Mattel's DC Universe Classics line was a very big deal. Over the course of 20 waves and numerous exclusives, it introduced hundreds of characters and became an obsession of sorts for collectors like me. A "Top 10" article wouldn't do this line justice, so I've decided to identify the 20 best figures in the line's history.

Although I've allotted 20 slots for figures in this list, I fully recognize that I'm still leaving out a lot of incredible figures. And you're probably going to be outraged that I left off your favorite! But this list was designed to recognize figures that stood out for any of a number of reasons. Was it a good toy? Did it have a significant impact on the line? Was it memorable for some particular reason? Did collectors love it? Those are the kinds of questions that determined which figures made it into my top 20 list.

Also keep in mind that I only pulled from DC Universe Classics proper. That means no DC Superheroes, Public Enemies, Club Infinite Earths, nor any other offshoot line is included for consideration. Without further delay, here are the top 20 DC Universe Classics figures!

20. Deadman

See Deadman in the DASH Catalog

Deadman is a beautiful figure that really showcased how diverse the line's sculpts could get. His lithe frame, distinct collar, and sharply-detailed head sculpt established him as one of the most distinct and attractive figures in the entire line.

19. Aquaman

See Aquaman in the DASH Catalog

This version of Aquaman from the line's second wave was hard to find and became sought after by a number of collectors. His classic look, gorgeous sculpt, and awesome accessory only added to the excitement surrounding him.

18. Iron

See Iron in the DASH Catalog

The Metal Men were one of the most-requested teams from the DC Comics universe, and Mattel finally obliged fans by giving them Iron in Wave 12. The figure was beautiful, actually made of metal in certain parts, and kicked off an effort to complete the team in future waves and releases.

17. Darkseid

See Darkseid in the DASH Catalog

Darkseid is the cosmic super villain in the DC Comics universe, and the previously-released Darkseid figure in the DC Superheroes line from Mattel wasn't big enough or bad enough for picky collectors. So Mattel went back to the drawing board and turned out this amazing Collect & Connect figure that improved on his predecessor in every conceivable way. DC Universe Classics finally got its big bad villain in Wave 12.

16. Metamorpho

See Metamorpho in the DASH Catalog

Marvel Legends perfected the Build a Figure concept, and Mattel opted to follow that strategy with the launch of DC Universe Classics. Metamorpho was the very first Collect & Connect figure in the line, and paved the way for grander future figures. People tend to forget about this figure because of its smaller size, but it was a elemental part of the line's history and a good figure with fantastic accessories to boot.

15. Zatanna

See Zatanna in the DASH Catalog

In an industry often dominated by male figures, Zatanna is one of the most recognizable and enjoyable female figures Mattel offered up across the line's 20 waves. Her sculpt and costume were executed well, and her accessories were perfect. Even Zatanna's fun pose on the card made her one of the best DC Universe Classics purchases to display packaged.

14. Harley Quinn

See Harley Quinn in the DASH Catalog

As the first female figure in DC Universe Classics, Harley Quinn started a great legacy. No one knew what female figures in the line would look like, and she quickly became sought after and beloved. Not only did her femininity support her popularity, she also happened to be a good figure with gender-equal articulation, a wonderful sculpt, and a plethora of accessories.

13. Jonah Hex

See Jonah Hex in the DASH Catalog

In a world of spandex, big muscles, and smiling faces, Jonah Hex totally changed the style and focus of the DC Universe Classics line for at least a single figure. He's undoubtedly one of the most unique and eye-catching figures in the entire line. And though he might not fit into many displays organically, he's simply an outstanding figure.

12. Lobo

See Lobo in the DASH Catalog

Lobo was the first in a long line of San Diego Comic Con exclusives in the line, and still stands out as one of its best overall figures. He's a tad too large for some, but his sculpt quality is completely unmatched, his accessories are hilarious and prolific, and he even included fun extras in the packaging. Lobo remains one of the line's most attractive figures, and created an expectation of excellence in the early eras of DC Universe Classics.

11.Kilowog

See Kilowog in the DASH Catalog

For much of DC Universe Classics' early waves, there weren't any large heroic characters. Kilowog changed that trend in a huge way when he grew to fill collectors' hearts and displays in Wave 11. He's probably a little too big for scale aficionados, but for a line lacking large heroes, he was a welcome major character and display-changer.

10. Chemo

See Chemo in the DASH Catalog

Chemo is the outright biggest and one of the most distinct Collect & Connect figures in the line, making him a fan favorite. No figure alters and completes a DC Universe Classics display like Chemo. The two different chest pieces (bubbled vs. non-bubbled) created a slightly greater demand for certain versions of the figure, and made many collectors proud to call their version superior. This is probably one of the most enjoyable figures the line has to offer for posing and display opportunities, rightfully earning his high spot on the list.

9. The Demon, Etrigan

See The Demon, Etrigan in the DASH Catalog

When Wave 1 of DC Universe Classics began hitting collectors' hands, there was one figure that really stood out: The Demon, Etrigan. He showcased just how detailed and diverse the line could be while maintaining a solid assortment of articulation. In many ways, Etrigan was the line's first great figure and gave collectors confidence that something great was starting.

8. Giganta

See Giganta in the DASH Catalog

Giganta is the rarest piece in any DC Universe Classics collection. Many collectors were unable to track down all the necessary Collect & Connect pieces to construct her, and they're still feeling the burn years later. As a figure she's nothing incredibly special, but as a collectible she tops the entire line.

7. Plastic Man

See Plastic Man in the DASH Catalog

Mattel often goes all out for its San Diego Comic Con exclusives, and that was never emphasized more than with Plastic Man. This figure shows what a focus on fun and accessories can truly accomplish, making it the most playful and imaginative release in the entire line. The things you can do with Plastic Man stretch on seemingly forever. He's also one of the most visually unique and well-designed figures in the entire line.

6. Gentleman Ghost

See Gentleman Ghost in the DASH Catalog

Gentleman Ghost is probably the single most desired DC Universe Classics figure, primarily because he includes the rarest pieces of the Giganta Collect & Connect figure. But Gentleman Ghost also includes an awesome Atom miniature figurine and a couple great accessories of his own. On top of all that, his transparent plastic and "missing head" make him one of the line's most memorable figures.

5. Hawkgirl

See Hawkgirl in DASH Catalog

Hawkgirl is the epitome of female figures in the line. She's stunningly designed and sculpted, features a bunch of fantastic accessories, is loads of fun thanks to her expanding wings and solid articulation, and basically gets everything right. If you want a female action figure from the DC Comics universe, look no further.

4. Deathstroke

See Deathstroke in the DASH Catalog

Deathstroke appeared in a wave with the big-named heavy hitters Green Lantern, Robin, Nightwing, and Sinestro, yet still managed to steal the show. This is an incredible figure with ridiculously awesome accessories and places to store each of them on his person. He's got lots of articulation, a fantastic sculpt that captures the character with accuracy and style, and no matter whether you get the masked or unmasked version, the head sculpt works in unbelievable detail and personality. Mattel really showed what they could accomplish with Deathstroke, and may not have lived up to those expectations since!

3. Blue Beetle

See Blue Beetle in the DASH Catalog

Wave 7's Ted Kord Blue Beetle was a great figure in his own right, but he didn't have nearly the significance of this release. Based on the latest rendition of the character, this figure was the very first to improve the line's articulation model by adding double-hinged knees and elbows. It might not sound like much, but it changed a number of future releases and made this one of the most entertaining and dynamic figures in the entire line's history. Aside from the permanent mark he left on Mattel's DC Comics lines, Blue Beetle was also a stellar figure in his own right.

2. Solomon Grundy

See Solomon Grundy in the DASH Catalog

Wave 3's Collect & Connect figure Solomon Grundy was the first figure in the line to leave fans absolutely breathless. The perfect combination of his size, sculpted detail, and articulation was something of a dream at the time and really rocketed the line into popularity. If figures like this one were in the line's future, any DC Comics fan suddenly had to be a part of it. Solomon Grundy is still the crowning achievement of the Collect & Connect pantheon, and regularly makes himself the centerpiece of any DC Universe Classics display.

1. Hawkman

See Hawkman in the DASH Catalog

Although Hawkman might not have the presence of Solomon Grundy, he captures the essence of DC Universe Classics. He isn't Superman or Batman. He's a mid-level DC Comics character by all rights, but Mattel managed to take him and turn it into something unforgettable. That's the purpose of any great superhero action figure line, to give life and credence in plastic to every character, and Hawkman is the pinnacle of that goal. Hawkman is well made, he's well designed, he's loaded with accessories, he's fun to play with, he's fun to display, and he's the single best representation of one of the action figure world's greatest superhero lines.

Now that you've seen my entire list, I'd love to know what you think. Did someone miss the cut, or did I totally screw up the order? Do you actually agree with my top figures? Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts or even your own list of the top 20 DC Universe Classics figures.