2015 Hot Wheels Brave and the Bold Variants

Hot(wheels) on the heels of my last Hot Wheels Batmobile post, and almost as if Mattel got wind of my distaste for the Brave and the Bold Batmobile's ugly rims and blue scallops, Hot Wheels has released a new variant with black paint, red scallops and MUCH better looking wheels/rims!

Hot Wheels releases running variants often, so I don't think either is more rare than the other. But usually the first variation is harder to find because they stop shipping it when they start with the new variation. So if you prefer the uglier version, you better get to the eye doctor, and after that get to searchin' the Hot Wheels aisles!

The cars are both labeled the same: 2015 HW City 63/250, but as you can see the card art reflects the car color/trim/rims. I cropped the pic, but you can also see that the 'Hot Wheels Showdown Game' graphic is different up there in the left corner. So MOC collectors have some variations to keep their eyes out for too. Personally I'm just glad to have each version of this Brave and the Bold Batmobile, as it is one of my favorite Batmobiles of all time. And it looks far better in red and black than in the blues!

Ugh these rims! Even Jason Todd wouldn't touch those monstrosities!

Ahhh, that's more like it!

Hot Wheels Batmobiles

I used to be much more into Hot Wheels than I am today. I try to keep that corner of my collection under control these days and greatly limit my purchases, but for around a dollar I can't pass up a Hot Wheel Batmobile that I don't already own.

I can still remember when Hot Wheels first released the '89 Batmobile way back in 2004. I was very into Hot Wheels at that time, and Batmobile merchandise was pretty much sparse to non-existent. So finding a new toy Batmobile - for around a dollar - made me a bit crazy and I vowed to buy every one I saw at retail until I owned one hundred of them.

I've moved about six or seven times since then, and my Hot Wheels and Batmobiles collection remains boxed up to this day, so I honestly cannot tell you if I ever reached that goal. (Although I don't think I ever passed one up at retail, so I nailed that part of my personal goal.) But I can comfortably say that I came close, and with all the variations on that standard black '89 Batmobile made to date, I'd not be surprised if I surpassed it by a comfortable margin.

This '89 Batmobile in chrome with yellow trim is a 2015 release on shelves now. It is part of the HW City sub-theme and is numbered 62/250. I generally don't like Batmobiles that aren't black or blue, but this car does look hot in this muted chrome livery.

This black with red trim '89 Batmobile is also a 2015 HW City sub-theme number 62/250 and on shelves now. I may have one of these already that Jon from Robot Monster Space Superhero sent to me a few months back. But when it comes to one dollar Hot Wheels Batmobiles it is better to err on the side of 'I NEED it' when I see it. The red trim works as something Batman might have actually added to the Batmobile, and the red windshield looks nice and menacing.

When the Brave and the Bold Batmobile was first released in 2010 I also went a little overboard. I didn't aim at owning a hundred of them, but I probably have about ten if not more. The Brave and the Bold is one of my favorite representations of Batman, and the Batmobile design is definitely one of my top ten favorite Batmobiles of all time. This is a 2015 HW City sub-theme release numbered 63/250 and is the first variant of the 2010 cartoon accurate version made (other than cardback and probably wheel variants if any.)

And while the purist in me thinks it looks ridiculous with the eighties-ish blue scallop trim and ugly rims the car itself is incredibly sexy and again - just a dollar - so I bought it. Plus, as is not always the case, this Hot Wheels version is proportionally correct to the cartoon version while most other toy versions of this Batmobile made were not. I think Eaglemoss makes a 1:24 version that's screen accurate, but that's about it. So I love it!

All these Hot Wheels Batmobiles are on store shelves now, so go out there and hope I didn't hit the store before you. Because when it comes to Batmobiles - I'll buy that for a dollar!!!

Action League Brave and the Bold Batmobile

We awoke to go garage sale-ing the other day, only to find the sky full of foggy wet drizzle. But knowing at least one of our planned stops was an indoor rummage sale, we went anyways. Thankfully we did, because there actually were a few people having garage sales, and they were as surprised by the weather as we were - so much so, they just wanted their wet stuff gone. That's how I got this Action League Batmobile for free!

Well technically it might have cost me a nickel or so, the guy just said to take whatever we wanted for a dollar, and we ended up loading a couple bags of toys for my intern and her cousin.

When I returned home I tossed in my own Imaginext Batman to see how well he'd work in it, and he fits quite well; although now it's a one-seater instead of two! Also, I only have one or two Action League figures and they never really did anything for me. I'm not a big fan of the style their aesthetic.

But the Brave and the Bold Batmobile is one of my all time favorite Batmobile designs! This version is slightly stylized - there's an open cockpit instead of the double-bubbles as it appeared in the cartoon, plus it's a little bit stumpy. But it still looks great with an Imaginext Batman on board!

It's a little dusty and has a few scrapes and dings from being played with, but that just means I will have no problem letting my intern play with it, or me playing with it when we have adventures together! Vroom vroom!

Justice League Batman Action Figure :: Post 'Brave and the Bold' Batman

The Batman: The Brave and the Bold cartoon was incredible. One of my favorite iterations of Batman and his pals of all time. The action figure line had a lot of potential, and even the silly 'hex hole' action feature, in retrospect, isn't as bad as some action features throughout toy history. Like the current movement of appendage-swapping that Hasbro and Playmates both seem to have picked up on.

Regardless, the cartoon only lasted three seasons. Which meant the toyline also didn't run for very long. A few promised characters never made it to the toy aisles, and I'm still bitter about that.

But wait...the toyline still lives...of a sort. As a Target exclusive, and re-branded as simply 'Justice League', there have been a handful of figures released over the past couple years - mostly 'New 52' re-colored versions of Batman, Superman, Flash etc...but also original releases like Hawkman and Wonder Woman. And all of them have been re-sculpted to remove the hex-hole feature that so divided the toy collecting community.

Anyways, being bitter about the end of the Batman: the Brave and the Bold line proper and the loss of promised characters like Gentleman Ghost, I have pretty much ignored the re-branded line at retail. It helps that Wonder Woman was only available in a multi figure set that cost around fifty dollars, and that Hawkman is impossible to find on the shelves. Sometimes ridiculous toy company marketing decisions save me a lot of money.

But I found this New-52 version of Batman at the flea market and couldn't pass him up for under a buck. His belt is a little off center, and that appears to be a common problem with these guys, so...whatever. I'm no fan of the costume lines and lack of outer-underwear either, but I just see this as a Brave and the Bold costume variant with some sort of story relevant reasoning, so I can accept it.

I do love the Brave and the Bold aesthetic and the head-sculpt is just perfect fifties Dick Sprang Batman made real, so the figure is great even if I am still sad that the cartoon is no longer on the air.

Joker, have you been working out?

I was perusing eBay the other day when I came across this literal monstrosity, available from a Hong Kong seller:

Simply the Brave and the Bold Pop Gun Joker (which I still don't have and am now reminded how badly I need it!) head slapped onto the Zombie Hitman Solomon Grundy (one of the best action figures ever based on name alone!) body, the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts when they come together in this mad fashion! The conglomeration reminds me of the Venom infused Joker from the Arkham Asylum video game in the Brave and the Bold style. And I like it!

Apparently the seller has actually sold six of these, with four remaining available as of press time. I admit I am tempted if for the sheer absurdity of the figure alone. I am also curious how this thing came to be - I don't yet own a Brave and the Bold Joker so I couldn't even say for sure if the head-swap is simple and seamless, or if the seller had to do some cutting, gluing or other adjustments to make it work. And why does the seller have ten Joker heads and ten Solomon Grundy bodies? And what compelled them to swap them all and make them available on eBay?

Enquiring minds want to know!

I See a Red Tornado and I Want It Painted Black Manta

I've owned both the Brave and the Bold Red Tornado and Black Manta for years, and although I've already posted about Black Manta, I have never posted about Red Tornado until now.

I believe Red Tornado came to my via Jboy of Revenge From the Cosmic Ark fame. He sent him along with a ton of other goodies years ago, and I just never got around to making a post about him. Thanks Jboy!

I found Black Manta at the flea market years ago. He's one of the nicest B and the B figures because there's absolutely zero parts re-use. His toy design is exactly like his toon design, and a neat design it is.

Every piece is unique to Black Manta on this action figure, or at least they all started that way. Not sure if they later re-used any of these pieces for other figures.

Both of these figures were boxed up for a couple years, and each suffered from that weird dusting that Mattel plastic often gets. I tried to wipe as much of it off as I could, but sometimes it's tough to get in the little detail areas. Anyways, back to old Reddy:

Red Tornado is a good action figure, but his characterization on the Brave and the Bold cartoon was never really my favorite. He's not a figure I would have searched out on my own when the line was new, which is why I am glad he was given to me. I felt the same way about the Atom at the time, and sort of wish I had him now. So I am sure I would regret not having Red Tornado if I didn't own him today. Funny how that goes, isn't it?

His weapon of course attaches to all those hex holes he and his B and the B pals have. It can be spun like a top or flung like a disc, so it's cool and character relevant. Of course I do like his cloth cape too. Cloth capes rule!

RT does have a neat and colorful aesthetic, and that face is very robotic and emotionless.

Like Colin over at Super Duper Toy Box, I have been feeling nostalgic for The Brave and the Bold recently. I'm glad I picked up many of the best when they were new, and have been lucky enough to find a few more with relative ease on the secondary market. I even picked up another half season of the show on DVD and am remembering just how awesome the cartoon was. I sure do wish it had been more successful and had lasted longer, not to mention wishing that it had spawned more unique characters in the toyline! Every time a new or different character pops on screen I think 'He/She would make a GREAT action figure!'

Alas, it was not meant to be.

Brave and the Bold Stealth Strike Riddler

Another tough to find villain has joined my Batman: Brave and the Bold ranks: This time in the form of The Riddler!

The Riddler came out when the line was dying dead as part of the final 'Stealth Strike' assortment. He was the only non-repaint-Batman of that wave, so he was short packed and sold out relatively quick. I did see him on the shelves once or twice but didn't bite, and I regretted that decision until I was finally able to find a mint specimen (sans accessory) for super cheap on eBay!

His design is straightforward and simple like all the Brave and the bold figures, and he of course has those crazy hex holes on his arms, legs and back, but I just love his head sculpt! Whatta widow's peak!

The Riddler makes a great addition to my growing Brave and the Bold rogues gallery, which also includes Despero, Gorilla Grodd, Black Manta, Metallo, and Solomon Grundy!

Random Toy Pic :: Bat Necklace

Batman feels pretty, oh so pretty.

Toyriffic's resident intern took it upon herself to accessorize Batman today. Pretty good color coordination skills there!

Despero :: Batman: The Brave and the Bold

Another Brave and the Bold villain joins the ranks as Despero arrives at Toyriffic Headquarters!

Released in a two pack with a black/grey Batman and never appearing anywhere near me when at retail, this Despero finally comes to my collection via a trade with Retro Toy Safari. Thanks LeAnne!

He also originally came with a sword accessory, but he never wielded a sword in the cartoon that I recall, and a sword isn't a canon weapon for Despero, so I am fine with not having it. Especially since I never thought I'd gain a Brave and the Bold Despero to begin with!

Despero is a great figure - he's unique to the line in that he has a plastic cape, his belt is unique to him and not just painted on, and his three-eyed head sculpt is top notch and the perfect match to his appearance on the episode 'The Eye of Despero!'

My intern was a little unsure of this intergalactic despot at first...

...but he proved harmless in the end.

I also recently gained a new Brave and the Bold Batman! This one has a little play wear and no accessories, but I like the red trim. Not sure what version this Batman was originally marketed as. EDIT: He was part of the Cyber-Tank set that also included a Blue Beetle action figure - thanks Colin!

But he's a cool looking Brave and the Bold Batman, and that's all that matters to me!

Blue Beetle :: Brave and the Bold Style

The Brave and the Bold action figure line released a few versions of the 'new' Blue Beetle Jaime Reyes during it's short run, each with slight paint mods. This one originally came in a two pack with Kanjar Ro and I believe was given to me by Jboy of Revenge From the Cosmic Ark years ago.

I liked Jaime's characterization in the show and think his Blue Beetle is a great character as well, so I am glad to have a Brave and the Bold version of him in my collection. The 'hex holes' concept really works for his mech-suit-like Blue Beetle costume, as he was constantly 'transforming' or creating weapons with his suit in the show.

As with Metallo, I wouldn't consider Blue Beetle one of the best of the line, but he's a good figure and a great character and I imagine he appealed to kids quite a bit, which is probably why Mattel saw fit to release him so many times.

Brave and the Bold Metallo

When I put together my post on my favorite (non-Batman) Brave and the Bold action figures,  I really wanted to include Metallo.

From a character design perspective, he's beautiful. 'Beeautiful' in that mad Silver Age 'every color on one costume' way, but beautiful nonetheless. The Brave and the Bold Metallo represents the Pre-Crisis Roger C. Corbin, who took up the mantel (if not his fashion sense) of his brother, the first Metallo, after John Corbin's apparent death.

Visually, this 'action figure' is a force to behold. He even has a cool action feature similar to that of the Battle Armor He-Man and Skeletor of the eighties...

Push in on his chest window and it spins to show cracks...

...more cracks...

...and finally, Kryptonite!

Sadly, as awesome as all of that is, I just couldn't include Metallo in my Brave and the Bold 'Best of.' His great Kryptonite Heart action feature is shadowed by his terribly thought-out (if thought-out at all) left arm which is stuck permanently in 'left turn' mode. His grasping left hand would have been fine on a normal arm, but it's obnoxiously large and just hangs out in space always into infinity. If the arm had a joint to swivel it forward it would have been fine too. Sadly, it just sits there, forever pointing East.

Finally, his body is hollow lightweight plastic akin to a Happy meal toy and just feels cheap. I've considered taking him apart and flipping the arm around so it rests on his hip but I'm worried if I take him apart (he's simply held together by a handful of screws!) his Kryptonite heart will go 'sproing!', therefore I have yet to do so. I imagine when apart I could also fill his hollow legs with some clay or something to weigh him down so he doesn't feel so light and top-heavy, but again the effort just doesn't seem worth it at the moment.

I found Metallo at the flea market and paid around a quarter for him (maybe fifty cents) but would not have purchased him at full price. He's a mediocre toy at best, due to his arm's positioning. Sort of a 'one hit wonder' toy - he can...hold...someone...? Yay, for like a minute, then boredom sets in.

He's visually wonderful, yes, and as a statue of cheap plastic he fits the bill, but that arm really detracts from him being a mere display piece.

If you are an artist, maybe you can use him as a brush holder or something at your art station.

Best of the Brave and the Bold

With the recent release of Target's exclusive Brave and the Bold inspired New 52 Justice League action figures, I've been reminiscing about the original Brave and the Bold action figure line and some of it's great stand-out figures. While the line was Batman-centric of course, I tend to gravitate towards the oddball character in this and other lines that dare to push the boundaries when it comes to enrollment. Here are four personal favorites:

B'wana Beast. This guy is great for so many reasons, not the least of which being the fact that women tend to gravitate towards this figure whenever he's around. Seriously, pile a bunch of action figures on your table, invite a girl over, and see where her attention goes. It'll be straight at the guy in the loin cloth. It happened with my wife when I set these and other toys out to photograph, and it'll happen for you. B'Wana Beast: Chick Magnet.

I used to own the JLU B'wana Beast but sold him to someone far more into the JLU action figure series than I. Also, I like this version better, due in large part to his characterization on the Brave and the Bold cartoon. That snaggletooth helps too. I found this B'Wana Beast on the shelves way back in 2010.

I also found Gorilla Grodd in 2010, but this one was at the flea market. I just love his massive stature. Bonus: no hex holes! Grodd has been available in a couple sets, and I still see him on shelves with a Superman and Batman packed in to this day. I own the JLU Grodd as well, and have no plans of letting loose of him any time soon!

Plastic Man is just awesome, always. I've had this one since 2009. He was a birthday gift from my sister. The hex holes make a little more sense for this guy, since he can change his body's shape at will.More Plastic Man themed accessories would have been nice though, as it is he only came with a massive hand (not shown here.) Then again, getting a bunch of Brave and the Bold accessories and painting them Plastic Man colors would make for a pretty epic custom! Those red and flesh toned pieces could be placed all over Plas, like he's morphing into all sorts of nifty things! If I ever find random B and the B accessories, I'm picking them up and doing just that!

I also hadn't realized until this shoot that Plas does not have a hex hole in his back. Probably because of his neck's extendo-action-feature, which is pretty cool and reminiscent of his Super Powers action figure, which I I do not own, nor do I own the JLU Plastic Man action figure for that matter.

Last but certainly not alive, this big baddy is Solomon Grundy. I obtained Grundy in early 2010, and although I simply HAD to open him up because he looks so COOL I really loved the fact that on card it called him 'Zombie Hitman Solomon Grundy.'

Best. Toy. Name. Ever.

Wish I had nabbed an extra to keep carded, but at least I took pictures!

I also do not own a JLU Solomon Grundy, because for some idiotic reason he was a con exclusive. I also do not own a DCUC Solomon Grundy because I couldn't find Nightwing at retail, so I never completed his C and C.

DAMN YOU MATTEL!!!

Oh well, this Zombie Hitman Brave and the Bold version is tops and one of my favorite action figures of all time. Such a dapper dead man, with a tommy-gun to boot!

While we're damning Mattel, let's look at some proposed Brave and the Bold figures that never happened (but should have!)

The Faceless Hunter! This guy would have made a fun action figure. Although I would have made sure B'Wana came out on top, unlike their cartoon encounter!

Flash made it to retail - barely. Who knows how many made it out to a handful of Mattel stores, but he doesn't show up on the aftermarket very often (if ever). He also had scalloped gloves like Batman for some reason (which may be why the figure was scrapped?) Anyways, an updated Flash is finally seeing release now as part of Target's new line - sans hex holes, roller blades, and scalloped gloves, but with all those extra Jim Lee lines all over his costume. You can't win 'em all.

And finally, Gentleman Ghost! This figure was one I was really anticipating. He would have been cast in clear plastic for the most part, and would have had a ghostly head too! What a shame he never made it to retail.

There were also a couple figures I missed that I regret not buying and may chase after someday, including Joker, Sportsmaster, Green Arrow and the hard to find later released Riddler. Hopefully some of these pop up at the flea market for cheap!

But enough living in the past - for a great close-up look at the brand new single figures being sold at Target right now (sans hex holes) head on over to Super-Duper Toy Box: He has Batman, Superman, Green Lantern and Flash!