The 1966 Batman series brings back a lot of fond memories for me. When I was a child, I would watch this with my grandfather every afternoon at 4pm. When the series was finally permitted to be released on video, I immediately grabbed it and am going to introduce my granddaughters to the series. One of the best sets on the show was the Batcave and McFarlane Toys has done an excellent job creating a solid headquarters for Batman!
Unlike our other reviews, this is really one big accessory for the McFarlane toys line. Please note that the figures in my photographs are all from the Mattel line that was released a number of years ago. The taller Batman in the upper corner is a Neca product but the rest is all McFarlane Batcave.
The set comes with the Batcomputer, The Navigational Aid computer, The Bat Memory Banks and numerous desks, filing cabinets and other computers to aid in maintaining the giant atomic pile in the back. There are two yellow Batpoles, and the orange disc upon which Batman, Robin, and Batgirl are standing is the turntable for the Batmobile. I haven't yet bought any of the McFarlane '66 Batman figures but am thinking they may be added at some point. I'm really impressed with the detail put into this play set, including the simulated cave walls behind the atomic pile. There is a lot of "bang for the buck" so to speak with this set and even with the Mattel figures spread throughout, the meld of Batcave and characters works really nice. This was definitely a "one off" purchase as I happened upon it in a Target and was blown away at the retail price of only $29.99. The nostalgia value alone made this a worthwhile purchase and, knowing my grandfather, he'd probably look at it, laugh, ask me what the heck I was thinking... and then suggest we pop the DVD in and watch some Batman together. I'm probably going to give this a higher grade than it likely deserves, mainly because of the good memories it creates, but then... isn't that what the hobby is really all about? Collecting the things that we enjoy, that bring a smile to our faces and help us forget about the negative stuff in the world, even if only for a little while?
Objectively, if you're a fan of the 1966 Batman series and McFarlane line, this is a great addition and will make for a terrific display. Subjectively, I have a fondness for this piece because of the great memories it conjures up for me. So, with that in mind... the McFarlane Toys Classic TV Show Batcave earns a resounding:
4 out of 5 ToyBoxes!!!
I know this was a short one, but it was fun to write and made me smile. I hope it does the same for you! Until next time... enjoy what you collect and as always... GEEK OUT!!!