REVIEW: DC Direct Batman Arkham Asylum Boxed Set

Hot on the heels of the highly successful Batman Arkham Asylum videogame, DC Direct has released this aptly-named action figure gift set consisting of Batman and three of his rogues (Penguin, Killer Croc and Joker).So, is this new boxed set worth picking up? Take a look at our recent review to find out…

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PACKAGING:This new gift set is packaged in a multi-colored window box. The side panels of the box feature color images of all the figures included in the set. The back features an additional plastic window which shows off the enclosed 64 page comic book. The cardboard background on the inside of the package features a photo-realistic padded wall pattern which resembles that of a solitary confinement cell you would find at an actual asylum. While the package design is not overly impressive, it isn’t an eye sore either and looks pretty cool.

Lets start things off with the Dark Knight himself…

BATMAN: This figure is definitely the weakest link out of all the figures in the set. The figure is immaculately well painted and includes a fantastic oversized rubbery cape. The best thing about this Batman is the way his cape drapes down to the ground and then conveniently bends at the edge where hits the ground. The joints on this figure are all nice and tight but unfortunately the scarcity of articulated joints limits its range of motion. Batman’s body features a good sculpt but the bland facial portrait falls flat on the ground and ruins the overall look of the figure. For some odd reason, DC decided to paint the lips in an odd pink hue which ruins the already bad head sculpt even more.

PENGUIN: This is basically a white-suited repaint of the Batman Rogue’s Gallery Penguin figure and does not include the top hat or long stem cigar that is included with the original release. This figure features a truly amazing sculpt and Penguin’s facial features have an incredible level of detail which truly looks fantastic. The articulation on this particular figure is minimal but sufficient enough to allow for several posing options. For those who do not own the original version of this figure already, this is a definite must-have.

KILLER CROC: This figure serves as a perfect example of the amazing sculpt and design work that DC Direct’s artists are capable of. Like the Penguin, this figure is also a repaint of the Batman Rogue’s Gallery figure but his torn pants have been painted in a bright orange with the Arkham Asylum wording on the side to give it the look of state issue prison fatigues. The level of detail on Croc’s body is incredibly rendered. From the highly realistic looking crocodile skin and scales to the menacing reptilian head. This figure is painted beautifully with a rich blend of colors that resemble that of a real crocodile and looks incredibly real. The articulation on Killer Croc is ample and offers the figure a wider range of motion in comparison to the other three characters in the set.

JOKER: This is yet another repaint of another Joker but what sets this guy apart is that the original version was last year’s Comic-Con exclusive figure. The Joker features a simple yet amazing sculpt in which he is barefoot and bound in a straight jacket wearing his orange Arkham prison fatigues. Although this particular figure is not as colorful as the others included in this boxed set, Joker’s face is painted incredibly well with a lot of detail which makes him stand out from the rest. In regards to articulation, the Joker is fairly restricted because of his sculpt. The entire upper body is one solid mold which results in no arm movement on the figure but Joker does have articulation in the neck, legs and waist which gives collectors ample posing options for display.

OVERALL: This special edition boxed set has a lot to offer collectors especially for those who never picked up the originally released figures. Aside from offering some of the best interpretations of Batman’s villains in action figure form, they each come with a decorative display base and you also get a 64 page comic which includes various Arkham Asylum related stories. At a price point just under $50, this boxed set is a really great deal and you get more “bang for your buck”. So whether you are a fan of the new video game or the comics, head on over to Big Bad Toy Store and order yours today before they are gone.

Review By: Jorge Pelaez

Review Sample Provided By: Bigbadtoystore