October 1996

A BOATLOAD OF ACTION!:

Get ready for more action figures than you can shake a stick at! Kenner is going full throttle as they release new Batman and Superman toys. Look for a new line of Animated Series figures featuring: Harley Quinn (proof that popular demand works!), Machine Gun Joker, a re-painted Mr. Freeze, a Robin and of course, a couple of different versions of Batman. Further down the line, the next Legends line will include a new Scarecrow, "Lethal Impact" Bane and several Batman figures. The first Superman Animated line, which brings into question the future of this year's Superman Man of Steel toy line, will include a Flash (I'm not sure why, but I'm all for it), three Superman variations, and villainous fun that comes courtesy of Darkseid and Brainiac. There are also near-confirmations of toy lines based on the upcoming fourth Batman film, but in my opinion it's a little too early to jump the gun. Apparently, highlights of these toy lines include Batgril toys (swell!), Mr. Freeze variations, and Poison Ivy variations. Also, the eagerly anticipated Talking Riddler has been released! He says "Who is...Batman?" and "Riddle me this, riddle me that..." Neat!

KINGDOM COME...IS COMING?:

Pretend I'm the Tick, substituting the word "rumors" for "evil" as I say "RUMORS ABOUND!" The most interesting one that has caught my attention is in regard to the next Total Justice line. There are talks that the next line will be entitled "Future Justice"...consisting of characters from the popular DC mini-series, Kingdom Come! How about that? If it happens, praise me...if it doesn't...well, I suck.

THE EVERLOVIN' MARKET REPORT:

Oh no! A market report desecrating my column? You bet! We all have to admit that the almighty buck is what drives the hobby, as is the case with most collectibles. I know you want to know what's up in the aftermarket, so don't deny it (like I do). Let's get on with it, shall we?

The Batman Animated series line continues to produce some BIG time toys. The Penguin is now in guides for well over $70 and there have been several reports of these gems going quickly for $100 and up! Another insanely hot figure is the combat belt Batman, currently fetching $40 with ease. The reason is simple: this was THE original Batman. Yup, #1. That's really something when you consider the 100th Batman will be released this month, celebrating 100 weird, wacky and wonderful versions of the caped crusader. The Robin dragster is seeing a renewed amount of market activity as of late. It seems to me the "hoarders" have decided it's time to sell these rarities...it can be had at $200-$300 in most cases. The Animated line remains a solid investment if you're into villains. The riddler, Scarecrow, Manbat and Poison Ivy are still hot sellers in the $20-$40 range.

Speculation on the new Total Justice Aquaman has scattered price ranges as high as $15-$20, or as low as just two dollars above retail. Now a moment to voice my opinions. The Superman: Man of Steel line is a dud. I don't think this line will be continued, so don't go investing your children's college money in it. The Lex Luthor ($12-$15) could be a sleeper in the future. However my advice at this time is to go after any and all Batmobiles, in the Batman lines or other DC lines. They're solid buys that are tried and true. Just avoid the Batman Forever batmobile (and all other Forever figures...the Riddler ($8-$9) and Two-Face (Retail to $8) have proven to be unworthy of any refined collection).

Column by Eitan Shapiro

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