It’s a rare treat to get any new information about DC Collectibles merchandise this early. SDCC is always the biggest unveiling ground for this kind of news.
DC Collectibles, the award-winning line from DC Entertainment, will make a huge splash at Comic-Con International: San Diego with exciting new statue and action figure reveals, headlined by a stunning statue series based on Warner Bros. Pictures’ highly anticipated Aquaman film, hitting theaters December 21, 2018. DC Collectibles will also expand its bestselling Batman: The Animated Series action figure line and add new artists to the company’s cutting-edge DC Artists Alley designer vinyl collection. New character additions are also planned for several of DC Collectibles’ most popular action figure and statue lines, including DC Bombshells, Batman: Black & White, DC Essentials and more.
DC Collectibles will also add new characters to its fan-favorite Batman: The Animated Series (BTAS) action figure line and debut the company’s first-ever Batcycle, as seen in the award-winning TV series. Scaled for 6“ action figures, the Batcycle measures 9.25“ long and includes a variety of light-up features and two free-spinning wheels that enable the bike to turn. The double-sided display base allows fans to “park” the Batcycle in the Batcave or on the streets of Gotham City. The Batcyle set will also include one BTAS Batman action figure that features two interchangeable helmet heads, new articulation points that allow the character to “ride” the Batcycle and a poseable cape. DC Collectibles will also release new individualBTAS action figures in 2019, including Two-Face, Gray Ghost, H.A.R.D.A.C. and Scarecrow. Each character will feature unique accessories based on their appearance in the animated series.
New Justice
In addition to new Batman: The Animated Series action figures, DC Collectibles will also debut 6“ action figures based on the Justice League animated series that aired from 2001 to 2004. The Justice League animated figures will be available exclusively for members of the DC Universe digital subscription service beginning in fall 2018.
“Our animated action figures are a staple of DC Collectibles, and we’re so excited to expand the line into the Justice League animated series and add more Batman: The Animated Series characters that fans have been asking for,” said Jim Fletcher, executive creative director of DC Collectibles at DC Entertainment. “As this line continues, we are constantly challenging ourselves to think of new ways to bring the animated series to life. We hope fans enjoy giving their figures a ride on the new Batcycle and recreating their favorite scenes from the show with the intricately detailed display base.”
Artist’s Welcome
Also in 2019, DC Collectibles will welcome two new popular artists—Joe Ledbetter and Chrissie Zullo— to the DC Artists Alley line. Both artists will bring their unique art style to the DC Universe, re-imagining some of DC’s most iconic characters as 7“ designer vinyl figures. Ledbetter, known for his distinct bold lines and vibrant palette, will put his signature spin on Batman, Penguin, Catwoman and Robin. Zullo will debut her dreamy and whimsical transformations of Batgirl, Hawkgirl, Supergirl and Wonder Woman.
“I’m a huge Batman fan and to have the opportunity to work with DC Collectibles on a set of Batman characters is a huge deal in my world,” said Ledbetter. “I just love the idea of a bat in a Batman suit, a penguin as the Penguin, etc. There’s something there that’s quite funny and interesting and really excites me. I like to think that these animal Batman characters inhabit a parallel universe where Gotham City is entirely populated by anthropomorphic critters, including the Caped Crusader himself. I think the fun, enthusiasm and love of Batman, Robin, Penguin and Catwoman will shine through on these designer toys and I hope they find a special place on collector’s shelves.”
“Working on DC Artists Alley is a total dream come true,” said Zullo. “Not only do I get to work with the great people at DC Collectibles and an incredible sculptor, Irene Matar, but the process of seeing my drawings come to life in 3-D was so much fun and such a great collaborative experience. I knew I wanted my designs to be almost animated, full of life and able to highlight each character’s personality traits, while still keeping the designs playful and confident. I think everyone who worked on this project nailed it, and I can’t wait for fans to see them in person.”
Ledbetter and Zullo’s DC Artists Alley figures will follow the 2018 designer vinyls illustrated by Chris Uminga, HaiNaNu “Nooligan” Saulque and Sho Murase. Fans attending San Diego Comic-Con can pick up the convention exclusive of Uminga’s DC Artists Alley Batman figure in three different variant editions at the Entertainment Earth Booth #2343 or pre-order the figures online here.
Bats – Family and Perspectives
On tap for 2019, DC Collectibles will release a new Bat-Family Multi-Part Statue featuring Batman, Batgirl, Robin, Nightwing and Red Hood. The statue set is designed by the award-winning DC Collectibles design team and includes the same versatile bases as the New Teen Titans Multi-Part Statue set that debuts in August 2018. Fans can display one or a few of their favorite Bat-Family characters independently, or for those wanting to own the whole set, the bases fit perfectly together to create one cohesive image. Batman is the first character to hit shelves in March 2019 and the remaining characters will be released throughout the year.
Additional 2019 releases include a Batman: Black & White Batman statue based on the acclaimed BATMAN: WHITE KNIGHT artwork by Sean Murphy, new DC Essentials action figures and new character additions to the DC Bombshells and DC Cover Girls statue lines.
Parting Thoughts
There is almost too much content here to talk about. Aside from the pieces from the Batman universe, there are many others promoting Jason Momoa’s Aquaman and much more besides.