SUPER ARTICULATE: A DEFINITIVE DC DIRECT WISHLIST

[MattBrady]

by Troy Brownfield, The Rev. OJ Flow, and Jim Beard

DC Direct: A Definitive Wishlist?

Every so often, we have to come back around to the concept of the Wishlist. All collectors have one, whether it’s something that they want or something that they want to see made. Action figure collectors are among the most elaborate keepers of this flame; they’re known to consume great blocks of time divining possible release strategies, assortment allocations, and ways to reuse body parts of previous figures so that a company can release incredibly obscure characters at a fraction of the cost.

Of all the fan-favorite lines, few (perhaps only Star Wars and Marvel Legends) generate as many wishlists as DC Direct. Part of this stems from DC’s rich history, and part of this stems from the fact that DC Direct’s releases occasionally seem to defy “fan logic”. One case in point was the recently announced Secret Files: Armory wave. While some fans could see why you’d make Power Girl and Supergirl as Nightwing and Flamebird (as they appeared in a recent storyline), fewer could see the need for armored iterations of Aquaman, Batman, and Green Lantern. Even as we’re sure that DC Direct has their reasons for these selections, we thought that it was time for us to revisit the notion of a Definitive Wishlist.

Granted, no list is Definitive with a capital-D, but we decided to aim for big, strong concepts in the DC Universe that lack a certain level of figural representation. The Rev, Jim, and I each decided to pick five possible assortments, and offered our suggestions as to what we, and many fans, might like to see.

The Rev’s List

Classic Teen Titans: Here's a 5-figure lineup so obvious and so marketable, it's scary. One and done, as far as waves go. Uniformity is a must, and it would be really nice to see the original Teen Titans all done by the same sculpting team. For all the times DC Direct has rendered Dick Grayson, a figure of him "pre-Nightwing" as Robin is not as readily available as one might assume. Wally West as Kid Flash was not the most popular figure from DCD's first crack at the New Teen Titans back in 2000, and the sculptors have come so far since then. While the Aqualad that came with the Silver Age Aquaman in 2001 was pretty decent, the Speedy that accompanied the Silver Age Green Arrow was an all-out dud. And this would also give Wonder Woman fans a chance to get Wonder Girl in her ponytailed red & blue ensemble. Even a recent issue of Teen Titans Go! seemed to have a grasp of the historic value of this lineup.

Teen Titans: The Judas Contract: How many years have comic book fans been clamoring for figures based off one of DC Comics' most heralded storylines ever? Too many to count. Fortunately this legendary comic book epic by Marv Wolfman & George Perez (New Teen Titans #s 42-44, Annual #3) is slated to become available to a whole new generation of fans by way of a straight-to-DVD animated movie that should arrive by 2008. In unrelated sets, we have seen very well done figures of Nightwing and Deathstroke the Terminator, but there's a lot of fans still wanting to see Jericho, who debuted in this story, and Terra, who made her untimely exit. It would be a great opportunity to produce the first-ever single card of Changeling, and a H.I.V.E. member would make for a great army-builder, something DCD has been terrific at lately. And thanks to our host for reminding me that the TPB of this story included NTT issues outside the immediate "Judas" story that featured the original Brother Blood. That would blow some Titans fans minds to see that, plus he had two creepy helmets to choose from. Rounding out things, if needed, could be a re-release of one of the characters (with a new paint scheme, perhaps?) I mentioned earlier, Nightwing or Deathstroke.

Seven Soldiers: Boy, did this critical and commercial darling lose momentum or what?? For all the books they managed to get out at a not-the-most-timely pace, the final issue sure has been a long time coming, no? That being said, for all the books DC Direct has recognized over the last few years, there's no reason Grant Morrison's Seven Soldiers "megaseries" can't get some love. The series' appeal transcended tastes in readership, and fans love Morrison, so this is commercially viable for sure. Unfortunately the typical action figure wave is five, yet there's obviously seven here. Unless they want to do a whole new figure -- and as hot as artist Ryan Sook rendered her, I'd have no complaints -- Zatanna was just done in an Alex Ross Justice wave, so you got that. Because DCD is not averse to the occasional twin-pack to accommodate a smaller figure, Klarion the Witch Boy could accompany Manhattan Guardian as their stories were closely connected (also serving as a nod to their original creator, Jack "King" Kirby). That would leave the door open for Shining Knight, Mr. Miracle (Shilo Norman), Bulleteer (who is finding her way into other titles these days), and Frankenstein. Heavy are the odds that are calling for Shilo Norman's demise in the Seven Soldiers finale, and I wonder if there's any licensing issues with Frankenstein. May not be so hard to come up with a solid five units to release after all.

Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? Based of Superman #423 and Action Comics #583, this would be THE BEST way to continue the awesome that was 2006's Silver Age Superman wave, and even ratchet things up a notch. Fans have been pleading for Superman figs based off the art of Curt Swan, and the writer of this classic two-parter only happens to be Alan Freakin' Moore. I'd imagine that if figures of the Man of Steel are really that much of a draw that another basic Swan-designed version could be a staple for collectors everywhere. Plus it can be new and distinctive as a Bronze Age figure over the Silver Age one we first got in 2001. Bizarro nuts are still jonesing for a Silver Age version, and the character's brief time in "Whatever Happened..." was one for the ages (and throw in a blue K rock, naturally). Toyman and Prankster are diminutive enough to package as a single unit, and the ghoulish merging of Luthor and Brainiac could make for a truly unique, yet no less viable, single-carded figure. While you're at it, include the very corrupted Mr. Mxyzptlk with Luthor-Brainiac. Kryptonite Man (with a green K-poisoned Krypto) gets my vote for the villain to round off this wave, but Lana Lang, as she appeared in the story would be as choice a means as any to get her as an action figure. Pains me that the only Lana Lang we have is based off Smallville, produced years ago. Love the show or hate it, that is wrong on many levels.

Classic Batman: ‘70s: It amazes me how often I shop in Chicago and other parts of the country and run across merchandise that celebrates the retro side of Batman, like t-shirts at Urban Outfitters, books & calendars at Virgin Megastore, and other nifty baubles at nationwide retail outlets. Yet you'd think comic book fans were campaigning for a Silver St. Cloud deluxe set the way the way DC Direct has neglected Batman action figure concepts that predate Frank Miller's Dark Knight Returns (1986). Every year should be seeing at least one wave that gives coverage to the Dark Knight Family under the banner "Classic Batman." I don't know why DCD is so inflexibly bound to specific characters from more recent stories these days. I challenge someone in charge to convince me that sculptor Tim Bruckner couldn't do a Batman figure that captures the cumulative essence of Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, Marshall Rogers, Jose Luis Garcia Lopez and Don Newton, all in one figure. Or say Bruckner couldn't, then. Would it be so awful to do a new Batman based off of one of these individual artist's work for each "Classic" wave? I couldn't be happier for the Crisis version coming by the end of 2006, but what took them so long?? Other characters we'd love to see, with the Seventies and Eighties in mind, are Ra's al Ghul, Talia, Poison Ivy (clothed with normal skin tones), Two Face, Killer Moth, and Riddler. That last one, I think, should make up for the true out & out dud in the "First Appearance" line. Speaking of which, they should really get back to using that concept to produce more historic, long overdue characters.

Jim’s List

The Great Ten: Call me crazy but I think China’s new super-team are gonna have some staying power after “52” is over. They have some fantastic designs and the small peeks into their personalities and powers are fascinating. Let’s go for Immortal Man in Darkness, August General in Iron, Celestial Archer, Accomplished Perfect Physician, and Ghost Fox Killer. The first four have already had appearances outside of “52” and we need a female in the mix…and I don’t think anybody’s ready for a Mother of Champions action figure yet.

Classic Batman: Sprang: This would be a 50s-60s Dick Sprang-inspired line, although I suppose they don’t have to use Sprang’s name if that scares them in any way. Let’s go for Batman, Robin, Joker, Penguin, and Two-Face. If we want a variant, we can repaint Batman in all-white or one of the other funky variant costumes he wore back then. This is a line that will please both Batman fans and Classic DC fans.

Classic JLA: Another retro line, this time based on Mike Sekowsky’s unique art of the 60s. Can you imagine Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, and Flash in Big Mike’s chunky-funky style? You get your Big Three here (and very unusual, unique versions), a SA J’Onn J’Onzz (please a LOT of people), and we can always use another good Flash.

Alex Ross JSA: Call me crazy, Part Two. We get these off of the Ross JSA lithograph from several years ago. The initial line-up would include Green Lantern, Hawkman, Starman, Johnny Thunder, and…Sandman? Yes, the yellow-and-purple Sandman of Simon & Kirby fame could be introduced in action figure form in this series.

Inferior Five: Call me crazy, Part Three. I had at first imagined a DC Humor line with one or two of the IF in there but then realized that they need their own line. Five characters, all colorful and hilarious, somewhat parodies of the Big Three and others, let’s go for it: The Blimp, Awkwardman, Dumb Bunny, Merryman, and White Feather. Hey, the Blimp’s cameo in “52” didn’t hurt, right?

Troy’s List

Metal Men: This could be a brilliant one-and-out wave, especially now that DC Direct has gone to the “six-figure assortment” configuration. It’s possible that leg and arm elements of the characters could be used from previous figures, therefore keeping some of the cost down. Also, picture these with a nice metallic paint scheme, similar to that Alex Ross Aquaman. Your line-up? Gold, Iron, Mercury, Lead, Doc Magnus, and a double-card of Platinum and Tin.

Doom Patrol: They nearly made the cut in the Bandai Teen Titans line, and they’ve recently come back with looks that are pretty close to their classic conceptions. Let’s have Robotman, Elasti-Girl, Negative Man, The Chief, and Mento, with a sixth figure variant of an all-black Negative Man to reflect his “negative self”. If DC wants to get really ambitious, they can include each figure with a piece of a build-a-figure giant Elasti-Girl.

All-Star Squadron: Big fan love, an indelible JSA connection, and recent appearances by new iterations of these folk spell an sensible line. How about Liberty Belle, Johnny Quick, Commander Steel, Robotman, and Amazing Man? Your sixth figure variant could be either a modern Belle, a modern Steel, or “transformed” Amazing Man. (And for the record, while I totally dig Firebrand, she’d be a lock for a future Crisis on Infinite Earths assortment).

Infinity Inc.: Again: Big fan love, an indelible JSA connection, and recent appearances by new iterations of these folk spell an sensible line. This should include the long-overdue Jade, Obsidian (doubly viable for all his recent appearances), Nuklon, Silver Scarab, and Fury.

Rogues Gallery: JLA: The foes of the Justice League get occasional play, but they deserve their own cross-era line. I’d call Prometheus, The Key, Felix Faust, Despero (preferably the huge one with a tattered U.N .flag cape), and Queen Bee (classic).

Bonus Selection #1: JLA Classics: Consider this a new approach to JLA Classified, or even just a place to address that wider span of Leaguers that often get left behind. First assortment? Green Arrow Connor Hawke, Aztek, Zauriel, Hippolyta as Wonder Woman, and Orion. Second? Fire, Ice, Rocket Red, ‘80s Black Canary, and a Maguire-esque Batman. Third? Steel, Vibe, Vixen, Gypsy, and Aquaman (sans over-large smile).

Bonus Selection #2: Classic Legion Boxed Sets Relying on the “reusable body” scenario that the original assortments employed in the first place, let’s address the balance of the Silver Age team in a pair of boxed sets. How about some combination of Phantom Girl, Triplicate Girl, Shrinking Violet, Dream Girl, Shadow Lass, Chemical King, Bouncing Boy, Light Lass, Matter-Eater Lad, Element Lad, Karate Kid, and Princess Projectra? That accounts for all the members up until the inclusion of Wildfire, who should by all accounts wind up in . . .

Bonus Selection #3: Legion Outpost assortment: Named in honor of the letter-col and famous fanzine, let’s see an assortment using some of those Grell/Cockrum designs, packed with characters like Wildfire, Tyroc, Dawnstar, Timber Wolf (his best look) and Universo.

Obviously, we don’t expect DC Direct to chuck what’s on the drawing board in favor of our notions. Certainly, we hope that they keep plugging away at JSA, both Crisis lines, 52, and more. We’re just entering a call to not forget some long-standing fan requests (Terra, for example), and to keep an open mind to some things that might have struggled before (like the Legion). After all, this should be about fun.

So . . . you’ve seen our picks. Hit us.

Update: Vote on your favorite suggestions at http://www.misterpoll.com/2403112455.html

Just to clarify, Troy would be happy with complete line-ups of the Legion from the Bronze Age, the Great Darkness-era, the Five Year Gap, the post Zero Hour reboot, and today. Yeah, he probably needs help.

[cncoyle]

Batman and the Outsiders, including the Masters of Disaster! Maybe even a Maxie Zeus figure, just for kicks.

[wazuzu53]

YOUNG JUSTICE!

[Jim Beard]

Originally Posted by wazuzu53

YOUNG JUSTICE!

NO!



Ain't I a stinker?

Jim

[Jimmy Palmiotti]

How about a western line? JONAH HEX, BAT LASH, EL DIABLO, and a few more...how cool would that be?

I have the hex heroclik, but would love a bigger figure.

while I am at it, a UNCLE SAM AND THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS would be awesome as well.

Hey, I know , I know...but if i dont say it, who will?

Jimmy Palmiotti

[jedifish]

Freedom Fighters - I think we've got Uncle Sam and Phantom Lady. Now we need Human Bomb, The Ray, Black Condor, Doll Man & Firebrand.

Flash's Rogues Gallery - We've got Mirror Master, Captain Cold & Gorilla Grodd - Now we need Heat Wave, Trickster, The Top, Weather Wizard & Abra Kadabra.

and of course

More Legion, more JSA, Infinity Inc, Doom Patrol, more villains.

Although I have to admit I love a lot of the stuff that's coming up in the next few months. A lot of new characters which is great.

[jedifish]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Palmiotti

How about a western line? JONAH HEX, BAT LASH, EL DIABLO, and a few more...how cool would that be?

I have the hex heroclik, but would love a bigger figure.

while I am at it, a UNCLE SAM AND THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS would be awesome as well.

Hey, I know , I know...but if i dont say it, who will?

Jimmy Palmiotti

I got your back for the Freedom Fighters, although my request was to finish the original line they started. I'd be fine with the new version and an enhanced Phantom Lady.

And a Western line would be sweet with Jonah Hex, Bat Lash, El Diablo, Scalphunter and Cinammon.

[David Vega]

I would love an original Doom Patrol line, but would really, really dig a line based on Jim Aparo's version of Batman, The Phantom Stranger and others.

[kingofcities]

Super Chief.

[Jake's Dad]

I'd like to see one for Shade from the Starman series. Not the goofy one with the black top hat that came out a while back along with Vandal Savage but the Opal City loving version of the character.

One of my favorite characters from probably my favorite series.

[Jim Beard]

Jimmy, I will absolutely back you on a Western DC line. If only Marvel would consider such a line, also.

And yeah, I'm with you on FF, too. Howabout two-packs where you get a classic and a modern version of the same FF character together?

Jim

[Evil Twin]

They need a good Sgt. Rock and Easy Company set. Rock, Bulldozer, Wild Man, Little Sure Shot and Ice Cream Soldier. Maybe a second set of WWII characters featuring Unknown Soldier, Mlle. Marie, Iron Major and a couple of Nazi soldiers.

[Troy Brownfield]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Palmiotti

How about a western line? JONAH HEX, BAT LASH, EL DIABLO, and a few more...how cool would that be?

I have the hex heroclik, but would love a bigger figure.

while I am at it, a UNCLE SAM AND THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS would be awesome as well.

Hey, I know , I know...but if i dont say it, who will?

Jimmy Palmiotti

I think it would be extremely cool on both counts. Maybe you should give the fellas a call?

[O.J. Flow]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Palmiotti

How about a western line? JONAH HEX, BAT LASH, EL DIABLO, and a few more...how cool would that be?

I have the hex heroclik, but would love a bigger figure.

while I am at it, a UNCLE SAM AND THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS would be awesome as well.

Hey, I know , I know...but if i dont say it, who will?

Jimmy Palmiotti

...from your lips to God's ears.
Were I doing 10 waves and not 5 like I did here, Freedom Fighters would've been mentioned for sure, if not the Western line as well. Nighthawk, Scalphunter and Cinnamon would get my vote.

[toede]

Norm Breyfogle line of Batman toys... or Kelly Jones.

[Bud Fox]

I agree on the Man of Tomorrow Supes stories, but I would also love the animated JLU Brainiac-Luthor team with the huge face in Luthor's chest and the tentacle arms. Even the combined gold version would be nice to represent that great final storyline. This could be included in a line of the larger animated figures like Grodd and Grundy.

[Andres]

I actually would really like to see some of Grant Morrison's Seven Soliders as action figures. Also Alex Ross JSA.

[kingofcities]

Originally Posted by toede

Norm Breyfogle line of Batman toys... or Kelly Jones.

You are my new hero.

[toede]

Originally Posted by kingofcities

You are my new hero.

I know.. everyone was thinking it, but I had the courage to say it aloud!

[kcekada]

Love the Legion Outpost suggestion. Not sure Universo would work for that line. Maybe Tyr or Molecule Master or cult favorite Infectious Lass?

Would love: Classic Titans, Perez Titans (especially Brother Blood and Terra), Infinity Inc. and anything Legion.

Definitely need more classic JLA heroes and villains.

I'd like to see Ray III with a Ray I variant. Of the new Freedom Fighters, I'd also like to see Phantom Lady and Black Condor. Of the originals, I'd like to see Doll Man, Black Condor and Human Bomb.

Definitely want to see a classic Batman line. Not just different versions of Batman but let's see more villains as they looked in years gone by -- a human Posion Ivy, a Two-Face in his orange/purple suit, Catwoman in her green Julie Newmar costume, etc.

[toede]

Originally Posted by kcekada

I'd like to see Ray III with a Ray I variant. Of the new Freedom Fighters, I'd also like to see Phantom Lady and Black Condor. Of the originals, I'd like to see Doll Man, Black Condor and Human Bomb.

Phantom Lady based off of Daniel Acuna's design?

[Morrison]

Throw me in the Judas Contract camp. I've got the First Appearance Nightwing and it needs the rest of the gang!

[Ace]

I still want to see a post Zero Hour LSH set with Star Boy (probably my favorite costume design ever), Sensor(who wouldn't like a giant snake), Gates (or a giant.. bug...thing), and maybe an unshaven Ultra Boy or a Brainiac 5.1 with Koko.. or even better, an Emerald Violet.

I know THAT set is a pipe dream though.

The Silver Age LSH figures bored the crap out of me though. I hate those designs relative to what came later.

[Gamma Duck]

1. Definitely the Doom Patrol. Start out with a line of five consisting of Robotman, the Chief, Elasti-Girl, Negative Man and Mento. Set 2 could have General Immortus, Gargaux, Celsius, Tempest and Negative Woman. I’d also love to see Flex Metallo and Crazy Jane figures, although that may be hoping for a bit too much.

2. DC 90s. A line set up to feature folks like Hitman, Aztek, Connor Hawke, El Diablo and the Ray. In fact, that’s your first wave right there.

3. Suicide Squad – Captain Boomerang, Bronze Tiger, Nemesis, Count Vertigo, Plastique and a Punch & Jewelee combo pack (Go to hell, Checkmate).

4. Secret Six – Catman, Ragdoll, Knockout, Cheshire and Scandal, as well as Parademon in a Grodd/Solomon Grundy figure style.

5. Lunatic Line – Ambush Bug, Oddman, the Heckler, Joker’s Daughter and the Creeper.

6. JLI – Fire, Ice, Rocket Red, Captain Atom and Bluejay.

7. Shadowpact – Enchantress, Nightshade, Blue Devil, Ragman and Nightmaster/Detective Chimp combo.

8. Zoo Crew – Captain Carrot, Yankee Poodle, Alley Kat-Abra, Rubberduck, Fastback and Pig-Iron in a Grodd/Solomon Grundy figure style, complete with Little Cheese. Ignore that horrible Geoff Johns story altogether.

[Spaz_Monkey]

While I agree that Morrison's 7 Soldiers would be awesome, I'd really enjoy a set of the original 7 Soldiers. Vigilante, Shining Knight, Green Arrow & Speedy, Star Spangled Kid & Stripsey and The Crimson Avenger.

Or a Kevin Maguire designed set of JLI figures.