In 2003 Mattel debuted the new Justice League figures based on the new animated TV series. The original six Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Batman, Superman, Martian Manhunter and The Flash were released with blue bases that spelled out “JUSTICE LEAGUE” and Lenticular Cards of the character. Very shortly thereafter, Hawk Girl joined the line up with a “blank” base. In addition both Batman and Superman came in all black suits with the base and the card as well.
The original figures only had 5 points of articulation and the first few waves of figures were loaded with play value as the line was mostly aimed at kids. Themed Series of figures like Attack Armor, Cyber Defenders, Mission Vision and Morph Gear packed a figure and lots of accessories. Mission Vision doubled the articulation to 10 POA adding elbows, knees and waist movement to the main male figures.
By the end of 2004 the line had expanded from Justice League to Justice League Unlimited the same way the TV show had. This meant more than just variants of Batman, Superman and Green Lantern figures. Amazo, Red Tornado, Starman, Elongated Man and other DC Characters slowly started to appear.
The figures were available in singles as well as three packs. Most three packs had two previous figures, usually Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman or Green Lantern in them as well as an all-new figure. Slowly the series started to change. There were fewer accessories in the single packs and no accessories in the three packs. The series standardized on a handful of 5 POA body bucks that could be reused for different characters. Slowly, the line moved from being aimed at kids to being aimed at collectors.
Steel, Wildcat, Copperhead, Dr. Fate, Dr. Light, Mirror Master, Vixen and Waverider were among the figures that followed. Some of these characters never had been made into an action figure before. Dove, Hawk, Booster Gold, Atom Smasher and Aztec continued the line as Mattel became the first company besides DC Direct to tap into the deep reserve of DC characters.
The line continues into 2008, although it looks to have transitioned to the occasional Target exclusive six packs. Attack From Apokalips is the next six pack due up soon with Forager, Darkseid, Lashina, Mantis, Mr. Miracle and Superman. The larger DC Universe and smaller Infinite Heroes figures will take up most of Mattel’s time and shelf space this year as Justice League Unlimited slowly fades away. Justice League was the Super Powers of our time and will surely be remembered that way for many years to come.
Here are a just a few of the many JL/JLU figures released over the years. What’s your favorite, and what do you think about the line?
RE: Justice League Figures Turn Five This Year -
Posted on 25-07-2008 20:24
Great retrospective, thanks for posting this! And it's always nice seeing pics of your collection. But could you please put Barda on an extra stand or something so she isn't shorter than Aquaman?
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