DC Collectibles Pencils Exclusive Batman, Krypto Plush Into SDCC Plans

With just a hair over a six weeks to go until San Diego Comic-Con, companies have been slowly dropping hints about what to expect in the way of exclusive merchandise at this year's show. As expected, DC Collectibles will have some choice items up for grabs at the event.

Previous SDCCs have seen a fairly diverse line-up from DC Collectibles, but in 2014 the company really only had a limited Batman: Arkham City Harley Quinn statue. Fortunately, the merchandise side of the DC Comics brand is offering two unique collectibles this year that'll be a tiny bit more affordable... provided you can get one at the show itself.

Exclusive Batman action figures are nothing new to DC, or SDCC for that matter, but one of this year's hottest items at the show is definitely going to be the BlueLine Edition Batman. The figure takes the previously released New 52 Batman figure, and slaps a new coat of paint on there meant to mimic the style of Jim Lee pencils. This style has been used by a number of other manufacturers over the years, but most famously by NECA when it released its Mirage-styled, black and white Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles back in 2008.

I happen to be a big fan of this particular design aesthetic, but I know it's not for everyone. I love the way Batman is shaded based on a particular light source, rather than having a more realistic, flat colorway. Batman will still be fully-articulated, and comes in a nice magnetic windowbox display. In addition to the figure, the package also includes a printed Batman sketch (read: not a real sketch) all for $40. That's pretty standard SDCC pricing for action figure exclusives.

If you happen to have a bit more disposable income, there will be a variant version of the BlueLine Edition Batman that comes with an actual authentic sketch from Jim Lee. There will be 150 of these original art iterations, with 50 sketches each of Batman, Joker and Harley Quinn randomly inserted. This version of the figure will run you $300, which is not that bad for an original Jim Lee sketch. While DC has been very up front about there only being 150 of this version, the number of the standard figure isn't quite so obvious. If you do plan on getting one, no matter which version, being there early will certainly help. Though I suppose that's true enough advice for anything SDCC related.

The other DC Collectibles exclusive on hand, while not quite as expensive or remarkable in its design, is the DC Super Pets Krypto Plush. I was sold on this line the moment I saw it at Toy Fair earlier this year, and even though only Krypto, Streaky and Dex-Starr have been announced, the Art Baltazar-inspired animals are sure to a hit with fans of all ages. The $9.95 price point certainly doesn't hurt either.

Coupled with its cuteness and affordability is the lack of room such a collectible will take up in your luggage. While the Batman figure could make your return flight packing a bit cumbersome, you'll likely be able to jam Krypto into just about any suitcase with little effort. He might get smushed a bit, but you certainly won't have to leave any pants behind to make sure Krypto gets home safe.