McFarlane Toys has been expanding its DC Multiverse line with increasingly ambitious vehicles, and their latest, the GameStop-exclusive Batman Returns: The Duck with the Penguin set, is certainly one of the largest, and perhaps one of the coolest. But at an eye-watering $99.99, does this Duck Mobile deliver on the promise of its size and price tag?
I took a close look at this massive vehicle and its included Penguin figure to see if it lives up to the hype, or if collectors should beware of its sticky situation.
The Vehicle: Awesome… If the Paint Dried
There’s no doubt that the Duck itself is an impressive piece of plastic. It’s hefty, it looks fantastic, and the wheels roll extremely well, allowing the vehicle to glide smoothly across a surface. Inside, there’s a good amount of detail with two sets of seats, a small steering wheel, and a gear shift, details that the I didn’t expect to see!
However, the major issue, and it’s a big one, is the paint application designed to give the duck a grimy, “grunge” look. The black wash used for this effect was tacky and wet, easily coming off on my fingers. This isn’t just a one-off issue; as noted, other collectors in the community have reported the same problem. For a high-end, $100 collector’s piece, having the paint literally wipe off upon unboxing is “very disappointing.”
The Penguin: A Necessary Update
The included Penguin figure is a slightly different sculpt from the previously released single-carded figure. While the head sculpt, coat, and hands appear similar to the first release, everything else is new, the legs, torso, and other details are brand new sculpts. This ensures the figure is appropriately scaled and designed to fit inside his bizarre mode of transportation.
Articulation and Accessories
- Articulation: The figure has the standard McFarlane articulation, including a good range of movement in the arms, legs, and a full 360-degree spin at the head and waist. The knees and hips are a bit restricted, likely due to the character’s “short, chubby, hunchback” build.
- The Hands: A notable point of discussion is the hands. They are, in fact, the character’s signature flippers, confirming that McFarlane successfully captured this key detail.
- Accessories: The set comes with a display card featuring artwork from the back of the box (not a photo of the toy) and a standard DC Multiverse display base for the Penguin figure to stand on outside the vehicle.
Riding in the Duck Mobile
Getting the Penguin into the vehicle is a bit of a mixed bag. He doesn’t quite “sit” well due to the stiff, vinyl-like material used on his crotch area. He ends up more “in there” than actually sitting, making it difficult to pose him fully engaging with the steering wheel or gear shift.
Another minor letdown is the lack of movement on the doors (or wings). They are static, meaning you can’t hinge them up for the Penguin to get in and out, which “could have put just one hinge right here and let the door slide up.”
Final Thoughts: A Great Sculpt Hindered by Poor Quality Control
The McFarlane Toys Duck with the Penguin set is an undeniably cool concept and a great companion piece for the ’89 Batmobile (the vehicles look fantastic displayed together). The size and sculpt of the Duck Mobile are top-tier, and the updated Penguin figure is a great addition.
However, the tacky paint job on the vehicle is a serious quality control issue that detracts from the overall experience and value. While I ultimately won’t be sending it back, collectors should proceed with caution and be prepared to handle a vehicle that may still be tacky right out of the box.
Is it worth the money? As a stunning display piece, yes, if you can overlook the paint. As a toy you want to handle and play with? Maybe wait for a solution to the sticky situation.
Did you pick up this massive set? What are your thoughts on the quality of the paint application?
