Arkham City Series Two CATWOMAN from DC Direct!

The First DC Direct Catwoman for 2012, but definitely NOT the last!

The Catwoman season is upon us and the first offering from DC Direct is a winner.  This action figure had me nervous since we first saw her at NYCC this past Fall.  I felt that her face looked awful, her neck too short, and her body too posed.  These trepidations were only amplified when I saw the official solicit pics in December.  Something about her face just looked trashy and exaggerated.  Then I started watching youtube videos of the game and I realized that Selina looked like a prostitute in the game, too.  I was really debating skipping this figure (which is an extreme reaction from a diehard bat-lady fan like myself).  Then, luckily, some in-hand pics started popping up on eBay a few weeks ago and suddenly she looked pretty good.  The only difference was a much-toned-down paintjob around her eyes and lips, but that subtle change made a world of difference to the final product.  Continue on to see more pics.



Catwoman is part of DC Direct's second series of action figures based off the hit game, Arkham City.  The packaging is the same as Series 1 and displays very well.  However, I feel that Selina looks much better when you get her out and pose her a little.

I expected to make a big deal about these figures being the first merchandise released under the new umbrella of "DC Collectibles," but all the packaging still sports the old DC Direct logos.. and even the now-defunct website.  I also must say that I was a little disappointed that the new DC Collectible website doesn't really let you purchase products directly like they implied.  Perhaps that feature is coming, but for now they just provide you with a comic shop locator link.

Check her out!  I think she looks great. Maybe that's because my expectations were set so low based on the hussied-up sneak peeks.

Here is my short list of complaints:  1.) Her neck still seems little short, but the more I look at this figure the more I feel like the proportions are right, just that the collar throws it off.  2.) I think her eyes are placed a smidge too high on her face, this makes her nose look oddly long from some angles.  3.)  The plastic of the face is noticeably different than the cleavage plastic.  Her face looks pale and translucent in comparison.  4.) The articulation is a little limited - I REALLY wish the head could move more (yet articulation is still a vast improvement over the DC Direct of a few years ago).

Here is my list of Pros:: 1.) The costume detail is great.  Who knew little buckles and seams could look so cool. (I'm kicking myself for not getting a pic of her with my Edward Scissorhands) 2.) I actually like that the whip is stationary and attached to her hip..I get a little tired of every catwoman holding a whip.  Plus the bolo whip she IS holding is a cool variation and still very much in-character.  3.) Her body is posed great.  For some reason I thought this would be some extreme contrapposto, but in reality it very subtle, sexy, and strong.  4.)  She stands well on her own.  DC Direct must have been confident enough about this to exclude any figure stand and remove her peg-holes altogether.

Catwoman is articulated at the neck, shoulders,elbows, forearms, hips, knees, and calves.  No ankle or wrist joints.  Unfortunately she only stands well in a standard standing position (she's actually leaning against the backdrop in this pic).

Here are a few of the terrifying images I referenced above:

Video Game Appearance - Official Solicit Pic - Convention Pic

Time for some comparison pics!!

Here's the big competition - Mattel's Batman Legacy Arkham City Catwoman.  It's amazing how different these figures are (especially considering how similar the Harleys were).  There are many pros and cons for each.  They're both great figures and both are worth owning.  I did a thorough review of the Mattel Catwoman back in February - check it out!

Here they are with the DC Direct HUSH Catwoman.

Here she is with the DC Direct Arkham City Series 1 Harley Quinn.  They seem more out of scale than I would have expected.  Note that Harley is wearing more extreme heels, too -- so if anything I'd expect her to be a little taller.

And finally here are: (Left-to-Right) Mattel AC Harley Quinn, Mattel AC Catwoman, DC Direct AC Catwoman, DC Direct AC Harley Quinn.

Cheers!