Matchbox Sky Busters Batman v Superman Batwing (with special guest star The Bat)

With the 'gotta know it now' attitude of the internet, and all the world's toy knowledge contained therein at my fingertips, few toy releases sneak up on me anymore these days. So imagine my shock to discover the Matchbox Sky Busters Batman v Superman Batwing the other day just chillaxing on the pegs at Toys R Us.

The Sky Busters line are larger than your standard Matchbox/Hotwheels vehicle. Scale is of course all over the place as the vehicles are generally the same size regardless of vehicle type (a 747 is about the same size as a Cessna) but if you were to set this Batwing next to the Hotwheels version of the Batman v Superman Batmobile, you're probably in a pretty close ballpark for matching scale of the two vehicles.

Not only did I have no idea this thing existed or was set for release, but I didn't learn about it before actually seeing it in the wild, which is a refreshing change of pace as it means I did not spend any sleepless nights praying to the toy Gods that I'd find it on my next toy hunt. Nor did I have to put out the TAPB (Toy All Points Bulletin) to my fellow toy collectors to be on the lookout for me!

Not a bad looking Batwing, it looks like an actual bat as it hangs from a cave ceiling.

The Batwing is only die-cast on the top of the fuselage. The rest is plastic. It feels lighter than I expected it to be, but it still makes for a sturdy feeling toy vehicle. I think Toys R Us is charging $3.99 (or was it $4.99?) for these things, which is a fair price given the scale. The Batwing has landing gear which is permanently extended but the wheels do roll.

The Batman v Superman Batwing is undeniably recognizable as a Bat-vehicle and a fun addition to any collection or for any fan of The Batman, regardless of their thoughts on the movie itself.

The last time I was caught so unawares by Matchbox was when they released The Bat from The Dark Knight Rises. So I couldn't resist busting out The Bat for this photo shoot.

The Bat was and is an ugly thing that looks nothing like any proper Bat-vehicle, but I suppose it's become an icon in it's own right at this point.

As dumb as it looks, I am glad I found The Bat on the pegs back when it was released and am especially glad that the Matchbox Sky Busters line has actually continued with the Bat theme. Would it be too bold of me to hope for an '89 Batwing, or perhaps a Batman Animated Batwing in the Sky Busters line-up sometime in the future?

Have a Batty Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to you or the Dad(s) in your life!

I'm writing this post early in the week, as I will be having fun with my kids and my Dad today, but I did get some early Father's Day toys and was able to photograph them for this post, so it's win-win for everyone!

First up, I got the Hero World Batwing!

This thing is massive and pretty darn cool - even though it's for a Fisher-Price kiddie line it's a pretty detailed and badass vehicle. It reminds me of the Whirly-Bat crossed with a VTOL Helicopter. The blades spin and rotate, a capture net shoots out from the back, the grips rotate up and down and the canopy opens. It's not gaudy or multi-colored or corny at all, it's actually pretty seriously designed. It makes noises and talks and such too, but not in too goofy a manner either; also, that feature can be turned off, which is always a plus!

The Mrs. found this at Target, on clearance, for under four bucks! I know I know, sounds like she cheaped out on Father's Day, but really, if anyone can appreciate a bargain, it's me. Also, the fact that she saw it for cheap AND bought it for me (even though it's huge and she's always complaining about my toys taking up too much space, me having too many toys etc etc etc) says a lot ;)

Unfortunately I do not own a Hero World Batman to drive this thing...yet.

Fortunately, she also found me a Hero World Joker on clearance for 96 cents!

And it doesn't even smell like R. Kelley's sheets!

I actually LOVE this Joker, and would have bought him long ago but I didn't want to start the insanity of getting into yet another Batman toyline (so much for 'best laid plans...')

What I love most about this Joker is his 'action feature...'

Just like with Mr. Sleaze from the Police Academy action figure line, when Joker raises his arms in defeat (via a wheel on his back) his tie pops up to reveal a hidden gun! BAM! Dead cop! HAHAHAHAHAHA!

As if that weren't enough, Joker also comes with a smiley pie...

...and pie launcher. Fun!

Well, that does it for my pre-Father's Day toys posted on Father's Day: Two awesome toys for less than five bucks! Who says being a Dad is a thankless job?

Don't call it a Batwing

Thanks to Brian of Cool and Collected, I finally have my hands on The Bat!

Brian graciously gave me this 2012 Hot Wheels New Models #27 of 50 since he isn't a Hot Wheel collector and I am ;) (Yes, he found himself one too!)

I have to admit, The Bat is an odd one. An ugly vehicle by any standard, it flies (pun intended) in the face of Hot Wheel conventionality by...not having any wheels at all. In fact, as I sit here I cannot think of another Hot Wheel that has been released completely sans wheels. Even Hot Wheels airplanes have a couple wheels!

Anyone?

It is, at least, die-cast (the top part, anyways.)

This thing reminds me of a rolly-polly.

Wheel-less and ugly-as-sin or not, The Bat is a must have for me and most Batman fans (and Hot Wheels fans too!)

 A Bat vehicle is a Bat vehicle no matter how you slice it!

From the cardback:

Born: 2012
Birthplace: Gotham City
Designer: Wayne Industries
Specialty: The first flying vehicle in the Dark Knight's crime-fighting arsenal, THE BAT features twin mounted cannons. It's maneuverability allows BATMAN to engage in low-altitude pursuits amid the skyscrapers of downtown GOTHAM CITY.