Batman Miniatures I'd like to see

As longtime readers will know, I'm not all that keen on the Batman Miniatures Game (BMG) put out by Knight Models. There's a few reasons for this, primarily the expense and 35mm scale means none of my 28mm stuff looks 'right' next to it; but I've also never been a fan of games where every model has a list of special rules and an elaborate background, which is why I also steer clear of games like Malifaux and Wild West Exodus. I do own several Knight Models miniatures, such as Bane, Doctor Doom and, of course, Adam West Batman. 

Another element of BMG that I find off-putting is the focus on particular versions of Batman and other DC characters, this is, of course, Hardcore and Grimdark Batman takes from sources such as the Nolan Films, Arkham Video games and modern comics. I do believe that there's a place for The Batman Who Laughs, the Court of Owls and Heath Ledger Joker, but when that's about the only option in tone, I find it wears thin fast. What about the Batman the Animated Series figures, I hear you ask? Yes, they are nice, but they're of such a different style that they look out of place. 

So what would entice me to play BMG? I'm glad you asked, because I have a few suggestions of my own to make. Should any of these figures see production, you may just see some more BMG games on this blog in the future. But probably not. No one else at my club plays.

Joker and Henchmen (1989) 

I'm honestly a little shocked that anything from the 1989 is yet to make an appearance, especially the iconic Batman suit and Batmobile. My personal pick, however, would be Jack's version of the Joker and his fun gang of dancing criminals. As an entire team, the gang plus Joker would be great to see, with Boom Box Henchman, and Max, who of course, Joker could kill when behind to gain extra victory points. Money, money, money, who do you love?

 
Robin, Alfred and Aunt Harriet 

I like my Adam West Batman, but where is Robin and the rest of the cast? The lack of a Burt Ward Robin for years was frankly baffling, but I want Alfred with a disguise ability and Aunt Harriet providing extra actions through sandwiches. If that set does well, how about Gordon and Sergeant O'Hara, then Batgirl and maybe even Green Hornet and Kato from the crossover episodes? How about the villains? Louie the Lilac needs a comeback! 

Partyman 

No, I'm not done with Batman (1989) yet, get over it. Who is Batman? Who is Bruce Wayne? Who is the Joker? Are they all just reflections of the same person? The late, great Prince dared to ask these questions in his concept soundtrack for Batman, revealing in the video for "Batdance" that Batman and the Joker (AKA Partyman) are the same person and the only way to end the terror is suicide. Fuck, that's dark for a superhero film soundtrack! I love the album, love the videos, need this guy in miniature. What would Partyman do in game? Unleash the unstoppable power of the Batdance, of course.

Teen Titans GO!

I don't care, the internet is wrong, Teen Titans GO! is amazing and deserves to be represented in miniature. BMG is in desperate need, not only of some characters with a lighter tone, but also Raven's ability to perfectly crack walnuts, the hardest of nuts. Do you really want the terrible Netflix Titans? No, you want Fleshy Dude, Leprechaun Robin and the Couch to balance out when The Grim Knight drops.


Vampire Joker 

You think you know hardcore Batman characters? Try Vampire Joker on for size, bitches. From  The Batman Vs Dracula DVD film from the oft-maligned The Batman cartoon, Joker is one of many Gothamites turned by Dracula until Batman comes up with a cure and defeats the lord of the undead. This version of Joker is more about gadgets and acrobatics, which combined with a thirst for blood would make an interesting addition to BMG. 

First Game of Batman Miniatures Game

Well, it had to happen sooner or later, I played a game of BMG. I admit that I've been wary of the game, the miniature price point vs quality was of concern, but mostly I just feel that I have a couple of good Supers Miniature games already, so why drop $80 on a book just to use a smaller variety of figures? But, a couple of club mates wanted to give it a try, so I broke out the city terrain (with new, Deep Cut Studios mat) and some DC Superheroes. 

 The new mat really makes the table pop! 

The scenario was pretty simple, Bane (played by Clayface) had just robbed the Bank of Latveria and Green Arrow was out to stop him. No turn limit, just playing out the game to test the rules. 

 Baneface steps out of the local branch, having made a major withdrawal. 

 Star City's green-clad, socialist archer, Oliver Queen, swings into action! 

 Green Arrow looses a trio of shots, wearing down Bane before he can move! 

 As one of the world's greatest mercenaries somehow forgot to bring a weapon, he dives for cover in the shadow of a nearby Dodge. 

 Without a target, Ollie is forced to re-position... 

 ...running along the monorail line like a true hero. 

 Bane is so sinister, he neglects to "Touch On" his myki. Also, the station is evidently unlit at night, so it may be Frankston. 

 Green Arrow finally gets close enough, but I misjuged the CPs and didn't get a chance to shoot. 

 Bane charges up the carriage... 

 ...decking our hero in one hit. 

I can't say I'm in love with the BMG rules after one game, even taking into account that we only had one character per side and didn't know the rules. I like that points have to be allocated before actions, but I'd prefer doing that before turn order is decided, rather than after, just to add to the strategic thinking. I like that characters draw from the same special rules, rather than each having unique ones, but the downloadable stat cards that we had didn't seem to tell us much and there was a lot of flipping back and forth in the book, just to find out that a character had a re-roll or similar, the kind of information that could be on the card with a simple symbol. I'm sure I'll play more games in the future, as some of my clubmates are more keen on the Batman mythos than me, but with SuperSystem, Pulp Alley and Ultimate Alliance, I don't see this as being a major challenger. Plus, I can hardly get people playing SS4, so I'm not keen on the competition either.