Hot Wheels have released many Batman models over the last couple of decades, with a series of five Batman models being contained within the Mainline each year, these being of mixed metal and plastic construction.
All of these are various forms of Batmobile. There are also 5-packs, which have become an annual tradition. These contain a selection of five Mainline models: usually one or two Bat-vehicles, a Gotham City Police car, and several villain cars.
There have also been numerous higher-priced models aimed at adult collectors. These are usually released in groups, but are sold on individual cards. These often have both metal bodies and metal bases, and more realistic Real Rider wheels.
Now Hot Wheels have started releasing their premium models in 5-packs, including a Batman set, which I picked up. The price of these varies greatly, from $39 NZ, which is what I paid, to well over $50. It does pay to shop around.
The set comes in a black box, with a lift-off lid. It is 194 mm square, and 40 mm deep. The top has a large DC Comics logo in blue in the centre, with the logos for the various films and TV shows along the bottom.
The bottom of the box shows the five models within. The copyright date is 2021, although this is a 2022 release.
Once you take the lid off, you find the five models sitting in a clear plastic tray.
Movie Batmobile from Batman (1989), in matt black.
Justice League (2017) Batmobile, semi-gloss black.
The Bat plane from The Dark Knight Rises (2012), matt black. As this model does not have an undercarriage, it comes with a clear plastic display stand which plugs in to the model.
Batmobile from The Batman (2022), this looks more like a normal American sedan than the Batmobile, semi-gloss black.
Batmobile from the 1966-68 TV series and the 1966 Batman movie. Gloss black with red stripes. This is the only model that carries the Bat insignia on its doors.
In certain lights the two matt black models look dark grey, or perhaps they are dark grey and look black depending on the light ?
All the models are marked on the underside Made in Indonesia.
This is a really nice set, although considerably more expensive than a regular Hot Wheels 5-pack.
What do you think?
Paul Adams from New Zealand
I rather liked the idea of The Batman Batmobile just being a 70's muscle car with a jet engine shoved into it. It seemed a lot more realistic than the Art Directed flights of fancy that have become the norm since the Barrismobile first rolled out!
ReplyDeletePerhaps inspired by the film VANISHING POINT
ReplyDeleteHmmm, that was a Dodge Challenger as I recall... Mr Google says the Batmobile is a 69 Dodge Charger...
ReplyDeleteBatman is a toy merchandisers dream. Every iteration brings yet another version of the vehicles. The Flash has three different Batman characters in it and two distinct designs of Bat-vehicles! Bill
ReplyDeleteAs much as I enjoyed collecting Batmobiles from various companies (last count 73 of them), after more than a couple of dozen Mattel Hot Wheels I just gave up. For the most part Mattel just pumps out the same stuff with minor differences every year with an occasional all new design just for their Hot Wheels line. Need room in The Cave for other other toys! :-)
ReplyDeleteThe Dodge Charger adds a little BULLIT to the Batmobile with it it's sensational high-octane car chase!
ReplyDelete