McFarlane Toys have been pushing on with the DC license since they took over earlier this year. Round 1 gave us a taste of everything – modern comics, animated and TV. Later in the year we got two Wonder Woman pieces from the upcoming WW84. Today we are looking at their latest offering – figures based on the DC Comics Batman: White Knight mini-series. This is a DC Black Label story out of the main continuity, which has the Joker being “cured” and becoming Gotham’s savior, while Batman becomes it’s villain. The art has it’s own unique style, and these figures are very faithful to that look. To the casual fan who just wants a standard “works for everything” Batman – this isn’t it, on purpose. If you know the source material – it is dead on. Read on to check out our pics of the figures and some additional thoughts, courtesy of McFarlane Toys!
McFarlane Toys DC Multiverse Batman: White Knight Batman, Jack Napier / Joker, Azrael
Overall Thoughts
So, when I first saw these I was like – huh? I try to stay up on DC as it’s my preferred comic universe – but this series slipped under my radar. When the toys came in I picked up the graphic novel and did some research, and it turned out to be really good. The figures are very faithful to those books. There is a second mini series in the same universe called Curse of the White Knight – and that is where Azrael is from. The trade for that drops later this year.
On to the figures – they are legit great. Aside from the style – that may not be for everyone. But functionally as action figures – on point. Batman has great sculpt head to toe, it’s sharp. Matte paint is present throughout, applied clean. Articulation hits all the key points, except for the elbows. Those are single jointed. I do not understand – perfect in every other location including well done knees, but they skip out on the elbows. Here is a note for any devs reading – we don’t care if it breaks up the look. Functionality > form. Just do your best to streamline it, and we can overlook breaks in the silhouette. Back to the positive – Batman’s ab crunch is what we need from McFarlane going forward. It has the ball joint, moves around, but is streamlined to the lower torso, no significant gaps like on Batman/Superman 1000 from wave 1. Aim for this, and no complaints here. Bottom line, after being in hand, it’s one of my favorite Batman figures to date. I would love a standard Batman – Rebirth/modern style in a traditional suit, executed this cleanly.
Joker – same deal. Less exciting, because the Jack Napier head on a swat uniform body is kinda generic. It’s great if you know the story, but otherwise it’s whatevz. The Joker head is a bit cartoony, bright colors, and in story it wasn’t present as much as normal Jack. The engineering however – top notch. This thing hits every single point of articulation with flying colors, has a soft rubber torso that allows bending and rotation, all while keeping it streamlined and using matte paint head to toe. Really solid figure. Again, shoot for this method going forward and McFarlane DC is gonna be great.
Azrael – from the preview art he also looks very faithful. This is a modern version of his first appearance look. In the Curse of the White Knight mini series, he does also suit up in a Blue / Yellow armor as well, which I think a lot of fans know and prefer, so hopefully we get that down the road. Articulation wise – again great. He’s got a beefy stance and mold like a Hulk would, so range is a bit limited but normal for the type of build he is. The paint is great, varied across the figure with a good amount of wash. The hood and “cape” are rubber so they move around with posing. The best part is the flame effect on the sword, really well done, and removable.
So yeah, I dig the wave! Execution wise as figures, a big step up from round 1. It’s diving deeper into DC comics lore, not just current movie or hot thing, which is good. Yes, it’s more Batman, the McFarlane DC Multiverse so far has been really heavy on Batman. I get that, and hope it diversifies down the road too. Waves like this – unique modern takes on other characters, artists and stories would be perfect – Flash, Superman, Green Lantern, Titans, etc. It’s got the vibe from DC Collectibles Designer Series, but at mass retail, and I dig that. Hopefully we can get that applied broader down the road. Dark Knights Metal is in upcoming and hopefully we get some Death Metal stuff too, as that has the whole DCU in crazy alt looks.
Pick these up if you dig the look, they are hitting stores now! Check out our shots, 50+ below!
DC McFarlane White Knight 20
DC McFarlane White Knight 35
DC McFarlane White Knight 38
DC McFarlane White Knight 41
DC McFarlane White Knight 47
DC McFarlane White Knight 50
DC McFarlane White Knight 52
DC McFarlane White Knight 53
DC McFarlane White Knight 55
First up - White Knight
Was really impressed with the execution on these three figs. Way better than round 1. And now that I've actually read the source material, equally impressed they nailed the look of the artist in toy form.
Arkham figs later this week.
DC Multiverse White Knight Wave – Batman, Joker, Azrael Gallery
Weird pose - showing range of movement:
I want to like these but they are too stylized and cartoony looking, especially that normal jack napier head. I swear its like ed mcguiness designed these.
They are artistically specific, that's for sure. I didn't care for them from a distance, but in hand I took a liking to them, especially the Batman.
Interesting! Not familiar with this story, but the figures look pretty damn good. Your pictures definitely elevate them. I’m wondering how this Joker head would look on the Arkham Joker body. Any chance of you taking a pic of that?
Nice pics. I have these on order. I love the artistic translation. It’s something different. Not everything has to fit together.
Unless I missed the news, what happened to Harley? Did mcfarlane cancel her?
That was not easy, the Arkham joker peg is buried deep in the head and body. Will require a boil or heat up to get out without breakage. Same for the heads to go back on.
I don't think Harley was shown at Toy Fair or originally solicited. I'd gladly take her in multiple looks from this book, along with alt Harley / Neo Joker etc. (Have to read the book, nuts).
So, there are rumors of a White Knight Harley Quinn mini series later this year, but the Diamond / DC split messed things up. I'd bet if they are gonna continue with this sub-theme, she'd come with that look/branding later.
They really did a great job capturing Sean Gordon Murphy's art in 3D.
I would definitely want Harley with glasses/short hair and a fully-armored Azrael Batman from this specific line.
So, there are rumors of a White Knight Harley Quinn mini series later this year, but the Diamond / DC split messed things up. I'd bet if they are gonna continue with this sub-theme, she'd come with that look/branding later.
Though on the point, I'd take a civilian White Knight Harleen. Love her design in this series.
Though on the point, I'd take a civilian White Knight Harleen. Love her design in this series.
That was not easy, the Arkham joker peg is buried deep in the head and body. Will require a boil or heat up to get out without breakage. Same for the heads to go back on.
Well I was already thinking of picking up White Knight Batman but your pics officially sold me. Looking forward to the Arkham Batman shoot.
ACAB Joker
McFarlane said that the figure is basically cancelled during an interview with Pixel Dan (I think). They had plans of doing her but ran into some snags, but I don't recall what they were exactly.
I preordered them all after seeing this yesterday. I'm hoping they do more artist specific figures...unlikely as hell but, I'd be all over it if they made figures from the Simon Bisley Lobo comics.
I'd prefer McFarlane doing more "definitive" versions of classic characters before delving into artist-specific versions, at least until the line as a whole has been established. I'd really love an old-school Azrael over whatever this "White Knight" version this is. But if you're into it, then this wave is great news for you.
I still say McFarlane's Batman torso joints are hideous, and I'm not a fan of his single-jointed elbows (it totally breaks up the sculpt), but overall these are very impressive figures, especially Azrael. Tons of detail and paint and it looks like the articulation, while still wonky in some ways, is improving.
And this is a remix of the blue /yellow armor. Not as close, but I still dig it and hope they do it.
Yeah that blue suit looks dope. I'd definitely pick up a figure of that.
I want the 90's Azrael costume. This one is too busy & stylized.
Chances of a Hot Toys AzBat?
I don't think this Azrael's design is too busy. The original design was already pretty detailed to begin with this one just takes that, gets rid of the 90s goofiness like those tech-gauntlets with pouches and amps up the holy knight crusader aspect more. If anything, I think Murphy showed restraint when redesigning him, there isn't unecassary seams, panel lines and filigree covering every surface.
I do appreciate the inspiration that the new design takes from the 90's version, but...I just dig the old one more. The knight-like attributes contrasting with the high-tech gauntlets/flaming wrist blades was a nice touch.
Ok, updated finally with the Arkham Figs:
Arkham Asylum Batman and Joker DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys Gallery
Keep reading: Toyark's McFarlane DC Multiverse Galleries - White Knight and Arkham - Page 2
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