Mattel DC Universe Revealed at Spielwarenmesse 2026
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Spielwarenmesse 2026 is underway with an official Mattel DC Universe reveal! We previously reported on the new Mattel DC Universe Wave 1 Leaked List, and it looks like we were spot on to the characters that will be included in the initial launch of the new budget friendly Mattel DC Universe line! Showcased at Spielwarenmesse 2026, an image of the new 6.5″ kid friendly DC Universe line was shown featuring Batman, Green Lantern, Superman, Joker, Flash, Deathstroke and Classic Detective Batman and Robin! The “DC Multiverse” rights are still held by McFarlane until the end of 2026, Mattel’s new line will be named “DC Universe”. Starting in July 2026 with budget friendly, 6.5″ scale figures, Mattel’s first wave of figures was consist of Batman, Robin, The Joker and The Flash. Wave 2 is reported to be coming in September 2026. Also adult collectors don’t fret because Collector product is on the way in January of 2027, with an initial look at those figures closer to their release! So there are many exciting things in store for DC fans with Mattel now taking the reins! So let’s take a closer look at the Mattel DC Universe revealed at Spielwarenmesse 2026!
Spielwarenmesse 2026 is the 75th anniversary for the world’s largest toy fair aimed directly at industry folks for a place for the toy companies to showcase their upcoming products! It brings together manufacturers, retailers, toy companies and media reps from around the world to showcase and review amazing new toy products and gives them a chance to network, show off their wares and land coveted space on retail shelves!
Heere we can get a closer look at the 6.5″ scale figures, Mattel’s figures of Classic Grey and Blue Batman, Robin, The Joker, The Flash and Deathstroke. Wave 2 is reported to be coming in September 2026. You can see that even those these are aimed more at kids, they are highly articulated with double knee and elbow joints and all the modern articulation we come to expect.
Here we have also Black Suit Batman, Green Lantern, and Superman. It’s exciting to see the fresh products that Mattel will have to offer!
Wave 1 Leaked List
As we reported a few months ago, McFarlane’s DC license will expire next year, and Mattel will be taking over the reins. There will be a period of time next year that McFarlane’s license ramps down thru the end of 2026 and Mattel begins to produce DC products in a certain age range and style until they finally fully take over in 2027. As we reported, Mattel had previously announced their incredible partnership with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products for a multiyear licensing partnership on for DC characters and stories. Be sure to check out our previous DC Partners with Mattel What does that mean for MOTU article for some thoughts about what this might mean for the future of the DC license in Mattel’s hands. Now take this list with a grain of salt, as it has not been confirmed, but according to Alex_Chen_Toynews, since the “DC Multiverse” rights are still held by McFarlane until the end of 2026, Mattel’s new line will be named “DC Universe”. Starting in July 2026 with budget friendly, 6.5″ scale figures, Mattel’s first wave of figures will consist of Batman, Robin, The Joker and The Flash. Wave 2 is reported to be coming in September 2026. They will be generic designs to start with and then will expand into more premium designs. So let’s take a look at this Mattel DC Universe Wave 1 leaked list.
According to Alex_Chen_Toynews on Instagram:
Mattel returns to DC toys in July 2026 :
1️⃣ Name Change: The “DC Multiverse” rights are still held by McFarlane util the end of 2026, so Mattel’s new line will be called “DC Universe.”
2️⃣ Tiers: Rumor has it Mattel might use their WWE strategy—starting with budget-friendly figures, but potentially expanding to Elite or Premium/Ultimate versions later.
3️⃣ Release Schedule & Lineup:
JULY 2026 (Wave 1):
Batman
Robin
The Joker
The Flash
(Featuring evergreen/generic designs in a 6.5″ scale)
SEPTEMBER 2026 (Wave 2)
Wave 1 will consist of fan favorite characters which includes Batman, Robin, The Joker and The Flash.
Batman
Batman, also known as Bruce Wayne, is a superhero and a founding member of the Super Friends team in the popular animated television series of the same name. He is portrayed as a wealthy businessman who operates in Gotham City by day and fights crime as the dark and brooding Batman by night. In the Super Friends cartoon series, Batman is depicted as a strong and skilled vigilante with advanced martial arts training and a wide array of high-tech gadgets such as the Batmobile and the Batplane. He is known for his detective skills and his strategic mind, which allow him to outsmart and defeat his enemies, including the notorious villains of Gotham City such as the Joker, Penguin, and Catwoman.
Batman is often seen as the de facto leader of the Super Friends team, using his intelligence and tactics to guide his fellow superheroes in their quest to protect the world from various threats. Despite his serious demeanor and aloof personality, Batman is shown to deeply care for his friends and allies, always willing to put himself in harm’s way to ensure their safety. Overall, Batman in the Super Friends cartoon series is a complex and multidimensional character who embodies the qualities of justice, bravery, and heroism, making him a fan-favorite among viewers of all ages.
Robin
What would Batman be without his trusty side kick Robin? There has been so many versions of Robin, so we will have to wait to see what he looks like! Below is the 1984 Super Power version of Robin, so let’s hope the new McFarlane version is close to this one!
According to : Tim Drake – Wikipedia
Timothy Jackson “Tim” Drake is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. Created by Marv Wolfman and Pat Broderick, he first appeared in Batman #436 (August 1989) as the third character to assume the role of Batman’s crime-fighting partner and sidekick Robin. Following the events of Batman: Battle for the Cowl in 2009, Drake adopted the identity of Red Robin. In 2019, Tim returned to his original Robin persona and had a brief stint in which he used the mononym “Drake”.
As a young boy, Tim was in the audience the night Dick Grayson‘s parents were murdered and later managed to discover the identities of Batman and the original Robin through their exploits. After the death of the second Robin, Jason Todd, and witnessing Batman spiral into darkness, Tim attempted to convince Dick to resume the role of Robin, stating that “Batman needs a Robin”. However, Dick refused to return to being Batman’s sidekick, and instead, Tim was appointed as the third Robin. Neal Adams redesigned the entire Robin costume specifically for Tim Drake’s character, with the sole exception of the redesigned “R” logo by the late Norm Breyfogle.
Subsequent stories emphasize Tim’s superior detective skills compared to the previous two Robins, which make him more similar to Batman. He succeeded Dick as the leader of the Teen Titans, and later led his superhero team, Young Justice. He was briefly followed in the role of Robin by Stephanie Brown, and later for a longer period by Batman’s biological son, Damian Wayne, during the time Tim operated as Red Robin. Tim has been shown to have a close friendship with Superboy (Conner Kent). He has had romantic relationships with superheroes Stephanie Brown and Wonder Girl (Cassie Sandsmark), and more recently his former schoolfriend Bernard Dowd.
Tim Drake – Wikipedia
The Joker
The Joker is one of the most iconic and enduring villains in comic book history, primarily known as the arch-nemesis of Batman. His first appearance was in “Batman #1,” published by DC Comics in 1940. Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, the character has undergone various interpretations and adaptations over the decades.
The Joker is often depicted as a sociopathic criminal mastermind with a warped sense of humor. He embodies chaos and embraces anarchy, often committing heinous crimes purely for the thrill or to create havoc. Traditionally, the Joker is characterized by his clown-like appearance, featuring white skin, green hair, and red lips, along with a flamboyant and colorful costume. His look often includes a purple suit, which has become his signature style.
Aside from his physical antics, the Joker is highly intelligent and a master manipulator. He often engages in psychological warfare, using Batman’s ethics and values against him.The Joker’s origin story has been reinterpreted multiple times, with one of the most recognized being the “The Killing Joke” graphic novel by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland, which suggests he was a failed comedian who turned to crime and fell into a vat of chemicals, leading to his disfigurement and insanity.
The Joker has become a cultural symbol, representing not only the concept of the archetypal villain but also raising philosophical questions about morality, chaos, and society. His ongoing rivalry with Batman serves as a narrative anchor for numerous comic books, animated series, and films, making him a central figure in the Batman mythos and a significant presence in popular culture.
The Flash
“The Flash” is a classic superhero comic book character created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Harry Lampert. The character first appeared in “Flash Comics” #1, published by All-American Publications in January 1940. This initial version of The Flash was Jay Garrick, a college student who gained super-speed abilities after inhaling hard water vapors. Some key aspects of The Flash include his many versions as depicted in the comic books and cartoons. Both versions of The Flash shown below can move at superhuman speeds, which grants them abilities such as quick reflexes, time travel, and the capacity to vibrate through solid objects. Barry Allen’s version popularized the “Speed Force,” a mysterious energy source that grants speedsters their powers and enhances their abilities.
- Jay Garrick (Golden Age Flash): Jay Garrick is known for his metal winged helmet, which became iconic. He was part of the Justice Society of America (JSA) and embodied the spirit of the Golden Age of comics. His character had a more straightforward and wholesome style compared to later versions.
- Barry Allen (Silver Age Flash): The character experienced a revival in 1956 when writer Robert Kanigher and artist Carmine Infantino introduced Barry Allen as the new Flash in “Showcase” #4. Barry was a Central City police scientist who obtained his super-speed abilities after being struck by lightning while working with chemicals. This led to the development of the superhero persona we commonly recognize today.
The Flash has one of the most recognizable rogues galleries in comic book history, including villains like Captain Cold, Reverse-Flash (Eobard Thawne), Professor Zoom, and Mirror Master. Each of these characters often represents a unique thematic challenge to The Flash. The Flash has appeared in numerous comic book series, television shows, and animated features over the decades. The character’s speed-related powers and unique time-traveling story arcs have influenced many narratives across the DC Universe. The Flash has been adapted into various media, including live-action and animated series. The character gained widespread popularity with the “The Flash” TV series that began airing in 2014, featuring Grant Gustin as Barry Allen, which has been well-received by fans and critics alike. Overall, The Flash has been an enduring character in comic book history, notable for his rich legacy, complex storylines, and iconic status in popular culture.
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