A photo of Batman (Flight Gear version).
An original design by a Japanese fan-turned-designer, Ichikawa Hirofumi, this version was released in the same assortment as the classic comic version as part of Takara’s Microman Micro Action Series back in 2004.
The main selling point of the figure is the flight gear. It’s articulated at four points to enable it to be spread wide for flight mode and wrapped around the figure in shield mode. It’s attached via a standard 5mm port which makes it compatible with many Takara action figures spanning three decades.
Unfortunately, the five sections that form the flight gear don’t hold together well at the joints. Manipulate a section and it’s likely it will fall off within seconds. Taking photos of this figure with the wings in various positions taxed my patience.
The other accessory is the Bat-Kaiser. I’m not quite sure what it’s supposed to be. I was under the impression a Kaiser was a fat German with magnificent moustache. The Bat-Kaiser doesn’t resemble a German in any way whatsoever.
When not in use, the Bat-Kaiser can be stored on Batman’s ass. (Technically, it clips to the belt.) An undignified injury is bound to occur if the Dark Knight absentmindedly sits down.
All things considered, it’s a good-looking figure which could’ve been better executed.
Paul Lorphanpaibul has a good review of the figure over at Microforever.
