The Dark Knight Rises - 1/6th scale Batman Armory with Bruce Wayne Collectible Set

[AssassinHood]

Question - will there be a way to attach a cape onto this suit?

 

[haytil]

However, when you advertise it in such a way that makes the preexisting product (that is still in active circulation) as obsolete/inferior, that’s just insulting. It’s not just collectors, but their distributors and partners that still have the DX19 in their stores.

Well, I do think you have a point that the nature of the messaging seems to be sabotaging the retailers and distributors who still have this in stock, who are ostensibly Hot Toys' partners. Especially the partners who actually paid money for the privilege of being exclusive partners (though the idea of "Exclusive Seller" is such anti-consumer ******** that I can't help but feel a bit of schadenfreude at that).

If I were a primary Hot Toys seller (as opposed to a secondary market seller), I would certainly be pissed. But I don't think that we, as collectors, really have a right to be upset about a new release.

When people complain about "FOMO" being used to sell them things, they're really just complaining about their own weaknesses and insecurities, and the power that they are voluntarily giving to companies by succumbing to such insecurities. Rather than dealing with them and growing as people, they put the blame on the company.

Anyway, you have described Bruce as a statue. Am I missing something? Is there any specific reason to believe that the joints are not moveable?

 

[haytil]

Question - will there be a way to attach a cape onto this suit?

I don't see any reason why not. The TDK armory was sold as the same thing (an armory with a batsuit that could become a Batman figure outside of the armory), so this shouldn't be any different.

 

[nm.ct]

Question - will there be a way to attach a cape onto this suit?

Better question, will it come with one?

 

[chrisstbh]

Hot Toy’s motto: Wait for us to do the character 5 times before you get the most accurate and definitive version. We’re a new company, this takes a few attempts.

Oh and here’s a reissue of the 11 year old Batman Begins figure with zero improvements.

Pretty much. Haven't bought Bo-Katan, Ahsoka, Mando Luke, even chrome Mando etc. cause I just know they're gonna put up better versions of them.

 

[Gipetto0812]

Question - will there be a way to attach a cape onto this suit?

Better question, will it come with one?

View attachment 634317

Yes it will come with a cape. Says so in the specs. Looks to be new compared to the DX19 as well even though they don’t mention it being new. It will more than likely attach the same way as previous versions, with the little clips that plug in at the shoulders

• One (1) black colored fabric cape

Anyway, you have described Bruce as a statue. Am I missing something? Is there any specific reason to believe that the joints are not moveable?

It’s basically a statue. They’re just calling it a non articulated figure instead. The only articulation will be at the neck where the Wayne head attaches. It’s on one of the pics and in the specs

• Standing posture with arms cross in front of chest (Non-articulated figure)

 

[franpincho]

It’s still in poor taste.

I expected them to release the TDKR Armory with the DX19 body/suit. Another Batman is expected, especially in a movie year.

However, when you advertise it in such a way that makes the preexisting product (that is still in active circulation) as obsolete/inferior, that’s just insulting. It’s not just collectors, but their distributors and partners that still have the DX19 in their stores.

It sends a negative message that they’re holding things back. That they’re using FOMO marketing techniques to rope people in. It’s tasteless. They’re not doing their best for every release, and it shows. It’s just like Hasbro, where they purposely leave out this detail or this accuracy point so you’re left with something that’s missing and are enticed by “the next one”.

Make no mistake though, this one will be missing some detail or feature or accessory that “the next one” has. It’s why toy companies purposely change scales midline life and make certain things incompatible like different sized ball joints etc.

Isn't this toy-making business 101 anyway? To expect any release to be the definitive version of X character is simply not realistic. everyone does this. Takara, Bandai, etc etc. There will always be a newer and better version of something.

Agreed that the message is ******. There was no need to do it like this. But then again, these guys have never been know for being smart.

My DX19 will likely be on the Batpod forever.

 

[nm.ct]

Hmmm I really want to get this, but at the same time I could use the money for the DX32

 

[MyenShi]

For sure! Completely agree with what you said for the most part.

However, I would think that these “updates” only came to HT attention with the popularity of OT’s custom bits and seeing that they could make some more money by offering this “new and improved” set. You’ve got ppl shelling out hundreds of dollars on a few custom items that, when tallied together, equate about to the price of a full figure; so, why not “offer” collectors that new and improved figure with those updated pieces so HT start to get that money instead of the customizer?

One side of folks will be like some are here, rightfully upset about this especially the timing from the DX19 release that’s still in stock (much like the Mando comparison previously made). But, I imagine there are others who will be/are fine with it b/c it’s a better monetary value than spending the price of a full figure on just a few custom bits that they then also have to modify their DX19 to fit some of those pieces.

As someone who still owns the DX19, my only initial thought was “well, should’ve sold it sooner” rather than anger that they didn’t already give me the updates. I’m sure it won’t be cheap or easy, but one could always grab the body and neck parted upon release to upgrade their DX19.

Does it suck some? yes, I fully admit that HT have more resources than any of us do to have already been more than capable to include these changes previously. But, I’m oddly not as disappointed with this as much as I am with ROTJ Vader. Aside from its timing, I think it’s a pretty cool set that makes me wish I had the space to display the whole get up including the batmobile and the batpod with it. All that said, I’m in no rush to PO and will gladly wait to see what InArt cooks up

I try to be objective, plus I don’t collect DC anymore (though I’m always tempted). I’m not happy about how this has made collectors feel though; it’s not right. Also sets a bad precedent that affects all of us. I’m always interested in trying to understand Hot Toys’s thought process in general and I do appreciate talking to you about these sorts of things.

I did also think it was sort of similar to Mando. That doesn’t feel quite as bad because most people were expecting a new figure for the second season. His armor changed and there were bound to be new accessories. So people that didn’t want multiple Dins knew to wait. Only the chrome came as a surprise.

The upgrades for this figure seem to have come out of nowhere. Based on them having teased the set a while ago, I think most expected the DX19 again if it was still going to happen at all.

As you know, getting licensor approvals and products through red tape takes a long time. So I think there was definitely overlap between DX19 production and this figure. I still can’t help but feel they could’ve just put the same figure in both sets. Makes the DX19 feel like it was just a quick buck.

Not discounting the possibility but I’m not sure they would’ve made the upgrades just solely based on custom work. They don’t typically react to money being made out of their control by individuals, be it customs or high figures prices on the secondary. Usually just to third party companies (barely) and licensed rivals.

If I had to guess, it probably came down to wanting to get a leg up on InArt with as good a Bale Batman figure they could make since that motivates so much of what they do now. And maybe give collectors a reason to upgrade as well I guess? Hoping enough DC and Batman fans are passionate enough to go out and buy this on top of the DX19 still fresh out of the box.

It’s all just… weird. It’s actually a pretty cool set; just saddled with unnecessary controversy of their own creation. Which feels especially ill advised during a time where collectors have more options, limited shelf space, tend to be more selective, and are fed up with being treated like piggy banks.

 

[nm.ct]

Isn't this toy-making business 101 anyway? To expect any release to be the definitive version of X character is simply not realistic. everyone does this. Takara, Bandai, etc etc. There will always be a newer and better version of something.

Agreed that the message is ******. There was no need to do it like this. But then again, these guys have never been know for being smart.

My DX19 will likely be on the Batpod forever.

From my personal experience with Bandai. Yes, they do indeed do this. Huge difference is though they make you wait 5-8 years for an upgrade/2.0

 

[MyenShi]

You guys don't need to upgrade every time HT drops a Bat.

“Drops a bat” seems like an appropriate euphemism for this situation.

Raise your hand if you feel like Hot Toys dropped a bat on your lawn last night.

 

[KerotanFrog]

As someone who replaced the DX12 with the DX19 two weeks ago and just got the batpod a month ago, I instantly preordered this. I was eyeing an armory on the resale market anyway. Also, the Bale statue is a cool idea and I absolutely love the way he looks with the knee brace. I hope we get a new Alfred, Gordon, Scarecrow, John Blake, and even a Ra's. The Nolan trilogy is still top tier and I want to keep collecting from it. If I had the space, I'd get the tumbler.

 

[Wor-Gar]

I don't see how this figure solves anyone's problems since he can't wear the [fixed] cowl.

 

[FlyAndFight]

This thing was teased almost a decade ago. I've been waiting ever since, to pair it with my TKD armory, and am glad it's seeing the light of day, after being vaporware for so long.

...

At some point, you just have to be happy with the thing you have and not worry about minor variations of future releases. If what you have isn't going to be good enough for you, then don't buy it - and at the same time, don't let your things own you.

You guys don't need to upgrade every time HT drops a Bat.

That has always been a major issue within our hobby; there will always be a newer version coming down the pike. One just has to decide if it is worth getting.

I passed on DX19 because I felt that my Armory version was good enough. I'm not yet sure if I'll pick this set up. To be honest, I was never a fan of this version of the armory, don't really need "another" TDK suit on display and the price is rather daunting. I do like the unarticulated figure, though. Perhaps I can snag that loose when it eventually releases. No pre-ordering here, though.

 

[Hologram AI]

I don't see how this figure solves anyone's problems since he can't wear the [fixed] cowl.

He does. If you check the final spread sheet photo, they’re gonna be including a fully masked portrait as well with the new cowl. It’s essentially a DX19 2.0 + Armory + Bruce Wayne Statue.

 

[Wor-Gar]

He does. If you check the final spread sheet photo, they’re gonna be including a fully masked portrait as well with the new cowl. It’s essentially a DX19 2.0 + Armory + Bruce Wayne Statue.

I would wait to see that before getting too excited. They'll probably include the problematic DX19 head.

Seriously though, why would they not show that? Batman in his full NEW Batsuit?

 

[Cap'n Cook]

Better question, will it come with one?

View attachment 634317

Man. The width from shoulder to shoulder on this new one.

 

[DiFabio]

I would wait to see that before getting too excited. They'll probably include the problematic DX19 head.

Seriously though, why would they not show that? Batman in his full NEW Batsuit?

Because it doesn’t exist yet. They’re making it up as they go along. Look at that shot of the new mask cowl, nothing about it stands out as real.

Most of the pictures in the specs/pecs look like digital renderings. I think there’s definitely a prototype Armory (which we’ve seen on display at shows for the past 11 years) but I don’t believe the suit upgrades like the mask/shoulders/neck are real. They look like manipulations to my eye. Their solicitations have always been photoshopped, but they’ve never looked this weird. So smooth and glossy, like an AI painting. No texturing where grain should be, perfect replicated lighting. All look like tricks to my eye.

Justin’s Secret Base video of it on display will be the most telling.

 

[user 72759]

Man. The width from shoulder to shoulder on this new one.

He’s not wearing hockey pads, they’re football pads.

 

[Turtle882]

This is kind of hilarious. I would love an armory set up to have IN ADDITION to my DX19, but I'm not nitpicky enough to need a new Batman. HT is directly competing with themselves here. I feel like HT would be wise to offer this via tiers: Tier 1: Batman, Bruce, Armory; Tier 2: Batman and Armory; Tier 3: Bruce and Armory; Tier 4: Armory only.