“Greetings, Bat Fans!”
Debuting on CBS in February 1977, The New Adventures of Batman was a joint venture between Filmation and DC Comics that looked to effectively continue the crime-fighting exploits of Gotham’s Dynamic Duo. Featuring the voice talents of Adam West, Burt Ward, Melendy Britt, Lennie Weinrib, and Lou Scheimer, the animated series ran for a total of 16 episodes and inspired future incarnations of the Caped Crusader as depicted by Bruce Timm and James Tucker.
McFarlane Toys is bringing these classic characters back to life with a wave of action figures based on the short-lived Saturday morning cartoon. Scheduled for retail release in February, these all-new offerings expand McFarlane’s DC Retro brand and utilize basic body types from the six-inch Batman TV line to successfully recreate seven of the show’s most notable characters.
First up is Batman. A playboy billionaire by day, Bruce Wayne lives without financial worry, a loyal butler-turned-guardian, and the perfect base of operations in the ancient network of caves beneath his family’s sprawling estate. By night, however, Bruce dons cape and cowl and takes to the shadowy streets, skies, and rooftops of Gotham City as The Batman. Adorned in his classic blue-and-grey costume, this version of Bruce Wayne’s fearless alter ego features 12 points of articulation and includes Batarang and Bat-radio accessories.
Joining the World’s Greatest Detective is Robin. Dick Grayson is a skilled acrobat and the youngest member of a death-defying circus act who vowed revenge in the wake of his parents’ cold-blooded murder. Seeing a piece of himself in the boy, Bruce took him in and gave him a better outlet for his anger. As Batman’s sidekick, Dick is both a skilled fighter, loyal protégé, a beacon of hope, and family throughout the Dark Knight’s grim crusade. Dressed in his seminal red and green costume, McFarlane’s new Robin figure includes a fabric cape and 12 points of articulation. Batarang and Bat-radio accessories are also included.
The Dynamic Duo expands to become the Bat Family with Batgirl. One of many guardian angels watching over the mean streets of Gotham, Barbara Gordon has become an expert at existing between two worlds — her life at home as the only daughter of Police Commissioner James Gordon and her life swinging from gargoyles as an associate of the Dark Knight. Wearing her classic blue-and grey-costume and sporting a fabric cape and 12 points of articulation, McFarlane’s new figure includes both a Batarang and a pair of Bat-cuffs to aid her in battling the nefarious ne’er-do-wells of Gotham City.
Up next is the Joker. In a city overrun with larger-than-life criminals, the always-laughing Clown Prince Of Crime stands alone. Devoid of a moral compass, with a name and origin shrouded in mystery, the Joker is characterized by his chalk-white skin, green hair, and a permanent rictus grin. Featuring 12 points of articulation and dressed in a gaudy purple suit, this plastic rendition of Batman’s most fiendish foe also includes a newspaper accessory.
A rather unique version of the Riddler is also on the way. Featured at a time when Filmation did not have the rights to include the character in its cartoon, McFarlane’s figure pays homage to this one-of-a-kind take on Edward Nygma thanks to his one-off pink jumpsuit and matching cane. Possessing a genius-level intellect, this all-new Riddler figure features 12 points of articulation and is a fun look back to a time when two different DC cartoons employing Batman and Robin (the other being Hanna Barbera’s far more fondly remembered Super Friends) aired at the same time!
Rounding out the posse is a fun two-pack featuring Commissioner Gordon and Bat-Mite. As one of the Dark Knight’s greatest allies, GCPD Commissioner Gordon works closely with the Bat Family to keep the streets of Gotham clean of crime and corruption. By comparison, the well-meaning Ergo imp known simply as Bat-Mite often finds himself creating more problems for the Caped Crusader — this despite considering himself Batman’s biggest fan! Gordon comes dressed in his unmistakable brown suit, dark-rimmed glasses, and features 12 points of articulation.
Each of these figures makes use of the basic body types seen in the six-inch Batman TV line making them smaller in comparison to the main DC Multiverse assortment. With their smaller size, they will not only fit right alongside other DC Retro figures, they will also be able to make full use of the brand’s sizable range of vehicles and playsets — a considerable bonus, if you ask this writer!
Slated for release in February with a price tag of just $17.99 USD each, The New Adventures Of Batman figures from McFarlane Toys are available for pre-order now through a number of different retailers.
Are you excited to jump back into the Bronze Age of Batman?
