DC Comics Multiverse is Mattel’s current 4 inch Adult Collector line. The figures are based on different themes within DC Comics. Wave 1 featured characters from the Arkham video game universe, and wave 2 is focusing on classic movies. In this wave is 80s Superman II Zod, 89 Keaton Batman and 89 Keaton Batman Unmasked. Down the road, wave 2.5 or 3 (depending on how you look at it) will continue the movie theme with a Reeves Superman, Michelle Pfeiffer Catwoman, and DeVito Penguin. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Today we will run through Wave 2 of Multiverse, read on to check our thoughts and see 50 shots of these classic movie characters!
DC Comics Multiverse Batman, Batman Unmasked, and Zod.
Pros
Good representation of the movie looks.
Proportions are much better than wave 1.
Leather like cape on Batman is nice.
Cons
Articulation is weak.
Unmasked batman could have been combined with regular.
Overall
This wave was much better than the first. Visually Zod and Batman are on point, they do what they set out to do. Both of these figures look good in a basic pose from a distance. Aka good shelf filler. The faux leather cape on Batman is well done, and the grappling hook accessory nails it. The unmasked Batman, that’s another story. The face didn’t translate well to final production. Looks nothing like Keaton. On top of that, there are ZERO differences between masked and unmasked Batman other than the sub-par head. So, you basically pay another 12 bucks for that head. Something that could have easily been packed into the masked Batman box for next to nothing. I get it, recoupe costs, blah blah – but come on.
The articulation on both is almost pointless. It has swivel cuts on the arms and legs, knees and elbows, wrists, outward hips. However, due to no ankle movement and weight balancing issues, posing them dynamically is pretty much impossible. Since this is a more basic figure compared to modern G.I. Joe and Marvel Legends engineering, I would say just put it at 5 points plus and reduce the cost a bit. Up the mold detailing. Embrace and accept the child/simple focused design angle and make them the best they can be within that scope. Kind of like a high end re-Action figure from Super 7. That’s kinda what they are now, I just think some time and money could be better funneled in development since super articulation isn’t happening.
In the end, I’m happy with masked Batman and Zod, they will compliment my DC area nicely. I look forward to wave 2.5 or 3 as well. Mattel hasn’t announced anything after that, but the con season is starting so we should find out what the next theme is, if it’s happening. Check out 50 shots of DC Comics Multiverse Wave 2 below!
Update: Apparently the Penguin is also shipping with these guys, though in the multiple places I’ve been recently hunting, haven’t seen him. Thought he was going to be in Wave 3 with Superman and Catwoman. So, keep your eye out for him, and we’ll update our galleries when we get a hold of him! Thanks to ProfessorHov on the Toyark Forums for pointing this out.
Update 2: We got a hold of the Penguin. Added a couple shots to this story., but check out the full Pegnuin gallery here.
CompaniesMattel
CharactersBatmanGeneral Zod
Scale4 Inch
Sub-LineDC Comics Multiverse