DC Universe is a toy brand manufactured by Mattel. It has five sub-lines – Classics, Fighting Figures, Giants of Justice, Infinite Heroes, and the reintegrated Justice League Unlimited line.
This is considered by many to be the main line of the DC Universe re-brand. These are 6-inch scale figures based on characters in the entire DC library, an expansion from previous Mattel lines that only allowed for the use of Batman, and later on, Superman characters. The entire line is sculpted by the Four Horsemen Studios.
Previously a line itself, then integrated into the DC Superheroes brand, Justice League Unlimited made its debut as a DC Universe product at the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con with its Giganta figure. Now exclusive to Target stores as of summer 2008, Justice League Unlimited is a collector-focused line consisting of single-, three-, and six-packed figures that have appeared in the animated series, as well as non-animated series characters.
DC Universe Infinite Heroes
This addition to the DC Universe stable takes characters that would appear in the flagship Classics line and puts them at a more collectible 3.75-inch scale. Figures are available as singles and three-packs, with six- and eight-packs available as retailer exclusives. Early statements from Mattel put the total character count for 2008 at around forty-five figures. One of the first six-packs contained characters from the Green Lantern mythos, while another revolves around Gotham City.
Mattel has stated that they are trying to make sure that the characters included in the Infinite Heroes line are not included in the Classics line in the same year to avoid having multiples of the same character on the shelves at once. The figure packages featured clippable Anti-Monitor points, which could be redeemed at the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con for an exclusive Anti-Monitor figure.
Figures typically have limited articulation and minimal accessories. Following the announcement of Hasbro's Marvel Universe line, Mattel announced that the line will get increased articulation (an example is the upcoming Animal Man figure, unveiled at New York Comic Con 2009).
2009: Anti-Monitor (33⁄4" version available for 50 Anti-Monitor points or $10)
2010: Starro The Conqueror: Introduction Of The JLA (window box reproduction of The Brave and the Bold issue #28 with Starro vs. Aquaman, Wonder Woman [with golden string lasso], Flash [Barry Allen], Martian Manhunter [with blue cape], and Green Lantern [Hal Jordan, with translucent green energy construct], with lights and sound narration by Kevin Conroy, original voice of Batman from Batman: The Animated Series, et al.)
Upcoming Figures
Other figures that have been seen in prototype form, read about in case breakdowns, mentioned in leaked Wal-Mart SKUs or seen at Toy Fair include:
These are 3-inch scale figures with identical sculpts to the 6-inch figures with limited articulation, display stands and action features and/or weapons. These were previously going to be called Battleague figures and marketed as game figures but were later on consolidated into the DC Universe line as collectible figurines.
Figures
Catwoman vs. Batman
The Joker vs. Batgirl
Superman vs. Darkseid
Two-Face vs. Batman
Two-Face vs. Robin
Unreleased
The backs of the figure packages featured many more Fighting Figures but apparently none of them were released.
DC Universe Giants of Justice
While the Fighting Figures are half the size of the main line. These are double-sized versions of characters previously released as 6" figures. It is a continuation of the Mattel 12" Batman and Mattel 12" DC Superheroes line.
Series One
The first Giants of Justice were released practically unannounced. As soon as the line was mentioned by Mattel, they were already showing up in Toys "R" Us locations and eBay.
Batman (costume repainted gray and blue)
Batman (variant, costume repainted gray and black)
