First Look – SDCC 2014 Batman: Arkham Knight Batmobile

The Mattel SDCC 2014 exclusive hits keep on coming! We have covered some classic DC in Doomsday, and the ever-popular Masters of the Universe with Hordak, but now we are moving right along to another comic installment. Well, it is kind of a comic/video game installment because this behemoth of a San Diego exclusive comes in the form of the Batman: Arkham Knight Batmobile. Combining comics with video games with toys seems like a no-brainer, and even though I have not logged hundreds of hours playing the Arkham video game series, I can tell you, this is one impressive exclusive.

You may have thought that there are only two universal truths in this life: death and taxes. However, the oft-overlooked third truth is no less valid, and it’s that if there is a Batman action figure line, fans will demand a Batmobile to be a part of it. We have had some moderate success over the years, everything from the recent Batman line from Mattel to the ’89 Batman from Hot Toys have featured the Dark Knight’s signature ride (DCUC was a BIG miss, though), and now Mattel’s Arkham Batman figures get to enjoy not having to walk to chase down all of the bad guys.

It certainly makes for a splash from a Comic Con exclusive standpoint, but that is the goal of bringing your wares to the biggest geek dance of the year, right? So, while I do see it as being a big deal in terms of execution, therein lies the challenge as well: this is a giant vehicle, even at the 1:18 scale, so navigating the cramped and overcrowded aisles of the convention floor will certainly be a challenge; much less the logistical nightmare it will be to get it home. I know companies really want to stand out with their exclusives, there is a lot to contend with when trying to get the con-goer’s dollar, but the past couple of years have given us some of the biggest exclusives yet from companies like Mattel, Hasbro, and the others. So if you are planning on picking up this bad boy, and I would recommend it because it is really cool, be sure to plan accordingly so you can get it home safe and sound.

There is a lot of detail and moving parts and lights and sounds that accompany this monster, so I will let the pictures do most of the talking, but here it the official product description from Matty Collector:

In the video game, Batman™ battles all-new threats in Gotham City with the help of an arsenal-equipped vehicle. This Batman™: Arkham Knight Batmobile features premium, highly-detailed deco and authentic sounds straight from the game, and much more!

The tires can do a complete 360-degree spin, allowing the vehicle to turn on a dime… very handy for pursuing villains. When the top of the vehicle is pressed downward the firepower is revealed: on the left side, a riot suppressor rubber bullet gun, and on the right side, a high-powered Gatling gun, both with sounds and light effects – straight from the game! Hold the activation button longer than three seconds to create a red glow, simulating heat transferring, and press the rear button to turn on the headlights and play the game’s iconic Bat-swarm sound effect. There are also controls to rev the engine, to see the exhaust light up, and for the sound of the cannon. The vehicle comes with an articulated DC Comics™ Multiverse Akrham City Batman™ figure with a fabric cape allowing Batman™to sit in the driver’s seat!

With Mattel’s recent scale shift for many of their DC executions, this Batmobile should fit in well for a lot of different setups, displays, and play times, just so long as you don’t mind the stylistic notes. I kind of look at this as a bit of a cross between the basic feel of the classic Batmobile and the Tumbler from the Christopher Nolan trilogy. The Arkham games have been lauded for their environment and character designs, so if you are familiar with those (and you probably are if you are picking this up), you know that this vehicle fits in perfectly with the sorted “twisted reality” aesthetic of the game universe. The lights and sound features are cool and they correspond well when you perform the transformation from regular to pursuit mode. The pursuit mode is especially fun, and the 360º tire rotation makes for some cool maneuvering.

However, since there have been so many incarnations of the Batmobile over the years and very few pure continuations of the prior design, I think there is plenty of wiggle room from a looks standpoint to make this just a nice, modern Batmobile. It has some of the cockpit cues from the popular ’90s designs and is boxy and militaristic like the Tumbler. Sure, it doesn’t exactly scream a certain era or incarnation, but I am positive your Infinite Heroes won’t complain if they get to go for a ride.

SDCC gets bigger and bigger every year and the exclusives are certainly following suit. The $80 price tag will be a tough pill for some, but remember that this is a large and limited exclusive vehicle with lights and sounds built in. I think a lot of Con-goers will be pleased with this exclusive once they get it safely back to their toy rooms. As it stands, it will be taking up a lot of space in the ol’ luggage. Not going to the big show? Don’t worry, this will also be up for sale in early August on Matty Collector.

*Thanks to Mattel for sending this along this sample for a First Look!