The Hot Toys 1966 Batman Action Figure is a true gem for fans of the classic Batman TV series. Introduced in 2014, this action figure pays homage to the iconic portrayal of Batman by Adam West, capturing every detail from the show. In this retro review, we'll delve into the figure's accessories, appearance, articulation, and affordability to provide an overall rating of zero to 10 ToyBoxes for this collector's item.
ACCESSORIES
The Hot Toys 1966 Batman Action Figure comes with an impressive array of accessories that enhance its playability and display options. The list is pretty amazing: One Batman head with three magnetically attached interchangeable lower face sections capturing Adam West's classic expressions. Thirteen interchangeable gloved palms including: One (1) pair of fists,
One (1) pair of relaxed palms, one (1) pair of dancing gesture palms, one (1) pair of open palms, one (1) pair of partially clenched palms, one (1) right palm for holding the Batarang,
one (1) right palm for holding Bat-Shark Repellant spray can, one (1) left palm for holding the Bat-radio, one (1) Batarang with Bat Rope, one (1) shark repellent spray, one (1) big bomb, one (1) Bat-Radio and a figure stand with his name and logo. This was one of the first Hot Toys figures I'd ever bought and was impressed with all of the accessories that came packed with it. Looking back though, the fact that it came with 13 hands, which makes up the bulk of the accessories is still pretty impressive and the different expressions, coupled with the multiple hand pairings gives this easily, an 8 out of 10 for accessories.
APPEARANCE
Hot Toys has excelled in capturing the likeness of Adam West's Batman in remarkable detail. The figure's head sculpt is incredibly accurate, with meticulous attention to facial features, cowl design, and even the paint application for the signature blue eyes. Even more impressive, though, are the interchangeable facial expression pieces. The fact that we can get three of West's "signature" expressions, done with such amazing accuracy is especially nice. One thing that also really caught my attention was the boots and gloves. Both the soles of the boots and the palms of all of the hands are black, in keeping with the look from the series. The costume is crafted with precision, faithfully reproducing the vibrant blue and gray colors, alongside the iconic Bat-symbol on the chest. My biggest gripe is that the bat symbol is slightly off center and crooked on my figure. This is actually more disappointing than I expected, because for the price I paid and the flair that Hot Toys has shown in their designs, this QC issue shouldn't have happened. Looking at the utility belt, though, helps improve my mood. They really nailed the look of the belt and the fact that it's free floating can be both good and bad. It doesn't hinder movement, which is nice, but has a tendency to sit crooked on his hips. I am constantly adjusting the belt to be centered and even. Once in place though and on his display stand the effect is quite nice. It should be noted that the costume can be quite fragile, so be extra careful when handling. I did get a small snag on the chest when I first opened the figure and that bummed me out. Sure, it's tiny, but I know it's there. The overall attention to detail in capturing the essence of the 1966 Batman is truly commendable. This easily SHOULD have earned a 10, but for the symbol. I'm content with giving it a solid 9 out of 10 for Appearance.
ARTICULATION:
While the Hot Toys 1966 Batman figure showcases impressive articulation for a collector's piece, it does have some limitations due to the nature of the costume. The figure features a highly poseable body, allowing for dynamic stances and action poses. However, the bulky nature of the suit restricts some movements, particularly in the arms and legs. Despite this, the figure still offers a satisfactory range of motion for recreating classic Batman poses. Starting at the head, it turns side to side quite easily and can look down somewhat. Upwards though is quite limited. The shoulders look like they could rotate a full 360, but for the cloth costume. They will raise out to just about a T pose, which is nice. There is a bicep swivel and the elbows can actually bend quite nicely. The wrist pegs allow for hinging and swivel also. Though there is an ab crunch and torso twist, the costume severely limits these and if you are going to press the issue, be extremely careful to not damage the cloth goods. His legs can kick forward reasonably well but his splits are a bit limited. There is an upper thigh swivel, which is also somewhat limited. The knees do bend in fairly deep, and the boots and ankles turn somewhat. Be careful, again, when turning these as the costume tends to "ride along" with the turns and you can see the seams moving around on the body. I really feel like the costume limits what could be very good articulation. I'd like to give this figure an 8, but the concerns caused by the cloth goods drop it to a 7 out of 10.
AFFORDABILITY
As with many high-end collectibles, the Hot Toys 1966 Batman Action Figure comes with a relatively high price tag. Given its exceptional quality, attention to detail, and the fact that it's a licensed product, the price is justified. However, it may be a considerable investment for some collectors. It's important to weigh the value of the figure against personal attachment to the 1966 Batman series and the desire for a premium-quality collectible. When I first bought this, I paid $189 on Amazon. Nine years later, it's selling on the secondary market for upwards of $700! As far as pricing goes, unless you purchased this figure at the initial release, the cost now is very prohibitive. When you calculate the value of a dollar, $189 in 2014 is worth about $242 today, so the price of this collectible has risen considerably. I'd say the original price easily earns an 8 out of 10 for the quality and impressive nature of the figure at the time.
Overall, the Hot Toys 1966 Batman Action Figure is an outstanding tribute to the beloved 1966 Batman series. With its impeccable likeness, extensive accessories, and remarkable attention to detail, it is a must-have for fans and collectors alike. While the articulation and price may pose slight drawbacks, the overall quality and nostalgic appeal make this figure a remarkable addition to any Batman collection. With an overall grade of:
8.5 out of 10 ToyBoxes
The Hot Toys 1966 Batman Action Figure is undoubtedly a worthy investment for fans seeking a piece of Batman history. I hope you enjoyed this Retro Review of the Caped Crusader. Check back as we look at the 1966 Hot Toys Robin next! Until then... GEEK OUT!!!