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Packaging - ****
This box includes just about everything I love in a large collectible
package. The graphics and colors are terrific, matching the license
beautifully. There's very little excess space or waste, although this
is a big statue. It's completely collector friendly, so you can easily
remove and replace Batman without ever damaging the container. It keeps
the statue safe, which is really job one. And it has several huge
windows, allowing you to see what you're spending your hard earned cash
upon. All around it's a great presentation!
Sculpting - ****
As I said earlier, this statue is a
re-issue of the Jim Lee based Batman statue that Kotobukiya released
several years ago. He's almost identical in sculpt, with just a few
tweaks to make the suit and colors match up properly.
This is
still a Jim Lee design, but it's one of his better, and I really do
love the work on the musculature and flowing cape. Doing a dynamic cape
properly in three dimensions is very tricky - it often comes out silly
or cheesy. Not this time though, and the tattered edge of the cape adds
another dimension to the story told by the pose.
He's a fairly
large statue, coming in at almost 11" if you count the base. He stands
great on his own with or without the base too - a nice touch for an
action pose.
Unlike most Kotobukiya kits,
this is a complete
statue right out of the box. Just attach Batman to his base - if you
want - and that's about it. He's a hard plastic or polymer statue too,
no easy to break resin, and he has a nice heft and solid feel.
Paint - ***1/2
I loved
the original statue, but never did buy one. Why not? The color scheme
isn't my favorite for the character, and I've always been much more
partial to the black and gray.
They've done up this combo proud
with the new release, and the sculpted bat symbol jumps out with clean
cut lines around the edges. There's a slight wash on the body which
brings out some of the detail work, and the use of gloss black on the
gloves and boots differentiates them nicely from the cape and cowl.
There's
not a ton of small detail work, but what's here is mostly well done.
There's a little slip here or there, but it's all so minor that the
overall impression of quality work is not effected.
Articulation - Bupkis
Although
this is a Bupkis in this category, it won't go against my Overall
score. As a statue, you don't expect articulation, but some of the
Kotobukiya kits do have a joint or two. I've included this category and
score as information only - this is a solid one piece statue with a
base, no articulation.
Value - ***
You can pick this guy up for around $85,
which is very close to what he cost the first time around as well, and
is also pretty much in line with the usual cost of any basic Kotobukiya
statue or vinyl kit. Considering how much larger he is than the Batman
Black and White statues that cost almost as much, I'd say he's a solid
if not exceptional value.
Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing!
Overall - ****
I loved the first version, but just
couldn't managed to pull the trigger - now I'm glad I waited. These
colors are my favorite, and combining them with the dynamic Lee sculpt
makes for just about a perfect Batman statue.
Score Recap:
Packaging - ****
Sculpting - ****
Paint - ***1/2
Articulation - Bupkis
Value - ***
Overall - ****
Where to Buy -
Online options include these site sponsors:
- Alter Ego Comics
has him at $85.
- Fanboy Collectibles
has him at $85 as well.
- Entertainment
Earth is at $90.
- Big Bad Toy Store
is also at $90.
- or you can search
ebay for a deal.
Related
Links -
I've reviewed somewhere just short of a billion Batman items - check this page
to find lists of them all, or use the search box on that page to find
what you're looking for.
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