Monday, December 12, 2016

Ode To A "Meh" Subject: Hallmark's 2016 Batmobile Ornament Is Predictibly Underwhelming!


The Good: Good basic sculpt and coloring, Tires move!
The Bad: Seems expensive, Very simplistic coloring, Very basic sculpt
The Basics: The 2016 Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice Batmobile ornament by Hallmark recreates one of the least-interesting Batmobiles in an utterly unremarkable way.


One of the few bits of merchandising surrounding this year's Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice that actually surprised me was any recreation of the Batmobile. The Batmobile in the latest cinematic rendition of Batman was so underused as to be comparatively invisible within the overall narrative. So, I was reasonably surprised when Hallmark bothered with an ornament version of the Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice Batmobile. In some ways, it seems like Hallmark only paid lip service to the vehicle - much the way the film did - in its simplistic sculpt and coloring of Batman's transport.

For those unfamiliar with the film, Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice (reviewed here!), found Bruce Wayne being used by Lex Luthor to villify Superman following the destruction in Metropolis. Very briefly in the film, Batman confronts Superman while in the Batmobile - Superman in fact rather handily tears apart the canopy of the Batmobile to get to Batman. The 2016 Batman film ornament is the Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice Batmobile in the most basic sculpt and coloring for the vehicle.

Basics

The Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice Batmobile ornament features just the Batmobile, without any characters evident in it. The simple ornament is cast in glossy black metal and measures 4 1/4” long by 2 1/4" wide by 1 1/4” tall. Even without a sound or light feature, the 2016 Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice Batmobile ornament commanded a $17.95 initial price, which seemed especially expensive for the simplistic ornament.

The Hallmark “Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice Batmobile” ornament is very basically cast in black metal. It includes the Batmobile’s flattened fins on the top, rounded cockpit and very wide, stable-looking form. The Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice Batmobile ornament is very simplistic, though it does have the front guns molded on and the wheels do move. The finest detail on the ornament, arguably, are the treads on the tires. The rest of the sculpt lacks any genuine nuance or detail to it.

The coloring of the Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice Batmobile ornament is incredibly simplistic. While there are little red and yellow dots painted on for the headlights and supplemental lights, the rest of the ornament is just black. The Batmobile is comparatively clean, without any weathering or damage to it to make it look like Batman has actually used it to fight crime. The simplistic, homogeneous coloring is unfortunately underwhelming.

Features

Unlike most Hallmark Keepsake ornaments, the 2016 “Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice Batmobile” has no light or sound effect, just moveable tires. There is nothing special about this Batmobile, which is unfortunate as it commands a similar price to prior Batmobiles that did have light or sound functions for them!

Balance

As with all ornaments, the intent of the Hallmark Keepsake “Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice Batmobile” ornament is to be hung on a Christmas Tree. And for those creating the ultimate DC Comics-themed Christmas Tree, the “Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice Batmobile” ornament is an underwhelming addition. The ornament has a steel hook loop embedded into the top of the Batmobile, right atop the canopy. The loop's location is fairly obvious given it is on top of the vehicle and it is necessary for the ornament. The “Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice Batmobile” ornament is well-balanced from that location. The vehicle is supposed to be level and it is properly balanced to pull that off.

Collectibility

Hallmark Keepsake began delving into the collectibles market in 1991 with Star Trek when it introduced the exceptionally limited edition original U.S.S. Enterprise ornament (reviewed here!). Within a few years, virtually every classic film franchise, persona, and pop culture icon jumped on the bandwagon and began merchandising with Hallmark as well. Classic properties like Marilyn Monroe, The Wizard Of Oz and both Marvel and DC Comics have been made into Hallmark Keepsake Christmas ornaments. The “Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice Batmobile” is one of five DC Comicsa ornaments on the market in 2016. Fans of the film do not seem to be finding this ornament irresistible, as it appears perfectly available at every Hallmark Keepsake store I have been to since it was released in October. Given how little the Batmobile was actually used in Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice, the odds are that even after the holidays it will be a poor investment piece.

Overview

Fans of Batman, Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice, Batmobiles and Hallmark ornaments are likely to find the Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice Batmobile ornament simplistic and expensive for its price. The ornament is not exciting and recreates one of the least-distinctive Batmobiles to ever grace the screen.

For other DC Universe Hallmark ornaments, please check out my reviews of:
2016 Supergirl DC SuperHero Girls ornament
2016 Wonder Woman Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice ornament
2015 Lynda Carter As Wonder Woman
2014 Bane The Dark Knight Rises (Limited Edition)
2014 1989 Batmobile
2014 Defender Of Mankind Superman
2013 Man Of Steel
2013 Descending Upon Gotham City Batman ornament
2012 The Bat The Dark Knight Rises Limited Edition Ornament
2012 Catwoman ornament
2012 "Beware My Power" Green Lantern ornament
2012 The Dark Knight Rises
2011 Batman Takes Flight
2011 Green Lantern
2010 Limited Edition Harley Quinn
2009 Wonder Woman ornament

3.5/10

For other ornament reviews, please visit my Ornament Review Index Page for an organized listing!

© 2016 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.
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