Review: LEGO 30653 Batman 1992 Polybag

With Michael Keaton reprising his role as Batman in The Flash, which opened in theatres this, interest in his time as the Caped Crusader has been reignited, with LEGO producing sets inspired and based on Batman Returns.

Thankfully, you don’t need to pony up US$399.99 / AU$599.99 76252 Batcave Shadow Box, to get your hands on a new 1992 Batman, as LEGO have kindly offered up a polybag featuring the same minifigure as the one from the Batcave Shadow Box, at only a fraction of the price!

It’s Batman, and while DC has been languishing in the last few years, I’m really glad polybags like 30653 Batman 1992 still exist as cost-effective ways for those on a budget to get their hands on sought-after characters, and it’s not hyperbolic to say that this is one of the best polybags of 2023.

Here’s a quick review of the 30653 Batman 1992 polybag, which has started showing up in LEGO Stores in Australia, as well as Target and Barnes & Noble in North America.

Who is this set for? LEGO Batman fans on a budget that want a great 1992 Batman minifigure

Special thanks to LEGO for sending these sets over for this review.

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30653 Batman 1992 Polybag Set Details

Set number: 30653
Set name: Batman 1992 Polybag
Pieces: 40
Retail Price: US$4.99 / AU$5.99
Theme: DC Super Heroes
Release Date: 1 June 2023

Despite containing only 40 pieces, 30653 Batman 1992 packs a huge punch and will please any fan of the World’s Greatest Detective.

The big drawcard of course is the 1992 Batman minifigure, which has only featured in two sets before this polybag (and the Batcave Shadowbox), 761390 1989 Batmobile and 76161 1989 Batwing which were 2 very large and expensive sets.

It’s incredible that this relatively rare and expensive cowl is now available in a polybag that’s about the same price as a latte (or even cheaper, depending on where you live), which is a big step in making one of the most interesting and unique Batman cowls accessible to the masses.

The cowl is one single solid piece of rubbery and flexible plastic, and looks great from the back with its sweeping and billowy design.

Here’s Bruce Wayne under the mask, and a better look at his torso and back printing, as well as his alternate face which doesn’t have the white goggles.

And yes, in case you were wondering, the minifigure is identical to the Batman from 76252 Batcave Shadow Box, which is pretty insane when you think about it.

I did notice some slight differences in the brightness and sharpness of the print, however, and interestingly, the cheaper polybag version had more saturated and brighter colours, making it look just a bit better than the one from a set that I paid AU$600 for.

The rest of the polybag constructs a small piece of rooftop for Batman to stand on as he looks out over Gotham City and broods in the darkness.

It’s small, but a really usable and practical build as it serves as a nice little display pedestal for Batman.

The Gargoyle design is pretty clever, and it’s repurposed from the display stands from 76240 Batmobile Tumbler, 761390 1989 Batmobile and 76161 1989 Batwing.

There’s also a clip on the model, which seems like an errant element, but could possibly hint at more rooftop sections to come featuring more Batman characters, hopefully in this affordable polybag format too.

All in all, this is a fantastic polybag for LEGO Batman fans, giving those who may have missed out on the Michael Keaton Batman cowl a super budget-friendly opportunity to pick up the latest and greatest LEGO Batman minifigure.

I’m still somewhat in shock that this is also the same minifigure as the one from the Batcave Shadowbox, but LEGO does need to be given credit for not gating an ultra-exclusive version of the 1992 Batman behind an expensive set that a vast majority of fans might not be able to afford.

For the price of a polybag, this is a great pick up for the Batman minifigure.

It may be a little hard to find, as polybag distributions aren’t the most consistent, but if you manage to spot one at your local LEGO Store, or if you’re in the US and are close to a Target or Barnes & Noble, I’d definitely recommend getting this, especially if you plan on skipping the Batcave Shadow Box.

If all else fails, you can always pick one up on Bricklink!

I definitely want to see more incredible minifigures like this 1992 Batman be available in more accessible and budget-friendly formats like this polybag, so hopefully LEGO see how well-received this polybag is.

Rating and score: 4/5 ★★★★✰

Thanks so much for reading my short review of 30653 Batman 1992 polybag!

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