Superhero Times: a service of Action Online
In anticipation of The Dark Knight's release on DVD and Blu-ray this week, Superherotimes.com celebrates with a host of Bat-related product reviews. From the must-have movie on home video, to cool action figures and collectibles, such as Mattel's Bat-Pod and Hot Toys' Bank Robber Joker, BAT WEEK has you covered.
For a great selection of superhero action figures and other fine collectibles, check out Hobby Link Japan.
Japan always gets the coolest toys. Bandai’s Movie Realization Batman and Bat-Pod are a perfect example of that statement. This is without a doubt one of the finest 6 inch action figure collectibles on the market today, packing tons of cool sculpt with hyper-articulation.
Lucky for U.S. fans, this amazing set can be had via the magic of the Internet and its wonderful selection of import toy retailers...
The box for this one is a monster! It’s well over 14 inches long and is big. Really big. The front features an amazing illustration of Batman done by the talented Masakuza Katsura. The logo for the Movie Realization Batman and Bat-Pod are set against an all black background, really standing out.
The back of the box features a number of photos of the product held within. The photos really deliver a sense that what you are about to open up is simply awe inspiring.
Opening the lid of the box, which is hinged and held in place by Velcro, you find yourself staring at some more amazing artwork on the underside of the lid featuring Batman standing on a gargoyle looking out at an unseen city as well as some more shots of the toys.
Under the flip top lid is a large window showing off the product inside. One can clearly see the amazing figure and vehicle within.
Now, let’s start with a look at the 6 inch Batman figure included with the set.
Batman is simply jaw-dropping. Now, the real difference with the Movie Realization line is that you get a movie based figure that has been cosmetically altered to add a bit of flair to the film version. This figure is no different.
Some of the more glaring additions to the movie version armor is Batman's neck piece and a strange see-through chest plate. And while this isn’t a complaint, it does make Batman look a little odd.
Batman is amazingly articulated, even including folding gauntlet blades! Bandai has given the figure enough movement to get him in many poses without any trouble. From his shoulders, all the way down to the tips of his feet, this Batman boasts more articulation than the Mattel Movie Masters Batman by a mile!
Even his cape is articulated, allowing it to pivot up or down. It’s not much, but as I have said before, it’s the little touches that add so much to a toy.
The sculpting on the figure is also top notch. The detail from his armor all the way up to his face is simply amazing.
Batman comes with several accessories, including a Grappling Gun, a Batarang and two extra sets of hands: One set for riding the Bat-Pod and the other for holding his weapons.
Batman comes with a closed fist set already on, and it’s as simple as pulling the fists off and replacing them with another pair. These things pop on and off beautifully with no problems.
The Bat-Pod here is truly unbelievable. The vehicle has all the bells and whistles as a high dollar toy should.
The Bat-Pod itself is all one piece, minus the front guns which are packaged separately from the vehicle. The bike also comes with a two-piece display stand.
Before we get to the details of the Bat-Pod, let’s pop the guns on real quick. The front guns attach right into the open holes on either side. Simple and easy.
The Bat-Pod is made out of plastic and die-cast metal giving it a lot of weight. A lot of the details, from the transmission to the gears on the back tires, are cast in metal and really add a lot to the over-all detail and quality of the piece. The cool thing here is that the steering column actually moves left and right, adding to the bike's realism.
The tires on the pod are made of hard rubber, and they roll very easily. No sticking problems here.
Like the Batman figure, Bandai has injected some artistic freedom on the Bat-Pod; tacking on a few extra pieces here and there. Again, not a big deal since this is the exact reason Bandai created this line.
Other Bat-Pod accessories include two small pieces that act as arm rests when they are attached to the steering column.
The Bat-Pod doesn’t stand as well as its American counterpart which is why Bandai included a clear, two piece display stand. Consisting of a small arm and a base, the display stand easily snaps together and the Bat-Pod balances on the stand via a hole on its underside.
Placing this Batman on his ride is a far less tricky mission than the American version from Mattel. Since he is more articulated than the Movie Masters figure you can easily bend his arms into holding the handlebars.
Now this is where the extra set of hands comes into play. They are closed fists, much like his regular set of hands. Unlike the regular closed fists these are designed for him to hold onto the handlebars. Maneuvering the figure onto the pod was easy as well. You simply get his hands onto the bars and then position his hyper-articulated body onto the bike.
Batman's feet and knees fit neatly onto the knee rests and the foot pedals, while his head and neck are articulated properly to allow him to look up, giving the illusion he is actually piloting the Bat-Pod through the streets of Gotham city.
Overall, Bandai's Movie Realization Batman and Bat-Pod is without a doubt one amazing set to add to your collection. While Batman purists may find the slight changes made to his armor and bike a little odd, there is no denying this is an extremely detailed and articulated toy. Priced at around $100, this set isn't cheap. However, those looking to add a unique, well-crafted Batman figure AND an incredible Bat-Pod replica to their collection will find the value in this set.
You can view more amazing photos of the Bandai Movie Realization Batman and Bat-Pod HERE!
Review and Photos by Jason Devall
Review Sample Courtesy of Hobby Link Japan