Review: 76224 Batmobile: Batman vs. The Joker Chase
Posted by CapnRex101,76252 Batcave - Shadow Box includes a superb rendition of the celebrated Batmobile from Tim Burton's movies. Of course, the Batcave is quite expensive, but fortunately an equally satisfying model is available in 76224 Batmobile: Batman vs. The Joker Chase.
Although outwardly similar to the Batmobile which accompanies the Batcave, this version is surprisingly unique and arguably surpasses the other model in some respects. Furthermore, the minifigures are enticing, despite their repetition between this set and the similarly-named 76265 Batwing: Batman vs. The Joker.
Summary
76224 Batmobile: Batman vs. The Joker Chase, 438 pieces.
£42.99 / $47.99 / €47.99 | 9.8p/11.0c/11.0c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Although expensive, the long-awaited minifigure-scale 1989 Batmobile is marvellous
- Satisfies a long-held desire
- Remarkably accurate design
- Detailed interior
- Good functions
- Imperfect tail fins
- Relatively expensive
- A missed chance to include Bob
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
In addition to the Batmobile itself, 76252 Batcave - Shadow Box introduces an updated cowl for Batman, integrating dual-moulded lenses. Even though its shape is not directly inspired by the distinctive 1989 cowl, I like this element, which could be used for many iterations of the Caped Crusader. The defined ridges above the eyes appear particularly effective.
Batman's torso is based upon the 1989 movie, so displays the appropriate symbol and includes a golden belt, corresponding with the Batsuit onscreen. The metallic accents across the belt are appealing and the muscle definition is accurate to the film too. Moreover, the soft fabric cape fits comfortably into the Batmobile's cockpit, but does not hang as neatly as I would like otherwise.
The dual-moulded cowl means Batman's head no longer needs a white band to form the eyes. A more versatile double-sided head is therefore found underneath, although there is no hair piece. Exactly the same minifigure appears in 76265 Batwing: Batman vs. The Joker, but this grapnel launcher is unique, cleverly constructed from a variety of small parts.
Batman is bound to appear with the Batmobile, but repeating the Joker between this set and 76265 Batwing: Batman vs. The Joker is not ideal. However, this version of the villain includes an exclusive green hairstyle, rather than a purple hat, which looks absolutely fantastic. LEGO fans have often suggested this piece for the Joker and it works perfectly, as expected.
I think the Joker's grinning face looks good too, albeit inaccurate to Jack Nicholson's portrayal. The minifigure from 76139 1989 Batmobile was far more successful in that regard. The orange shirt, teal waistcoat and purple jacket, on the other hand, are faithful to the movie, alongside the lavender gloves. Printed legs would have been wonderful, but undecorated purple legs suffice.
The Completed Model
Among the countless Batmobiles featured in comics, video games, films and television series, the vehicle from Tim Burton's movies is widely considered the most iconic. Its unique silhouette is immediately recognisable in LEGO form and I love the sleek bodywork of this model, which mostly eschews exposed studs in favour of curved slopes and tiles.
The proportions of the vehicle are similarly accurate and identical to the Batmobile from 76252 Batcave - Shadow Box, shown on the right below. Both models measure nearly 24cm in length and their shapes are essentially the same as well, especially between the nose and the cockpit, where the two are almost indistinguishable.
Even so, their construction differs remarkably. The below pages from the instruction manuals show roughly the same stage. The order of assembly varies, but more notable is the relatively spacious cockpit on this model, as well as the widths of the two Batmobiles' chassis. Both were designed by Adam Grabowski, who ascribes these changes to the Batmobile from the Batcave needing to be exactly ten studs wide, thus passing easily through the garage door.
The outward differences are most obvious near the back, where the tail fins are attached at an angle using clips in 76252 Batcave - Shadow Box, but not in 76224 Batmobile: Batman vs. The Joker Chase. While the angled position is more accurate to the films, the simpler design is more rigid and therefore suitable for play.
40433 1989 Batmobile - Limited Edition was released as a promotional set in 2019 and the nose of the Batmobile has remained substantively identical since then. The use of 1x8 curved slopes as wheel arches is effective and I like the central turbine, which integrates a wheel hub to good effect. The essential trans-yellow headlights also look superb.
The hollow sections on either side of the Batmobile include light bluish grey and metallic silver pieces, which are more obvious here than on the vehicle in 76252 Batcave - Shadow Box. The bulbous intakes behind these silver details are different as well and I think these curved window frames look fantastic, with lattices providing texture inside.
Studs are noticeably concentrated above these intakes, where a pair of 2x6 wedge plates are placed. Turning a Technic gear on the side of the Batmobile will reveal two machine guns from beneath the wedge plates, which pop off like the panels covering these weapons onscreen. The gear is very conspicuous, but excusably so on a play model and I love this function.
A new 2x4 windscreen was introduced in 2022 and suits this vehicle brilliantly, in combination with trans-black panels forming the sides of the canopy. There is ample space for Batman and various stickered consoles inside, as well as an unusual steering wheel, represented by a small wheel hub, which works well.
The roof of the cockpit is also slightly elongated, compared with the other Batmobile, which is more faithful to the source material. Additionally, the scalloped edges of the tail fins look lovely and their general shape is attractive, even though the fins would ideally be angled more steeply for complete accuracy, as mentioned above.
Like the other Batmobile, the back wheels are linked to the exhaust flame, so the flame rotates as the vehicle moves. However, the opening storage compartment is a new addition, as are the stickered exhaust vents on top. These correspond with the onscreen Batmobile and I appreciate the space for accessories underneath the vents, including a Batarang and a pair of handcuffs.
Overall
LEGO fans have expressed their wish for a minifigure-scale 1989 Batmobile since 2006, when the Batman theme was launched. The promotional design from 2019 was satisfying, but 76224 Batmobile: Batman vs. The Joker Chase is much more affordable and even more accurate to its esteemed source material! The sleek bodywork is beautiful and I am pleased with the detail as well, particularly inside and around the cockpit.
The price of £42.99, $47.99 or €47.99 is an interesting topic. That feels rather expensive for the size of the model, but there has been such demand for the 1989 Batmobile and this rendition is sufficiently impressive that I consider it a worthwhile purchase. In fact, the minifigures are really the only area for improvement as Bob, the Joker's memorable henchman, could have appeared at last.
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42 comments on this article
So glad they made this set and include the Michael Keaton minifigure since I didn’t get the 40433 1989 Batmobile Limited Edition that was a GWP for the $250 76139. This is a fantastic design and looks like a fun and interesting build.
It's the car, right? Chicks dig the car.
I wonder how similar this is to the Batmobile present in the shadow box set.
@PixelTheDragon said:
"I wonder how similar this is to the Batmobile present in the shadow box set. "
This is covered in the review.
Good sets, good figs, poor duplication (of all of it)!
This set has gotta be one of the weirdest of all time. Same figs, same car, different avenues to get them. I guess that's good?
Never paid more than $30 for a Batmobile and I never will. I’ll wait for a heavy sale.
YES! Still bitter the UCS Batwing didn't have Bob!
Both these new sets just have Batman and Joker. Lame!
@PixelTheDragon said:
"I wonder how similar this is to the Batmobile present in the shadow box set. "
Is this meant to be a joke? Because the article mentions several times about the comparisons.
@capnrex101
Batman theme was launched in 2006, not 2008 btw. But thanks for the deep review!
I really wish they’d go for more of the justice league then just remaking some of the same things over and over.
But how does it look next to the BTTF car?
@LegoBoi69 said:
"Sorry but who's Bob?"
He let the Joker borrow his gun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXW4nji37-4
It does look excellent. But yep, shame not to have a different bad guy, or include a 1989 henchman if it really needed to be consistent with the movie.
@LegoBoi69 said:
"Sorry but who's Bob?"
The Joker's "number one guy" from the 1989 movie.
I like how pristine it looks in the photos without the smudge & dust.
@LegoBoi69 said:
"Sorry but who's Bob?"
The Joker's number one guy
This version of the batmobile looks very similar to the one from that box thingey a few months back.
@LegoBoi69 said:
"Sorry but who's Bob?"
https://youtu.be/VEQriHQpJFQ
I say it as a random owner of 40433 - This (76224) version blows it out of the water! So much better, and much more affordable. I'm happy for those who waited and can now get the 1989 version.
I’m torn on my best response:
A) This one could have benefitted from an included, rectangularish garage.
B) It’s a carrying handle.
C) Does anyone know how different this one is from the Batcave?
@elangab said:
"I say it as a random owner of 40433 - This (76224) version blows it out of the water! So much better, and much more affordable. I'm happy for those who waited and can now get the 1989 version."
Concur. I sold my 40433 a few weeks ago. The proceeds will cover exactly 25% of the 76252 (which I do like and will buy eventually).
Don’t normally chip in the price ££ debate, but just for comparison, you can Bricklink 40433 for just over £30 (+ postage) and you can pick up an after market sticker for a few quid as well.
I'm not sure if you were referring to Jack Nicholson's portrayal of the Joker specifically, but this hairpiece has already been used on a Joker minifig in the DC CMF line 71026-13
Glad the 1989 Batmobile is finally its own retail set! I'm surprised at the differences to the Shadow Box version but happy they aren't exactly the same. I don't think the price is awful, but not getting one or two more minifigures for $48 is kind of ridiculous. And what's up with the complete lack of accessories for the Joker in all of these new Batman sets?
@Binary_Code said:
"I'm not sure if you were referring to Jack Nicholson's portrayal of the Joker specifically, but this hairpiece has already been used on a Joker minifig in the DC CMF line 71026-13"
True, but that's the Frank Miller Joker who murdered David Letterman. (No, really.)
Is nobody reading the actual review? There’ have been a few comments that mention it being like the one from the Shadow Box, which is covered fully in the review.
@monkyby87 said:
"Is nobody reading the actual review? There’ have been a few comments that mention it being like the one from the Shadow Box, which is covered fully in the review. "
Sorry, it had become funny at that point but I forgot to include a smiley.
@yellowcastle said:
" @monkyby87 said:
"Is nobody reading the actual review? There’ have been a few comments that mention it being like the one from the Shadow Box, which is covered fully in the review. "
Sorry, it had become funny at that point but I forgot to include a smiley.
"
That’s all very well but how does it compare to the Shadow Box version?
@ShinyBidoof said:
" @yellowcastle said:
" @monkyby87 said:
"Is nobody reading the actual review? There’ have been a few comments that mention it being like the one from the Shadow Box, which is covered fully in the review. "
Sorry, it had become funny at that point but I forgot to include a smiley.
"
That’s all very well but how does it compare to the Shadow Box version?
"
I think we all want, indeed need, an answer to this question.
I own 40433 and 76139 but don't plan to get 76252, so I compared the instructions to this version on Monday, thinking it would be fairly simple to modify one of 76224 into the version from 76252 as I prefer the tail fins on the latter. I was surprised by how different some sections of the two models are. I will likely just stick one copy of this as I don't think I need three minifig-scale versions of this vehicle, but if someone wants to convince me otherwise and create a parts list for the modifications, go right ahead!
What about Bob?
I'd rather have Vicki Vale or Batman Returns Catwoman with full costume printing.
I'm happy I didn't hunt for the GWP version as I like this version more.
Thanks for the review and comparing this one to the Batmobile in the Shadowbox.
@Binary_Code said:
"I'm not sure if you were referring to Jack Nicholson's portrayal of the Joker specifically, but this hairpiece has already been used on a Joker minifig in the DC CMF line 71026-13"
The one from the CMF is lime green, versus the "exclusive" regular green here.
Is this mythical, missing Bob related to the mythical, missing Jedi Bob...?
@gunther_schnitzel said:
" @ShinyBidoof said:
" @yellowcastle said:
" @monkyby87 said:
"Is nobody reading the actual review? There’ have been a few comments that mention it being like the one from the Shadow Box, which is covered fully in the review. "
Sorry, it had become funny at that point but I forgot to include a smiley.
"
That’s all very well but how does it compare to the Shadow Box version?
"
I think we all want, indeed need, an answer to this question.
"
Thanks everyone, I found this funny and enjoyable, put a smile on my face.
But it does look like the Shadow Box version.
It would seem that this set is only built in black, and sometimes, very, very dark grey...
@ozbrickcreator said:
"It would seem that this set is only built in black, and sometimes, very, very dark grey..."
LOL
Does this set come in black? And how does it compare…
You thought I was really going there, didn’t you? Can’t wait to get this thing. Discounted, because Daddy has to buy food. My kids really need to understand the importance of smaller portions and rationing.
@monkyby87 said:
" @gunther_schnitzel said:
" @ShinyBidoof said:
" @yellowcastle said:
" @monkyby87 said:
"Is nobody reading the actual review? There’ have been a few comments that mention it being like the one from the Shadow Box, which is covered fully in the review. "
Sorry, it had become funny at that point but I forgot to include a smiley.
"
That’s all very well but how does it compare to the Shadow Box version?
"
I think we all want, indeed need, an answer to this question.
"
Thanks everyone, I found this funny and enjoyable, put a smile on my face.
But it does look like the Shadow Box version. "
What's a Shadow Box version?
Boy, this comment thread got out of control. And I wasn't even a part of this one!
I bought two copies of the limited release promotional Batmobile from earlier, but I will absolutely be first in line to buy this one as well. It's the frickin' Batmobile.
Now, my next question is how does it differ from the Shadow Box ver... no, I just can't, I can't.
I really wish this wasn't so rectangular. It needed to angle in a bit at the sides to truly get that iconic hourglass shape of the batmobile.
I know it is greedy . . . but please oh please give us a minifigure scale Batmobile version from Batman the Animated Series!
Another idea: when will we get the batmobile which can split the sides for narrow passages?
Great review as always, thanx!
Only thing bad on this Batmobile, same as previous, that is one seater. They should use Speed Champions part for two seater.