Square Enix’s Latest Batman Figure is a Chilling Rendition of Mr. Freeze

Though he might not get the headlines like Joker or invite as much interest as Catwoman, Mr. Freeze is easily one of Batman's most fascinating rogues. The character's been the focus of some of the best episodes of the animated series, at the center of some of the best video game missions, and has had some rather amazing designs over the years. With its latest Batman: Rogues Gallery figure, Square Enix turns its eyes to the often overlooked villain, and gives him a new look that's quite remarkable.

After twisting Two-Face and the Joker into new versions already, Mr. Freeze was a surprising choice for the third entry in Square's new series. Not because he wouldn't make a compelling figure --- which as you can see, he does --- but more because he doesn't quite lend himself to such dramatic reinterpretation as others. Characters like Scarecrow, Man-Bat, Clayface or Killer Croc would seemingly make more elaborate and exciting figures, but what Square's Hitoshi Kondo has done with Freeze is rather impressive.

We got a glimpse of the prototype at New York Comic Con, and it certainly looked okay in the dark gray cast Square uses for it's in-development figures. Now that we're seeing it fully painted though, the design has really come alive. The way the paint app captures the frosted elements of the armor, and is arguably some of the best ever done on a highly articulated action figure. I mean, look at those grenades and the way the ice clings to the base as if they're Christmas ornaments hung outside in winter. It's small subtleties like that which make the Square Enix figures so memorable.

Also, I'm a complete sucker for using translucent elements to make accessories pop a little bit more, and that's totally the case here. The chemical elements in their tubes on his shoulders and his thighs look so great, and really help bring this character to life more than they would if they were merely painted. You can't get those kind of hues without natural light affecting the look of the clear portions.

The DC Variants Play Arts Batman: Rogues Gallery Mr. Freeze figure is available for pre-order now for $199.99. It's expected to arrive in June 2017.