DC Collectibles Harley Quinn gets another “Bombshells” Spin.Girl Trouble…
Even the infamous Joker has his hands full when the ladies of DC comics get their own line of collectibles. The company’s Bombshells statues have recast their fantasy heroines and villainesses in the style of 1940’s pinups. Artist Ant Lucia began creating these vivacious calendar girls for DC Collectibles back in 2012. The first in the series, a “Rosie the Riveter” style Wonder Woman, set the tone, with Supergirl and Poison Ivy carrying on the lineage of artists like Gil Elvgren, George Petty and Alberto Vargas. Since then DC Comics has joined in the fun with a run of Bombshells variant covers. The group of sexy sirens has grown to include a revved up Stargirl and rock-a-billy Black Canary who might be belting out Wanda Jackson’s “Fujiyama Mama.” Bat’er Up…
Later this year Batwoman gets to swing for the far wall in a baseball card themed statue taken directly from a DC variant cover, while Lois Lane in paperboy attire will hawk the Daily Planet. Also in waiting is a very sophisticated Catwoman in a very little black dress, and Harley Quinn in a deluxe edition covers a hapless and helpless Joker in crimson smooches. Ant Lucia’s Wonder Woman design gets blanket approval. Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams…
The popular line expands into other merchandising areas with the announcement of branded blankets and robes. A recent press release reports that “Ant Lucia’s classic pin-up style artwork of DC Comics’ super-heroines continues to grace the DC Bombshells Satin Robes from Underboss and blankets from The NorthWest Company! The exclusive Harley Quinn robe features a two-toned red and black coloring with playing card diamonds on the front and a high-spirited Harley holding her trusty pistol on the back. Alternately you might choose to “get comfortable and curl up with your very own DC Comics Bombshell Harley Quinn or Wonder Woman tapestry blanket! Each blanket measures 46″x60″, is made of soft acrylic, and carries vivid detail of everyone’s favorite Queen Clown Harley Quinn or Can-Do Wonder Woman…”
You can find those exclusives on order through the March issue Diamond’s Previews catalog.
Click this link for a revealing look at the genesis of the DC Collectibles Bombshells line.
Sculptor Clayburn Moore captures Yvonne Craig’s Batgirl for Diamond Select Toys’ new statue. On a Bat Binge…
As with most “can’t haves” in life, the protracted nature of bringing ABC’s 1960’s Batman television series to the home video market produced a “must own” reaction in collector’s circles. Warner Brothers’ massive 120 episode Batman Box Set, released in November 2014, satiated some of that desire, but the high crave factor for bat-a-phenalia has spread well beyond the DVD’s to toys and collectibles. Each new product reveal becomes an event of its own and I think none have been more anticipated by “boomers” than Batgirl merchandise.
Of course TV Bat-fans know that Season 3 cast actress Yvonne Craig into the fray as Batgirl, making the dynamic duo a triumphant trio. Though not the only DC comics Batgirl, Craig is certainly associated with the best known incarnation. In fact the character was created at the behest of the TV program’s producers who desired to expand the appeal of their boy-centric show to an untapped audience of young ladies. DC Comics’ Detective #359 re-introduced Batgirl to TV Batman fans.
The “new” Batgirl appeared in Detective Comics # 359 in January of 1967, less than a year before her television debut. The cover is splashed with the kind of hyperbole that you could imagine spoken by the TV show’s producer/narrator William Dozier. “Is she heroine or villainess?,” “What is her startling secret identity?” Artist Carmine Infantino and writer Gardner Fox spun up the tale of Barbara Gordon, daughter of the stalwart Gotham City Police Commissioner. That’s the same James Gordon whose backstory is the focus of Fox’s current TV series Gotham. Barbara thwarts an attempt to kidnap millionaire Bruce Wayne and finds her calling in crime fighting. Diamond Select Toys’ Classic 1966 Batgirl Premiere Collection Statue. BATuesque…
This summer Diamond Select Toys will bring you back to those Silver Age comic days with their Premiere Collection Classic TV Batgirl Statue. Having recently seen the prototype in person at the New York Toy Fair I can happily report that it wonderfully captures the karate kicking crusader seen on the screen. In the hands of master sculptor Clayburn Moore we get a spectacular representation of Craig in her role, fully approved by the lady herself. Moore’s choice to fan out the cape adds a kinetic element to the classic pose known from publicity photos of the time. His work on the facial features is delicate, instantly recognizable as Ms. Craig, and conveys the self assured nature of the character.
Measuring approximately 12 inches tall, the statue emulates the psychedelic and op-art design of the show. The eye-popping purple sparkle of the costume is perfectly emulated and offset against the yellow accent of the cape. The base’s green swirl is capped by the TV logo. It is going to be a standout on any fan’s display shelf.
Craig On Craig…
In addition to playing Batgirl, Yvonne Craig’s career features a unique selection of memorable roles that include being a “Kissin’ Cousin” to Elvis, “Ski Party”-ing with Frankie Avalon, and as the slinky green siren Marta in the original Star Trek episode “Whom God’s Destroy.” Her autobiography can be purchased at her official website, and she has noted a limited return to the fan convention circuit this year based on the wealth of 1966 Batman licensed products.
Clay On Clay…
Clayburn Moore’s “Sculpting with Clay” blog, though not recently updated, is a excellent repository of information and images for those interested in the process of creating these collectibles. He takes you from wire frame to finished product views on many projects. His studio home site, will give you a full view of his creations, including a range of DC Entertainment pieces. Diamond Select Toys expands Batman The Animated Series Bust Bank selection. To the Bat Bank…
Hmm, maybe the Bat-Credit Card will be necessary as DST continues to fill out it’s selection of busts, banks and Femme Fatale statues with depictions of Batman, The Animated Series characters. They’re all really sharp renderings of the 2D cartoon personas. The Harvey “Two-Face” Dent bust is my favorite but you’ll have Batman in Classic and Dark Knight flavors, Catwoman, Batgirl, Phantasm, Harley Quinn, The Joker and Poison Ivy to choose from as well. Check the photo gallery below for a close-up look at those.
SkeletonPete Says…
As much as I love DST’s 3/4 busts, I believe the company was very smart to commission a full length Premiere Batgirl statue as well. As the first piece of licensed Batgirl merchandise I’ve seen it sets the bar very high for those who follow. Diamond Select’s upcoming product sheet reveals a Julie Newmar as Catwoman, also sculpted by Moore, will join the Premiere Statue Collection in Fall 2015.
DC’s Lil Gotham gang as collectible 2″ figures (Photo courtesy of Kotobukiya) Let’s Get Small…
Fans of DC Comics‘Batman, Lil Gotham series have some welcome merchandise on the horizon. Scheduled for June 2015, a selection of seven characters will be brought to collectors by toy maker Kotobukiya.
Quite appropriately the Lil Gotham figures are – well – little. They average 2 inches tall and are made of soft PVC. They’ll be sold blind bagged, two to a package, in any one of six bright colors. Represented are Batman, Robin, Nightwing, Catwoman, Joker, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn, all as envisioned by artist Dustin Nguyen. Kotobukiya adds Bishoujo Zatanna to their selection of manga styled heroines. (Photo Courtesy of Kotobukiya) Do You Believe in Magic in a Young Girl’s Heart…
New to Kotobukiya’s line of Bishoujo styled statues, which cast well known heroines in the playful “pretty girl” manga look, is DC’s Zatanna. The Mistress of Magic should be ready for her first reveal at the New York International Toy Fair.
SkeletonPete Says…
Kotobukiya is noted for their high quality ArtFX statues. They have licensed products that span the DC and Marvel Universes, Star Wars, Mass Effect and more. I’ve had the pleasure of photographing many of them on display at recent fairs and conventions. Please enjoy the gallery below.
DC’s Green Lantern Gets an Anime Make-Over from Square Enix/Play ArtsThe Future’s So Dark I Gotta Wear Blades…
The roll out for Square Enix/Play Arts roster of DC Universe figures, as previewed at NY Toy Fair 2013 in February, has begun with The Dark Knight Trilogy Batman and Bane currently available. Catwoman Selina Kyle as portrayed by Anne Hathaway, and Heath Ledger’s Joker will follow in the coming months.
Arkham Gals Won’t You Come Out Tonight…
Rounding out the Batman related characterizations, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy will add a twisted feminine touch to the Batman Arkham City series. Both are scheduled for mid-June 2013 release.
Ani-makeovers…
Also scheduled for release throughout spring and summer are the Anime-esque “Kai” Variants of DC’s revered heroes and heroines. Along with a samurai sword wielding Batman, the series will include sleek and angular spins on Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and down the road Batgirl and Flash. The latter two were displayed in early prototype pre-painted versions that I think highlighted their beautiful geometric look. That said, The Flash should be spectacular in full color.
SkeletonPete Says…
Many of the characters were displayed with a host of swappable parts, including hands, weapons and masks. Please keep in mind that all photos here were taken of prototypes – in some cases still pending licensor approval. Final products may vary. You can see the official product images of these and other Square Enix/Play Arts collectibles at their website.
