Batman & Robin Merchandise Review - Batmobile vehicle from Kenner

Finally getting around to reviewing this Batmobile from Kenner. It took me a little while because I purchased it on eBay without checking it was complete (rookie error). For years I was missing the missile on the front and given that's really the only play feature I thought I should wait until I found one.

Fast forward a few years and I now have a complete Batmobile. I wish I could say it was worth the wait but unfortunately this is a pretty disappointing vehicle. 

The car in the movie seems tailormade to make a toy out of but sadly Kenner fumbled the ball. The biggest issue being there's no light up feature - instead we have some very boring stickers. We don't even get a steering wheel! 

My theory is that Kenner put more effort into the Bathammer (which does light up) and chose to save some money on a Batmobile. I guess they figured more kids would be interested in the new vehicle and most might already own one of their old Batmobiles from the previous movies or Animated series.

News: McFarlane releasing 1:3 scale Clooney cowl

Just announced McFarlane are releasing a 1:3 scaled version of the George Clooney cowl. It should be approx 7 inches tall and comes connected to a small stand.

McFarlane have been making these mini cowls for a few years now (some at full scale). I haven't picked any up but will definitely be getting this. Should cost around £25-30.

Not sure on release date but the pre-orders start 2nd September.

Batman & Robin Merchandise Review - Deluxe Wing Blast Robin figure from Kenner

Slowly picking up the last few of the Batman & Robin figures from Kenner. Managed to snag this Deluxe Wing Blast Robin recently after a long search. It was a nightmare to find due to there also being a similarly named "Blast Wing" Batman figure in the line. 

Anyway, glad I got it as it's a really nice figure.

For starters there's some amazing artwork on the box of Chris O'Donnell wearing a photo realistice version of this suit.

The figure is in an appropriately snow themed blue and white version of the Nightwing suit. Like most of the line it's only two colours but the sculpting is great, lots of little details like the bird on his back.

He comes with a little scythe weapon (very similar to the Batgirl figure) and this really nifty back pack with spring out wings that reminds me of similar Batman figures from the animated series line.

There's also a missile that clips on to the backpack and fires. All in all, a really solid figure.

Batman & Robin Merchandise Review - George Clooney Batman figure from Beast Kingdom

Kinda weird that only a few months after McFarlane released their Ultimate Batman Movie figure set that Taiwanese toy manufacturer Beast Kingdom announced they too were making a figure of every Batman actor from Keaton to Pattinson. While McFarlanes were around 7 inches, the Beast Kingdoms were an inch taller and all sold separately.

I, of course, had to pick up the two Schumacher ones even though they aren't fantastic. The George Clooney one is probably the better of the two.

The figure has tons of articulation but it comes at the expense of some very open joints (particularly around the groin). The head sculpt is actually really good for the price but it sits weirdly high on the figure and is awkward to put in any pose. The cape is nice and has wire inside but again, it's weirdly connected to the cowl. 

It's a textbook case of one step forward, one step back. Still it's fun to have something a little different on the shelf and although I sound disappointed un the video, I have come around a little more on it.

Podcast: 1st two episodes of 1995 Batman podcast out now

So Drew and I have started a recording a few episodes of this discussion podcast where we watch some videos or read some articles  related to the Schumacher Batman films and have a chat about the contents. 

Hope you enjoy! It's a fun way of getting us to bring up our individual thoughts and ideas about what does and doesn't work about the two Schumacher films.

The first episode has us looking at an article from TheShot.com about 5 Reasons Why Batman Forever is the Best of the  Batman Movies.

And in episode 2 we take a look at Eyebrow Cinema's video essay looking at both Schumacher Batman films (*note, this video will have a part 2 later).

Batman & Robin Merchandise Review - Ultimate Armor Mr Freeze figure from Kenner

Getting close to completing the Batman & Robin toy line. These last few are becoming harder and harder to track down. I was lucky to find someone in Germany selling this and ended up paying a bit extra to get it posted to the UK.

This was totally worth it though. The figure is a villain version of those Batman and Robin figures where you snap on the armour and those types of figures are some of my favourite ones ever. 

This time it makes way more sense because Arnie's suit was big and bulky and he did have a sequence where he has to put it all on ("A laundry service that delivers!").

The paint work is still pretty minimal but I appreciate them going with something other than blue for the colour. The mint green undersuit looks kind of awesome.

Just a couple more Mr Freeze figures to go.

Batman & Robin Merchandise Review - Deluxe Rooftop Pursuit Batman figure from Kenner

Another day, another Batman figure. This one has a pretty cool colour scheme though. And even has the classic yellow oval symbol on his chest. I was always kind of disappointed that wasn't on Clooney's suit in the film. Nice to see it back here on a figure.

Once again, we have huge backpack that sort of turns Batman into a one-man jet. It's a little clunky and actually when it's all on it's tough to get him to stand up.

Anyway, this is far from the best figure in the line but far from the worst either.

And here's an interesting fact I learnt after I posted the review. Kenner/Hasbro actually reused most of the vehicle as Deluxe Midnight Pursuit Batman figure from a later Animated series line.