During a recent cleaning of the Iron-Cow Prod. studios, several long-lost works-in-progress action figures were unearthed. Work on these pieces had been started years back, but for a variety of reasons they were never seen through to completion. Some of the figures were simply waiting to join other half-finished pieces for some potential Custom Con entry while others felt more like creative mis-fires and never made it into the public for viewing. One figure in particular felt too simple too even include in the gallery, and yet it was the subject of numerous emails from people wishing to get a better look.

Rather than let these pieces sit in storage for years more, it was decided these particular figures should be removed from the Iron-Cow Prod vaults, finished off to a degree of completion, and to give you a glimpse into what may have been (and more importantly serve as a teaser to what may yet still be in the works).

Trenchcoat Joker

Growing up on a diet of 1970's era Batman, I have always had a fondness for the artwork of Neal Adams and Marshall Rogers. Their take on the Joker left quite an impression on me, almost as much as the way they redefined Batman. While this custom has a more modern approach, it was inspired by stories created some 30 years ago.

The Trenchcoat Joker figure stands approximately 7" tall and features multiple points of articulation.

Ed McGuinness Batman

Edward "Ed" McGuinness is an American comic book artist and penciller, best known for his work on Superman, Deadpool and Superman/Batman. I have long been a fan of his art, and as it turns out I'm actually good friends with his sister. When DC Direct released the first line of action figures based on McGuinness' art, I couldn't be more excited. Unfortunately, when the finished product hit shelves, it didn't quite capture the essence of McG's artwork. This simple custom makes some minor, but necessary adjustments to an overall great sculpt.

The Ed McGuinness Batman figure stands approximately 6 1/2 " tall and features multiple points of articulation.

Professor Zoom

Originally, Eobard Thawne was a criminal from the 25th century, who found a time capsule containing the Silver Age Flash's costume. He was able to use a machine to amplify the suit's speed energy, giving himself the abilities of the Flash as long as he wore it. In the process, the colors of the costume reversed, the suit becoming yellow, the boots and lightning bolt highlights red, and the chest symbol's white circle becoming black. He used his speed powers to commit crimes, but was stopped by the Flash, who had travelled forwards in time. Blaming the Flash for his defeat, Thawne began travelling back in time to gain revenge, using his knowledge of "history" to his advantage. He also became obsessed with "replacing" Barry Allen, not only as the Flash, but as the husband of Iris West.

The Professor Zoomfigure stands approximately 6 1/2 " tall and features multiple points of articulation.

Cyclops (Neal Adams Era)

1969: The X-Men, Marvel's poorest selling title, flagging in sales and on the verge of cancellation, was in dire need of a shot in the arm. A new direction. A new vision. Enter Roy Thomas and Neal Adams, and True Believer, you had better grab onto your hat and get ready for one of the most amazing evolutions in Marvel history! These two titanic talents threw caution to the wind with sensational stories that brought the X-Men in synch with the thriving youth culture of the late '60s. Prepare yourself for the introduction of mutant mainstay Havok, the vampiric villain Sauron, the Mutates, and X-Man-to-be Sunfire! Not to mention, the Living Pharaoh, a classic team-up with Ka-Zar in the Savage Land, as well as the return of Magneto and Professor X!

This Neal Adams Cyclops figure stands approximately 6 1/2 " tall and features multiple points of articulation.

Flash 1990 (John Wesley Shipp)

In a freak accident, police scientist Barry Allen is struck by lightning and doused in chemicals. Barry discovers that this accident has made him the fastest man alive, able to move at nearly the speed of sound. With the help of STAR Labs scientist Tina McGee, he learns to control his powers...but when his older brother Jay (a motorcycle cop) is killed in the line of duty, Barry asks Tina o make him a special costume that can withstand the rigors of hyperspeed travel. He sets forth to clean up the streets of Central City as The Flash.

The TV Flash figure stands approximately 6 1/2 " tall and features multiple points of articulation.

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