Action Figure Review: Batman: Ascending Knight (Mezco Exclusive) from One:12 Collective: DC Universe by Mezco

 I've actually had the Mezco exclusive Batman Day 2017 Batman: Ascending Knight figure for over a month now but I held off on reviewing him. Initially it was because I wanted to review the standard version first and then I was busy reviewing Solo and Jurassic Park stuff. I'm not finally getting a chance to review this exclusive black and gold variant of Ascending Knight Batman and I'll just go ahead and say that I really do think I prefer this one to the standard. I like the standard figure (I gave it an Epic rating) but the black and gold color scheme just works really, really well here. Since this figure is really just a color variant I'm reusing my review of the basic figure here with all new pictures. For those places where the paint scheme is different, I'm including new thoughts and comments in italics! That way you can just check out the original review and then skim this one if you'd like. Let's crack this one open and check it out after the break...



The Facts:
Height: 6 1/2 inches

Articulation: Ball jointed ankles, double hinged knees, thigh swivels,  swivel/hinge hips, ball-jointed waist, ball-jointed mid-torso, ball jointed swivel/hinge shoulders, swivel biceps, double-hinged elbows, swivel/hinge wrists, and a double ball-jointed head.

Accessories: Two interchangeable heads, seven interchangeable hands, 10 batarangs, heavy assault bat brick, wrist crossbow, grappling gun w/ 3 hooks, display base w/ peg and arm, cape display kit, and storage bag.

Non-Scalper Price: $80 dollars

 The Positives:

* The biggest difference on this figure is the color scheme. While the standard version features a grey bodysuit with black accoutrements, this one is all black. When I see a black batsuit with a gold belt, the first thing that comes to my mind is Michael Keaton's costume from Tim Burton's 1989 Batman film. Considering that this is Mezco's take on Batman during his early years, I think the Keaton connection is fitting (maybe even Batman Begins as well) since Begins, Batman 1989, Year One, and the various early comics all seem to depict a more primitive version of the caped crusader as he is just beginning to wage his war on crime. The costume is quite impressive with differing materials and that bright gold belt adding some visual diversity to the overall design.

* The same as the standard Ascending Knight, the cape is made from a pleather like material that drapes pretty realistically across the figure. While it isn't as nice as the amazing capes of the Dark Knight Returns Batman figures, it does look more like a heavy, leather cape. It can both drape behind the figure's shoulders or over them, absolutely bringing to mind the cover of Detective Comics #31.

 * Just like the standard Ascending Knight Batman, the headsculpt is probably the piece that signals this the most as being a First Appearance Batman and I think Mezco knocked this one out of the park. It's definitely a different look for a modern Batman figure, but I like it. The "ears" are insanely pointy and look pretty menacing. The white eyes are perfect, too.

* The utility belt is also a very cool detail. It really reminds me of the Keaton utility belt, although I'm sure other fans will see other bits of inspiration, too. The detailed sculpting and gold color really add a nice something extra to the overall design. It is removable via a hidden peg underneath a pouch in the rear, just for your information. The gold color on this version seems a bit brighter and less "weathered" than the standard version, helping it to contrast more with the all black suit.

 * The gloves are pretty slick with built in armored plates and super short wrist spikes. The wrist spikes are quite shark and look rather wicked. The wrist spiked forearm guards can rotate around the arm, allowing you to position them however you like.

* All versions of Ascending Knight Batman come with one alternate headsculpt: Bruce Wayne! How freaking cool! This is a great "composite" of Bruce as it looks like many of his comic appearances as well as having traces of some of the actors who have played the character over the years. Brilliant! He has a very piercing gaze, doesn't he?

 * As usual, the articulation is nearly flawless. The base body features wonderful joints, most of which are hidden. Mezco has absolutely improved the ankles, too, and now they have a great range of motion allowing for some very deep and wide stances that look natural

* Batman comes with seven interchangeable hands that swap easily. You get two fists, two batarang grips, two open/ gesturing palms, and a right handed pistol grip for the crossbow and the grapnel gun.

* Like the standard figure, the Mezco exclusive Ascending Knight Batman comes with ten batarangs. Ten. That's crazy! He doesn't have any way to hold them so I have no idea what the heck he's going to do with all of them, but they're pretty slick looking pieces. Keep one or two for this figure and give some to all of the Batman figures Mattel and DC Collectibles have released over the years with no batarangs.

 * Showing off that this is an early in his career version of Batman, some of the accessories are decidedly more low-tech than you might expect. I love this small crossbow that fires tranquilizer darts. It even has an attached clip. It feels like a great fit for Batman and would have seemed like a high-tech gadget in the past. It reminds me of the Kenner Batman Crossbow from the Dark Knight Collection that I had as a kid, too. While the darts are silver on the standard version, the Mezco exclusive has bronze tipped darts.

* Batman includes his grapnel gun which has now become one of his most ubiquitous gadgets. The sculpt and paintwork is incredible and it comes with a folded up piton that fits in the barrel for when the gun is in storage. This version features a much more intricate paint job with more bronze/ gold highlights and a black piton rather than the silver piton of the standard version.

 * The grapnel gun has two other hooks as well. There is a grappling hook with the arms spread out (for if Batman is preparing to fire the gun) and a hook with a string for actually posing the figure when firing the gun. The hook definitely won't hold the figure (if it were metal, though... maybe in the future, Mezco?) but it looks cool and you should be able to get some cool poses out if it. These hooks are also cast in all black, unlike the silver hooks of the standard release.

 * One of the most peculiar accessories included with AK Batman is the "Heavy Assault Bat Brick." What is it? It seems to be a multi-purpose tool that can be used as a melee weapon for close quarters combat, as a shield for deflecting blows and/ or projectiles, and folded in half so Batman can slide down cables. It it hinged in the middle and has grips on both sides for Batman to wield it. While the standard release has silver edges the Mezco exclusive has bronze edges. It's pretty sharp looking (no pun intended)!

* Like the other One:12 Collective figures, Ascending Knight Batman features a round display base featuring his unique Batman logo. The logo is emblazoned on the base and an off-centered peg helps to keep the figure nice and secure when standing up. While the standard figure has a gray base with a black bat the Mezco exclusive  has a black base with a gold bat.

 * There is also an articulated display arm that can be inserted where the peg is (you just have to remove the peg) and a connection piece for the posing devices for the cape. You can get some great, secure poses here as the joints are very nice and tight on the display bar. It can absolutely support the figure's weight if you want to depict Bruce leaping through the air and taking out some gangster's minions.

*  To keep all of the little accessories and extra hands close by when not in use, Mezco also gives you a cool branded bag. It's just a simple plastic bag with a Ziploc styled bag, but it's appreciated.

* It's just an image on the back of the box but, dang, does that look sweet. I love the black and gold picture of Ascending Knight Batman here. Imagine if this were a teaser poster for an upcoming Batman film. That would be amazing!

 The Negatives:

* While the Mezco One:12 Collective figures have typically come with nice heavy 5-panel storage boxes that are easily accessible to put figures and accessories in, the Ascending Knight Batman comes in a smaller box that feels very light and flimsy. I love the look and feel of the standard boxes and I'm frustrated that Mezco seems to be doing away with this tradition.

Interestingly, not only do I like the look of this costume better than that of the original figure but it also manages to solve the two problems I had with the basic figure: The lack of trunks and the missing purple hands. This costume is so different in color than the first appearance batsuit that the lack of purple gloves isn't even noticed, nor are trunks needed. It's a great sleek, clean, imposing look that draws the best elements from multiple "early" Batman stories. I'm not planning on picking up any more Ascending Knight Batman figures as I'm pretty sure this one is my favorite. Epic.

For more Batman reviews, check out the Dark Knight Gallery where I have dozens posted.

For more One:12 Collective: DC Universe reviews, check out the following:
Armored Batman: Batman V. Superman (Convention Exclusive)
Arsenal
Batman: Ascending Knight 
Batman: Batman V. Superman 
Batman and Mutant Leader (SDCC Exclusive)
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (PX Previews Exclusive)
Deathstroke
The Flash
Green Arrow 
Harley Quinn (Suicide Squad)
The Joker 
Knightmare Batman: Batman V. Superman
Shazam 
Superman
Superman: Red Son
Zoom