Batman Gifts: Our Pick of the Best DC Collectibles
Here's our rundown of this year's coolest Batman collectibles.
80 years in and Batman is as popular as ever. Even as you read these words, work is underway on the next cinematic adventure for the Dark Knight, and Joker is still going strong in theaters — so much so that Joaquin Phoenix and Todd Phillips are hiding away crafting the character’s next solo film. The eight decades since Batman was first introduced in the pages of Detective Comics have seen him undergo countless changes, the versatility of the Caped Crusader is a huge part of his staying power. But when it comes down to the nitty gritty, Batman is just a hero at heart — whether he’s the goofy 1960s one or the grimdark Synder take. So you really can’t go wrong with giving the gift of Batman, and here’s some ideas to make your holiday shopping experience a Bat-tastic one!
Batman 4K Film Collection
Let’s kick things off in a big way with some Bat-Movies, shall we? Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin get a deluxe treatment in this eight-disc set that includes 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and digital copies of each film.
Buy the Batman 4K Film Collection here
The Dark Knight Trilogy Collection
Those who prefer their Batman to be a bit less ridiculous will likely be more interested in Christopher Nolan’s take on the character with Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises — all of which are included here in 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. Point to ponder, why does everyone give Batman & Robin so much shit when Bale’s Batman essentially causes nuclear winter over the skies of Gotham City at the end of The Dark Knight Rises. No wonder he gets the fuck out of town so quick.
Buy The Dark Knight Trilogy Collection here
Batman: The Definitive History of the Dark Knight in Comics, Film, and Beyond
Nearly ever iteration of Batman — from the World’s Greatest Detective to the Dark Knight — is explored in this mammoth 400-page guide to the character and how he has been portrayed in various forms of media. When a book bills itself as “the most comprehensive history of Batman ever written,” it better have the content to back such a brazen statement up, and thats exactly what authors Andrew Farago and Gina McIntyre aim to do here.
Buy Batman: The Definitive History of the Dark Knight in Comics, Film, and Beyond here
Batman Chair Cape
Earn the respect of your coworkers — or maybe just get a quick trip to HR! — with this Batman cape that you can connect to your office chair.
Buy the Batman Chair Cape here
The Joker: The Bronze Age Omnibus
Long before you grew tired of Joaquin Phoenix stair memes, the Joker starred in his own short-lived solo comic in 1975 and ’76. A strange affair, the title removed the character from the context of Batman — allowing him to star in stories that were unlike anything he previously appeared him. All nine issues of that book, along with a previously unseen tenth issues and countless other iconic appearances from throughout the DC Universe’s stable of comic are included in this massive omnibus. From lightweight adventures to tales that portend the dark madness to come, this is an unmissable volume.
Buy The Joker: The Bronze Age Omnibus here
Batman: Damned
The dream team of Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo collaborated for Batman: Damned, the comic that infamously showed Bruce Wayne’s penis for the first time. Yeah. Despite the controversy, the story ranks among the best in recent memory, with Batman trying to get to the bottom of the Joker’s death with the unreliable assistance of John Constantine. The miniseries has now been collected into this graphic novel, featuring a behind-the-scenes gallery and afterword from Azzarello.
Also from the team of Azzarello and Bermejo is Joker (not to be confused with the movie of the same name), which DC Black Label declares is “arguably the most terrifying Joker tale ever written.” But we will leave that to you to decide.
Batmobile: Pursuit of the Joker Lego Set
With the holidays here, it’s great that this Lego set actually allows for the Batmobile to lose a wheel, allowing the Joker to get away. At press time Batman’s smell remains undocumented.
The Batman Who Laughs
What would happen if Batman and the Joker were one and the same? That’s exactly what happens in this graphic novel from writer Scott Snyder and illustrator Jock that focuses on a character who is half Batman, half Joker, all terror — and you’ll never look at the Dark Knight the same again.
Buy The Batman Who Laughs here
The Batman Who Laughs Funko Pop!
FYI: If you really want to win over the Batfan on your holiday shopping this, get them this and The Batman Who Laughs graphic novel.
Batman Hallmark Christmas Tree Ornament
Tim Burton’s Batman turned 30 this year, and Hallmark is celebrating the anniversary with this Keatonesque Batman ornament that will give your Christmas tree some Dark Knight realness.
Buy the Batman Hallmark Christmas Tree Ornament here
Batman Umbrella/Rainwear Set
Rainy days just got that much cooler. This raincoat/umbrella combo would make a fantastic gift for aspiring young superheroes/vigilantes. It’s a fine line, right?
DC Collectibles Artists Alley: Batman by Joe Ledbetter Designer Vinyl
Figure
DC Collectibles continues to up the ante in terms of unique items through their Artists Alley line, which provides the industry’s greatest creators with the opportunity to put their spin on the publisher’s most iconic faces. Limited to 3,000 pieces, this 7″ tall vinyl-cast interpretation of Batman by Joe Ledbetter is a re-imagining of the character that has a real bite to it.
Buy the DC Collectibles Artists Alley: Batman by Joe Ledbetter Designer Vinyl Figure here
Batman: Exclusive Original Television Soundtrack Album
With music and dialogue from the 1960s Batman TV series, this is a gift idea that is a little retro kitsch, a whole lot of cool.
Buy Batman: Exclusive Original Television Soundtrack Album here
Prince: Batman
The same as the above LP, just even more so.
Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass
One of 2019’s finest graphic novel is Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass. Writer Mariko Tamaki and artist Steve Pugh have crafted a story about fractured adolescence that elevates the oft-maligned character into a true pop culture force to be reckoned with.
Batman: 100 Greatest Moments: Highlights from the History of the Dark Knight
Another colossal book that was produced for Batman’s 80th anniversary is this effort from Robert Greenberger that is sure to stir fevered debate among the faithful.
Buy Batman: 100 Greatest Moments: Highlights from the History of the Dark Knight here
The Caped Crusade: Batman and the Rise of Nerd Culture
If you are looking for a brilliantly written exploration of how Batman shaped pop culture (and vice versa) look no further than this joyous effort by writer/comics historian/NPR personality Glen Weldon.
Buy The Caped Crusade: Batman and the Rise of Nerd Culture here
Invicta Men’s Batman Watch
Be the most fashionable Batman fan around with this handsome men’s watch from Invicta that is waterproof, has automatic self-wind and comes with a black stainless steel case. What’s the time? It’s time to stop criminals in Gotham City, whee!
Buy the Invicta Men’s Batman Watch here
Imaginext DC Super Friends Wayne Manor Batcave
We wish that Fisher-Price’s Imaginext toy line was around when we were kids, because we would absolutely love to have had the opportunity to play with this Wayne Manor Batcave set that includes everything you see above. Then again, who are we kidding? We still think it would be fun to have this!
Imaginext DC Super Friends Transforming Batmobile R/C Vehicle
Also from the Imaginext line is this stellar remote control Batmobile (complete with miniature Batman figure) that transforms into Battle Mode to fire projecticle discs!
Buy the Imaginext DC Super Friends Transforming Batmobile R/C Vehicle here
Imaginext DC Super Friends: Streets of Gotham City: The Joker & Cycle
And Because Batman thrives best when he is squaring off against the Joker, here’s the Crown Prince of Crime and his souped-up cycle, also from Fisher-Price’s Imaginext line.
Buy the Imaginext DC Super Friends: Streets of Gotham City: The Joker & Cycle here
DC Comics Batman Missions Batman Voice Changer Helmet
You can look and sound like the Dark Knight with this mask that includes a special voice changer. Also features over 30 phrases and sound effects to offer up a definitive Batman experience!
Buy the DC Comics Batman Missions Batman Voice Changer Helmet here
DC Comics Batman Missions 12-Inch True Moves Batman Figure
Measuring a foot tall, this impressive Batman figure comes with 11 points of articulation so that users can replicate all their favorite Bat-moves!
Buy the DC Comics Batman Missions 12-Inch True Moves Batman Figure Here
While not directly connected to Batman, 2019 best show is set in the DC Universe and therefore will has more than enough shared DNA to please fans of the character. Doom Patrol brings together a variety of largely unknown DC characters for a show that somehow manages to be both wildly entertaining and one of the greatest explorations of trauma that the medium of television has offered up. If that sounds somewhat unhinged, that is the entire point. Each of Doom Patrol‘s characters is severely damaged — from the world weary Robotman (voiced by Brendan Fraser in a soulful performance) to Jane (Dianne Guerrero), a young woman whose childhood abuse caused her to splinter into 46 personalities each with their own super powers. In a season packed with mindblowing moments, perhaps the most touching involvings the Danny the Street character: A sentient qenderqueer city block that is a haven for society’s castoffs. To say any more would give away some of the show’s surprises, so just know this, Doom Patrol is peak TV at its best…and a show that deserves to be a much larger part of our cultural conversation.
Written by
Chris Cummins is a Philadelphia-based writer who has contributed to Geekadelphia, Topless Robot, Philadelphia Weekly, Philadelphia City Paper, USA Today's Pop Candy, and his own blogs, Hibernation Sickness…