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Batman – Superman/Batman: Return of Supergirl

By Yik-Hai Chan
June 29, 2006 - 10:00

Batman – Superman/Batman Wave 2

DC DIRECT

Sculptor – Big Chief

 

Being the detective that he is, Batman’s skepticism towards Kara Zor-El being the Kryptonian she claimed to be caused conflict between him and Superman.  With the aid of Wonder Woman, he was able to devise a plan to remove Kara from the public into the more controlled space of Themiscyra.  However, after a stampede of Doomsdays arriving via Boom Tube to Paradise Island, Kara becomes missing but not without a lead linking her disappearance to Darkseid.  Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are forced to journey to Apokilips to retrieve back Kal El’s supposed cousin.

 

Packaging

 

The blister card packaging for Batman is similar to the packaging for the other three figures except that it is much thicker to incorporate the extra plastic this figure is couple with.  Also to note is there are a few clear plastic covers that are used to separate the figure from the accessories to prevent any damage to the figure, which is a thoughtful touch.  The graphics are the same apart from the frontal sticker as expected.

 

Likeness

 

The likeness for this version of the Dark Knight is close to Michael Turner’s designs but yet, it is still so far.  The main problem is with the head sculpt where it is far too thin in comparison to the look seen in the story arc.  The eyes are a lot bigger and circular than expected while the ears are long as seen in Turner’s version of Batman although I consider them a little too long.  Apart from these discrepancies, the figure looks the way it should especially with the accessories applied.

 

Sculpting

 

This is fairly difficult to judge because the most observant of fans will notice that the base figure has already been used for the Identity Crisis Batman (which is also same body as the one used for the Superman figure of the same wave figure) minus the new head, hands and cape.  The new head is well detailed, I particularly like the creases included on the cowl as well as the grimacing expression, appropriate for the situation the figure is based upon.  As mentioned before, the body sculpt still needs a bit of work in finer detailed musculature especially around the shoulders which seem rather rounded.  The cape has some decent sculpted folds to it but it is still less detailed to be Turner based.

 

Paint

 

There is very little paint bleed for this figure which is good to see.  The gloves, boots and cape are is a glossy black while the cowl and black over-wear are in matt black which is acceptable.  The utility belt is an odd gold color where the preferred color would have been a light brown.  The bat insignia is printed on and for this particular figure reviewed, it's off centre where it is more exposed on the right of the figure.

 

Scale

 

Again, compared with most DC Direct Modern Age figures, Batman is taller than most without taking into consideration the height of the bat-ears.  It looks fine with the Superman of this wave and possibly acceptable with the Michael Turner based Identity Crisis figures considering the reused body.

 

Stability

 

The figure stands perfectly without the base and the main reason for this could possibly by the cape which touches the ground and provides the figure with some support.  With the main accessory attached, the base is required and the additional part to slightly raise the figure works well in keeping the figure upright.

 

Articulation

 

Similar to the Superman figure, this is also given 11 points of articulation.  I enjoy seeing the rotational wrist articulation of the DC Direct figures as it allows more ranges of decent poses.  In this case, it can also be used for secure the hands into the accessories provided.  Again, the ball jointed neck is decent while the shoulders are restricted.  The leg articulation is fairly useless if not only used to balance the figure.

 

Accessories

 

As seen in #11 and #12, the figure is packaged in the flight apparatus borrowed off Mister Miracle.  It fits on the figure well and the hands can be positioned to holding both sides to simulate the controlling of the vehicle.  The only problem is that the feet do not stay into the holdings for long but held into place when attached to the base.  The other accessories include the two gauntlets and shoulder pads used during the fight with Darkseid.  The gauntlets fit and stay on the arms well while the shoulder pads rest on the shoulders but are not properly attached.  These are all sculpted well, painted in a single gold color and are fairly accurate in detail.

 

Cost/Value

 

If you already have the Identity Crisis Batman figure, paying the price for a figure you technically already own except with added extras seem like a planned-out con.  However, if you planned ahead and skipped it for this one, anything around 12.99 in pound sterling for UK residents or dollars for US should be a good enough prices, considering the extra accessories you obtain.

 

Availability

 

There seem to be quite an abundance of black/grey Batman figures already available on the market including this newly released version.  This one should be fairly easy to find in your local comic store with this in consideration.

 

Overall

 

Not a bad figure in my opinion but I can not help but feel cheated by the large reuse of a fairly recently released figure.  I enjoyed seeing the themed accessories that made sense to the story arc these figures are based from.  The figure truly excels here and contains possibly the highest number of accessories seen packaged with a DC Direct figure.  The figure itself is good but could have used more musculature detail and a more accurate head. 

 

Grade

6.5

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12