Merchandise: 1992 Kenner Catalog Batman Returns

Kenner released many catalogs over the years showcasing their products for retailers at Toy Fair. The Dark Knight Collection and Batman Returns lines featured heavily in these catalogs from 1990-1993. Today's post covers the debut of the Batman Returns line in the 1992 Kenner catalog. Most everything you see here made it to stores basically unchanged from these initial prototypes... With the notable exceptions being Bruce Wayne's funky turtleneck and the obviously kit-bashed Firebolt Batman.

Video Feature: "A Hero In Black" TV Spot (Full Version)

The full version of the "Hero in Black" TV Spot that I posted previously. While the quality isn't as nice as the other upload (which can still be seen HERE), this one includes the first few seconds missing from the other.

Vintage Magazine Article: "MAD Magazine" September 1989

The "Battyman" parody from issue #289 of MAD magazine... I freely admit that this seemed a lot funnier when I was 11. :)

Video Feature: Toy Biz Batman Movie Toys Commercial

Commercial for the Toy Biz Batman movie toy line. This commercial focuses on Batman, Joker, Bob the Goon, the Batmobile & Batwing vehicles, and the Batcave playset.

Video Feature: Teaser Trailer

In order to silence the fears of both studio execs and fans, this trailer was hastily put together and sent to theaters to give a feel for what the 1989 Batman film would be like. It was an enormous success and moved anticipation for the film into a high gear. Videocassettes of the trailer became hot items at convention circuits, and many fans were buying tickets for movies just to see the trailer (and then promptly walking out when it was over). Though discussed at length in the Batman anthology DVD special features, this trailer is strangely nowhere to be found in that set or on the Blu-ray re-release.

Merchandise: 1991 Kenner Catalog The Dark Knight Collection

Kenner released many catalogs over the years showcasing their products for retailers at Toy Fair. The Dark Knight Collection and Batman Returns lines featured heavily in these catalogs from 1990-1993. Today's post covers the Dark Knight Collection's second outing in the 1991 Kenner catalog. This year featured many items that wouldn't see release in the DKC line, including the Batcave, Batman's Street Jet, and the Jokermobile.

Merchandise Preview: Hot Toys DX14 Jack Nicholson Joker (Mime Version) 12" Figure

Hot Toys announced yesterday that a new Jack Nicholson Joker 12" figure is on the way... This time recreating his "Mime" look from the confrontation outside of Gotham City Hall!



































The figure is available for preorder now with an MSRP of $229.99 and a release slated for December 2013 (though don't bank on that with Hot Toys penchant for missing projected shipping dates). I've always had great experiences with Sideshow Collectibles... You can order it from them by clicking HERE.

Vintage Magazine Article: "The Toy Book" February 1992

The February 1992 issue of the toy industry magazine "The Toy Book" features 2 articles focusing on Kenner's Batman Returns line. The first bit is part of the Licensing Limelight section and details the retail strength of Batman Returns and... Steve Urkel!?!



Batman Returns pops up again in this issue in an article highlighting Kenner's strong new licenses for the year: Batman Returns & Terminator (I just scanned the bits about Batman here).