My thoughts'
Packaging- Much like the DX11 with it's understated appearance, it works really well. Also like the DX11 box it doesn't have that semi-gloss finish that nicks up easily. Another win in the packaging department. Don't care for the little BAT insert. Im not crazy about the BAT anyway.
Accessories- Some new things, some old things and improvements. The grapple gun is much better this time around.It's actually in scale(took them long enough) and the colors are more accurate. It also has a new feature that allows it to **** back like HT's pistols. Not necessary but a nice touch I guess.The EMP gun is cool but I don't think I'll be using it. While I may not be big on light up features I think it would have been nice for the end to entirely light up like the movie but no biggie. The belts are awesome! Like the grapple gun they've finally gotten it right. The color and shape of the belts are all better than previous efforts and accurate. Another big thing here is that it has links like the real belt( although they aren't actually linked together but I don't care). The sticky bomb gun is cool and I'm glad I have it but it really has no business in this set considering he didn't use it in the film. But it's a welcome addition nontheless especially since I didn't get the DX02. The curious thing about the inclusion of the sticky bomb gun is the absence of the backpack, they go hand in hand. If they felt the need to include the the sticky gun than it would stand to reason that they would include the backpack which worked along side it in the same scene. Weird. HT rounds out the accessory list with the typical mini-mines and batarangs which are from the same mold I believe but with a better finish on the batarangs. The stand is "meh" to me. I don't like how high it is.
Suit- This is a large part of the reason I bought this figure. It looks great and we finally have a Batman that's bloody articulated! Well, kinda.
The finish on the whole suit is great and looks a lot like the movie although it does seem the kevlar pattern isn't as visible as it was in the movie. I could be wrong about this, I have to check. The gauntlets are a bit big but don't really bother me . That may or may not change over time. Everyone talks about how the shoulder pads are over sized and I think they are but again not bothersome. The boots rock! Opinions seem pretty split with this one. I like how it allows for much more articulation in the ankle for more dynamic poses. When standing straight up the separation of the boot and sleeve is very unnoticeable and really only seen if pointed out. They do become noticeable when put in dynamic poses as if the leg is extended and the boot turned. Articulation is definitely improved over HT previous Batman figures especially in the arms. Still can't put the legs in positions like other TT's but do you really need to? The cape is an improvement over previous ones but still doesn't lay like I feel it should. Really don't know why these companies have such problems with capes. I'll be using one of my own.
Headsculpts- Another controversial area. Some of you may agree, some may not. The cowl head isn't as bad in hand as I've envisioned but it's not really good. Again at this late date and two previous releases of this suit it should have been a slam dunk and I think HT has the talent to do it. The biggest problem here are the eyes. They're just too big and cartoony. Mix that in with sub par mouth sculpts and you have one derpy looking Batman. They eyes and head can be positioned to make the head look better which is a good thing. The size and shape of the cowl isn't the problem. I've seen people widening the cowl but I don't think it needs it. At least not for me. The Bale sculpt is nice. I really like it and think it's the best thus far. Is is accurate to the movie? No Is it idealized? You bet. But there is no mistaking who it is the second you see it. I actually like it more than I thought I would.
Overall it's a great release and Im happy to own it. Regardless of my feelings toward the cowl sculpt Im giving it 8.5/10 just like the Joker. There is more win here than fail and HT hit on a lot of high notes.
I'll probably do some modding to mine. A lot of you know how I feel about accuracy so what ever I mod isn't because I want it accurate it's because I like how it looks. Plus I like modding my figures. Mostly all of my figures have been modded to some degree or another. I think it's part of the fun of the hobby. I know I'll be doing something to the cowl,that much is for certain.
It's about FKN Time brother
