Batman (2003 toy line)
Encyclopedia
In 2003, DC rewarded the rights to produce Batman, Superman, and Justice League/Justice League Unlimited figures to Mattel
. Mattel, who took over production from Hasbro, released their first original comic-style toy line, Batman, in 2003, and it lasted until summer 2005.
figure, which lost waist articulation, and the Superman
figure who was released in a two-pack with Batman
and had new hinged elbows and ankles.
), a villain, and three variants.
Collectors praised Zipline Batman (the regular version) and the three initial villains: Joker, Mr. Freeze and Killer Croc, though some collectors found that the villains were the hardest to find figures and that the variants were plentiful.
The first variant was Batman with a fully removed cowl. The second was a battle damaged version of that figure. All three figures had a black rubber cape.
Mattel
Mattel, Inc. is the world's largest toy company based on revenue. The products it produces include Fisher Price, Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels and Matchbox toys, Masters of the Universe, American Girl dolls, board games, and, in the early 1980s, video game consoles. The company's name is derived from...
. Mattel, who took over production from Hasbro, released their first original comic-style toy line, Batman, in 2003, and it lasted until summer 2005.
Overview
These 6" figures featured around ten points of articulation: swivel neck, waist, gloves and hips, hinged knees, and ball jointed shoulders. The only exceptions are the RobinRobin (comics)
Robin is the name of several fictional characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, originally created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson, as a junior counterpart to DC Comics superhero Batman...
figure, which lost waist articulation, and the Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
figure who was released in a two-pack with Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
and had new hinged elbows and ankles.
History
The line was released in comic stores in April 2003 and at mass market retailers in September 2003. The shipment for each wave included: Batman (re-released in later waves), a sidekick (either Robin or NightwingNightwing
Nightwing is a name that has been used by several fictional characters in the DC Comics Universe. It was conceived as a Kryptonian analogue to the character of Batman, with Nightwing's frequent partner Flamebird based on Robin...
), a villain, and three variants.
Collectors praised Zipline Batman (the regular version) and the three initial villains: Joker, Mr. Freeze and Killer Croc, though some collectors found that the villains were the hardest to find figures and that the variants were plentiful.
Overseas Exclusives
In 2005, Mattel shipped the final two villains, Bane and Scarecrow, along with new Batman figures overseas. Mattel attempted plans to ship them to specialty retailers in the US, but the idea never panned out. Fans were mostly disappointed because these figures (Bane, Scarecrow, Attack Armor Batman and Batsignal Batman) had much higher articulation than earlier figures, and Batsignal Batman came with a detailed, functional Batsignal that was not accessible to US collectors.Revival/DC Superheroes
After Christmas 2005, Mattel released Batsignal Batman (without the Batsignal accessory), Bane, Scarecrow, and re-released Killer Croc in the US mass market under the new toy line DC Super Heroes. Batman had the accessories that came with the San Diego Comic Con '03 Batman figure, a rubber cape (from the SDCC '04 exclusive), and a new paint application. Bane had open hands and some variant figures came with Osito, his teddy bear. Killer Croc came with a new head sculpt, a new paint job, no tail, and his shirt was removed. Scarecrow no longer featured his action feature, a "twist and strike" waist that springs back to center when you turn it to the side and release.2003
The Batman figure was based on the art of Neal Adams. This figure was a retooled Zipline Batman with a new belt, a thicker cape (blue on the outside and black on the inside), a Silver Age accurate paint application, and three accessories: a Batarang, Grapple Gun, and handcuffs.2004
This exclusive Batman figure featured Batman in the act of removing his cowl and had two chase variants. The figure featured new arms and head and was painted to match Zipline Batman.The first variant was Batman with a fully removed cowl. The second was a battle damaged version of that figure. All three figures had a black rubber cape.
See also
- MattelMattelMattel, Inc. is the world's largest toy company based on revenue. The products it produces include Fisher Price, Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels and Matchbox toys, Masters of the Universe, American Girl dolls, board games, and, in the early 1980s, video game consoles. The company's name is derived from...
- DC ComicsDC ComicsDC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
- BatmanBatmanBatman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
- Justice LeagueJustice LeagueThe Justice League, also called the Justice League of America or JLA, is a fictional superhero team that appears in comic books published by DC Comics....
- SupermanSupermanSuperman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
- Action FigureAction figureAn action figure is a posable character figurine, made of plastic or other materials, and often based upon characters from a film, comic book, video game, or television program. These action figures are usually marketed towards boys and male collectors...