DC Mattel Panel & Cyber Chaos Line Revealed At SDCC 2026

Mattel pulled back the curtain on its DC action figure roadmap at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, and there’s a lot to unpack here for collectors and fans tracking where the company is headed with the license. The DC Design Panel covered serious ground, starting with a major update on the upcoming DC Collector line, which is set to launch on January 1, 2027, with Mattel confirming that the first official tease will come at New York Comic Con 2026 later this year, so that’s a date worth circling if you’re invested in what the collector-tier offerings will look like. Beyond that, the panel showcased several waves of the kid-focused DC Preview Series, which is shaping up to be a robust lineup with characters spanning Batman, Robin, Joker, Green Lantern, Superman, Nightwing, Bane, Clayface, Mr. Freeze, Killer Croc, and more, alongside new deluxe figures, oversized Story Packs, and a transforming Batmobile with modular accessories that ties into an interconnected vehicle system. That’s an ambitious infrastructure for a kids’ line, and the modular approach is smart if Mattel can execute it well on the pegs. But the reveal that closed out the panel is the one that really caught my attention: Cyber Chaos, a new 2027 futuristic subline featuring armored versions of Batman with an EMP suit, Superman, and Nightwing, along with new vehicles, roleplay gear, and a fully compatible modular weapon system that expands across the entire line. The sci-fi armor aesthetic gives this a distinct identity separate from the core Preview Series, and the idea of a weapon system that builds out as you collect more of the line is the kind of play pattern that could hook younger fans while giving the figures a cohesive visual thread. It’s still early, and we’ll need to see these in hand before making any real judgments, but Mattel is clearly swinging big with DC heading into 2027, and NYCC should give us a much clearer picture of what the collector side of things will bring.

Panel Info and Reveals

Mattel officially confirmed that its new DC Collector line will launch on January 1, 2027, following the end of McFarlane Toys’ tenure with the license.

The company also revealed that fans will get their very first preview of the new collector line during New York Comic Con 2026.

The complete lineup scheduled to be unveiled on January 1, 2027 through Mattel Creations.

Wave 2 expands the roster with Green Lantern, Superman, and additional Batman-themed releases, continuing the story-driven approach of the line while introducing more members of the DC Universe.

Preview Series Wave 3 shifts the focus toward a darker, early-2000s-inspired Batman storyline. The assortment includes a couple of different Batman variants, along with Nightwing and Deathstroke. Nightwing features his recognizable blue-and-black costume, while Deathstroke comes equipped for battle with his sword and signature masked appearance. The figures continue the line’s emphasis on articulation, character-specific accessories, and story-driven play.

Mattel also introduced the Batlink System, an interconnected play feature that allows vehicles, weapons, roleplay gear, and accessories from across the line to work together. At the center of the system is the Batmobile, which opens into a mobile command base and can connect with the Robin Cycle, projectile launchers, and other modular equipment. The system will continue expanding with future releases, giving collectors and younger fans the ability to combine different products and customize Batman’s vehicles and gear for larger battles.

One of the biggest reveals was an all-new Batmobile that opens into a play base. The vehicle transforms to reveal hidden compartments, integrated projectile launchers, and storage for accessories.

The Batmobile is designed around a modular play system, allowing the included Robin Cycle to dock directly inside the vehicle. Multiple weapons, launchers, and roleplay accessories can also attach to both vehicles, creating an interconnected play experience across the entire line.

At the center is the Batmobile, which opens into a mobile command center and features multiple attachment points for launchers and equipment. As demonstrated during the panel, many of the weapons included with individual action figures can also be mounted directly onto the Batmobile, allowing fans to customize its loadout for different missions. The system extends beyond the Batmobile, with compatible accessories designed to work with the Robin Cycle, future vehicles, and even roleplay items, creating an interconnected play pattern that will continue to expand with new releases throughout 2027.

As shown here, the Batmobile’s removable weapon module detaches and becomes its own high-speed attack craft, while the main vehicle remains fully functional. During the panel, Mattel explained that the system was designed around modular play, with interchangeable weapons and accessories that can move between action figures, vehicles, and future releases. The detachable craft can also be outfitted with additional accessories, reinforcing the Batlink concept of letting fans customize Batman’s arsenal and create new mission configurations using a shared system of compatible parts.

Mattel concluded the presentation with the first look at an all-new 2027 theme called Cyber Chaos, which introduces futuristic armored versions of Batman and his allies.

The first reveal was EMP Batman, featuring metallic armor, interchangeable gauntlet ports for attaching weapons, a removable jetpack, and an EMP cannon launcher that is compatible with previous accessories and vehicles.

Batman is joined by a futuristic Superman, sporting a metallic finish along with anti-Kryptonite equipment including a power gauntlet, shield, and battle axe. Mattel emphasized that all of the accessories remain compatible across the expanding play system.

The Series 4 work-in-progress lineup shows Batman in his gold-accented black suit alongside a fully revealed Superman, while two figures remain as blacked-out mystery silhouettes.

The Series 4 Premier Series packaging mock-ups show three carded figures side by side: two E.M.P. Batman variants and a Nanobot Suit Superman, each on Cyber Chaos branded cards with a neon-lit cityscape backing. The Superman card uses an “FPO” placeholder for the card art illustration, while both Batman cards feature fully rendered artwork of the suited figure.

The Cyber Chaos lineup also introduces a futuristic Nightwing equipped with a large VTOL glider that integrates directly with the Batmobile system, allowing vehicles and accessories from previous releases to connect together.

During the panel, the design team explained that the Batlink System was built around modular play, allowing different vehicles, action figure weapons, and future accessories to connect across the line. Once attached, the craft becomes part of the larger Batmobile, giving fans the ability to upgrade and reconfigure Batman’s ride with interchangeable components as the system grows with future releases.

The next step in the Batlink System sees Nightwing’s VTOL Glider dock directly onto the Batmobile, transforming Batman’s signature vehicle with an upgraded aerial combat module. During the panel, Mattel explained that the glider seamlessly integrates into the Batmobile while remaining fully removable, allowing it to function as both a standalone vehicle and a modular upgrade. The Batlink System is built around this interconnected concept, with figure accessories, weapons, vehicles, and future releases all designed to work together, giving fans the ability to continually customize and expand Batman’s arsenal.

Mattel also previewed a new modular roleplay blaster that separates into multiple components. The pieces can attach to the Batmobile, convert into additional vehicle weapons, or be used independently as handheld accessories, continuing the line’s emphasis on interchangeable play features.

Panel Images

The Batlink Batmobile sits front and center, built with a chunky, angular design in gray and red panels with yellow accent buttons and a cockpit canopy. Behind it, Batman, Jokerized Batman, and Superman are displayed on raised platforms alongside Robin Cycle packaging.

Batman wears a black suit with a yellow bat emblem outlined across the chest and a yellow utility belt, with a long cape draping behind him. A purple-suited Batman variant stands nearby, sporting a green bat emblem and yellow belt of its own.

The purple Batman variant has green gauntlet fins and a wide, toothy grin sculpted into the lower face, giving him a distinctly Joker-influenced look. A Superman figure flanks the display, wearing his classic red and blue suit with a red cape.

Superman takes center stage here, wearing his classic blue suit with the S-shield on the chest and a red cape that has a nice weight and drape to it. Green Lantern stands off to the side in his black and green suit with green boots.

Green Lantern gets a closer look here, with the Lantern emblem cleanly printed on his chest and green shoulder armor segmented from the black torso. Robin and a partial Joker figure flank him on the display, both at a noticeably smaller scale.

The Batmobile’s front end has a wedge-shaped hood with sculpted panel lines and a pair of missile launchers mounted on either side, tipped with yellow warheads. A bat-shaped canopy hinge rises from the cockpit, and the rear wheel wells are flanked by chunky gold-spoked rims that match the front set.

Clayface towers over the rest of the lineup, his sculpt covered in rough, craggy texture with a wide-open mouth full of jagged yellow teeth. Nightwing, Bane, and an armored Batman fill out the group alongside a smaller-scale Batman to the far right.

A closer look at the DC Preview Series group reveals Mr. Freeze in blue and purple armor with an oversized ice cannon accessory and several ice-effect pieces scattered at his feet. Green Lantern, a gray-suited Batman with an orange launcher rig, and a white-suited Batman with a yellow belt and cape are all grouped nearby, with Clayface looming large behind them.

Killer Croc dominates the center of the display, towering over the other figures with a heavily textured hide, a scaled ridge running down his back, and dark tattered shorts. Green Lantern carries a construct accessory shaped like a crocodile tail, while Batman on the far right sports a gray and white tactical suit with an orange weapon rack mounted on his back.

Green Lantern, Robin, Joker, and Batman are grouped together here. Robin’s yellow cape has a nice sculpted fold to it, and the Joker carries an oversized blaster accessory with a chunky, exaggerated barrel.

Batman wears a heavily armored gray tactical vest over a dark suit, with two large wheel-shaped modules mounted on his back featuring red starburst hubs. He carries an oversized blaster with dual serrated blade attachments flanking the barrel and a red tip at the center.

Killer Croc’s head sculpt is packed with detail, from the bumpy, pebbly texture across his brow and snout to the rows of sharp teeth lining his open jaw. A net-like drape hangs over his shoulders and torso, with chunky clasps securing it at the chest.

Green Lantern carries a large construct chainsaw accessory, its toothy blade running nearly the full length of the figure. The Hal Jordan head sculpt features brown hair, a green domino mask, and a clean Lantern emblem on the chest with a glossy green finish across the torso.

Batman wears a dark gray tactical suit with segmented armor plating across the torso and a white bat emblem on the chest, paired with an oversized cannon accessory featuring a multi-barrel design with orange prongs at the base. A smaller orange grapple-like tool is gripped alongside it, with additional orange accessories on sprues.

Batman wears a gray suit with a black bat emblem, yellow utility belt, and black boots, with a large cannon accessory featuring dual barrels and yellow prongs. A Mr. Freeze figure is partially visible beside him, showing off the sculpted mechanical detail on his blue and silver armor.

Mr. Freeze’s armor is loaded with sculpted mechanical detail across the chest plate, with circular gauge elements, riveted panels, and segmented tubing running along the arms. His dome helmet sits over a pale, stern face with red goggles, and purple-gloved hands grip a massive ice cannon accessory with layered barrel segments.

Clayface’s mouth interior has a glossy red finish on the tongue and gums, framed by irregular yellow teeth jutting from both the upper and lower jaw. The sculpt across his entire body is deeply grooved and lumpy, with every surface covered in overlapping folds and ridges that sell the shapeless, malleable clay look.

Nightwing’s black suit features the blue bird emblem stretching across the chest and onto the shoulders, with a matching blue utility belt and a pair of escrima sticks. An armored Batman with a yellow bat emblem and gold utility belt stands directly behind him, while Clayface and Bane fill the periphery.

Armored Batman’s heavy plating has a dark metallic finish with sculpted rivets and layered shoulder guards, and the yellow bat emblem pops against the chest panel. Nightwing is grouped in front with his escrima sticks, while Clayface’s massive rocky fists dwarf both figures.

Bane’s mask has a clean white face plate with red eyes and a sculpted tube running from the back of his head down to his wrist. The black gauntlets have a nice wrinkled leather texture, and the laced boot sculpt carries that same level of detail all the way down.

Batman wears the classic blue and gray suit with a black bat emblem on the chest, a yellow utility belt with sculpted pouches, and blue gauntlets with scalloped fins at the cuffs. The cape has a jagged bat-wing hem along the bottom edge, and the cowl features short, pointed ears with a clean separation between the blue mask and the exposed lower face.