Exactly, and I can make editorial choices on those paints that I couldn't easily replicate in the sculpt, like cell shading, mud or blood splatter, chromatic metallic paints, etc... And honestly, his articulation scheme is no always great, but because of the method of construction, the articulation is relatively easy to mod too. Yeah, that's a lot of mods to get a "decent" figure, but with those easy mods, your McFarlane figures could stand side by side with a Mafex or SH Figuarts that cost 3 to 4 times as much. And I enjoy the crafting/customizing aspect of collecting, so they've left out the steps that I enjoy most doing myself. Clearly that doesn't apply to everyone but for me, McFarlane does just fine selling me a figure worth my money
@@Forty3Snakes here's a strange fact you might not know, since 3d sculpting has become the norm, increasing surface detail on a sculpt is basically just an aspect of the per hour charge of the sculptor's fee. Paint, being a physical substance, is always costly. So like, for budget purposes, detailing a figure, lots of filigree or surface texture, doesn't cost increase a toy to produce. Paint hits ALWAYS increase the cost of the figure to produce, and thus you'll pay more.
100% prefer the sculpt. It might not look great out of the box, but there is at least something there to work with. McFarlane normally does a pretty good job of sculpting the details deep enough so they take a wash well, too. Some other figures have sculpt, but it's so shallow that unless you scribe it, it doesn't really have much area for the wash to stand out. I build plamo so I already have all the paints and stuff if I decide I want to enhance these figures.
Paint applications is always appreciated; however, I am siding with the majority on this one-sculpt over paint. Indeed, I fancy sculpt to paint. Thank you for sharing, Mister Anthony!👍 Giovanni Marino, M.D.🇬🇧
I'd prefer McF go the NECA route and do more paint and raise the price to $35. I'm curious what your thoughts on the $30 so-called collectors editions that charge $10 for a card holder and slightly different packaging.
I definitely agree about the NECA thing, I'm an adult collector, so I want my collectibles to look as nice as possible with a reasonable pricetag for what you get. I'm even willing to pay a little extra if it looks really nice.
I really enjoy these “ye olde” Batman figures, I got the gladiator one and covered it in paint and made a wired cloth cape for it and it honestly looks a million bucks by comparison so will likely do the same with this at some point down the line. I would prefer lots of detailed sculpt over re-use and some paint, but I understand people not wanting to apply paint to their figures.
Sculpt over paint all day. I'm a paint customizer, and I love when there is lack of paint, or if paint is a bit off. Gives me an opportunity to improve. Love it. I did some black wash over this guy, and it is coming out NICE.
Sculpt over paint BUT it's a pain to have to make that choice when you can see how something could/should be and don't have the time, skill or setup to make that a reality.
I’ve always had vision problems, a few months ago, I went completely blind. I am an action figure collector. I do regret seeing all of the great paint applications. But now I value sculpting, over paint. Which is something Todd, has always been great at. My wife just called, she picked this guy up for me at Walmart. Never heard of him, so I wanted to watch your video. Can’t wait to break him open. I guess I should say, listen to your video lol.
Mcfarlane wins-not all but most figures are unique sculp+ I like to customize I like to paint-so if I pay less for a unique figure I can make look better 10X with just a little paint -that is a win+ at the beginning in my country mcfaarlane figures were half the price of any hasbro ML, now they are more expensive,but still,cheaper than hasbro ML
If the sculpt can achieve what can be done in paint like shadows and shading then it’s good. If you are looking for a level of weathering or grime then you go for paint.
Wow, this is probably your best rating in a long while. Sculpt and articulation are most important for a posable figure. If the figure looks good without paint, I would be fine. For this, the steel looks like painted silver rather than grey plastic used for their Transformers figure. So, it looks good from the video. I have to see in person if it is the same way.
Sculpt over paint. I got the Lobo for around $20. After painting it up it looked like a $50 figure. Paint the straps, buckles, add a wash, some dry brush, and you will be surprised at the results. McFarlane also as the Gold Label line. That's a good way to give people that can afford it the paint and extras they are looking for.
I'm almost always in favour of more paint. Except Hasbro's repaints of generic, smooth bodies, they have no sculpted details, so adding paint to those figures would be like adding a wash or shading to a fire exstinguisher. But figures with sculpted details and textures deserve more paint to further bring out those details, without it they look like a figure still in developement, like Batman here. Say what you will about ToyBiz, but most of their sculpted details are on par with NECA, imo. Sometimes they would just throw a wash on the sculpted details (Like Sinister Six Spider-Man) and it brought it to life. This Batman looks too realistic - in a bad way - it looks how a guy in real life would look wearing this armor, because real *life* doesn't need paint to "bring it to life." With high levels of paint apps, it makes a figure look more like a comic book or cartoon character, and that's what I'm into when it comes to action figures.
I kinda like touching up my figures, it can be fun. But... most of McFarlane stuff is out of scale for me and I can't justify it (Big Monster Bois aside...which he does VERY well lol)
I think it depends on the figure. On a figure like this I would always want the original sculpt but on a guy in spandex I think I would prefer a good base body that is reuse with more paint.
I'd prefer a clean, new sculpt myself in lieu of reused parts that are well painted. Adding a simple wash, or something more, is easy enough to pull off. Adding your own paintcan really turn a new sculpt with lackluster paint into something very appealing.
I got him a couple weeks ago and have already custom painted him and did a customization to his sword sheath, I also swapped his feet with a spare set from the Dark Detective figure.
Finally found one at the local target - really like this figure - sculpt is very well done. Thinking of doing some rub and buff for the armor and then a wash
For the question. I don't mind re-used parts as long if you do something to improve on it. That's something ML barley does. They just re-use parts and body without any changes.
I'm happy with sculpt over paint. For the price I'd say McFarlane is doing a pretty decent job giving us lots of new characters to build the JL and Titans
Got this guy to head swap and paint for the definitive 7in scale knight figure. The unmasked flashpoint Thomas Wayne head is my plan and I'm taking the plastic cape off and potentially adding a cloth one.
I like it the way it is because the people who collect them who customize their figures I feel would make it easier for them. However, for the price, there definitely needs to be more paint.
Why a display stand is a waste of time? It´s not only to help stand the figure but to be able to have the figure in action poses. And neither Hasbro or Mattel include them.
I like Batman and medieval stuff, but just not feeling this all the way to purchase yet. Gladiator Batman is fun, and hoping this would be on the level. I'd need to see him in person or on sale 😂 This one really hurts that the included card is so much cooler than the actual figure. The head, eyes, weird skin tone, those lips...and his chest plate looks like it's just DIY ill fitted hanging over his chest. I'd love to see a variant with whited eyes and darker colors. Thanks Anthony!
Anthony: Honest yet objective? But still a creatively brilliant mind! How is that possible? 😅 Your reviews are so incomparably refreshing - thank you for what you do and the service you provide other collectors and action figure enthusiasts.
Hey his legs aren’t “stilts” long and that’s a nice change. I like my classic riddler but I feel like it takes 20 min to get from his crotch to his feet. Save the long limbs for the ladies Todd
I can always do something about colour and shading. But mod a sculpt? Yes, that is possible, but so much harder. So I prefer sculpt over colour. Otherwise, this armour looks too small for Batman. All the parts ride high on his body. Looks a bit silly.
At this point, McFarlane doesn't need to put the name Batman on the package anymore. Statistically speaking, no matter which figure you get from McFarlane, it's overwhelmingly likely to be named Batman.
Would I like a wash on these? I mean... on the one hand, they should throw it in there for the price. A wash is going to add what? A few cents to their cost? On the other hand, it's going to be super sloppy, and I know I can do a better job of it than they would in under an hour. Hell, 30 minutes, if you don't count the drying time. Given a couple of hours, I could really make it pop. I'm honestly fine with them just being as plain as possible. They're actually pretty good figures to practice your skills on, if nothing else.
Hey Todd Mcfarlane, we’re no longer in the 80s and the beginning of the 90s. We don’t need that bs collector card and cheap stand for the card. We now have this little cool tool called the Internet to get bios and art. Put that money into figures and accessories.
I think for the level of character/character design obscurity that McFarlane achieves and still be able to offer us all the new sculpts he does and maintain a $20-$25 base price, I'm a fairly happy DC collector. Of course, I'd happily pay more for more paint like NECA figures, but for a mass produced retail line of figures, I think McFarlane is doing a really solid job with the DC license
These goofy Batman figures are some of my favorites from the line. They always seem to be well-made, probably because they require new parts so they can't reuse old bad parts. This Batman will look great on the shelf next to Barbarian Batman.
Man I really miss DC Icons. Not the best figures but at least they had more articulation and accessories than McFarlane Toys. I just can't get into this line, and it's all just Batman? Too boring
I’m starting to feel like the detailed sculpt actually makes the figures look cheaper if it isn’t painted. A smooth figure with no paint at least looks intentional and not like something is missing
I'd take sculpt over paint, I think it's easier to add more paint apps yourself than adding extra sculpt.
Exactly, and I can make editorial choices on those paints that I couldn't easily replicate in the sculpt, like cell shading, mud or blood splatter, chromatic metallic paints, etc...
And honestly, his articulation scheme is no always great, but because of the method of construction, the articulation is relatively easy to mod too. Yeah, that's a lot of mods to get a "decent" figure, but with those easy mods, your McFarlane figures could stand side by side with a Mafex or SH Figuarts that cost 3 to 4 times as much. And I enjoy the crafting/customizing aspect of collecting, so they've left out the steps that I enjoy most doing myself. Clearly that doesn't apply to everyone but for me, McFarlane does just fine selling me a figure worth my money
@@Forty3Snakes for sure, I guess I mean better done/well made sculpt than "extra" sculpt.
@@Forty3Snakes here's a strange fact you might not know, since 3d sculpting has become the norm, increasing surface detail on a sculpt is basically just an aspect of the per hour charge of the sculptor's fee. Paint, being a physical substance, is always costly. So like, for budget purposes, detailing a figure, lots of filigree or surface texture, doesn't cost increase a toy to produce. Paint hits ALWAYS increase the cost of the figure to produce, and thus you'll pay more.
Sculpt over paint 100%, I can always touch up the paint myself and it is actually pretty fun to do.
I like that your intros are quick and to the point. Thank you sir. 🤘
Glad you like them!
100% prefer the sculpt. It might not look great out of the box, but there is at least something there to work with. McFarlane normally does a pretty good job of sculpting the details deep enough so they take a wash well, too. Some other figures have sculpt, but it's so shallow that unless you scribe it, it doesn't really have much area for the wash to stand out.
I build plamo so I already have all the paints and stuff if I decide I want to enhance these figures.
I enjoy painting the figures. It gives me more time to appreciate them along with posing and displaying them.
Probably the best looking armored up medieval kind of Batman so far, other than the armpit sculpts and lacking some paint, he looks awesome.
Paint applications is always appreciated; however, I am siding with the majority on this one-sculpt over paint. Indeed, I fancy sculpt to paint. Thank you for sharing, Mister Anthony!👍
Giovanni Marino, M.D.🇬🇧
I'd prefer McF go the NECA route and do more paint and raise the price to $35.
I'm curious what your thoughts on the $30 so-called collectors editions that charge $10 for a card holder and slightly different packaging.
check my review of the grim reaper looking guy from a few weeks ago.
czcams.com/video/b9Y8xCq1IHQ/video.html
It would need to have more accessories for 35 bucks and sculpt that doesn't break
I definitely agree about the NECA thing, I'm an adult collector, so I want my collectibles to look as nice as possible with a reasonable pricetag for what you get. I'm even willing to pay a little extra if it looks really nice.
I have this fig, if you slice the skirt in front it will have more movements, love how it blends with mythic legions or Darksouls designs
To answer the question of the day, easy: unique sculpts with no paint over re-used sculpts WITH NO PAINT 🤣
I really enjoy these “ye olde” Batman figures, I got the gladiator one and covered it in paint and made a wired cloth cape for it and it honestly looks a million bucks by comparison so will likely do the same with this at some point down the line. I would prefer lots of detailed sculpt over re-use and some paint, but I understand people not wanting to apply paint to their figures.
Showcase it
Sculpt over paint any day of the week. Ideally I’d like both.
If they made a black Adam figure with a throne, imagine how badass this Batman would have looked with the chair in the artwork behind the box
Sculpt over paint all day. I'm a paint customizer, and I love when there is lack of paint, or if paint is a bit off. Gives me an opportunity to improve. Love it. I did some black wash over this guy, and it is coming out NICE.
At least biceps cut isn’t a flat cut this time cough cough Tim drake Robin
Sculpt over paint BUT it's a pain to have to make that choice when you can see how something could/should be and don't have the time, skill or setup to make that a reality.
I’ve always had vision problems, a few months ago, I went completely blind. I am an action figure collector. I do regret seeing all of the great paint applications. But now I value sculpting, over paint. Which is something Todd, has always been great at. My wife just called, she picked this guy up for me at Walmart. Never heard of him, so I wanted to watch your video. Can’t wait to break him open. I guess I should say, listen to your video lol.
Sorry to hear about your vision loss. Hope you enjoy the figure.
Mcfarlane wins-not all but most figures are unique sculp+ I like to customize I like to paint-so if I pay less for a unique figure I can make look better 10X with just a little paint -that is a win+ at the beginning in my country mcfaarlane figures were half the price of any hasbro ML, now they are more expensive,but still,cheaper than hasbro ML
Thanks for the review on this one Anthony. I prefer an unique sculpt over a re-paint any day.
If the sculpt can achieve what can be done in paint like shadows and shading then it’s good. If you are looking for a level of weathering or grime then you go for paint.
Wow, this is probably your best rating in a long while.
Sculpt and articulation are most important for a posable figure. If the figure looks good without paint, I would be fine.
For this, the steel looks like painted silver rather than grey plastic used for their Transformers figure. So, it looks good from the video. I have to see in person if it is the same way.
Todd needs to understand that he's wasting money on amazing molds when there's no wash to actually show it off.
Sculpt over paint. I got the Lobo for around $20. After painting it up it looked like a $50 figure. Paint the straps, buckles, add a wash, some dry brush, and you will be surprised at the results.
McFarlane also as the Gold Label line. That's a good way to give people that can afford it the paint and extras they are looking for.
I want paint over sculpt but details can really begin a figure to life & look less boring
Vtoys x BMS does a really great 3rd party version of these Medieval style Batman figures. Import prices but holy crap the sculpts are amazing.
I’m fine with less paint for better sculpts
I'm almost always in favour of more paint. Except Hasbro's repaints of generic, smooth bodies, they have no sculpted details, so adding paint to those figures would be like adding a wash or shading to a fire exstinguisher. But figures with sculpted details and textures deserve more paint to further bring out those details, without it they look like a figure still in developement, like Batman here.
Say what you will about ToyBiz, but most of their sculpted details are on par with NECA, imo. Sometimes they would just throw a wash on the sculpted details (Like Sinister Six Spider-Man) and it brought it to life.
This Batman looks too realistic - in a bad way - it looks how a guy in real life would look wearing this armor, because real *life* doesn't need paint to "bring it to life." With high levels of paint apps, it makes a figure look more like a comic book or cartoon character, and that's what I'm into when it comes to action figures.
I kinda like touching up my figures, it can be fun. But... most of McFarlane stuff is out of scale for me and I can't justify it (Big Monster Bois aside...which he does VERY well lol)
I think it depends on the figure. On a figure like this I would always want the original sculpt but on a guy in spandex I think I would prefer a good base body that is reuse with more paint.
I'd prefer a clean, new sculpt myself in lieu of reused parts that are well painted. Adding a simple wash, or something more, is easy enough to pull off. Adding your own paintcan really turn a new sculpt with lackluster paint into something very appealing.
I got him a couple weeks ago and have already custom painted him and did a customization to his sword sheath, I also swapped his feet with a spare set from the Dark Detective figure.
Finally found one at the local target - really like this figure - sculpt is very well done. Thinking of doing some rub and buff for the armor and then a wash
For the question. I don't mind re-used parts as long if you do something to improve on it. That's something ML barley does. They just re-use parts and body without any changes.
I hope McFarlane will make MK1 figure with this quality. I will buy it
I'm happy with sculpt over paint. For the price I'd say McFarlane is doing a pretty decent job giving us lots of new characters to build the JL and Titans
If this was a Marvel Legends, it would easily be deemed as "Top 10 of the year".
Best for me is great sculpt even if is lack of paint because its to personal atste how much paint you want to put on
EPIC! Please do Batman 89 and Returns single releases too!
Got this guy to head swap and paint for the definitive 7in scale knight figure.
The unmasked flashpoint Thomas Wayne head is my plan and I'm taking the plastic cape off and potentially adding a cloth one.
I like it the way it is because the people who collect them who customize their figures I feel would make it easier for them. However, for the price, there definitely needs to be more paint.
which do you do first, dry brushing or wash?
Generally you do wash first then dry brush.
Dry, wash, dry... Technically. Best results
Definitely sculpt over reuse that is painted nicely
Why a display stand is a waste of time? It´s not only to help stand the figure but to be able to have the figure in action poses. And neither Hasbro or Mattel include them.
They're ugly on the shelf and aren't necessary if the figure is made properly. They don't have any weight and so are mostly useless.
I like Batman and medieval stuff, but just not feeling this all the way to purchase yet. Gladiator Batman is fun, and hoping this would be on the level. I'd need to see him in person or on sale 😂 This one really hurts that the included card is so much cooler than the actual figure. The head, eyes, weird skin tone, those lips...and his chest plate looks like it's just DIY ill fitted hanging over his chest. I'd love to see a variant with whited eyes and darker colors. Thanks Anthony!
Anthony: Honest yet objective? But still a creatively brilliant mind! How is that possible? 😅 Your reviews are so incomparably refreshing - thank you for what you do and the service you provide other collectors and action figure enthusiasts.
thanks for the support
For me, I'd allow sacrifices in paint if that would enable them to have better sculpts and price
Saw this at my local Walmart last night they just got the wave in I think. It looked pretty cool for a shelf piece
I prefer stylized figures like Revoltech. I have to work a little for the pose, and I'm okay with that.
I'd prefer the blank reused body with good paint as long as the body is appropriate for the character
Make a review of Baki hamma storm collectibles
McFarlane: if you want to collect my stuff we're not gonna make it easy for you, you should develop some customizer skills 😅
Hey his legs aren’t “stilts” long and that’s a nice change. I like my classic riddler but I feel like it takes 20 min to get from his crotch to his feet. Save the long limbs for the ladies Todd
I can always do something about colour and shading. But mod a sculpt? Yes, that is possible, but so much harder. So I prefer sculpt over colour.
Otherwise, this armour looks too small for Batman. All the parts ride high on his body. Looks a bit silly.
I'll probably get one of this and pit him against the v-toys knight of war.
At this point, McFarlane doesn't need to put the name Batman on the package anymore. Statistically speaking, no matter which figure you get from McFarlane, it's overwhelmingly likely to be named Batman.
true
Would I like a wash on these? I mean... on the one hand, they should throw it in there for the price. A wash is going to add what? A few cents to their cost? On the other hand, it's going to be super sloppy, and I know I can do a better job of it than they would in under an hour. Hell, 30 minutes, if you don't count the drying time. Given a couple of hours, I could really make it pop. I'm honestly fine with them just being as plain as possible. They're actually pretty good figures to practice your skills on, if nothing else.
Greta review , thx
Hey Todd Mcfarlane, we’re no longer in the 80s and the beginning of the 90s. We don’t need that bs collector card and cheap stand for the card. We now have this little cool tool called the Internet to get bios and art. Put that money into figures and accessories.
Hasbro's sculptors are either lazy or lack creativity skills... Take a page from Mcfarlane.
Looks a lot like the Death Metal one. Thought it was the same figure at first.
I think for the level of character/character design obscurity that McFarlane achieves and still be able to offer us all the new sculpts he does and maintain a $20-$25 base price, I'm a fairly happy DC collector. Of course, I'd happily pay more for more paint like NECA figures, but for a mass produced retail line of figures, I think McFarlane is doing a really solid job with the DC license
👍
This figure looks great but its too big and never enough accessories. I still don't know why they don't give batman fisted hands
These goofy Batman figures are some of my favorites from the line. They always seem to be well-made, probably because they require new parts so they can't reuse old bad parts. This Batman will look great on the shelf next to Barbarian Batman.
Man I really miss DC Icons. Not the best figures but at least they had more articulation and accessories than McFarlane Toys. I just can't get into this line, and it's all just Batman? Too boring
HD resolution isn't available for this video...
you're just too early
Because he just uploaded it and HD isn't always available immediately.
@@AnthonysCustoms ah got it, but this is the first time it's happened, I've been early a couple of times in the past as well.
I’m starting to feel like the detailed sculpt actually makes the figures look cheaper if it isn’t painted. A smooth figure with no paint at least looks intentional and not like something is missing
@Anthonycustom do you think mcfarlane is improving or is he stuck in his ways?
Agree with your review. Overall, it's a pretty cool figure and those poses you've got him in really sell it.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟😁
Pros: Sculpt, armor, and cape, boots.
Cons: painted lips (why?)
Rating: 7.5