With the arrival of the DC Animated film, Batman: Gotham by Gaslight, AFJ thought it was high time to spotlight the Elseworlds figures. What are the “Elseworlds”? Years ago, DC Comics started publishing Elseworlds stories that took familiar characters and placed them into a new setting. The very first (official) story with the Elseworlds label was Gotham by Gaslight (by Hellboy’s Mike Mignola). Since then, there have been numerous stories that asked the question, what if Superman landed in the USSR? What if the Thomas and Martha Wayne found Kal-El's rocket ship instead of the Kents? And so forth. In accordance with those stories, DC Comics has produced action figures for several of the more iconic tales. Those figures have been produced by DC Direct and DC Collectibles. I made sure that the following were all Elseworlds tales inspired. I am also well aware of the DC Multiverse figures, but that is a list for another day. Enjoy these Top 10, which are in no particular order.
Character: Batman (Kirk Langstrom)
Title: Justice League: Gods and Monsters (DC Animated Film)
Line: DC Collectibles
Year of Release (Figure): 12/2015
Author: Bruce Timm
Why: This is the only Elseworlds character on our list that originated first in an animated film (see our review here). Certainly, this very dark universe version of Batman, Kirk Langstrom (better known as Man-Bat), is a unique take on the Dark Knight. However, making him a vampire is nothing new (see Batman: Crimson Mist).
Character: Superman
Title: Superman: Red Son
Line: DC Direct
Year of Release (Figure): 08/2006
Author: Mark Millar
Why: The first of many Superman: Red Son characters to get an action figure and certainly not the last. Mezco Toyz (seen here) has even done a version of the iconic Man of Steel in his USSR garb. I love this classic, already posed, and picturesque Soviet juggernaut.
Character: Batman
Title: Superman: Red Son
Line: DC Direct
Year of Release (Figure): 08/2006
Author: Mark Millar
Why: Not particularly my favorite version of Batman, as a character, yet I cannot deny this awesome sculpt for the Soviet Batman. I once spotted a Cosplayer in this outfit, it was too cool. Just like this figure.
Character: Green Lantern
Title: Superman: Red Son
Line: DC Direct
Year of Release (Figure): 03/2007
Author: Mark Millar
Why: What I like about this Green Lantern, from Red Son, is that it is not a huge leap from the GL I know and love. In fact, it is a tad more realistic in that I believe that Hal Jordan would have devised this type of costume over one that features green tights.
Character: Darkside Superman (Evil)
Title: Superman: The Dark Side
Line: DC Direct
Year of Release (Figure): 07/2007
Author: John Francis Moore
Why: To be honest, I don’t know this story, yet this Darkside Superman is a sight to be held. It is as if we were given a dark side version of Iron Man. Love it!
Character: Batman
Title: Kingdom Come
Line: DC Direct
Year of Release (Figure): 11/2003
Author: Mark Waid and Alex Ross
Why: In all the Elseworld tales, none, well outside of Red Son, have delivered more iconic imagery that Mark Said and Alex Ross’ Kingdom Come. The best of the lot, hands down, is Batman. There have been multiple releases of this figure so it should not be too difficult to locate. I recommend the one in the DC Direct box (easier to store).
Character: Deadman
Title: Kingdom Come
Line: DC Direct
Year of Release (Figure): 02/2004
Author: Mark Waid and Alex Ross
Why: Again, this one comes from Kingdom Come, and maybe the most unique in the line. It perfectly sums of the character and might be one of the creepiest figures ever released by DC.
Character: The Flash
Title: Kingdom Come
Line: DC Direct
Year of Release (Figure): 02/2004
Author: Mark Waid and Alex Ross
Why: If you do not know, Kingdom Come takes place in the not too distant future, where the heroes we all know have evolved. As it pertains to The Flash he has become pure energy! Making this figure a fantastic rendering of Alex Ross’ design.
Character: Hawkman
Title: Kingdom Come
Line: DC Direct
Year of Release (Figure): 07/2003
Author: Mark Waid and Alex Ross
Why: Here is that evolution of the character again. I love that Hawkman has more of an Egyptian look to him. It is such a fresh and unique take on the character that I had to put it on our list!
Character: Red Arrow
Title: Kingdom Come
Line: DC Direct (ToyFare/ Wizard Exclusive)
Year of Release (Figure): 07/2003
Author: Mark Waid and Alex Ross
Why: This is one figure that makes our list because of collectibility. It’s not a standout figure, however, it was an exclusive and thus very difficult to acquire.
Character: Red Robin
Title: Kingdom Come
Line: DC Direct
Year of Release (Figure): 11/2003
Author: Mark Waid and Alex Ross
Why: What I love about the Red Robin is that it shows just how much Dick Grayson has followed in the steps of his mentor. The sculpt and articulation is pretty standard, yet when you look at it, you simply have to have it in your collection. Well, it was that way for me anyway.
Special thanks to Joe Acevedo and his spectacular website that documents the action figures of the DC Universe!