Mattel’s Action League line continues on with its third series of figures. Series 3 includes four new sets – Batman & Deathstroke, Hal Jordan & Saint Walker, Kilowog & Zilius Zox and Superman & Wonder Woman. For the third series in a row, Mattel has put half of the emphasis on the Green Lantern storylines, this time including a Blue Lantern, Red Lantern, a Green Lantern and a half-Blue half-Green in Hal. This can be expected, of course, with the Green Lantern movie arriving in the near future and the prominent popularity of the Blackest Night/Brightest Day story arcs. Unfortunately, we’re starting to get into the rehashes already – Batman is a simple repaint of the figure that came with The Joker in Series 2, and Superman is a straight re-pack from the Series 1 figure that came with Bizarro. If we’re going to see another Superman figure, how about a standing version? The flying version is fine, but at this early stage in the line it’s way too soon for a straight repack. On a similar note, it would have been nice had Mattel used one of the many poses used in the Brave & the Bold Action League line for the Batman rather than such a recent release.

The Action League figures measure roughly 2 1/2″ tall and are highly-stylized versions of DC characters. The sculpts are hand-heavy and blocky in form, and are meant to give the DC Universe a different look. If you’re looking for realism or accuracy, the Classics line is much better suited for you. In addition to being fun little toys, these figures are useful for collectors to diversity their collection a bit. Each figure has only four points of articulation – neck, arms and waist – and all have swivel movement. Batman was given additional points of articulation in his shoulders, but the hinges are somewhat tight and do not offer much additional posability.

Quality-wise, there’s not much to look for in these figures. What few joints they have are pretty tight, and with the exception of Zilius Zox (who tends to fall forward) the problem with weight distribution isn’t there with this series. If you’re a picky collector, pay close attention to the paint applications. Every set I saw had some flaws that, in terms of figures such as the Classics, would be considered unacceptable by many collectors. Mind you, these are not meant to be high-grade collector figures and shouldn’t be treated as such when it comes to quality expectations.

These 2-packs can be found at most general retailers and will run you $6.99 for a set. Really not a bad price for two characters and the means to spice up your collection a little bit.

Batman & Deathstroke

Deathstroke may be the perfect solider, but he is no match for Batman’s martial arts prowess.

Hal Jordan & Saint Walker

Saint Walker gives Hal Jordan his blue power ring to defeat Atrocitus.

Kilowog & Zilius Zox

Kilowog is transporting Sinestro to Korugar when he is brutally ambushed by Zilius Zox.

Superman & Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman and Superman fight evil as founding members of the Justice League of America.