On March 2, 2022, we are getting yet another reboot of Batman. This time, the film will star twinkling vampire, Robert Pattinson. There are too many Batmans in the movies right now. Pattinson debuts in The Batman as both Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton return to the role in the Flash movie. I am trying to remain cautiously optimistic about Pattinson’s film. The trailer looks good. However, one aspect that left me a little wanting was the Batmobile. It looks like it belongs in the Fast and the Furious. There is nothing “Batmobile” about it. The LEGO® Group offered me the brick-model of The Batman – Batmobile, so I decided to take a closer look.
NOTE: The LEGO® Group provided this set for review. However, the provision of products does not guarantee a favorable review. True North Bricks’ usual rating system applies (click here for more information).
THE BATMAN – BATMOBILE SUMMARY
- NAME: The Batman – Batmobile
- SET #: 42127
- THEME: Technic
- COST: $129.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 1360
- MINIFIGURES: None
- RELEASE DATE: November 1, 2021
THE BATMAN – BATMOBILE QUICK REVIEW
- VALUE: 97% (Excellent cost-per-brick and loads of build time.)
- BUILD: 90% (Interesting build and part selection.)
- MINIFIGURES: N/A
- ENTERTAINMENT: 90% (It’s a nice LEGO® set, but a Batmobile it is not.)
- OVERALL SCORE: 92% (Very good set.)
THE BATMAN – BATMOBILE REVIEW
VALUE: 97%
The Batmobile costs $129.99 in Canada. Additionally, it consists of 1360 pieces. The resulting cost-per-brick works out to $0.10. I have never reviewed a Technic set before, as such I do not have any theme specific comparisons to make. However, if we compare this cost-per-brick to LEGO® sets in general, The Batmobile comes at an excellent value. I rate the cost-per-brick at 93%.
I built the Batmobile in six hours and 14 minutes (374 minutes total). Consequently, the cost-per-minute of build time was $0.35. The True North Bricks average across all LEGO® themes is $0.85. As such, the Batmobile gives you a lot of build time for the price. So much so, that I rate the cost-per-minute at 100%. Averaging this with the cost-per-brick score gives an overall value rating of 97%.
BUILD: 90%
This was my first Technic set. Interestingly, compared to System sets of a similar size, this one took me over an hour and a half more to build. Perhaps this relates to my inexperience with the theme. Though, many System builds incorporate Technic these days. That is particularly true of 18+ sets. However, I found the Batmobile build more challenging in places than a System build. I occasionally placed pins in incorrect holes, requiring me to go back and redo small sections here and there. I found the instructions a little harder to follow. That is not a complaint, because I rather enjoyed this build. It is just an observation.
In terms of new build techniques, I learned some new Technic skills. Keep in mind, this was my first official Technic set. However, for my first build in the theme, I expected to pick up more. I suppose this comes back to the idea that many 18+ sets rely heavily on Technic these days. Through advanced, regular System sets, I already have the basics for Technic building down. As such, I imagine an avid fan of the Technic theme will not pick up much in the way of new build techniques. The brick selection is nice though. The set includes a number of parts that are immediately recyclable for custom builds if the need arises.
The Batmobile features two light bricks.
The model has a number of interesting features. Firstly, all the wheels turn, and the front wheels rotate to change the direction of the car, as you would expect. Unfortunately, the steering wheel does not connect to them in any way though. Rotating a gear on the roof of the car causes the wheels to turn. Pressing on the same gear illuminates one of two light-bricks inside the car. Specifically, it lights up the rear engine light. A lever between the seats inside the car causes the second light to illuminate the front hood area of the car. On top of that, the car doors open, and the front hoods opens. Finally, the flames spewing from the rear exhaust rotate as the car rolls along, while the pistons in the engine rise and fall (see video below).
One issue that I have with this model is the lack of a windshield and door windows. I understand that is a regular feature with Technic sets. However, Creator Expert (18+) will always win out with me for that reason. This Batmobile looks nice, but Technic alone cannot achieve the smooth lines that SNOT techniques with the regular LEGO® System can. The 1989 Batmobile is a more impressive build that this one for that reason. The 1989 Batmobile also shows that a lot of functionality is achievable when combining System and Technic. However, those complaints are largely personal preference and not issues with the build itself. I rate this model at 90%.
ENTERTAINMENT: 90%
I enjoyed this build as a LEGO® set. However, it confirmed my opinion of it as a Batmobile. This looks like a regular car with flames added for good measure. The car has nothing that hints “Batman”. Is that the LEGO® Group’s fault? Not at all. They designed a nice Technic kit based on the source material. Will I keep this built? Probably. It will sit next to the 1989 Batmobile and the Tumbler (when I finally get one). I do not like this car as a Batmobile, but I do like it as a regular LEGO® set. Since my issue with it is not the fault of the LEGO® Group, I will still rate the entertainment at 90%. I cannot give it higher because of my misgivings of it as the Batmobile. It will look a little out of place next to other Batmobiles.
OVERALL SCORE: 92%
The Batmobile comes at an excellent value. You get a great number of Technic bricks for the price, and a lot of build time. Additionally, the car features a nice design with a lot of functionality. However, I still wish this had been regular LEGO® System set. Personally, I prefer the more complete and sleeker look of Creator Expert cars. There are no window elements on this car. Technic bricks also give the car an unfinished, scrapyard look. My final issue is in calling this a Batmobile. However, that has nothing to do with the LEGO® Group. I do not care if Pattinson’s Batman is early in his career, or if driving a normal looking car is more believable. I want a car that screams “Batman” on screen. This one is more Fast and Furious. With that said, taken as a LEGO® kit, it is six hours well spent.
How do you feel about The Batman – Batmobile? Do you like this car as a Batmobile? Feel free to comment below or reach out on social media.
Until next time,
-Tom
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