Ahead of SDCC, collectors revisit Teen Titans figures and DC Infinite Heroes, with new reviews spotlighting indie creations.
As San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) approaches, collectors and enthusiasts find themselves reminiscing about the impact of the 2000s era DC figures ahead of what many hope will be a fresh wave of revelations. The retrospective focus is notably on the DC Universe Infinite Heroes line from Mattel, which despite its short-lived presence from 2008 to 2010, made a significant mark in action figure history by introducing a breadth of characters in a 3.75″ scale.
Teen Titans and DC Universe Infinite Heroes
Two figures from the DC Universe Infinite Heroes series have been highlighted in recent collector discussions: Raven and Starfire. Enthusiasts reflect on the line’s significance in the late 2000s, crediting it for bringing many lesser-known characters to life in an affordable and accessible manner. Both Raven and Starfire’s figures are cherished relics from a time when the Teen Titans animated show was in full swing, reshaping how characters were introduced to a broader audience, with merchandising that flourished across various platforms.
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These remembrances are situated against the backdrop of ongoing anticipation for this year’s SDCC, where similar throwbacks could continue to gain traction amidst new releases.
Revisiting Batman: The Animated Series – Zatanna
In related DC nostalgia, Zatanna from Batman: The Animated Series has stirred discussion as collectors revisit figures styled in the iconic 90s animation aesthetic. This particular sculpt, often mistaken for a design from the later Justice League series due to aesthetic similarities, has rekindled interest in the single-episode appearance of Zatanna (S1E50 “Zatanna”) from 1993. McFarlane Toys has revived this original DC Collectibles design, aligning it with the continued appreciation for Bruce Timm’s vision.
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Spotlight on Indie Creations: Mercenaries and Magic
Beyond the major brands, attention is also gravitating towards innovative creations from indie manufacturers. Fresh Monkey Fiction and Big Bad Workshop have been commended for their Order of the Crimson Moon series, with recent reviews spotlighting the figure Wolfsbane. Noted for its intriguing mix of mercenary and magical themes, this line showcases the creativity flourishing among independent toy makers. Wolfsbane, with his distinct armament and alternate robotic head, evokes hues of classic Action Force characters but offers a novel twist for today’s collectors.
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Similarly, Big Bad Workshop’s “Soldiers of Fortune” line delivers figures like The Saboteur that promise flexibility for fans of 1/12th scale military collectibles. With versatile designs filling niche roles left unoccupied by larger lines, these figures have found favor among enthusiasts seeking to diversify their collections.
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Expanding the Masters of the Universe Universe
The Masters of the Universe Origins line continues to expand its Preternia narrative with releases like the Great Black Wizard. As part of the “Powers of Grayskull” subset, this figure deepens the lore associated with Eternia’s ancient past. Crafted by Axel Gimenez, these figures resonate with fans of vintage Masters lore and the modern aesthetic.
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While this week might seem dominated by nostalgia, it underlines the enduring demand for both established classics and the burgeoning creativity in independent lines, setting an exciting stage ahead of SDCC announcements.
