There was a question posited many years ago, back when Jack Nicholson was the first actor to play The Joker in a modern cinematic Batman film… “Where does he get those wonderful toys?” He was speaking, of course, of Batman’s impressive arsenal of gadgets and weaponry, all shown in-action as tools of Michael Keaton’s portrayal of The Caped Crusader in Tim Burton’s 1989 film. While Zack Snyder’s current BATMAN v SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE is divisive (I loved it – read my review here), one point that I always feel is important to note is that what makes these DC Comics characters truly timeless and classic is that they work in many different incarnations across many different media. While it’s my opinion that BVS is not a movie for small children (it’s a harder-edged PG-13), that hardly means that kids are left out – quite the contrary when it comes to the wide assortment of toys that are available. Leading the charge this year is Mattel, who have brought Batman and Superman back into toy aisles in a massive form, and at the centerpiece of their BVS line is the collection of 6″ action figures and vehicles, several of which were sent to Rock Father HQ for review. Over the past month, something has become quite clear – and that’s that The Rock Daughters have incorporated these new versions of these iconic characters into part of every day imaginative play – something massively important… old-school, hands-on, tech-free fun!
The 6-inch Basic Action Figures Assortment: At the heart of the collection are these basic figures, which should run around $9.99 each. There’s several variations, and what they do is take things beyond the basic “movie look” and add in some different costumes, accessories and features that bring additional play value for kids. We were actually sent an entire case pack of these for an edition of UNBOXED, and in the video below you can see how the breakdown appears for the casepack that we received.
For the most traditional-looking variations, kids will want Grapnel Blast Batman, Shield Clash Superman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman. Battle Armor Batman is what you’ll want for the true depiction of the actual Batman v Superman scene! Personally, I really like the Blast Attack Batman, which shows our hero as he appears during his “Knightmare” dream sequence – a trench-coated warrior of an alternate reality.
For even more fun, there’s things like Night Glider Batman, Heat Vision Superman and Heat Shield Batman, and what I’ve seen our youngest daughter do is pretty funny… midway through play, she pauses and does a Batman or Superman voice and says “I will change clothes now,” and then swaps where the figures are standing!
Epic Strike Batmobile: A someone who’s owned quite a few Batmobiles over the years (many Hot Wheels) and sat in a few of the real ones, I have a thing for whatever Bruce happens to be driving each season. While Mattel’s version for 6″ figures doesn’t nail the accuracy (Spin Master’s RC has that down), it has the play factor and durability you want, and at a reasonable price. In fact, I’d imagine the accuracy (particularly the front “open wheel” styling) of the film version was sacrificed specifically with durability in mind.
There’s dual blasters at the front of the car, with break-away panels should Superman get angry again, and one driver can be seated in the cockpit. According to my daughters, “Wonder Woman is the best driver.” They weren’t amused when I sat her down on a table and said that she was riding inside of Mattel’s new BATMAN v SUPERMAN Invisible Jet Playset.
Voice Changer Helmet: According to my wife, “this is the worst toy ever.” Translation: this thing is awesome, and kids and daddy love it! Her problem? It’s loud and creepy sounding! What we love? It’s loud and creepy sounding! Put on the mask (which fits kids and adults), and in addition to lights and movie sounds, it does have a voice modulator to disguise those vocal chords from evildoers.
Hot Wheels: There’s a bunch of different vehicles and playsets available, but we picked-up the Walmart-exclusive series of cars numbered 1-7, with an eighth “chase car” available. At 94¢, you can’t pass these up! Multiple versions of the new Batmobile are also available in different sizes. We bought the normal $1 “mainline” edition.
For the younger kids…
Mattel’s Fisher-Price has a TON of DC Comics items available, and while we don’t have any of the brand-new items, we do have the Little People, which Finn plays with regularly. Enjoy this picture of BATMAN v. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF CUTENESS, and check out all the JUSTICE LEAGUE goodness over at the Fisher-Price website.
From Little People to Imaginext (a line we’re quite fond of) to Power Wheels ride-ons, they have everything.
For the older kids: From collector’s edition Barbie doll versions of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, to higher-priced “Multiverse” action figures, Mattel Shop has a lot of options for older kids and adult collectors.
BATMAN v SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE – Directed by Zack Snyder. Starring Oscar winner Ben Affleck (“Argo”) as Batman/Bruce Wayne and Henry Cavill (“Man of Steel,” “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”) as Superman/Clark Kent, along with Oscar nominees Amy Adams (“American Hustle,” “Man of Steel”) as Lois Lane, Jesse Eisenberg (“The Social Network”) as Lex Luthor, Diane Lane (“Unfaithful,” “Man of Steel”) as Martha Kent, and Laurence Fishburne (“What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Man of Steel”) as Perry White; Oscar winners Jeremy Irons (“Reversal of Fortune”) as Alfred, and Holly Hunter (“The Piano”) as Senator Finch; and Gal Gadot (the “Fast and Furious” films) as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince.
Now playing in theaters everywhere. Get tickets now via Fandango.
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