Name of Series:

Batman ~Season Two~

 Manufacturer:

Kotobukiya One Coin Figure Series

 Date of release (estimated):

June 2005

Price (singly in ¥):

500¥

Sculptor:

Iwakura Keiji

No. of Pieces in the series:

5

Secret (SP)/Chase:

1 (Batmobile)

Variants:

None.

Size:

6 - 9 cm

Availability (in Singapore):

La Tendo

Other Remarks:

When the 1st volume came out half a year ago with a title like "Season One", you will get that niggling feeling a "Season Two" or maybe a "Season Three" may appear. This came timely with the release of "Batman Begins" in Japan. Kotobukiya even tested the market with Iwakura sensei's rendition of One Coin "Alien vs Predator" Figure collection which received rave reviews, so a lot was expected in this set as well. With the inclusion of supporting characters like Azrael & Nightwing surely spice up this set for Batman fans.

Batman vs Manbat

To begin we have a scenario with Batman tussling with Dr. Kirk Langstorm aka the creature known as Manbat. A nice vignette with the battle been hindered by the gravitational force well evident with the cape of Batman well straightened out as well as the direction Manbat's wings ate curved. Overall Iwakura sensei did a faultless battle between the two. Although Batman's face is not well sculpted, Manbat's features are very prominent and well depicted.

Nightwing

Nightwing's true identity Dick Grayson is the very first Robin in the series who adopted the role of Nightwing to fight crime in a neighboring municipality of Gotham City, Blüdhaven; assisting Batman in more than one occasion in times of crisis as well. A very creative vignette with Nightwing creeping up a monument, awaiting to pounce with his rod whenever he can conjure on an opportunity. There is even a shadow of Dick projected on the wall behind him. I really like the pose and the sleek black attire but can't say the same about the facial sculpt. The best feature is the elegant base with a nicely sculpted statute with a very gothic like ledge.

Azrael

Jean Paul Valley took the mantle of Batman when Bruce Wayne was left battered and paralyzed by the creature known as Bane. However he became increasingly violent and in the end Bruce had to battle the technologically-enhanced Valley and successfully retrieve his role as caped crusader and Valley returned to his Azrael persona. My favorite piece if the set having the enigmatic angel of death all ablaze with his retractable daggers on both his arms. I love the over-ripe tomato-like color and mask looks really mysterious. Iwakura sensei really went ballistic with the way the cloak curls with Azrael's movement. Love the golden trail of blaze from the daggers as well.

Mr Freeze

Dr Victor Fries is fascinated with freezing animals since young which lead to his interest in cryogenics. The death of his love and freak accident that resulted in him having to keep his body in sub-zero temperature as always led to his wayward behavior and became constant pain in the neck to Batman. Nice vignette with Dr Freeze been elevated by the blast from his freeze gun which generate a tower of ice which couldn't be made any better. The details on Dr Freeze and his impeccable from his face within the glass helmet to the cryogenic cylinders at the back to his attire and finally the ultra cool freeze gun. This piece took the term "cool" to a whole new level.

Batgirl

This Batgirl should be the updated one donned by Cassandra Cain who is well skilled in martial art and had Asian ancestry which explains why her costume is so ninja-like in such a way that her entire face has been covered. I really like the style of this new Batgirl, seemed so vibrant even in this vignette in which she stamped her authority over a couple of ruffians. The pose and design of the costume is very contemporary. The 2 ruffians featured are pretty nicely done as well. The 1st a typical sly old fox while the TV-looting 2nd ruffian is whom I called Vin Diesel because he is exactly that beefy and bald Hollywood star. 

Batmobile

Actually I'm even sure that this vehicle is a Batmobile because the  logo in front of the bumper reminds me of a cat rather than a bat. Surely a nostalgic design I think probably from the 40s or 50s. Not as detailed as the Batmobile featured in the previous set. The size is considerably smaller as well. In short, a very disappointing secret piece.