Sure, today is Batman Day, an annual event celebrating the first appearance of Batman in Detective Comics in 1939, which is certainly better than celebrating the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne.
Which actually would kind of make more sense…
But I digress. Today I want to review several recent NECA releases celebrating the legacy of Gen X’s own Dark Knight Detective, Michael Keaton, who first appeared as the character in 1989’s Batman and in 1992’s Batman Returns, and who will return to the role thirty years later in the upcoming The Flash film.
First we’re going to take a look at NECA’s replica props:
Batarang
The Batarang is Batman’s primary tool in his war against crime.
Never using a gun (the weapon the was utilized in the murder of his parents, the Batarang is inspired by a boomerang and is a throwing weapon that can be used in a number of scenarios, including disarming weapons, acting as a blunt object, or in more recent depictions, as a weapon with sharpened edges that can pierce skin.
Now NECA has recreated the 1989 Batarang and has made it available for under twenty dollars.
Like it’s depiction in the Tim Burton films, the Batarang measures 7″ long with articulated hinges and magnets, allowing it to open and close (making it the perfect size for your utility belt).
Also included is a vacuum formed display base for exhibiting this amazing piece.
NECA continues to fill up your utility belt with the Grapnel as depicted in the 1989 film. It’s the gadget that Batman used to get him out of tense situations as he would shoot the grappling hook and zip him into the safety of the shadows.
Also available for under twenty dollars, the Grapnel Launcher, is over 7″ in length, with a screen-accurate foldable handle, grapnel hook attachment and a motorized spool that retracts the rope and hook after firing. This prop is delicate and will not support your weight or the petite Vicki Vale’s 108 lb. body.
Batman: The Animated Series Grapnel Launcher
In virtually every interpretation of the character, Batman’s arsenal of gadgets don’t change much. In 1992, Batman: The Animated Series debuted, in what many people call the best interpretation of the character ever. Created by Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski, and Paul Dini, the series both defined Batman and also introduced his mythos to a new audience. Voiced by Kevin Conroy, this interpretation of the Dark Knight keeps his own Grapnel Launcher on his utility belt. .It’s over 7″ in length, with a grapnel hook attachment and a motorized spool that retracts the rope and hook after firing.
And NECA makes sure you have your own. Cape not included.
Batman Michael Keaton: 1/4 Scale Action Figure
Standing approximately 18″ tall, this figure is like having your own height challenged Michael Keaton in your home. The face features an impeccably sculpted likeness and the the body armor and cape capture the texture of the costume flawlessly.
And unlike the 1/6 scale Hot Toys version, this one does the job at a fifth of the price.
The figure Includes utility belt, batarang, grapple-gun, interchangeable hands, a real fabric cape and features over 20 points of articulation, inside window-box packaging.
A must-have for any fan of the character and will have you dancing with the devil in the pale moonlight.
