Just Added: Spotlight on the exclusive John Stewart GL Mini-Mate!

Here were the offerings this year in the DC Direct display. The last waves trickled out on Saturday (Batman/Superman 3- Batzarro, Bizarro, Batman Beyond(!), Kryptonite Batman, Superwoman, Batwoman) and Sunday (First Appearances 4- Blue Beetle, The Atom, Warlord, modern Martian Manhunter, Aquaman). We'll have those pictures as their unveiled. The big reveal so far has been the Elseworlds 3 line-up (Red Son Green Lantern, Kingdom Come Nightstar, Kingdom Come Aquaman, Batwoman and Superwoman) and the Infinite Crisis 2 assortment (angry Superman, beaten Batman, regal Wonder Woman, Jason Rusch Firestorm, and two Donna Troy variations (classic and current incarnations).

There has been a lot of mixed reaction to the new "pre-posed" look of the IC figures, but it seems that with better pictures of the articulation that tide is turning in favor of them. Personally I don't think I've seen a better "battle damaged" Batman than this one, and I know that there has never been a nicer Wonder Woman, period. These have hewn very closely to the Phil Jimenez control art and if this is DCD's new direction I think they may have really hit upon a nice solution to refreshing many of the older, dated sculpts. Hopefully the Donna Troy also is a good sign that maybe we'll finally get a good college age Robin and redone Kid Flash to round out the classic Teen Titans. And where's that Doom Patrol, DC? Or maybe a Spirit line to go with the new Darwyn Cooke series and Frank Miller film? Hmmm?

The Alex Ross JUSTICE figures get a 5th assortment with Lex Luthor, Green Arrow, Martian Manhunter, Red Tornado, and Brainiac (plus li'l monkey friend). Hot on the heels of the Superman: through the ages box set is one for Batman. The 40s "Dick Sprang" Batman shown will have a new head sculpt when it goes into production.

Also on display were the latest offerings to the 13" cloth outfit figures: Flash, Batman, Aquaman, and Captain Marvel (Shazam!). Along with the Superman resolicit with a new head, these are getter better with each one. DC has been learning some lesson and putting that knowledge to use as the line goes on. I still wish they were 12" scale, though, but I think I'm the only one.

DC Direct also hosted a "New Talent" portfolio review once again this year. Pictures of VP of Design Georg Brewer with the winners below.