I waited a very long time for LEGO to finally tap Batman: the Animated Series as part of the DC theme. It is, without a doubt, my favorite DC Animated project, and one of my favorite licensed properties in general. It is my definitive version of Batman that i grew up with, and it holds a special place in my heart. So, then, I now have the opportunity to build a set based on this cherished property. I was as nervous as I was when DC Collectibles came out with their first 6” BTAS figures. Would they do the property justice?

And, much like it was with DC Collectibles, I am thrilled to tell you that the answer is a resounding yes. Before I continue my effusive praise for this set, let me cover the basics. The set has 435 pieces, and comes with three minifigures: Batman, Harley Quinn and Mr. Freeze, all in their BTAS designs. Each figure has accessories that accompany them. Batman has a special vinyl cape element, Harley has her giant mallet and Mr. Freeze comes, of course with a freeze gun that fires blue LEGO discs. All three figures are well done and screen accurate, painted the correct colors and with heads that are very well painted. Harley comes with her jester hat and Mr. Freeze has his clear dome.

The star of this set, however, is undoubtedly the Batmobile. The art deco design if this version of Batman’s ride is one of the most popular ever, due to it’s sleek look and clean lines. Unlike most versions of the Batmobile, this Batmobile is built using navy blue bricks instead of black. This is more in keeping with the version shown in the animation. The Batmobile is a solid, well designed build and the only real drawback is that the canopy does not slide forward like it does in the animation, opting instead for the traditional flip up canopy. I found it especially clever that the designers found a very creative way to perfectly recreate the iconic front grill of this version of the Batmobile. As with most LEGO Batmobiles, there are weapon launchers on the sides of the hood of the car that fire discs. The sleek nature of the cars design is maintained throughout the model, with the long body ending in scalloped wing fins at the back, and the now familiar feature of the exhaust flame turning when the car is rolled. One tiny gripe to be aware of. Batman will not fit in the driver’s seat with his cape on. The cape is too rigid and the canopy will not close, so make sure to take the cape off before you put him in. The set also includes a nifty platform that mimics the turntable from the cartoon.

All in all, this is a worthy first full set from LEGO in what I hope will be a long line of BTAS sets. NOTE: this is the second BTAS set from LEGO, but the first set is more of an art piece and you can’t really play with it. I thought Joker would be in this set for sure, but I’m sure they have plans for him, so I’m not worried. I’m hope we get everybody, every vehicle, Wayne Manor, the Batcave, Police Headquarters, the whole nine yards. Bring it on LEGO. My wallet will be waiting.

For now though, I am very satisfied with this set. Pick it up, you won’t be disappointed. It gets a 4 out of 5.