Justice League Dunny Keychain Series by Kidrobot x DC Comics

Yesterday, Kidrobot released what The Blot considers their greatest Dunny series of all time – the Justice League Dunny Keychain Series! Ok, it may not be their most artistic series, and I know fans don’t generally care for licensed Dunny designs but this new 1.5” Dunny series features The Blot’s all time favorite DC Comics super hero, Booster Gold! Seriously, what more could a comic book fan ask for than an officially licensed Dunny?!?! I don’t know who at KR chose this line-up, but thanks!

For this release, Kidrobot has teamed up with DC Comics to shrink the Dunny down to small crime fighting size. Featuring all of the DC Universe’s most iconic heroes and clocking in at 1.5” tall, these DC Dunnys are ready to stop villains in their tracks. Each figure includes a lobster clasp on a detachable ring, which allows this version of the Justice League to become heroic accents to backpacks, purses, keys and zippers.

The Justice League Dunny Keychain Series includes New 52 Batman, Animal Man, Green Lantern Hal Jordan, Green Arrow, Booster Gold, Blue Beetle, Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Classic Batman, The Flash, Superman, Zatanna and Cyborg. This line-up is the perfect mix of the classic original Justice League, the ‘80s era Justice League International and the New 52 Justice League. Fans can order this awesome series now at Entertainment Earth here for $143.99 for a full case of 24 blind boxes or $23.99 for a 4 pack of blind boxes.

DC Comics “New 52” Mini Figure Blind Box Series by Kidrobot

After a lengthy delay, Kidrobot’s much anticipated DC Comics “New 52” Blind Box Mini Figure Series has finally hit store shelves! For this series, Kidrobot has taken the heroes and villains of the DC Universe and put their unique spin on their modern day looks. What The Blot loves most of all about this series is it’s not just another Batman centric toy line. And even though it doesn’t include Booster Gold, Kidrobot did an amazing job picking a wide range of figures from DC’s original “New 52” soft reboot. I especially love how many characters they included from the Dark/Vertigo corner of the DCU!

The DC Comics “New 52” Mini Figure Blind Box Series by Kidrobot includes Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Cyborg, Green Arrow, Black Canary, Blue Beetle, Red Hood, Animal Man, Swamp Thing, and Deadman, and villains The Joker and Harley Quinn. The only shocking part of this awesome series is how few villains were included! But let’s be honesty, you’ve got to love the diversity of this toy line. And any designer toy line that includes Cyborg, Blue Beetle, Animal Man and Swamp Thing gets an A+ from The Blot.

The DC Universe Mini Figure Series includes 15 figures in all, and I have not heard any mention of variants or chase figures included in this blind box series. This awesome DC Comics series should be in stores everywhere now, but you can definitely order them online from Entertainment Earth here. A full case of 20 blind boxes can be purchased for $229.99 here or just 4 blind boxes can be purchased for $39.99 here.

DC Comics Mini Figure Concept Art by Kidrobot

If like The Blot you’ve been jonzing for more information on Kidrobot’s upcoming line of DC Comics vinyl figures, you’re in luck! Check out this awesome concept art of KR’s soon to be released DC Comics Mini Figures. There’s really not much new information here, as the concept art matches up to the designs Kidrobot had on display at ToyFair 2014 (originally seen here). But boy do these figures look great! Sadly the 3” toy line will be featuring DC Comics’ “New 52” designs, which are generally terrible.

According to the concept artwork above, the DC Comics Mini Figure Series will include Aquaman, Batgirl, Batman, Darkseid, Green Lantern Hal Jordan, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Ambush Bug, Shazam, Animal Man, Superman, Cyborg, Swamp Thing, Green Arrow, Harley Quinn, Catwoman and Poinson Ivy.

Surprisingly, this toy line is pretty hero specific, with only one true villain included – Darkseid. I say that because in the “New 52” universe Catwoman, Harley Quinn and Poision Ivy are basically considered good guys with their memberships in the Justice League of America, Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey respectively. But where is the love for the ‘90s era Justice League!?! These figures better sell well so I get a second wave of designs featuring Booster Gold, Guy Gardner, Blue Beetle and the Martian Manhunter!

DC Comics: A Rebirth Part I

As you have probably heard, a few months ago DC Comics made the decision to cancel all of their books and reboot the entire DC Universe. They did so by releasing 52 #1 issues of their entire line, which included their most popular books, some old favorites and a number of brand new titles. To be completely honest I have had mixed feelings about this decision and my views have changed considerably the past few weeks. But instead of debating the merits of a companywide reboot (why waste our time considering it’s happening whether we like it or not), I decided to embrace the change whole heartedly. Therefore, I made the somewhat ridiculous decision to pre-order all 52 #1 issues of DC's "New 52".

Well, the huge box of comics showed up at my front door step on Wednesday and I am going to attempt to read all 52 comics by Sunday. This way I can decide which books I want to keep reading since a few issue #2s were already released this week. Since so many of you have already read these comics I’ve decided to write up very brief reviews and grade each comic to give you a little insight as to how I chose which books to continue to read. Hope you enjoy!

Justice League #1 – This was by far the biggest disappointment of all the books I’ve read so far. Justice League is supposed to be DC’s flagship book with the company’s marquee creative team but this book was a complete dud! Literally nothing happened and they only introduced 2 characters (3 if you count a pre-Cyborg Vic Stone). This was not the best way to launch a much maligned companywide reboot. While I’d like to keep reading, this book seems to have been made for trade paperbacks. Grade: D-

Justice League International #1 – This was the one book I was looking forward to the most. JLI has always been one of my favorite comics and Booster Gold is my favorite character (although I hate his new costume), so you know I was going to love this book no matter how bad it was. Again, not much happened in this issue, but it did a great job introducing the book’s large cast and explaining the formation of the Justice League International. Will definitely keep reading this book if for no other reason than I’m a fanboy. Grade: B+

Stormwatch #1 – Another book I was really looking forward to. I love that DC has completely integrated the Wildstorm universe and is keeping the Authority pretty much intact as a rebooted Stormwatch, especially since that’s how the was first formed. Throw in another favorite character of mine, the Martian Manhunter, and you’ve got a great read by Paul Cornell that really seems to be going somewhere. It’s just too bad the art sucked! Will definitely keep reading this one. Grade: Story A; Art C-

Action Comics #1 – The Blot had high hopes for this one based on the creative team of Grant Morrison and Rags Morales. I haven’t read a Superman book in years but was intrigued by Morrison’s reboot of such an iconic character with a storied and rich history. So far so good…this story set 5 years in the past was interesting and so is Morrison’s take on Superman. Not sure I’d stick with this book long term, but I will definitely give it a second issue. Grade: A-

Animal Man #1 – Buddy Baker is one of those C-list characters I always love reading. I’ve especially enjoyed his last few years of space adventures with Adam Strange and Starfire stemming from their storyline in 52. It was cool to see Animal Man’s newfound popularity and the push DC Comics has since given this new series. While not a traditional superhero book, this was definitely my favorite of the 10 “New 52” books I’ve ready so far. In my opinion Jeff Lemire is one of DC’s top writers and I am so glad the company finally merged the Vertigo universe with the main DCU. Not only did it bring back some really wonderful characters to the proper DC universe, but it gave some of DC’s top writing talent a bigger stage to shine on. Will definitely continue reading. Grade: A+

Aquaman #1 – My biggest surprise from the “New 52” was how much I enjoyed Aquaman! I typically really enjoy Geoff Johns work and you can see his passion for the character in the story he’s crafted. I know Johns is a polarizing writing (you either love him or hate him), but I’m glad to see Arthur Curry finally get his due after so many horrible relaunches and reboots. Not sure I’ll be reading this long term, but will probably pick up issue #2. Grade: B+

All-Star Western #1 – Western comics are really not my thing, but how can you not love Jonah Hex!?! He really is such a complex character when written correctly and the team of Gray and Palmotti definitely know what they’re doing with this old school bounty hunter. I think this book might even have a shot at a long run with its setting now in Gotham and its many ties to Gotham’s future. While I enjoyed issue #1, I won’t be continuing with the book. If the book continues to receive rave reviews I might pick it up as a trade later on down the road. Grade: B

Blackhawks #1 – While I did not have huge expectations for Blackhawks, I was somewhat disappointed in the story. I’ve fallen in love with Mike Costa’s work on G.I. Joe: Cobra for IDW, and was hoping to really like Blackhawks. I think part of the problem was the fact that these are all new characters and I was hoping this series would tie into Blackhawk history more so than in name only. The cliffhanger also did not leave me wanting to find out what happens next. Will not continue reading. Grade: C

Flash #1 – Flash was one of the first comics I ever started reading consistently and have done so for most of my life (that’s over 20 years if you’re counting). I am a hardcore Wally West fan, and why DC Comics would choose to abandon Wally in favor of Barry Allen escapes me. This is a shortsighted decision made by met out of touch with their fan base. For most comic book readers Wally West is the only Flash they’ve ever known, and for most non-comic book readers who DC Comics is hoping to gain as readers with this reboot Wally West is their Flash (i.e. his inclusion in the Justice League Unlimited and Young Justice cartoons). To me this was a very short sighted decision that did not work prior to the reboot and it’s not going to work now. I hate Barry Allen as the DCU’s primary Flash and I hate the new costume. Will not be reading this book again. Grade: B

Demon Knights #1 – I don’t know why, but I was really looking forward to this comic. I’ve heard so many amazing things about Paul Cornell’s work, and so far I have to say it’s all true. I’m also a sucker for books set in the DC Universe’s past featuring their most famous mystical and immortal characters. It’s literally a who’s who of ancient characters, which I think is neat. Every page is chock full of Easter eggs for long time DC readers. I also have to commend Cornell for his decision to not have The Demon rhyme when he speaks. I am sure it was hard to ignore one of the character’s most iconic characteristics, but I can’t imagine reading this book every month with non¬stop rhymes. Will definitely continue reading this book. Grade: A-

Next up...the Batman books!

Animal Man “Evolve or Die!” DC Comics Tribute T-Shirt by Blair Campbell

Fellow comic book fan Blair Campbell (one of The Blot’s favorite tweeters and a great artist) came up with this awesome t-shirt design as a tribute to the new Animal Man series by writer Jeff Lemire and artist Travel Foreman. Animal Man #1 was released last week as a part of the newly rebooted DC Universe and it instantly became one of the company’s hottest titles. I don’t want to give anything away, but trust me it’s good! Check out issue 1 out now and then go pick up this killer “Evolve or Die!” t-shirt from Blair at RedBubble online store. You can thank me later!

The DC Comics Animal Man “Evolve or Die!” t-shirt by Blair Campbell comes in a variety of styles and colors, and can be yours for $23.94 here.