Square Enix Play Arts Kai Marvel Universe Variant 1/7th scale Cyclops 10.7" action figure

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Cyclops, a prominent member of the X-Men who has the ability to emit destructive beams in the form of optic blasts from his eyes, is now available as a MARVEL UNIVERSE VARIANT PLAY ARTS KAI!

The design captures everything that makes Cyclops iconic, starting with his visor, used to regulate his uncontrollable super power. His muscled physique is decked out in a unique, yet recognizable version of his suit, with various fighting equipment, embodying the VARIANT PLAY ARTS KAI design ethos. Colored in detail, the utilization of glossy, matte and metallic finishes offer a realistic effect, carefully expressing the various textures of this figure and capturing the feeling that Cyclops has encountered countless battles.

You can enjoy the powerful presence of this figure thanks to the abundant set of exchangeable parts contained within, including two facial expressions and eight hands. Figure includes display stand. Figure Size: Approx. W4.4" x D2.09" x H10.7"

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Square Enix PLay Arts Kai Justice League Flash figure - Ezra Miller as Barry Allen / The Flash

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Justice League is an upcoming American superhero film based on the DC Comics superhero team of the same name, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is intended to be the fifth instalment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). It features an ensemble cast that includes Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, Ray Fisher, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen, and J. K. Simmons. In Justice League, Batman and Wonder Woman assemble a team consisting of Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg to face the catastrophic threat of Steppenwolf and his army of Parademons.

Ezra Miller stars as Barry Allen / The Flash: A Central City police forensic investigator, who can move at superhuman speeds with his ability to tap into the Speed Force.

Official pictures have been released by Square Enix for the upcoming Play Arts Kai – The Flash action figure from the upcoming Justice League movie. The Flash will be about W95mm × D42mm × H245mm (10-inch tall)

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Square Enix Play Arts Kai Marvel Universe Variant 1/7th scale War Machine action figure

Lieutenant James “Rhodey” Rhodes of the United States Marine Corps is the best friend of Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man. When James dons his mechanized suit, designed by Tony and similar in its look to Tony’s Iron Man suit, he becomes War Machine! As one would expect from a top class military man, he is equipped with various powerful firearms.

In this Marvel Universe VARIANT PLAY ARTS KAI, he comes with various types of exchangeable weapon parts. His weapons can be equipped onto both of his shoulders and onto the left and right of his back with secure ratcheted jointing, allowing for various ways to mount his weapons.

The figure’s form is rugged and heavily built, and the reactor at his chest is as if it is glows a vivid red color, contrasting with the gunmetal black iron color of the suit. The distressed effect on his suit that tells the tale of his many battles, also adds to the realism to this VARIANT PLAY ARTS KAI War Machine. Figure Size: Approx. 3.98-inch W x 2.09-inch D x 10.63-inch H

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Square Enix Play Arts Kai 1/7th scale Justice League – Batman Tactical Suit action figure

Justice League is an upcoming American superhero film based on the DC Comics superhero team of the same name, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is intended to be the fifth installment in the DC Extended Universe. Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's (Henry Cavill) selfless act, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) enlists newfound ally Diana Prince to face an even greater threat. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to recruit a team to stand against this newly awakened enemy. Despite the formation of an unprecedented league of heroes -- Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and the Flash -- it may be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.

Square Enix has released photos and details for their upcoming Justice League – Batman Tactical Suit – Play Arts Kai Figure. Based on his upgraded suit from the upcoming Justice League film, the Batman figure stands over 10″ tall. The figure will includes multiple interchangeable hands, a Batarang and a grapple gun. A figure stand and articulated plastic cape will also be included. The head sculpt features the “goggles” look from some of the promotional images and trailers.

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Square Enix Play Arts Kai MARVEL UNIVERSE Variant 1/7th scale Black Panther action figure

The Black Panther is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and penciller and co-plotter Jack Kirby, he first appeared in Fantastic Four #52. The character was the first black superhero in mainstream American comics, debuting years before such early African-American superheroes as Marvel Comics' the Falcon (1969) and Luke Cage (1972), and DC Comics' Green Lantern John Stewart (1971) and Black Lightning (1977). Black Panther is usually depicted as the king and protector of Wakanda, a fictional African nation. Chadwick Boseman portrays Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War and will reprise the role in Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War, set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

This is Square Enix upcoming and soon-to-be-released Play Arts Kai MARVEL UNIVERSE Variant Black Panther action figure. It will be 10 inches or 27cm tall, making it 1:7 scale. The set contents include the main figure, optional hand parts x6, 2 daggers and a Play Arts Kai action figure display base. The designers at Square Enix have been reinterpreting the superheroes of the Marvel universe with their own take of the characters and most of them turn out looking quite different from their comic book counterpart. This Square Enix Play Arts Kai MARVEL UNIVERSE Variant Black Panther action figure doesn't look too different from the movie character, aside from being more angular than sleek in the looks department. Check out the action figure review of Hot Toys MMS363 Captain America: Civil War 1/6th scale Black Panther Collectible Figure posted on my toy blog HERE.

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Square Enix Play Arts Kai DC Comics Variant Weirdest JOKER designed by Tetsuya Nomura

The reimagined Batman archenemy Joker figure pictured below is designed by Square Enix’s famed character designer Tetsuya Nomura who is best known for his work on the Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts series (he's currently directing both Kingdom Hearts III and Final Fantasy VII Remake).

The Square Enix Play Arts Kai DC Comics Variant JOKER figure stands 285 mm tall (about 11 inches) and offers quite a bit of customization. The figure comes with seven different facial options, with different faces and masks available to switch the look of Joker. There are are also different hand options and a set of machine-like arms / exoskeleton / wheelchair that appear to be quite flexible in terms of how they can be used. Nomura’s unique take on the Clown Prince of Crime is part of Square Enix’s DC Universe Variant Play Arts Kai line

It appears Nomura had a wide range of ideas in mind for the Joker. As such, the figure includes no less than seven interchangeable head options, including a fairly traditional Joker face, one that seems ripped from a Final Fantasy game and another that looks frighteningly demonic. There are other headwear options as well, including a red hood and an ornate harlequin mask.

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Square Enix Play Arts Kai Marvel Universe Variant Doctor Strange 10.55-inch tall figure

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Dr. Stephen Strange first made a name for himself as a brilliant American brain surgeon. After seven grueling years of training, however, he obtained the power of the mystical arts and became an unlikely kind of superhero. His name? Doctor Strange.

His signature cape can be inverted for a multitude of poses, while the exaggerated contrast unique to the paintwork of the MARVEL UNIVERSE VARIANT series brings out his profound presence. Articulated areas such as the chest, shoulders and hips incorporate flexible materials to allow for a wide range of motion.

With magic glyphs and effect parts constructed with translucent materials, as well as interchangeable hand parts, our Doctor Strange figure can be posed in various dynamic ways. Figure includes display stand. Figure Size: Approx. W11.4" x D4.6" x H10.55"

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Square Enix Play Arts Kai Marvel Universe Variant 1/7th scale Magneto 10-inch figure

Magneto is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly in association with the X-Men. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appears in The X-Men #1 (cover-dated Sept. 1963) as the archenemy of the X-Men. The character is a powerful mutant, one of a fictional subspecies of humanity born with superhuman abilities, who has the ability to generate and control magnetic fields. Magneto regards mutants as evolutionarily superior to humans and rejects the possibility of peaceful human-mutant coexistence; he aims to conquer the world to enable mutants (whom he refers to as "homo superior") to replace humans as the dominant species.

This upcoming newly designed Square Enix Play Arts Kai Marvel Universe Variant 1/7th scale Magneto action figure will stand at 10 inches tall. The figure includes a plastic cape (which does not look to be removable), a swap out portrait, interchangeable hands, and two effects pieces. As with all Play Arts Kai figures, Magneto will also include a figure stand. The figure is scheduled for release in August. Play Arts Variant Magneto will be priced at 15,984 Yen (about $145 USD)

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Square Enix Marvel Universe Variant Series Play Arts Kai 1/7th scale Wolverine 10" action figure

Armed with sharp claws made of adamantium, the hardest metal in the world, and a healing factor that allows for superhuman recovery, X-Men hero Wolverine enters the Marvel Variant Series!

Painstaking attention to textural detail can be seen in this Wolverine's costume and burly physique, from the hard surfaces of the armor, to the organic feel of the skin, down to the bulging veins in his arms.

Shadows are painted in to highlight the molded features, while the paint, chipped here and there off his armor, hints at the many battles in his past. In addition to the interchangeable hands and head, a Japanese katana adds to the variety of poseable actions. Figure includes display stand. Figure Size: Approx. W 4.5" x D 2.1" x H 9.9"

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Check out Square Enix Play Arts Kai Marvel Comics Variant 1/7th scale Wolverine figure

Pre-order Square Enix Marvel Universe Variant Play Arts Kai Wolverine Figure at BBTS (link HERE)

Armed with sharp claws made of adamantium, the hardest metal in the world, and a healing factor that allows for superhuman recovery, X-Men hero Wolverine enters the Square Enix Play Arts Kai Marvel Variant Series! Painstaking attention to textural detail can be seen in this Wolverine's costume and burly physique, from the hard surfaces of the armor, to the organic feel of the skin, down to the bulging veins in his arms. Shadows are painted in to highlight the molded features, while the paint, chipped here and there off his armor, hints at the many battles in his past.

In addition to the interchangeable hands and head, a Japanese katana adds to the variety of poseable actions. Figure includes display stand. Figure Size: Approx. W 4.5" x D 2.1" x H 9.9"

In 1975, Wolverine began as a loner with a shadowy past, and whatever character he had was mostly Canadian caricature. He loved beer and fighting; he dropped his g's and called people "Bub." With a superhuman healing factor, super senses, a skeleton reinforced with metal and retractable claws made of adamantium, he embodied every tough-guy cliché in pulp fiction: hints of dark deeds committed years ago that are better forgotten, a penchant for berserker rages, a love of cowboy hats and fringed leather jackets, a Clint Eastwood-style cigarillo, baroque facial hair, a motorcycle, and some of the corniest street dialogue this side of the Bowery Boys. (quoted from "I Heart Wolverine. How a ridiculous Canadian mutant conquered the world." by Grady Hendrix - full article HERE)

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Square Enix Play Arts KAI DC Comics Variant "Batman: Rogues Gallery" 1/7th Mr Freeze figure

First there was Two-face Batman (see the toy blog post HERE). Then there was Joker Batman (preview pics HERE). Now, chill out with the Mr Freeze Batman mashup brought to you by Square Enix

The Square Enix Play Arts KAI DC Comics Variant "Batman: Rogues Gallery" Mr Freeze figure is not quite 1/6th scale (more like 1/7th scale), but it’s still quite big / tall at around 11.5 inches, so it's able to have all the intricate details worked in which is one of the reasons why I always like my action figures to be 1/6th scale.

Since this figure is part of the Play Arts Kai line, you can expect quite a bit of articulation for nice poses. Square Enix Play Arts KAI DC Comics Variant "Batman: Rogues Gallery" 1/7 Mr Freeze figure will come with three pairs of interchangeable hands, a frozen batarang, and a Freeze Gun with cord to attach to his Freeze tank. These figures don't come cheap though :( Based on the prices for the other two figures already released or on pre-order, this Mr Freeze-Batman figure should also be around USD$199.99. The figure’s not up for pre-order yet (it should be soon), but as of now, you can expect to see the Mr Freeze Batman action figure around April 2017.

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Square Enix Play Arts Kai Marvel Universe Variant 1/7th scale Deadpool Action Figure

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With great power comes great irresponsibility. Deadpool, based on Marvel Comics’ most unconventional anti-hero, descends upon us as a PLAY ARTS KAI action figure!

We have included three interchangeable head pieces featuring different facial expressions and a variety of interchangeable hands so that the collector can enjoy Deadpool’s comical and expressive character. With a wide range of motion, it is easy to recreate Deadpool’s dynamic nature. This figure’s possible poses range from mischievous gestures to powerful action stances.

Making sure our paintwork kept in line with the image of Deadpool portrayed in the film, we applied a deep red gradation on top of a more vivid metallic color. We also added some weathering effects to the armor, evoking the sharp contrast between Deadpool’s silly attitude and serious badassery.

Enjoy the true nature of Deadpool, in all his twisted and deranged glory.

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Square Enix Play Arts KAI DC Comics Variant "Batman: Rogues Gallery" The Joker 11" figure

The DC Comics Variant Play Arts KAI line announces its latest collection: the BATMAN™: Rogues Gallery series! This mashup of Batman's classic silhouette with the beloved villains of his Rogues Gallery results in a never-before-seen design collaboration - East meets West, Good meets Evil.

The Joker, Batman's greatest and most evil villain, enters the Rogues Gallery series!

A tattered straitjacket is erratically adorned with dynamite, a flower, cans of pepper spray, and an alarm clock. Combined with his playing cards and a pistol with a flag as interchangeable parts, this ensemble shows the character's madness, oozing from within.

The pale skin and bloodshot eyes accentuate his eerie quality, while his trademark purple and green lend dark shadows to his coloring. The bat mark roughly painted on his chest can almost be construed as a laughing mouth. It seems to make a mockery of Batman, offering a glimpse into how The Joker's twisted mind ticks. Figure Size: Approx. W 7.7” x D 5.9” x H 11.2”

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Square Enix Play Arts Kai DC Variant Batman: Rogue Series Two-Face Batman action figure

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Square Enix does produce some pretty cool figures and I've collected a few over the recent years even though I'm a 1:6 scale 12-inch figure kind of guy. Square Enix Play Arts Kai action figures are about 1:7th scale and they usually stand at around 11 inches tall which allows for some very nice detailing to be put in. The most recent Square Enix Play Arts Kai action figure I got was the DC Variant "Batman: Timeless - Sparta" Batman action figure which was reviewed on my toy blog HERE and HERE.

Square Enix has a new line and it's called “Rogues Gallery Series.” The line of figures will reimagine how Batman would look when combined with his most iconic foes so instead of getting a Batman and villain figure, now you can get two for the price of one. Square Enix has just released official photos and some details for the Two-Face Batman action figure. And this is one character / action figure that is both creepy and awesome at the same time.

Following in the footsteps of the traditional Two-Face character, the figure is half normal and half disfigured. The normal Batman half looks like a traditional Play Arts Kai Batman, while the other half looks like he has been dipped in acid and then mutilated. On the Two-Face side, the jaw, teeth, and eye are exposed, and you can see exposed muscle parts all over his body where the costume has been ripped or dissolved by the acid. Even his armor and cape are warped and mutilated. What a sight!

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Square Enix Play Arts Kai Final Fantasy XII Gabranth 11-inch tall action figure preview

Gabranth is a Judge Magister, one of the highest ranking members of the Archadian Empire’s military, acknowledged by his compatriots as someone whose extraordinary abilities have been well vetted.

With this in mind, our designers have put great thought into recreating his powerful presence and majestic stance. They have taken pains to recreate the characteristics of his armor, emphasizing its realistic finish. The ornate details etched into it exude an inexplicable power, accentuating Gabranth's eminence. Through the impressive sculpt work, one can almost feel its weight. The paintwork on the armor involves careful application of a stain which recreates the look of forged steel, and is finished with a satin sheen emphasizing its polish.

The click-ball jointing on the pauldrons, as well as the flexible materials used in the cape and body, are the result of great considerations made for poseability. Additionally, various interchangeable parts have been included to allow for a wide range of freedom in how the figure is displayed. This PLAY ARTS KAI is a masterpiece, exhibiting the level of quality our designers constantly strive to achieve.

Figure includes display stand and interchangeable hand parts. Estimated Figure Size (inches): W 7.7" x D 2.4" x H 11" tall

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Review II: Square Enix Play Arts Kai DC Variant "Batman: Timeless - Sparta" Batman action figure

continued from previous toy blog post...

Backstory:
At the dawn of modern civilization, where Caesars ruled and warriors of legend were making their paths, a forgotten tribe is decimated by raiders spurred on behind the scenes by corrupt leaders. A man covered with the ashes of his comrades stands tall. He mutters the tribe's creed: "Gothe Heam Stundes" which means "Justice comes for you".

Bards being to sing tales of a fearsome warrior striking bands of thieves down and protecting nomadic families from ill fates. Intimidating to his enemies yet with an air of respect for those who deserve it. The Dark Knight had arrived.

This is the recently released Square Enix Play Arts Kai 1/7th scale DC Comics Variant "Batman: Timeless - Sparta" 10.5-inch tall action figure. The premise is that there will always be a Batman in any timeline in alternate universes and so this particular Batman existed in the same period as the Spartans of old. Spartan Batman comes with a shield with a Bat symbol on it, a spear, five additional interchangeable hands, four daggers, a long sword and a figure stand. In the first part action figure review posted on my toy blog earlier HERE, I covered the box contents and shared close-up shots of this figure with all the nice intricate details. Here in this second-part review are more pictures of this awesome action figure because one post is just not enough to contain all this coolness!

Check out pictures of Spartan Batman brandishing his sword and dagger as he charges at his enemies!

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Square Enix Play Arts Kai DC Variant "Batman: Timeless - Sparta" Batman action figure review 1

A Batman will always exist, as the the Dark Knight is timeless.

Legends exist regardless of the time: Throughout generations, there has always been a force of justice that agents of crime, chaos and evil have contended with. Every incarnation of Batman that existed throughout time stood as a beacon of hope and the reflection of the age it is a part of. Utilizing and innovating the technology available, Batman is ever vigilant even in lawless times. These Square Enix Play Arts Kai DC Comics Variant "Batman: Timeless" action figures provide us a chance to see the various concepts of the famous vigilante now envisioned through intriguing epochs of time.

This is the recently released Square Enix Play Arts Kai 1/7th scale DC Comics Variant "Batman: Timeless - Sparta" action figure. The designers at Play Arts Kai have re-imagined Batman as a Spartan-like warrior. Sparta was unique in ancient Greece for its social system and constitution, which completely focused on military training and excellence. Sparta's reputation as a land-fighting force was unequalled. In 480 BC a small force of Spartans, Thespians, and Thebans led by King Leonidas (approximately 300 were full Spartiates, 700 were Thespians, and 400 were Thebans although these numbers do not reflect casualties incurred prior to the final battle), made a legendary last stand at the Battle of Thermopylae against the massive Persian army, inflicting very high casualties on the Persian forces before finally being encircled. The superior weaponry, strategy, and bronze armour of the Greek hoplites and their phalanx again proved their worth one year later when Sparta assembled at full strength and led a Greek alliance against the Persians at the battle of Plataea. The decisive Greek victory at Plataea put an end to the Greco-Persian War along with Persian ambition of expanding into Europe.

In this fictional retelling of the Sparta story, a lone man survives the massacre of his entire tribe and vows to exact vengeance on the corrupt leaders who had a hand in exterminating his people. He operates as a lone dark knight against all the criminal elements of his time under his tribe's creed: Gothe Heam Stundes (Justice comes for you).

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April 2015 Haul: ACplay 1/6th scale The Leader Outfit, World Box Durable Body & Sparta Batman

April 2016 has been a slow month in terms of my toy haul. These are the action figures and 1:6 scale accessories I got: ACplay ATX008 1/6th scale The Leader Outfit for Hot Toys Narrow Shoulder Body, World Box VT-003 1/6th scale Durable Body (Narrow Shoulders) and Square Enix Play Arts Kai DC Comics Variant - Batman Timeless Sparta action figure.

I never bothered to get the Hot Toys Nick Fury action figure because I always felt that he was a bit overpriced. All the heroes had special costumes and weapons that made them unique and one-of-a-kind but what Nick Fury wore was just tactical clothing which could be gotten easily. So when ACplay previewed their Leader Outfit set, I just had to go for it because it was basically Nick Fury's costume in The Avengers but a lot cheaper. It also helped that ACplay also released a 1:6 scale Nick head sculpt :)

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Preview Square Enix Play Arts Kai "Batman: Arkham Knight" Batgirl 10-inch tall action figure

Batgirl: A Matter of Family was one of the Arkham Episodes from Batman: Arkham Knight, prequel story that takes place before Batman: Arkham Asylum, in which Barbara Gordon suited up and teamed up with Robin to save her father, Commissioner Gordon, who had been kidnapped by the Joker and Harley Quinn.

Square Enix has released these new photos of their upcoming Batman: Arkham Knight – Play Arts Kai Batgirl Figure. This figure features Barbara Gordon, in her Batgirl outfit, from Batgirl: A Matter of Family. It was add-on story expansion mission for the Batman: Arkham Knight video game. The story takes place prior to the original game, Arkham Asylum. Batgirl and Robin team up to rescue Commissioner Gordon from The Joker.

The 10-inch tall Play Arts Kai Batgirl Figure features a hard plastic cape, which has a few articulation cuts in it. Batgirl will include multiple interchangeable hands, a grapple gun, a batarang and a figure stand. The figure is due for release in August at a price of 12,800 Yen (about $117 USD).

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Images of Play-Arts Kai Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice 1:7 Armored Batman Figure

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Square Enix has officially released photos of their upcoming Play-Arts Kai "Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice" Armored Batman figure.

From Square Enix:
In the film, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Bruce Wayne creates an armored suit, assembling the full might of mankind's technology, shoring up the strength of Earthlings against the might of the powers of the alien Superman.

The hulking and heroic appearance of that suit has been recreated here as a Play Arts KAI action figure. Square Enix has carefully contrasted the hard metallic edges with flowing organic details of cloth-like texturing on the cape. Tiny nicks, scratches and weathering on the armor show Batman's battle scars. His eyes, painted with a pearlescent paint, look almost as if they are glowing. All these details and more make it seem as if Batman is in the midst of battle with Superman. The deep emotions springing from beneath his heavy armor can be expressed through a wide range of action poses. He is well-prepared, with accessories including a grenade launcher and various interchangeable hand pieces. Figure also includes display stand.

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