LEGO batman movie magazine: issues 01 & 02

LEGO Batman Movie Magazine Issue 01

The LEGO Batman (Movie) is literally everywhere, including the print media. The brick iteration of the Caped Crusader has also invaded the UK and EU LEGO Magazines, releasing two special issues with limited edition minifigures.

Just like the other LEGO Magazines, the glossy special issues contained comics, pull-out posters, fact files, puzzles, etc. about the LEGO Batman, his friends (which are, of course, family), and his enemies. Each issue comes with a free minifigure, which was labeled as limited. Technically, it is indeed a limited release, but it's not exclusive. So, bat-brick completists in other areas of the world have nothing to worry about for the minifigures can be obtained somewhere else. But if like me, you're a casual LEGO Batman collector, this is an easy way to get them.

For Issue 01, it just made perfect sense to include the man of the hour, Batman!

Batman

He comes complete with a cowl, a cape, a utility belt, and two batarangs. I love that the cape was packaged in the usual small box to preserve its form, unlike in The LEGO Batman Movie Minifigure Series [71017], wherein some of the capes have folds and creases. The included minifig head is dual sided with a crooked smile, and a clenched teeth pattern.

Batarangs

Issue 02's free gift is none other than the Joker!

LEGO Batman Movie Magazine Issue 02

The Dark Knight's best frenemy comes with his iconic purple coattail, which was also packaged neatly in a small box. The minifig head is also dual sided with an open mouth pattern, and a wide grin with pointed teeth together.

The Joker

Dynamites

It's such a shame the run of this mini-series ended with just two issues. The movie has given us so much materials (and not to mention minifigures) to explore. But it's okay. We can always use our imagination and creativity to build something Batman!

LEGO batman movie experience

LEGO Batman Movie Minibuild Booklet

The LEGO Batman Movie is currently ruling the world, winning hearts (and funny bones) with its family-centric story. But of course, just like with 2014's The LEGO Movie, everybody knows that the fun extends way beyond the movie...

Personally, the release of The LEGO Batman Movie couldn't be any more timely. It's the perfect way to destress after weeks and weeks of tension. A good friend of mine calls this brick therapy.

My wife and I didn't really plan anything Batman last Saturday, but it instantly became a LEGO Batman day for us. It all started after our meeting that morning. We stopped by a nearby Martins to pick up a copy of The Times to claim a Batman in the Phantom Zone [30522] polybag. But to our horror, the clerk said they didn't receive any LEGO! Later on, I have read in some forums that there has been indeed some issues with that promotion. Good thing there's an alternative to that. You can simply claim it online and just pay for the postage and packaging. Check it out here.

Then we ate lunch at McDonald's. Guess what the Happy Meal is? Yup, The LEGO Batman Movie! But the toys are not LEGO bricks so they're really not for me. That's when my wife said the magic words: Let's just go to the LEGO store. Awesome!

Sorry for making a quick jump in my narrative, but I will fast forward to the end of our trip in the LEGO store (I'll tell about it after a few paragraphs. Promise!). The person at the till asked us if we have seen the film, and when he realized that we haven't yet, he highly recommended doing so. And that's exactly what we did.

Before heading to the cinema, we passed by a Toys R Us, and I'm sure glad we did! There was an ongoing Make and Take event! This is usually aimed for the kids, but the employee there gladly allowed us to participate. My wife and I built something Batman, a Flying Batmobile!

Flying Batmobile

For Valentine's, my wife picked The Riddler Racer [70903] set for me. At first I was a bit hesitant because it's another new theme (um, collector's dilemma), but then quickly changed my mind. My wife knew me so well. This is one of the sets that I've been eyeing when the previews were released online. Not just because it's green, but because The Riddler is one of my favorite Bat-villains (Yes, I'm one of the kids who loved Batman Forever).

The Riddler Riddle Racer [70903]

Then we received a free backpack worth £14.99! For every £25 or more LEGO Batman Movie items, you can claim a free LEGO Batman Movie backpack! The deal started 3 February and ends 26 March, subject to availability. For more details, head on to the the Toys R Us website.

LEGO Batman Movie Backpack

Back to the LEGO store, my wife wanted the LEGO Batman Movie Minifigures. She simply adores these little guys. But more than the minifigures themselves, she loves feeling the blind bags, and she gets it right every time! I'm very lucky that my wife has that hidden talent!

LEGO Batman Movie Minifigures

Here are some of the outtakes of the LEGO Batman Movie Minifigures:

Lobster-Lovin' Batman

Glam Metal Batman

Fairy Batman

Clan of the Cave Batman

Vacation Batman

Good thing we have delayed getting the LEGO Batman Movie Minifigures, for we got the Disco Batman & Tears of Batman [30607] polybag for free! You can claim that with any purchase over £50. The promotion runs from 6 to 26 February, while supplies last. The promotion is also available in shop.LEGO.com.

Disco Batman & Tears of Batman [30607]

Disco Batman

Tears of Batman

Initially, I thought of doing a movie review, but I thought it's still too early. I don't want to spoil the movie to anyone who hasn't seen it yet. The good stuff worth mentioning are a bit spoiler-ish. Now, go ahead and watch the film with your family ASAP so that we can already discuss it (haha)! Enjoy!

LEGO batman movie chaos in gotham city review

LEGO Batman Movie Chaos in Gotham City

With the release of The LEGO Batman Movie comes an array of promotional materials and merchandise. The town (or city, wherever you may be) is literally painted with bats! (Can I take home the cute bus stop ad?). Because of the vast advertising coverage, it's quite impossible to get all LEGO Batman Movie-related stuff. The solution? Get the essentials! And one of them is the LEGO Batman Movie Chaos in Gotham City activity book.

Just like any other LEGO activity books, Chaos in Gotham City is filled with fun trivia, puzzles, and comics. I find this book more colorful (and not to mention cuter) compared to its contemporaries, maybe because the content is free-spirited in itself. But what makes this activity book a must-have? It's the exclusive Tartan Batman minifigure!

Tartan Batman

I have a confession to make. I have to Google what tartan means to know what it is exactly. I know that this Batman minifigure wears plaid patterns that is associated with the Scottish. And to think I have been to Scotland once! Now I know that the pattern of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors is called tartan!

If you have seen the trailer for the movie, you know that the LEGO Batman owns a huge variety of costumes. And now, here is a confirmation that he also owns a kilt. To quote the Dark Knight himself, he said he owns this specific outfit just in case [he feels] like playing the bagpipes.

Where's the bagpipe?

The Tartan Batman minifigure comes with a brown mask and a brown cape to match his straps and boots. His red and green tartan outfit is accented with a golden bat insignia (to remind everyone who he is). He also comes with a long sword accessory (though I wish he has a bagpipe as well). The minifig head is printed on both sides, with one flashing a smirk, and the other showing gritted teeth.

The LEGO Batman Movie Chaos in Gotham City retails for UK £6.99 / US $8.99. But I got mine for only £3.49 in my local Sainsbury's. I have reports that you can also buy a copy for that price via Amazon. What a great bargain!

Overall, The LEGO Batman Movie Chaos in Gotham City is a good buy (especially with a discounted price). The Tartan Batman minifigure is one of the most interesting costume variants for this LEGO theme. Definitely a must-have (especially for completists)!