Review of Batmobile BTAS action figure vehicle

Introduction

There have been many great Batman stories over the last 8 decades. Every Batman fan has his favorite, and there is no doubt that we'll see the character defined and redefined moving forward, creating new favorites for future generations. But for me, the 1992 - 1995 cartoon Batman: The Animated Series still reigns supreme.

The original action figure series by Kenner remains a classic, but DC Collectibles has their own take out now, with greater articulation, more accessories, and a larger scale. In fact, a big wave just shipped, including Poison Ivy, Batgirl, Roxy Rocket, Penguin, and others.

Along with this recent wave comes the Batmobile, one of the coolest retro designs ever produced in any Batman series. It's hard to top the 66 Batmobile or the 89 Batmobile, but if any of the animated versions did, it's this one. Sleek and clean with just the right hint of a 40's vibe, it was a star in its own right.

This version is designed for the 6" action figure line, making it fairly large. It seats two, and has a terrific light up feature - more on that in a minute.  It's just started shipping in the last couple weeks, and will run you around $85, depending on the retailer.

Packaging - ****
I really, really like the large box, first because it's attractive, with a sleek design and clean graphics. It's also collector friendly, with no need to damage anything outside of cutting a couple pieces of tape. And it's not wasteful, being just large enough to hold the vehicle safely. There's some basic instructions too, but the functions are pretty straight forward.

Sculpting - ****
We've seen this Batmobile done many times in various toy lines, but I think this might be the best version. The proportions are excellent, and it's huge, coming in at about 24" long.  The DC Collectibles Batman fits inside, although the one I used (he's the one currently shipping) might not be the best choice.  His cape makes getting him inside tricky, but he does fit. The better choice is the Batman that was released with the first wave. He has a second cape that is narrower at the sides, and he fits inside great.

The work on the interior is really impressive, with the gauges and knobs all highlighted, including those on both the dash and between the seats.  The work on the steering wheel and seats is terrific as well, and there are even working seat belts. But unlike most seat belts in cars of this scale, these are NOT plastic, but actual elastic. They are much easier to work with, and will keep any figure snug in his place.

There's other materials in use as well, including rubber for the large tires. The smokey plastic windshield looks good with or without the interior lights turned on (more on that in a minute), and the overall vehicle is truly impressive in hand.

Paint - ***1/2
All that sculpt detail would be worthless without solid, clean, sharp paint operations to back it up. All the small details look great, and the work is extremely clean.

There are a few rubs on the black matte finish, a common result with this sort of material. It's not much different than what I saw with the much more expensive Hot Toys 89 Batmobile, and while it would be great to never see a single mark, that's probably asking quite a bit.

Articulation - ***
It's a car, so you don't expect much in the way of articulation, but there's a couple key features. Obviously, the tires must turn, and they do.  Also, the canopy slides open and closed smoothly along the top of the hood. Some people may not like the line in the hood that this requires, but it's a small price to pay for a canopy that works this well and gets completely out of the way.

Accessories - Bupkis
This is for informational purposes only - it has no effect on my personal Overall score. But if you were expecting something extra, like an accessory for Batman, you'll be out of luck.

Light Feature - ****
The icing on the cake is the exceptional light up feature.  It's a simple yet very effective design, with lights on the front, back and interior.

There is a battery compartment (requires 3 AA batteries, not included) on the bottom, along with a small On/Off switch. These are easy to get to and to work with. Flip the switch, and it illuminates two headlights, seven taillights (including the 'flame' exhaust), and three interior panels. The lights are bright and strong, and the colors are excellent, appropriate choices.

Because the light feature is so cool, AND so easy to turn on and off, it's one I expect collectors to regularly show off.

Fun Factor - ***1/2
Fantastic looking, large scale Batmobile, check. Great light feature, check. Working seat belts, moving canopy, rolling wheels, check. Ability to insert Batman and Robin, check. That last one isn't easy, but it is doable, and this vehicle will prove fun for collectors and kids alike.

Value - ***1/2
Remember the 66 Batmobile I mentioned by Mattel? No light up feature, and made from a much thinner, cheaper feeling plastic, all for $60. At $85, you're getting a terrific vehicle here, and the light up feature works brilliantly.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing with this vehicle.

Overall - ****
I've seen some pretty sweet vehicles this year, including some amazing 1/12th scale stuff for Star Wars (TIE Fighter, anyone?). But the combination of a terrific license with a great design and a fantastic light up feature makes this one my current favorite for 2015.

You will want to pick up one of the series 1 Batman figures to go with this vehicle. While I used the more recent Batman in the photos, it was only because he was handy.  Eventually I dug out the first release, and the narrower second cape that they provided works great when trying to fit him inside the car.

I'll be covering more of the figures in the next couple weeks, including Roxy!

Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ****
Sculpting - ****
Paint - ***1/2
Articulation - ***1/2
Accessories - Bupkis
Light Feature - ****
Fun Factor - ***1/2
Value - ***1/2
Overall - ****

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- Entertainment Earth is also at $85.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
The other recent 6" scaled Batmobile was the 1966 version by Mattel. DC Collectibles has been releasing action figures in this series as well, including the Creeper, Robin, the Joker, Man-Bat, Batman and Catwoman, and Two Face and Mr. Freeze.

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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