DC Universe Classics - 2009 Year In Review

The second full year into Mattel's DC Universe Classics and we've seen some pretty cool action figures through out the year.   So I'll just go over some of the main characters and my favs we've seen released through out the 2009 calendar year.

For starter, Mattel gave us the biggest Collect and Connect action figure thus far in Wave 8's Giganta standing at about 10 inches tall.  Easily one of the best looking CnC figures aswell to date. 

We've also seen the dreded return of the Walmart Exclusive set, much like Wave 5 in 2008, wave 10 in 2009 was another walmart exclusive set.  This set featured a very import action figure of The Joker which would be important to any DC Comics fan.  Joker was arguably one of the best DCUC action figures of the year in my opinion.  We also saw and a repainted Batman figure was released again in this set.  That would make this the 4th repaint using this same sculpt.  Mattel thankfully included some cool new accessories with Bats.

Power Girl, also part of wave 10 and Superman from the Gotham City 5 pack (another wal-mart exclusive).  The unfortunate thing about these walmart exclusives is that so many people have a hard time finding them.  It appears that Mattel or Walmart is only releasing this in certain areas around the US.  If you're in Canada (like me) or somewhere else, you can forget about it.  Ebay is your only option. 

Captain Cold and Flash from wave 7 were some of the A list characters released in 2009.  I like how Mattel has been releasing a big name hero with one of their popular arch enemies with each set. 

We also saw some New Genesis/Apokolips characters introduced such as Big Barda from wave 7, Mister Miracle from wave 6, Kalibak also from wave 6, Mantis from wave 9 and Parademon from wave 8.  Look out for more of these characters including a new Darkseid in 2010's wave 12 set. 

Below we have Hawkman from wave 6 and Gentleman Ghost from wave 8.  There were some complaints about low numbers of wave 8 and 9 being released.  I myself still have not been able to finish either set.  Gentleman Ghost was very hard to find at a reasonable price.

Below we have some of the DCUC wave 9 action figures.  Left to right is Black Canary, Green Arrow, Deadshot and Mantis.

As mentioned above, Batman fans saw a few repaints of the wave 1 Detective Batman sculpt and also got some new additions for their rogue collection.  In the pic below we have from let to right, Two-Face (DCSH repaint), Catwoman (DCSH repaint), Killer Moth from wave 6, Batman (Gotham City), Deadshot and The Joker.  Is it just me or is there a lot of purple here?

There were a few two-packs released this year.  Below we see the Clash of the Cosmos Superman and Brainiac pack.

And of course, a classic Lex Luthor which also came in the Gotham City 5 Pack.  This was the only original sculpt in the set and I'm sure a lot of people bought the set just for this figure.  Fans of the old Superfriends cartoon were surely happy with this release. 

Well, thats Mattel's DC Universe Classics 2009 wrap up for you.  2010 looks to have some interesting new releases.  Waves 11, 12 and 13 have been announced and I've also got my own person list of characters I hope to see wave 14 and 15 or any new two packs.  To check out some previews of waves 11, 12 and 13, click on the links below.

DC Universe Classics Wave 11

DC Universe Classics Wave 12

DC Universe Classics Wave 13

DC Universe Classics - Giganta

This will probably be my last review for 2009 so why not go out with the biggest action figure Mattel has given us in the DC Universe Classics line up so far.  The wave 8 collect and connect action figure - Giganta.

I was really looking forward to this figure.  I was a big fan of the Superfriends cartoon back in the day and I really would like to see all the Legion of Doom members get released sooner or later.  Giganta is well Gigantic.

Towering over the 6 inch Wonder Woman figure as well as wave 3's Solomon Grundy, Giganta stands at an impressive 10 inches tall. 

Giganta is not really complex as far as her costume goes but because she is so big, it allows for the little details to come out more. 

The paint job is great, especially in the hair.  Different shades and a darker wash highlight her hairstyle really well.  The face is also perfect.  A great determined expression and also quite beautiful.  There are no paint issues what so ever on this figure. 

Giganta sort of comes with an accessory but really, this is a Gentleman Ghost accessory and that is the very tiny action figure of The Atom.

Giganta's articulation is pretty good but actually not as articulate as some of the smaller female action figures.  For starters, the head can move but is limited due to the hair sculpt.  Not a big deal.  We've seen this issue with most female figures with the exception of maybe Harley and Catwoman.  But joints missing in action on Giganta are the abdominal joint and the waist joint.  Instead we have gotten a swivel joint at the chest.  Also a little different are the hip joints.  They are ball joints instead of the usual multi-moving hip joints we've see on most DCUC action figures.  Not sure if this has anything to do with the fact that my Giganta's legs are fairly loose and i find it difficult sometimes to get her to stand. 

Overall, Giganta is a GREAT Collect and Connect action figure.  She is huge, beautiful and a great Wonder Woman villain/LOD member to fill out your collection. 

Sculpt/Design - 10, Paint - 10, Accessories - 5, Articulation - 7, Fun - 9

Since Giganta is a CnC action figure, you technically have to buy the entire set DCUC wave 8 set to put her together.  You can however sometimes find someone selling her on eBay without the other action figures.  So follow the links below if you're looking to get you're very own DCUC Giganta action figure.

To find Mattel's DC Universe Classics Giganta action figure on eBay, click here

To find Mattel's DC Universe Classics wave 8 action figures on eBay, click here

DC Universe Classics - Series 8 Announcement

So far, Mattel has released 4 sets of their DC Universe Classics action figures. We know which characters are coming out for series 5-7 in the next few months. If you don't, here's a DCUC checklist for you. Well now there is more good news for DCUC collectors out there. Mattel has just announced which characters will be in their wave 8 set which is suppose to hit stores in the Spring of 2009. There are 7 figures to this set, two of which have variants and of course they all come with a "Collect and Connect" piece. Here's a look at the DCUC series 8 line up. All of the following pictures are from Mattycollector.com:

Hawkgirl

Gentleman Ghost

Mr. Terrific

Commander Steel

Vigilante

Parademon (Red & Yellow Variants)

Dr. Fate (Modern & Classic Variants)

And your collect and connect figure is.......Standing at 10 inches tall....GIGANTA

A pretty cool set if you ask me. Can't wait.

In other news

My DC Universe Classics series 4 set has finally arrived at my doorstep. With series 2 and 3, I did one massive post for each set. We'll, for series 4, I've decided that Im going to focus on one figure per post. I haven't cracked them open yet but I have to say that Ares looks like he's gonna be the best of the lot. Wonder Woman does not look too bad either. Look for the first review in a day or two.