Kotobukiya's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns ArtFX Statue

Photos of the statue based on the Frank Miller graphic novel

Several years ago, Japanese toy manufacturer Kotobukiya gained a reputation for making impressive and affordable PVC statues based on DC Comics characters - Superman, Batman, Joker, Catwoman and more. They didn't release many after that, presumably due to licensing issues or interest, but now it seems Kotobukiya have some big plans for the comic book publisher's properties. Especially Batman.

Today, they released five photos of their upcoming Batman: The Dark Knight Returns - Hunt the Dark Knight ArtFX statue showing off the classic Frank Miller chunky Batman ready to knock out The Joker.

Sculpted by Junnosuke Abe, The Dark Knight Returns Batman vs. The Joker stands nearly 12 inches tall (1/6th scale) on a special display base that really shows off the action of the scene.

The statue, of course, is based on the four-issue miniseries released in 1986, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns that tells the tale of a future world in which superheroes have retired. An older, angrier Bruce Wayne puts on the costume once again to save Gotham City and in the process encounters one of his most hated enemies, the Joker! Inspired by Miller’s gritty style, the duo presents a dark, dynamic vision that’ll look great on your shelf.