McFarlane DC Multiverse

[SalemCrow]

I didn't realize that Mr. Terrific & Guy Gardner's outfits were so similar until I saw the Super Power figures for the Superman movie. I was watching the new BTS video and Hawkgirl's outfit is the same. They all seem to have the same logo on their chest which might be a J & L. I guess they have similar uniforms but match the style of their looks.

They all work for Maxwell Lord. It's part of the reveled plot that heroes need to be registered, and Superman doesn't want to comply.

 

[joshsquash729]

I thought it was interesting that the "Theatrical Edition" had not only Krypto but a cloth wired cape, while the "standard" release has a plastic cape. With the current tariff situation, I wonder if we're going to start seeing more plastic capes in the "standard" boxes while the wired stuff is reserved for more expensive options.

Or this is a one-off, and I'm way off base lol

These figures were planned out before tariffs. Sadly I think it's just a matter of us getting less and less value for our dollar.........and THEN getting a 250% tariff tacked on to boot. I'm seeing this across the industry, not just McFarlane. Not an exciting time to be a figure collector, IMO.

All this definitely makes me nervous for the Batman Returns figures coming out. Those were revealed as Theatrical Deluxe Edition too. I guess it depends what they come with- we know Penguin is coming with a cloth coat, and maybe they'll give Batman a wired cape too, but I'm nervous as to what else they'll come with the justify the costs. It wasn't clear (to me, at least) if the Penguin Commandos were pack-ins with the figures or their own standalone thing (or both).

Part of me wonders too if Todd isn't making all live-action product Theatrical Deluxe Edition moving forward, and can justify it using whatever logic he wants- likeness rights, DC films charging more for those licenses, tariffs, etc. I wouldn't necessarily be opposed if it means finishing up crucial rosters, but they'd have to come with enough to make it feel like it's worth it. Batman I'm sure will have some gadgets, but how would that be any different than a regular release? Penguin an umbrella or two and his coat, Catwoman her whip and maybe her taser, but what else? And what could Shreck come with to justify such an increase? It worries me a bit, but I suppose since I've cut way, way back on Multiverse figures, it's just paying my dues at this point.

 

[yojoebro82]

All this definitely makes me nervous for the Batman Returns figures coming out. Those were revealed as Theatrical Deluxe Edition too. I guess it depends what they come with- we know Penguin is coming with a cloth coat, and maybe they'll give Batman a wired cape too, but I'm nervous as to what else they'll come with the justify the costs. It wasn't clear (to me, at least) if the Penguin Commandos were pack-ins with the figures or their own standalone thing (or both).

Part of me wonders too if Todd isn't making all live-action product Theatrical Deluxe Edition moving forward, and can justify it using whatever logic he wants- likeness rights, DC films charging more for those licenses, tariffs, etc. I wouldn't necessarily be opposed if it means finishing up crucial rosters, but they'd have to come with enough to make it feel like it's worth it. Batman I'm sure will have some gadgets, but how would that be any different than a regular release? Penguin an umbrella or two and his coat, Catwoman her whip and maybe her taser, but what else? And what could Shreck come with to justify such an increase? It worries me a bit, but I suppose since I've cut way, way back on Multiverse figures, it's just paying my dues at this point.

UHG now that you bring this up, yeah. I mean, he jacked up the price of the "theatrical deluxe" Superman because he came with a Krypto. So now I'm thinking the Batman Returns figures will be close to $40 a pop. BEFORE tariffs. This wave was a HUGE want for me, but how do you find the joy when you KNOW you're going to be absolutely gouged for it?

Unfortunately for me, if someone were to ask what is the ONE thing you would still buy even if the manufacturer gouged you for every penny and the government imposed a 250% tax on it? My answer would probably be a movie-accurate Batman Returns wave. One of my favorite movies of one of my favorite charters of all time. They got me over a barrel on this one.

 

[Xavion2025]

As I get closer to retirement age, or at least thinking about it age, Todd dipping out would make it pretty easy. Except I still enjoy it, and I’m not sure I’m ready to quit. All of my DCD and DCUC figures are gone. This is the hill I die on as a collector. If 2026 is it, so be it.

I find myself in a similar position. “Someday” recently became a set time frame as far as retirement is concerned. I’m still a little over six years away, but time flies, and I’d prefer to have all of my ducks in a row when that day comes. When it comes to purchases, I need to start thinking in terms of “When it’s time to downsize, is this going to make the cut?” If not, I’m just creating more work for myself when it’s time to pare down.

Up until recently, I wasn’t a big fan of the way McFarlane had managed the DC license, but I’m enjoying this year’s releases. I did keep most of my DCUC, Icons, Essentials, and New 52 figures, and I have an eclectic collection of McFarlane DC figures that seems to be growing with nearly every week that goes by. All things considered, do I really want to start another DC collection with Mattel in 2026?

I suddenly find myself in the hoping that someway, somehow, McFarlane can continue making 7” DC figures through 2026 amd beyond.

 

[Gardner Grayle]

First off, it’s good to see you Xavion. Glad you’re here. I was never able to log back onto Fwoosh after the Crisis of Infinite Crashes. Glad someone took it upon themselves to provide an alternative. Thank you.

Retirement is a little nebulous for me at the moment. The thought and plan is definitely there, the timeline and timing isn’t. Yet. But I don’t think Mattel is a part of it. But maybe Todd is if he can create a carve out of some kind past 2026.

I wasn’t a fan of what Todd was doing initially. But by the second year, he had me. 7” scale didn’t bother me anymore, and now I’ve come to prefer it. Starting over with a new line in another scale is probably not happening unless I win the lottery and Vonner is in charge of DC at Mattel. And even then, I might not participate. In spite of my advanced age, classic holds little appeal for me anymore. The thought of going back to Super Friends, Super Powers, the JLGL ‘82 style guides, the Satellite JLA, and the pre 1986 DCU gives me a chill. The kind you get with a bad case of the flu.

Much of what Todd has done is counterintuitive. The chases have become a real pain. They also give life to characters we may never have seen without them. Alex Chen posted on Instagram today that Obsidian is going to be the chase for Mr. Bones. Insane. But I kinda love it. Gotta say Mr. Bones wasn’t on my 2025 bingo card.

I’ve read the press releases. I’ve seen all the opinions. I’ve seen that Mattel has the worldwide rights to the DC license. But nowhere have I seen the word “exclusive”. Negotiations are ongoing. I’ll hold on to a little hope. For now.

Between DCD Branding, the collectors aisle at Walmart and Target, specialty stores like GameStop and Best Buy, comic shops and indie toy stores, online etailers, and Todd’s own store, maybe there’s a way to hold onto a piece of the license. Printing “Not a Toy” on the packaging can’t hurt either.

Besides the economies of scale and a big, fat licensing fee, I’m not really seeing what Mattel brings to the table. Because I’m not sure I’d count on the return of DCUC scale.

 

[altcunningham]

I'm surprised Todd hasn't tipped any hands or leaks about Absolute figures.

That line is right up this toy line's alley.

It's my favourite thing DC is putting out right now, and I would love artist faithful Supes, Diana, and Batman.

 

[Gardner Grayle]

I'm surprised Todd hasn't tipped any hands or leaks about Absolute figures.

That line is right up this toy line's alley.

It's my favourite thing DC is putting out right now, and I would love artist faithful Supes, Diana, and Batman.

Been thinking about this too. He will absolutely (no pun intended) do these characters before his license expires. But WonderCon was the last hurrah before the Superman movie. San Diego ComiCon is a few weeks after the movie opens. I’d say he’s shows Absolute characters then. In the meantime, I would like to think that most of his efforts will go into moving the movie figures first.

 

[Xavion2025]

In spite of my advanced age, classic holds little appeal for me anymore. The thought of going back to Super Friends, Super Powers, the JLGL ‘82 style guides, the Satellite JLA, and the pre 1986 DCU gives me a chill. The kind you get with a bad case of the flu.

I thought that’s what I wanted, but I’m beginning realize that it’s really not. After 25+ years as an adult collector, I’m getting bored of “upgrading”. It’s a lot more fun to get a character or look that’s either never had a fully articulated figure or rarely gets one. It’s taken a long time for me to break out of the “team building” mentality and just enjoy having a somewhat random collection of characters from different corners and eras of the DC Universe. It’s kind of like what made the Brave and the Bold and DC Comics Presents so much fun back in the day: Batman and Superman teamed with some random character or group of characters.

McFarlane excels at that. I fully expect Mattel to be a lot more “cookie cutter” when it comes to character selection.

 

[Gardner Grayle]

I thought that’s what I wanted, but I’m beginning realize that it’s really not. After 25+ years as an adult collector, I’m getting bored of “upgrading”. It’s a lot more fun to get a character or look that’s either never had a fully articulated figure or rarely gets one. It’s taken a long time for me to break out of the “team building” mentality and just enjoy having a somewhat random collection of characters from different corners and eras of the DC Universe. It’s kind of like what made the Brave and the Bold and DC Comics Presents so much fun back in the day: Batman and Superman teamed with some random character or group of characters.

McFarlane excels at that. I fully expect Mattel to be a lot more “cookie cutter” when it comes to character selection.

Yeah. The generic feel from DCUC doesn’t really have any appeal to me anymore. As much as some people hated the Death Metal stuff, I was in nerd heaven. Can’t explain it. Don’t really feel the need anymore. It was fun.

I’d still like to team build if possible. Just maybe different teams.

 

[AceofKnaves]

I definitely don’t mind “new” looks (although not so much flash-in-the-pan stuff like Metal), but getting upgrades of the “classics” with the latest tech and engineering is exactly what I love. I’ll buy upgraded versions of Batman, Joker, and the Gotham folks for as long as I am alive. Love for their legacies and reverence for “the past” is what I love about DC.

 

[TheRealSmallville]

And what could Shreck come with to justify such an increase?

My gut tells me that he'll come with a non-articulated penguin commando and maybe a soft goods coat.

But what I would like to see him come with? A raw fish, a gun, Geraldo (his pet chihuahua), and an alternate "fried" head sculpt. Do I think there's any chance of this stuff? Naw. But it would be fun lol

 

[TheRealSmallville]

I saw these pictures on Facebook on the "McFarlane DC Multiverse" group. The poster is Sean Ross, who apparently got them from someone called SebaSieirro. It doesn't say where these were taken, but notice the lack of Platinum stickers. Is Cyborg Superman now a regular release, with his alternate look just being a Gold Label? These don't look like they've been photoshopped, but I'm working on a small screen so who knows. Also, you can see New 52 Superman in the corner. The original render shown at the con for Cyborg Supes had the Action 1000 body, and it had a re-use of the Black Adam Page Punchers body for New 52 Superman, but it looks like they went in a different direction for these which is great to see!

Sorry for the picture size, I'm not sure how to resize it here. The plastic indent in the tray looks a little large around Cyborg, which I suppose could be a little suspicious for the authenticity of the pictures. Grain of salt, and all that.

 

[altcunningham]

I hope so. I want that classic cyborg.

For today's daily life hack, I fixed Huntress's neck by throwing in a game Ciri neck peg.

And she looks much better.

 

[yojoebro82]

Those pictures showed up on my FB as well and I too noticed the missing platinum label on Cyborg. Giving the average buyer a fighting chance at this figure would be good news but I'm not going to read too much into it yet. Looks like he has the soft goods cape which is a plus. Yeah, he looks just about exactly how he should look, here's hoping we can get him.

 

[TheRealSmallville]

Those pictures showed up on my FB as well and I too noticed the missing platinum label on Cyborg. Giving the average buyer a fighting chance at this figure would be good news but I'm not going to read too much into it yet. Looks like he has the soft goods cape which is a plus. Yeah, he looks just about exactly how he should look, here's hoping we can get him.

That's what I'm hoping as well. Henshaw is my favorite DC villain, I was pretty disappointed when they first revealed he was going to be a Red Platinum. Here's hoping these pictures are legit and he'll be available everywhere.