Batman & Robin Merchandise Review - Heat Scan Batman figure from Kenner

Right let's keep going with the Kenner action figures. I've got a lot of these lined up. 

Heat Scan Batman was one of the first figures I remember seeing on the shelf in 1997 and possibly the first one I picked up (I can't quite remember). I had some reservations at the time. It’s BRIGHT but then again so is most of the toy line (and to be fair, the movie too). 

Putting the garish colour to one side it's a really good sculpt of Clooney with a huge chunky cape and I like the laser things that clip onto his elbows. It’s really simple but gives the figure and epic quality. 

As I mention in the video it's worth looking out for the Fuji Film exclusive that uses the same sculpt but in all black.

Batman & Robin Merchandise Review - Batgirl figure from Kenner

Okay, I guess it's about time I start reviewing some Batman & Robin merchandise. First up is the Batgirl figure from Kenner. This was one of only two figures they made of the character and unfortunately doesn't look much like Alicia Silverstone. It was based on the concept art by Miles Teves and had a cowl rather than a domino mask. Still it's kind of a fun figure and worth getting if you like this period of action figures.

External link: Toy Armada podcast with Aaron Archer

This week I thought it would be a good idea to highlight this great podcast called The Toy Armada. The show is hosted by "Protoman" and features Aaron Archer as its co-host.

Aaron was a toy designer at Kenner and Hasbro for many years starting in 1995 and has some great insights and behind the scenes stories. This episode he covers his work on Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. Give it a listen and subscribe for more episodes.

Behind the Scenes: Mr Freeze make-up transformation

This week we're looking at the make-up transformation of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The combined efforts of make up artist Jeff Dawn, assistant Jim Kail, and hairstylist Peter Tothpal.

I've got to admit the bald cap was pretty seamless on Arnie. Interesting to note the wall of Arnie mouths on the wall. I believe these were applied to Arnie's stunt doubles so that they would closely resemble him.

Concept Art: Mr Freeze (and Bane, Batman, Batgirl) costumes

Last set of concept art for a while. First up we have some Mr Freeze costumes. Interesting to note that the initial idea seems to have been to cover his whole head in a glass helmet unlike the finished film.

NThen we have a quick sketch of one of Mr Freeze's goons.

Next up we have a sketch of Bane by Wil Rees.

Then another picture by Wil Rees of Batgirl wearing the slightly different "Ice" suit from the end of the film which included a cowl/helmet when she rode the bike.

And finally Batman in the "Ice" suit again by Wil Rees. Kind of looks neater here than it does in the finished film. Maybe having it been glossy and shiny like this would have improved the look slightly.

Concept Art: Poison Ivy costumes

This week we're taking a look at some of the concept art for Pamela Isley aka Poison Ivy. 

First up in a nice black and green design by Tim Burgard. 

Followed by a wild, spiky (and kinky) design by Miles Teves that would have surely caused a lot of parental complaints!

Then two by Wil Rees that more closely resemble the finished film (though I don't think Uma's nipples were that prominent).

And finally two entries by Susan Zarate. I really like these alot. The framed basque cleverly recalls the kind of trellis work you get in gardens. Again, maybe just a tad too sexy for a kids film.

Magazine Article: Sci Fi Universe July 97

Another magazine article this week. Apologies Sci Fi Universe has insanely small font but there's some good stuff in there including Val Kilmer explaining why he didn't come back for Batman & Robin.

Bizarrely the article finishes with a fictional chronology of what the Bat franchise would do in the then future of 1998, 1999, 2000 and beyond.