In 2015, NECA released an absolutely stellar Batman Returns – 1/4 Scale Penguin Figure. The figure was based on the Penguin as he appeared earlier in the film, in his ripped pajamas, with a jacket and hat. Many fans, though, wanted the figure to be more in line with the Mayor version of the Penguin. Now those fans have their wish with the release of the Batman Returns – 1/4 Scale Mayoral Penguin from NECA. This version of the figure portrays Penguin from later in the film, complete with suit, new coat, top hat and more. We have this figure via Toyark sponsor Dorkside Toys. Read on for our gallery and full review.
Related Dorkside Toys Links: Mayoral Penguin, 1989 Batman, Arkham City Harley Quinn
Batman Returns – 1/4 Scale Mayoral Penguin
Pros
- Great overall appearance
- Excellent new head sculpt
- Paint application is very well done
- New coat and fabric pants are a nice touch
- Full pajama sculpt under the new outfit
- Redone monocle fits even better
Cons
- Hips a little too tight to move
- Paint chipping on the hands
Overall
The new Mayoral Penguin comes packed in a box reminiscent of the previous release. It features the same Batman Returns winter themed designs, with new character art and an updated design on the back of the box. Penguin is held onto the cardboard backer with a few twist ties, and the accessories are packed in a tray on the side. The jacket is packed in its own plastic bag behind the figure. One the cardboard tray is a Cobblepot For Mayor poster that can be cut out and displayed.
The Penguin includes a fabric jacket, a removable top hat, monocle, cigarette, half eaten fish and an interchangeable right hand to hold the fish. The pieces are all easy to add or remove. The monocle was reworked a bit. Instead of a peg coming from the lens, the peg is now part of the frame. A small, but worthwhile change as the transparent lens is now completely unobstructed. These accessories mean you can display the figure in a number of ways, one of which is pretty surprising. The fabric jacket is removable, so you can display him with our without that as well as with or without the cigarette, monocle and top hat. What I wasn’t expecting was that the fabric pants are removable to reveal the complete original Penguin “pajama” sculpt underneath. With a little work, you could even remove the vinyl vest (I did not) and have a completely different figure. It’s a creative way to release the figure and give a little extra display option to fans.
Penguin remains an excellent overall 1/4 figure. The original was a standout in the 1/4 scale line, and the Mayoral Penguin is as well. There are a few minor issues, though. The hips are far tighter than the originals, and I could barely move them. Also, there is paint chipping on the pegs for the glossy hands, especially when removing the hands to swap them out. That’s about it though. The new head sculpt is every bit as impressive as the previous one. The likeness to Danny DeVito’s portrayal of the Penguin is spot on. The use of real hair and the paint application just add to the realism. The new coat looks good on the figure and does not restrict the arm articulation. The fabric pants are a nice thin material, allowing for full range of motion in the legs and torso. The figure already looks great next tot he 1989 Batman and is going to be an absolute must to display with the upcoming Catwoman.
Check out some highlight photos below and the full gallery after that.
