Batman & Riddler Bend-A-Bitty Figures (Diener Industries, 1966)....

Description

Batman & Riddler Bend-A-Bitty Figures (Diener Industries, 1966). Leaping straight from the colorful chaos of 1960s Gotham, this vintage Batman lot features two exceptionally rare bendable figures released by Diener Industries in 1966-Batman and The Riddler-capturing the playful energy of the era's superhero boom. Produced as part of Diener's licensed DC Comics bendables line, these figures were among the earliest mass-market superhero toys aimed squarely at the growing popularity of the Batman television series. Made from a soft, pliable, non-toxic rubber material, each figure is fully bendable and can be twisted into a variety of heroic (or villainous) poses. Batman sports a vibrant lavender suit with black accents highlighting his cowl, boots, gloves, and emblem-an unusual color scheme that reflects the experimental palette of early merchandising. The Riddler, similarly striking, features a blue body with a black domino mask, capturing the character's mischievous essence with minimalist charm.

Both figures remain sealed on their original 1966 cards-an exceedingly rare feat given the fragile nature of the packaging. Each card displays handling wear, including edge and corner softening, as well as waviness from stress and age-related bending. The plastic bubbles have partially lifted and show dents and crushing wear, particularly around the extremities at the hands and feet. Originally marketed through dime stores and novelty outlets, these bendables were part of a broader movement by Diener to create inexpensive, kid-friendly toys tied to popular licenses, which also included Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and other DC heroes and villains. Today, surviving carded examples-especially in pairs like this-are highly prized by collectors, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the dawn of superhero merchandising and the enduring legacy of the Caped Crusader and his cunning foes.

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