Our own Tony Bacala attended a DC Comics interview session at San Diego Comic-Con 2019. There he got a chance to talk toys and collectibles a bit with Jim Fletcher from DC Collectibles, who is a designer on lines like DC Bombshells, and the DC Core statues. They were also joined by Spawn creator Todd McFarlane of McFarlane Toys. DC action figure fans have been eagerly anticipating what McFarlane Toys will do with the DC Comics license, and have also been wondering what the future holds for DC Collectibles. Below, I’ve summarized what was talked about. There’s some great info from DC Collectibles, where Jim Fletcher clears up a lot of misinformation out there pertaining to some of the action figure lines.
DC Collectibles
- All current lines are continuing for now. Specifically mentioned Essentials, Batman Animated Series, all current statue lines.
- DC Essentials is NOT cancelled (contrary to reports). On a bit of a hiatus after the next wave. Was originally planned to be a limited line, but sold better than expected, so they are now working to continue and have characters in development.
- Batman Animated Figures will see some reissues of the older figures to get those in the hands of people just coming into the line, but a lot of new additions are planned.
- Working with Paul Dini to re-write bios for the Batman Animated Figures, as if the show had continued going.
- Going to eventually shift Animated series to mostly characters who never appeared in the show (like Deathstroke), which is why they say “The Adventure Continues”.
- Asked if they plan to do more of the super articulated DC Prime 9″ Tall Figure (like Batman). They would love to, but want to see how well Batman sells. They do have designs ready if they do continue.
- Specifically mentions the DC Lucha Explosiva line is NOT cancelled. It is being retooled to be more extensive, with story, bringing in more artists for updating the character designs.
Todd McFarlane
- For the most part, he couldn’t say much due to current licensees still having product out, and coming for 2019.
- McFarlane Toys has a 3-year contract for figures.
- Todd himself wants to make sure they do as loyal and good a job as possible. Want them to be as accurate to source material (and the artists) as they can be. Wants to make sure they are amazingly detailed figures.
- Does want to a bit of his own spin, if allowed by DC Comics/WB. But wants to build up trust with them first.
SDCC 2019 - DC Collectibles Action Figures
SDCC 2019 - DC Collectibles Statues and Batman Cowls
Seems the repaints of Batman, Harley, Joker. And Robin are due out in 2020. Can't see the release for Azbat or the others. I hope they do follow through with release.
I find it odd that they're not using the new hips/legs on the Batman with the blue highlights.
Miss Icons
The Essentials Catwoman looks nice. Hope they can show off that rumored Poison Ivy, if it even exists.
I'm not a statue collector ordinarily, but the Catwoman-in-evening-gown stands out for me -- but it begs for pairing with some kind of complementary Bruce/Batman statue...?
Where are the Tamashii Nations stuff?
That Catwoman is excellent. My favorite version of the character too. Also Those New Animated Batman And Joker look sooo much better then the original ones. Definitely can’t wait on them
Where's the non-Batman love? Like Flash love? Or JOnah Hex love?
What's different about that Harley?
Also, Knightfall Batman will be mine! Love it!!!
I'm seeing some other sites report that the DC Essentials figures will be ending with the Batman/GL wave. I think DCC had a small panel this morning where this was announced but I haven't found any videos/interviews to confirm this.
*Edit
I also forgot to mention that it looks like the BTAS line will also be getting figures of Vampire Batman, the Batman Who Laughs, and Talon from the Court of Owls.
Also, Knightfall Batman will be mine! Love it!!!
Once again, thank God for these pictures. I'm definitely passing on that "DC Prime" Batman. The animated figures do look good, though.
Glad I didn't fall for the line like I did with Icons.
Essentials is a trash line. I will not miss it.
I was excited at first. I bought a few. But they are really terrible figures. They can't support their own weight in most cases and almost every male figure uses this one skinny, awkward body type. Some of the head sculpts are nice, but that is the only positive thing I can say. SEE YA
I was excited at first. I bought a few. But they are really terrible figures. They can't support their own weight in most cases and almost every male figure uses this one skinny, awkward body type. Some of the head sculpts are nice, but that is the only positive thing I can say. SEE YA
To be fair, every DC Direct and DC Collectibles line has ended prematurely, so IF Essentials is ending, it's no surprise and definitely does not make you an all-mighty nerd soothsayer.
Dissapointed to hear the Essentials are ending, but they've put out a great little group. Love the Cheetah figure and can't wait for Catwoman.
I can confirm that DC Essentials is NOT cancelled at all. Posting up a summary of an interview the team did with DC Collectibles very soon. DC Essentials was specifically mentioned as not being cancelled to combat what some sites are reporting.
SDCC 2019 - Details from our Interview with DC Collectibles and Todd McFarlane - The Toyark - News
Thanks for the info/effort but it just sounds like BS to keep collectors from complaining and snag a few preorders this weekend. I have no faith in this company to provide reasonably priced figures with a fair amount of accessories nor do I have any faith in them to continue whatever lines they have left. The fact that they are making DCAU concept figures instead of one of the hundred-plus (not an exaggeration) characters from the shows that they haven't made yet is a joke.
I think I'll just wait for my BTAS Batcycle PO to come through and pull my parachute. Hasbro and Medicom/Mafex are killing it right now, no reason not to give them my business.
I don't want to be a cynic or a contrarian, but didn't they say they were going to keep the Icons line going when people were claiming it was getting canned?
Yeah, like I'm going to believe anything they say. Of course the Essentials line is not canceled, it's just quietly ending. You know, like the Green Lantern sequel. And Thundercats 2011. And the Icons line.
I think I'll just wait for my BTAS Batcycle PO to come through and pull my parachute. Hasbro and Medicom/Mafex are killing it right now, no reason not to give them my business.
Thanks for the update Joe. It's good to hear that Essentials and BTAS will continue.
Keep reading: DC Collectibles at SDCC 2019 - Page 2
Not a member yet? Join The Toyark Now!