LEGO seems to be on a kick with releasing Batmobiles over the last few years—so many to the point where other DC fans have called it “underrepresentation” of other DC characters. Is this true? Maybe, but the Batmobile builds are always really cool.
The most recent addition to the LEGO Batmobile collection is from Batman Returns (1992). Tim Burton’s gothic style birthed one of the more dramatic looks for Batman’s ride. With an elongated hood, a prominent nose cone with a jet turbine intake in front, and the signature wings behind the cockpit on either side, this is one of the most iconic Batman vehicles, arguably, ever.
While the Batmobile was solely a street vehicle, it took a lot of inspiration (and even parts) from aircraft. The nose cone, fitted with a jet turbine intake, used parts from a Rolls-Royce jet engine. The afterburner was functional; no special effects were used for those flames.
While the LEGO build can’t be expected to feature a spinning jet turbine or a flame-making afterburner, it does feature the impressive visuals created by the car’s molded body. It is also able to complete an absolutely iconic move from the 1992 movie. During a chase scene, the Batmobile splits apart to reveal the Batmissile, a slimmer version able to fit into narrower gaps.
Not to mention, the sick car comes with a Keaton minifig in the full cowl and cape, on a stand with a placard.
In 2019, LEGO came out with a collector’s edition of the 1989 Batmobile (there wasn’t much difference in design from the first movie to the next), which was more detailed than this build, was only $20 more, and came with almost 800 more pieces. I’m not saying this new one is a bad deal, but I am saying I wish I had $250 in my pocket in 2019.
For more fun facts about Tim Burton’s classic Batmobile, I enjoyed watching this video from Cinema Cars. Take a look below:
While, yes, I would love to see more complex builds from other DC characters and stories, I just can’t sit here and complain when LEGO just put out a perfectly awesome Batmobile. For a small, small price of $229.99, you could add this build to your Batman collection, which I know is burning a hole in your pocket. The new set comes out on September 4, though LEGO Insiders get access on the 1st of the month.