The Crawford Institute of Pop Culture Collectibles
The Gray Section
Last Update: 2021-02-23
Written By: Michael Crawford
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Welcome to the Crawford Institute of Pop Culture Collectibles - the Gray Section!
As you enter the building, this is the corner to the left, past the Green Section. Here I have mostly Batman related items, with some DC goodies as
well. There are some additional Batman/DC items, mostly quarter scale, in the Green Section Tower, and the entire Red Section is made up of Batman/DC
figures.
In the Gray Section, there's a predominance of statues and busts, with some figures. The Gray Section includes a set of wall shelves that span 8 feet
down one the front wall, around the corner, and down 4 feet of the left wall. There are two windows on either side, one separating the Green and Gray
section, and one separating the Gray and Red section.
In front is a single tower, 3 feet wide and six feet long. This tower can be seen from the long side in the photo below. Please
ignore the space on the floor, as this is currently simply storage but will be changing over time as other sections are built out, particularly the
Red Section.
Up next, let's look at the window separating two of the sections. The Green Section is to the left, with the Gray to the right. I discuss the
painting choices in the General Discussion area of the site.
Up next, let's look at the window separating two of the sections. The Green Section is to the left, with the Gray to the right. I discuss the
painting choices in the General Discussion area of the site.
Above the window are three of the four "Gotham Stories" wall hangers, featuring Batman, Joker, and Catwoman. There is a fourth in the set, with
Harley and Robin, and I've left room for it eventually.
Up next, let's look at the window separating two of the sections. The Green Section is to the left, with the Gray to the right. I discuss the
painting choices in the General Discussion area of the site.
Beneath the window, hanging on the wall, is a framed poster for the Batman movie Lego. This is for the toys, not the movie, although the Lego are
for the movie. In front is the huge Batman statue produced for the Warner Brothers store. This guy is a full 24" tall.
Here's a couple more shots of the wall shelves, and the lighting.
The second of four windows in the building separates the Gray Section from the Red Section. While the Gray is mostly Batman, some DC, the Red
shifts to some Batman, mostly DC. This window has the complete set of animated series wall hangers that were available at the Warner Brothers store,
and you'll notice they follow the pattern, with the Batman set on the gray side, and the Justice League set on the red.
Beneath the window on the wall is a framed art piece done by Sideshow at some point. It's a number edition and says "Super Powers" but I'm a bit
foggy on when they did this one. Anyone with more info, please drop me a line.
Now let's check out the top shelves along the wall. This shelf, with the extra height of 22" or so, is home to larger statues and
collectibles.
I particularly love the Tweeterhead Catwoman, based on the movie Batman Returns.
Speaking of Tweeterhead, this shelf also contains the complete set of Signature Series statues they did for the 1966 Batman
television show. While these first three - Joker, Egghead, and Penguin - did come with the signature COA's, obviously all of these are reproduced
signatures.
However, the Julie Newmar is an original signature. That's the emerald edition as well, slightly fewer produced than the ruby
edition. The two oddly colored Batmen in the corner were produced for the Japanese market - I have no idea why they wanted neon versions of Batman.
Both the Robin and Batman are original signatures as well. These came with the pieces to the Bat-computer, and they can be placed
behind the figures as well, depending on how you have your setup. These shelves are just 8" deep, so there's less space. They were hoping to produce
an Alfred with additional Bat-cave goodies, but never did.
This set of statues is my personal pick for the very best collectibles ever produced for the show. Sadly it ended with these ten,
but hopefully Tweeterhead will eventually give us a few more. Batgirl is my favorite of the set, with a great pose and the diorama based on her
'lair' from the show. They had arranged for Yvonne Craig to sign the COA's, but sadly she took ill and passed away.
Stepping down to the next shelf, we see Wonder Woman in the corner, starting off the collection of Diamond Select mini-busts based
on the various DC animated properties. The different bases indicate which ones go with which ones based off which shows.
This entire line is underrated, and many of these busts are the best representations of these characters in any collectible format.
Three of my favorites are together in this shot - Scarecrow, Killer Croc, and Clayface.
They did a few variants, particularly for conventions. Here you'll see the black and white version of Catwoman, along with the
unmasked Phantasm. The Harley was a special anniversary release, and comes with two heads you can swap.
While the sculpting is fantastic on all of these, the paint work was an area where they did cut costs. However, the low cost is one
of the better features of the series, with most of the busts priced around $50 at retail. A couple of the huge ones, like Man-Bat, where a bit more,
but it has been a very economical series, not something you can say about too many collectibles.
Okay, they actually did quite a few variants. Harley and Batman both got the black and white treatment, and Flash got a cool
translucent release. In a minute you'll see a muddy version of the Dark Knight Returns bust as well.
While I am now currently complete with this series, when they were first released I focused on the Batman relates busts only. That
meant going back and picking up about 10 or so that I had skipped the first time around, but thankfully, these have remained fairly reasonable on the
secondary market. I don't expect that to last though, and if you're interested in them I'd get them sooner rather than later.
They gave Joker and Batman Beyond a lot of love...
This next photo finishes them off, although I expect at least one more Batman to be released by DST, and hopefully more down the
road.
The final bit of this 12 foot section of wall shelf starts my collection of Batman Black and White statues from DC Direct (aka DC
Collectibles for awhile). I'm leaving a little space here because a) I may need more room for the animates busts and b) there still might be another
black and white statue to make it out, although the odds of that get slimmer and slimmer.
BTW, I hate the McFarlane release, which you can see here. It's way too big compared to the rest of the line. Also, the version flying downward -
remember, this shelf is actually about 6' above the floor, so he's soaring down at most of us.
The Batman Black and White series from DC Direct is a simple concept. They designed statues based on the artwork of many of the
comic book artists that drew him over the decades, and did it in a black and white palette. There are over 100 different releases.
Some of the releases, like the Mike Mignola version on the top left, are extremely popular. They often released paint variants on
those that sold out, and I picked up a few of these when I thought they were particularly cool, but I didn't pick up all of them. I don't consider the
repaints necessary for a complete collection, but your mileage may vary.
They also produced a few in color for the Japanese market, which I skipped as well. Kinda not really Black and White if they are
blue and gray, no?
This is one of those unique series where having a lot of them is way more impressive than one or two on their own. It's the theme
that plays so well, and makes for such a great looking display.
There are a few stinkers in the series of course, and I already mentioned how much I dislike the McFarlane release. But because
they cover such a broad array of artistic styles, that's to be expected.
When I said I was complete with this set, I lied. I'm actually missing one statue that I feel I need to be 'complete'. On the top
left of the next photo, you'll see the regular release Gerard Way Batman. They did a Hot Topic variant, and I've left space next to him for when I
eventually pick him up.
They didn't only produce Batmen in this series either. Some of the releases were other good guys, like Batgirl or Robin, while
others were villains like the Scarecrow in the photo below.
The series is large enough that it requires another full 12 feet of shelving with risers! If you're keeping track, we are now
starting the fourth wall shelf out of five.
While I don't consider having all the various colorized variants necessary for a 'complete' collection, I did pick up a few I
liked, like the Gotham Knights Batman below.
That finishes off the Black and White collection, and we move to the final, fifth shelf. This is a shelf where I expect a lot of
change over the coming weeks, as I build out the Red Section and make further decisions on what goes where, but while I do, this is a bit of a catch
all.
There is a shelf on the Gray Section Tower dedicated to the 1966 Batman as well, but here you'll see the Funko series of 4"
figures, along with the Batmobile they produced.
Once upon a time, I helped Charlee Flatt get the company Flatt World Figures up and off the ground. More on that when we get to the
Dracula we produced in the Orange (Horror) Section, but here you'll see two Flatt customs - Batman and Riddler. Charlee did his own Mego style boxes
as well.
And yes, that's a can of Heinz pasts with BTAS shapes.
When it comes to my favorite licenses - like Batman - I like to collect oddball stuff. Here you'll see some kid's bath soap with
BTAS themed heads (I don't believe these ever got a US release), some sipper cups, playing cards, and my favorite, Batman and Robin dog toys from the
70's.
While we haven't gotten a lot of 66 Batman goodness over the years, we have gotten some, and I've dabbled in most. You can see some
more of Diamond Select's work here, with the start of the 66 Batman mini-busts, as well as some of the banks.
DST was good enough to give us an Eartha Kitt Catwoman as well in the bust line, and they hit up the villains pretty well.
Another character we rarely see in collectible form from the show - Alfred. They did a nice job with Bruce and Dick, who is hiding
out on the corner, as well.
Now we drop down to the floor. While the floor space under the towers is going to be largely storage, I expect to use the
wall space for display of larger items. I still have to figure out what to do with some wiring and cords though - it's an ongoing project.
You'll see a lot more of the DC Universe Classics and DC Superheroes lines in the Red Section, but I have some of the 12" figures
from those lines along the wall.
Most BTAS fans will recognize the big bust from the days of the Warner Brothers Store. Damn, I miss that place. The Batman shoes
are Converse of course.
Now let's move to the Gray Section Tower. While some sections have more than one, there's only a single 3x6 tower here. It's the
largest single tower so far (there are others you'll see that are larger, but made up of smaller sections put together), and I suspect the largest
I'll do.
The top shelf has a double layer of statues, mostly DC Collectibles Bombshells. These were done in a style of the 40's pin up. I'm
not quite complete on this collection, but I do have all the unique characters. I'm leaving a little space for three or four paint variants I still
need to pick up.
Supergirl got two unique versions!
The second Supergirl they did is actually the largest statue in the series. It's hard to tell in the photo, but the flying
Supergirl and Batgirl in front of her are all one statue. They did several pairs - you can also see the Batman and Catwoman in this shot - but this
one was the largest.
One of my favorites is the Harley/Joker pair, where they've switched roles from the famous Times Square 'end of the war kiss'
photo.
While they did several male characters in the Bombshells line - Batman, Joker, Superman - they were part of duo statues. I believe
Aquaman was the only solo male they produced. They also liked their share of variants, and you can see Batgirl, Harley, and Wonder Woman all got
repaints.
The Bombshells are finishing up, but like I said, I still have a couple paint variants to pick up. You'll see two of the Warner
Brothers store Batman statues in back.
I've reserved the space next to Katana for a couple more Bombshells. The Poison Ivy, Riddler, Robin, Catwoman, and Batman were
produced for the Warner Brothers stores.
On this end of the shelf, there's a mish-mash of Batgirls, Catwomen, and Poison Ivy's, from lines like Cover Girls.
The two Jokers and the Batman are from Kotobukiya, who have done some really nice large scale vinyl statues. The Killing Joke Joker
was the second version - you saw the first version earlier along the top of the wall shelves.
The next shelf down is home to some of my favorite statues - maquettes based on the various animated properties. Some were based on
the animated Batman shows, others on the Justice League, with a few Super Friends thrown in for good measure.
Now we're getting into some of the cheaper statues from DST, but there are still some real winners. I really like both the Joker
and the Batgirl, and having her land on Clayface's head is a great design choice. Oh, and there's the Bombshells Poison Ivy, a statue that's too short
to be seen if it's on the top shelf with the rest.
The animated Joker and Robin are more Warner Brothers goodies, but the Batman, Batgirl, Joker, and Catwoman are from the 66 Batman
line by DST. These aren't as nice as the larger Tweeterhead statues, but they are much more reasonably priced.
I need to get a better shot of the animated Batgirl for the site. She was a custom I had commissioned with the fantastic artist
Beverly Morrison.
There's been no shortage of Harley statues over the years. These are from different lines, like Femme Fatales, Warner Brothers,
Cover Girls, and her own series.
The two Wonder Women on the back tier of this shelf are from Kotobukiya, one movie, one comic book.
This side of the tower is really up for grabs right now, and I've left some serious space for additional statue purchases.
The Batman and Joker busts are from Hot Toys. And it's worth noting that I love the Cover Girls Batgirl design!
See - open space! And some more of the cheaper DST releases as well.
Now we are getting into some serious sixth scale love with the next shelf. Here I have most of my Hot Toys Dark Knight related
goodies, along with some Dark Knight stuff from other companies. Up first, Band and Two Face!
This is the Hot Toys Tumbler, and no, I do not own the camo version. This version was more than enough for me, and it's one of my
favorite Batman vehicles...out done by only one other, which you'll see soon.
I like when I can fill out a license with lots of B characters, so getting the likes of Gordon and Blake was a no brainer.
Of course the Bat Signal lights up. This is the Hot Toys version that came with two figures.
This section is evolving, and is really a place holder right now to get some idea of who else needs to go on this shelf. There's a
couple DC Direct figures in back, and the Nurse Joker is a custom.
The Hot Toys Batpod is another personal favorite, as is Catwoman. Don't get too excited about the Mattel 6" figures in front -
they'll be moving. I have a bunch more still carded someplace, and once I get the Red Section complete, they'll have a new home. To the left in the
photo is the Takara Cool Girls Catwoman, seducing the Takara DK Batman. Oh, and that's one of two third party versions of Lucious Fox that is on this
shelf.
Those are Corgi Batmobiles, and I have quite a few more. This is probably not their final resting place, although I do like them
there more than the Mattel action figures.
A better look at the Tumbler, and another Lucious Fox.
On the next shelf, we have more Hot Toys and other sixth scale goodness. Let's start out with the Dynamic Duo, Batman and Robin
from the 66 television show.
When I was discussing the Hot Toys Tumbler, I said you'd be seeing the one sixth scale Batmobile I liked better in a minute - here
it is. This is a thing of beauty.
You can't have Batman Returns Batmobile without some Batmen...there's three versions here, one with a third party Keaton portrait.
I didn't love the Suicide Squad movie, but I do love what Hot Toys has done with the license. Running through the center of this
shelf, with boxed figures facing out on either side, are the animated DC 12" figures produced by Hasbro.
For the BTAS fans, these are the four sixth scale figures produced by Mondo. I have to make and paint a small stand for the Batman
in back to lift him up a couple inches, to better give the flowing cape room.
It's not just about the movies - Star Ace, ThreeA, and Hot Toys have also done other versions of the caped crusader and his
villains.
The guy sitting down is old school - that's a magnetic hands Mego Batman. There's a DC Direct Batman in back, and the start of some
Sideshow comic themed sixth scale Batman figures.
This is the Sideshow Lobo, a figure I love. I have a motorcycle I'll be putting him on eventually.
One of the greatest portraits ever produced by Hot Toys is the Nicholson Joker. You saw him on the other side of this shelf in his
normal outfit, but here he is in the Mime costume.
And we finish off this shelf with another fantastic Hot Toys release, the Christopher Reeve Superman. To the left is the regular
version, and to the right is the 'evil' release.
The final shelf in the tower starts out with a whole lot more 1966 Batman stuff, as well as some 10" animated DC boxed figures in
back.
The final shelf in the tower starts out with a whole lot more 1966 Batman stuff, as well as some 10" animated DC boxed figures in
back.
The Mattel series of 6" figures was great, but you'll see the 7" NECA version of Batman as well.
The best feature of the 6" Mattel line was the Batmobile, which was properly scaled.
The Batmobile statue is sure to be moving, but it needed someplace safe to rest while I work on the Red Section. The sixth scale
movie Superman and Lex Luthor were by Mattel, and that's the only Gene Lex we've ever gotten in this scale.
What will be going where the Batmobile currently sits i some more of these DC Direct 13" figures. I have several more to pick up,
and while they aren't anything to write home about individually, I think they make a nice display together.
In most areas, I also have special set ups for various pins and other unique items. Here is the cork strip where the Batman/DC,
Indy, and POTC pins are hanging out. The Indy and POTC stuff is on the next tower over, hence it's easy location here.
Please share with your friends!
Photos and text by Michael Crawford.
This page copyright 2000 - 2021, Michael Crawford. All rights reserved.
