Action Figure Review: Earth -2 Batman (Batman: Arkham Knight) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   Last week I had one of those crazy toy runs that we often only dream about. I was alerted that a GameStop near me was getting in a bunch of new stuff and when I went in as the store opened I was greeted with a bunch of new DC Multiverse figures from McFarlane Toys. Not only did I have first dibs on most of the new releases but GameStop was running a 25% off of McFarlane Toys releases last week, too, so I got a heck of a nice deal. Today I'm going to check out the first of the new figures I picked up on that toy run: Earth-2 Batman from Batman: Arkham Knight. There have been many different incarnations of Earth-2/ Earth-Two/ Earth 2/ Earth Two over the years but this figure is based on the Flashpoint version where Dr. Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after the death of a young Bruce at the hands of Joe Chill. And this particular version of Thomas Wayne as Batman? It's based on one of the downloadable alternate costumes for Batman in the 2015 videogame Batman: Arkham Knight. As far as I'm aware, though, this is a unique sculpt; it's definitely not a repaint of the previous McFarlane Batman: Arkham Knight figure. I love Thomas Wayne's batsuit, particularly due to the red highlights that really stand out and give it a unique feel, and this is the version of it that hasn't appeared in the DC Multiverse line yet. Let's take a look at this take on Earth-2 Batman 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, bicep swivels, double hinged elbows, swivel/ hinge wrists, and a barbell jointed neck.

 

Accessories: Batarang, collector card, and display stand.

 

Non-Scalper Price: $23 dollars

The Positives:

* This version of Thomas Wayne's batsuit isn't quite as different from a standard batsuit as the one released as the suit released in 2020. Instead, it does look more like something Bruce would wear, just with red and black as the dominant colors. The base of the suit is actually a very dark, flat gray with an excellent texture that seems like it's made of a material of some sort, but definitely a heavier material that provides some protection. The red interior of the cape transitions into a red edging that streams from the cape down onto the "V" shaped design (maybe a piece of armored plating) on Thomas' chest, accented by a very striking bat symbol. He's also sporting his cool utility belt which just makes a bold statement and black, leathery looking gloves and boots. 

* The headsculpt is pretty good and definitely has the look and feel of the videogame render. Sour facial expression, red eyes, very pointy ears, and some decent detail on the cowl all do the job for me. 

* Thomas' gloves and boots have a really nice leather texture to them and lots of realistic folds. The spikes on the gloves are also well done with two spikes molded from a plastic that's not too brittle but not gummy, either. 

* Thomas Wayne's cape drags on the ground a bit and is long and flowing out behind him. It's rubbery and a bit pliable, allowing you to move it up and down a bit when posing. 

*  I really just love the articulation and the feel of the DC Multiverse line. The articulation is excellent and it feels like things are always improving. Batman is solid, sturdy, and has a great range of motion in his joints. The plastic cape hinders the movement a bit, but that's kind of unavoidable when dealing with caped figures, especially one with a long, dramatic cape like the Flashpoint Batman. 

* The included batarang definitely captures the look and style of the Arkham Knight batarang. It's pretty sharp looking and fits nicely in Batman's hand. 

* I'm always glad that McFarlane Toys includes a stand with each of their releases these days. It's just a simple disc stand with the DC logo on it but it works well and keeps the figure standing upright in most poses.

* A collectible card is also included with the figure sporting a comic image of Thomas Wayne in this batsuit. There's a bio on the back, too. Very cool stuff.

The Negatives:

* The red trim on the cape looks excellent though it is a bit messy in places, dampening the cool, clean, menacing vibe it gives off. 

   This isn't my favorite Batman figure out there but it's a pretty cool version of Thomas Wayne in the suit and a figure that will stand out on your shelf. The Arkham games are a gold mind of fantastic character designs and while it's cool to get a unique Batman variant, there are plenty of other characters from the games to get around to as well. This is a Good and a 1/2 figure and definitely worth a look. He's not as exciting as some releases but he'll definitely catch your eye. It'd have been nice if he came with another gadget or two, though, especially since there are so many cool ones in the Arkham series.



  If you're looking for more of Dr. Thomas Wayne I've also reviewed the DC Nano Metalfigs figure Batman (DC36).

For more figures of Batman in general check out The Dark Knight Gallery!

For more DC Multiverse reviews check out the following:

Bane
Batman (DC vs Vampires)
Batman (Hush)
Batman Duke Thomas (Tales from the Dark Multiverse)
Batwoman Unmasked (Batman Beyond)
Deadman (DC Rebirth)
Grifter (Infinite Frontier)

Harley Quinn (The Suicide Squad)
Man-Bat (DC Rebirth)
Nekron (Blackest Night)