While I eagerly await new releases, Coulson, Hulk and Catwoman, here's a catch-up review of a highly anticipated Hot Toys figure from a month or so ago. Behold the super fancy DX (deluxe?) Joker 2.0 which is a vast improvement on the original figure that they released around the time of The Dark Knight film. Here he is chilling with Bruce and Jim in the ol' interrogation room...
The DX releases are always something a little bit extra special and they've certainly outdone themselves on this one. You would be a sad clown to miss all the info and a TON of images... after the jump!
What could be fancier than an inviting, purple, velvet box?
As I said, these are super special (and oversized) so there's no cardboard sleeve here like the regular releases. Instead we have a magnetic clasp and the whole thing opens up wide like a giant book. And there's an insert panel inside, lined with protective foam, that holds a very special bonus playing card...
Lift that up and you reveal the very snugly packed figure below, along with all the production credits. But don't just pluck him out of there! As always, make sure you read the instructions as there are certain areas which require extra caution!
Is this not the creepiest image to ever grace a toy review?
I'm not entirely sure what's going on there. But it's scary!
Also cut into this huge block of foam are the various extra hands, both gloved and ungloved, designed to hold specific accessories or insight anarchy. Take a good look now because I won't be switching many of them out...
And here's what he looks like straight out of the box.
It should go without saying that it's an incredibly impressive and spookily life-like figure. The outfit is well tailored and screen accurate although I will say that I do have a bit of an issue with the outer coat. Firstly it's bulky, but more than that it looks like a doll's coat - the fabric used doesn't convincingly translate to this scale. Also of note is that fact that the instructions warn you not to rub the fabric as the colour may come off it. All I did was handle it to pose it for the photos and I ended up with a purple finger. And I'd hate it to damage the other clothes. Not a big deal for me because I want to display him without anyway (which is accurate to the interrogation room scene) but still certainly something you should be aware of...
And here's a closer look at that Heath Ledger head sculpt. Not only is it spot on, complete with all the gruesome details like the carved cheeks, but mad props must be given to the paint job. This is a brilliant translation of make up, and I love the texture look of the white pancake and the way it bleeds down onto his neck. And look at the smudged eyeliner, including the fingerprints on his chin...
More of him soon, but let's pause to look at what's packed underneath the foam block. The DX releases often have some kind of diorama piece and here we get the to scale desk and chair, as well as lot of props.
There's also the alternative display option of the DX stand, which has two small movable spotlights built into the front. Batteries are not included, however, and I didn't have any on hand so I haven't shot it lit up. If it's anything like the DX 1989 Jack Nicholson Joker's base then I imagine they're not very bright, and won't really solve many lighting issues when you have him on display.
You may have also noticed that there was a stack of smaller accessories packed into a blister. These include playing cards, dollar bills, and a range of knives. I haven't photographed him with all of them but this should give you a sense...
What he's holding there is the tiny butterfly knife which is actually articulated like a real one! You can split the handle and close it around the blade. He's also packed with the infamous pencil which can be stuck into a hole on the desk.
Here he is with the shotgun...
And there's also a crazily detailed machine gun and pistol, neither of which I have photograph in my haste to get to the good stuff. Because did you realise that in addition to the desk, table and lamp (which attaches via a magnet but sadly doesn't light up), you also get a huge and solid cardboard backdrop of the entire interrogation room?
And the two-way mirrors on either side are reflective black plastic which really adds to the effect. This is why I didn't bother buying batteries for the lights in the stand - I am totally going to display him in the interrogation room like so...
It's an iconic look and pose, and I loved shooting him in this environment. Check out the handcuffs in the closer shot, as well as those crazy screen accurate socks!
And what interrogation room scene would be complete without the Batman!
Sadly my Batman isn't the best. It's the rubbery suited Batman Begins version and he's been showing some quality control issues (a boot keeps falling off because of a broken ankle peg, one of the spikes on his forearm fell off out of the box, plus I'm terrified the rubber will split). But he still looks good in the room at least and is an adequate substitute until I can upgrade.
Take a close look at the Joker's eyes as well. They use Hot Toys PERS system (I think I got that right?) where you can remove the back of the hair (it's attached by magnets) and move a tiny lever to make the eyes move independently. It's as creepy as all get out as you can see below where they have shifted to his left...
Now I'm just photographing stuff because it's fun...
Look at me playing with my dollies!
But of course there's the second head sculpt too, featuring the Joker laughing. If you thought that first one was creepy then check this nightmare vision out...
The make up is even more dishevelled here than before...
So many display options! I do love the versatility that the large set piece provides...
And, as big and ungainly it is, I have managed (with some minor tweaking) to fit it all in one of the glass cubes of my IKEA cabinet. So this is what my Batman display looks like at the moment. Notice how he's being coached by the ghostly 1989 version at the back...
I'm also hoping that I can fit Catwoman in here too when she arrives. She'll either have to perch seductively on the desk, or I'll have to remove it completely. She's just hit Hong Kong so should only be a couple of weeks away from Sideshow.
Speaking of Sideshow, they've completely sold out of this one, but if you're quick you may still be able to grab him from our pals at Big Bad Toy Store here!
More Hot Toys soon! I think Agent Coulson might be next...
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