The Batman is an urban myth...not just on the streets of Gotham City, but in the minds of action figure collectors.
For months, Mattel's line of Batman figures have remained as shadowed as the hero who inspired them. Despite utilizing the overly accersorized Batman variants of Hasbro, figures within the line showed promise. Among these figures was Zipline Batman, a long-awaited reponse to fans longing for a comic-accurate Batman figure. According to statements made by Mattel,
Zipline Batman was going to be the marquis figure of their first wave, originally slated for a May release. Other supporting characters, such as Robin and the Joker, were also confirmed to be joining him. Two-packs featuring a comic-accurate Nightwing and a Batman based on the artwork of Jim Lee were to follow in July.
Nearly two months later, Mattel's offerings remain cloaked in shadow. Progress on the figures' development has chiefly been kept behind closed doors. Many action figure sites had the first wave's release status as upcoming-that is, in the rare instances my searches were not in vain. Worst of all, Mattel had closed their official Batman minisite. I considered postponing my search until Julius Marx provided a silver lining in the Dark Knight cloud: With the aid of fellow reporter ??? Man, Marx was able to procure a
Zipline Batman on the West Coast and post updated photos.
Despite utilizing the same basic sculpt,
Zipline Batman appears far darker than the
Classic Batman spotlighted in my previous report. The visual presentation of the figure (while still packaged) presents the illusion of a Batman enveloped in shadow, not unlike its comic book counterpart. This characteristic is among those which allow
Zipline Batman to command a more striking appearance than its limited edition counterpart (whose colors seem almost flourescent in comparison).
Even when removed from the package and placed under brighter lights, the authority this figure carries is not lost. Seemingly minor details such as
Zipline Batman's pouch belt, boot treads and facial scowl lend a foreboding presence appropriate for the character deemed the
Dark Knight. As this Batman figure draws many of its characteristics from the comic icon he represents, it will be enough to satiate comic fans and collectors alike for years to come.
Or will it?
Rumors surfaced on DC Direct's message boards (the same area of DC's website Julius Marx announced his findings) of Mattel announcing the case ratios for the overdue first wave of Batman figures.
Masters of the Universe collectors had warned their fellow collectors of the company limiting the shipping of desired basic figures such as Prince Adam, He-Man, and Skeletor in favor of releasing copious amounts of variants such as
Jungle Attack He-Man. As a result, it was suspected Mattel would do the same with
Zipline Batman. Much to my chagrin, Julius Marx later confirmed the rumor as true. Marx's subsequent investigation led him to a Toys R Us and a case which yielded (among other figures) six
Hydro Armor and
Martial Arts Batman variants (three each), two
Zipline Batman figures, one Joker and no Robin figures whatsoever.
Furthermore, there are musings of of what Mattel initially presented as the prototype for
Hush Batman would be packaged with Nightwing in the upcoming two-pack. At present, this rumor remains unconfirmed.
In either case, it would appear that Mattel has learned little from Hasbro's folly. Hasbro was not only notorious for limiting the articulation on their figures, but consistently shortpacked the few comic or movie accurate figures they produced. As with all rare, highly sought after figures, expect
Zipline Batman's name to appear on a list...the EBay auction list, that is. The price will undoubtedly see a dramatic increase, as
pre-orders for
Classic Batman are being auctioned off at a starting bid of
$159.99. (The suggested retail price for
Classic Batman is $20.)
Action figure collectors were quick to express dismay. Many considered abandoning their pursuit of Mattel's comic-accurate Batman figures altogether in favor of a Batman produced by a company known for quality and consistent case ratios. As one collector stated:
quote:
No matter how badly MATTEL screws up, we all know that we will eventually get slightly better versions of these figures in the future from DC [Direct].
I know that MATTEL doesn't exist to cater to my specific needs, but you would have thought after all the negative feedback they recieved through the MOTU 'short packing of secondary characters' deal, they would have learned something! Collectors (kids and adults alike) want versions of the toys as they appear in cartoons or in comics. Why in the hell is that so hard to understand!?
Think about it...they jam pack the stores with animated BATMANS from the JUSTICE LEAGUE line with BATS just as he appears in the 'toon...why not do that with these 6" figures!? Where in Crom's name is the logic!?
I'm telling you...there are 5 year old children with more logic and reasoning abilities than these MATTEL big wigs.
In closing...bring on the DCD Modern BATMAN, ROBIN and NIGHTWING.
Unless DC Direct does decide to produce Batman figures, or Mattel adjusts the case ratios, a comic-styled Batman in the possession of the action figure and comic book aficionados who seek them remains a phenomenon yet to be seen.
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