Batman turns 80 this year, and the fine folks at Funko are commemorating this momentous milestone with Pop!s and Dorbz spanning the Dark Knight’s history. I asked them to send a few out so we could check them out, and a short time later, a box full of goodies arrived. Let’s have a closer look.
First appearance Batman Pop!
While Batman’s first appearance in 1939’s Detective Comics #27 still looks enough like the modern Batman to be recognizable, it had several distinct design elements that have since faded into history (outside of the occasional throwback reference). The large, flared bat ears, purple gloves, and circular belt buckle are reproduced nicely by Funko, as is the little Bat from Bob Kane’s artwork. Unfortunately, the paint where the gloves meet the arms is very sloppily applied, and there are a few extra-glossy spots in the black paint (maybe some unintended contact with a contaminant during the drying process); but, these are small issues, and the overall presentation is super cool.
1950 Batmobile
When I think of this Batman, I tend to think of the work of Dick Sprang, but there were a number of artists drawing him at this time. The Batmobile of the 50s went through some variations, as well, but this is definitely one of the coolest, with the big Batface on the front, the prominent rear fin, and bulbous cockpit glass (which is of necessity only hinted at here). The Pop! Ride is an awesome little collectible, and everything looks great. The paint has a few issues (fairly standard for Pop!s), but they’re far less noticeable than those on the Detective #27 Batman.
Batman 89
Michael Keaton’s Batman was kind of a big deal, and for many, he still is. The all-black suit is its own unique thing all-around, but for me, it’s the bat, the belly, and the belt that always stand out in my memory. Funko reproduces those perfectly here, capturing the essence of the movie suit even before you consider the other details. The standard Pop! head shape makes the cowl a little bit less 89, but it isn’t different enough to distract from the overall effect.
Batman 89 Batman and Joker Dorbz
What can I say about Dorbz? They’re pretty simple, round, and smiley. The 89 Batman isn’t as much of a dead ringer as the Pop! version, but the Bat symbol is there, and the abs, though drawn instead of molded, are at least represented. I think the painted belt could be a bit better, but it’s not a deal-breaker.
My favorites, though, are the two Jokers. They have the same exact body—Joker’s purple suit with a cane in the right hand—but the two different heads represent very memorable moments in the film. Who can forget Joker at the parade, throwing out handfuls of cash to the crowd he was about to murder? And who can forget—no matter how much they might want to—a skin-toned Joker strolling into the art museum for his date with Vicki Vale? Both of these Dorbz are excellent, and the museum Joker is one of those deep cuts that is sure to make all of you as giddy as it made me.
Overall
I’m a sucker for Funko’s stuff anyway, but this sampling of their Batman 80th products is particularly nice. I wish the paint was better on my particular Detective #27, but it still looks pretty good, and the Pop! Ride Batmobile and 1989 stuff is to die for. You’ll be able to find them all in stores over the next few weeks.
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