DC Universe Batman & Clayface
Entertainment Earth is one my favorite stores for superhero collectibles. They are one of the first to bring out brand new toys and collectibles from the major manufacturers, and they specialize in stuff that never ends up in the discount stores like Wal-Mart and Target. They’ve just announced the upcoming release of a DC Universe Classics 2-pack featuring Batman and bad-blob Clayface (actually one of several different villains with clay bodies and shape-shifting abilities). These will be 7″ articulated action figures, and they’re made by Mattel.
The first Clayface character was created by Batman’s creator, comic artist and writer Bob Kane. Clayface came out in the Batman comic book in the late 1950s. Over time – decades – there were different versions of the Clayface character, and there was even a Lady Clay who gave birth to a “Baby Clay” named Cassius “Clay” Preston… Now who can tell me what famous sports figure evolved from this name??
If you’re a collector, you always keep in mind a piece’s possibility of appreciating in value over time. Even if you don’t buy it with the intent of selling it, it’s nice to know that you aren’t just throwing good money away on cheap toys – you’re making a little bit of an investment… 
There’s something sad about people lining up in the toy aisles of Wal-Mart picking over packs of action figures that were cranked out by the millions and thinking that “some day” these would be worth a lot of money. If you take a good look on eBay, Amazon, and other sell-it-yourself sites, you’ll see how mistaken these folks were as there are literally hundreds of these pieces and figures for sale – usually for a couple of bucks each. And some are 10 and 15 years old, so if this doesn’t give you an idea about how long it takes a mass-produced item to go up in value, then I’ve got some great swampland in Florida that you’re gonna LOVE!
But higher end retailers look for items that are made in smaller runs, and therefore are more appropriately called “collectibles.” Entertainment Earth has just released information on some DC Universe two-piece packs that are not going to be sold in the discount stores. They are available for pre-order now, with delivery expected in April 2009.
Here’s what’s coming up from the really popular DC Universe Classics line from Mattel. Each 2-pack retails for $23.99:
- Batman vs. Clayface Figure 2-Pack; Item Number: MTP1597
- Superman vs. Brainiac Figure 2-Pack; Item number: MTP1598
- Lex Luthor vs. Supergirl Figure 2-Pack; Item number: MTP1599
- Hawkman vs. Hawkgirl Figure 2-Pack; Item number: MTP15600
To check out the pictures and order details, just Have Fun, Be Fun! Entertainment Earth. Click Here!
. Copy the item number in the Search box to find the pack you’re interested in. These have been JUST ANNOUNCED as of this writing, and there weren’t pictures up yet of the 3 other packs, but keep checking, they’re coming soon!
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