Hero Review: [Play Arts Kai] The Joker - The Dark Knight Trilogy

This blog had been on hiatus for too long. It's about time to start another review, and this time it's for the psychopath we are all familiar with: Batman's archnemesis, The Joker.

This figure is from Batman: The Dark Knight Trilogy line, and is modeled after the late Heath Ledger who portrayed The Joker in The Dark Knight. Joker's extremely sadistic personality and downright creepy countenance, perfectly captured in the big screen, never fails to give me the chills. Now let's see if Play Arts Kai's take on him gives justice to the character.

Packaging and Included Accessories

Packed in the new standard box for Play Arts Kai, The Joker is showcased inside with his profile printed on the backside of the cover flap. The grunge art on the window is also noticeable on the new Play Arts Kai packaging. Being less bulky than Batman, Joker's box has less thickness than that of the dark knight. Also noticeable is the absence of the small printed instruction manual that comes along with the PAK figures. Instead, the instructions are printed on the inside tray of the box (reminds me of the small toys I used to buy when I was a kid).

Joker is No. 04 in The Dark Knight Trilogy figures, released with Catwoman (No. 03).

There's no disappointment here regarding the accessories he's packed with. The clamshell doesn't look too empty: its space was maximized with Joker's accessories. The Joker comes with the following: (1) an alternate head, (2) head with the clown mask (Bozo), (3-4) two alternate hands - a hand for holding the switchblade and a closed fist, (5) his signature switchblade, (6) two pieces of joker cards.

The alternate Joker head doesn't have much difference with the default one except for the smudged makeup on his right forehead (although I can see a little smirk on this extra piece). It's also good they decided to include his Bozo identity on the package by providing the clown mask. I hope Square Enix can provide more alternative heads for their future releases like what they did with Joker here. By the way, be extra careful with the small accessories especially the cards since they are very easy to lose.

Sculpt, Paint, and Articulation

I think it's safe to say that the quality of the sculpt and the details Square Enix puts to the figures are continually improving. Heath Ledger's Joker is captured in this figure especially in the head sculpt. The texture of the face, the uneven makeup, the evil mutilated smirk - they're all there. One thing that I didn't particularly like though is how the eyes are painted. It's too dark the eyes are not distinct anymore, thus the absence of a striking cold stare from our mentally deranged friend.

The body sculpt is okay. The joints are well-hidden because of the paint and the outfit, particularly the coat, is pretty flexible and has good texture. The creases in the pants are detailed and the dangling gold chain of his pocket watch adds a nice touch.

As for the paint, the Joker sports a somewhat untidy look as reflected by some faded paint application on his clothes. Some paint seem to have been rubbed off and there are minor bleeds here and there. (My Joker has molds in his right pants just above the knee). In the end, I'd like to think they're all part of his design so I'd be less disappointed.

Articulation: good. Joker shines at some parts and fails at a few. Generally, the figure is well-articulated and he can hold many poses. His cape features articulated joints so you can do some dramatic poses with it. The joints in his hands are also improved - using a thicker peg for the replacement hands so breaking this small part is less likely to happen. It is also good to note that his shoulder joints are not exposed and the hinge joint is adopted for a more flexible movement of the arms.

A few (and possibly isolated) problems I've encountered with this figure:

1. The hole in my default head is way too big for the head ball joint.

2. The holes for the alternate heads are way too small for the head ball joint.

3. Right shoulder hinge stuck.

4. Left feet positioned at an impossible angle upon opening of the box!

5. It is a little challenging to make this guy stand.

Scale and Playability

If you already have Batman, or Baleman (as some friends of mine would call him), then getting Joker is definitely a must. Personally, I'd only get Joker and Batman if I have a limited budget since I find these two more iconic than, say, Batman and Bane, or Batman and Catwoman. But given the chance, getting all the figures from The Dark Knight Trilogy is totally worth it.

I digress. On with the scale. Joker is of course in scale with the rest of The Dark Knight Trilogy figures. He is a little shorter than Bruce Wayne, but he surely doesn't fall behind in terms of playtime!

Summary

Does the Play Arts Kai rendition of the Joker give justice to Heath Ledger's character on The Dark Knight? Yes. Is it the best Joker toy out there in the market? For it's price, yes, but I'd give the best rendition of Joker to Hot Toys for obvious reasons. And finally, is Play Arts Kai Joker worth your money? Like most of the Play Arts Kai figures I'd say the flaws of this figure are minor compared to its quality and detail. Get this figure if:

- You want to have a figure of one of the best villains of all time, or if you have a collection of supervillains

- You want to have a trophy figure of Heath Ledger, and if you are really impressed with his performance in The Dark Knight

- You want to complement The Batman

- You want to complete The Dark Knight Trilogy Play Arts Kai

Packaging: 4.5/5

Accessories: 5/5

Sculpt and Paint: 4/5

Articulation: 4/5

Playability: 4.5/5