Mezco Toyz has taken to Instagram with another tease. The toy giant offered a first look at their upcoming Mezco One:12 Collective Scarecrow figure, specifically inspired by the legendary Batman: The Animated Series (BTAS).
For fans of the 1992 classic, this reveal is the “stuff of nightmares” in the best way possible. This figure continues Mezco’s expansion into the DC Animated Universe, following the successful releases of Batman, Robin, and The Joker.
Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself: The Tease
The Instagram post showcases the Master of Fear, capturing the unique aesthetic of the Bruce Timm and Paul Dini era. While Mezco is known for adding realistic textures and “real world” fabric to their One:12 line, the BTAS sub-line has been praised for maintaining the sleek, stylized look of the cartoon while incorporating the high-end articulation and tailored soft goods the brand is famous for.
The Mezco One:12 Collective Scarecrow appears to utilize his early-series design, a tattered, burlap-style mask and a straw-stuffed suit that looks like it stepped right out of a Gotham University nightmare.
Pre-Order Date and Details
Fans won’t have to wait long to secure this piece for their shelves. Mezco has confirmed that the Mezco One:12 Collective Scarecrow will go up for pre-order on April 29.
Typically, One:12 Collective figures include:
- Over 28 points of articulation.
- Multiple interchangeable head portraits (likely featuring different expressions of terror).
- Hand-painted authentic detailing.
- A variety of character-specific accessories, such as fear gas canisters, scythes, or even unmasked Jonathan Crane heads.
The History of Scarecrow in Batman: The Animated Series
Voiced brilliantly by Henry Polic II, the Scarecrow was one of the first villains to truly challenge Batman’s psyche rather than just his fists.
The Evolution of the Mask
In the original run of Batman: The Animated Series, the Scarecrow went through multiple design changes.
- The Early Look: His debut in “Nothing to Fear” featured a more traditional, “human-like” scarecrow mask. This is the version the Mezco figure seems to most closely resemble.
- The Darker Turn: As the series progressed, his look became more gaunt and skeletal.
- The New Batman Adventures: By the time the show transitioned into The New Batman Adventures, the character was completely overhauled. He became a ghostly, preacher-like figure with a noose around his neck and a voice (provided by Jeffrey Combs) that was barely a whisper.
A Master of Psychology
Jonathan Crane was a disgraced professor of psychology who used his “Fear Toxin” to exploit the hidden traumas of his victims. In his debut episode, he was responsible for one of the most famous lines in DC history, forcing Batman to confront the image of his father. This led to Bruce Wayne’s defiant declaration: “I am vengeance! I am the night! I am Batman!”
While there have been many Scarecrow figures over the years, from the vintage Kenner line to the modern McFarlane Toys releases, the One:12 Collective offers a level of prestige that few can match. The integration of fabric clothing on a 6-inch scale allows for a range of motion and a “museum quality” look that plastic-only figures often struggle to achieve.
For fans of the show, the Mezco One:12 Collective Scarecrow represents a bridge between nostalgia and modern high-end collecting. Whether you want to recreate the climactic blimp fight from the series or simply display him alongside the One:12 Batman, this figure is shaping up to be a centerpiece of any DC collection.
Stay tuned to dccollectors.com for more updates on the Mezco One:12 Collective Scarecrow and full gallery reveals once pre-orders go live on April 29!
