Review: 76259 Batman Construction Figure
Posted by CapnRex101,
Batman feels like an inevitable and appropriate addition to the burgeoning Construction Figure selection, given his unrivalled popularity. 76259 Batman Construction Figure does look effective in official images, arguably surpassing previous figures in this series.
The new mask certainly seems useful, while the armoured design of the Batsuit is inherently suitable for this format, better than the likes of Spider-Man or Ant-Man. However, issues from the other figures could also affect this design.
Summary
76259 Batman Construction Figure, 275 pieces.
£31.99 / $32.99 / €37.99 | 11.6p/12.0c/13.8c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Batman is the best of these Construction Figures, but certain problems remain
- Detailed cowl and torso
- Cape conceals some flaws
- Comprehensive articulation
- Torso and legs should be bulkier
- Overpriced
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
The Completed Model
Unsurprisingly, the general size and proportions of this figure are similar to others in the series, integrating the same building techniques. Batman thus measures 26cm in height, including the pointed ears on his cowl, although the cape is unique and lends this model greater presence on display than the previous figures have achieved.
The excellent articulation also remains, including ball joints at the neck, shoulders, wrists, hips, knees and ankles, along with a rotating waist, hinged elbows and movable fingers. Again, the cape is potentially useful in creating dynamic poses. The kneepads are slightly less versatile than usual though, as they cannot fold back when the knees bend, sometimes leaving a gap.
A new mask element has been developed for the new wave of Construction Figures, sharing the general shape of the existing piece, albeit now including a nose. This was essential for Batman and I think the cowl looks good on the whole, even though the printed flesh tone on the face is relatively dull, as normal for LEGO, unfortunately.
The back of the cowl is equally important to its successful shaping. Curved wedge slopes and 1x1x1 1/3 quarter domes are cleverly combined here, alongside a pair of black blades, which form the iconic ears. The large space between the cowl and the shoulders appears awkward, undoubtedly, but also permits essentially unrestricted head motion.
My favourite section of the model is definitely the torso, which incorporates a pair of 3x4 bonnet elements to produce an authentic shape. The muscle definition underneath works well and the printed bat symbol looks splendid, taking inspiration from Batman Returns. The decorated belt also originates from the 1992 film and looks good, despite the dark tan pieces not blending fully with those in pearl gold.
The shoulder connection is the same as earlier figures and has proven problematic in the past. However, the cape performs another important service here, disguising exactly where the arms are attached, in combination with the shoulder pads. Additionally, I like the rows of spikes on the hero's gauntlets, although they should be shorter for true accuracy to Batman Returns.
The proportions of these figures have also presented issues, on occasion. Batman's torso and waist does look underdeveloped after the cape is detached, even though 1x3 inside bows offer some shaping around the sides. However, the cape again reduces the significance of this issue, while the use of 1x2 bows with wings above the hips is successful too.
1x1 round plates with bars serve as hooks for Batman's cape, which is then secured using 1x1 round plates with hollow studs on top. The cape therefore rests perfectly around the shoulders and I think its length is appropriate. Perhaps the cape could be broader to match the onscreen character more closely, but this design avoids interfering with the articulation.
Black dominates Batman's attire, as normal. The dark bluish grey elements on the knees and ankles accordingly stand out, but the red Technic axles on the ankles of previous Construction Figures have been avoided, thankfully. Otherwise though, the legs are identical to other figures, so their shaping leaves something to be desired.
Overall
76259 Batman Construction Figure is my favourite of the eight Construction Figures released to date, by a substantial margin. The cape is a decisive factor, lending Batman a presence that the other figures lack. Also, the cape disguises some of the issues inherent to these models, notably including the position of the shoulders.
Those persistent issues are disappointing and I think the proportions of the torso and legs could be better, although the detail on Batman's chest is excellent. The articulation is also impressive, as we have come to expect of this range. However, the price of £31.99, $34.99 or €37.99 feels expensive, although less so for Batman than the other figures because of his cape.
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50 comments on this article
TBH, i believe the head is creepy and makes me stop thinking about anything else concerning this thing.
"I'm Batman!"
I need an Apache Chief in this scale.
@Murdoch17 said:
""I'm Batman!""
"I'm only made of black - and sometimes very very dark grey!'
I like it. The cape does a lot to make the figure dynamic.
I just don't 38 euro like it, unfortunetely.
A shame too, because this size of set is actually one of the smaller ones for once. But I guess it's just too large and parts-dense for what it is: an action figure with weird limitations in posing.
Honestly may get this for parts, I love the abundance of mech parts here and black.
On another note, when can we expect reviews of Ninjago? The embargo dates for both dragons rising and the markets has now gone and nothing has really been seen considering how bug Ninjago is going this year for a fresh start.
@Rashad said:
"I need an Apache Chief in this scale."
I need a Galactus fig at this scale.
The Marvel versions look a bit too juvenile for me because of the face/head piece and printing. These are never perfect renditions, but as a Batman fan, I want one of these. He looks much more like Batman than the sets for Spiderman or Captain America.
£32 for that is an easy pass
I wish this had alternating Marvel parts so you could either build Wolverine or two Batmen.
Yeah, I feel like they should have embraced the yellow on his chest and made the dark tan belt pieces yellow. Pretty easy switch if you wanted to mod it at least.
@CapnRex101 How big is it in comparison to the UCS batmobile and batwing? Way to out of scale?
So many sets to do . . .
@Murdoch17 said:
""I'm Batman!""
"Hey hey, I'm Batman too!"
--Carl Brutananadilewski from Aqua Teen Hunger Force
Batman head is 2023’s piece with most potential for abuse.
it's ironic that a brickbuilt minifigure of batman has better poseably compared to an actual action figure of batman (mcfarlane moment ??)
The body is ok, not bad, but the head is out of proportion. Too big.
Plus with no neck and traps makes it even more goofy looking.
When I got the Iron-Man figure I put a pair of 1x2 curved slope bricks one plate high for the traps and it really helped distract from the thin neck.
Overall looks neat, but do not plan on getting it. The cape helps a lot. The posing is fun. The head looks wrong.
@ResIpsaLoquitur said:
"I wish this had alternating Marvel parts so you could either build Wolverine or two Batmen."
I understood that reference! (Good one ;-) )
For those wondering: https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/001/894/320/51d
@jkb said:
"TBH, i believe the head is creepy and makes me stop thinking about anything else concerning this thing."
The Batman costume is supposed to strike fear in the heart of criminals. ;-)
@ResIpsaLoquitur said:
"I wish this had alternating Marvel parts so you could either build Wolverine or two Batmen."
Does anyone want to pick up the challenge of combining this set and the Wolverine one to make Darkclaw?
@CharzBoi said:
"it's ironic that a brickbuilt minifigure of batman has better poseably compared to an actual action figure of batman (mcfarlane moment ??)"
Not really. McFarlane action figures have been more like statues early on. I think the first waves of Spawn figures had play features? Some prefer looks over articulation.
@ricecake said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
""I'm Batman!""
"Hey hey, I'm Batman too!""
I'm Batman, and so is my wife.
@kingalbino said:
"£32 for that is an easy pass"
Hard pass? lol :o)
@AustinPowers said:
" @ricecake said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
""I'm Batman!""
"Hey hey, I'm Batman too!""
I'm Batman, and so is my wife. "
You’re Batman, he’s Batman, he’s Batman-I’m Batman! Are there any other Batmen I should know about?
@yellowcastle said:
" @kingalbino said:
"£32 for that is an easy pass"
Hard pass? lol :o)"
No, an easy pass in the UK. It is easy to pass on it (as not wanted). Whereas a hard pass is more difficult to do as you are a bit more conflicted. Quite different to the US use.
@Murdoch17 said:
""I'm Batman!""
Batman (The LEGO Movie): No, I didn't say...
Batman (The LEGO Movie): Hey! I'm Batman!
Batman: I'm Batman!
Batman (The LEGO Movie): I'M Batman!
Batman: I'm Batman!
Batman (The LEGO Movie): I'm BATMAN.
Gandalf: Oh, twins. I wonder if one of them is evil?
@graymattr:
I agree. The Spiderman and Captain America sets look nothing at all like Batman.
@Feroz:
I recall that Malebolgia had tons of articulation (being nothing more than one of those bendy toys that’s just rubber cast over flexible wire). But I’m sure what few they produced have started degrading by now, even if they were kept sealed.
@SearchlightRG:
Well, I’ve got a purple zip-up Batman hoodie, so combined with one of my various Batman tees, I can be Batman cleverly disguised as Batman.
any word on a USA release date?
That cape is going to be fun to see show up in Bionicle MOCs.
These figures are already pushing it, but the painted faces don't feel very... Lego.
@Feroz said:
" @jkb said:
"TBH, i believe the head is creepy and makes me stop thinking about anything else concerning this thing."
The Batman costume is supposed to strike fear in the heart of criminals. ;-)"
Fair enough. This Batman Doesn't even have to wear the full costume. With the cowl on, he can wear anything (including nothing).
@jkb said:
" @Feroz said:
" @jkb said:
"TBH, i believe the head is creepy and makes me stop thinking about anything else concerning this thing."
The Batman costume is supposed to strike fear in the heart of criminals. ;-)"
Fair enough. This Batman Doesn't even have to wear the full costume. With the cowl on, he can wear anything (including nothing)."
Wearing nothing would certainly strike fear in the hearts of criminals. It would be pretty hard to hide in the shadows though...
@oukexergon said: " @Rashad said:
"I need an Apache Chief in this scale."
I need a Galactus fig at this scale."
They made Arishem at a gigantic scale (compared to minifigs). Surely they can do the same for a Galactus set, which I think would be day-one purchase for a lot of us, myself included.
@PhantomBricks said:
" @jkb said:
" @Feroz said:
" @jkb said:
"TBH, i believe the head is creepy and makes me stop thinking about anything else concerning this thing."
The Batman costume is supposed to strike fear in the heart of criminals. ;-)"
Fair enough. This Batman Doesn't even have to wear the full costume. With the cowl on, he can wear anything (including nothing)."
Wearing nothing would certainly strike fear in the hearts of criminals. It would be pretty hard to hide in the shadows though..."
It would fear the shadows, too. If Batman wants to hide, the shadows obey!
@Crasha said:
" @ResIpsaLoquitur said:
"I wish this had alternating Marvel parts so you could either build Wolverine or two Batmen."
I understood that reference! (Good one ;-) )
For those wondering: https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/001/894/320/51d"
I've seen a Lego version of this in a magazine. BrickJournal, I think.
Shame he doesn't come with a Batarang. Or a grappling gun.
@oukexergon said:"I need a Galactus fig at this scale."
I'm remember seeing a giant Galactus action figure (i think about two feet tall) that included a three-inch Silver Surfer figure for scale. Don't remember who made it. Whoever it was, they also did a similarly-sized Sentinel, but I don't remember what three-inch figure it came with. Maybe Wolverine?
Weirdly this one really works for me, where the marvel ones really dont.
Also its nice to see a new large cape piece
That is just terrible.
@TheOtherMike:
Hasbro, Marvel Masterworks, 16" Galactus, 3-3/4" Silver Surfer. They also did a 32" Galactus, but no Silver Surfer to go with him. And they did a 19" SDCC Galactus, again with no Silver Surfer. The 32" version, and a 26" Sentinal were both crowdfunded.
@PurpleDave said:
" @TheOtherMike :
Hasbro, Marvel Masterworks, 16" Galactus, 3-3/4" Silver Surfer. They also did a 32" Galactus, but no Silver Surfer to go with him. And they did a 19" SDCC Galactus, again with no Silver Surfer. The 32" version, and a 26" Sentinal were both crowdfunded."
After long consideration I bought the Minimates Sentinal and Galactus. These are statues, because they couldn't legally make them on a larger scale.
Later we got Minimates sized versions of both.
While cool and trick photography is possible, the statues are the better display option.
I did see the photos of both statues in broken states, yikes!
There are already hundreds of Batman action figures, I would prefer original non-IP mechs like Bionicle but marketing people have done their studies and consumers want more of the same.
Quick! Robin, get me my Bat Girdle!
@560heliport said:
" @Crasha said:
" @ResIpsaLoquitur said:
"I wish this had alternating Marvel parts so you could either build Wolverine or two Batmen."
I understood that reference! (Good one ;-) )
For those wondering: https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/001/894/320/51d"
I've seen a Lego version of this in a magazine. BrickJournal, I think."
Would love to see this version, if you ever find it again feel free to let me know :-D
@Crasha said:
"Would love to see this version, if you ever find it again feel free to let me know :-D"
https://www.flickr.com/photos/60461642 @N00/5538854982/
The one thing I don't love it the ears. Does anyone have any ideas for changes?
@Rashad: Funny, I was thinking: Atom, Atom Smasher, Giganta...Anti Monitor would be god, but would need a thicker body...(Edit) Same with Imperiex Prime (AM 'thicker body')
@BaneShake said:
"The one thing I don't love it the ears. Does anyone have any ideas for changes?"
The blades can probably be straight removed to give him smaller ears if that's your style. In terms of tall-ear mods, you'd probably need to redesign the structure of the head to push the blades a stud forward and excising the corner slopes.
@PurpleDave said:
" @Crasha said:
"Would love to see this version, if you ever find it again feel free to let me know :-D"
https://www.flickr.com/photos/60461642 @N00 /5538854982/"
Thanks!
@560heliport thanks for your private message too! I have no idea how I can access it through brickset but I got the mail.
@CharzBoi said:
"it's ironic that a brickbuilt minifigure of batman has better poseably compared to an actual action figure of batman (mcfarlane moment ??)"
Not really? There's tons of Batman action figures, not just the McFarlane ones, which are towards the lower end price-wise when it comes to super poseable 1/12 figures these days. (Inflation stinks!) Take a S.H. Figuarts or MAFEX Batman figure, and it will be far more poseable than this. Also being comprised of smaller parts that can be taken apart allows for some exteme posing without the risk of parts breaking.