DC Direct Deluxe Action Figures - SHAZAM! - Deluxe Action Figure Set (2000)
DC Direct, a subsidiary of DC Comics, started releasing action figures of DC characters and super heroes in 1998. It wasn't until 2000, that the first DC action figure of Captain Marvel was released along with his alter ego, Billy Batson.
Packaged in a large, four-color window box and containing multiple accessories including a diorama stand complete with a thunderous sound effect, this was a set worth waiting for. Both the sculping of Captain Marvel and Billy Batson were based on their very first adventures in Whiz Comics and the Captain Marvel figure seemed to be sculped directly from the splash panel in Whiz Comics #2!
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| WHIZ COMICS #2 - Splash Panel |
While the sculptor sculped a larger face, flipped the cape (presumably so that Captain Marvel's left arm could move freely), designed a larger lighting bolt, and added the sash, he/she kept the tipped head and the orientation of the boots as well as the button flap. Comparing the figure to the splash panel of Whiz Comics #2 reveals the similarity.
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - Captain Marvel in Whiz Comics #2 pose |
Note: DC Direct later released a First Appearance version of Captain Marvel that more closely matched the image in the splash panel.
Solicitation (March 2000)
DC DIRECT
SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET
Advance-solicited; in stores September 13 [2000]. An incredible 2-pack presents the Original Captain Marvel and his alter-ego, Billy Batson! With one magic word, newsboy Billy Batson becomes the World's Mightiest Mortal, and now the duo can be yours. Holy Moley!
The set includes a Captain Marvel figure that stands 6.25" tall with a soft PVC cape. Cap features nine points of articulation (neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees). Put him on the enclosed transformation stand (which features removable cards that create dioramas of the Cave of Eternity and radio station WHIZ). A thunderclap sound effect from the built-in sound chip rumbles as he switches places with the 4.375" tall Billy Batson, who comes with a bundle of newspapers and a free-standing WHIZ microphone and features seven points of articulation (neck, shoulders, elbows, and hips).
Packaged in a striking collector's box. No variants are being offered.
Retailers, please note: The SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET is manufactured to order, so
only limited quantities may be available for reorder. Final product may differ from picture shown. This item is advance solicited. Orders must be placed with those for May-released product, solicited in this month's issue of Previews.
FIGURE PI
Note: The set appears to have been released two weeks later on September 27, 2000.
Box
Weight (including figures, base, and accessories): 1lb. 3.5 oz.
Width: 11"
Height: 9"
Depth: 3.8"
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET |
Front of Box
The front of the box displays both the Billy Batson and Captain Marvel figures in a beautiful window box display. Billy Batson's microphone and Fawcett Post newspaper are also clearly visible.
Width: 11"
Height: 9"
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGUE SET - Front of Box |
WITH ONE MAGIC WORD... SHAZAM!
For Ages 8 & Up
Hear Thunder Rumble as the Diorama Base Changes Billy Batson into The World's Mightiest Mortal!*
Base Features "THUNDER" Sound Chip!
WARNING: Choking Hazard
Small Parts. Not for Children under 3 years.
SET INCLUDES: A newspaper for Billy, two WHIZ Radio diorama cards, backed with Cave of Eternity art and a stand-up microphone
*See back for details
DC Direct
DC DIRECT DELUXE ACTION FIGURES
Back of Box
The back of the box details background on both Captain Marvel and Billy Batson and displays how the transformation stand operates. It shows both sides of the transformation cards and advertises the then upcoming Big Barda and Mr. Miracle action figures set.
Width: 11"
Height: 9"
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGUE SET - Back of Box |
WITH ONE MAGIC WORD...
SHAZAM!
The World's Mightiest Mortal!
He may have entered the Cave of Eternity a boy, but he emerged as the World's Mightiest Mortal! Now, Billy Batson uses his incredible strength against the evil of such diabolical foes as Dr. Sivana and Mr. Mind! And as a member of the Justice League of America wielding the Power of Shazam, he stands tall alongside the World's Greatest Super-Heroes!
Billy Batson: reporter for WHIZ Radio
As a humble streetcorner newsboy, Billy Batson was chosen by the old wizard Shazam to carry on the battle against the Seven Deadly Enemies of Man: Pride, Envy, Greed, Hatred, Selfishness, Laziness, and Injustice. Now a boy reporter for radio station WHIZ, Billy has but to speak the wizard's name— "SHAZAM!" —and in a flash of lightning, he is transformed by the Power of Shazam to become the World's Mightiest Mortal!
The Diorama
Insert the two art cards into either side of the transformation stand to forma diorama of The Cave of Eternity.
Flip the cards over to form a diorama of WHIZ Radio. Place Billy's microphone in front of him and he's ready to broadcast the news.
Place the two figures on on opposite sides of the card on the pegs provided on the transformation stand.
Slide the handle to the front of the transformation stand, and as a clap of thunder is heard, he magically gains...
...The Power of Shazam. To reverse the transformation move the handle back in the other direction.
COMING SOON!
BIG BARDA – MR. MIRACLE Deluxe Action Figure Set
For the Nearest Comics Shop, Call 1-800-Comic-Book.
Left Side of Box
The left side of the box features the Captain Marvel figure (identified as The World's Mightiest Mortal in a yellow-bordered red background, call-out circle) standing in front of a portion of the right hand side Cave [Rock] of Eternity diorama card.
Width: 3.75"
Height: 9"
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGUE SET - Left Side of Box |
SHAZAM!
DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET
The World's Mightiest Mortal
Right Side of Box
The right side of the box features the Billy Batson figure (identified as Billy Batson: reporter for WHIZ Radio in a yellow-bordered red background, call-out circle) standing in front of a portion of the right hand side Station W.H.I.Z. diorama card.
Width: 3.75"
Height: 9"
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGUE SET - Right Side of Box |
SHAZAM!
DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET
Billy Batson: reporter for WHIZ Radio
Box Top
The top of the box features closeups of both Billy Batson and Captain Marvel in separate spotlight circles. The 1973 SHAZAM! logo is prominently featured.
Height: 4.8"
Width: 11"
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGUE SET - Top of Box |
SHAZAM!
DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET
Box Bottom
The bottom of the box contains manufacturing information.
Height: 4.8"
Width: 11"
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGUE SET - Bottom of Box |
DELUXE Action Figure Set created by DC Direct
DC Comics, 1700 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
dccomics.com
Manufactured in China for DC Comics.
Product may vary from image shown.
TM DC Comics © 2000. All Rights Reserved.
Please Retain This Address For Your Records
Diamond Comics Distributors
Unit 5 • Causeway Park Industrial Estate
Wilderspool Causeway
Warrington Cheshire WA4 6QB England
Symbols: No children 0-3 years old, Green Dot (manufacturer has made contributions towards recovery and recycling in Europe) , CE (CE marking is an administrative marking that indicates conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA))
Conforms to the safety requirements of
ASTM F963-96a
UPC: 7 61941 22515 9
Inside the Box
The contents of the box includes both action figures in separate vacuum-formed plastic figure holders separated by an outer cardboard holder. The cardboard holder also contains the transformation stand. Also included is a plastic bag containing the three diorama cards (detailed later) and information about battery replacement.
Interior Vacuum-formed Plastic Figure Holders
The Billy Batson vacuum-formed holder also contains Billy's microphone and Fawcett Post newspaper.
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGUE SET - Interior Box Packaging |
Accessories
Lightning Bolt Diorama Card (Front, Back)
Width: 5.75"
Height: 6.5"
The lightning bolt diorama card is double-sided displaying the same image on both sides. One side is slightly different as it also contains a DC Comics copyright statement.
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - Diorama Card - Lightning Bolt - Front |
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - Diorama Card - Lightning Bolt - Back |
™ & © DC COMICS 2000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Station W.H.I.Z. Diorama Cards (left, right)
The left hand side Station W.H.I.Z. diorama card features art showing the exterior of the W.H.I.Z. Radio broadcast room. The diorama card is tab cut on the bottom right hand side for insertion in the transformation stand.
Both cards
Width: 8.5"
Height: 7"
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - Diorama Card - Station W.H.I.Z. - Left |
The right hand side of the Station W.H.I.Z. diorama card shows the interior of the W.H.I.Z. Radio broadcast studio (through "glass").
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - Diorama Card - Station W.H.I.Z. - Right |
Cave [Rock] of Eternity Diorama Cards (left, right)
The left hand side of the Cave [Rock] of Eternity diorama card features The Seven Deadly Enemies of Man statues leading to the Wizard Shazam's throne.
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - Diorama Card - Rock of Eternity - Left |
The right hand side diorama card features the Wizard Shazam's Throne with globe, book, and brazier. Inscribed behind the throne is the wizard's name along with the names of the Elders and the gifts bestowed on Shazam's champion.
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - Diorama Card - Rock of Eternity - Right |
The Fawcett Post Newspaper
The set also includes a Fawcett Post newspaper since Billy Batson was a newspaper boy before being endowed with the power of SHAZAM and becoming a newscaster for Radio Station W.H.I.Z.
Width: 1.25" (folded), 2.5" (unfolded)
Height: 1.25" (folded), 2.3" (unfolded)
Color: Off-white, light-cream
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - The Fawcett Post Newspaper (folded) |
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - The Fawcett Post Newspaper (unfolded) |
Front Page
THE FAWCETT POST
EXTRA!
MYSTERIOUS LIGHTS SEEN IN SUBWAY!
Ghost train haunts the rails!
Inside this edition:
Back Page
Listen to...
WHIZ RADIO
THE VOICE OF FAWCETT CITY
© 2000 DC COMICS.
Station W.H.I.Z. Microphone
Billy Batson's Station W.H.I.Z. microphone is not free standing. It is designed to be inserted into the base of the transformation stand (backed with the Station W.H.I.Z. diorama cards).
Note: In the photo below, the "wire" is detached from the microphone. This is just an anomaly of my microphone
Width: 0.25"
Height: 3.55"
Weight: N/A
Color: Silver
Branding: WHIZ
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - Billy's Microphone - Turnaround |
Transformation Stand
The Transformation Stand is a hand-driven circular base that rotates "transforming" Billy Batson into Captain Marvel and vice-versa.
The stand is bisected by a holder for the Lightning Bolt diorama card. Each side contains pegs to hold the Captain Marvel and Billy Batson figures in place. The Billy Batson side of the transformation stand also includes a pegged insert to hold Billy Batson's microphone.
There are two holders at the edges of the transformation stand to hold the Station W.H.I.Z./Cave [Rock] of Eternity diorama cards.
As the stand rotates, an internal switch is triggered producing a "thunder" sound. The sound is powered by three AG13 (or compatible) batteries.
Width: 8.2"
Height: 1.75"
Weight: 5.4 oz
Color: Black
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - Transformation Stand - Front |
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - Transformation Stand - Top |
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - Transformation Stand - Bottom |
Battery Safety Information
The battery safety information sheet details information about replacing batteries.
AG13 batteries are also called LR44, 157, A74, LR 1154, or 357/303.
Width: 4"
Height: 2"
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGUE SET - Battery Safety Information |
3 pcs of AG13 batteries or equivalent
- Battery installation or replacement by adult only.
- Batteries are to be inserted with the correct polarity.
- Only batteries of the same or equivalent type as recommended are to be used.
- Do not use old and new batteries.
- Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc) or rechargeable (nickel cadmium) batteries.
- Non-rechargeable batteries are not to be recharged.
- Do not attempt to burn batteries.
- Dispose of batteries safely and correctly.
- Remove batteries if the toy will not be used for a long period of time.
- Exhausted batteries are to be removed from the toy.
- The supply terminals are not to be short-circuited.
- The packaging should be kept since it contains important information.
- Do not use rechargeable batteries.
Diorama
One of the best aspects of the DC Direct Deluxe Action Figure Set is the diorama when attached to the Transformation Stand. It's impressive and requires a bit under 2 in width to display.
Width: 20.5"
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - Diorama: Billy at Station W.H.I.Z. |
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - Diorama: Captain Marvel at Station W.H.I.Z. |
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - Diorama: Captain Marvel at The Rock of Eternity |
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET = Diorama: Billy Batson at The Rock of Eternity |
Body
Both figures are in the 1:12 scale (6 inch size) although Billy is shorter than 6" as you would expect).
Billy Batson
Billy Batson is sculpted in his classic first appearance look which is characterized by a slender face. Billy's face became rounder as the Fawcett artists (notably C.C. Beck) standardized his look.
Billy is garbed in his traditional red and yellow long-sleeved ringer t-shirt, blue jeans, and brown shows.
Height: 4.25"
Weight: 0.7 oz
Hair color: Black
Eyes: Black
Articulation: 7 points: head, shoulders, elbows, and hips.
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - Billy Batson - Front |
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - Billy Batson - Back |
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - Billy Batson - Right Side |
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - Billy Batson - Left Side |
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET - Billy Batson - Head Views |
Captain Marvel
Captain is sculpted in his classic WHIZ COMICS #2 look. His uniform is the generally loose-fitting, red tunic with gold button flap, gold wristbands, gold sash, form-fitting trousers, yellow boots (with black stitching), and white cape ornamented with gold trim and gold brocades.
Height: 6.25"
Weight: 2.5 oz.
Hair: Black with flecks of blue
Eyes: Black
Articulation: 9 points: head, shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGUE SET - Captain Marvel/Shazam - Body Front |
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGUE SET - Captain Marvel/Shazam - Body Back |
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGUE SET - Captain Marvel/Shazam - Body Right Side |
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGUE SET - Captain Marvel/Shazam - Body Left Side |
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| SHAZAM! DELUXE ACTION FIGUE SET - Captain Marvel/Shazam - Head Views |
Walt Grogan says: Overall, I really like both figures. A lot of care was taken in the sculpting of both figures. I would have liked to have known the identity of the sculptor.
Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel looks quite a bit like his first appearance in in WHIZ COMICS #2. I think the sash was unnecessary, especially since its removal damages the look of the follow-up Power of Shazam! Captain Marvel and Black Adam figures. His squinty-eyed look is well done as is his hair (plus he sports some flecks of blue). I wish his head hadn't been tipped forward, chin down but I recognize that the designer was going for that WHIZ COMICS #2 look.
I don't care for the gold accents as it seems that the color scheme of the Captain Marvel figure was loosely based on the color scheme of Alex Ross's version of Captain Marvel from his ground-breaking four-issue prestige-format series, Kingdom Come (1996). Captain Marvel's cape border, cape rope attachment, wristbands, and sash are all colored in gold paint while his lightning bolt and boots are colored in traditional yellow.
Billy Batson
Billy Batson is spot-on. Although his articulation is a bit more limited than Captain Marvel's, his overall look is well done. Billy Batson's newspaper is retroactively renamed The Fawcett Post rather than a New York newspaper as the original Captain Marvel/Billy Batson was based in New York City.
See more Marvel Family Action Figures.
Visit The Marvel Family Web and join The Marvel Family Web Facebook page.
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