DC Universe (toyline) explained

DC Universe
Type:Action figures
Company:Mattel
Country:United States
From:2000s
To:present
Features:DC Universe

DC Universe is a toy brand manufactured by Mattel. It has five sub-lines – Classics, Fighting Figures, Giants of Justice, Infinite Heroes, and the reintegrated Justice League Unlimited line.

Sub-lines

DC Universe Classics

See main article: DC Universe Classics.

This is considered by many to be the main line of the DC Universe re-brand. These are 6-inch scale figures based on characters in the entire DC library, an expansion from previous Mattel lines that only allowed for the use of Batman, and later on, Superman characters. The entire line is sculpted by the Four Horsemen Studios.

DC Universe Justice League Unlimited

See main article: DC Universe: Justice League Unlimited Fan Collection.

Previously a line itself, then integrated into the DC Superheroes brand, Justice League Unlimited made its debut as a DC Universe product at the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con with its Giganta figure. Now exclusive to Target stores as of summer 2008, Justice League Unlimited is a collector-focused line consisting of single-, three-, and six-packed figures that have appeared in the animated series, as well as non-animated series characters.

DC Universe Infinite Heroes

This addition to the DC Universe stable takes characters that would appear in the flagship Classics line and puts them at a more collectible 3.75-inch scale. Figures are available as singles and three-packs, with six- and eight-packs available as retailer exclusives. Early statements from Mattel put the total character count for 2008 at around forty-five figures. One of the first six-packs contained characters from the Green Lantern mythos, while another revolves around Gotham City.

Mattel has stated that they are trying to make sure that the characters included in the Infinite Heroes line are not included in the Classics line in the same year to avoid having multiples of the same character on the shelves at once. The figure packages featured clippable Anti-Monitor points, which could be redeemed at the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con for an exclusive Anti-Monitor figure.

Figures typically have limited articulation and minimal accessories. Following the announcement of Hasbro's Marvel Universe line, Mattel announced that the line will get increased articulation (an example is the upcoming Animal Man figure, unveiled at New York Comic Con 2009).

Crisis: Series One Singles

Crisis: Series One 3-packs

75th Anniversary Figures

Each included a 75th anniversary collector's pin

Three Packs

Batman: Gotham Knight

Target Exclusives

Superman/Batman Public Enemies Three Packs
Superman/Batman Public Enemies Six Pack

Toys "R" Us Exclusives

Two Packs
Defense of Oa Six Pack
Gotham City Patrol Six Pack
Battle for Metropolis Eight Pack

Walmart Exclusive

Mallah's Revenge Value Gift Pack (commonly known as "Teen Titans Six Pack")
OMAC Attack Six Pack
Prelude to Doomsday Six Pack

Movie Exclusives

San Diego Comic-Con Exclusives

Upcoming Figures

Other figures that have been seen in prototype form, read about in case breakdowns, mentioned in leaked Wal-Mart SKUs or seen at Toy Fair include:

DC Universe Fighting Figures

These are 3-inch scale figures with identical sculpts to the 6-inch figures with limited articulation, display stands and action features and/or weapons. These were previously going to be called Battleague figures and marketed as game figures but were later on consolidated into the DC Universe line as collectible figurines.

Figures

Unreleased

The backs of the figure packages featured many more Fighting Figures but apparently none of them were released.

DC Universe Giants of Justice

While the Fighting Figures are half the size of the main line. These are double-sized versions of characters previously released as 6" figures. It is a continuation of the Mattel 12" Batman and Mattel 12" DC Superheroes line.

Series One

The first Giants of Justice were released practically unannounced. As soon as the line was mentioned by Mattel, they were already showing up in Toys "R" Us locations and eBay.

SDCC 2009 Exclusive

See also

Further reading

External links