.  
  • Bats utility belt is fantastically detailed.  Looks great, perfect color yellow.
  • Speaking of color.  The black, the grey, the yellow, they all play off of each other perfectly.  Paint is applied in outstanding fashion, nothing stray and no wobbly lines to complain about.  

The Bad

  • It may be because this is an artist proof statue, but there is a little wobble no matter how I set Bats in the base.  His back foot won’t sit flush against the floor, causing the stand and Batman to tilt a little.  It’s barely noticeable on an even shelf…but I needed something to write here, and the statue is otherwise brilliant.

The Rest

Dark Knight III has been a fantastic read for Batman fans.  This statue is an incredible way to take and bring the pages from those books to life and put them on your shelf.  DC Collectibles with Andy Kubert does an outstanding job of bringing the character to life in a format that is highly coveted and appreciated.  7 inch statues are on fire now, and this is a must have to join your shelf.  

Availability

Dark Knight Bats will set you back around $80, and you can find it on Amazon today! Just click here!

Pictures!

MUReview received this statue for free for review purposes.

DC Comics Icons Wave 6 Group Shots

DC Comics Icons Wave 6 Group Shots

Supergirl | Night Wing | Super Sons 2-Pack | Group Shots

DC Comics Icons Wave 6 Group Shots

That’s all there is for Wave 6 (2017 Wave 2).  It may be literally all there is of the DC Icons line, though there is a Superman / Doomsday versus pack announced, it is still to be determined if it will retain the Icons numbering, as packaging has yet been shown (at least that I know of), we don’t know yet.  Whether or not we get number 27, it’s safe to consider this the end of the road for what turned out to be one of my favorite toy lines of all time and I am heartbroken to see it ride off into the sunset.  So many figures we didn’t get, so much potential unfulfilled.  So many figures taken right off the table after being announced.  Sinestro, Shazam, Etrigan, Blue Beetle / Booster Gold 2-pack, Deadshot.  I am incredibly thankful for all of the figures we did get in this line thought, right up through what I consider to be a “phew, that was a close one” moment with Nightwing.  I will keep this line on my shelves and display it proudly for as long as I have a shelf to display figures. I am looking forward to the line that replaces Icons though, DC Essentials.  DC Collectibles has listend to the teeming masses that spoke with their wallets and Internet faces saying they wanted a 6 inch line of figures, with more articulation, and that’s what they are giving us, and as soon as 2018.  So keep eyes and ears out.  We love and support DC Collectibles in all things, and our support will be behind DC Essentials as well.  Here’s to a future rich with incredible DC Super Hero figures!  Now go look at the pretty pictures.  

Availability

Photos!

 

MUReview received these figures for free for review purposes from Hasbro

 

DC Comics Icons Wave 6 Super Sons 2-Pack

DC Comics Icons Wave 6 Super Sons 2-Pack

Supergirl | Night Wing | Super Sons 2-Pack | Group Shots

DC Comics Icons Wave 6 Super Sons 2-Pack

Rounding out the final full wave of DC Comics Icons figures is the Super Sons 2-Pack featuring Superboy (Jonathan Kent) and Robin (Damien Wayne).  This is set number 26 in the Icons series from the In The Name Of The Father comics run.  These two little guys are an excellent send off for this figure wave, and potentially the DC Icons line.  The remaining announced figure set will be Superman Vs. Doomsday, but no word on whether this will retain the Icons numbering and be released as 27, or if it will be released psuedo-independently of the line.  Either way, Robin and Superboy rock, let’s take a look at them.

Superboy | Robin The Rest | Availability Family Photos

Superboy (Johnathan Kent)

The Good

  • The taller of the two figures in this set, and I believe that is comic-accurate.
  • Outstanding face sculpt here, he looks like a real-boy!
  • Costume design is spot on for the comics, all the lines are in the right place, cape has the right cut, jeans have the right rips.  
  • Included flight stand looks and works perfectly. 
  • 2 additional sets of hands included for a total of three sets of hands, closed, grasping, flight.  
  • Solid articulation throughout the figure allows for a good range of posing.
  • Hair sculpt looks as good as the face sculpt!

The Bad

  • The same point applies to both figures, I’ll just repeat myself below.  These smaller framed figures feel more frail at points of articulation than their larger counterparts.  Most specifically, ankles.  The simple act of pivoting the ankles forward and back against stiff joints had me afraid I was going to break the ankle joint right off.  I didn’t…but I was “ascarrred”.  

 

Robin (Damien Wayne)

The Good

  • Another great face sculpt.
  • Another fantastic hair sculpt.  True story…can’t stand the blowout look haircut.  Can’t stand that Damien has it in comics.  DC Collectibles has replicated it perfectly here, and I can’t stand it here either!  
  • So much detail in the figure sculpt here, the fore-arm blades, notches and buttons on the costume and belt, shin guards, laces on the boots.  All look amazing.
  • Colors are dead on and paint is clean. Sharp lines everywhere….same with Superboy in case I forgot to mention it.  
  • There is so much fold detail in the cape, and the hood is clearly pronounced.  
  • 5 total sets of hands are included, grasping, straight, fists, fists with weapons, pointy karate pose.
  • Damien also includes his go to staff, fits great in his hands.  

The Bad

  • These smaller framed figures feel more frail at points of articulation than their larger counterparts.  Most specifically, ankles.  The simple act of pivoting the ankles forward and back against stiff joints had me afraid I was going to break the ankle joint right off.  I didn’t…but I was “ascarrred”.  
  • I would have loved to have an alternate cape with a hood-up pose.

 

The Rest

This is a killer set of figures, in an all-star wave of DC Icons.  I’d say, if these are the last figures we got out of DC Icons I’d be happy…but it kinda is, and I’m really not happy about it.  I’m excited for what DC Essentials promises as a line, more of the same fantastic figure design in a more collector friendly scale.  I wish it the best, and I’m sure I’ll collect it, but this line is unfinished.  Bells not rung, figures I’ll always wish I had.  Shelves with empty spaces…I could go on, but I’ll stop whining.  DC Icons is / was an unbelievable line of figures, DC Collectibles crushed it with every figure.  Stay tuned, we have one more post on this wave where we look at the figures as a group, and I continue to be sad but reverent regarding DC Icons.

Availability

Family Photos!

 

DC Comics Icons Wave 6 Nightwing

DC Comics Icons Wave 6 Nightwing

Supergirl | Nightwing | Super Sons 2-Pack | Group Shots

DC Comics Icons Wave 6 Nightwing

Next up, and a little out of number order for this DC Icons wave, we go to number 24, Nightwing from the Hush run of comics.  Nightwing is one of those absolutely key characters that needs to make it to any DC figure line.  He may not be considered a tier one character by some…but those some are crazy really.  Yes, it’s Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, but in the next breath it’s Green Lantern, Nightwing, Robin, Aquaman, Flash.  These are figures you need in any and every DC figure line.  DC Icons has achieved that and quite a few more in it’s run.  With Nightwing, not only has DC Collectibles achieved bringing the character to the line, but they absolutely killed it with him and made a great figure.  

The Good | The Bad The Rest | Availability Photos

The Good

  • Nightwing at one of his most iconic moments from Hush.  Many folks see this design in their minds eye when they  hear the name Nightwing.  
  • Paint goes from matte to gloss and looks perfect. 
  • Chest wing logo looks outstanding, the blue is comic spot-on.  
  • The black is rich and deep, and again, where it comes up glossy the figure really pops.
  • Nightwing features 3 sets of hands, packaged with closed fists attached, then a set of weapon holding hands and a set of open hands.
  • Nightwing can use his weapon holding hands for perfect fits with his escrima stick (two sticks, also included).
  • Articulation here is outstanding featuring all the tricks in the DC Icons playbook.  These allow for endless pose-ability.  
  • Also included a batrope / bat grapple.  Nightwing can ably hold and swing from the rope.  

The Bad

  • I know it may not fit this design of the character, but I’d love a holster for Nightwing’s sticks.

The Rest

One of the last figures in the DC Icons line will be one of the first figures in the successor line of DC Essentials.  Or at least one of the first announced.  With good reason.  Nightwing is an amazing core character with a rabid fan base.  There is almost no iteration of Nightwing that fans would not appreciate in plastic, and there is nothing not to love here with DC Icons Nightwing.  The same appears to be the case for DC Essentials, and we hope to review him for you when the time comes.  For now, Nightwing will join his Bat-Family on my shelves, Batman, Batman Rebirth, Damien Wayne, Batgirl.  He will look great in my collection, he will look great in your collection.  This is a must have figure.  

Availability

Photos!