Review of Batman and Catwoman
DC Bombshells statue

Introduction

The DC Bombshells series of statues is usually - usually - a single character, done up in 40's style. There have been exceptions however, including the terrific Superman/Supergirl duo from a couple years ago, and tonight's review: Batman and Catwoman.

This one is now shipping to most retailers, and should run you around $210 - $220, depending on where you purchase it. It's limited to 5000 pieces.

Packaging - ***
Nothing unique here, and there's no Certificate of Authenticity. They do print the edition size and specific number on the bottom of the box, as well as the bottom of the base itself.

The interior foam eggshell trays hold the two piece statue safe, and the foam is the nice, sturdy, dense type that won't end up all over the place.

Sculpting - ***1/2
This is a unique design even within the rather unique realm of the Bombshells statues.  Batman and Catwoman are decked out in very 40's style outfits, but while Catwoman's design fits pretty well with the overall aesthetic of the rest of the series - it isn't an exact reproduction of her costume, but rather a 'civilian' version that is recognizable as her - Batman is clearly Batman. And I don't know that I'm really loving it.

I understand his concept is perhaps the most difficult of all, but they did a great job with Aquaman and Superman, capturing the concept of the character but in a Bombshells style. In fact, I think the Superman is a terrific example of what I'm trying to explain - the 40's strong man in the circus design captured the era and the character perfectly.

With this Batman here, it's...well...Batman. The costume has definite period influences, but this isn't the sort of outfit you might see a civilian wearing.  While I understand it was a difficult task to come up with something - and I'm not saying I could do it - I wish they had better incorporated him into the overall series concept.

That's my only nit, however. The detailing is terrific, and I love the overall theme, with Catwoman leaping into his arms to kiss him - and discombobulate him - while stealing the keys to the Batmobile.  Or maybe it's the key to the Batcave...it's hard to tell. What we do know is that the key belongs to Batman, thanks to the nifty Bat symbol key fob.

The dynamic nature of the pose is well done, right down to the pearls flowing backward as Catwoman leaps. She is much closer to kissing him in the final statue than what we saw with the prototype, and I like the final version even better.

It's a pretty big statue, done in a 9" scale like the rest of the series.  But because of the design, with her hand held over his head and the thick base (the same base as the other statues) the overall height is closer to 12".

Paint - ***1/2
DC Direct has had some issues with the paint work on this series (and the Black and White series as well) over the last few years, but recent releases have been much, much better. Considering the price point here, the improvement is much appreciated.

Most of the edges are clean and sharp, with less slop between colors. Smaller details are well done, and key features - like the translucent goggles or fishnet stockings - look terrific. Colors are consistent in tone and finish, even across large expanses like the cape, and shading and highlights bring out some of the sculpt details.

Value - **
I'm being a little rough on them here, because this is the same score I gave Superman and Supergirl in this category, and they were about the same price. However, that was two years ago, and DCC does deserve some credit for keeping prices the same over this period.  It's still a pretty hefty chunk of change for a statue in this scale - the single characters run around $100 or so - but there is a lot more complexity with a design like this.

Things to Watch Out For -
When taking it out of the tray and baggie, be mindful of the small key and her extended hand.

Overall - ***1/2
Another terrific statue in the series, even if I wish the Batman design were a little less Batman and a little more 40's. I love the dynamic pose, and the overall concept - stealing the keys - works great.  I'm also very happy to see an continuing trend of improvement in the paint work on all the DC Collectibles statue releases.

Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ***
Sculpting - ***1/2
Paint - ***1/2
Value - **
Overall - ***1/2

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- Entertainment Earth is at $220 with free shipping.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
Other recent Bombshells include the Joker's Daughter, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Starfire, Jessie Quick, Killer Frost, the Superman/Power Girl statue, Mera, Hawkgirl, Stargirl, Black Canary, Batgirl, Harley, Poison Ivy, Supergirl and Wonder Woman.

You should also hit the Search Reviews page, in case any other applicable reviews were done after this one was published.

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