Raving Toy Maniac & CustomCon 10 Present

Mattel Direct

DC Direct and Mattel have joined forces in an effort to bring the unhibilitated style of the Four Horsemen and Batman together, without having to deal with the regulations and artistic limitations of big chain stores.

Together, they are now Mattel Direct, a toyline aimed at collectors, working exclusively through comic and specialty shops, along with the it's brand new online store and collector club, which includes a number of promotional items and exclusives.

"The idea behind Mattel Direct," says Four Housemen Cornboy, "is that while we appreciated the appeal to kids every where for the Batman character, we

knew there was some stuff we couldn't do because there were no 'bright colors' as the marketing boys like to put it."

"What we're offering will be available at our online shop and comic/specialty stores, "said a Mattel spokesman. "We're offering brand new toys that could never find their way into big chain stores, along with repaints, online exclusives and a few collectors club surprises."

The first wave of toys will hit stores this August and the online shop will be up on August 15the. The first collectors club figure will be avaible in mid-September. Be on the lookout for news on the second wave, scheduled to hit in mid-November.

 Clayface

From Batman's Rogues Gallery comes the shape shifter Clayface. Whatever his incarnation, he's always proved to be a formidable and slippery foe. Based in part off the classic look of the animated series, Clayface stands 8 inches tall with 11 points of articulation. Besides including his waterdock base, his left arm features razor strike action.

Batcycle

A staple in the comics for many years, the Batcyle is the first vehicle to be produced by Mattel Direct and the first to be designed and sculpted by the Four Horsemen. With a simple-is-better-design in mind, the Batcycle features working working wheels and kickstand and is suitable for any 6-inch action figure. The Batcycle is also just the right size to fit in the soon to be released Batcave.

The Penguin

Don't underestimate this feathered foe despite is rather short stature. From hokey birdman to underground criminal, the Penguin has caused trouble for the Dark Knight since his debut in 1941. Based in part of the look of the second Batman movie from Tim Burton, this figure includes 5 points of articulation. Also included are seven accessories, including three penguin

henchmen (prototypes pictured), removable hat, cigar, umbrella and lamppost.

Be on the lookout for variant white suited Penguin which will also include an open umbrella.

The Scarecrow

The only thing to fear is fear itself..and the Scarecrow! Professor Jonathan Crane's alter ego has stricken fear into the hearts of Gothamites for years and even caused Batman to shiver in his cape a few times. This incarnation, based in part from the look of the second Batman animated

series, features 11 points of articulation, including a a ball jointed left shoulder for staff swinging action. Accessories include spooky halloween tree, hangman's noose, wooden staff and a vial of fear gas.

Ra's Al Ghul (Desert Garb)

Immortal. Visionary. Madman. All these words and more describe the foe known to Batman as Ra's Al Ghul, who is bent on destroying the world to remake it in his own image. Clad in his desert garb, Ra's comes with 10 points of articulation, a massive arabian sword, removable belt and a desert base.

Note: head is a prototype

Ra's Al Ghul (19th Century): Collector's Club Exclusives

Mattel Direct is proud to present the first Collector's Club exclusive: Ra's Al Ghul in a 19th century garb. Displaying the extraordinary sculpting skills of the Four Horsemen, Ra's comes with a highly detailed and working guillotine base, a dueling sword, dueling pistol and removable Demon's head mask. With a total of 10 points of articulation, Ra's will be available only to Collector's Club members online.

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