Nine Gorgeous DC Direct Batman Action Figures in Three Years: 2004-2006

Even though I’ve had complaints with the various DC Direct action figures I’ve bought over the years, I cannot deny that photos of the toys always catch my eye. More semi-articulated statues than playthings, the DC Direct action figures seem to appeal more to the collector who was a fan of the old McFarelane Toys action figures than someone who is after either a neutral-posed toy for play or a hyper-articulated toy for poseability and display.

For the final day of “Week of the Batman,” and thanks to pulling out the DC Comics Action Figure Archive*, I thought it would be fun to take a look at nine different DC Direct Batman action figures. I decided to yank one three year period from the company’s years of releases . . . and I can admit I settled on the 2004, 2005, and 2006 years because there were so many incredible-looking action figures released during those years.

2004

• Batman, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (Series 1) – Mattel has recently released their own take on Frank Miller’s Batman design, but even with the Mattel figure in stores now I have to look at this release from DC Direct and feel a slight sense of “want!” . . . if only because all of the photos I see of the toy make it look like such a fantastic sculpt.

• Batman, Batman: Hush (Series 1) – Based on Jim Lee’s Batman design from the Hush storyline, this Batman action figure appeals to me only because it is a great modern interpretation of the classic Batman character design of the seventies and eighties. Fantastic colors, the sculpt looks great . . . someone please tell me this toy sucks so that I don’t spend time and cash chasing one down.

2005

• Crimson Mist Batman, Elseworlds (Series 1) – The Elseworlds comics were a lot of fun, and this “Batman as a vampire” action figure looks gorgeous. (Seriously, just look at those wings!) Fortunately, I feel fairly safe and don’t think I’d buy this one even if I found it for $12 or $15. It looks neat, but I just never really got into that story.

• Stealth Jumper Batman, Hush (Series 3) – It kinda feels like cheating to list this figure since I, as of a few days ago, actually have this guy headed my way. I’ll have to review him once he arrives and I have time to rip the packaging open and play with the toy.

• Thrillkiller Batman, Elseworlds (Series 1) – You know, looking at this design kinda reminds me of the Flashpoint Batman action figure (review here), though this one looks a bit leaner and that red utility belt really pops off of the black costume. Nice looking toy!

2006

• Batman, Batman: The Long Halloween (Series 1) – This one appeals to me because the comic it’s based on is one of my favorite Batman stories and this is just a nice, fairly basic Batman action figure. Nothing overly flashy or crazy, but it’s a wonderful look and would probably make a good addition to my collection.

• Batman, Crisis on Infinite Earths (Series 3) – This one’s kinda the classic Batman — those colors always look good — and like the Long Halloween figure it should be in my collection simply because it’s a standard Batman with a great sculpt.

• Gotham by Gaslight Batman, Elseworlds (Series 2) – Based on the Mike Mignola artwork from the Gotham by Gaslight book, this Batman action figure is one in my collection and one I’ve considered reviewing in the past . . . but never got as far as photographing the toy. Would anyone be interested in a review of this action figure?

• Red Son Batman, Elseworlds (Series 1) – With this Batman we get a Soviet-styled action figure that I’m torn on. The design is fun, but a Batman without a cape just leaves me scratching my head. Batman needs a cape, people! UPDATE: As reader JotaSanX points out in the comments, the character design does feature a cape! I am now officially doomed.

Closing Thoughts

I know I’ve been critical of DC Direct action figures in the past, but I have to admit that the designs of the toys continue to call to me. I’ll likely never become a dedicated collector of their work, but I know I’ll keep picking up the occasional DC Direct — now DC Collectibles — action figure when I see one that really demands to go home with me.

And, admittedly, the more I look at these the better I understand the company’s goals with the line. And that understanding makes me better appreciate their work.