News: Hot Toys is making Batman & Robin 1/6 scale figures (... no seriously)!

Even though we got those Batman Forever figures from Hot Toys a few years back, I really didn't think they would also do ones for the 1997 follow up Batman & Robin. I assumed the negative reputation that has dogged the film for years would mean that Hot Toys would think they financially unviable.

Turns out I was wrong, these two prototypes were just unveiled today! I've got to say, I'm glad I was wrong.

These are just prototypes at the moment and if you remember those Batman Forever prototypes were shown at toy fairs for at least a year before they hit retail shelves so you probably have some time to save up your pennies.

Looking at the initial designs, I think they look great. Chris' hair looks a little too light brown and I know some people would prefer them to have more of a blue hue but overall, stunning. I wonder if they'll come with add on ice patches like the McFarlane figures.

I imagine they will have similar issues to the Forever figures (ie. the rubber suits crease awkwardly when you bend the arm or legs) but I can live with that.

Here's hoping they consider an Alicia Silverstone Batgirl figure down the line. Seems like a shame to miss her out.

Batman & Robin Merchandise Review - Batgirl Ice Strike Cycle figure from Kenner

Although I usually like my movie action figures to look like they did on screen, I also enjoy when a toy designer throws out the rule book and makes their own wild and crazy reinterpretation. The Batgirl Ice Strike Cycle is definitely one of the latter. 

The figure is a predominantly light purple with a visor - worlds away from the look in the film. I really dig it though - it reminds me of the Batman vs Predator comic from the early 90s. Maybe that inspired the toy designer too.

The cycle itself is fairly close to the look of the film. It's missing the big bat symbol on the front and a few other details but it's close enough. I like that they've made it so the character can sit up properly and not have to lie down on top of the bike like so many other Kenner cycle (I'm looking at you Redbird Robin and Street Racer Batman). The wheel missile is a nice addition too. I didn't note it in the video but apparently you can take that missile launcher off and attach it to Batgirl.

All in all, this one is a hearty recommendation.

Batman Forever + Batman & Robin merchandise for sale!

No, I haven't lost my mind and decided to sell my collection. Don't worry. It's going nowhere.

I have though been in touch with a fellow Batman collector called Laurent.

He is very active on Instagram and is selling a TON of Batman merchandise - from the movies, cartoons, comics.

Most interesting to readers of this blog, he has a big collection of Batman Forever and Batman & Robin merchandise.

Here are a couple of photos below show some of what he has available. Some really rare pieces. He also has a lot of carded figures too. Check his Instagram page out here - give him and follow and maybe strike up a deal.

And here's some individual posts about some of the items for a closer look. 

Batman Forever stuff:

Riddler resin kit https://www.instagram.com/p/C4TtEyQsLCT/?img_index=1

Socks https://www.instagram.com/p/ClPPcQOMX7P/

Various CDs https://www.instagram.com/p/ClMv4ysMO5a/ https://www.instagram.com/p/ClKHS7-szf2/ 

Inflatable pop bag https://www.instagram.com/p/ClKHS7-szf2/ 

Bubble bath https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjn3TAzMGkn/ https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjn3vZss9uI/ 

Batman & Robin stuff: 

WBSS portraits https://www.instagram.com/p/C2lCtTwsYuD/?img_index=1

 WBSS paper bag https://www.instagram.com/p/CjtMo-hMxQ0/?img_index=1

 Batman study kit https://www.instagram.com/p/CjisZfBsR--/?img_index=1

 Torchlight https://www.instagram.com/p/CjgZQ0xsKRj/?img_index=1

 Fruit snacks https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjdx05TsCV6/