- Published October 4, 2016
- 0 0
IN THE BEGINNING EVERYTHING WAS STRAIGHT FORWARD, BLACK AND WHITE…
For reasons I don’t quite understand, the Batman Black and White line of Statues aren’t as big of a “must have item” one most people’s lists. Hopefully by the end of this review I would have changed the mindset of many among you.
For anyone who doesn’t know what this product line is about; a few years ago (1996 to be exact) DC Comics published a four issue Mini Series entitled “Batman Black and White”.
Each of the four issues featured a series of self-contained short-stories, written and drawn by a diverse group of comic artists and writers, who in many cases had previously worked on Batman comics.
The beauty of the series was that each story varied in it’s setting, tone and of course theme which in turn offered multiple interpretations of Batman – and often his supporting characters in respect of their motivations, relationships and unique idiosyncrasies.
Fast forward to about a decade later in 2005 and DC Comics began releasing statues based on the short stories. Like the mini series that inspired them, the statues once again showcased Batman and some of his more memorable character in different art styles.
As time went by, the line expanded outside of the stories in the Black and White anthologies to include other works depicting the characters.
Against this background; this line would in theory be the quintessential Batman collector’s go-to product as the line showcases the Batman in the art styles of all our favourite artists.
Case in point, is today’s topic for discussion, the Lee Bermejo version of Harley Quinn.
Heya Slugger…
History lesson (and subtle sales pitch) aside, let’s get down to business…
Given that this is a statue we will forego the Three A’s and narrow our discussion to the Two A’s (ie Aesthetics and Aish-Factor).
At least until I can come up with a witty analytical framework for statues (coming soon I promise!).
AESTHETICS
Now, as some of you might know, Lee Bermejo’s art style is characterised by a very gritty, hyper realistic and modernised take on characters.
As we see in his version of Harley Quinn, Harley is depicted in a “semi-steam punk meets grunge” costume.
I would hazard a guess that the DC Cinematic Universe cinematic universe take on the character might have drawn at lest a little inspiration from this version of the character as evidenced by the presence of the belly tattoo. Unfortunately my attempts to research this (ie Google searcehd the shit out of it) were not able to yield any evidence of this so let us just call it a theroy adn move along swiftly.
While this sculpt and look for the character are a departure from my preference towards classic looks for characters, I am completely enamored with this version and have no complaints whatsoever.
The statue stands at roughly 7.5” (i.e. circa 19 cm) which falls in the golden triangle for me size wise.
Once again, and like most Harley figures today, we are gifted with another very attractive Harley.
The sculpt reflects her with an almost “poignant/ come-hither” look.
I was especially impressed with the deft execution of the fine detailing in the paint work on the face as you can see below.
Pretty as a Picture…
The masterful paint applications continue throughout the figure with only minor incidences of bleeding being noted.
Now you may wonder, “Zaid, the figure is painted in Black and White, where do you get off telling me about masterfully executed paint applications?” Well let me break it down to you, oh fastidious one.
The statue has a myriad of black, white and grey hues in the paint work which all add a phenomenal degree of texturing to the figure. The paint applications allow one to distinguish where the colors differ on the statue. This almost allows you to “paint” the character in your mind’s eye, which is one of the things I really appreciate about this line.
In addition, I am also quite fond of how there is a glossy finish to the character’s attire which simulates leather or vinyl. This contrasts nicely with the matte finish of the rest of the figure’s “skin” portions.
Between the subtle paint shading of the figure and the composition choices highlighted above, it almost seems as though the figure was lifted directly off the pages of one of Bermejo’s works – this is no mean feat especially in the context of a black and white figure (as in the color scheme generally – not this line).
With regard to accessories, the statue comes packaged with a classic style mallet and the standard Black and White Bat-logo base.
The mallet has some nice paint and sculpted details on it which gives it a worn look that fits in nicely.
This is a first edition release f the statue and the border of the base is painted black (as compared to the white border evident in the second edition releases) and is numbered.
A little warning for the inept assembler; I had a bit of a challenge getting the figure’s foot pegs into the holes in the base so I would be careful when doing that.
The mallet needs to be positioned carefully and maintains its relative position courtesy of gravity I guess.
Translation: NO SUDDEN MOVEMENTS or you will have a very, very pretty mound of dirt to sweep up.
AISH! – Factor
You may have noticed a trend with items I procure for my own collection – I am frugal and one of the key factors I consider is of course the price point of my collectibles.
The Batman Black and White statue line generally represents fair value for money for a numbered statue (at least for the first edition versions) made of cold cast porcelain.
I would image that because this is a Harley Quinn statue, the price is slightly higher (because we both know everyone is going to want to buy it) and is currently retailing at anywhere between R 1260 and R 1600 depending on your retailer.
I hazard a guess that due to the general popularity of the character there will eventually be a second edition released- but why risk it?
As a display piece I can’t fault this figure in the least. I have been waiting for this particular statue since it was first announced and I have not been disappointed.
Between the phenomenal sculpt, superb execution and affordable price point this statue rates a pudding infused “AAAAIIIIISSSSHHHH!!!”
IN THE BEGINNING EVERYTHING WAS STRAIGHT FORWARD, BLACK AND WHITE... For reasons I don’t quite understand, the Batman Black and White line of Statues aren’t as big of a “must have item” one most people’s lists. Hopefully by the end of this review I would have changed the mindset of many among you. For anyone who doesn’t know what this product line is about; a few years ago (1996 to be exact) DC Comics published a four issue Mini Series entitled "Batman Black and White". Each of the four issues featured a series of self-contained short-stories, written and drawn by a diverse group of comic artists and writers, who in many cases had previously worked on Batman comics. The beauty of the series was that each story varied in it's setting, tone and of course theme which in turn offered multiple interpretations of Batman – and often his supporting characters in respect of their motivations, relationships and unique idiosyncrasies. Fast forward to about a decade later in 2005 and DC Comics began releasing statues based on the short stories. Like the mini series that inspired them, the statues once again showcased Batman and some of his more memorable character in different art styles. As time went by, the line expanded outside of the stories in the Black and White anthologies to include other works depicting the characters. Against this background; this line would in theory be the quintessential Batman collector’s go-to product as the line showcases the Batman in the art styles of all our favourite artists. Case in point, is today’s topic for discussion, the Lee Bermejo version of Harley Quinn. [caption id="attachment_139302" align="aligncenter" width="667"] Heya Slugger...[/caption] History lesson (and subtle sales pitch) aside, let’s get down to business… Given that this is a statue we will forego the Three A’s and narrow our discussion to the Two A’s (ie Aesthetics and Aish-Factor). At least until I can come up with a witty analytical framework for statues (coming soon I promise!). AESTHETICS Now, as some of you might know, Lee Bermejo’s art style is characterised by a very gritty, hyper realistic and modernised take on characters. As we see in his version of Harley Quinn, Harley is depicted in a "semi-steam punk meets grunge" costume. I would hazard a guess that the DC Cinematic Universe cinematic universe take on the character might have drawn at lest a little inspiration from this version of the character as evidenced by the presence of the belly tattoo. Unfortunately my attempts to research this (ie Google searcehd the shit out of it) were not able to yield any evidence of this so let us just call it a theroy adn move along swiftly. While this sculpt and look for the character are a departure from my preference towards classic looks for characters, I am completely enamored with this version and have no complaints whatsoever. The statue stands at roughly 7.5” (i.e. circa 19 cm) which falls in the golden triangle for me size wise. Once…
Geeky Goods Review: Batman Black and White Statue : Lee Bermejo Harley Quinn
Geeky Goods Review: Batman Black and White Statue : Lee Bermejo Harley Quinn
2016-10-04
Darth Zady Bun
As Clear as Black and White
Total - 9.5
95 9.5
The Batman Black and White line of statues is arguably one of the most representative lines of figures showcasing some of the greatest artists renditions of the Dark Knight and other characters in the Bat-verse.
The Harley Quinn statue, rendered in the art style of fan favorite Lee Bermejo; whose hyper realistic and gritty take on the characters is showcased in this piece is a must have.
Available in stores now. Get it before its gone.
User Rating: 0.6 ( 1 votes)
10
Front Package
Package Reverse
First Glance
Statue Base (Anterior)
Statue Base (Reverse)
Mallet Accessory
Assembled figure
Close up on body detail
Rear View (Haha – Pun!)
Right view
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Darth Zady Bun
Guest Contributor
Zaid is a story teller, traveller, artist, entertainer and comic culture geek of note.
Powered by chocolate, and guided by an ever growing bucket (and collectibles) list, he finances his addiction to geek merchandise, comic books, action figures and all the cold cast porcelain and PVC pieces of heaven he can buy by giving (mostly) legal advice. He is also rumoured to have once eaten an entire pack of Marie Biscuits with a single mug of Five Roses Tea.
Witnesses deny the incident.
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Article Tags: Batman Black and White · Cold Cast Porcelain · Darthzadybun · Dc Collectibles · featured · geeky goods · geeky goods review · harley quinn · Lee Bermejo · review · Statue · Zaid Hassen Motala
Article Categories: Geeky Goods Review