Saturday Showcase: the Toyman

(Toyman by Alex Ross)

    Since Christmas is only 2 days away, I figured I should do a Saturday Showcase that sorta relates to the holiday.  So, I started thinking that the materialistic world of Christmas is all about the toys so why not discuss the Toyman?  So let's begin our discussion. 

    The Toyman has been a favorite villain of mine since seeing him as a member of the Legion of Doom on the popular Challenge of the Superfriends cartoon.  I always thought he was one of  Flash's rogues until I did some "research" and realized he was originally a villain for Superman.

(Action Comics #64, September 1943)

       The Toyman has gone by many names in his life in the comics.  The original Toyman was Winslow Schott created by Don Cameron and Ed Dobrotka.  Then their was Jack Nimball, who I was first introduced to, created by Cary Bates and Curt Swan.  Later, the Toyman name would be used by Hiro Okamura created by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness.  Even though Winslow is the most published and popular, I still like the style of Jack Nimball the best.

(Toyman aka Jack Nimball)

   What made Toyman so dangerous was his toys of course.  Without them some would consider him to be a pitiful excuse for a human.  In fact if you look on Wikipedia under abilities, it states mechanical genius manifested through destructive toys.  

    His team affiliations is an impressive list as well.  Besides the Legion of Doom, the Toyman has been affiliated with the Superman Revenge Squad, the Super Foes, the Society, and the Injustice League.  He may seem to be a team player with a list like that, but he is most dangerous when he is alone.

(Toyman, Jack Nimble, takes care of some security guards during a heist.)

    Sure, the Toyman character has had success in comics, cartoons, and as of recently toys, but I feel there is more there.  I know he was used in Smallville, but I feel the Toyman needs to cause havoc on the DC shows that are out there ruling the airwaves.  I would love to see a crossover event where Arrow, Supergirl, and the Flash have to team-up to stop him, hopefully Jack Nimble.  However you see it or say it, the world needs more TOYMAN.

    Until next time Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday, and get your READ on!