Of course, with the release of a big film like this there are going to be toys! Along with a kid focused 5" line there's the more collector focused DC Multiverse line complete with a Steppenwolf Collect & Connect figure. While Cyborg and Batman are included in the basic line, Walmart has a pair of exclusive versions of the characters. Cyborg comes with a face mask (which I don't think made into the final cut of the film) and Batman is dressed in his regular costume rather than the tactical suit. I was able to pick up a Batman figure online, so lets crack it open and take a look.
The PACKAGING is the same DC Multiverse window box they've been using for a number of years now, and has been personalized for the Caped Crusader himself. It's got a couple nice shots of the upgraded Justice League suit, and the bubble shows off the figure well. The back of the box surprised me a little bit because it only showed off the other exclusive figure and none of the other heroes in the series.
The SCULPTING on this figure overall is an improvement over the other releases. Most noticeably the head sculpt is a lot more sharp and finely detailed over the previous DCEU Batman figures. Part of that probably has to do with the new cowl in the film which has more sharp edges to it. He also stands taller than the previous releases and it's quite obvious when they're side by side. The body and arms are also brand new sculpts, but I believe the legs are reused which gives him a slightly top heavy appearance.
This time around they ditched the sculpted capes and went with fabric ones which are always my preference. It's a better quality material than the kid's line cape, with a soft interior and a pleather or nylon textured exterior. While the cape it self I appreciate my figures cape was curled on one side from the packaging and, more egregiously, mounted crooked so it hangs to one side. One step forward, two steps back.
The PAINT on the Batman is dark. He truly is the Dark Knight this time around. The suit is a really dark gray which helps it look more like kevlar rather than duck tape. I still love the gold highlights throughout his costume too, I think that was a brilliant idea. The belt has a bit of gold coloring to it, but it's most prominent on his knuckles, forearms, and the toes of his boots. The paint is pretty clean and consistent through out with no obvious slop, especially around his face. I had a hell of a time trying to find a Suicide Squad Batman figure that didn't have tons of slop around his face, but it looks like Mattel got everything straightened out.
This time around the ARTICULATION is a bit of a mixed bag. It's here that I have the most issues with this figure. I will commend Mattel for trying new things here, but they weren't completely successful. Batman is rocking some new ball jointed elbows, but unfortunately they have an even more limited range of motion that the old pin elbows from the previous releases. They're also super tight, making them even more difficult to manipulate. The ball joint is also kind of wasted because he's already got a cut bicep. The rest of the articulation works pretty well, especially the new ball jointed neck which has a surprising amount of movement in it. I do wish he had a cut joint below the knee, at the top of the boots. Just having the thigh cut is limiting when you're trying to pose him.
The only ACCESSORIES accompanying the world's greatest detective are the three Mother Boxes. Well, half boxes. I didn't realize until I had the figure in hand that you needed both Batman and Cyborg to have the whole boxes. They each have a unique design and solid paint making it very tempting to pick up Cyborg.
OVERALL, I think this is a solid but slightly disappointing Batman figure. Mattel tried to make some major improvements, but most of them didn't work out as expected in the end. I'm sure the next release will be their perfected version, and of course I'll have to pick up one.
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