The Flash 3.75" - SUPERGIRL!

The Flash (Movie) - 3.75" Action Figures - Supergirl - Spin Master Toys 2023

Between the new Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow movie coming next year and the seeming demise of the Spin Master DC toylines, I figured it was about time to finally post this figure. Back in 2023 when she was released, I had a very frustrating time with this Supergirl figure. Her facepaint apps were inconsistent at best, and absolutely horrendous most of the time. I ended up purchasing several before getting a decent one. I love the Sasha Calle version of Supergirl from The Flash (2023). She reminds me of Dana Dearden or Elna Kent but with a tough persona all her own. I was excited to see her get so much merchandising from a (presumably) one-and-done character. Especially from a company like Spin Master who seems to greatly under-utilize their DC license and miss opportunities to product great toys. It's amazing that this figure exists before a Gal Gadot Wonder Woman, Margot Robbie Harley, or a Michelle Pfeiffer Catwoman. But I'm glad she does. Let's check out Supergirl below!

Imaginext - SUPERGIRL!

Imaginext - DC Super Friends - Batgirl Hero Hideout - Fisher-Price/Mattel 2024

I'm excited that Supergirl has become such a household name in the last 10 years. Between her solo live-action Supergirl TV show (on CBS then CW) and her role in DC Super Hero Girls franchise, she suddenly became a staple character in DC merchandising after decades of neglect. Sure, she had toys on the shelf before this, but her first true action figure was only made in 1998 (exactly 40 years after she was introduced). So despite her presence in the comics and supporting roles in cartoons, the general public didn't know anything about her. But all that has changed now. And once her solo film comes out in a few years, her high position in pop culture will be even more solidified (assuming it's good). This Supergirl figure from the new girl-centric DC Super Friends Imaginext line is one of my favorites of the first wave. She is sporting a super classic costume and a mischievous smirk. This character is not often portrayed as funny or wise-cracking, but this makes me think she should be. Let's check her out below!

DC Rebirth - SUPERGIRL!

DC Multiverse - Target Exclusive Supergirl Rebirth - McFarlane Toys 2023

It seems to be very difficult to get a good, classic-looking Kara Zor-El Supergirl. I have quite a few in my collection, but there just always seems to be something slightly off about them. Luckily Supergirl always tends to sport a pretty classic costume. She goes through eras with a slightly tweaked costume, but it consistently comes back to the basic look. I personally think this newest Target Exclusive DC Multiverse Gold Label figure is the best Supergirl in my collection. Sure, she has a couple problems. Firstly, her eyes are often overstamped which makes her look a little angry (it you're patient you can find one with better eyes). And secondly, her thigh-high boots have been swapped for red leggings. I didn't even notice this  detail until I got her home. It honestly doesn't bother me too much (because thigh-high boots are impractical in battle), but it's baffling that McFarlane skipped this detail, especially since she has no special accessories. Either cost-saving cuts or simple oversight. Let's check out Supergirl below!

Imaginext - SUPERGIRL (FLASH MOVIE)!

Imaginext - DC Super Friends - Batman & Supergirl (Flash) - Fisher-Price 2023

Imaginext never fails to surprise me with the fun character selection under their DC Super Friends banner. This toy line actually inspired me to create this whole website when I learned about the Catwoman Imaginext via a similar blog (Toyriffic) back in 2012 and I realized none of the "big" websites had mentioned her. I was able to run out and buy her the same day I learned she existed yet she was somehow off the radar of all my many toy news feeds. Since then I've become a member of several Imaginext communities and I never miss a release, but somehow this brand still surprises me eleven years after their first DC female. A couple weeks ago I posted about the new Stephanie Brown Batgirl and soon after I learned that the Sasha Calle DCU Supergirl from The Flash movie was in a new 2-pack easily found at Kohl's. I thought this movie and this reimagined Supergirl were both great. But I'm still surprised Fisher-Price green-lit her for a figure, especially with such a new sculpt. Let's check her out below!

The Flash - SUPERGIRL!

DC Multiverse: The Flash Movie - Supergirl (Kara Zor-El) - McFarlane Toys 2023

I saw The Flash tonight and was really impressed. I had pretty low expectations going in but was pleasantly surprised. (I won't give any spoilers that weren't in the trailers). It's pretty apparent from even the first trailer that Barry uses the Speed Force to travel faster than the speed of light and enter a sort-of Multi-verse scenario. In one alternate reality (original to the film), there is a reimagined version of Kara Zor-El Supergirl played by Sasha Calle. Her short dark hair is reminiscent of Cir-El from the comics, but her costume is a fairly traditional Superman design that I really like. She played a pretty significant role in the movie and had a lot of great screen time (and thankfully she got the action figure treatment right away). This figure is amazing. The face sculpt is great, the costume looks awesome, and I love the dynamic curve of the cape that looks cool whether in an action pose or standing stoic. And I like the figure even more after seeing the movie. Let's check out Supergirl below!

Injustice 2 - SUPERGIRL (and Customization)!

DC Direct 7" Page Punchers - Injustice 2 Supergirl (Comic) - McFarlane 2023

This figure made me laugh a little when I found her in Walmart last week (in the Entertainment section with the Funko stuff FYI). I laughed because I thought this figure is very decent with a lot of potential. But the hairstyle was so distracting to me that it ruined the whole figure. It was a... wait for it... Injustice. It literally says "Injustice Supergirl" all over the packaging - and I couldn't agree more. I have seen images from the Injustice 2 game and I know the actual character design has odd hair. Plus the Hiya Toys Supergirl figure from the same game a few years ago had a similarly off-putting design. But this didn't stop me from picking her up with a the idea that I could pretty easily modify her hair to my liking. I haven't attempted anything like this in a while and seemed like a simple single-piece mod. And honestly it was. I ended up liking her quite a bit, but my fingers are still crossed for a classic Kara someday (right after the classic Wonder Woman we've be clamoring for). Let's check out Supergirl below!

A Busy Year of DC Heroines from IMAGINEXT!

An Assortment of Imaginext DC Super Friends Ladies - Fisher-Price 2022

The DC Super Friends Imaginext line from Fisher-Price is still going strong eleven years after I bought my first figure (Catwoman). I don't often post about these figures when I acquire them, but trust me I am quite the completist. There are new sculpts released occasionally. But for the most part, the line subsists on clever (and sometimes not-so-clever) re-use of existing sculpts. For instance, there is a newly sculpted Man-Bat hitting stores right now, but 99% of the figures on the shelves (including all 10 in this post) are simple redecos. The big gimmick in 2022 was the use of transparent plastics (aka "Bat-Tech"). The figures utilize light wells, often with holes cut in their capes, and accessories or playsets with pinpointed light sources to illuminate your figures from behind. It's a fun upgrade that has given us a handful of color variants (which I gladly purchase). I'm personally most excited about an upcoming Stephanie Brown redeco of Batgirl, a character who is shamefully underrepresented in plastic.

DC Essentials - SUPERGIRL!

DC Essentials - Action Figure #16 - Supergirl - DC Collectibles 2019

I'm a relative newcomer to Supergirl fandom. When I really started diving deep into my superheroine idolatry, Supergirl was Linda Danvers. She wore a bare-midriff t-shirt, white gloves, combat boots, a hairband, and an almost nonexistent skirt that looked like a glorified belt. I wasn't a fan of the look, it was a weird blend of utilitarian and tarty. But I also felt that her personality was inconsistent. I made several honest attempts, but the character never stuck. The reboot of Supergirl in the New52 was the first time I fell in love with the Maid of Might. Then the TV show version captured me too and I realized I was likely a fan for life. When I first saw this DC Essentials figure in person I thought she looked odd. I thought her head was too narrow and her face looked too stern. But once I took her out of the package and started posing her all my hesitations went out the window. She's truly terrific. This whole line is filling me with joy. DC characters have been in desperate need of this. Let's check out Supergirl below!

DC Collectibles Icons - SUPERGIRL!

DC Collectibles Icons #25 - Supergirl (Rebirth) - DC Collectibles 2017

Supergirl is a character I've always appreciated but never fully embraced. A lot of this has to do with the fact that her personality never seemed well established. Every time I would read a story with her, it felt like I was meeting a new character. But then the New 52 version of Supergirl came out and I was hooked. I read the first 40 issues and loved it all. Then the Supergirl show began, and again it seemed like a brand new character, but I loved this one too. The show is truly terrific and it doing a great job of propelling her character into the mainstream. And the great thing about going mainstream is that it provides an avenue to produce classic versions of the characters. While this Rebirth Supergirl is actually one of the most modern comic interpretations of her, it has a real classic look that I think can fit in with any era. It's a shame the Icons line is being phased out so quickly after its debut. (I'm still praying that we can somehow get that purple Catwoman figure released). Let's check out Rebirth Supergirl below!

A 6-Pack of Repainted DC SUPER HERO GIRLS!

DC Super Hero Girls - "Unique Outifts" Action Collection 6-Pack - Mattel 2017

Yesterday I was bored at work and randomly typed in "DC Super Hero Girls" to Amazon to see if anything new might be on the horizon. I was excited to see three new items listed. Unfortunately they were all higher-priced playets with simple repainted figures: Batgirl and Bat-van, and Bedroom Sets for Harley and Wonder Woman. I added them to my cart but decided to give it a few days before making the purchase. Then a few hours later I stopped in Target and found this unexpected 6-Pack full of repaints. When it rains, it pours. In all honesty, I wouldn't have bought it if it weren't for the new character included in the mix: Beast Boy! I obviously focus most of my purchases on female characters, but I have always had a man-crush little Garfield Logan (he's a green animal-centric changeling - basically my career goals) so I'm super happy he's the first male in the line. The rest of the repaints are a little silly honestly, but having that green goofball makes me very happy with the purchase. Let's check them all out below!

DC Collectibles TV Series SUPERGIRL!

DC TV Action Figures (Supergirl) #1 - Supergirl - DC Collectibles 2017

I just saw that season two of Supergirl is up on Netflix and I have a date with my couch two weekends from now to catch up. I loved the first season so much and I felt so deflated when CBS announced its cancellation. But then CW swept in and saved the day. The unfortunate thing is that I personally have no easy real-time access to CW so I have to wait for streaming or DVD. Hopefully the second season is good. I know one of the reasons for CBS to drop it was the high production cost, which I can only assume prompted a major budget cut when CW took over. I'll report back in a month. This is the first figure I've picked up from the DCC's DC TV line and I'm pretty impressed. Melissa Benoist has an extremely unique face. Every time she makes a different expression she looks like a new person, so my hopes for a decent likeness are pretty low, but I must say I'm very happy with this figure. The face paint isn't as detailed as the box imagery, but the essence of Melissa is there. Let's check out Supergirl below!

Superman: The Animated Series - SUPERGIRL!

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

I was never much a fan of all the Timm-verse shows when they first aired. I was going through a weird too-cool-for-school phase where I would only read manga and watch vintage cartoons. It wasn't until I was much older that I really appreciated the cultural impact and Timm's unique character design. It also doesn't hurt that my better half happens to be a big childhood fan of BTAS & TNBA so the shows became a natural connection to all my adult hobbies. It's hard to be with someone who is totally detached from your obsessions, so I eagerly dove into all these cartoons as a saving grace. Of all the shows, I'm least familiar with Superman: The Animated Series, but I love how it recharged interest in Supergirl and Lois Lane (and not to mention introducing Livewire). It's nice how they are committing to the Superman Universe now. We already know that Superman and Lois Lane are coming this Summer, so this set adds an additional two characters to the lineup. Let's check out Supergirl below!

A Trio of Newly-Tooled DC SUPER HERO GIRLS!

DC Superhero Girls - Supergirl, Wonder Woman, & Batgirl - Mattel 2016

DC Super Hero Girls is one of my favorite toy lines from 2016. There has been a fantastic trend of female centric action figure lines lately. Starting with I Am Elemental in late 2014, we then saw Miraculous, Ghostbusters, and DC Super Hero Girls hit the shelves in quick succession (plus upcoming Mysticons by Playmates and RWBY by Jazwares). Of this group, DC Super Hero Girls definitely has the highest presence. I'm always anxiously awaiting additional figures - Catwoman, Starfire, and Hawkgirl seem like obvious additions to the line, but in actuality all we have been seeing is retools and redecos of existing characters (although Katana was a nice mid-year addition). This recent batch is a bit of a mystery. They seem very cheaply made, have a lower pricepoint, and are all on narrow cardbacks that are perhaps meant for stocking stuffers. Supergirl is the only original figure. Her head and body are all new, while Wonder Woman and Batgirl are composed of parts from previous figures. Let's check them out below!

Jada Metals - WOMEN OF DC - Series 01!

Metals Die-Cast - Women of DC Comics - 2.5" Series 01 - Jada Toys 2016

I love getting obsessed over a new collectible. Especially when they are abundant and inexpensive. I mentioned in my Spider-Gwen review last week that I was really turned off by the larger 4" scale Jada Metals figures. They showed up in all the stores earlier this year for the BvS and Civil War movies and I honestly wasn't tempted at all. But then I saw the booth images from SDCC and I discovered that all it takes is 40% decrease in size to completely capture my attention. I had the exact same reaction to Mez-Itz. The full-sized ones didn't appeal to me whatsoever, but the Mini Mez-Itz have become a major favorite of mine. These 2.5" Metals retail for about $5 and seem to have perfect paintjobs. It's also a great gimmick to release multiple color variants of each sculpt right off the bat. I'm in no way planning on being a completist with this line, but I can tell the temptation will be strong. So far I'm thrilled and I can't wait to see what comes next. Let's check out the first Women of DC 2.5" line 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.

DC Comics Multiverse - SUPERGIRL!

DC Comics Multiverse - Doomsday Series - Supergirl (TV) - Mattel 2016

I'm really nervous for the second season of Supergirl. I very rarely like superhero TV shows. I started off very excited for Smallville, but it never took. I watched all of Birds of Prey out of some misguided sense of solidarity to all the female heroes in it, but it wasn't easy for me. Then I gave Arrow, Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow all a fighting chance, but I just never got hooked. The only shows I've ever truly liked are Gotham, Agents of SHIELD and Supergirl. If you notice the trend there.. I apparently just don't like any CW shows. So with Supergirl switching from CBS to The CW for season 2, I'm nervous that it's going to have the teen drama feel that makes me tune out almost immediately. But luckily before that potential cord-cutting, I get to immortalize Kara in my collection with this great Multiverse figure. The previous production shots of her looked pretty odd, but in person I found her to be a lot better than I expected. I'm very happy overall. Let's check out Supergirl below!

DC Comics Superhero Girls - Action Figures!

DC Comics Superhero Girls - Series 01 Action Figures - Mattel 2016

Did you ever have one of those "woulda coulda shoulda" moments when an idea of yours comes to fruition but you had nothing to do with it? This DC Superhero Girls line is that for me. I remember about 10 or 15 years ago when the Disney Princess theme first started to form. I thought it was a genius idea and immediately started ranting about how all the DC superheroines could be just as successful. All these years later and it's finally happened. I was nervous of the quality and design of the figures, but I am extremely pleased. I think the intended audiences of young girls will eat these up and the adult collectors like myself will have no problems adding them to their "serious" collections. I can't wait to see what the future of the brand holds (there was a Lego line mentioned!) All I know is that I want a ton more of these beauties. These figures were released first in Targets across the nation on February 28th. I'll believe they'll be available in all stores by April or May. Let's check out the girls below!

Photos from NYCC 2015!

A Small Collection of My Favorite Action Figure Reveals at NY ComicCon 2015

New York Comic Con seems to have less and less toy presence every year.  Hasbro and Mattel were always staples on the showroom floor and all the smaller toy companies would really step up to compete.  But in the last few years things have changed.  Hasbro has only been holding pre-show press events outside the con (and hosting a few panels) and Mattel has been either a no-show, or had a small presence in the lobby. When I saw that Funko had a huge block reserved on the floor map this year, I was excited that this would maybe usher in a new resurgence of impressive toy displays.  But alas, their area was essentially a giant waiting queue to buy their exclusives, with no other products on display. Someday I think NYCC will regain its position as a venue for introducing lots of new toy product. The wait between SDCC and Toy Fair seems longer and longer each year. But in the meantime, we still have a great handful of products to look at.  Let's check them out below!

DC Comics - KIDROBOT KEYCHAINS!

DC Keychain Series - Catwoman, Wonder Woman, Supergirl - Kidrobot 2015

It seems like the older I get, the more I love super-cute things.  When I was younger I held on tightly to some silly preconceived notions of masculinity that would have had me sneering at today's popular toylines like Funko POP, Imaginext, and Mini-Mates.  Heck, I probably even would have turned my nose up at Legos.  It's been a long slow acceptance for me to admit that I simply just like what I like.  Sometimes those are gorey monster toys, sometimes they're adorable doe-eyed keychains.  Who cares. These Kidrobot keychains are pretty great. They're cute, well designed, and their paint apps are on point.  The best part is that I didn't realize that these are seemingly the precursors for the Kidrobot DC Blind Box figures that are in comic stores next week.  The Blind Box figures have a different character assortment and are roughly twice the size of these mini keychains with some limited articulation. Depending on character selection, I think I'll be hoarding both scales of these figures.  Let's check them out below!

Monogram International FIGURAL ERASERS!

Marvel & DC Comics Collectible Erasers - Monogram International 2013-14

Novelty items are a constant thorn in the sides of collectors.  Sometimes they are just so gimmicky and unattractive that you in no way are tempted to buy them.  But then the collecting bug rears its ugly head and you think "but I already got the Squinkies and Nog'nz.. so don't I need to get these?"  Plus they are almost always super cheap.  It's a slippery slope indeed.  These Monogram Erasers didn't appeal to me at all when I first saw pictures of them a year or two ago.  They had all the trappings of a sloppy final product (paint masking issues, deformed molds, etc) and they just somehow lack the "cute" factor that Grab Zags, Chibis and Squinkies have. But I realize now that I was being a bit too judgmental.  When I was buying the exclusive keychain set at this year's Monogram NYCC booth, I took the time to sort through the bins of these erasers to find the best looking ones, and in the process I began to appreciate these weird little guys.  Let's check them all out in detail below!