Welcome to our next review: McFarlane Toys Batman Forever: Robin Action Figure. Many of my readers know that I'm not a huge fan of McFarlane... but the company is starting to win me over. I'm very surprised with how well I like this figure and the improvements in the articulation over previous McFarlane figures I own.
In Batman Forever, Robin, portrayed by Chris O'Donnell, is introduced as Dick Grayson, a young circus acrobat whose life is shattered when the villain Two-Face murders his family during a performance. Following this tragedy, Bruce Wayne (Batman) takes Dick in as his ward at Wayne Manor, recognizing the parallels between their lives and the pain they share.
ACCESSORIES: 6/10
The McFarlane Toys Batman Forever: Robin Action Figure comes with a limited but noteworthy selection of accessories that enhance its overall appeal. Here's a detailed review of the included accessories.
Extra Hands: The figure includes four extra hands, providing a total of six interchangeable options. This allows for various poses, including fists for action scenes and gripping hands for holding items, although it lacks any traditional weapons or gadgets like a batarang or grappling hook.
Display Base: A basic yet functional display disc is included, which effectively supports the figure in various poses. While it may be simple, it serves its purpose well and adds to the overall presentation.
Collector's Card: The figure comes with a collector's art card, featuring character art on one side and a biography on the other. This adds a collectible element that many fans appreciate, though it doesn't significantly impact playability.
Build-A-Figure Piece: As part of the Batman Forever wave, Robin includes a piece necessary to assemble the Nightmare Bat, which is an exciting addition for collectors looking to complete the set. This feature adds value as it encourages purchasing multiple figures from the same line.
While the variety of hands and the display base are useful, the absence of traditional weapons or gadgets is disappointing for many collectors. The inclusion of the Build-A-Figure piece adds some value, but overall, the accessory selection feels lacking compared to what could have been offered.
APPEARANCE: 8/10
The McFarlane Toys Batman Forever: Robin Action Figure boasts an impressive appearance that captures the essence of Chris O'Donnell's portrayal in the film. The figure's design closely mimics Robin's costume from Batman Forever, featuring a sleek, armored look with a modern twist on the classic Robin outfit. The sculpt is highly detailed, accurately representing the movie costume's intricate elements. While the overall color scheme is faithful to the film, the green parts of the costume are rendered in a flatter teal color rather than the deep, iridescent emerald seen in the movie and the knee and elbow joints are a slightly different shade, which is subtle, but noticeable. The red has some marbling to give the metallic appearance, but it's a bit duller than the red on the movie costume. I almost feel that the figure is more of a scarlet/tomato red, while the movie version is a darker more cherry red. The figure uses a more natural skin tone for the face, enhancing the likeness to Chris O'Donnell. The suit's texture and paneling are well-executed, with attention given to small details like the bat-fin gauntlets. What I enjoy most about this figure and design is the fact that it was based on the Tim Drake design, introduced in Batman #457. The head sculpt has received praise for its likeness to Chris O'Donnell, with some considering it even better than the Batman and Robin wave figure. The domino mask and hair are well-detailed, contributing to a strong overall resemblance. One of the standout features of this figure is its cloth cape with bendy wire
The cape is a heavier material, and is textured on the inside, Yellow on one side, black on the other. It also features bendy wire on either side for posing.
ARTICULATION: 9/10
The McFarlane Toys Batman Forever: Robin Action Figure offers an impressive level of articulation, making it a standout choice for collectors and fans alike.
The figure boasts multiple points of articulation, which allows for a wide range of poses. This level of articulation is particularly beneficial for dynamic display options, whether you're recreating action scenes or simply showcasing the figure on a shelf
The joints are designed to be both sturdy and flexible. Key areas such as the shoulders, elbows, and knees have excellent range, enabling the figure to achieve various stances without compromising stability. This is crucial for maintaining balance when posing in more aggressive or action-oriented positions. The head can rotate and tilt, allowing for expressive poses. This feature enhances the figure's ability to fit into different scenarios, whether it's looking up at Batman or surveying the scene from a rooftop. The overall design complements its functionality. The figure is detailed and captures the essence of Robin from the film "Batman Forever," making it visually appealing alongside its articulated features.
The articulation options provide collectors with great versatility and enhance playability, making it one of the better figures in the McFarlane lineup. The minor deduction stems from occasional stiffness in some joints, which may require careful handling to avoid breakage during extreme poses. Overall, this figure is a fantastic addition to any collection.
AFFORDABILITY: 8/10
The affordability of the McFarlane Toys Batman Forever: Robin Action Figure, retailing at $24.99, is an important consideration for collectors and fans alike. Here are my thoughts on its bang for the buck: At $24.99, this figure falls within the typical price range for high-quality action figures, especially those from well-known brands like McFarlane Toys. Comparable figures from other lines often range from $20 to $30, making this price point competitive. Given the figure's impressive articulation, detailed sculpting, and the inclusion of accessories like extra hands and a display base, the price reflects a good balance between quality and cost. The wired cloth cape further enhances its value, as it adds an element of customization that many collectors appreciate. The inclusion of a piece for the Build-A-Figure (Nightmare Bat) adds extra value to the purchase, encouraging collectors to invest in multiple figures from the line. This aspect makes the price more justifiable, as it contributes to completing a larger set. For collectors who prioritize display quality, this figure offers excellent aesthetics and articulation, making it a worthwhile investment for showcasing in various poses. The figure is widely available through various retailers and online platforms, making it accessible to a broad audience. This availability can often lead to discounts or sales, further enhancing its affordability. The price is reasonable for the quality and features offered, especially when factoring in the collector's elements like the Build-A-Figure piece. While some may find it slightly higher than budget options, the overall value justifies the cost for most fans and collectors.
Overall, I will admit that McFarlane is starting to make me a believer. I'm really impressed with the amount of work and detail in this figure. The articulation is getting better and better it seems and I'm very glad I added Robin to my collection. With that in mind, I'm proud to give the McFarlane Toys Batman Forever: Robin Action Figure...
8 out of 10 ToyBoxes
This is a pretty sick figure, in my opinion and I like how it looks on my shelf. Thank you, as always! Until next time... GEEK OUT!!!