LEGO DC Super Heroes Batman 1992 Polybag Set 30653 (Bagged)

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While the minifigure is undoubtedly the highlight of this polybag, the base for Batman to stand should not be overlooked. This model is intended to portray the corner of a building in Gotham City, from where the Dark Knight can surveil his targets. I like the contrast between Batman and the grey structure underneath, as well as the winged grotesque, which is close to those on the minifigure stand in 76139 1989 Batmobile.

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

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. However, the moulded detail on the combined cape and cowl element remains unaltered, with sharp lines around the eyes and texture on the cape. The transition between the cowl and the cape looks particularly striking, as the material appears to change. Furthermore, the shape of the cape works perfectly for a minifigure on display, as though billowing in the wind. 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. 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.

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. Batman stands at an angle, fitted on a 1x2 rounded plate. The position of the minifigure looks great, but the rounded plate can easily be detached accidentally when removing Batman. The base is otherwise faultless though and there is even a clip for another Batarang, although I am not sure why this is necessary. 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. Earlier this year, I published a review of 30652 Doctor Strange's Interdimensional Portal and commented that the most satisfying polybags include a desirable minifigure beside a creative model. 30653 Batman 1992 is an excellent example, especially for the minifigure, which is only available in 76252 Batcave - Shadow Box, outside this polybag. 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.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.