Character Spotlight on BIG BARDA!

A Small Collection of the Grand Dame of the Female Furies: Big Barda 2007-19

I wasn't always a fan of Big Barda. In my less-enlightened youth I thought all superheroines had to fit a cookie-cutter body type and wear a nondescript spandex costumes to be worthy of my attention. But as an adult I realize that this large woman in a glaringly bold costume is all-around awesome (and a terrific example of non-conformity). And to add to my infatuation, I just learned Big Barda's look was inspired by Lainie Kazan (who I will always adore as the mom from My Big Fat Greek Wedding). I also appreciate her classic Jack Kirby geometric designs and her bold primary colors (all the primary colors to be exact.. I love it!) She is also currently starring in the comic Female Furies, which is her first (sort of) lead role in her 48 years, so the timing of this Character Spotlight seems pretty appropriate. Her merchandise makes for a fun-looking collection, like an exploded box of crayons. It's been a few years since I've done one of these posts, but it's really fun and I'm already brainstorming my next one. Let's check out the Bardas!

DC Collectibles Darwyn Cooke CATWOMAN!

DC Designer Series: Darwyn Cooke - #7 Catwoman - DC Collectibles 2016

This is the figure I have been hoping for ever since DC Collectibles launched their Designer Series back in 2014. Catwoman has been my favorite comic character since I was first exposed to her in the 1966 Batman television series, then further impressions from silver age reprint comics in the 1980s. By 1987, she was modernized into her gray catsuit look which I loved. Unfortunately it was quickly changed into her 1990's purple bodysuit which I loathed. My displeasure with the purple costume wasn't shared though, because it stuck around for eight or nine years and really skyrocketed her popularity. But then in 2001, much to my relief, Darwyn Cooke and Ed Brubaker revamped Selina into the sleek, acrobatic seductress we know and love today (and 15 years later it's still an extremely popular look). It's shocking how well the Jonathan Matthews sculpt captures the feel of Darwyn's art. My Catwoman collection never felt complete without this pivotal design represented. Let's check out Catwoman below!

DC Collectibles Darwyn Cooke HARLEY QUINN!

DC Designer Series: Darwyn Cooke - #3 Harley Quinn - DC Collectibles 2016

This new DCC Designer Series is a fantastic tribute to the late Darwyn Cooke. His style is a wonderfully classic blend of Alex Toth and Chester Gould and it was the perfect thing to usher me back into comics in the early 2000s (after the eXtreme 90s had driven me away in disgust). Despite having a distinctly retro style, his 2001 revamp of Catwoman was a surprisingly modern and refreshing change. Although I only ever saw Darwyn Cooke's version of Harley Quinn on a couple random comic covers, I really love this figure and I'm so glad it was included in this line. DC Collectibles' Designer Series has almost limitless potential. The Greg Capullo, Jae Lee, and now Darwyn Cooke series have absolutely thrilled me. And the upcoming Ant Lucia and Lee Bermejo will keep the momentum going. The only one that let me down was the Terry Dodson line (but I'm certain there will be a second Dodson wave eventually). But in the meantime we have many more Darwyn figures on the way. Let's check out Harley below!

DC Collectibles Darwyn Cooke SUPERGIRL!

DC Comics Designer Series: Darwyn Cooke - #2 Supergirl - DC Collectibles 2016

The saddest moment of 2016 for me was the heartbreaking news that Darwyn Cooke had passed away. Moreso than actors and musicians, the passing of comic artists always hits me particularly hard. It might be because I have no acting or musical skills whatsoever, so the art forms I relate to most deeply are drawing, painting, and sculpting (all of which I dabble in). Comic artists in particular always seem immortal to me. The serial nature of comics and the constantly regenerating storylines tease you into thinking the artists behind them will be just as long-lasting and consistent. Plus there's a unique bond that forms between comic artists and their fans. Over time you really feel as if you know them. I've never met Darwyn Cooke, but I hear he was a wonderful man and he will be sorely missed. I have all his older New Frontier figures and I am so happy to have his unique style further represented in my collection with this new artist series. It's bittersweet, but the tribute is fitting and welcome.

Arkham Origins - LADY SHIVA!

Batman: Arkham Origins - 3-Pack - Lady Shiva - DC Collectibles 2015

Lady Shiva is one of those characters that has always been in my periphery but that I never truly got to understand or enjoy.  I gather she was a major character in the Cassandra Cain Batgirl series, but I had some issues with the art style on that title and only started reading when Pop Man took over near the end.  Lady Shiva is Cass' mother, she's in the League of Assassins, and in general she's just usually up to no good.  She kind of has the same presence as Talia al ghul.  I consider her one of the un-costumed bat characters that I don't really pay much attention to.  If this figure didn't come in the box set with Harleen Quinzel, I probably would have skipped her.  But since I bought her anyway, I'm not letting her go. (Don't try to figure me out).  This is a really nice looking action figure.  She looks way better in plastic than she does in the game.  You kind of can't go wrong with a Jonathan Matthews sculpt though.  Everything the man touches is gold.  Let's check out Lady Shiva below!

Arkham Origins - DR. HARLEEN QUINZEL!

Batman: Arkham Origins - 3-Pack - Dr. Harleen Quinzel - DC Collectibles 2015

I'm normally not one for plain-clothed action figures, but I knew when this figure was first revealed at ToyFair '15 that she would be a no-brainer for me. Harley Quinn has one of my favorite origin stories of all Batman's rogues. As a Psychiatrist in Arkham Asylum, Dr. Harleen Quinzel crossed paths with the Joker and began her descent into (quirky) madness. In more recent origin stories, she was showing tendencies toward insanity long before meeting her Mistah J. But I think I'll always prefer the original story where she was seduced into her criminal transformation. When the Arkham Origins game was announced, I was a little bummed because I thought my favorite ladies wouldn't fit into the earlier storylines. But Harley is the darling of the Arkham franchise, so of course they found a way to squeeze her in. This figure comes in a three-figure set with Electrocutioner and Lady Shiva.  It's pretty cool to get a female majority in a box set like this. We don't see that too often. Let's check out Dr. Quinzel below!

DC Collectibles Jae Lee WONDER WOMAN!

DC Comics Designer Series: Jae Lee - #2 Wonder Woman - DC Collectibles 2015

I rarely buy Wonder Woman figures. I realized long ago that if I were to dive headfirst into collecting Wonder Woman, my collection would easily double or triple in size and I would have an oppressively patriotic looking house. I have reluctantly relegated myself to living vicariously through other people's amazing collections (ExperienceTheWonder is my favorite).  Wonder Woman is easily the most merchandised female superhero of all time... so little gems like this Jae Lee Designer Series version can be easy to overlook.  However I think that would be a great disservice because this is one of the nicest looking figures of Diana I have ever seen.  It's definitely highly stylized, but it's also very classic at the same time.  This is maybe the 5th or 6th Wonder Woman I've been unable to resist adding to my collection, and she is definitely worthy of that exclusive status.  Hopefully she sells well because I would love to see more Jae Lee styled figures.  Let's check out Wonder Woman below!

DC Collectibles Jae Lee CATWOMAN!

DC Comics Designer Series: Jae Lee - #4 Catwoman - DC Collectibles 2015

I think the thing the sets DC Collectibles apart from all the other action figure companies is their willingness to embrace different styles. Sure, with Mattel we will see comic, animated, and movie styles over the course of the years. But DCC has a long history of breaking down the comic portion of that trifecta into the gritty minutiae of artist-specific storylines. In the past, we've seen different versions of Selina in the styles of Jim Lee, Tim Sale, Adam Hughes, Terry Dodson, and Amanda Conner (among others).  But now this year, DCC has seemingly fully embraced the celebrity factor of their artists and made new figures designed by Bruce Timm, Greg Capullo, and now Jae Lee. I've been a fan of Jae Lee since his Hellshock series used to scare me back in 1994.  I was thrilled when he started dabbling in DC Comics last year, and I'm even more thrilled his efforts have been immortalized in plastic. This is an absolutely stunning action figure. Let's check out Jae Lee's Catwoman below!

DC Collectibles Greg Capullo BATGIRL!

DC Comics Designer Series: Greg Capullo - #12 Batgirl - DC Collectibles 2014

I was just having a conversation the other day about how Batgirl figures seem to arrive in bursts. The last great example was back in 2008 when we got Showcase, Alex Ross, and All-Star Batgirls between June and September. We are currently in the middle of another such wave.  Beginning with the New 52 Batgirl at the end of Sept, followed by this Capullo figure in December, and culminating in the animated figure in February.  I'm also expecting to see a burnside Batgirl in the next year.  Figures of her, Batwoman, and Black Orchid are my biggest DC hopes for Toy Fair next month. As I mentioned back in the Capullo Catwoman review, I have no real connection to Capullo's art, but that doesn't stop me from totally digging these figures! I think they're fantastic. Artist-stylized figures like these are what separates DC Collectibles from the other action figure brands. Unless there was a blockbuster movie backing her, there's no way any other company would release so many Batgirls.  Let's check her out!

DC Collectibles Greg Capullo CATWOMAN!

DC Comics Designer Series: Greg Capullo - #6 Catwoman - DC Collectibles 2014

We all know DC Collectibles has been hitting it out of the park recently with all their amazing and innovative new action figures.  What I'm especially excited about though is the sheer number of wonderful additions to my Catwoman collection thanks to DCC!  Seriously, my three favorite Catwomen in my collection are the last three put out by DCC.  And that Jae Lee Catwoman coming out this Summer looks like it might be my favorite yet.  I have no connection to Greg Capullo.  I remember him being the backup Spawn artist way back in the early nineties (when Todd couldn't hit his deadlines).  But beyond that, I'm only peripherally aware of his career.  Clearly he has become a Batman artist of prominence.  When this figure was first announced right before Toy Fair last year, I was excited for another Selina but not thoroughly impressed with the execution of the figure.  In person though, I think she's gorgeous.  And her body style hearkens back to the nostalgic DC Direct days.  Let's check out Catwoman below!

DC Collectibles SUPERGIRL (and Customization)!

DC Comics: The New 52 - Supergirl - DC Collectibles 2014
 
Supergirl is one of my favorite characters since the DC Comics New 52 reboot in 2011.  Some of my tried and true favorites (like Batgirl) have been a little "meh" since the switchover.  But for me, the surprise standout has been Supergirl.  Her book has had great artists and writers and the new costume design is my favorite of any of her numerous looks.  DC Collectibles has really been doing an amazing job in the last few years.  This Supergirl figure was revealed right before Toy Fair this year and she looked like perfection.  She was one of my most anticipated figures of the year to be honest.  But when I ran to the comic shop today to pick her up, I can't deny that I was extremely let down by yet another weird set of facial paint apps.  Her eyes just looked wrong.  Earth 2 Wonder Woman and Huntress had similar problems.  Luckily I knew I would be able to touch her up just enough to quell my concerns.  My customization shots will be at the bottom of this review.  Let's check Supergirl out below!

DC Comics The New 52 - CATWOMAN!

DC The New 52: Super Heroes vs Super-Villains 7-Pack - DC Collectibles 2013

I just realized how incredibly long it's been since we've seen a comic-styled Catwoman action figure.  Sure, all the video game versions have been pretty close to her modern comic costumes, but technically it's been over 5 years (Infinite Heroes).  This fantastic version of Selina was an exclusive to a very expensive 7-figure box set that was released yesterday.  I've known this for months and have been debating the purchase ever since, but as soon as I saw her in the store today I knew it was a no-brainer.  Now I just hope I can recoup some cash by selling the surplus figures on eBay.  This figure is awesome.  She's beautifully sculpted by Jonathan Matthews, her articulation is some of the best from a DC Collectibles female so far, and her paint apps are great (and an improvement over the overly made-up prototypes we've seen at conventions).  I'm super happy with this figure.  DC Collectibles is really coming back and filling the DCUC void.  I can't wait to see what the future holds.  Let's check out Catwoman below!

The Tamaranean Princess BLACKFIRE!

Princess Komand'r - Teen Titans - Series 1 - DC Direct 2004

It's pretty shocking how the best looking action figure of an orange-skinned Tamaran is of the evil Blackfire, and not her heroic sister Starfire.  Starfire has had numerous toys made over the years, but none are particularly noteworthy.  This Blackfire figure, however, is stunning (as is the entire Teen Titans line from 2004).   Princess Komand'r is the older sister of the Teen Titans member Starfire who was denied her title through an unfortunate association to an invasion (and ensuing slaughter) on the day of her birth.  Her people viewed her as bad luck (or even cursed).  A lifetime of resentment by her people eventually culminated in the creation of a powerful young woman with a huge grudge against her sister, her family, her people, and her planet.  Evil sisters are just as good as evil doppelgangers in my opinion - and they always make the best villains.  This whole Teen Titans line is gorgeous.  Blackfire was sculpted by the amazing Jonathan Matthews (just like the Wonder Girl reviewed back in February).  It always comes down to the sculptor.  Let's check out this de-crowned princess below!

DC Direct's WONDER GIRL!

Cassandra Sandsmark from Teen Titans Series One - DC Direct 2004

I really miss the old DC Direct.  As a company, they put out an impressive array of beautiful action figures every month for more than a decade.  In my personal opinion, they produced the best looking superhero action figures of all time (I am not counting super high-end companies like Hot Toys).  This Wonder Girl figure has an absolutely stunning sculpt by the amazing Jonathan Matthews.  You would be hard-pressed to find anything like this today for under $25, but back in the heyday of DC Direct, this quality was commonplace (and honestly overlooked).  The Cassandra Sandsmark version of Wonder Girl has gone through a lot of great character development since her debut in 1996.  She started as a nerdy wannabe hero with powers derived from different magical objects, only to grow into a fierce, beautiful, courageous hero with self-contained powers bestowed by Zeus himself (who happens to be her father).  Cassie survived the New52 reboot and still has a solid place in the Teen Titans, however her powers have backtracked and are now back to magical bracelets, a bit of a downer in my opinion.   Let's check out this gorgeous figure below.

Arkham City TALIA AL GHUL!

Talia Finally Arrives in Arkham City Series Four - from DC Collectibles 2013

My first exposure to Talia was a very startling experience.  For Christmas one year, my Aunt bought me the Batman: Son of the Demon TPB.  I was nine and way too young to see Batman getting it on.  In my young mind Talia was a homewrecker there to spoil the pristine bachelorhood of my favorite hero.  Since those early "ewwww"s, I've grown rather fond of this character.  From comics, to the cartoons, and finally to this past Summer's Dark Knight Rises, she has become an amazingly deep and provocative character (despite having no defined costume!).  Not to mention her role in the world of video games.  Talia has been one of those characters that the Batman collectors have been pleading for since the hobby market really took off in the late 90s.  Sure, we got an animated version, but that wasn't likely to satisfy everyone.  Even this figure may still be a far cry from the comic version many envision.   But I honestly think this figure is a great representation of all her many incarnations and I'm so glad to add her to my bat-shelf.  Let's check out the review!