November 1996

SUPERMAN IS BLACK AND BLUE:

The Superman: Animated Series figures have finally hit the shelves and the big news concerns a certain bodypart. The eyes! Every Supes figure in the Superman line has one major defect: they have no pupils. The eyes are completely black. That's right -- Deep Dive Superman, Vision Blast Superman, Capture Net Superman, Neutron Star (yowza) Superman and Quick Change Superman all have eerie black eyeballs. The villains of the line are Brianiac and Lex Luthor, and already people have started to complain that Luthor's armor completely covers the figure. All these problems aside, the Supes line is extremely well-done, keeping in the tradition of the Batman Animated Series toys (which is in the process of a name change -- how about "Gotham Nights"?). Quick-change Superman is especially cool, where Clark Kent turns into Superman...instantly! The cardboard backs are not unlike those of the Man of Steel line, with improved graphics and lighter colors that are more attractive to the eyes. Obviously, collectors with cash signs in their eyes are gobbling up the Superman figures, since its obvious Kenner will do something to rectify the current "black eye" situation. Even so, it's my personal opinion that the best investments of the series are the villains, which are the shortest packed per case of figures. Here's hoping we don't see 100 different Superman figures...like...

THE 100TH BATMAN FIGURE!:

You can find this anniversary batman figure, sculpted in the Legends style at a Kaybee or WB store near you. It is packaged attractively in a box with a window and stand that proclaims that what it is, is in fact the 100th figure. It's so shiny you'll need shades. A steal at 17.99 and up.

TOTAL JUSTICE ATTACKS:

The new Total Justice line is out! The action figures are so new that not even I, with my action figure mastery, have enough information to report to you at the moment. What I do know is that the short pack is the "fractal armor Batman" (whoa! here comes #101...) and also included is the coolest looking Total Justice figure yet, Hawkman. It has also been established that the Aquaman with the GOLD armor is the rare figure. You can currently find these in the $20-$30 range. In addition, the exclusive Batman and Superman figures currently available only through a mail-away offer, are available until April, so take your time. You need eight proofs of purchase with dated receipts to get your sweaty hands on these gems. (And that would make #102...)

CONTEST! CONTEST!

You heard me right, true believer! (oops..wrong company). I'm running my first TOY TIRADE INSANITY CONTEST. Why is it insane? Well...I'm giving away top-notch prizes for absolutely nothing! That's as insane as it gets. Simply e-mail me at WizEitan@aol.com with your list of ten figures you'd like to see made (be original, and DC characters only...i.e. Neck-chomping Cassidy and Light-up Starman, neat!) and through a random drawing, two winners will be picked. First prize is a Joker from the Legends of Batman series, and second prize is the TEN NIGHTS OF THE BEAST trade paperback from DC comics. Not a bad deal. I'll also post the top five most requested figures and send it along to the higher-ups.

THE EVERLOVIN' MARKET REPORT:

Batman: the Animated Series is on fire. Dealers realize that things are slowing down in the aftermarket, and it has become clear that only one line of toys is a sure bet to sell in the shaky market: Batman:The Animated Series. Faithful collectors are shelling out large amounts of money for the first series (Penguin, Two-Face, Combat Belt Batman, Joker, etc) female figures (Poison Ivy, Catwoman, Phantasm) and vehicles (Batmobiles, Robin's dragster). Otherwise, keep an eye out for the hard to find Turbo Jet Batman, currently found in the $20 range. Who woulda thought the dozens of batman figures would amount to something? On to my new feature, the top five HOT DC Toys:
1. Gold Armor Aquaman (Total Justice)
2. The Penguin (Batman: The Animated Series)
3. Talking Riddler (Batman Forever)
4. Catwoman (Batman: The Animated Series)
5. "Black Eye" Supermen (Superman: The Animated Series)

That's all for this month folks, feel free to e-mail me with thoughts, suggestions and threats. And don't forget my INSANE contest.

Column by Eitan Shapiro

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