Toy Review: Mattel - Classic TV Series Batman, Riddler, and Penguin Action Figures

Bam! Mattel's first wave of Classic Batman TV series action figures

I am not sure what started my love of the Caped Crusader. I am in a constant debate with myself of whether the Classic Batman TV series or Mego's World's Greatest Super Heroes Batman was the cause, but either way I love all that is Batman and at long last I have more toys to add to that love.

Finally, after 47 since its first episode aired on January 1, 1966 there or toys based on a TV series that is as popular as it was when it began airing all those years ago.

FIGURES TOY COMPANY Begins Pre-Sale of 8 inch Mego Batman Action Figures

Just a day after we shared Figures Toy Co.'s announcement of the release of their reproduction exact replica Mego Batman action figures they have begun pre-selling these awesome retro toys.

Mattel Reveals Batman TV Series Toys at Toy Fair 2013

 

As you may know I love Batman, but I especially love the Batman TV series. I grew watching the series that starred Adam West and Burt Ward as the Dynamic Duo and it was quite possibly the very reason I become such a Bat-Fan.

Video: Frank Gorshin Sings The Riddler on the Dean Martin Show

I have found a lot of Batman fans don't know that Frank Gorshin, TVs Riddler, was actually an impressionist. Here he can be seen with his twist on the Batman TV series. Having not only guest villains, but having guest actors playing Batman and Robin on weekly basis. He also sings his hit song The Riddler. It's cool to see him portraying The Prince of Puzzlers outside the series.

Vintage Riddler Action Figure by Mego 1974-1978

The Riddler, that infernal Prince of Puzzlers, who has outwitted the Gotham City Police Department a dozen times and of course Batman's Arch Enemy. Like Mego's Joker and Penguin action figures, the Riddler was part of their World's Greatest Foes line. Although, the Riddler did have a fist fighting version of himself, he was not as big a seller as his counterparts.

In my opinion, The Riddler was just as well done as the other villains from The World's Greatest Super-Heroes series. Even though he wasn't as popular as the other villains, he now rivals The Joker in terms of collectors popularity. Probably because he is more rare.

The figure is simple. Standard screen printed body suit, similar to that of the Penguin and Joker, and purple utility belt. Originally, the Riddler had an elastic belt identical to early versions found on Robin. Except in purple. Later the belt was changed to the same mold as Batman's utility belt. Again in molded purple rather than yellow.

The Riddler came in both widow box and blister card versions.

Riddle me this: What has no flesh on nor nail, but has four fingers and a thumb?

McDonald's Batman Forever Collectible Glasses 1995

In 1995, McDonald's released these four glasses to tie-in with the release of Batman Forever. I had only picked up The Riddler during the original release of the glasses. Don't remember why. I guess I ate healthier then and didn't go to Mcdonald's every week. Even to get all these glasses.



The Riddler




Two-Face




Batman





Robin

 The other three glasses Batman, Robin, and Two Face, were given to me by a friend, who just so happened to have the 3 remaining glasses I needed. Check out the commercial featuring Batman and The Riddler. Did anyone else know these glasses were made in the Batcave?



There was also a hero sandwich served at McDonald's for a limited time to promote the movie as well. The sandwich had three beef patties, American and Monterrey Jack cheeses, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, and mayo. Man, it's making me hungry. Check out the promo below featuring Batman and Batmobile.



Have you had your break today?

Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Marion Cotillard Roles Revealed for The Dark Knight Rises

Fans have been speculating who Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Marion Cotillard will be playing in the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises, which begins filming next month. Rumors have imagined everything from The Riddler to Talia al Ghul, but here is what the official release has to say about it:

"Cotillard will appear as Miranda Tate, a Wayne Enterprise board member eager to help a still-grieving Bruce Wayne resume his father's philanthropic endeavors for Gotham. Gordon-Levitt will play John Blake, a Gotham City beat cop assigned to special duty under the command of Commissioner Gordon"

I think it was more fun thinking of them as villains than actual regular citizens of Gotham. What do you think of them in these roles?

(via Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter)

Bugs Bunny Meets the Superheroes

The Gals over at Girls Gone Geek posted this poster for the live action Bugs Bunny Meets the Super-heroes and I was immediately transported back to 1978. I remember my dad taking me to see this and it actually was shown at my high school auditorium. Eight years before I went to school there.

I don't remember much about what Bugs and his Looney Toon pals did. Other than them running around frantic when Batman and Robin were fighting with The Joker, Penguin, Riddler, and Catwoman. Wonder Woman was in it too, but I don't remember much of how she was involved. I do remember Chief O'Hara saying the Bat-signal didn't work or the bat-phone was down and had all the kids start yelling for Batman and Robin in hopes that they would hear. The Dynamic Duo did in fact hear us and came running down the center aisle.

I did take home a coloring book based on the show, but that was the only souvenir I received. There was a cool Batman mask available like the one Batman wore in the play, but unfortunately, I didn't get it.

That was an especially cool week for me as I also met Adam West and Burt Ward at an auto show that week. Those were some good times. For a look at a pic of the heroes on stage go HERE.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt Joins the Cast of The Dark Knight Rises

We had previously reported that Joseph Gordon-Levitt was up for the part of The Riddler in the next Batman movie, but so far we may be half right as Gordon-Levitt has been added to the cast.

Some rumours out there are now saying that Joesph Gordon-Levitt is playing the part of Dick Grayson. Christopher Nolan has said before that they'll be no Robin as long as he is the director of a Batman movie and Christian Bale claims that if Robin is in, he's out. So, that doesn't mean we won't see Dick Grayson. Maybe just without a red vest and yellow cape.

What do you think about Joseph Gordon-Levitt as The Boy Wonder?

(via Deadline)

Plot Leaked for The Dark Knight Rises

The script for Batman 3 may have possibly been leaked. According to Scriptflags.com they have a copy of the Jonathan Nolan and David Goyer's screenplay for the upcoming third Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises.

Scriptflags isn't a 100% sure it is legit themselves, but they say, "if it's a fake, it's the best fake we've seen."

Here's what the say is in the script:

• The assassin Deadshot (Floyd Lawton) is broken out of prison and brought to Gotham City.
• Crime is way down in Gotham and Batman has become more of a myth than anything else.
• Batman has a Batwing like aircraft called "The Wraith," a rebuilt Wayne Manor and Batcave and an EMP equipped Batmobile.
• Wayne Enterprises is struggling with competition (and a lawsuit) from Roland Daggett's Daggett Industries (which, in the animated series, invented the goop that turns actor Matt Hagen into Clayface), and Lucius Fox feels he must turn against the irresponsible Bruce Wayne.
• The Villainous Black Mask has hired Dead Shot and is working with Roland Daggett, although it's unclear who he's been hired to kill (probably Batman or Bruce Wayne, of course).
• Eward Nashton has the Riddler's name, but Hugo Strange's character, as he figured out Batman's identity and uses this to mess with the Dark Knight's head.
• Commissioner Gordon and a Detective Adams are heading up the task force to catch Batman.
• Talia al Ghul makes a brief appearance.          

There is a whole lot of stuff shoved in here and feels a lot like Spiderman 3. If this is a real deal it may be a copy of the first draft as it doesn't seem like the well formed, smooth flowing story we have seen from the previous Christopher Nolan Bat-films. It will be interesting to see if any of this true, but one main item that seems to be lacking are Nolan's two leading ladies that he has been looking to fill. Talia al Ghul is mention, but who's the other?

(via io9 and Scriptflags)

Hi Diddle Riddle: Frank Gorshin Sings The Riddler

When you're hot, you're hot. So take advantage of it as much as you can. Like many actors, when fame hits you on TV or in the movies, actors give a shot at their singing skills. Soon as the first Batman TV series episode "Hi Diddle Riddle" aired, Frank Gorshin was definitely a household name. And just like Adam West's release of "Miranda" or Burt Ward's "Boy Wonder I Love You", Frank Gorshin gave a shot at his voice talents to cut an album named after the character that made him a household name, The Riddler. The song itself is pretty catchy and is very similar to the songs TVs Batman and Robin recorded. Take a listen.

Heath Ledger to Appear in Batman 3: The Dark Knight Rises

I loved the fact that Christoper Nolan gave Cillian Murphy a cameo as the Scarecrow in The Dark Knight. I'd love to see more cameo's in the Batman movie series. Maybe even from a villain we haven't seen before like the Riddler, but I've also thought, wouldn't it be cool if the Joker had a cameo? Well, that may just be happening.

According to Showbiz Spy Christopher Nolan is planning on using unseen footage of Heath Ledger's Oscar winning performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight.

"Chris wants some continuity between movies and for the franchise to pay tribute to Heath and his portrayal of the Joker."

What do you think about this news? Should the Joker have a cameo in the new Batman movie? Or should Christoper Nolan leave well enough alone?

The Dark Knight rises is pre-production and has release date of July 20, 2012.

(Blastr via Showbiz Spy via Comic Book Movie)

Batman 3 Has a Name and It's The Dark Knight Rises

The title of the sequel to The Dark Knight has been revealed by director Christopher Nolan. But still no word on the next villain.

Batman 3 will be known as The Dark Knight Rises and The Caped Crusader's next arch villain won't be The Riddler, as previously speculated with Joesph Gordon-Leavitt possibly playing the part.

We at least know what to call the next installment of the Batman series, but with Mr. Freeze and The Riddler out as villains, who is it going to be?

Legends of the Super-Heroes Officially Coming to DVD Oct. 19, 2010

If you are a Batman fan like me, you probably have a bootleg copy the 1979 super campy Super Hero specials "Legends of the Super Heroes: The Challenge" and "Legends of the Super Heroes: The Roast." I don't know about you, but my copies aren't the greatest. But help is coming...On October 19 the live "somewhat" version of the Super Friends is officially released on DVD.

Here's what Warner Bros. had to say at this years New York Comic Con:

Heroes and villains of DC Comics square off in the two-part, live action, made-for-TV (with a laugh track!) smackdowns of Legends of the Super Heroes. The Challenge: Batman and Robin (Adam West and Burt Ward of the live-action Batman TV series) lead The Flash, Green Lantern and more JLA members against The Riddler (Frank Gorshin reprising his TV role), Mordu, Weather Wizard and other Doom-dealers. The Legion's ultimate gambit: trick the heroes into downing a diabolical depowering drink! The Roast: Poking fun beats swapping punches when celebrity host Ed McMahon emcees a rowdy rave-up. Who knew DC Super Heroes and villains packed as much verbal wit as physical grit when not locked in combat? These Legends will leave you laughing.

The DVD is going to be sold exclusively at WBShop.com and $19.95 for the 100 minute disc. Pre-order legends of the Super Heroes today.

photo via (bluejay) & (comics101)

Adam West Discusses the Arch Villains on the Batman TV Series

I came across this cool interview with Adam West on Emmy TV Legends. In this excerpt Adam discusses his experiences with the villains of the Batman TV series and the actors who played them. He talks about the Penguin (Burgess Meredith), Joker (Cesar Romero), Riddler (Frank Gorshin), King Tut (Victor Bouno), and Mr. Freeze (George Sanders, Otto Preminger, and Eli Wallach) and others . Man I guess Otto Preminger had quite an ego.



For more Batman videos check us out.

The Superheroine Monologues

I just came across this cool looking play called 'The Superheroine Monologues' and wish I could have checked it out. Looks like it was in Boston last year in April and September.

It features all your favorite super heroines in their costumed deliciousness. It even featured Batman villains the Penguin, the Joker, and the Riddler as well as, Superman's arch enemy Lex Luthor.

The play tells the stories of Batgirl, Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Dark Phoenix, Catwoman, Lois Lane, and Storm.












This looks like it was a lot of fun and pretty funny. Hope it comes out on DVD or I get chance to see it if it goes into production again. Check out their site at TheSuperheroineMonologues.com.

For more Super Heroine videos check us out.

Batman Vending Machine Collectibles

Here's a look at a couple of Batman vending machine collectibles. Basically they are miniature cups with decals applied.

I had a bunch of these and as far as I know I think these are the only ones I have left. I can't even remember what characters were produced. Other than Batman and Robin (seen here) I only remember that there was a Riddler cup too.

These cups are only about an inch tall. They came in a plastic egg with the cup and the decal to be applied.

For more Batman collectibles check us out.

Comic Action Heroes Board Game, Who Knew?

I am pretty familiar with all of Mego's Super Hero toys and Reis O'Brien at Geek Orthodox posted a sweet set of Comic Action Heroes action figures a couple of days ago, but I have never seen this little gem before.

While hunting around eBay a came across this board game based on Mego's Comic Action Heroes line.

Interestingly, the board game featured the Riddler and Mr Freeze who were never produced as Comic Action Heroes action figures.

Mr. Freeze was planned as part of Mego's 8" line at one time, but was never produced.



You can see above Mr Freeze looks like the Otto Preminger's portrayal of the Dark Knight's frosty foe on the 1966 Batman TV series.

This board game was produced in England for Denys Fisher Toys around 1976. I wonder why it never came out in the United States?

For more Super Hero collectibles check us out.

What was Your Favorite Part of the Weekend When You Were a Kid?

One of my favorite parts of the weekend was there was no school, of course, but the other part was Saturday cartoons. I couldn't wait to get up watch shows like the Superfriends, The New Adventures of Batman, Spiderman and His Amazing Friends, or The Incredible Hulk.

The theme songs from all of these shows are embedded in my head for all eternity. My other favorite part was the toy commercials that played in between. Especially, the Star Wars toys. Not only was it cool to see the toys in action, but I especially liked the fact that scenes from the movies would be shown at the start of the commercial.



Ever wonder what was up with the Riddler wearing that red outfit rather than the normal green? The Riddler had originally been intended to be a villain on the series, but the rights had been given to The Challenge of the Superfriends for the character. Rather than change the opening credits the suit was changed to red to prevent copyright infringement. Vice versa the Joker and Catwoman were planned to be a part of the Legion of Doom, but did not appear because the rights to those characters were given to the New Adventures of Batman.



What was your favorite part of the weekend? Cartoons, live action shows, toy commercials? What do you remember about your favorite Saturday morning shows? Let us hear from you.

For more Star Wars toy commercials check us out.

Awesome Mego World's Greatest Super Heroes Display

Take a look at these great blister carded Worlds Greatest Super Heroes. What a collection!


For more toy collectibles check us out.