Since the reinvention of the action figure in 2000 by Toy Biz, DC fans have been waiting for the DC universe to be made.  This summer Mattel got the rights to the entire DC universe and the first wave of figures proves that not only will we get the big names but also the B- and C-list characters we all want. 

Since the reinvention of the action figure in 2000 by Toy Biz, DC fans have been waiting for the DC universe to be made.  This summer Mattel got the rights to the entire DC universe and the first wave of figures proves that not only will we get the big names but also the B- and C-list characters we all want. 

The first big change we see in this line is in the packaging.  The figures are not part of the package; instead, they are showcased.  The new packaging really makes the figures the focus versus all the extras.  In a time when we see a decrease in the amount of pack-in accessories, DC has given us not only a collect-to-connect figure, but they also give us the accessories which really allow the characters to stand out.  The boxes are all bubble allowing the figure to be the primary focus. The guide on the side of the packages also allows those people who may be not familiar with the character to organize and make sure they get what they need to make the C2C.  Each box shows not only what part of the C2C figure is included but also tells you the wave and what number figure they are in that wave.  This should work well when multiple waves are out in the stores at the same time so that most people can make sure they are getting the right figures in the right waves. 

The figures

Red Tornado-  Part air elemental, part machine, Red Tornado came to life at the hands of the evil Dr. T.O. Morrow.  The android was created to destroy the JLA but Dr. Morrow’s plan backfired when the Red tornado turned on his maker and assisted the Justice League.  Finding a new home on earth as a hero, the android became more human with time.  He took the name John Smith, married Kathy Sutton, and they adopted a young girl.  The tornado has been a hero who has seen much hardship since his creation, from being disassembled, to dying, to becoming human only to be reverted back to an android. 

This is the figure I was most looking forward to in this wave.  I think this is in part because of his connection to the old Super Powers line. The figure is designed in bright primary colors and is just cool looking. He ended up being the figure I found most disappointing.  While the Four Horseman sculpt is amazing, the trouble lies with the final paint job.  I got case B with 2 Tornadoes, and both had sloppy yellow paint applications.  From afar or in a group he does not look too bad, but if you take a close looks you can see red marks in his chest emblem, and head.  Over all this is a great figure, even with sloppy paint.

Orion- The son of the Lord Darkseid of Apokolips, Orion was traded to High Father of New Genesis.  This pact was done to keep the peace between the two warring planets.  Orion was raised in peace but his heart of war won over.  He eventually left New Genesis and returned to his father, but as an enemy.  Orion has served as a member of the JLA and now a protector of New Genesis following the death of High Father.

The son of Darksied is another home run for the Four Horsemen and a nod to the old Super Powers.  This figure is simple in design but really stands out in this wave.  The detail on both the helmet and the harness really show the ability of the 4 Horsemen and Mattel’s ability to get the great detail to the fans.  He fits in well next to his father and is really a great addition to the line. One of the best accessories in this line comes with Orion.  His harness shows how well Mattel is doing at trying to make this the best line of 2008.

Demon- Jason Blood is just a man to many people, but under the surface he is much more.  Jason was bonded to Etrigan the Demon, during the fall of Camelot by Merlin the Magician.  During the Middle Ages the Demon assisted Merlin in protecting the kingdom from Morgan Le Fay.  Now in the current time he can call upon the Demon to help in his struggle in the Magical world. While Blood is not powerless, he is both a skilled detective as well as being trained in hand to hand combat.  The Demon is an ally to Batman and the Justice League.   

This is one figure I never thought I would see in Wave One of the new line.  With all the pressure from Wal-Mart to make figures kid-friendly, Mattel says with this line up that the collectors come first.  We all know we will see Hal Barry and Diana in the line, but to give us this figure right out of the gate is amazing.  He is well detailed and really fits in with the other DCSH.  He towers over other figures, like Batman and Superman, but can crouch to look eye to eye with them as well.  No accessories except the C2C part, but man is he big.  Great figure, great details.

Penguin- Growing up was hard for little Oswald Cobblepot.  Not only did his appearance attract negative attention but his over protective mother made him carry an umbrella at all times.  Oswald would be nicknamed the Penguin by his classmates and though he hated the name, as he grew he chose to use and embrace the name.  The Penguin would become one of the Dark Knight’s most famous sane enemies.  His rise to power was mostly through organized crime, though most of his criminal actions tend to have a bird theme.  While he is a dangerous criminal, Batman allows some of his actions to continue at his nightclub the Iceberg Lounge, for tips from time to time.   

This is the one figure I was unsure if I would like.  After seeing how the character was changed to be slimmer and to have a very awkward face, this figure came out amazing.  I am so happy with the figure over all, the prototype pictures do not do this figure justice.  The Penguin is just the right height, sporting colors that are modern but still a nod to the older look, and the scale works well with this line and the DCSH.  Oswald fits in nicely with the other Bat Villains (though we do need a new Joker) and really rounds out the line up.  The Penguin comes with an umbrella which has a detachable gun piece, making this a multi-use weapon.  Once again the 4 Horsemen have come through, delivering a great sculpt of a classic character.

Crime Stopper Batman-  Bruce Wayne was born to a rich family living in Gotham City.  Thomas and Martha Wayne were well respected and pillars of their community. During a trip to the movies the family was gunned down, only Bruce survived.  As Bruce grew up he made a decision to protect the innocent of Gotham so that this violence would not continue.  Bruce left Gotham, traveling the world and learning skills from masters of combat and detective skills, as well as many others.  When he returned to Gotham, Bruce took on the persona of the Batman.  He used his alter ego to strike fear into criminals.  When Bruce started his journey to rid Gotham of crime Batman was a mask Bruce used to combat the underworld, but as the years went by the mask slowly changed.  Batman now uses Bruce as the mask, becoming less and less the billionaire playboy.

Most of us would agree, enough with Batman and Superman, but this is an amazing Batman.  He is a good size and a sculpt, which is new and fresh after seeing the same Bats and Sups for years in the DC line.  One difference between this Batman and the other recent figures is the way this one looks like he stepped off the comic page.  This figure, like the rest of this wave, is a huge nod to the 80’s collectors and the Super Powers line.  This Batman comes with a batarang and a grapping gun. 

Metamorpho- Rex Mason was a science experiment gone way wrong.  While on a mission for Simon Stagg to retrieve the Orb of Ra, he was double crossed by Stagg’s men.  Rex was left for dead but his exposure to the orb left him endowed with the power to shift the make-up of his body to almost anything.  When he escaped the tomb of Ra he set out to get revenge on Stagg. There was one problem: Rex was in love with Stagg’s daughter, Sapphire.  Rex chose to live his life not for revenge but to be a hero.  Taking the name Metamorpho, Rex helped start the super group the Outsiders with Batman. Every time in his career as a hero that Rex has been thought dead, he has always come back.  Recently he rejoined Batman to start a new team of Outsiders.   

The final figure of this line is the new Collect to Connect figure, Metamorpho, or as Mattel calls him Rex Mason the Element Man.  This was a fun figure to build because each part is so different.  Not only do we get this wonderful C2C figure but we also get 3 attachments for him, allowing him to really be a dynamic figure.  Each part shows the attention to detail and shows off the different textures of this character. 

After all the praise I do have to warn you collector out there who don’t have these yet some word of warning.  If you pick these up in stores make sure you check the paint applications on the Red Tornado and Orion.  The clear left leg of Metamorpho also does come loose at times. It’s not a huge problem, and a learning curve for Mattel about the connection points of the figures. 

If all of the figures in this line come out as good as this first wave we are in for one hell of a ride with DCUC.