Six years after the movie’s release, Hot Toys continues to release – with great success, I might add – figures from 2005′s Batman Begins. The latest edition, dubbed Batsuit Begins, was originally offered exclusively at 2011 summer conventions, but was later made available to the general public via Sideshow Collectibles. This new 12″ figure captures Christian Bale as Batman, but in a new way not seen in previous Hot Toys Batman releases. While Batman in his regular suit can be displayed, the real draw (for me anyway) is the inclusion of Bruce Wayne’s prototype Batsuit. Not to mention a killer portrait of the actor, Bale.

The base Batsuit outfit is a full-body rubberized getup, similar to that found in the Demon Batman figure, but without the burns/wear. As I’ve said before about these rubber suits, it’s best to keep them concealed in some sort of display case in order to keep the dust away. Once it gets dusty, that stuff just doesn’t want to come off. The rubber suit, as usual, detracts somewhat from the figure’s posability, which has always been one of my big issues with that style. Even still, Batman is allowed enough movement to create a few different display options, and the rubber is sturdy enough that you’re able to push the limits…a bit, anyway…without ripping the suit.

The big draw of this figure, and what makes it worth every penny of the MSRP of $224.99, is the prototype Bat gear and the new likeness of Christian Bale. Hot Toys is known for spot-on portraits with their Movie Masterpiece Series, but this one sets a new standard. The likeness to Christian Bale is uncanny, bursting with realism thanks to the skin tones, eye gloss and facial features. The interchangeable mouth plates that go with the full Batman suit are good, but don’t quite meet up with the Wayne head sculpt’s standard. I’m particularly not fond of the open mouth face – I can chalk this one up as the poorest execution when it comes to this figure. The face plates lodge into the Batmask easily, without too much force and easily removed for alternate display. Going back to the Batsuit, the accessories are what make it so special. Bruce is equipped with two different belts (one for the full gear, one for the prototype), a full harness/belt set, a pair of batarrangs, a hand-held bomb, grapple gun and ninja mask. I found the mask a bit hard to display properly – it tended to bunch up in areas and didn’t like to line up as nicely with the eyes and mouth than I would have liked – so I’ve found it easy to not want to display the figure with this mask on. Once removed, the harness takes a little work to get back on in good order, and with the small, sensitive clips and loops that hold the thing together, it’s best to refrain from removing and replacing it very often. In addition to all the accessories, Bruce comes with a wide array of hands – two fists, two open hands, a right hand to hold a batarang, a right hand to hold the gun and a pair of relaxed hands.

Once again, Hot Toys has delivered an amazing piece from the Nolan Batman universe. While the retail price on this was $224.99, it’s unlikely you’ll find this for less than the $400 range at the moment. Sideshow went through their allotment very fast, so eBay is the best place to hunt them down. Regardless, rest assured that Hot Toys once again lives up to their standards and has created another incredible piece of the DC universe.