In 2003, WB felt that it was time to revive the animated Batman franchise with "The Batman" series which featured a younger Bruce Wayne and his faithful butler Alfred Pennyworth.  Much like it's predecessor, Batman the Animated Series, the toy line of "The Batman" featured some bat-suits which Bruce Wayne did wear (such as his White Bat-Thermal suit used to fight Mr. Freeze) and didn't wear (which is almost everything else).  Below is a list of figures which I suggest that you can get to start a Batman collection or augment your defunct Batman the Animated Series Collection.

1) Batman - Sporting a black and grey Bat-suit, this Batman figure has four points of articulation (two legs, left arm, and neck) as well as a retractable grappling hook. (Available: Batman The Animated Series)

2) Bruce to Batman - After removing all of those snap on accessories.  Bruce Wayne is pretty decent in a black suit and if you wish, you can even make him hold his utility belt. (Available: Bruce Wayne Batman Animated Series)

3) Hammer Strike Joker - To date, there are three versions of the Joker.  This one in my opinion is the best as he carries the colors he uses on the show. (Available: The Joker Batman Animated Series)

4) Bane - A red version of the man who in the comics figured out who Batman really was and broke his back which put him out of commission.  This is a huge and awesome figure to have in any collection. (Available: Bane Batman Animated Series)

5) Man-Bat - Dr. Robert Langstorm duped Bruce Wanye into funding a cure for deafness.  But Langstorm had other plans and this led to the creation of Man-Bat.  This figure had to be tilted in order for it to fit into "The Batman" standard packaging.  This white bat takes up so much space and it's ability to bend and swivel its arms gives you a glimpse of what the Batman must have gone through to take him down. (Available: Man Bat The Batman Animated Series)

6) Firefly - Mattel's Firefly (Garfield Lynns) marks the first time that Batman's pyromanic foe was given a figure.  It comes with a removable helmet (so you guys can see how Garfield looks underneath the helmet) a backpack which produces real sparks. (Available: The Batman Firefly)

 7) The Penguin - Another large figure.  The "The Batman" series places Oswald Cobblepot as a traveler who had just recently returned to Gotham City.  Learning the arts of the East, Cobblepot has established his dominance over The Bat and Batgirl on several occasions.  The Penguin comes with a folded umbrella and a hat (that just doesn't seem to stay attached to his head).  Recently, a two-pack set featuring a red shirted Penguin and Batman has been released in the market. (Available: The Batman Penguin Animated Series)

8) Catwoman (Wizard Convention Exclusive) - This slick Catwoman comes with several versions of a cat idol ranging from Gold (the hardest and most expensive of the lot) to Red, White, and Blue.  These figures are initially sealed in purple boxes and you won't know what you've got till you've opened them. (Available: The Batman Catwoman Exclusive)

9) Selina Kyle (Diamond Exclusive) - Basically the as Catwoman except with a head scuplt.  Comes with a base to prop the figure into as well as a whip and the Jade idol which is prominent in her first episode in "The Batman" series. (Available: Selina Kyle Batman The Animated Series) 

10) Mr. Freeze - Unlike his predecessor who was a brilliant scientist, the new Mr. Freeze was a thug who ended up in a cryogenic chamber because of Batman.  He has had a life-long vedetta against the Dark Knight since then.  As for the figure, there are two versions: "Faceless Freeze" and "Regular Freeze" which sports a nose. (Available: Mr. Freeze Batman the Animated Series)

 11) The Riddler - I could never imagine the Riddler ever with long hair growing up.  Well here it is.  The figure comes with a question mark trigger release blade.  Makes you wonder what he plans to do with it when people are unable to figure out his riddles and give him what he wants. (Available: Riddler Batman the Animated Series)

 12) Clayface - A departure from the Matt Hagan actor orgins that we are all used to, the new Clayface used to be Bruce Wayne's best pal in school and former Gotham Police Department Detective Ethan Bennett.  During an episode wherein Bennett was kidnapped by the Joker, Batman stopped the Clown Prince of Crime from using his matter gun on Bennett only to have him inhale the fumes which eventually caused his transformation into Clayface.  On Clayface the figure, its right arm is made of a soft rubber and I suggest that the figure be kept out of damp and dusty places. (Available: Clayface Batman Animated Series)

 13) Killer Croc - Killer Croc comes with a tail that needs to be attached on the figure.  It is certainly more massive that its predecessor from Batman The Animated Series but I feel it could have used more accessories such as the crocodille which came with the old Killer Croc. (Available: Killer Croc Batman the Animated Series)

 14) Batgirl - Finally! Batman has an ally in this new series.  This Barbara Gordon is much younger than previous incarnations (Probably to cater to a younger female audience).  She comes with a large gun which she can't even lift. (Available: Batgirl Batman Animated Series)

 15) Temblor - Batman's new enemy.  Not a lot is know about this figure except that it reminds me a lot of Sin City's Marv.  Currently the most sought after figure in the line next to Batgirl. (Available: Temblor Batman Animated Series)

 See...they could be brothers, down to the trenchcoat :)

Deluxe Figures:

 16) Batbot - A notable accessory of Batman in the series as it interacts with the Batman figure by encased it in this particular toy.  For those of you who were able to watch G.I. Joe growing up, it is similar to Cobra's S.N.A.K.E. enhancement suit. (Available: Batbot Batman Animated Series)

 Front & Rear View: Cobra's S.N.A.K.E. enhancement suit.

17) Battle Wing Batman - The beauty of this figure is that the Battle Wing accessory can actually be detached from the figure.  I just wish that the Batman figure could have used his traditional colors instead of what they decided to give him.  But you can't have everything right? (Available: Battle Wing Batman Animated Series)

Well, I hope that this guide was helpful.  Remember, most if not all of these figures are available on eBay!  So what are you waiting for?  Start your collection today!

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