September 1996

Welcome one and all to the first of what will hopefully be many exciting and informative forays into the world of toys based on the characters of DC Comics. I am a collector of many different things, and toy collecting remains my favorite hobby to this day. As a youngster, nothing was better than setting up a Star Wars battle scene with the now classic Kenner action figures, or pitting the best of the DC Super Powers against those dastardly Marvel Super Heroes. My hobby may come in different forms now (the toys remaining in their packages for the most part; displays on my shelves rather than in boxes in the playroom), but the enjoyment and excitement is a constant. On that note, it’s with great pleasure that I present to you the debut of TOY TIRADE, devoted to the collector and hobbyist.

TOTAL JUSTICE TOTALLY AWESOME:

The toys of the year for DC action figure collectors have arrived! Riding the wave of popularity that lines like "Batman: The Animated Series" and "Superman" have enjoyed, comes "Total Justice" and eager fans may now begin their slobbering. Featured in the first series (and I hope there are many more) are Batman (with flight armor and glider cape), Robin (with razor disc and battle staff), The Flash (with power suit), Green Lantern (with ring-energy disk launcher) and Darkseid (with Omega effect capture claw). It should be noted that Aquaman appears on the back of the Total Justice package, but has not shipped as of yet; expect him to arrive in early October.

The figures are impressively packaged with large bubbles and eye-catching artwork. The figures themselves are impressively molded and much larger than any of the past DC comics toys. It’s not surprising that with the influx of a large "dealer" base of collectors (that is, people in it for the cash) and the advent of high-detail importance set into motion by McFarlane brand toys and another impressive DC line, Legends of Batman, DC decided to release a line showcasing their greatest characters in all their beautiful plastic glory. Another important aspect of the lines is that DC has released the first ever toys based on Kyle Rayner as Green Lantern, Tim Drake as Robin, Wally West as Flash and Aquaman with his Peter "Don’t call me Captain Hook" David revamp. This is great news for current fans of the DC titles who may not have followed the different series in the past, or older readers who simply enjoy the newer versions of the characters (I, for one, like Rayner better than Hal Jordan). Watch out, because although the characters are pretty evenly packed within a case, Darkseid shows up less often than the others, most likely because he is in a larger, bulkier package. Speaking of bulk, that’s the only beef I have with this excellent toy line. The gratuitously large weapons are annoying. DC needs to follow the path of another Kenner line, Star Wars: Power of the Force, in which the weapons are kept to a minimum. Also check out the Total Justice comic book series, which serves as a companion to the figures and features some impressive art. Retail falls between $5.99 to $7.99.

Two versions of Aquaman will be released in the Total Justice line. One will feature a grey armor, the other gold. Sources from Kenner have made it clear that the gold armored Aquaman will be THE rarest Total Justice figures. Keep an eye out for this variant.

FAO SCHWARZ MAKES A GROWN MAN CRY:

Available right now in the seasonal FAO Schwarz catalog are two DC three-packs, featuring Superman and Batman. These unbelievably snazzy boxed sets contain three 12 inch Supes or Bats dolls that traces each character’s evolution by showcasing an early 40’s look, 70’s look and 90’s look. I recommend that anyone willing and able to shell out the hefty suggested retail price of $99.99 do so immediately. They’re limited and they’re beautiful.

KENNER HAS COLLECTORS IN A TIRADE:

Quick! Get to your local toy store now! With eight proofs of purchase, dated receipts and a mailing form available at toys stores right now you can get your greedy hands on two EXCLUSIVE limited edition mail order only Batman and Superman action figures. We all know that these mail order figures command big bucks in the aftermarket (Super powers Clark Kent, Batman: Animated Series Battle Armor Batman) and are generally keen. Don’t forget, only proofs of purchase from Batman lines, Superman or Total Justice will be accepted in the redemption.

That’s all for now, folks. Please feel free to e-mail me the latest rumors, news, or insults at WizEitan@aol.com.

Column by Eitan Shapiro

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