[hrothgars]

I know this approach isn't for everybody, but the early to mid 1980's cartoons were right in my wheel house. People collect how they want to collect, but I have been focusing on completing a roster from the various incarnations of the 1980-1985 seasons of The Super Friends, as follows:

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LEGION OF DOOM

Lex Luthor - Here, there are numerous options. Most of the Luthor figures use the "battlesuit" DC SuperHeroes mold if I am not mistaken, including the figures from the Kryptonite Chaos 2-pack, and the MOTU Skeletor 2-pack. The only version which mimics closely the early SF character is the figure from the Gotham City 5-pack. He is a tad too tall, but he is the best available option at this point.

Sinestro - What a colossal disaster the various Sinestro figures have been! The early Wave 3 "classics" version was a bit vertically challenged. The Sinestro Corps variant has been pricey, and doesn't reflect any of the characteristics of the 80's cartoon character other than the head. The DC Classics 5-pack includes him from a period when he was still one of the good guys. That leaves the Thaal Sinestro vs. Hal Jordan 2-pack version. I like this figure. He is taller, his costume has some metallic coloring and is true to the cartoon version, and he comes with three different ring construct accessories. $35 is a bit much to ask for the 2-pack, but the Sinestro figure doesn't disappoint.

Black Manta - There are two obvious choices, the DCUC Wave 2 version (black suit/red eyes) and the Undersea Assault 2-pack version (purple rubberized suit / gold eyes). With a quick repaint of the eyes, I think the Wave 2 version is probably more appropriate, but darn if that rubberized wetsuit isn't so super cool. I am sticking with the 2-pack version, though I am likely wrong on this one.

Cheetah - This figure looked out-dated even in the 1980's, but the "classic" variant from DCUC Wave 13 seems to capture the right look.

Brainiac - There are a few Brainiac options. There is the History of the DC Universe figure with the cool ray gun, though I am not crazy about the face/head on this fig. There is the earlier Ross Justice figure in the white lab-coat. There is also the DC SuperHeroes robot version. Of all the versions, the Brainiac figure from the Clash in the Cosmos 2-pack looks to be the best representation of the early Super Friends character, to my eye. I don't own one yet, but he is on my list. His gun does suck compared to the vintage looking "History" version, however, IMO.

Toyman - I very much like the marionette-version of Toyman in the DC Direct Justice series, but I imagine he is a smidge too tall for placement with DCUC figs. Can anyone confirm? I think I will await the DCUC version coming in Summer 2011 in Wave 18.

The Riddler - There are two different Riddlers molds in the DCUC series. I much prefer the Wave 16 version.

Giganta - I think this one is easy, it's the DCUC BAF C&C figure. I sometimes wish the Gentleman Ghost scalpers would be a little more forthcoming with the head and lower torso pieces, but such is life. Are there other versions?

Gorilla Grodd - The Alex Ross Justice figure has fur and a good looking snarl, while the DC Direct Flash's Rouge's Gallery figure has the contemplative skull and calipers, but I do prefer the DCUC BAF C&C version. He is appropriately sized and his arms are very poseable.

Solomon Grundy - There is the Alex Ross version, but my pick has to be the BAF C&C figure. He does seem a bit too tall for an otherwise formerly human swamp zombie, but the detailing wins me over.

Captain Cold - The DCUC Wave 7 Cap'n has a slightly different color scheme, not to mention he has a decently human looking complexion versus the light blue skin of the Super Friends version, but this can be resolved with minimal painting. Perhaps a repaint may be in the works in a later release, but Cap'n has been a bit a peg-warmer so I won't hold my breath.

The Scarecrow - The only recent Scarecrow figure is the Blackest Night Yellow Lantern Scarecrow. There are numerous Scarecrow figures across various lines (Dark Knight, Batman Begins, Hush, Dark Victory, etc.) but until a better version comes along, I prefer the DC SuperHeroes Scarecrow.

Bizarro - There have been rumors of an interchangeable-face Superman figure with a Bizarro head and hands. I am not exactly sure how they would address the reversal of the "S" shield on the chest, or Bizarro's pale complexion, but I sure hope a DCUC Bizarro figure one is forthcoming. In the meantime, I use the DC SuperHeroes blue/red Bizarro.

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THE SUPER FRIENDS

Superman - I could try to name all the DCUC variants, but I am sure I would miss a few. And there are even more DC SuperHeroes variants! For one, I think you need to go short hair. '90's mullet Superman is late to the party. But then there are some options. The SuperHeroes figures have very (overly?) muscly torsos. The DCUC figures are likely a shade of blue too dark. This one is a toss up. I would like to see the lighter blue Supes get a wide release and then use one of these.

Wonder Woman - There is only the DCUC Wave 4 figure that I am aware of. Loose the shield and the axe and you're all set. I have seen a few pics of her posed as if she was flying her invisible jet. When did Wonder Woman acquire powers of flight anyways? I saw a DC comic recently where she was flying on her own. Must be like how Batman can breathe is space.

Batman - In keeping with the 1980's theme, I think this is easily the Wave 1 / World's Greatest Hero/ All-Stars Detective version. He has the campy blue/gray color scheme with the black face mask accent. There are various other blue/gray Batman figures from other series including Dc SuperHeroes, but none bring everything together (belt, yellow chest emblem, black mask accents) like the Wave 1 figure.

Robin - The modern variant from DCUC Wave 16 is my choice here, as I believe I read in someone else's blog post, he just looks like he is going to sound like Casey Kasem. Are there other versions worth of mention?

Green Lantern - There are at least 5 iterations of this figure within the DCUC series I am aware of, black shoulders (young) Hal, metallic Hal with white eyes, metallic Hal with beady black eyes, Wave 3 "classics" Hal, and the gray-templed Hal from the Walmart exclusive 5-pack. Wave 3 Hal is likely the proper choice, but I am a big fan of the gray-templed Hal. I am keeping one of each, but I have "old" Hal in the case with my Super Friends figures. This too is probably also the wrong choice, but who am I trying to impress? No one, I promise. I can count the number of people who have seen my action figure collection on one hand.

The Flash - How does The flash run in his giant moon boots? The SF Flash is the Barry Allen version so the standard Wave 7 version is the likely choice. The metallic & gold TRU exclusive is a little out of place for this application, but for some reason, Wave 7 Barry just doesn't look very speedy to me. Also, on my version Flash's ear wings are pointing in different directions (probably from being jammed into the card bubble for so long).

Aquaman - I have only seen the short haired Wave 2 version of this figure and the blue "sea camo" version from Wave 7. The Wave 2 version is one of my favorite figures. Aquaman's orange coloring has a special paint application that shimmers slightly like real fish scales. His wrist and ankle fins are very well placed, as well. I am satisfied with this version. Other than the Black Manta 2-pack, are there other figures worth considering?

Hawkman - I am only aware of the Wave 6 version, but it does not disappoint. Hawkman always seemed to me to be the most intimidating Super Friend hero. He was big and tall with a mask and wings that made him look bigger and taller, and his weapon was a massive mace. I think the Wave 6 figure captures all of this rather well and he looks perfectly in place among the other figures.

Hawkgirl - I am not quite sure whether the version from the Fates Intertwined 2-Pack is exactly the same as the Wave 8 version, but they are the only versions of this figure of which I am aware. The cartoon character's outfit was a bit dated even at the time, so I think this version fits in well.

Apache Chief - It seems to me that Chief was more than just a Super Powers Diversity Squad character. I recall him being in many episodes. Also, there was his stint on Harvey Birdman. I am not aware of any other versions of Apache Chief other than the upcoming Wave 18 BAF C&C figure, which had better be totally rad.

Black Vulcan - Another "Super Powers Diversity Squad" character who got a lot of face time on Birdman. Prototype photos look like he is going to be very cool, especially with the ambient electrical current arcing from his fists, though I wish he had an interchangeable thunderbolt lower-half. Bring on Wave 18!

Samurai - Like Black Vulcan, Samurai should get a tornado lower half to replace his legs. He is a sharp looking figure besides. Can't wait to get this wave.

El Dorado - Probably the least interesting of the "Diversity Squad" characters to me. I was never quite sure what his powers were and he seemed like a total fuddy-dutty / morality police / PSA-spot type character. Admittedly, the Wave 18 fig appears to be a very awesome representation of him.

The Wonder Twins, Zan & Jayna (+ Gleek) - I was completely geeked when these were announced as an SDCC exclusive. Gleek commands a ridiculous price on the open market right now for what amounts to little more than a happy meal toy. Also, the twins' outfits are a shade too dark, but I love this set. I always thought Jayna was a fox. Also, Jayna could turn into a fox, so there is that, too. Zan? "Form of... a puddle of water!" What a lame-o. But, I digress...

The Atom - There is a full-sized DCUC Atom figure with his classic costume, but since its available, I like the mini-Atom figure insert from the Wave 8 Gentleman Ghost figure.

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OTHERS

Firestorm - Ronnie was on the cartoon during this period, but I leave him out of my set, for now. I have him in a box. If I include him, I will need all of the Apokolips figures and they just don't belong mixed in among the Legion of Doom figures.

Cyborg - Same as Ronnie, the DCUC version is an excellent representation of the cartoon figure, but I get the sense that he just doesn't belong without opening up a whole new set of continuity errors in my display case.

Green Arrow - Awesome DCUC figure, but he was only on the cartoon once, to my knowledge, and it was way before I was born.

The Joker - The Joker (and the Penguin) were not included with the other Legion of Doom members because they were previously licensed for use in the separate Batman & Robin cartoon that sometimes crossed-over with Scooby Doo. Another awesome SF fig, though.

Penguin - The Penguin (and the Joker) were not Legion of Doom members, as stated above. The DCUC Penguin figure seems a tad too tall. Maybe just his legs need to be shorter to give him the proper proportions? Still a cool figure for the storage bin.

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I know many Matty collectors will absolutely despise Wave 18 except for the Bronze Tiger and modern Captain Boomerang figures, but I am truly glad that us old timers are being thrown a bone. I would have paid double or even triple (begrudgingly) the regular price for these figures to complete my display case.

Anyone with suggestions / recommendations regarding figure versions that I missed, please feel free to post. I would appreciate the knowledge. Thanks!

[Shin Densetsu]

Dude that is an excellent list. Thanks for posting!