C3 Minimates Batglider

The Batglider is in the first wave of C3 construction sets. It is a small set, comprising 69 pieces and 2 Minimates, Stealth Batman and the feisty feline catburgler Catwoman.

As this is a long and picture-intensive review, covering the packaging, the 2 figures and the C3 set itself, you can use the links below to jump to a section.

Packaging | Stealth Batman | Catwoman | Batglider


Packaging

The packaging is a small semi-window box. The Batman logo appears at the top left. The boxart shows off the set and the figures very well in a dynamic action scene. To the right, you can see the Minimates in the window portion of the box. The first figure is totally visable but the second figure only has their head and shoulders shown.



The C3 pieces are all bagged up in the main part of the box, and the Minimates are packaged in a tray on the right hand side. Each figure also have twist-ties holding them in.


The back of the box shows the cross-sell of the other C3 sets and a "technical specification" type drawing to show off the set itself.


The Figures

Stealth Batman

The first figure in this set is a variant of Batman, who appears here in a "Stealth" version. This figure is not to be confused with the Stealth Pilot Batman that came with the 2004 summer exclusive Stealth Batwing. The Stealth Batman is certainly a bigger departure from the traditional look of Batman that we have seen in the C3 sets so far. The main difference is that Stealth Batman has a full-face helmet with night-vision goggles strapped to it, rather than the more usual cowl. It takes a bit of getting used to but I really like the design and think that it makes Stealth Batman stand out from the others. The helmet is removable to reveal a fairly standard Bruce Wayne face with a steely expression.

The costume is superb. The previous Batman Minimates have a simple (and classic) look to them but with Stealth Batman there is a lot more going on, with plenty of molded and painted details. The small yellow and black Batsymbol is surrounded by a buckled harness which the removable cape attaches to at the back. All the buckles and strapping has been painted very well, even at the back which you can only see when the cape is removed. The purple and grey look works well and this Batman will certainly add more colour to your C3 lineup.

Batman comes with a full-sized Batarang and also a black rubber cowl and torso/cape piece (the same as those which came with the Batwing). These extra pieces are more than welcome, and add more playability and value to the set.

Overall, this is a very different Batman Minimate, but one that works well in context. I think he looks great and is a unique and worthwhile addition to this first wave of C3.

MMC Score - 8 out of 10

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Catwoman

The second figure in the set is Catwoman, Selina Kyle. Over the years Catwoman has had a few different costumes, and this one appears to be based on the look she had in the recent "Hush" storyline. The most striking feature of this Minimate is the tinted goggles she has. The goggles are translucent so that her eyes can be seen. This is the first time we have seen a feature like this for the Minimates and it works really well. The cowl is removable as well. Her face has been captured nicely, with big blue eyes and a wicked smile.

The costume is a very simple and sleek black with silver trim which looks superb. The paint and detailing are simple but effective. The gloves are rubber but seem made of harder rubber than the Batman or Robin Minimates in the Mini Batbobile set. They also are sculpted with claws on them. The claws could have been made bigger but that's a small quibble.

Catwoman comes with some great accessories. First, to cement her status as Gotham's premier catburgler, is a bag of money. The top of the bag can be raised up to allow it to fit in Catwoman's hand. Catwoman also has a grappling hook, which, while it looks cool, could have been done better by having a longer rope and making the end attach to something - have it attached to an extra glove piece or something. As it is, it's not very useful. Finally, Catwoman has a whip. Oh yes. She holds it well and it's long enough to be useful without being too long to unbalance her.

Overall, Catwoman is a fantastic Minimate, well-executed with a load of accessories. One of the best C3 figures so far.

MMC Score - 9 out of 10

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The Construction Set

Batglider


The C3 construction set is the Batglider. The instructions for the Batglider are quite clear, and the set was fun to put together, I especially liked the fact that you make the central part and then the wings and snap it all together at the end.

The batglider is the usual black and blue colouring that all Batman equipment has to have, but has some nice yellow "hazard" detailing too. It's also in a vague bat shape like the Batwing. Obviously it's designed for Stealth Batman to use (and looks great with him in it) but any Minimate will fit into the "flight control system". It's a nice size compared to the scale of the Minimates, larger than I thought it would be.

The gimmick of the Batglider is the tremendous amount of articulation the wings have. There are pivots, hinges and flaps galore which add a lot to both the look of the set and the playability. The Glider can go from a dormant position (where it can rest easily on a flat surface with no problems) to full wingspan in a few twists and turns. There are also two movable turbines which spin freely.

Overall, this set is a real winner. The 2 Minimates are fantastic and the C3 set isn't bad either. For the price this is highly recommended.

MMC Score - 7 out of 10

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