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Commissioner Gordon: (scratchy radio sound)  Batman, are you there? Batman, do you read me? The geniuses over at Funko HQ thought it was a good idea to release seven... yes SEVEN of Gotham's Most Wanted from Arkham Asylum. All at the same time! Please Batman, we need your help before Gotham City falls into the hands of... 

(long pause) 

Joker: Come out come out wherever you are Mr. Bat! Hahahaha hahahaha hahaha

Riddler: Gimme the walkie. I have a delicious riddle for the Batman... if the Monopoly guy crosses Go... (scuffle noises)

Mr. Freeze: No, I want to freeze Batman in his tracks... (scuffle noises)

Penguin: Listen baldy, I'm the one doing the threatening here. Go run for Governor or something. You're giving me a tumor. 

Mr. Freeze: It's not a tumor, it's a headaaache. Careful Penguin, I'd be happy to put you back on ice. 

Poison Ivy: Oh boys, you're making me wilt. You know when you've found someone special? When you can just shut up for a minute. 

Two-Face: Why don't we flip for it? You win war with guts! 

Catwoman: Finally free from Arkham and I'm stuck with you bunch. Can't a woman just get a cat nap around here? 

Joker: (grabs walkie) Enough! If you ever want to see Commissioner Gordon alive, or any of the Gotham City's finest, you better make your way down here to the precinct right away. Oh and one more thing... would you be a peach and pick up Harley on your way, would ya, Big Bat, I hear she's been bombing trying to do it on her own. 

(radio cuts out)

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As you have probably picked up, Funko has released an entire wave of Batman Villains from the Batman films that were released between 1989-1997. Let's break down the releases and which movie they appeared in.  

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The Joker - Batman (1989)

While considered by many critics to have simply been an 'average' film, the original 1989 Batman movie starring Michael Keaton featured one of the most memorable representations of the Caped Crusader's arch nemesis, The Joker. Played by Jack Nicholson, this version of The Joker was a much darker, much more sinister version of the character than had previously appeared in the original 1966 Adam West television series. Now that enough time has passed for us to see Heath Ledger's Joker, Jared Leto's Joker and of course most recently Joaquin Phoenix's Joker, where do you think Nicholson's performance ranks among them? Here are some Nicholson's Joker highlights. Decked out in his trademark purple suit, this Joker Pop is essential for Batman and DC fans alike. 

 

 

Catwoman & The Penguin - Batman Returns (1992)

Once again portraying a much darker Gotham City than that of the 60's television series, Tim Burton's Batman Returns featured the return of Michael Keaton under the black cape, but this time, pitted him again two foes: Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman and Danny DeVito's The Penguin. Both of these performances gave us memorable scenes and - in our minds - remain the definitive iterations of the characters on the big screen. Sorry Halle Berry. Check out some Pfeiffer's Catwoman & DeVito's Penguin here. The detail on this Catwoman Pop is exceptional and The Penguin is definitely channeling a creepy, maniacal Danny DeVito! 

 

 

The Riddler & Two-Face - Batman Forever (1995)

Featuring Val Kilmer as the re-cast Batman, the Batman Returns sequel continued the model for pitting Batman against two foes, but beyond that, did not retain much else from the groundwork that was laid in the previous two films. New director, new Batman, new musical score and nipples on the suit. Thank goodness for stellar performances from Jim Carrey as The Riddler and Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face as otherwise this isn't much of a movie to write home about. But, these quippy, colourful, eccentric villains stole the show and these pops look awesome! Just watch the original theatrical trailer for Batman Forever to get a sense of how zany the film was, but how great Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones' performances were. 

 

 

Mr. Freeze & Poison Ivy - Batman & Robin (1997)

Mr. Freeze, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Poison Ivy, played by Uma Thurman, round out the remainder of the Batman Villain wave. These diabolical foes appeared in the 1997 film Batman & Robin. Batman was once again re-cast (George Clooney) and unfortunately, despite stellar performances from Schwarzenegger and Thurman, this film continued the downward trajectory that started with Batman Forever. The film was seen as such a critical failure that a sequel that had entered production called Batman Unchained was cancelled. But, there was still plenty to love about these villains who were masterfully played. Despite an emotional disconnect from Batman, Robin & Batgirl, the character development for these two villains was fantastic and you couldn't help but feel for them at times. You can see Schwarzenegger and Thurman in action here. These Pops are certified COOL... or should we say ICE COLD. 

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There you have it folks, Funko has released 7 of Gotham's Most Wanted from the Batman films and they are on the loose. Grab yours now from K-Dog & Fish before they're gone!! 

As always, Stay Funky San Diego - 
BryWhy