Action Figure Barbecue: Action Figure Review: Batman (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns) Jokerized from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

Today I'm checking out the first "Jokerized" figure from McFarlane Toys' DC Multiverse line that I've reviewed on the site: Batman from Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. While there have been a couple Jokerized variants early on, the Jokerized line thus far has been exclusive to Target and features previously released figures with a wild new Joker inspired paint job and some additional playing cards covered with Joker inspired artwork. These have actually been really divisive among DC Multiverse collectors, but they seem to be selling well. As someone whose DC Collecting is largely focused on Batman and who has a specific Joker shelf, many of these have actually appealed to me, especially this Dark Knight Returns version of Batman. I love this costume design and I really like this basic figure. I have the standard DKR Batman from the build-a-horse series and it's one of my favorite McFarlane Batmans to date. This is a Gold Label exclusive to Target and features a funky Joker paint scheme, kind of like something you'd see on a variant cover or in some sort of hallucination. Let's take a look at the Jokerized Batman from The Dark Knight Returns after the break...

The Facts:

Height: 7 1/8ths inches

Articulation: Hinged toes, double swivel hinged ankles, double hinged knees, swivel thighs, swivel/hinge hips, balljointed waist, balljointed mid torso, swivel/hinge shoulders w/ ballsockets,swivel/ hinge elbows, double swivel/ hinge wrists, and a barbell neck.

Accessories: 4 Swappable hands, collector card, display stand, 4 playing cards, card stand, and bat rope.

Non-Scalper Price: $25 dollars

Comparison:

* The Jokerized DKR Batman is on the left while the standard Batman (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns) is on the right. What's different? Just the paint applications. Other than the extra stuff like the card stand with playing cards with this Jokerized figure, even the standard accessories are the same. Just colored differently.

The Positives:

* The Dark Knight Returns Batman is bulky, burly, and matches the over the top artwork of Frank Miller nicely. It's an excellent sculpt and very unique; it's definitely this specific of Batman rather than a kitbashed look. The biggest selling point for this figure is the Jokerized color scheme, which I really like. The suit is just a bit darker grey than the standard version but most of the parts that are usually black have been done in a wonderful Joker-esque purple. It's very vivid and stands out wonderfully! The oversized utility belt is now neon green and is complemented by groupings of "HA" on Batman's right boot, left thigh, and right side. It's a pretty cool effect, really, and definitely appeals to me more than some of the other Jokerized figures we've seen.

* The head is perfect. Besides being a pretty solid take on the DKR Batman, the all purple cowl with green eyes and a bloody red grin over Bruce's already gritted teeth just works. The detail on the teeth really brings this one home, too.

* I'm always thrilled when a Batman figure has straight, non-warped spikes on the arms, so consider me thrilled. The DKR Batman has shorter, stubbier spikes, but they're still nice and sharp. Kind of like shark fins.

* Besides just looking cool and purple, Batman's cape also looks like it's been dipped in green paint.

* Here's a closeup of the various paint applications. I know this guy isn't everyone's cup of tea but if you want a Batman collection that looks like it was visited by Jack Nicholson's Joker, this figure can hook you up.

* Since the Dark Knight Returns Batman is bigger and bulkier than the rest, his articulation is a little different. He's still quite posable with a great range of motion, but he does have little differences like actual thigh cuts and swivel/hinge elbows, kind of like some of he megafigs have. His mid-torso joint is a bit tight, but everything else moves great and makes for a really fun looking action figure.

* Jokerized Batman comes with two sets of fists: A gripping pair and a punching pair. Swap them around as you will!

* Batman comes with a batrope. It's a simple plastic molded piece with the batarang molded as part of the robe. The rope it sculpted with a coil and to look like Batman is preparing to throw it, so it is a bit limited but it looks cool when in use.

* You get a collectible card and display stand included but they're different than normal. The collectible card does have Joker scribbles on the front and back while the display stand has the DKR Batogo and is molded in magenta with green details. It stands out nicely from the rest of the black display stands in the line!

* A card stand is also included, which we've seen with a couple other Jokerized variants. It's suitably painted and designed to either hold the included collectible card or some of the Joker playing cards.

* Most of the Jokerized figures released thus far (though not the Dark Knight Trilogy versions with the Build a Jokerized Vane) come with four playing cards with Joker themed backs and lots of Joker graffiti on them. This Batman comes with four cards: The 2 of Hearts, 4 of Diamonds, 4 of Clubs, and Jack of Spades. Apparently each Jokerized figure will come with 4 cards so, after 13 releases, you'll have a full deck.

I've been a little surprised by the irrational amount of hate these Jokerized figures have received, especially considering that I really like most off them. I think this Dark Knight Returns Batman is the best one I've seen to date with paint design that really suits the figure well. He's just a really fun, weird figure that ought to appeal to quite a few subsets of DC Collectors, though certainly not everyone. This guy's one of my favorites recently, though, and he gets an Epic from me. He's just so wild and wonderful and comes with quite a bit of nice stuff to really make for a unique figure that displays nicely.

So... do you consider this to be Batman or the Joker? Tough question! For more of my Batman reviews, check out The Dark Knight Gallery. For more of my Joker reviews, check out The Joker's Funhouse!

For more DC Multiverse reviews check out the following: