DC Multiverse Collector's Guide: McFarlane Toys Figures at Starbox Collectables

What Is DC Multiverse?

DC Multiverse is McFarlane Toys' flagship DC Comics action figure line, launched in 2020 after McFarlane acquired the DC licence from Mattel. It replaced the long-running Mattel DC Multiverse line and immediately raised the bar for detail, articulation, and character variety.

Key facts:

• Scale: 7" (approximately 1:10)
• Articulation: Typically 22+ points, including double-jointed knees and elbows on most figures
• Accessories: Character-specific accessories plus a collectible card and display base on most releases
• Build-a-Figure (BAF): Many waves include a BAF component — collect all figures in the wave to assemble a bonus character
• Source material: Comics (Rebirth, New 52, Black Label, Elseworlds), film (DCEU, The Batman, Joker), and TV (Peacemaker, The Flash)

The line spans hundreds of characters across Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, and beyond — making it one of the most comprehensive DC figure lines ever produced.

Browse our full DC Multiverse collection to see what's currently in stock and available to pre-order.

How DC Multiverse Waves Work

Understanding the wave structure is essential for planning your collection and avoiding FOMO.

Wave releases are grouped by theme or source material — for example, a Batman: Knightfall wave, a DCEU wave tied to a film release, or a classic comics wave. Each wave typically contains four to seven figures, often with a Build-a-Figure component split across the assortment.

Retail channels matter. DC Multiverse releases split across two main channels:

• Mass market (supermarkets, large toy chains): Standard releases at lower price points, wider distribution
• Specialty/direct (collector-focused retailers like Starbox Collectables): Gold Label exclusives, unmasked variants, and figures that never reach mass market shelves

Upcoming waves are announced via McFarlane Toys' social channels and solicitations, usually three to four months ahead of release. Pre-ordering is strongly recommended for specialty releases — allocation is limited and sell-outs are common. Browse our Pre-Order collection to secure upcoming DC Multiverse figures before they land.

Chase Variants Explained

Chase variants are short-packed alternate versions of a figure within a standard wave assortment — the same character with a different deco, unmasked head, or costume variant, packed at a lower ratio than the standard release.

Typical chase ratios for DC Multiverse are 1:6 or 1:12 per case, meaning one chase figure for every six or twelve standard figures in a case pack. This makes them genuinely scarce at retail.

Common DC Multiverse chase types:

• Unmasked head sculpts — Batman, The Flash, and others with an alternate portrait
• Comic-accurate decos — brighter, more saturated colours versus the darker standard release
• Gold Label chase variants — premium alternate decos exclusive to specialty retail

Are chases worth hunting? That depends on your collecting philosophy. Chases carry a secondary market premium, but their real value for most collectors is display — an unmasked Batman alongside the standard masked version makes for a compelling shelf. If you're buying to display rather than resell, focus on the figures you actually want rather than chasing rarity for its own sake.

Gold Label vs. Standard — What's the Difference?

Gold Label is McFarlane Toys' designation for specialty and direct-market exclusive releases. These are figures that do not appear at mass market retail and are only available through specialist collectors' stores.

What makes Gold Label different:

• More comic-accurate or premium decos (often brighter, more faithful to source material)
• Alternate costumes or character variants not available in standard waves
• Occasionally higher articulation counts or additional accessories
• Smaller production runs, making them more collectible long-term

Gold Label figures are typically priced slightly higher than standard releases, reflecting their exclusivity and production quality. For serious DC Multiverse collectors, Gold Label releases are often the most sought-after pieces in any wave.

You can browse our current DC collection for both standard and Gold Label releases currently in stock.

Scale & Compatibility

DC Multiverse's 7" scale (1:10) sits in its own niche. Here's how it compares to other popular lines:

For display purposes, McFarlane DC Multiverse figures mix well with NECA releases at the same scale. Mixing with Marvel Legends is possible but the height difference is noticeable on a shelf — some collectors use risers to compensate.

Shelf depth: Most DC Multiverse figures with display bases need around 15–18cm of shelf depth to stand comfortably without the base overhanging.

Top DC Multiverse Figures to Start With

New to the line? These are strong entry points that represent the range well and are regularly restocked:

For Batman collectors: The DC Multiverse Batman range is the deepest in the line — look for comic-based releases (Rebirth, Knightfall, Dark Knight Returns) for the most iconic representations. Our Batman collection has current stock.

For DCEU fans: Film-based figures tied to the wider DC Extended Universe offer a great bridge between screen and shelf. Check the DC collection for current DCEU releases.

For completionists: Pick a single wave and complete it — you'll build the BAF and get a cohesive shelf display. Wave selection tip: choose a wave where you like at least four of the five or six figures, since you'll need most of them for the BAF.

Grail pick: Gold Label unmasked variants of core characters (Batman, Superman, The Flash) are the figures most likely to appreciate in value and are hardest to find after initial sell-out. Pre-ordering these is essential — browse Pre-Orders to see what's coming.

Caring for Your DC Multiverse Figures

McFarlane figures are built for display, but a few care habits will keep them looking their best long-term.

Loose vs. in-box: Most serious collectors display loose. In-box storage preserves resale value but limits the display impact of the sculpt and articulation.

Tight joints: New figures sometimes have stiff joints. The safest method is to place the figure (or just the affected limb) in a sealed bag and submerge in warm — not boiling — water for 30–60 seconds. This softens the plastic enough to move the joint without stressing it.

UV protection: Direct sunlight will fade paint decos over time, particularly on brighter Gold Label releases. Display away from windows or use UV-filtering acrylic cases for your most valuable pieces.

Dust: Regular light dusting with a soft brush (a clean makeup brush works well) prevents build-up in the sculpt detail. Avoid compressed air at close range — it can stress fine accessories.

For a deeper dive, see our guide on How to Care for McFarlane Action Figures (coming soon) — covering storage, joint repair, and long-term preservation across the full McFarlane range.

Where to Buy DC Multiverse in the UK

Buying from a specialist UK retailer matters more than it might seem:

• Genuine stock — no grey imports or resealed returns
• UK-based pre-orders — no customs charges or international shipping delays
• Collector knowledge — staff who understand the line and can advise on waves and variants
• Fast UK delivery — figures arrive quickly after release rather than weeks later from overseas

At Starbox Collectables, we stock the full DC Multiverse range including Gold Label exclusives, standard wave releases, and pre-orders for upcoming figures. Browse our DC Multiverse collection or check Pre-Orders to reserve upcoming releases.

Final Thoughts

DC Multiverse is one of the best value collector lines available today — the combination of sculpt quality, articulation, and character breadth at the price point is hard to beat. Whether you're building a Batman-focused shelf or going wide across the DC universe, there's a clear entry point for every type of collector.

Start with what you love. Pick the characters that matter to you, understand the wave structure so you don't miss Gold Label releases, and pre-order anything you consider essential. The secondary market for sold-out DC Multiverse figures moves quickly.

Ready to start or expand your collection? Browse DC Multiverse at Starbox Collectables →