As most Batman toy collectors of a certain age know, DC Collectibles have recently released the first figures of their highly anticipated Batman line based on the Batman: The Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Animated Series, but whether or not I’m all-in with this line remains to be seen. Batman became the line’s first release and he did not disappoint. IF you haven’t already, be sure to check out the most excellent Fwoosh review here.
Today we’ll be checking out Catwoman as seen in Batman: The Animated Series.
I’m always a fan of box packaging, but going with the blister cards on this line was a good move on DCC’s part. It’s nicely designed and shows the figure off well, but it also gives that hint of nostalgia without going full retro. This is a line showcasing designs from a 20-year-old cartoon, so nostalgia is going to play a big part of its success. I’m just glad they kept it classy.
Just like the animated design, one of the major appeals of this figure is its sleek simplicity. You aren’t going to be wowed by tiny intricate details because there really aren’t any. The look of the animated design is captured perfectly in this figure. The delicate facial features are there, and while the costume is a simple bodysuit, Catwoman maintains her character’s sexuality — even if it is the PG rated version. I know some fans are rumbling about the mixing of New Batman and Animated Series designs. On screen, the differences are pretty noticeable. In plastic form, however, they blend quite seamlessly in my eyes, and I’m not going to have any trouble displaying them all together.
The paintwork is as simple as the sculpt and is mostly good. The face has a few scuff marks on it, but other than that, everything is neat and clean. Most importantly for me, the eyes are straight. The rest of the figure has a few sloppy cuts around the gloves and belts, but it’s really only noticeable when you’re looking for faults.
Just like the Batman from this line, Catwoman has some well-executed points of articulation. DCC has taken great care to not break up the sculpt, but has also given us plenty to play with. Catwoman has a ball-jointed head, pin-and-disc shoulders, swivel elbows, hinged wrists, DCUC-style hips, single-pinned knees, boot cuts, and rocker ankles. My figure was completely free from breakage and all of the joints are nice and tight — perhaps a little too tight in the shoulder area as I had a difficult time in getting her to raise her hands above her head. I’m pretty happy with how this figure moves, but I can’t say I wouldn’t have loved double-jointed kneed and some sort of ab articulation. Catwoman is one of those crouching, acrobatic types that can really benefit from those extra articulation points. One thing to note is that her rear leg movement is hampered by her posterior sculpt. It’s not a huge deal, but it is a limitation.
One thing that has really impressed me with this line so far is the number of accessories we’ve gotten. And not just random guns and energy blasts either — I’m talking really cool ones that are specific to the character. Catwoman comes with her whip, camera, stolen necklace, and two additional sets of hands. She also comes with her cat Isis, who is actually articulated in her legs, tail, and head. Catwoman, like Batman, also comes with a display stand. I don’t typically use stands if I can help it, but as this line has some of the tiniest feet out there, I just might have to.
I grabbed this Catwoman for $20 and I’d say that is an above average value. At first glance, it seems rather expensive given its simple design and well-hidden articulation, but once out of the package, you know where you’re money has gone. This is a really well-done figure, and the number of extra hands and accessories was a really nice surprise. The fact that Isis is articulated is just icing on the cake.
DCC is two for two in this new line, and I’m starting to get that feeling that I might just be all in.
Thanks for reading!
