Packaging - **1/2
I'm not really loving the new boxes. I get the whole 'alter ego' aspect of the new DC logo, but that doesn't mean I like it a whole lot. They have the black peeling away to show the white on the box as well, and I like it even less. Most of the box is now white, much duller and less interesting to the eye than the previous style.

They've completely dropped the term 'limited edition' from the box at this point. Not sure what that means, but it can't be good for those that care about edition sizes.

Sculpting - ***
I had a bad attitude toward this statue from the start, but I'll admit I was wrong. Not completely, but to be fair this is a much better looking statue than I expected.

It's not really the overall design, since I'm still not that big of a fan of Lee's work on this new Batman. There's enough detailing on the outfit for the style, but the Tron-like cuts annoy me. I'm assuming this is some sort of suit upgrade or cybernetics (I have avoided the New 52 books so far), but I don't like it.

I do like the pose though. I've mentioned before that I like when the base is incorporated into the pose, as it is here where he's stepping up onto it.

But the real saving grace Sis the cape. There's something about the flow, the way it curves down, then up, and flows outward - it looks terrific! This is one of the best looking dynamic cape designs I've seen in ages, and it was quite the surprise.

Paint - ***1/2
Solid paint work all around this time, including the eyes and lips. The edges of the face around the cowl look good, always a tricky spot on these statues.

There's still a little slop around the symbol, and some of the fine lines are a bit wobbly, but overall it's above average work.

Value - ***
While I have some nits to pick here, I have to say that the price isn't one of them. Recent releases have jumped up to $80 - $90, and I've voiced my displeasure, but this statue is back down around $70 at most retailers, even less at some. That's a big difference, and a very positive one.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not much. The posts in the base are metal, as usual, and can damage the softer material of the foot, but with a little care you'll be fine.

Overall - ***
While the overall design is not my favorite, this statue has two very big positives going for it. First, there's the very, very cool cape. I didn't expect to like it this much - dynamic cape designs rarely work for me - but it's terrific.

And second, there's the lower price. As much as I have complained about the increases, I gotta give them some props when the go the other way.

Score Recap:
Packaging - ***
Sculpting - ***
Paint - ***1/2
Value - ***
Overall - ***

Where to Buy -
Online options include these site sponsors:

- Fanboy Collectibles has it at $65.

- Big Bad Toy Store is at $65 as well.

- Urban Collector has him for $67.

- Things From Another World has him at $72.

- Entertainment Earth has it at $70.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
I've covered many of the Batman Black and White statues. Most recent was the Sam Keith version, the Mignola variant, the humorous version based on artwork by Sergio Aragones, the Gleason and Chiang versions, the Finch version, the Bermejo Joker, the Tony Daniel Batman, the Arkham Asylum version, the cool Man-bat, and don't forget the other black and white Joker Jim Lee.

- before that, we had the Quitely version of Batman, the Bermejo, the McGuinness version, the Dave Mazzucchelli version, the Penguin, Gotham Knight 2 version, the Bruce Timm version, the Ethan Van Sciver version, the Aparo, the Neal Adams and George Perez versions, the Gotham Knight, Bob Kane, Frank Miller, Jim Lee, Matt Wagner, Mike Mignola, and Kelley Jones. *whew*

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