Batman the Animated Series - ZATANNA!

DC Direct - Batman: The Animated Series - Zatanna - McFarlane Toys 2026

I just went down a rabbit hole watching all the animated appearances of Zatanna I could find. Since she is not typically thought of as a character who associates with Batman or Gotham City, I have wrongly thought for ten years that this was a Bruce Timm design from Justice League. (I say 10 years because this sculpt was originally released by DC Collectibles back in 2016). But when I compared her to the Justice League Wonder Woman and Hawkgirl figures, the scale and style didn't match. So I came to the conclusion that this figure is indeed a representation of her single-episode BTAS appearance in 1993 (S1E50 "Zatanna"), despite appearing in at least 7 episodes of Justice League Unlimited (FYI I believe she wears a white bowtie in all her JLU appearances). The TNBA stand this figure comes with further confused me. I watched Zatanna's single BTAS episode twice before I realized she was the dark-haired plainclothed wedding guest sitting with Jason Blood. (Like I said, quite the rabbit hole tonight).

Batman '66 Comics - BATGIRL!

Batman '66 Comic Retro Series 11 - Batgirl (BTAS) - McFarlane Toys 2025

When I think about fun color variations to the Batman '66 Batgirl mold, I can admit this release wasn't one of them. I would have much preferred a more unique color combination for a re-release; like the New52 version with purple and black, or a Steph Brown blonde version (or a re-issue of the Yvonne Craig version to pair with the new Batgirl Cycle). But instead, we got a Batman the Animated Series repaint. Without the cartoony Bruce Timm sculpt to go along with it, this looks almost identical to the recent The New Adventures of Batman figure except a slightly darker palette and blue gloves and boots (and differently painted eyes). It sounds like some significant differences, but in person they are just way too similar for my tastes. Of course, that doesn't mean I can resist a Batgirl toy when I see her on the shelf... it only means I am unmotivated to open her and delay her review for almost a year. I'm still holding out hope for a Poison Ivy in this line, but that looks unlikely. Let's check out Batgirl below!

Mezco 5 Points - BTAS CATWOMAN!

Mezco 5 Points - Batman The Animated Series - Catwoman - Mezco 2024

I have a lot of hope for the Mezco 5 Points line. I only own four currently, but I really appreciate the quality sculpts and solid feel of the figures. They are more expensive and less-articulated than similar retro-inspired lines, but there is something I find super appealing about the character selection and final product. This Batman the Animated Series line breaks some new barriers by offering individually-carded figures in wonderfully retro packaging. Previous releases were only offered as convention exclusives or in large playsets (The Julie Newmar Catwoman was released in a 7-pack with a Batmobile for $130). I'm looking forward to the Harley Quinn in Series 2, but sad for (seemingly) cancelled Josie and the Pussycats and Birdman figures. I truly think the single-carded business model will increase sales and popularity for the line. I'm certainly more excited now. I hope to see more BTAS ladies, as well as all the Burton and Schumacher characters. Let's check out the BTAS Catwoman below!

Batman: The Animated Series CATWOMAN!

Batman: The Adventures Continue #60: Catwoman V2 - DC Direct/McFarlane 2022

Near the end of DC Collectibles in 2020, there were a lot of Redecos and simple retools of previously released figures. The DC Essentials line was being re-released with zombie tooling and the original Batman the Animated Series figures from six years prior were being issues with slight paint upgrades. I ignored most of these toys and turned my attention instead to the new DC Multiverse line from McFarlane. A year later. McFarlane Toys surprised us by continuing these redecos under the resurrected DC Direct banner. I also ignored these. But eventually I picked up this Catwoman Version 2 on clearance. I hadn't noticed the significant improvement in her facepaint. And the previous ugly exposed pins on her hips were now gone. She is a beautiful figure. But I still didn't remember to open her until my recent Batgirl post (which was coincidentally the first cel-shaded figure I photographed). It took me a minute to find her buried in a closet, but here she finally is in all her glory. Let's check out Catwoman below!

Batman the Animated Series - BATGIRL!

Batman the Animated Series (Maxie Zeus Wave) - Batgirl - McFarlane Toys 2024

With McFarlane Toys slowly re-releasing all of the old DC Collectible Batman the Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures figures, I have decided to be very selective. Some of the figures, including the TNBA Batgirl and TNBA Catwoman, have been essentially identical to the original releases (which I still have and love). But occasional there is something new, like the Batman '66 repaint of the TNBA Batgirl and this BTAS Batgirl in a distinctly-different deco. As much as I love the DCC BTAS Batgirl, the colors always seemed very dark and broody. I was very happy for this redecoed version, and I hope future BTAS/TNBA releases will have similar updates instead of boring re-releases. Plus, and I will always repeat this, we desperately need a Batwoman figure from Mystery of the Batwoman in this line. She would be such an easy figure from existing sculpts to make and a fantastic new character. Fingers crossed for a future reveal. Let's check out the updated BTAS Batgirl below!

The New Batman Adventures - BATGIRL!

The New Batman Adventures - Batgirl (Standard Edition) - McFarlane 2024

This is a figure I never would have purchased if not for the inclusion of Platinum Edition chase mixed randomly into the assortments. I'm always a completist when it comes to Bat-Family figures, so when a figure is reissued, it's almost always guaranteed that I already own the original release (in this case I had purchased several). So unless there is a significant improvement, I skip the purchase. The intent of this 2024 McFarlane Batgirl from The New Batman Adventures is a straight-up re-issue. The sculpt, articulation, accessories, and color palette is identical. The only real difference is the figure stand, the packaging, and the replica animation cel. However, in my opinion, the overall aesthetic quality is a step backward. It's not a tragic step backward, but it's not an improvement (except maybe in the durability of the plastic). Like I said, if I wasn't trying to get the purple chase, I would have skipped this purchase. But since I have her in hand I figure she was worth a comparison post. Let's check her out below!

The New Batman Adventures - BATGIRL '66!

The New Batman Adventures - Batgirl (Platinum Edition) - McFarlane 2024

McFarlane Toys' Platinum Editions are a double-edged sword. On one hand, you can get really cool variants of your favorite characters. Oftentimes it's just a subtle repaint that isn't necessarily crucial for your collection but adds nice variety if you want to hunt one down. But on the flip side, if you do want to hunt one down, these chases can be extremely hard to come by. Interestingly, the Platinum variants that I have no interest in seem to show up everywhere. But on the scarce occasions when I want one, I usually have to resort to eBay and overpay. I received some insider information that this current TNBA wave won't be carried in many (if any) stores, but is readily available on most online shops right now. I ordered several but got no chases so I had to buy her directly from a reseller. I never would have imagined a Batgirl from The New Batman Adventures in a Batgirl '66 Yvonne Craig deco, but it's a really cool variant that I'm now obsessed with. Let's check her out below!

Justice League Animated WONDER WOMAN!

Justice League Animated Series #4 - Wonder Woman - DC Collectibles 2020

Bruce Timm's Wonder Woman design from the DC Animated Universe has become one of her most iconic looks. When the first episode of Justice League premiered in 2001, she hadn't made an appearance in television or film in over 15 years (except for a guest appearance in a single episode of the animated Superman series from 1988). Apparently her rights had been tied up in multiple (unproduced) development projects for all those years. But ever since her re-introduction in the Justice League cartoon, she has been a constant presence in television and film with no gaps lasting longer than 24 months. And a lot of those animated representations seem heavily (if not directly) inspired by this Bruce Timm design. It truly is classic and iconic. So getting a highly-articulated action figure of her as one of the final releases of DC Collectibles is really a great way to go out with a bang. She is practically perfect. And I only say "practically" because she inexplicably has no lasso. Let's check out Wonder Woman below!

Justice League Animated HAWKGIRL!

Justice League Animated Series #4 - Hawkgirl - DC Collectibles 2020

I was a huge fan of Batman comics in elementary and middle school, and I must admit I was a bit possessive and snobby about these characters. Okay, a lot snobby. Even the Tim Burton films got high scrutiny from little source-material-purist know-it-all me (despite loving them now). So when Batman the Animated Series premiered a few years later I was not having any of it. I thought it was mocking my favorite anti-hero. I honestly didn't revisit the properties and begin to appreciate them until the early 2000s (basically when Harley became mainstream and I was diving deep). I suddenly saw what everyone else did all along. When the DC Collectibles Timm-verse line began I immediately got on board, and they remain one of my favorite collections. I'm much less familiar with the Justice League cartoon, but I always appreciated Hawkgirl's prominence and strikingly simple design. When I saw this figure in my comic shop last month I knew I had to have her. Let's check out Hawkgirl below!

McFarlane Toys - HARLEY QUINN!

DC Multiverse - Series 01 - Classic Harley Quinn - McFarlane Toys 2020

I was really upset and nervous last year when the news came out that Mattel had lost the DC Comics license. In the past few years especially, Mattel had produced some of my very favorite DC Figures (Batwoman, Spoiler, and Burnside Batgirl to name a few). Meanwhile McFarlane Toys, the new licensee of the DC collectible lines, was hit-or-miss for years. I've collected McFarlane lines that abruptly ended, that fizzled out too fast, that had odd character selection, and some that had very inconsistent paint apps. But when the first waves of figures were revealed right after the new year, I suddenly had faith that the DC license will be handled well. The first female released is this "Harley Quinn Classic" which is a great figure seemingly inspired by BTAS, TNBA, and early comics. I didn't love her face design before I owned her, but in person her expressiveness shines through. Her articulation and scale is unlike anything else in my collection and I'm excited to see what's next. Let's check out Harley below!

Batman the Animated Series - POISON IVY!

Batman the Animated Series #49 - Poison Ivy - DC Collectibles 2019

One of the biggest disappointments in my adult collecting life would have to be the release of the 2017 Batman the Animated Series GCPD Rogues Gallery 5-Pack. This deluxe set retailed for a prohibitive $175.00 and featured the final figure I needed for my personal favorites collection: BTAS Poison Ivy (and as an added insult:  $175 ÷ 5 = $35, which was noticeably more than the single release figures at the time). I almost caved a dozen times over the years and bought the whole set. And on eBay the single figures were almost always over 80 bucks. But I had faith that DC Collectibles would eventually re-release her in a single, or at the very least a Gotham Girls set. It took a little over two years, but I finally have her in my greedy little hands. And while this particular animated likeness isn't the strongest in the line (the face and hair from most angles seems a little off), it's still very good and I'm ecstatic to finally have her in my collection. Now I'm wishing for a Huntress in the JLA line! Let's check out Poison Ivy below!

Eaglemoss BTAS - GOTHAM GIRLS!

DC Super Hero Collection - BTAS Gotham Girls - HeroCollector/Eaglemoss 2019

Batman the Animated Series did wondrous things for the female contingent of the Batman universe. Sure, Catwoman was a pretty major presence in the comics at the time (She recently had her first self-titled comic mini-series and she starred in Batman Returns just a few months before the BTAS debut), but Poison Ivy was practically forgotten and Batgirl had recently been paralyzed. Then BTAS burst onto the scene and made them all major players again, and of course the cartoon soon introduced us to the iconic Harley Quinn. Not only did these characters suddenly have a higher public profile, but their personalities and relationships with each other were developed into the intriguing dynamic we still see today. I was really excited when Eaglemoss first started soliciting this BTAS sub-line of the DC Super Hero Collection, I had hopes to get all four of the main girls, and thankfully my wishes were fulfilled. (Now I will patiently wait for The New Adventures of Batman versions). Let's check out the ladies below!

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!

BTAS Diamond Select BATGIRL Bust!

Batman: The Animated Series - Batgirl Bust - Diamond Select Toys 2017

I really love the mini-bust format. Although action figures are my preferred collectible, there is something I love about the uninterrupted sculpt of a true statue. But hobby statues are sooo expensive. I have an "if I ever win the lottery" wishlist of statues and it's already in the thousands of dollars. But mini-busts are much more affordable, efficiently sized, and remarkably compatible across manufacturers. Plus there has been a great variety of some of my favorite characters (namely Catwoman and Batgirl) and assembling a collection has been very fun. This latest Batgirl addition is practically perfect. I've had some minor qualms with paint apps on past DST busts, but the linework on these last few BTAS busts has been great. The only odd thing about Batgirl is that she is noticeably shinier than other busts in the line. Now my fingers are crossed for a whole series of TNBA busts to compliment these (but not before a Mystery of the Batwoman and Michelle Pfeiffer Catwoman). Let's check out the BTAS Batgirl below!

Batman & Harley Quinn HARLEY QUINN!

Batman & Harley Quinn - Blu-Ray Best Buy Exc Figurine - Warner Bros 2017

I really love the trend of deluxe DVD/Blu-Ray sets including little figurines. The first one I remember was the 2009 Wonder Woman animated movie. This included an awesome animated-style Infinite Heroes figure of Diana. The trend soon moved away from actual action figures to stationary figurines. The next one that caught my eye was a Catwoman figurine from the Batman: Year One movie, soon followed by another Catwoman with Dark Knight Rises and a Harley Quinn from Batman: Assault on Arkham. Then there was a brief period where Schliech took over the figurine production. But now it seems like the tried and true Gentle Giant have taken over the duties. This new Batman & Harley Quinn movie is written by Bruce Timm and drawn in The New Adventures of Batman style. Even Batman and Nightwing have the classic voice actors. It's a very entertaining movie and I highly recommend it. And while you're at it, get the special edition with the cool figurine. Let's check out Harley Quinn below!

BTAS Funko POP! - CATWOMAN!

POP! Heroes #19 - Batman: The Animated Series Catwoman - Funko 2017

Funko is finally catching up with their Catwoman POPs - but the process is pretty slow. Considering she is the second most recognizable female comic character of all time, this is the only the fifth Catwoman POP released so far (DKR in 2012, Batman '66 in 2013, Gotham in 2015, and Classic Comic look in 2016). Considering a much newer character like Harley Quinn has 13 unique sculpts in the line (and an additional 10 if you count color variants - weird) there is a lot of catching up for Selina to do. (Coincidentally Wonder Woman has the same as Harley: 13 unique sculpts and 10 variants). I'm awaiting a modern comic Catwoman and an Arkham version at the very least. And the Gotham City Sirens movie will probably flood us with products. But in the meantime I'm really appreciating the slow trickle of Catwoman product. These BTAS POPs might be the coolest and well produced vinyls I have ever seen. The bright colors and crisp lines have been amazing and Catwoman is no exception. Let's check her out below!

Batman the Animated Series - BATGIRL!

Batman the Animated Series #41 - Barbara Gordon Batgirl - DC Collectibles 2017

Batman the Animated Series is loved for many reasons. It kept Batman on the forefront of non-print media (between films) in the 1990s, it developed many under-used characters like Mister Freeze, Ventriloquist, and Poison Ivy, and it introduced the powerhouse character Harley Quinn. But one of the things I was most appreciative of was the re-introduction of Batgirl to the Batman universe. Several years earlier she had been shot and crippled by the Joker in the comics and I was young enough to think the character was just gone forever. So when she started appearing in BTAS I was very very happy. Despite never really watching the show in it's first run, I was just ecstatic that she was out there somewhere. When the DC Animated Universe figures started coming out three years ago, this figure was one of my most wanted. I thought it would be difficult to get a good likeness because her (face) design seemed slightly different every time she appeared. But overall I'm very happy with the final result. Let's check her out below!

The New Batman Adventures - CATWOMAN!

The New Batman Adventures #39 - Catwoman - DC Collectibles 2017

The redesign of Catwoman between Batman: The Animated Series in 1992 and The New Batman Adventures in 1997 was the most drastic physical change of all the bat-ladies. The slinky black outfit and creepy blue-hued skin was a far cry from the original gray catsuit. I really appreciate both designs, but I must concede that this look is cooler and more catlike. I have always said that Catwoman has had an unprecedented array of costumes over her 77 year comic history. Her career in animation started in 1968 and has been been equally diverse (with several unique designs that have never appeared in the comics). I obsessively made a timeline graphic of her animated evolution later in this review. Of all her varied costumes though, this New Batman Adventures look is one of my overall favorites. I've been waiting for this action figure since this line was first announced, and she does not disappoint. Irene Matar has once again perfectly translated a 2-D style into 3-D. Let's check out Catwoman below!

Superman: The Animated Series - LIVEWIRE!

The New Batman Adventures: Girls Night Out - Livewire - DC Collectibles 2017

I've really been paying attention to the rise of Livewire over the years. Similar to Harley Quinn, Livewire was introduced in a 1997 episode of Superman: The Animated Series. Within a year she was guest starring in the comics associated with the show, and about eight years later she finally crossed over to mainstream comics in Action Comics #835. She's appeared in several animated series (The New Batman Adventures, JLU, and JLU: Unlimited), one movie (Justice League: Gods and Monsters), and two live-action shows (Smallville and Supergirl). So her popularity is consistent, yet somehow understated. She's also appeared in four video games, so she's literally hit every facet of superhero media. I'm glad in a way that she hasn't had the same crazy popularity as Harley Quinn, because her character has stayed pretty true to form over the years, which is pretty rare these days. Although I must say I would love a good solo mini-series or special eventually. Let's check out Livewire below!

The New Batman Adventures - HARLEY QUINN!

The New Batman Adventures: Girls Night Out - Harley Quinn - DC Collectibles 2017

When I first started buying the DC Collectibles Animated Universe action figures I was immediately excited about the prospect of getting two versions of all of my favorite Bat characters. But then I started wondering how they would differentiate between the Harley Quinn in Batman: The Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures. Catwoman, Batgirl, and Poison Ivy all have very distinctive looks between the two series. But Harley's differences were extremely subtle and I didn't know if the changes would warrant the purchase of a second figure. But then this Girls' Night Out set was announced with two exclusive figures (Supergirl and Livewire) so I knew I'd be adding a TNBA Harley to my collection no matter what. I'm glad I did too because this Harley is surprisingly different from the BTAS Harley in both scale and sculpt. This now reinvigorates my excitement about completing my collection. We should have Ivy and Batgirl by the end of August! Let's check out The New Batman Adventures Harley below!