Review - Batman '66 Classic TV Series 3.75" Action Figures by Funko

A few years ago 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros. finally struck a deal to bring the classic 1966 Batman TV series to Blu Ray and DVD and with it came a flood of glorious merchandise. Mattel did a great line of 6" scale figures a few years back and now it's Funko's turn. They just released their first wave of 3.75" action figures along with a scale Batmobile. Today we'll be looking at three figures from the initial release: Batman, Batgirl, and Catwoman.

The figures come PACKAGED on a really attractive retro style card, with bright colors and nice graphics. The line look follows the same design principles as all the other Batman '66 merchandise released the last couple years, creating a very broad and eclectic assortment of product that looks like it belongs together. My only gripe is that the only personalization on each card back is just the name of the character. A neat little file card, or a GCPD report would have been a really cool way to set them apart. They also don't show off the rest of the figures in the series, making it feel more like a collector item than something that would have actually been on the toy shelves.

When Super7 was trying to bring their Alien ReAction figures to collectors Funko stepped in and helped get them off the ground while also creating a slew of figures across multiple licences. Since then though, Super7 and Funko have parted ways with Super7 taking the ReAction banner with them. Funko has since shifted gears to a slightly more detailed and articulated style of 3.75" figure. An example of the differences in style would be vintage Star Wars figures (ReAction) compared to classic GI Joe figures (Funko).

The SCULPTING here isn't quite as rudimentary as the ReAction figures, but is still slightly cartoony and soft. There's some nice sculpted detail in Batman and Batgirl's utility belts, as well as their gloves and boots. The one thing that worries me is the sculpted capes. They're cast in a really rubbery material so I'm not sure how well they'll hold up over time. Especially around their necks where it is very thin. Catwoman's sculpt is pretty basic, but looks alright for the scale. The likenesses themselves aren't very strong, but as a whole the figures are instantly recognizable.

The PAINT is pretty solid overall, with no major slop. The lines are a little fuzzy around both utility belts, but the bat symbols are spot on. Catwoman is the worst of the bunch, even with the least paint ops. Her eyes are a little wonky, and the metallic gold of her necklace and belt are weak. Batman probably makes out the best, but they got a little heavy handed with the lips. His body also has a this slightly strange purple hue to it, I'm not sure if it's Funko being super accurate or just an oversight.  Batgirl's only major problem is fuzzy lines, but her eyes and that bat symbol are pinpoint accurate.

There's just enough ARTICULATION here to make these figures frustrating. Well, maybe that's a bit over dramatic. The articulation here is a step up from the retro 5 points to a whopping 9 points of articulation, including ball jointed shoulders. The problem here is they're missing about 2 points to make all the articulation work really effectively. The shoulders work great, but need a cut bicep to be really practical. Again, think GI JOE. The pin knees are greatly appreciated but the lack of an ankle joint really makes it difficult to pose without a base, especially Batgirl and Catwoman who are rocking heels. The ball jointed necks also work really well, with only Batgirls being restricted by her hair.

Each figure comes equipped with a single ACCESSORY that works well in their sculpted hands. Batman and Batgirl both come with Bat Radios and Catwoman is armed with a lethal bubble Gun. I'm not super familiar with the show, having only grown up with the movie, but some one at Funko sure is. There's some nice paint work on Batman and Batgirl's radios, and Catwoman's gun is a nice solid gold.

OVERALL, I think these are pretty decent figures. I think it sounds like I'm being down on them, but I actually think they're really fun. Just a few tweaks here and there and Funko could really be on to something. Give us some cut biceps and maybe even ball jointed hips and we'd be all set. Now I just have to get my hands on the magnificent Batmobile.