This post has been simmering for a long time. Back in November, I purchased this huge 1/4 scale Batman figure from Big Bad Toy Store as soon as it went on sale. When I opened the box, I was ecstatic! The Adam West likeness is incredible, and the figure stands at over 18″ tall — this is a beast. I laboriously freed Batman from his cardboard confines by untwisting multiple wire ties, and molded plastic, but mark my words, this thing should have come in a box labeled “Fra-jee-lay.” I went to pose the figure by bending his leg at the knee, and SNAP — instant amputation. Fuuuuuuuuudge! (Hey, look — two Christmas Story references in one paragraph — and it’s May!).
This was an absolute gut punch. I had waited and waited to buy this figure at a price that wasn’t too crazy, and then this happened. Prior to making the purchase, I had seen the figure in action in online videos, and was so excited to add it to my collection, but after applying the slightest bit of pressure, the knee just snapped off. I’ve never bought one of these large scale figure before, so this was definitely an unpleasant surprise. A quick search later told me that submerging joints in boiling water is a good solution for overcoming the sticking problem. I guess the paint acts like a glue making these figures statues rather than articulated figures.
Maybe NECA should have included a note about heating up the joints on the box or in the non-existent instructions. Bah, who am I kidding — an “action” figure shouldn’t need instructions.
Totally deflated, I packed up the figure and returned it. First, I tried to contact NECA since this seemed like a manufacturing defect, but they were no help. Luckily, Big Bad Toy Store did me justice and sent me a replacement free of charge. This new figure sat unopened for months because I was still bummed over the original experience. Well, I finally got around to opening it and you can bet I boiled those joints this time around.
I spooned hot water over each joint until they moved fairly well. One of the biceps still isn’t turning, and it seems like an internal part might just be twisting rather than rotating like the other one, but I just can’t bring myself to force it any further.
When all is said and done, I really do love the look of this figure, but it doesn’t stand well on its own so I’m going to have to rig up some support mechanism to keep it from falling over and crushing everything around it. Will I buy another one of these large scale NECA figures? Maybe. The figure really does look great, just don’t try to move it. I’m a glutton for punishment because I still really want to get the 1989 Michael Keaton version
But come on, how can you not like the looks of this guy?
Dang! That suck Brian but at lest you got a replacement one.
Glad to hear BBTS stood behind the product and replaced it. That would have been a tough gut shot to recover from!
Im so glad you got a replacement figure. I love mine as well. Ive kept him in his box for the time being. I have taken him out and I noticed the limbs were rather tight. When I’m ready to display him I’ll probably do the boiling water trick too.
Are you planning on getting Robin? I may if I can find one for a good price.
Robin’s going to have to be on a steep discount before I pick him up. There aren’t too many Robins in my collection, but it would be nice to have the pair.
Brian,
Great post. I love the Neca 1966 Batman but you’re right he is difficult to balance on his own. I’ve found that a metal doll stand (available at most arts & crafts stores) works best. I also have the Robin. Here’s a link to a photo of both with the 1966 Batmobile in front of them. https://www.facebook.com/PopsicArtShop/photos/pb.139322982744896.-2207520000.1430938495./919157044761482/?type=3&theater
Not pictured is the 89 Keaton, which is equally as amazing! I’ve also pre-ordered the Neca Batman Returns Penguin, which should be out shortly.
Josh
Nice! Those two really do look good together. I’m going to have to get one of those doll stands — I wasn’t sure they could handle the weight of this figure, but it looks like it’s holding up alright in your photo.
Man, same exact thing happened on mine, same leg too. I had it on a low bookshelf, after one day of owning it, I came home from work to find it had landed on the couch and rolled onto the floor, snapping the lower leg off. Those joints are weak sauce. I Gorilla Glued the leg on (the sculpt on the kneecap does a nice job of concealing it).
But an amazing looking figure. Though I can’t put it in any pose beyond the one it came packaged in since the joints are super tight.
I can attest to the fact that the hot water treatment does work. I practiced on the figure I returned, and it also (mostly) worked on the replacement, so if you want to pose yours, give it a shot — but I think that gorilla glued leg ain’t bending anytime soon!
Hi,
My batman figure broke on the hip. It’s too late for replacement for me. I am however hoping that I can find someone willing to part ways with their broken Adam West figure so that I can use their hip joint parts to fix my batman.
By any chance you still kept your broken Batman and willing to part ways with it?
Thanks!
Sorry, but I sent my broken one back for a replacement, but it sounds like there may be some other broken ones out there!
He’s a fine looking figure Brian. It’s good to hear that BBTS replaced the broken one.
I have to say, this is one reason I’m starting to shy away from more articulated figures. I had a couple Star Wars Black 6″ figures that had joints that just wouldn’t move until I applied some heat to them. Even then, I was a bit concerned about breaking the joint.
I think I might stick with 5-8 POA these days.
Hi, Guys. regarding the Batman Adam West 1 / 4 scale figure. Every one on You Tube that has done a review on the figure, said to use a hair dryer on the joints,.This will help to loosen them, making it easier to move the joints for posing. Honestly, guys. Just gently pose his arms and cape, put him on a, 20 to 22 inch doll stand, found on ebay or amazon and then leave the figure be. Also, I strongly suggest, leaving the accessories in the box, to [flimsy] they will break. Hope this helps. Thanks, Steven. 6 – 28 – 15 .