Our own Tony Bacala attended a DC Comics interview session at San Diego Comic-Con 2019. There he got a chance to talk toys and collectibles a bit with Jim Fletcher from DC Collectibles, who is a designer on lines like DC Bombshells, and the DC Core statues. They were also joined by Spawn creator Todd McFarlane of McFarlane Toys. DC action figure fans have been eagerly anticipating what McFarlane Toys will do with the DC Comics license, and have also been wondering what the future holds for DC Collectibles. Below, I’ve summarized what was talked about. There’s some great info from DC Collectibles, where Jim Fletcher clears up a lot of misinformation out there pertaining to some of the action figure lines.
DC Collectibles
- All current lines are continuing for now. Specifically mentioned Essentials, Batman Animated Series, all current statue lines.
- DC Essentials is NOT cancelled (contrary to reports). On a bit of a hiatus after the next wave. Was originally planned to be a limited line, but sold better than expected, so they are now working to continue and have characters in development.
- Batman Animated Figures will see some reissues of the older figures to get those in the hands of people just coming into the line, but a lot of new additions are planned.
- Working with Paul Dini to re-write bios for the Batman Animated Figures, as if the show had continued going.
- Going to eventually shift Animated series to mostly characters who never appeared in the show (like Deathstroke), which is why they say “The Adventure Continues”.
- Asked if they plan to do more of the super articulated DC Prime 9″ Tall Figure (like Batman). They would love to, but want to see how well Batman sells. They do have designs ready if they do continue.
- Specifically mentions the DC Lucha Explosiva line is NOT cancelled. It is being retooled to be more extensive, with story, bringing in more artists for updating the character designs.
Todd McFarlane
- For the most part, he couldn’t say much due to current licensees still having product out, and coming for 2019.
- McFarlane Toys has a 3-year contract for figures.
- Todd himself wants to make sure they do as loyal and good a job as possible. Want them to be as accurate to source material (and the artists) as they can be. Wants to make sure they are amazingly detailed figures.
- Does want to a bit of his own spin, if allowed by DC Comics/WB. But wants to build up trust with them first.
CompaniesMcFarlaneDC Collectibles
Sub-LineDC MultiverseDC Animated Series (Modern 6 Inch)