DC Direct
| File:DC Direct Third Logo, 2020.jpg | |
| Industry | Merchandising |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1998 |
| Headquarters | California |
| Parent | DC Comics, WarnerMedia |
DC Direct operates as a branch of Warner Bros. Discovery that focuses on collectibles inspired by DC Comics icons such as Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.
Before the establishment of DC Direct in 1998, merchandise was marketed under the DC Comics brand itself. The division maintained the DC Direct name until 2012, after which it was renamed DC Collectibles until 2020. In early 2019, a corporate restructuring placed DC Collectibles under Warner Bros. Consumer Products. By February 2020, the original DC Direct branding was reinstated.
The range of products from DC Direct encompasses statues, busts, action figures, prop replicas, and art prints aimed primarily at the direct market, which mainly consists of comic book specialty retailers.
In August 2020, DC Direct ceased operations as part of a larger reorganization. Later, on July 27, 2021, McFarlane Toys took over management of the remaining stock and recommenced production of collectibles within the DC Direct lines starting in 2022.
Statues and Busts
DC Direct manufactures statues, busts, and PVC figures representing its characters, transitioning from individual releases to established branded collections. Current statue series include Batman: Black & White, Bombshells, Cover Girls, Battle Statues, Designer Series, and Harley Quinn: Red, White, & Black. Additionally, DC Collectibles produces statues linked to television adaptations of DC Comics.
Most statues are crafted from cold-cast porcelain or polyresin materials, while certain PVC figure lines include Ame-Comi, DC Artists Alley, and DC Core collections. The company has introduced numerous mini busts under six inches in height and launched eight half-scale busts between 2008 and 2011. In 2018, a life-size Joker bust was revealed by DC Collectibles featuring makeup artistry by Rick Baker.
DC Gallery Props
The DC Gallery line provides life-sized replicas of legendary comic props such as Batman's utility belt, Joker's cane, Two-Face's coin, along with Wonder Woman's tiara, bracelets, and lasso. This collection also includes premium functional items like poker sets, chess sets, and bookends that appeal to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Action figures
Since its inception in 1998, DC has introduced hundreds of action figures representing characters from both DC Comics and its imprints Vertigo and WildStorm. Initially concentrating on niche characters from mature-audience series including The Sandman, Preacher, and Transmetropolitan, the range later expanded to feature mainstream superheroes like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, and Aquaman. These figures typically measure between six and seven inches tall and are grouped into themed series released over several years.
Licensing rights for DC Collectibles are shared with major toy producers such as Mattel—which holds the master toy license for most DC properties—though Vertigo figures remain exclusive to DC Collectibles. Packaging styles vary from blister cards to boxed assortments containing multiple figures or large accessories to cater to diverse collector preferences.
Watchmen Collectible Figures
A planned collection of figures inspired by Alan Moore's Watchmen never progressed beyond the prototype phase. Initially slated for release in July 2001, prototypes representing the Comedian, Silk Spectre, and Dr. Manhattan were displayed at various conventions. Two distinct versions of Dr. Manhattan were created: one in solid blue and another featuring a translucent torso. It is uncertain whether additional characters such as Nite Owl, Ozymandias, and Rorschach were intended for future production. These collectibles were designed to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the original miniseries, coinciding with a special hardcover edition. Nevertheless, Moore and co-creator Dave Gibbons chose not to participate in promotional efforts due to ongoing disagreements regarding merchandising rights.
In February 2018, DC Collectibles revealed plans to launch Watchmen figures connected to the Doomsday Clock narrative, capitalizing on renewed enthusiasm within the collector market.
See also
References
External links
- Official DC Collectibles website
- Archive of DC Direct Action Figures
- Comprehensive DC Direct Action Figure Archive