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Toy Line: Identity Crisis Series 2
Manufacturer: DC Direct
Meat and Potatoes; 4.5
Perks; 4.0
Homer Facor; 4.0
The figure is based upon Michael Turner�s interpretation of Batman from his covers for the �Identity Crisis� mini-series. The figure is approximately 7� tall and is in the current black and gray costume. The figure is a bit bulkier then most interpretations of Batman, has much longer ears and scallops. The cape is also long enough so that it gathers a bit at Batman�s feet. The end result is a figure that looks a bit more demonic then more recent versions of the character.
Batman comes with a small stand with the �Identity Crisis� logo on it.
That�s the problem with making a Batman figure. If you stick too much to the reality you get a guy in a flying rat suit. Granted, VERY buff, well trained, able to kick your butt from one side of town to another even as you�re laughing at his suit. Still... it�s a flying rat suit.
So what do you do? Frankly, you try NOT to make the figure that realistic. You exaggerate the things that scare the crap outta people: the scowl, the cape, and the scallops. (Those claw-things on his forearms finally have a name! Bless Goyer and Nolan for that!) Suddenly these aren�t just accessories. They take this simple �rat� and turn him into a demon from hell that will terrorize criminals. Whether it�s the Dark Knight Detective piece (link) or the latest Vampire Batman figure (link) that�s when the figure finally gets it�s full due.
The latest attempt to get that primal, almost super-natural look is from the incredible �Identity Crisis� line. DC Direct has taken the cover art by Michael Turner and created a figure meant to capture the fearful visage of the Dark Knight. So is it worth the umpteenth version of Batman? Well... it�s CLOSE. But...
Meat and potatoes are so amazing in some ways, and so FRUSTRATING in other ways. The sculpting is gorgeous. When I first saw samples of this figure I cringed. The face of Batman, because of the camera angles, looked very scrunched, as if he just bit into a bag of lemons. Instead the figure just has the massive brow-ridge, a rather ticked-off look, and very large ears. Perfect for that demonic look. The musculature is nice and bulky, giving the figure a large, pumped-up appearance. Oh, and the cape is beautiful! No, it�s not as massive as it could be, but it�s extra-long and actually forms a little �lake� of material at the base of the figure. Ah, just like the cape did in �Batman � The Animated Series�!
The articulation is �eh�. Good news is there are ball-and-socket joints in the shoulders, knees, elbows, and wrists. This leads to nice combination of joints for poses. Even the neck has a good range of motion. However there are some surprising spots that aren�t that flexible. For instance there is no mid-bicep joint. Normally that isn�t a problem. However the elbows are set so that Batman can only move his elbows to �hug� someone. Ok, ok, so he�s being a kinder, gentler Batman. However, you CAN�T do cool fighting poses with that! And there�s also no ball-and-socket joint in the hips. Come on guys! Give us a break! If Microman figures (link) can be that flexible why not this figure!
Accessories are �eh�. Yes, it comes with a stand with the cool �Identity Crisis� logo. However, there�s nothing else. How about a few batarangs? Maybe a removable utility belt and cape? Come on, throw us a bone here!
Homer factor? Oy... tough one. If you�re a Batman fan, or you�re looking for figures with the same look from �IC�, this is well done. BUT, if you�re looking for a butt-kicking Batman figure, well...
In the end... it�s not a bad figure by any means. I like Michael Turner�s interpretation on Batman. Unfortunately it�s not anything groundbreaking either. If you�re a Batman freak it�s worth the cash. However if you�re looking for something to knock your socks off, your best bet is to get a Microman