bat_collector
01-09-2006, 11:19 PM
The Batman: Black and White series is admittingly my favorite line going right now. Each new statue is modeled after an artist who contributed to either of the Batman: Black and White mini-series. The lastest entry, released on January, 2006, features a sculpt modeled after Joe Kubert's art.
The Sculpt
Compared to the other four entries in this series, I would rank this my least favorite. While the sculpt is definatley in an inspired pose (a running Batman in a crouched position, complete with flaring cape), it seems to lack a little something when seen face to face. My main problem is with the face, which seems a little too blockish and has an akward neck angle for his position. The body is a little on the thin side, but this may match Kubet's art, which I am not tha familar with.
However, the biggest concern is the "displayability" of this piece. You can't really display it sideways, as you won't be able to appreciate the sculpt. You can't display it face-first for the same reason. The best way to display is at a 45 degree angle. However, the cape may then interfer with other busts or mini-statues around it. Not an easy sculpt to display.
The Paint Job
For being mostly black and various shades of grey, this series has had tremendous paint jobs. Each one is enhanced by a remarkably good paint job, and I've heard no serious complaints about bad paint jobs done by the factory. This sculpt is no exception.
Other Points
One warning I must give is a breakage warning. Apparently my shop had to send a few of the lot back due to a breakage of the sculpt on the wrist supporting the body to the base. This is particularly amazing as its such a small piece you would not think there was a breakage danger. Check you're piece for damage before you walk out of the store with it. Also, this is the first piece priced MSRP at $55.00, a 10 dollar hike from the previous four. Its is also the lowest run of the set, at 3,800. The Bisley version, the second lowest, is at an even 5,000.
Conclusion
So, as a stand alone piece, the Kubert version is easily the worst of the lot. Yes, I even prefer the over-musculed Bisley version (the second least favorite of the line for me). However, the unique pose is eye catching, and the paint job is nicely done. I'd give it a 3 out of 5 stars. However, I would heartily recommend as buying this to complete the set. The five mini-statues work well together (check the forum for pics of them as a group), and this piece adds a unique pose and a dynamism that makes it a valuable part of the set. While you may not want it without buying the other four, definately consider getting this one if you do plan on owning more than one version.
The Sculpt
Compared to the other four entries in this series, I would rank this my least favorite. While the sculpt is definatley in an inspired pose (a running Batman in a crouched position, complete with flaring cape), it seems to lack a little something when seen face to face. My main problem is with the face, which seems a little too blockish and has an akward neck angle for his position. The body is a little on the thin side, but this may match Kubet's art, which I am not tha familar with.
However, the biggest concern is the "displayability" of this piece. You can't really display it sideways, as you won't be able to appreciate the sculpt. You can't display it face-first for the same reason. The best way to display is at a 45 degree angle. However, the cape may then interfer with other busts or mini-statues around it. Not an easy sculpt to display.
The Paint Job
For being mostly black and various shades of grey, this series has had tremendous paint jobs. Each one is enhanced by a remarkably good paint job, and I've heard no serious complaints about bad paint jobs done by the factory. This sculpt is no exception.
Other Points
One warning I must give is a breakage warning. Apparently my shop had to send a few of the lot back due to a breakage of the sculpt on the wrist supporting the body to the base. This is particularly amazing as its such a small piece you would not think there was a breakage danger. Check you're piece for damage before you walk out of the store with it. Also, this is the first piece priced MSRP at $55.00, a 10 dollar hike from the previous four. Its is also the lowest run of the set, at 3,800. The Bisley version, the second lowest, is at an even 5,000.
Conclusion
So, as a stand alone piece, the Kubert version is easily the worst of the lot. Yes, I even prefer the over-musculed Bisley version (the second least favorite of the line for me). However, the unique pose is eye catching, and the paint job is nicely done. I'd give it a 3 out of 5 stars. However, I would heartily recommend as buying this to complete the set. The five mini-statues work well together (check the forum for pics of them as a group), and this piece adds a unique pose and a dynamism that makes it a valuable part of the set. While you may not want it without buying the other four, definately consider getting this one if you do plan on owning more than one version.