#80: DC Comics Multiverse (Batman Returns) - Catwoman

The Christopher Reeve Superman figure wasn't perfect, but I really liked it. The Michelle Pfeiffer Catwoman isn't as good, so my nostalgia is having a harder time making me like the figure. For starter's, there's the head. The ears are just too tall and narrow, and are sticking straight up rather than being at more of an angle. They make it look more like a bat-family cowl. Otherwise it looks okay. There are both bicep swivels and then forearm swivels close to the elbow, so bending the elbow feels like it's going to pull out the forearms since they're a softer plastic. The whip just looks too long and too thick. And her heels make it hard for her to stand, so of course this line doesn't include stands.

#58: Batman Returns - Penguin Commandos

To continue the celebration of The Dark Knight Rises, here is yet another toy from a previous Batman movie. This time we're going all the way back to the 90s for the Batman Returns toy line. The Penguin Commandos are actually something I had back then, and I have always fondly remembered them as a bit of an oddity, so recently I decided to take the plunge and find them on Ebay. I just love the concept of an army of mind controlled penguins with rockets strapped to their backs. They're like Dino Riders, but with penguins! As much as I love the Christopher Nolan trilogy, that is one aspect that the Tim Burton films have as a clear advantage. One of the great things about early 90s toy technology is that the rocket launcher has a nice kick to it. The rocket went all the way across the room, while it seems like modern rocket launching toys are lucky if they go a foot. It's too bad that Kenner only made this one set. If they had made a few different designs, it would be cool to organize a proper army of penguins.

"WHERE'S THE DETONATOR??!!!"