Toys / Comics to Toys

Mattel Toy's Infinite Heroes

By Randy Herkowitz
July 8, 2008 - 07:18

Through the years, I can’t say we’ve ever had a shortage of superhero toys but until DC Direct stepped onto the scene ten years ago, DC Superhero action figures were relatively limited to Batman and Batman related characters.  Mattel Toys and DC Comic Books have recently come to an agreement to open the vault of DC Superheroes to Mattel Toys and thus far they are doing a bang up job.



Mattel Toys are continuing the Justice League Unlimited series of action figures through Target stores exclusively.  Mattel Toys are also just getting started with their excellent series of Marvel Legends like action figures designed and sculpted by the popular “Four Horsemen” team for the DC Universe series.  Mattel Toys still continue the many series’ of Batman action figures as well.

Recently announced by Mattel toys will be a brand new series of DC action figures called “Infinite Heroes”. Infinite Heroes’ figures will be released in single packs, three packs and six packs.  This should create quite the impression and significant shelf space in the action figure isle.



This line will be an expansive series of 3 ¾” action figures with standard articulation at the head, shoulders, elbows, legs and knees.  However, the articulation is not consistent as it appears some figures will have more pose ability than others.  The line sounds like a dream come true for me as I am a confessed collector of 3 ¾” action figures.

With the rise of Petroleum, this only seems like a smart move for action figure companies to downsize the scale of their action figures.  We as collectors may see less of the enormous scaled action figures that have been popular over the last ten years.  As I said, I am happy with this as it allows collecting the full set easier both with display and storage space and price.  A 3 ¾” figure is a lot easier to find space for than a seven inch figure that’s for sure.

 

Mattel Toys have released pictures of their “Infinite Heroes” series and one thing is certain, these are not designed by the Four Horsemen.  To be as honest and blunt as I can be, they are rather a disappointment.  They look more like DC Comics series of Pocket Superheroes than detailed action figures to me.  I do understand that these are early pictures but as the release date have grown closer, more pictures continue to be released and the figures still look sub-par.  

This is an incredible letdown for me for many reasons; they are adding some wonderful obscure characters I always wanted to see in plastic. I love the 3 3/4” scale and Mattel has been slowly proving to be a real contender in the action figure market.  I’m starting to believe that without the Four Horsemen, Mattel Toys would not be where they are today.



There is always an advantage to the lack of satisfaction the Infinite Heroes series is proving to be.  It will save me a lot of money that is already being poured into other great toy series lining the action figure isles.  

I am not being negative just to be a grumpy ol’ pessimist but when small toy companies like Mezco can make a remarkable 3 ¾” action figure of Hellboy and his supporting cast at about five dollars each, you’d think the large toy corporation like Mattel Toys could produce a better product.  Mattel Toys could have even shrunk down the molds of the awesome DC Universe figures and gone from there.  However, if they did go that route, they wouldn’t be able to pump up such a large collection of characters as quickly.



If I am to find a positive with the creation of the Infinite Heroes action figures other than the scale it would be the vast array of characters Mattel Toys are making.  It’s not just Superman, Batman and their common enemies but figures are being made such as: Guy Gardner, Adam Strange, Captain Marvel, The Atom, Commissioner Gordon, Mirror Master and many more.  

One thing I have learned about action figure collecting in all my years is never judge a product by a sheer picture.  Until I have one in my hand, I can’t make a final analysis. I hope the pictures are still in a prototype stage and the final products are as good as they should be, even if it puts a greater dent in my financial spending.

Last Updated: July 21, 2024 - 13:40