As part of Batman’s 80th anniversary celebrations, Funko has produced a series of collectable Batman Pop! figures to mark the occasion. The figures depict various iconic looks and moments from eight decades of the Dark Knight, from the character’s first comic book appearance through to 1960s era of Batman and beyond.
In this post I am taking a look at two of the Funko Pop! figures that are based on Batman movies. The two figures are Batman 1989 – based on Tim Burton’s Batman – and Batman 1995 – based on Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever.
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Batman 1989 Funko Pop!
The first thing to note about the Batman 1989 figure is how accurate it is to Burton’s ’89 Batman. From the chunky gloves and boots to the gold utility belt, this figure embodies the look and feel of the Dark Knight.
His chest plate is segmented, with pecs and abdominal muscles, while the Bat-symbol in the centre of his chest is screen accurate and showcases the unique yellow/black bat-shape that only appeared in Burton’s first movie. In Batman’s left hand is a Batarang – again, based around a Burton Batarang – and his cape drapes over his shoulders and swirls to the left.
The height of the figure is around 5 inches – the standard size of a Funko figure. The main colour of the figure is matt black, with white eyes.
This is a solid Batman movie figure, which not only looks great but is a must-buy item for fans of Batman ’89. The face doesn’t look especially like Michael Keaton’s – a good way to get around any licensing issues – but it is a minor quibble for such a cool Funko figure, that deserves a place on any desk.
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Batman 1995 Funko Pop!
Onto Batman 1995 and once again this is a screen accurate Batman movie figure, depicting Val Kilmer’s Batman in the costume he wears for the majority of Batman Forever. The figure doesn’t feel as chunky as the Batman 1989 figure, but this is partly to do with the way Batman is positioned.
This figure’s legs are spread further apart, with the left leg bent forward and the right leg stretched back. His cape drapes across his shoulders and flows to the right, which also makes the figure feel a little less bulky.
Batman’s utility belt is segmented and completed in bronze. His chest armour is divided into pecs and abdominal muscles and the Bat-symbol is classic in appearance, with a black bat on a gold oval.
In Batman’s right hand is a riddle – a nod to one of the villains of Batman Forever. However, the most notable detail on the figure is the inclusion of the infamous Bat-nipples that make it clear this is the Caped Crusader from the Joel Schumacher era of Batman movies.
As with the Batman 1989 figure, the height of the Batman 1995 figure is around 5 inches tall. The main colour of the figure is matt black, with white eyes.
This is another strong figure, and a must-buy item for Batman Forever fans. It is a shame the figure isn’t wearing his second costume from the movie, but this one still works well and it is great to see Batman Forever getting the Funko treatment.
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Comparison
As you can see from the images in this post, while the two Batman Funko Pop! figures share a similar look at first glance, they are actually vastly different to each other. The costumes are accurate to their respective Batman films, with an accessory (Batarang/riddle) that links accordingly, and they stand differently too.
Neither of the figures look like the actors that played them on screen, but the figures do have different facial expressions. This isn’t a case of Funko changing bodies while retaining heads – these are completely different sculpts throughout.
What impresses me the most about these Funko Pop! Batman movie figures is the way in which the figures are positioned. Batman 1989 is quite rigid in his stance, reflecting the more ‘rough and ready’ feel of Burton’s film, while Batman 1995 is looser in appearance, reflecting the more energetic, action-orientated Batman Forever.
Every Batman 80th Anniversary Funko Pop! figure is packaged in a special edition box, which differs from standard Funko Pop! packaging. Instead of being white, the box is black, features foil lettering and includes a Batman 80 Years logo.
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Plastic fantastic
Some people like Funko Pop! figures, while others do not. Personally, I am a fan of Funko figures and I believe Batman 1989 and Batman 1995 to be two great additions to any collection – especially a collection that favours the Dark Knight.
The figures are priced at £10.99 a piece – in keeping with the standard price for Funko Pop! figures – so if you collect Funko items then these won’t break the bank. Out of their boxes the figures look great, but the special edition packaging gives these Batman movie figures a premium quality.
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Thank you for dropping in on I’ll Get Drive-Thru to read this review of the Batman ’89 & Batman Forever 80th anniversary Funko Pop! figures. If you would like to read further information about the Batman movie series, feel free to take a look around this blog or check out one of the recommended reading posts below.
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