Official solicit:

Target Exclusive Movie Masters Bat-Pod

The Movie Masters Bat-Pod is scaled to fit the Movie Masters Dark Knight Action Figure (Sold Separately.) Mattel produced this vehicle based on the 2008 Summer mega-blockbuster, The Dark Knight! Collect all the Dark Knight Toys, each sold separately.

OCTOBER 2008
MSRP 19.99USD

I was one of the few people I knew who didn’t think the Bat-pod in The Dark Knight flick was a totally stupid idea. It’s inevitable that a Batman movie is going to be used to push toys and action figures, and the way it was handled here was probably the least obtrusive way it could have been. An extension of the old Batmobile, which will probably lead in to a new, more streamlined Batmobile for the 3rd flick? I’m all for it, and so should you be.

However, as a toy, coming from Mattel, we could be wading into rough waters. After all, Mattel has left a lot to be desired lately judging by all the recent DCUC and Movie Masters reviews. Let’s see if this changes the trend though.

I was pretty excited when I finally saw this on shelves, as I figured its being a Target exclusive meant my odds of actually finding before the scalpers got it were slim to none. I wasn’t willing to fork over the 8 million dollars for the 1/6th scale Batmobile, or the equally pricey Bat-pod replica either. For 20 dollars though, this version was perfect.

Packaging was very minimal, not much in the way of text and just recycling the Movie Masters design motif. Boring, but it doesn’t need much more than this either, I suppose.

Out of package, the detailing on this is pretty insane for a non-import toy. You’d think you’d be paying much more for something like this, and yet most people managed to snag this for $20 or less (thanks to after-holiday clearance sales).

The tires are rubber, but also hollow, so the toy doesn’t end up weighing 10lbs. Yes, they’re basically real tires on this thing, can you believe it?

The paint applications are impressive too - no need to come in and touch this up yourselves afterwards. It comes pre-distressed, the metal looks like metal. Plenty of varying shades of metallics going on here too, Hasbro could take a lesson or two on what metal is supposed to look like from this toy!

More body shots - not a whole lot to say about this guy. It’s pretty, super-detailed, and even has some moving parts (check out what I assume is the gas-tank and cover - it opens up!).

The accuracy on this model only continues to amaze.

Next to the Movie Masters Dark Knight figure, for scale. And also, with Bats riding the ‘pod too. It takes a little bit of elbow grease to get Batman onto the ‘pod properly, clutching the steering handles and all, but once you do he’s gonna be staying there unless you actively take him off again.

You’re only going to be able to use the Dark Knight Movie Masters Batman, as the Batman Begins version is a touch shorter, and is unable to fit accurately in the pose. In fact, that’s my only gripe about this toy - the figure it was made for almost seems to be too short to fit on it properly. I don’t think I showcased it very well in these photos, but Batman sits kind of funny on the ‘pod, just barely touching the pedals on both sides, almost needing to be on his tippytoes to do it. It’s been pointed out to me that the DCUC Batman figure actually fits the ‘pod better, as he’s even a touch taller than the Movie Master figure too. Which is unfortunate, because that’s the only thing keeping this toy from getting my highest rating, that’s right - the Golden Murdershow Toy award!

…

Ok, there’s no such thing. But seriously, the Bat-pod is pretty great, if only to have standing behind Batman and looking all cool on a shelf. The delicate parts are all made of a softer rubber, so they have give, and won’t snap when you need to move them (like the handles/breaks). The tires are rubber too, as I said earlier, and make for a more accurate drive. It’s fun to give this thing a good push across your kitchen floor for sure. And there aren’t really any moving parts, missiles, or pieces for any of the youngsters to choke and die on, so that’s a plus too.

Another fine job by the Movie Masters design team, only hindered I would say again by Mattel’s poor distribution, poorer QC issues, and by waiting until the movie was already out on DVD before releasing this toy to stores (that being the worst offense, I would say).

All in all though, a great, fun vehicle to add to my already cluttered Batman toy shelf here at Murdershow HQ. Buy it if you still can, says me!