Batman Classic TV Series
Mattel
2013-2014
Yvonne Craig, aka Batgirl, should have taken the money and ran.
When Mattel announced that they would be producing a line of action figures based on the 1966 classic Batman television series we were both excited and confused. It was great to see a series of action figures finally come to light on one of the most memorable television series of all time, but at the same time boy was it late to the party. We're talking about a show that is coming up on it's fifty year anniversary in just two years.
Standing at six inches tall, each figure is meticulously sculpted and designed to match it's 1960's actor counterpart. The attention to the costumes is meticulous, and the feel of nostalgia, despite the series being relatively new, is still very much there. These are the kind of figures that fans in the 60's would have done almost anything to get their hands on.
SERIES 1
Batman
SERIES 1
The Penguin
SERIES 1
The Riddler
SERIES 2
Surf's Up Batman
SERIES 2
The Joker
SERIES 2
Catwoman
As of now, the only way to get your hands on Robin is to buy the deluxe two pack which features both Batman and Robin as well as a sculpted building facade to act out all those fun scenes from the show where the two were seen climbing the side of skyscrapers.
DELUXE SETS
Batman and Robin
The San Diego Comic Con excluisve Batusi TV was actually the first figure to be sold for the line. It featured a custom Batman figure with his fingers sculpted in a "V" to capture one of the most memorable moments of the dance. The figure also had a button on its back to create motion in the arms which only added more fun to it.
EXCLUSIVES
Batusi TV!
Vehicles are a tough sell these days, and it seems like the majority of new lines are looking to get them out there in an exclusive fashion. Such is the case with the Toys R' Us exclusive Batmobile. This is one of the ultimate versions of the iconic vehicle ever produced.
EXCLUSIVES
Batmobile
Though the series appears to be selling well, there is a lot of confusion among collectors as to whether or not the line has been cancelled, or will continue. Since its initial announcement, and the release of waves one and two of the figures, the line has fallen a bit stagnant with the only news of any new figures being in the form of a Surfs Up Joker - Which in and of itself is a disappointment to many fans as it's nothing short of the first Joker figure with a pair of green trunks slapped over his purple suit, and a green surfboard accessory. Sorry Mattel, but at twenty bucks a pop you're going to have to do better than that.
***UPDATE***
Images of Surf's Up Joker have been added.
It has been confirmed that Mattel was hitting a lot of brick walls in terms of obtaining likenesses of the characters from the actors, and this could be a big part of what's holding the line up, and/or potentially dooming it in the long run. It has been stated by many collectors that their most recent issues were with actress Yvonne Craig, who held out on signing her likeness over because she felt the line would be much more successful, and wanted more money. While this may or may not be true, it stands to reason that a line can't be successful without figures, and no likenesses means no figures. Nice catch 22.
***UPDATE***
Catwoman was released as an exclusive at SDCC 2015. There is no word as to whether or not she is the last to be released in this series, or if more figures are coming.
***UPDATE 2***
Sadly, shortly after the above update, Ms. Craig passed away of complications due to breast cancer on August 17, 2015. She will be missed. It's fortunate for fans that they have this perfect opportunity to immortalize her character of Batgirl in plastic form. She will be missed by many.
Fans will also be delighted come November 2014 when they can (for the first time ever) purchase an official release of the complete Batman television series. All 120 episodes have been re-mastered in full HD for this once in a lifetime release. Warner Bros. is definitely bringing fans of the series a release that many have long been waiting for.
Join us next time when we take a look at The Ren And Stimpy Show!
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Are you aware of the "late-to-the-game" Batgirl figure being added later this year? There are hardly any official details, but apparently it will be a 3-Pack with Batman, Batgirl, and Robin (without wires in his cape) - a Toy R Us exclusive. I'm super excited. Pics were at SDCC http://toynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2014/08/toy-news-for-8122014-sdcc-2014-coverage.html
ReplyDeleteWe were not aware. Thanks for the heads up.
DeleteToo bad all Mattel will release are pictures of this figure. I e-mailed Mattel a few weeks ago to see when the Batgirl would be released and their answer was there were no plans at this time for any more items to be released for the Classic Batman line.
DeleteMattel sucks donkey ass - if you want a better selection of figures and better quality - check out the line from Figures Toy Company.
At this point we think Mattel has probably just had enough of negotiations with actors/their families (if deceased) that aren't being very reasonable. We can understand why a brand such as this would be more problems than it's worth for them - It sucks for us fans, but we get it.
DeleteSo, no Yvonne Craig Batgirl?
ReplyDeleteI just acquired the Julie Newmar Catwoman... and adding Batgirl would be awesome!
There's been no definitive answer from Mattel as to what they're doing with the line. Surf's Up Joker recently hit store shelve, but considering that this was just the same figure with swim trunks tacked on, that doesn't leave us much hope that this line is going to be thriving.
DeleteBut, to answer your question - No, Batgirl has not been released yet.
That sucks that we fans aren't getting an Yvonne Craig as Batgirl figure but I understand if they aren't paying her what she is worth. If it was me and they weren't giving me what I thought was reasonable? I wouldn't sign either. I mean Mattel is the empire Barbie built so if they are being cheap shame on them
DeleteOr perhaps Ms. Craig is being too greedy?
DeleteObviously the general public isn't going to know what the offer was to Ms. Craig, but it stands to reason that what she's asking for would present Mattel with a difficult ability to recoup profits from sales of the line. It's a stale mate that quite frankly only has one loser - The fans.
Remember, there's getting paid what you're worth, and asking to be paid what YOU THINK you're worth. We personally think Ms. Craig is going for the latter, and from the sounds of what we've heard it's simply an unreasonable amount.
I am sorry but Corporates are the ones being greedy. Maybe she wants what dhe feels she is worth. I am surprised that some would want her to give her likeness up like that without due pay. Shane on you. Seriously
ReplyDeleteBut isn't this all moot since she had inked a deal to allow use of her likeness as Batgirl? There is a statue of her already
ReplyDelete