Now that Mattel officially has the DC Comics license back (well at least in a couple of months), the hype around what’s coming next is off the charts. We’ve already seen them test the waters with the 6.5-inch DC Premium Batman: Hush set and their budget-friendly DC Premier line, but the floodgates open on January 1, 2027, during their big reveal stream. With a unified 1:12 scale and a fresh start for collector-focused lines, Mattel has a massive opportunity to tackle characters that either got sidelined or need a proper modern update.

I went through my own shelf priorities and put together five figures Mattel absolutely needs to deliver in 2027 (okay, not “absolute need”, but “sure would be nice if they did”). Here is my wish list, let me know if your top picks match up.

1. Classic Shazam! (The Original Captain Marvel)

If there’s one hero overdue for a definitive release, it’s Earth’s Mightiest Mortal. We need the classic, bold look: the vibrant red suit, soft-goods cape with gold trim, and a face sculpt that captures that balance of power and genuine optimism. Mattel’s 6.5-inch scale gives Shazam the right proportions to stand tall alongside classic Justice League lineups without looking overly bulky. Giving us an alternate smiling portrait and a little Mr. Mind would be a solid win.

2. Plastic Man

Plastic Man is the ultimate test for any toy design team. When Mattel ran the DC Universe Classics line years ago, their SDCC exclusive Plastic Man was legendary, but secondary market prices are steep and modern articulation has come a long way. A new 2027 release built on their upgraded 1:12 buck would be fantastic. To pull it off, Mattel needs to go all-in on swappable extended arms, stretched neck pieces, and maybe even a goofy morphed accessory like a giant flyswatter or mallet.

3. Supergirl (Bronze Age / Classic Suit)

While Batman and Superman are guaranteed to get plenty of variants, Supergirl deserves a primary slot early in the 2027 main waves. A classic Bronze Age design featuring the red skirt, yellow-belted blue top, and classic headband would fill a huge void on most display shelves. Getting the head sculpt right and ensuring clean cape draping without weighing down her stance will be key to making this figure stand out.

4. Mister Miracle (Scott Free)

Jack Kirby’s Fourth World designs are made for action figures, and Mister Miracle tops that list. Bright red, yellow, and green patterning, a high-collared cape, and crisp paint applications are essential here. Because Scott Free is the master escape artist, Mattel should pack him with his signature Aero-Discs for his boots, Mother Box, and maybe a set of wrist shackles for that Super Powers nod. He’d be a home run for collectors looking to expand the cosmic side of their shelves.

5. The Riddler (Classic Green Suit)

You can’t build out a Gotham rogues’ gallery without Edward Nygma. While alternate suit designs are fine, the green suit covered in question marks, with his domino mask, is the version that belongs on the shelf first. Given Mattel’s promise of cross-compatibility and accessory sharing across their new tiers, a well-articulated Riddler with alternate hands to hold his cane or a puzzle box would be an ideal addition to a future wave.

What Figures Are on Your 2027 Wish List?

Mattel taking back the reins gives all of us a reason to look forward to retail shelves again. Whether they go heavy on Silver Age classics, 90s nostalgia, or modern comic runs, 2027 is shaping up to be a huge year for DC collectors.

That’s my top five, but I want to hear from you. Which character do you need to see Mattel reveal during their January stream? Drop your list in the comments section below, or join the conversation over on our Facebook and X pages!