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The Batman is celebrating another year as the Dark Knight of DC Comics. One of the ways us fans immortalize this character is through the collection and admiration of toys and collectibles.<\/p>\n
Starting in the 1940\u2019s, the Caped Crusader\u2019s stardom grappled to the highest rooftop in his years with National Publications (DC Comics today). The initial Batman collectibles that came out where few and far between, the first being metal figures won as county fair prizes. But once the highly popular television series Batman<\/em> starring Adam West and Burt Ward hit the airwaves, a merchandising frenzy dubbed \u201cBatmania\u201d began; it made this comic book figure a pop culture icon. Ever since, Batman has been molded in the form of action figures, toys, bobble heads, and collectibles all for placing in your personal Bat-collection in the comfort of your own Batcave.<\/p>\n To commemorate this year\u2019s Batman Day, let\u2019s take a journey through the most popular Entertainment Earth\u00a0Batman toys\u00a0and collectibles<\/a> over the last decade, giving us an inside look at a history of this dynamic figure and why these toys illustrate the Batman\u2019s true home within the cultural zeitgeist.<\/p>\n 2006 – Batman 13-inch Deluxe Collector Figure<\/strong><\/p>\n In 2006, writer Grant Morrison\u2019s run in comics had taken full force, beginning the now classic arc \u201cBatman R.I.P.\u201d Illustrator Andy Kubert returned the black and grey color scheme of the Batsuit, large squared pocketed utility belt and sleek Bat-emblem to complement his even sleeker gadgets, all of which can be seen in one of 2006\u2019s best selling collectibles.<\/p>\n Clearly inspired by the comics of that year, the Batman 13-inch Deluxe Collector Figure features a cloth costume along with 4 uniquely styled Batarangs, all together in an eye catching four-color window box with a fifth panel. Whether you keep this Dark Knight\u00a0in the display case or proudly standing upon your desk, there wasn\u2019t a finer figure of such stature, making it a clear contender for one of the most popular batman collectibles<\/a> a decade ago.<\/p>\n 2007 – Hot Wheels George Barris Batmobile 1:18 Scale Replica<\/strong><\/p>\n Even though the live action TV series Batman<\/em> really started the Caped Crusader\u00a0toy craze, there wasn\u2019t as many collectibles made as we see today. There were no prop replicas, or statues, especially ones featuring the colorful rogues gallery and more importantly, Batman\u2019s vehicle, the Batmobile.<\/p>\n Only given three weeks to complete this now iconic car, custom cars genius George Barris transformed the $250,000 1955 Ford Lincoln Future into a car fit for a man dressed like a bat. From the bullet proof Bat-fins to the Batscope on the dashboard to the car\u2019s amazing ability to make an emergency \u2018Bat-turn\u2019, The 1966 Batmobile has become just a part of pop culture as today\u2019s celebrated hero.<\/p>\n Due to licensing struggles, once the show ended, the rights to continue this merchandising were\u00a0fuzzy, making it almost impossible to see new collectibles from this TV show up until 2013 (which we discuss later). It is not surprising that when Hot Wheels made Barris\u2019 Batmobile in 2007, it would literally drive off the shelves and into the collections of fans everywhere. The 1:18 scale replica created by Mattel\u2019s artisans may be small, but it definitely brings back the larger than life presence this Batmobile had 50 years ago.<\/p>\n 2008 – Batman: The Dark Knight The Joker 1:6 Scale Deluxe Figure<\/strong><\/p>\n Heath Ledger\u2019s performance as the Clown Prince of Crime in 2008\u2019s Christopher Nolan film The Dark Knight<\/em> not only earned him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor but also the title by many critics and fans alike as the best Joker interpreted on the big screen.<\/p>\n The same year of Nolan\u2019s blockbuster hit, a 1:6 scale figure of Ledger\u2019s chaotic and intimidating Joker was released, bringing this menacing rogue right into your personal Batcave, something even the Dark Knight himself would think twice about doing. But fans would take that risk to have this 13-inch tall figure featuring 28 points of articulation and authentic costume, from the style to the fabric. These highlights plus the uncanny resemblance of Heath Ledger all come together in a collectible packaging. The sinister and life-like expressions on this realistic figure was icing on the cake to make this Batman toy<\/a> the top selling in 2008.<\/p>\n 2009 – Batman: The Dark Knight 1:6 Scale Bank Robber Joker Figure<\/strong><\/p>\n The first sequence in Christopher Nolan\u2019s 2008 film The Dark Knight<\/em> introducing Heath Ledger\u2019s Joker is still one of the most discussed moments in the Dark Avenger’s\u00a0movie history. In 2009, fans were still clamoring for The Dark Knight<\/em> collectibles and sought out this 12-inch figure.<\/p>\n Accompanied by an assortment of accessories, from the gloves to his gun to the clown mask paying homage to Cesar Romero\u2019s Joker in the 1966 Batman television series, this figure captures the essence of this pivotal opening scene. Nolan\u2019s Joker once again presents as a life-like collectible, from the facial expressions to the authenticity of the clothing fabric, adding another level of beautiful terror to your collecting in the Batcave.<\/p>\n 2010 \u2013 Batman Returns Bat Cowl Fiberglass Replica<\/strong><\/p>\n Tim Burton\u2019s sequel film,\u00a0Batman Returns,<\/em> starring Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne resurrected the Gothic aesthetic Bob Kane and Bill Finger created for the Bat-Man back in 1939. With villains The Penguin (Danny DeVito) and Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) challenging both superhero\u00a0and the man behind the cowl, Batman Returns<\/em> remains a classic in our hero\u2019s long cinematic history. One of the most memorable aspects of Burton\u2019s film\u00a0was the Batsuit, returning to its black on black look and separating itself from the bright Adam West suit from the late 1960s.<\/p>\n In 2010, Burton fans and Bats\u00a0enthusiasts could own an amazing replica of Keaton\u2019s Batman Returns<\/em> cowl. A limited edition piece with only 500 created, the cowl was made based on the actual cowl Keaton wore in the film. Standing at 24-inches tall it gracefully sits on a utility belt-style display stand and is made out of sturdy fiberglass. The Burtonverse almost turning 20 years old back in 2010, this replica cowl of one of the most celebrated Batman was an easy choice as the next addition to many Batman collections<\/a>.<\/p>\n 2011 \u2013 Batman Legacy Arkham City Batman and Two Face Figures<\/strong><\/p>\n In 2009, acclaimed writer Paul Dini penned an original storyline for\u00a0the now, award-winning video game franchise Batman: Arkham Asylum<\/em> and its sequel in 2011 Batman: Arkham City<\/em>. Some of the aspects that continue to make this game series one of the best for the Dark Knight are the exploration of both scenic Gotham City and his infamous rogues gallery.<\/p>\n Arkham City effortlessly was dubbed Game of the Year, spawning merchandise in 2009 such as this 2-pack 6-inch tall action figure set starring The World’s Greatest Detective\u00a0and his enemy Two-Face, a complex character that has obsessed over duality and fate for over seven decades. Matching well with other DC Universe Classics and Batman Movie Masters figures, with many points of articulation you can re-create your favorite scenes from the Batman: Arkham<\/em> saga or create new ones showcasing the Masked Man-hunter\u2019s heavily layered mythology across all media, including video games.<\/p>\n 2012 \u2013 Batman Dark Knight Rises Catwoman Icon Statue<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Batman](\"http:\/\/www.entertainmentearth.com/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/batmanday-2006-2007-1000x525.jpg\")
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