Feature	McFarlane Toys	DC Direct
Primary identity	Action figures & collectibles	DC-focused collectibles
Best known for	DC Multiverse	Statues, busts & comic collectibles
Typical action-figure scale	Around 7 inches	Varies by collection
Articulation	Usually a major focus	Depends on the product
Character sources	Comics, films, animation, games & TV	Primarily DC comics and character designs
Statues	Yes	Yes
Vehicles	Yes	More limited
Best for	Posing & building large character collections	Display-focused & comic collectors
Current relationship	Major DC licensee	DC Direct collectibles are produced/managed under McFarlane's broader DC relationship

 

What Is McFarlane Toys?

McFarlane Toys is a collectibles and action-figure company founded by legendary comic-book creator and artist Todd McFarlane. Known for its highly detailed sculpts, distinctive character designs and collector-focused action figures, the company has become one of the most recognizable names in the modern collectibles industry.

For DC fans in particular, McFarlane Toys became a major force with the introduction of DC Multiverse in January 2020. The line was created to celebrate the many different interpretations of DC's heroes and villains across comics, movies, television, animation and video games.

That approach immediately made McFarlane's DC figures stand out from traditional statues and more limited-action display pieces. Instead of simply recreating a character in one fixed pose, DC Multiverse figures were designed to give collectors the freedom to pose, photograph, display and play with their characters.

The Origins of McFarlane Toys

The story of McFarlane Toys begins with Todd McFarlane, whose career in comics helped establish him as one of the industry's most influential artists and creators. His work on characters such as Spider-Man and his creation of Spawn helped shape the visual style associated with the company.

McFarlane Toys built its reputation around highly detailed action figures that often featured intricate sculpting and dramatic character poses. That philosophy eventually translated extremely well to DC's vast library of characters.

When McFarlane Toys and Warner Bros. Consumer Products introduced DC Multiverse in 2020, the collection was positioned as a new collector-oriented action-figure line. The first figures were approximately 7 inches tall, featured up to 22 points of articulation, and came with accessories, collectible art cards and display bases.

The original MSRP was also positioned in the accessible collector range, at around $19.99–$24.99 USD, making the line appealing to both dedicated collectors and fans looking to start building a DC action-figure collection.

What Makes McFarlane DC Multiverse Different?

The biggest difference comes down to one word:

Poseability.

McFarlane Toys' DC Multiverse figures are designed to function as genuine action figures while still delivering the visual detail collectors expect from display pieces.

The figures typically feature Ultra Articulation with up to 22 moving parts, allowing collectors to recreate fighting stances, flying poses, dramatic comic-book panels and character-specific action sequences.

Depending on the release, figures can also include accessories such as weapons, alternate hands, capes, character-specific equipment and display bases. Collectible art cards have also been an important part of the line, with character artwork on one side and biographical information on the other.

This makes a McFarlane DC Multiverse figure much more than something that simply sits on a shelf.

A collector can:

• Pose it dynamically
• Create custom shelf displays
• Use it for photography
• Recreate iconic comic-book scenes
• Set up superhero battles
• Pair characters with their enemies
• Display figures alongside vehicles
• Build teams such as the Justice League or Bat-Family
• Collect different versions of the same character
• Mix characters from different eras and DC universes

That flexibility is one of the biggest reasons McFarlane DC Multiverse has become so popular among action-figure collectors.

Why Is It Called DC Multiverse?

The word "Multiverse" is particularly important to understanding the appeal of the line.

DC has decades of stories, alternate timelines, reimagined characters and different continuities. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and The Flash, for example, have appeared in countless versions across comics, animation, television, video games and live-action movies.

McFarlane Toys uses that enormous library as the foundation for DC Multiverse.

As a result, the collection isn't restricted to one specific version of DC.

You can find figures inspired by comic-book storylines, video games, animated projects, television series and theatrical movies. McFarlane's own catalogue, for example, includes versions of Batman from The Dark Knight Returns, Flashpoint, The New 52 and other interpretations, while its movie and TV offerings have included characters such as Green Arrow from Arrow.

And that opens up an enormous amount of freedom for collectors.

Your shelf could theoretically contain:

Comic Batman → Arkham Batman → The Dark Knight Batman → Superman → Justice League → The Joker → Darkseid → The Flash → Wonder Woman

All of these characters and interpretations can exist together within the wider McFarlane DC Multiverse collecting ecosystem.

Built for Collectors, Not Just Display

One of the most appealing aspects of McFarlane's approach is that the figures occupy an interesting space between action figures and collectibles.

They have enough articulation to be posed and photographed, but they also feature the level of sculpted detail that makes them visually impressive when displayed.

This is particularly useful for collectors who enjoy action-figure photography or regularly change their displays. A Batman figure can be standing normally one day and recreated in a dramatic rooftop fighting pose the next.

McFarlane also occasionally incorporates elements that make particular releases feel more premium or visually distinctive. Some figures, for example, feature fabric or soft-goods capes, additional accessories, alternate hands and elaborate character-specific equipment.

The line has also experimented with larger Megafig releases, allowing oversized characters and creatures to sit alongside standard-scale DC Multiverse figures.

The Fun of Collecting Multiple Versions of the Same Character

Another major attraction is the opportunity to collect different versions of the same DC character.

Take Batman as an example.

Instead of buying one Batman and considering the collection complete, a collector can explore completely different interpretations:

Classic comic Batman → The New 52 Batman → Flashpoint Batman → Dark Knight Returns Batman → Movie Batman → Arkham Batman → Alternate-universe Batman

Each figure can represent a different costume, storyline, personality or era.

This is where McFarlane's approach becomes particularly interesting for serious DC collectors. Rather than simply collecting characters, you're effectively collecting different interpretations of DC history.

The official McFarlane catalogue continues to showcase figures based on numerous comic, movie and television interpretations, reinforcing the idea that DC Multiverse is as much about the diversity of DC's characters as it is about individual heroes.

 

What Is DC Direct?

If you've been collecting DC merchandise for a while, you've probably come across the name DC Direct. Long before McFarlane Toys became one of the biggest names in modern DC action figures, DC Direct had already established itself as an important part of the DC collectibles world.

Originally, DC Direct was DC Entertainment's dedicated collectibles division, producing merchandise and display pieces based specifically on the characters, stories and artwork of the DC Universe. It developed a strong reputation among comic-book fans and collectors for products that went beyond conventional toys and focused heavily on detailed, character-driven collectibles. In fact, DC itself described DC Direct as its "exclusive collectibles division."

From DC Direct to DC Collectibles

One important part of the brand's history is its name change.

In April 2012, DC Entertainment announced that its collectibles division, previously known as DC Direct, had been relaunched under the name DC Collectibles. The rebrand was intended to emphasize the company's focus on high-quality, premium collectibles inspired by DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD.

At the time, DC positioned DC Collectibles as a home for high-end, authentic products based on DC characters and stories, with products created in collaboration with artists and creators associated with those characters. The company also expanded its online presence so fans could purchase the full range of collectibles directly through its website.

And this wasn't simply a change of name. The portfolio itself demonstrated how broad the brand had become.

Over the years, DC Direct and later DC Collectibles produced everything from:

• Action figures
• Statues
• Busts
• Limited-edition collectibles
• Comic-inspired figures
• Character-specific collectibles
• Designer Series products
• Movie and television collectibles
• Video-game-inspired figures and statues
• Special display pieces and replicas

For example, DC Direct's 2012 The Dark Knight Rises range included statues, busts and action figures of Batman, Catwoman and Bane, while its Before Watchmen collection included resin statues of Rorschach and The Comedian.

The company also developed some particularly recognizable collector lines. Batman: Black and White, for example, became a major statue series featuring interpretations of Batman designed by different acclaimed comic-book artists. DC Collectibles also expanded into properties such as Batman: Arkham City, Arrow, The New 52 and DC Comics Bombshells.

Why DC Direct Is Different From a Traditional Action-Figure Brand

This history is important because DC Direct isn't simply "another action-figure company."

Its identity has traditionally been much broader.

While action figures were certainly part of its catalogue, DC Direct built its reputation around the wider DC collectible and premium display market.

That means a DC Direct collector might be interested in a beautifully sculpted Batman statue just as much as a highly articulated action figure. Another collector might focus on busts, limited editions, artist-designed pieces or collectibles based on a particular comic-book storyline.

This is one of the biggest distinctions between the traditional DC Direct approach and the modern mass-market action-figure philosophy associated with lines such as DC Multiverse.

DC Direct was about collecting DC characters as premium merchandise.

That could mean a statue inspired by a comic-book cover, a bust sculpted around a particular interpretation of a character, an action figure based on a video game or a limited-edition piece created around a specific artist's vision.

The Importance of the Designer Series

One particularly important part of the DC Direct legacy is its emphasis on artist-driven collectibles.

The company frequently worked with recognizable comic-book artists and used their interpretations of DC characters as the foundation for statues and other collectibles. This helped make certain releases feel less like generic merchandise and more like physical representations of comic-book art.

That philosophy can be seen in collections such as DC Designer Series, where the designs are closely associated with specific artists and their interpretations of iconic characters.

It is one of the reasons longtime collectors often view older DC Direct and DC Collectibles releases with a different level of appreciation: the appeal isn't always just the character itself, but who designed it and which version of the character it represents.

DC Direct's Connection With McFarlane Toys

Here's where things get particularly interesting for today's collectors.

In 2021, McFarlane Toys announced a new agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to create and distribute DC Direct collectibles. Under the arrangement, McFarlane Toys would manage existing DC Direct inventory and produce new DC Direct statues, busts, figures and other collectibles.

The agreement also allowed McFarlane Toys to continue producing established DC Direct lines, including DC Designer Series, Batman Black & White and Harley Quinn Red, White & Black.

This created an interesting situation for collectors.

McFarlane Toys became the company behind both DC Multiverse and newer DC Direct products — but the two brands serve somewhat different purposes.

DC Multiverse is strongly associated with articulated, approximately 7-inch action figures designed for posing, photography and play.

DC Direct, meanwhile, continues to be associated with a broader selection of collector-focused products, including statues, busts, figures, replicas and other premium pieces.

McFarlane's current catalogue, for example, lists DC Direct releases that include resin statues, 7-inch figures, cowl replicas, display replicas and limited-edition collectibles.

So although both names now appear under the wider McFarlane Toys ecosystem, DC Direct and DC Multiverse should not automatically be treated as the same thing.

Why Collectors Still Care About DC Direct

For longtime DC fans, DC Direct represents an important chapter in the evolution of DC collecting.

It helped establish the idea that merchandise based on comic-book characters could be treated as serious collector products, rather than simply toys.

Its catalogue gave fans the opportunity to collect DC in different ways:

Batman statues.
Superman busts.
Wonder Woman figures.
Justice League collectibles.
Arkham City action figures.
Black and White statues.
Artist-designed pieces.
Movie-inspired collectibles.
Limited-edition releases.

That breadth is ultimately what makes the DC Direct name so significant.

It isn't defined by one scale, one articulation system or even one type of product.

Instead, DC Direct represents a broader collector philosophy — celebrating DC characters, comic-book art and different interpretations of the DC Universe through premium merchandise.

And today, that legacy continues within the McFarlane Toys ecosystem, where DC Direct products sit alongside DC Multiverse and other DC-focused releases. McFarlane's current DC Direct catalogue includes new products spanning action figures, statues, replicas and limited-edition collectibles, showing that the brand's original emphasis on variety and collector appeal is still very much alive.

For collectors trying to understand the difference between McFarlane DC Multiverse and DC Direct, this distinction is therefore crucial:

DC Multiverse is primarily an articulated action-figure line.

DC Direct is a broader collector brand encompassing figures, statues, busts, replicas and premium DC display pieces.

Both can belong on the same DC shelf — but they offer a very different collecting experience.

 

The Biggest Difference: Action Figure vs Display Collectible

If you're trying to understand the difference between McFarlane Toys and DC Direct, there is one simple way to look at it:

McFarlane Toys

Think:

"I want to pose my Batman."

DC Direct

Think:

"I want an incredible Batman collectible for my display shelf."

Of course, that's an oversimplification. Both brands have produced different types of products, and the line between them has become considerably less rigid over time.

However, it does capture the fundamental difference in their traditional collecting philosophies.

McFarlane's DC Multiverse range is heavily focused on articulated action figures, while DC Direct has historically been strongly associated with statues, busts and premium DC collectibles.

And that's an important distinction when you're deciding what kind of DC collection you actually want to build.

McFarlane's Biggest Advantage: Articulation

If you're an action-figure collector, this is where McFarlane Toys really stands out.

When DC Multiverse launched, it was designed as a highly articulated collector-oriented action-figure line. The original figures featured up to 22 points of articulation, giving collectors considerably more freedom when it came to posing and displaying their characters. Current DC Multiverse releases continue to use McFarlane's Ultra Articulation system, with official DC product listings describing figures as having up to 22 moving parts.

That articulation allows a character to look completely different depending on how you position it.

For example, your Batman can be displayed:

• Standing in a relaxed pose
• Preparing to fight
• Holding a weapon
• Crouching
• Jumping
• Fighting another character
• Displayed alongside a vehicle

You can even recreate specific comic-book panels, movie scenes or video-game poses.

And because the figures are designed around a common DC Multiverse scale, collectors can build larger scenes by combining different characters from across DC's enormous catalogue. Current releases continue to include characters inspired by comics, movies and different eras of the DC Universe.

This makes McFarlane particularly attractive to action-figure photographers, customizers and collectors who genuinely enjoy posing their figures rather than simply placing them in one permanent position.

For photography enthusiasts, that flexibility can be a huge advantage. You can create a dynamic Batman fight scene today, change the pose tomorrow and completely redesign your shelf display whenever you feel like it.

DC Direct's Biggest Advantage: Premium Display

DC Direct's strength comes from its much broader collectible heritage.

Historically, the brand has not been limited to articulated action figures. Its portfolio has included statues, busts, limited-edition pieces, artist-driven collectibles and other premium DC merchandise.

So, if your priority is creating a high-end DC display, DC Direct products can be particularly appealing.

A statue doesn't need 20+ articulation points.

It doesn't need to crouch.

It doesn't need to hold a weapon in five different ways.

Instead, the emphasis can be placed on the qualities that make a collectible visually impressive from the moment you put it on your shelf:

• Sculpt
• Facial expression
• Costume details
• Character likeness
• Paintwork
• Pose
• Base design
• Overall presentation

The result is an entirely different collecting experience.

A beautifully sculpted Batman statue, for example, can be designed around one specific dramatic pose and composition. Rather than giving you the freedom to constantly reposition the character, the goal is to make that one pose look exceptional.

That's particularly appealing if you're building a curated display where the emphasis is on presentation rather than articulation.

The Difference Is No Longer Completely Black and White

This is where things get interesting for modern collectors.

The old comparison of "McFarlane equals action figures" and "DC Direct equals statues" is useful, but it isn't a perfect rule anymore.

McFarlane Toys now operates across a much broader DC product ecosystem, and DC Direct-branded products can exist alongside DC Multiverse releases.

The official DC Shop, for example, currently lists McFarlane DC Multiverse action figures alongside other collector-oriented DC products. Its catalogue includes articulated 7-inch figures, larger Mega Figures and other collectibles, showing just how broad the current DC collecting landscape has become.

You can also see how flexible the McFarlane side of the equation has become through releases such as the DC Multiverse Batmobile, while current DC listings include everything from standard articulated figures to larger premium-scale collectibles.

So the distinction isn't really about a strict product rule anymore.

It's more about what you want your collectible to do.

If you want to pose Batman, photograph him, create battles and constantly change your display, an articulated McFarlane DC Multiverse figure makes a lot of sense.

If you want Batman to serve as a dramatic centrepiece on your shelf, a DC Direct premium collectible or statue may be the better fit.

And if you're a serious DC collector?

There's absolutely no reason you can't have both.

In fact, combining articulated McFarlane figures with premium DC Direct pieces can create a much more varied and visually interesting DC collection.

That's ultimately what makes the comparison so fascinating: McFarlane and DC Direct aren't necessarily competing for the exact same collector. They're often satisfying two different sides of the same fandom — the desire to interact with your favourite characters and the desire to own something spectacular that represents them.

 

So, Are McFarlane and DC Direct Actually Separate?

This is where things get interesting.

If you're comparing McFarlane Toys and DC Direct, it can be easy to assume that they're two completely separate companies competing for the same collectors.

Today, however, the relationship is much more connected.

In 2021, McFarlane Toys announced a new global licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, expanding its relationship with DC and bringing the DC Direct brand further into the McFarlane Toys ecosystem.

Under the agreement, McFarlane Toys would develop and distribute DC Direct statues, busts, figures and other collectibles, while also managing existing DC Direct inventory. The announcement specifically highlighted established DC Direct collections such as DC Designer Series, Batman Black & White and Harley Quinn Red, White & Black.

That relationship is important because it changes how today's collector should think about these brands.

Instead of looking at it simply as:

McFarlane vs. DC Direct

A more accurate way to understand the current ecosystem is:

McFarlane Toys DC Multiverse + McFarlane-managed DC Direct collectibles

In other words, they can coexist under the broader McFarlane/DC collecting ecosystem while still serving different purposes for collectors.

McFarlane DC Multiverse: Who Should Buy It?

If you're looking for versatility, articulation and a huge variety of DC characters, McFarlane DC Multiverse is an excellent place to start.

The line is particularly appealing to collectors who want the freedom to pose their figures, photograph them, build character displays and explore different versions of the DC Universe.

1. A Large DC Character Roster

You aren't restricted to just Batman and Superman.

That's one of the biggest attractions of the DC Multiverse concept.

McFarlane has produced figures covering a broad selection of DC heroes, villains and supporting characters, with releases drawing from different comic-book eras, alternate universes and other DC media.

That means you can gradually build everything from a Batman-focused shelf to a massive Justice League display.

And because DC has such an enormous character library, there is plenty of room to expand beyond the obvious choices.

2. Articulated Figures

If posing matters to you, McFarlane is the obvious choice.

DC Multiverse figures are designed around articulation, with many releases featuring up to 22 points of articulation. That gives collectors the flexibility to create action poses, recreate scenes, photograph their figures or simply change their shelf display whenever they want.

This makes the line especially appealing to:

• Action-figure collectors
• Toy photographers
• Customizers
• DC fans who enjoy posing figures
• Collectors who regularly change their displays

3. Different Versions of the Same Character

This is where the Multiverse concept becomes particularly fun.

You don't necessarily have to collect just one Batman, one Superman or one Joker.

You can collect multiple interpretations of the same character, each representing a different storyline, costume, universe or era.

For example, your collection could include:

Batman → Flashpoint Batman → The Dark Knight Returns Batman → Arkham Batman → Movie Batman

The same approach works for characters such as:

Superman, Flash, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Joker, Aquaman and many others.

For collectors who enjoy comparing different character designs, this can quickly become one of the most addictive aspects of the hobby.

4. Movie and Game Characters

Another major advantage is that DC Multiverse isn't limited exclusively to comic-book designs.

McFarlane has produced DC collectibles inspired by movies, television, animation and video games, allowing collectors to bring different versions of the DC Universe onto the same shelf. The company's DC catalogue has included characters and designs connected to properties such as The Batman, The Flash, Arkham and other DC adaptations.

So if you're a fan of a particular Batman movie or an Arkham game, you don't necessarily have to choose between that version and the comic-book character.

You can collect both.

DC Direct: Who Should Buy It?

DC Direct is particularly attractive to collectors who prioritize character-specific designs, premium presentation and display-oriented collectibles.

Its long history includes statues, busts, action figures, limited-edition pieces and artist-driven products, making it a much broader collector category than a conventional articulated action-figure line.

If your priority is creating a visually impressive DC display, DC Direct is definitely worth exploring.

Premium Statues

If you want a collectible that can become a centre-piece of your display cabinet or collector shelf, statues are one of the strongest reasons to explore DC Direct.

Unlike articulated figures, statues are generally designed around a single carefully considered composition.

The emphasis can therefore be placed on:

Sculpt → pose → paintwork → character likeness → costume detail → base → overall presentation

Rather than worrying about articulation, the goal is to make the finished piece look spectacular from the moment you put it on display.

Comic-Inspired Designs

DC Direct's history is deeply connected with DC Comics artwork and artist interpretations.

This has resulted in collectibles inspired by specific comic-book designs, storylines and visual styles rather than simply creating generic versions of familiar characters.

The DC Designer Series is a particularly good example of this approach, with collectibles based around interpretations by prominent comic-book artists. Meanwhile, Batman Black & White became one of DC's most recognizable statue collections, celebrating different artistic takes on the Dark Knight.

For collectors who appreciate comic-book art as much as the characters themselves, this can make DC Direct releases particularly special.

Busts and Display Collectibles

Not every collector wants a full-body action figure.

A bust can offer an entirely different way to display a character while taking up less shelf space than a full statue.

DC Direct's broader history with busts and other display-focused products means collectors can build a collection around portraits, character likenesses and sculptural presentation, rather than articulation.

This can work particularly well for collectors who prefer a clean, gallery-like display.

Limited or Older DC Collectibles

There's also another interesting side to DC Direct: older and discontinued collectibles.

Because DC Direct has been part of the DC collecting landscape for many years, older releases can still be of interest to collectors searching for particular characters, designs, artists or series.

Some discontinued pieces can also appear on the secondary collector market, where availability, condition, packaging and demand can influence their value.

That doesn't mean every old DC Direct product is automatically valuable. But for collectors interested in completing older collections, finding a particular discontinued DC Direct statue, bust or figure can be part of the fun.

So Which One Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the answer depends on how you like to collect.

If you want:

Articulation → McFarlane DC Multiverse

Dynamic poses → McFarlane DC Multiverse

Action-figure photography → McFarlane DC Multiverse

Multiple versions of characters → McFarlane DC Multiverse

Movie and video-game interpretations → McFarlane DC Multiverse

Whereas if you want:

Premium display pieces → DC Direct

Statues → DC Direct

Busts → DC Direct

Artist-driven designs → DC Direct

Comic-inspired collectibles → DC Direct

Limited and collector-focused pieces → DC Direct

And here's the important part:

You don't actually have to choose one.

For a serious DC fan, the two can complement each other beautifully.

You could have a highly articulated McFarlane Batman standing beside a premium DC Direct Batman statue. You could create a Justice League display using DC Multiverse figures while using a DC Direct Batman Black & White statue as the centrepiece.

That's the real advantage of understanding the distinction.

McFarlane DC Multiverse gives you a universe you can pose, play with, photograph and constantly rearrange.

DC Direct gives you a universe you can curate, display and admire.

And for collectors who love DC, there's plenty of room for both.

 

What About Price?

When it comes to McFarlane Toys vs. DC Direct, price is one area where things can get a little misleading.

The cost can vary enormously depending on what type of collectible you're actually buying.

A standard articulated McFarlane DC Multiverse action figure naturally belongs to a very different price category from a large, limited-edition resin statue. Comparing the two purely by their price tags isn't really an apples-to-apples comparison.

For some context, when DC Multiverse originally launched in 2020, McFarlane listed its 7-inch articulated figures at an MSRP of $19.99–$24.99 USD. The figures came with articulation, accessories, collectible cards and display bases.

McFarlane's current catalogue continues to feature 7-inch DC Multiverse action figures, with some official product listings still showing a $19.99 USD MSRP for individual figures.

DC Direct products, however, can occupy a completely different part of the collector market.

For example, current DC Direct resin statues include pieces such as the Absolute Batman by Nick Dragotta, a limited-edition polyresin statue measuring approximately 7.9 inches and priced at $249.99 USD on the official DC Shop.

At the higher end, the Supergirl (2026 Movie) DC Direct 1:6 Scale Resin Statue is listed at $399.99 USD. It stands approximately 15.57 inches tall, is made from polyresin and is hand-numbered as a limited edition.

That gives you a pretty good idea of why simply asking "Which brand is cheaper?" doesn't tell you very much.

You're comparing products designed for fundamentally different collecting experiences.

Compare Product Type With Product Type

Instead of comparing the brands as a whole, the smarter approach is to compare similar products.

For example:

Compare:

McFarlane 7-inch action figure vs. another 7-inch action figure

rather than:

McFarlane action figure vs. DC Direct premium resin statue

The first comparison gives you a much clearer picture of things such as:

• Sculpt quality
• Articulation
• Accessories
• Paint application
• Character likeness
• Scale
• Packaging
• Build quality
• Overall value

The second comparison is much harder to judge because the products are intended to do completely different things.

A 7-inch articulated figure is designed to give you poseability, versatility and interaction.

A 1:6 or 1:10 resin statue is generally designed around sculpting, presentation, character likeness and display.

For example, McFarlane's current DC Direct catalogue includes limited-edition resin pieces such as its Batman: Year Two statue, which is based on Todd McFarlane's Batman artwork and produced in 1:10 scale.

It also includes products such as the Batman (1966 TV Series) 1:6 Scale Resin Statue, which stands approximately 11.5 inches tall and features a fabric cape and a Batman '66-inspired base.

These are simply solving a different collecting need from an articulated DC Multiverse figure.

Price Should Be Viewed Through Value

The better question isn't necessarily:

"Which one costs less?"

Instead, ask:

"What am I getting for the money?"

If you're spending your budget on an articulated action figure, you may value:

Articulation + accessories + poseability + character selection + playability + photography

If you're buying a premium statue, you may place greater value on:

Sculpt + paintwork + scale + materials + limited-edition status + presentation + artist interpretation

Neither approach is inherently better.

They're simply different.

And that's why a collector could quite reasonably spend ₹3,000–₹5,000 on an articulated figure and be completely satisfied, while another collector might happily spend considerably more on a premium resin statue because the statue is intended to be the centrepiece of their display.

The price difference isn't necessarily telling you that one brand is better than the other.

It's often telling you that you're looking at two completely different types of collectibles.

The Bottom Line on Price

So, when comparing McFarlane Toys and DC Direct, don't judge the brands simply by their starting or highest prices.

Instead, compare like with like.

Action figure vs. action figure.

Statue vs. statue.

Bust vs. bust.

Premium collectible vs. premium collectible.

That's when you can make a meaningful decision about sculpting, articulation, materials, accessories, presentation and overall value.

Ultimately, McFarlane and DC Direct aren't necessarily competing on price — they're offering different ways to collect the DC Universe.

And once you understand that, comparing them becomes much easier.

 

Which Is Better for a DC Collector in India?

For DC collectors in India, the answer ultimately depends on how you want to build and experience your collection.

There isn't one universally correct choice. Your ideal starting point depends on whether you're more interested in articulated action figures, premium display pieces, specific characters, movie and game versions, or a combination of everything.

If you're starting your first DC action-figure collection, however, McFarlane DC Multiverse is arguably the easier ecosystem to understand.

You can start small with a few of the most recognizable DC characters:

Batman → Joker → Superman → Wonder Woman → Flash → Aquaman

Then, as your collection grows, you can add more heroes, villains, alternate versions and characters from different DC stories and continuities.

Because DC Multiverse figures are built around a broadly consistent format and scale, they can also create a cohesive-looking display even when you're collecting characters from completely different parts of the DC Universe. Many releases are approximately 7 inches tall, with articulation and accessories designed around the same general collecting ecosystem.

For collectors in India who are more interested in premium statues, limited-edition pieces and display-first collectibles, DC Direct can be considerably more appealing.

Its catalogue extends beyond traditional action figures into statues, busts, replicas and other collector-focused products, including established lines such as Batman Black & White, DC Designer Series and Harley Quinn Red, White & Black.

But here's the thing:

You don't actually have to choose one exclusively.

Build a Hybrid DC Collection

For a serious DC fan, one of the most exciting approaches is to create a hybrid collection that combines articulated figures with premium display pieces.

For example:

Shelf 1: McFarlane DC Multiverse figures
Shelf 2: Batman Black & White collectibles
Shelf 3: Premium DC Direct statues
Shelf 4: Movie and video-game DC figures

This approach can create a much more interesting display than restricting yourself to a single product category.

You could have an articulated Batman and Joker recreating an action scene on one shelf, while a dramatic Batman Black & White statue takes centre stage on another.

The result is a collection that feels less like a uniform toy display and more like a personal DC museum — with different shelves telling different parts of the DC story.

McFarlane vs DC Direct: Which One Wins?

The honest answer is:

There isn't one universal winner.

Instead of asking which brand is "better," think about what you want your collection to do.

If you want...	Better choice
Articulated action figures	McFarlane
Dynamic posing	McFarlane
A 7-inch DC collection	McFarlane
Comic + movie + game characters	McFarlane
DC vehicles	McFarlane
Premium statues	DC Direct
Display-focused collecting	DC Direct
Busts	DC Direct
Comic-oriented collectibles	DC Direct
A mixed DC collection	Both

This is why comparing the two brands as though they are direct competitors doesn't always tell the whole story.

McFarlane DC Multiverse is primarily about articulated figures and versatility.

DC Direct is about a broader collector experience that includes statues, busts, figures and premium display pieces.

And because McFarlane Toys now manages and develops DC Direct products as part of its broader relationship with DC, the two can comfortably exist within the same collector ecosystem.

What About Collectors in India?

For Indian collectors, there is another practical consideration: availability.

The Indian collectibles market has expanded considerably, but importing premium collectibles can involve shipping costs, taxes, longer delivery times and uncertainty around availability. That makes choosing a retailer that specializes in licensed collectibles particularly important when you're investing in higher-value pieces.

For a new collector, starting with readily available McFarlane DC Multiverse figures can therefore be a relatively straightforward way to build a DC collection before moving into larger statues and premium pieces.

Once you've established your core collection, you can gradually add more specialized products — including DC Direct statues, Batman Black & White releases, busts and limited-edition pieces.

This also lets you build your collection around your budget and available display space rather than trying to buy everything at once.

The Verdict for DC Collectors

Ultimately, the McFarlane vs. DC Direct debate isn't really about which company makes "better" DC collectibles.

It's about what kind of collector you are.

If you're an action-figure collector, McFarlane DC Multiverse is one of the most compelling DC lines to explore. Its combination of scale, articulation, character variety and versions inspired by comics, video games, animation, television and movies makes it an extremely versatile collecting platform.

If you're a statue and display collector, DC Direct offers a different proposition. Its long history is rooted in premium DC collectibles, artist-driven interpretations and products designed to turn familiar characters into impressive display pieces.

And if you're serious about building the ultimate DC collection in India, you don't necessarily have to pick a side.

McFarlane can give you the action.

DC Direct can give you the display.

Together, they can give your collection the depth and variety of the entire DC Universe.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is McFarlane the same as DC Direct?

Not exactly. They are distinct names and product lines, but McFarlane Toys has an expanded relationship with DC that includes developing and managing DC Direct collectibles.

Are McFarlane DC figures 7 inches?

The DC Multiverse line is primarily associated with 7-inch-scale figures, and the original launch specifically described them as 7-inch figures with 22 points of articulation.

Is DC Direct better than McFarlane?

Neither is universally better. McFarlane is generally the stronger choice for articulated action figures, while DC Direct is particularly attractive for statues, busts and display-oriented collectibles.

Are McFarlane DC figures good for beginners?

Yes. The broad character selection and consistent DC Multiverse format make McFarlane a strong entry point for collectors starting a DC action-figure collection.

Are DC Direct collectibles good for serious collectors?

Yes. DC Direct has a long history in the DC collectibles space, and its statue and premium collectible offerings can be particularly attractive to collectors building display-focused collections.

 

McFarlane vs DC Direct: Which DC Collectibles Belong in Your Collection?

Whether you're building your first DC action-figure collection or you're a seasoned collector hunting for the next standout Batman, Superman, Joker or Wonder Woman piece, understanding the difference between McFarlane Toys and DC Direct can help you make a smarter choice.

McFarlane DC Multiverse is an excellent choice for collectors who love articulation, dynamic poses, multiple character versions and the freedom to build a diverse DC Universe on their shelves. DC Direct, meanwhile, has a rich history of comic-inspired figures, statues, busts and display-focused collectibles that can add a premium touch to any collection.

But why choose just one?

A truly great DC collection can bring together action figures, statues, busts and iconic characters from across the DC Universe. From Gotham's Dark Knight to Metropolis' Man of Steel, there's always another character, version or collectible waiting to become the centrepiece of your display.

 Ready to expand your DC collection?

Calling all DC fans and collectors! Explore an incredible range of McFarlane Toys, DC Direct and more official DC collectibles at The Superhero Toystore, with up to 40% OFF.

Whether you're searching for McFarlane DC Multiverse figures, Batman collectibles, Superman figures, Joker collectibles, DC statues or your next collector's grail, discover something worthy of your shelf.

Your DC Universe deserves more than an empty shelf.  CLICK HERE and start building it today.