Post by V2 on Apr 14, 2009 22:56:37 GMT 8
MOVIE REALIZATION: THE DARK KNIGHT BATMAN & BATPOD
As Bruce Wayne's crusade against crime underneath the cape and cowl is finally in the verge of winning, He comes across his newest and greatest challenge - an unorthodox criminal who calls himself "The Joker"... a man who plays by no rules, objectives and has only one simple straightforward philosophy as Alfred Pennyworth described it: "to see the world burn".
Equipped with a new batsuit that fits his specifications (especially against dogs) and with his "newly-salvaged" vehicle the BatPod, will the Batman - an unstoppable force, be able to stop the man who has clearly defined himself to be an "immovable object"
Initially I really wasn’t even anticipating to purchase any movie-related merchandise but when Bandai released sketches of its Movie Realization The Dark Knight Batman figure, I was totally infatuated by it. Here is a Batman figure featuring an SIC-ish design feel (it is a branch of the SIC line after all) AND it had one of its featured vehicles - the BatPod... a remnant (technically) of the "Tumbler" Batmobile... I simply had to get it or all hell breaks loose.
Though for me this version's competitor - the 1/6 HOT TOYS version (scale compatible with a separate Batmobile & BatPod Toy releases), the cost was just too much (even if I can simply afford it, I just dot know just where the heck I would display it). I've managed to come to terms based on certain facts: I already own the 1:18 HotWheels Tumbler Batmobile and this version comes with the BatPod & a Batman (in the new suit) - making my "The Dark Knight" collection complete (Batman-Batmobile-BatPod). I came with the resolution to get this one instead.
And I never looked back when I picked up the item that day, smiling.
BOXART
I would have to describe the box in two words - "BEAUTIFULLY HUGE". The size of the box itself would probably be as big as a size-13 basketball shoebox. Colored in Black, the top of the box is etched with the artist's lineart sketches. Excellent presentation. And when you raise the flap cover you'll see the figures (Batman & BatPod) displayed nicely. Heck, I couldn’t find the guts to throw it out (as I normally do) because the box is just too beautiful. Plus, I feel the itch of getting another one just for the sake of displaying it MISB...
HEAD
The sculpt and detail is flawless in QC and has a great realistic feel (and it doesn’t look like the SIC 46's extra head). The neck joint (hidden by a "brace") works pretty well, as the articulation range accommodates all poses - especially when riding the BatPod.
TORSO
Absolutely SIC-ish. The fine sculpt showcases every small level of detail in this area. The Batman logo is well made, and the contours of the armor plates on the abdominals are excellent. Note that just below the logo is a pair of translucent parts which really isn’t part of the original design, but I think its just the artist's style I guess. Abdominal & waist articulation is pretty much SIC-standard and they're also quite tight. The detailed utility belt has is painted in gold - in which the finish doesn't look cheap.
On the backside area is the cape - a large piece of black PVC that drops down from the neck (that doesn’t seem to be detachable too) to the feet. The feel of this cape is pretty nice (not too thin and not too thick - which won't cause balance problems) and the "flowing" detail is quite realistic. Aside from aesthetics, the cape also functions as an alternative support for the legs due to its length.
Though Bandai has provided a good job for the cape, I think that it would've been nice (or as a bonus) if Bandai provided an extra cape accessory (cloth or PVC based) that has a "spread out" design - for the purpose of posing the Batman gliding/jumping or for intimidating poses like he did in the movie... that would've been very gratifying.
ARMS
As expected from a branch off the SIC line, the arms have great articulation - both front and sideways. Elbow joints are double jointed for those martial arts poses while the range for sideways movement makes it easy to pose it "throwing batarangs". One nice thing about this MR is that the joints are "hidden" thanks to the black color finish - making it look pretty natural.
I would also commend Bandai for doing a simple yet great gimmick on the "claw hooks" located on the sides of the lower arms - they can open and close with ease. I would like to warn owners though, that the plastic used is quite thin so take caution when moving them. On a side note, it would've been nice if Bandai provided a replacement accessory of the "fletchetts" being deployed as shown in the movie.
LEGS
Pelvic articulation on the upper legs is good and tight. The knees are double jointed - and like the arms its well hidden by the knee guards. Articulation on the ankles and toes are also good as it provides a good level of range.
With the leg articulation (as a whole) providing good coverage and the cape acting as support, you can be guaranteed that this won’t topple down easily. On the detail side the legs are well attended - the groove linings from thigh to the crotch area are well done.
WEAPONS
"Don't leave the cave without it."
Batarang
Batman's trusty "Never leave the cave without it" trademark weapon since his debut in the 50's. This batarang follows same design like the logo used in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. A little advice though - one might have some grunts and frustrations in positioning it to the dedicated right hand for it.
Grappling Gun
Your typical standard Bat-issue grappling gun. The details are excellent even for such a small weapon and it fits nicely onto the dedicated right hand for it.
ACCESSORIES
Handsets
The handsets provided are as follows:
- One pair for Closed Fists.
- One pair for Open Fists for holding the handlebars in the BatPod.
- One right hand for holding the grappling gun.
- One right hand for holding the batarang.
Despite the generous number of hands, it would've been better if Bandai provided at least two or more pairs of handsets (open palm for martial arts moves, generic weapons handling or "karate chop" hands??!) to play/display factor much better.
BATPOD
First, here's the "proper" method to mount Batman unto the BatPod:
1. Insert the dedicated open fists unto the handlebars of the BatPod first.
2. Position Batman unto the necessary position (like riding a motorcycle) and mount carefully unto the seat.
3. Position the feet unto the foot pedals.
4. Plug the handsets (already inserted unto the handlebars) unto the sockets in Batman's hands. The elbows can rest unto the pads.
Both front and end wheels are connected to the engine with a diecast rod respectively. This is a surprise since I really was expecting the usual plastic content but I guess Bandai wants the best for the Bat's ride.
The details are just awesome... from the controls (moving handlebars & brake controls, engine detail and down to the wheels.
Mounted in the front with machine guns and grenade launchers shows the BatPod's finishing touches. The "weathered" dark metallic finish on the barrels really give it a distinctive look that really fits Wayne's "Does it come in black?" preference.
And how does Batman ride it? Very well! Thanks to the dedicated handsets and proper ride positioning, Bats doesn’t flop or fall off! Add along a dedicated support stand mounted underneath the engine that gives it proper balance, the BatPod does not fall off on its side - giving it a good "Outta my way! BatPod coming through!" (with matching imaginative "hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm" engine sound) display factor.
CONCLUSION
To cut it short, here's a checklist:
- SIC-ish design? Check.
- Great design and detail? Check.
- Good articulation & Balance? Check.
- Fair amount of accessories? Check.
- Good diecast content and engineering on the BatPod? Check.
- Cost-effective price (SRP-wise of course), Check.
And there you have it. What you'll get with this toy is enlisted above. Though the fact of not having more handsets, an extra cape (cloth or softer-PVC based for gliding/intimidation poses) and more accessories (eyepiece parts for the "sonar modes", extra batarangs, that "spiky" bomb, transmitter/radio, etc.) are not packaged with this toy I believe the pros still overcome these "minor" cons. This toy is well recommended for people who love SICs, Batman toy collectors and people who are looking for the "next best cost-effective alternative" from the Hot Toys series.
The Movie Realization "The Dark Knight Batman & BatPod" is what I would proudly commend to be one of the best releases Bandai has made in the Movie Realization line. If you fit at least one three descriptions I stated in the last paragraph, heck... you're missing out on something really good!
Now where's the Movie Realization Joker when Bats needs him?!?!
Why so serious? Let's put a big "SOLD!" on your face!
keeping the site active as a place to dump info for easier backtracking. 