It's the end of an era. After six impressive years, McFarlane Toys is losing the DC Comics license to Mattel at the close of 2026 and the collecting community is buzzing about what comes next. Since 2020, McFarlane has set a high bar with their DC Multiverse line: hyper-articulated figures, obsessive detail, and a clear love letter to adult collectors.
So when Mattel announced they were taking the reins, the collector crowd naturally had questions and a few concerns. Would the new line live up to the standard? Would it feel like a step back? Here at TitanToyz, we've been watching the early rollout closely, and we think the picture is more nuanced and more promising than initial skepticism might suggest.
A Change in Direction For Now
Let's be straightforward: Mattel's first wave is aimed at a younger audience. This isn't a secret, and it's not necessarily a bad thing. Bringing kids into the hobby is how the collecting world sustains itself. Lower price points, more accessible packaging, and broader retail availability all serve that goal and Mattel knows how to do it well.
The real news for serious collectors is what's coming after. Mattel has confirmed a dedicated collector-focused line is expected to launch in early 2027. Consider this first wave the foundation and from what we're seeing, it's a solid one.
Batman Leads the Charge
The flagship figure of the first wave is, of course, Batman and he makes a strong first impression. Standing approximately 6.5" tall, the figure comes with a soft-goods cape, which immediately sets it apart from the typical all-plastic approach. It's a detail that signals Mattel is paying attention to what collectors have come to appreciate.
What really caught our eye is the accessories situation. Each figure in the line includes its own weapons rack Batman comes loaded with Batarangs, a grapnel gun, and several additional accessories. Better yet, many of these can attach directly to his utility belt. That kind of playability and display flexibility at this price is genuinely impressive.
Speaking of price: $13.99. That's the entry point for this line, and it's a meaningful shift from where the market has been sitting. For families, it's a welcome change. For collectors looking to army-build or fill out a shelf without breaking the bank, there's real value here.
Our Take
We understand the hesitation. McFarlane built something special, and saying goodbye to that chapter is bittersweet for a lot of us. But we'd encourage collectors to keep an open mind as Mattel establishes its footing. The soft-goods cape, the weapons rack system, the utility belt compatibility these aren't features you typically see at this price in a "kids' line." It suggests Mattel is threading the needle more carefully than the initial positioning might imply.
The 2027 collector line is the real headline to watch, but for now, Batman's arrival is a genuinely promising start. We'll have stock updates and closer looks as more figures from the wave land at TitanToyz stay tuned.
Have thoughts on the McFarlane-to-Mattel transition? Drop us a message, we love hearing from collectors. And keep an eye on our site for new arrivals from the Mattel DC lineup as they come in.