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Packaging - ***1/2
I really like the packaging on these two packs, although even I have to
admit that it's a bit more minimalist than I usually prefer.
The front graphics are solid, and I like
both the insert pictures of Batman (Battle Scars is the version) and
Catwoman, and also the embossed effect of the plastic bubble over the Batman
name logo. On the back there are photos of the rest of the current
line up, with a minimum of text.
Sculpting - ***
This is *almost* a ***1/2 star job, with just some very slight issues
holding it back.
The sculpts in general are very clean, with
just the right amount of detail for the animated style. They match up
with the TNBA versions of the characters extremely well, and both can stand
fine on their own with no assistance.
But the scale on Catwoman seems slightly off
to me. While I'll be happy to admit that most of the earlier versions
seemed too big, this one is just a tad too small, almost child sized compared
to the Batman or Joker. While this will work okay for Batgirl and
Robin, it seems off to me for Catwoman.
Still, this is one of the coolest versions
produced to date, and is much better than the previous Hasbro attempts - at
least she can stand up. It's also worth nothing that her right hand is
sculpted to hold something - a whip, perhaps? - but nothing is
included. Her left hand is sculpted into a scratching pose,
appropriate for pairing up with the poor unfortunate Battle Scars Batman.
A big change from the Hasbro figures is the
use of a non-sculpted cape for Batman. These cloth capes are sewn to
fit him very tightly across the shoulders, and look extremely good in
person. I was very surprised on how well they pulled them off, and it
proved to me again that cloth capes can be superior to plastic when they are
done right. These are made from a very heavy material as well.
Paint - ***1/2
Now here's a place I see major improvements over Hasbro, particularly in the
waning months of their control over the license. Both these figures
have very good paint ops, and the application is clean and neat all around.
I'm particularly impressed with the work on
Catwoman's eyes and face, since it's very easy for the black of her cowl to
bleed or over spray onto the lighter colors. They managed to avoid
that, and applied the paint on Batman's cowl and face in the same careful
manner.
Batman has some very cool battle damage, or
at least that's what Mattel wants you to think (*wink* *wink*). I like
the use of color here to give depth and dimension to the cuts in the
material.
I like the blue and gray color scheme as
well, with the more retro bat symbol on his chest. As variants go,
this one is pretty decent.
Articulation - **1/2
Nothing's perfect I suppose, and while I don't really expect much more than
the standard five points, it still would have been nice to see at least cut
wrists or elbows here.
Catwoman's leg articulation is particularly
important to succeed in getting her to stand, but overall the joints don't
allow for many posing possibilities.
Accessories - Bupkis
While I'm against stupid, worthless accessories as much as the next guy - I
think I might have been driven insane had we gotten another 'nose' gun - I'd
like to see SOMETHING with my figures, particularly at this price point.
Neither figure has a single accessory, and
considering the obvious things they could have packed in with Catwoman that
make complete sense, it's very disappointing.
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