Toy Review: Mattel - Batman Classic TV Series Batgirl Toys R Us/SDCC Exclusive Action Figure



Mattel's 66' Batgirl SDCC Exclusive

Holy femininity! Mattel has finally made the Dynamic Duo into the Terrific Trio.

When comparing Figures Toy Company's production of '66 Batman action figures with Mattel's, the later has been definitely slacking. While Figures Toy Company has been regularly cranking out new characters from the beloved Batman TV Series, we have been lucky to get one figure a year from Mattel since toys based on the TV series had their initial release. Although new figures have been promised, toy collectors and Bat-Fans finally have their yearly fix fulfilled by Mattel with the addition of the Batgirl action figure as a San Diego Comic Con Exclusive.

Batgirl, Batgirl  

The figure comes in the likeness of actress Yvonne Craig in her iconic Purple and Yellow attire and the Fem Fatale fits right in with her previously released counterparts of Batman, Robin, Joker, Penguin, Riddler, and Catwoman. She has 16 points of articulation and stands 6 inches tall. She also comes with a base for display, as well as two retro city back drops.

The Domino Dare Dolls Appearance On the Batman TV Series

Batgirl was introduced during the third season of Batman as ratings had fallen by the of the end the shows second season. In hopes to attract new viewers, Executive Producer William Dozier decided to introduce a new female character. Although, Bat-Girl originally appeared as Batwoman's niece in Batman comics from 1961 - 1964. A new version of the character was introduced in issue # 359 of  Detective Comics as Commissioner Gordon's daughter, Barbara, in 1967 and it was this version Batgirl that Dozier asked Batman comic editor Julius Schwartz to further develop the character.

In order to convince ABC executives to introduce Batgirl as a regular on the show, a promotional short was filmed with Yvonne Craig as Batgirl and Tim Herbert (Whitey from the first season episodes "A Riddle A Day Keeps The Riddler Away/When The Rats Away The Mice Will Play") as Killer Moth. The ABC executes bought the idea and Batgirl became a regular for the shows final season (1967-1968).

On the show, Batgirl's true identity was unknown to Batman and Robin, and their true identities were unknown to her, only Alfred, Bruce Wayne's Butler was aware of Batgirl's identity.

Reportedly, Craig felt a connection to the character she portrayed on TV and complained to DC Comics about her fate after Barbara Gordon was shot and paralyzed by the Joker on the 1988 graphic novel, Batman: The Killing Joke.

Packaging

Other figures in the line have come in a typical blister card style. However, Mattel went a little bit further with Batgirl giving her a window box. Although, from behind her packaging looks identical to her counterparts and keeping with a similar style artwork. The rest of the package resembles a smaller scale Batman and Robin 2 Pack.

Left side packaging for Classic TV Series Batgirl

  


Right Side packaging for Classic TV Series Batgirl

 From the back of the window box: 

Who's That Fiercely-Fighting, Peace-Keeper In Purple? Why, That's BATGIRL! When Criminals Are Up To No Good, BARBARA GORDON Is  Ready To Bring Them To Justice, With The Push Of The Secret BATGIRL Room Instant Re-Transformer, She Rotates Her Bedroom Wall To Reveal Her Costume And Suits Up For A Tantalizing Transformation, Using Her Instincts And Intellect, She Can Get Herself Out Of The Stickiest Situations And Even, Quite Literally, Unbound, Holy Show-Ups, That BATGIRL!



Packaging for rear of Batgirl action figure

 

Batgirl came to be a bit of a pricey figure with a total cost of $28.08 with shipping and tax and was originally available at both the 2015 San Diego Comic Con and Online at Toys 'R Us.com. She is currently sold out. So, if you really want her in your collection you'll want to run by your local Toys 'R Us and pick up the Batman, Robin, and Batgirl 3 pack for $49.99. Hopefully, you don't already have the Batman and Robin 2 pack. Otherwise, you'll be getting them again, but hey, at least their capes are different.

Will there be a Batgirl Batcycle? Will our favorite purple clad, crimefighter need to hitch a ride from Batman? Tune in Tomorrow…Same Bat-Time, Same Bat-Channel. One hint…the worst is yet to come.

About the author: John Sholtz is an avid toy collector and the interim editor of the Batcave Toy Room due to the abrupt death of Bruce Wayne. Learn more about him here and connect with him on Twitter at, Facebook, Google+ and Linkedin.