Suicide Squad week: Killer Croc

DC's eagerly awaited team flick "Suicide Squad" opens this Friday, so what better time to examine some key Squad characters and their respective collectibles. "Suicide Squad" looks to be DC's answer to Marvel's 2014 break-out hit "Guardians of the Galaxy." Audiences and critics will decide ultimately how the two movies compare. One thing is certain -- both feature a collection of unusual, colorful, and largely unknown characters. So what say we get to know these guys and gals a little better? First up is the scaly scoundrel from Batman's impressive rogue's gallery (more on that this Friday): Killer Croc.

Waylon Jones, aka Killer Croc, has been preying on Batman since 1983. The wrestler-turned-villain has a freakish genetic abnormality that has turned him into an often vicious humanoid crocodile. Killer Croc has been presented in varrying degrees of mutation throughout comics, cartoons and video games. British actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje of "Lost" and "Thor: The Dark World" portrays Croc in "Suicide Squad."

Detective Comics #525 and Batman #359, DC Comics (1983)

Killer Croc made his first appearance with a cameo in Detective Comics #523. But the baddie earned front-cover exposure with these two killer issues. Detective Comics #525 published in April 1983, while Batman #359 followed in May. Batman #359 is the more valuable of the two, but you can get both for under $50 depending on grade (higher for CGC copies).

DC Universe Killer Croc 12" figure, Mattel (2009)

This foot-high collectors' figure of Croc was produced by Mattel as part of the DC Universe Giants of Justice line. The nicely detailed piece is rare these days and could set you back more than $150 on the secondary market.

Killer Croc Pop! Vinyls, Funko (2014/2016)

Funko gives collectors a tandem of Killer Croc goodies with these two Pop! Vinyls. The first is the Arkham Asylum version, the second from this summer's "Suicide Squad." Both can be found online or at a local comic shop for $10-$20.

Batman vs. Killer Croc statue, DC Collectibles (2012/2013)

Batman and Croc square off in this dynamic polystone statue from DC Collectibles. The piece measures 16.5" tall and comes courtesy of prolific superhero sculptor Ray Villafane. The Second Edition goes for about $250-$300, while the elusive First Edition can fetch much more.

Check back tomorrow for more from the CollecTwins as we continue to explore the Suicide Squad asylum.