Review – Batman Unlimited “Beware the Batman” Batman Action Figure

With this Beware the Batman* action figure we see Mattel dramatically changing the look of their Batman Unlimited series. A new sculpt without reused parts? New articulation choices? Several question marks all in a row? More question marks? What is happening???

Standing Problems

The very first thing I noticed as I stood the Beware the Batman* action figure was that the toy’s a bit top heavy and doesn’t pose as nicely as I like. As the Toy Haven review of the toy puts it:

“The thin legs does not help this Batman figure stand as he is top heavy”

Yep. Those thin legs look awesome and really give this Batman character design its own look, but in reality thin legs and a beefy torso do not combine well for balanced action figures.

Paint

Not really one of the toy’s strengths, if only because so very much of the action figure’s color scheme comes from the black plastic used in the construction of the toy. Mattel’s Beware the Batman* action figure clearly follows the character model, but other than a slightly blacker-black gloss used on the chest symbol, the flesh tones of the face, white eyes, and yellow belt we’re looking at a sea of solid black.

Animators, when you’re designing Batman for an entirely new series please consider the idea that someone may want to make toys of your design! A little more color is nice . . . and don’t make the legs and feet too thin!

Articulation

Mattel’s Beware the Batman* action figure has a ball-hinged neck, swivel waist, hinge/swivel hips, hinged knees, swivel ankles and wrists, and hinged/swivel elbows. Unfortunately, almost every joint feels a bit restricted and Batman seems destined to only stand in poses that don’t look comfortable at all. Those thin legs and limited range of movement at each joint do not combine together nicely.

Closing Thoughts

Ultimately, I believe that this Beware the Batman* action figure is one of the weakest Batman figures that Mattel has released in the last five or six years. A lot of the problems are because of the animation design — seriously, animators, stop and think about the physics of toy design — so it’s tough to fault Mattel for those problems.

I recommend passing on this toy.