Batman 66 Maquette Captures All the Awesome That is Yvonne Craig’s Batgirl
The resurgence of Batman '66 has led to a number of collectibles celebrating the classic TV series. While there have been numerous Adam West Batman figures and Batmobile models, there haven't been nearly enough Batgirl options for longtime fans.
Part of that has to do with actress Yvonne Craig being the last member of the show to agree to license her likeness with Warner Bros. (she did so in 2013). As such, many companies worked on the line without including any Batgirl goods. The other part has to do with the reluctance of some companies to produce items centered on women in what are traditionally considered "boys'" lines, which is why the long awaited Batgirl figure in Mattel's Batman '66 line is an SDCC exclusive this year.
However, since Craig has given her blessings, more and more companies are slowly incorporating Batgirl collectibles into their plans. As nice as many of the Yvonne Craig-inspired items look, few are as impressive as Tweeterhead's upcoming maquette. Sculpted by Trevor Grove, the Batgirl maquette features the character poised to enter the secret garage behind her bedroom wall, ready to bail the Dynamic Duo out of trouble once more.
The sculpt and paint app are really strong on this piece. I don't know why Tweeterhead is calling it a maquette, which is traditionally an unfinished "sketch" sculpture, as Batgirl looks to be quite well-rendered. I love the pose, as to me it perfectly captures the series' sense of showmanship. The overselling of lines and action was part of what made Batman '66 so endearing. Even if Batgirl didn't show up until the third season as a last ditch effort to infuse some life into declining ratings, her character obviously struck a chord with the audience. Tweeterhead's piece pays grand tribute to Craig's character and that gorgeous Batgirl suit.
There will be two versions of the Batgirl maquette available --- one that includes the statue and a lithograph of the secret garage entrance ($249.99), and one that comes with the statue, the lithograph and a certificate signed by Yvonne Craig ($279.99). Beyond that small difference of Craig's signature, the statues will be completely identical. Though the piece will be available at other retailers, the Tweeterhead version also includes the Batty award Babs got in the episode "Catwoman's Dressed to Kill."
Both versions of the Batgirl Maquette are available for pre-order now. Though this is a limited, numbered run, Tweeterhead didn't specify the production run, so if you are hoping to get one, you may want to consider striking fast.