.

The packaging is a very small semi-window box, it’s a lot smaller than the basic sets in waves 1 and 2. The Batman logo appears at the top left. The packaging is done in the normal C3 style, but interestingly, perhaps to highlight the Minimate more, they have added the Minimate head graphic style from the Marvel Minimates sets to the side of the box. I always liked this on the Marvel packaging, and likewise really like the use of it here. To the right, you can see the Minimate very clearly in the window portion of the box.

The C3 pieces are all bagged up in the main part of the box, and the Minimate is packaged in a tray on the right hand side. There is one twist-tie holding the figure in.

The back of the box shows the cross-sell of the other new C3 sets, and a “technical specification” type drawing to show off the set itself.

The original Robin was Dick Grayson, who, after he was orphaned, became Bruce Wayne’s ward and trained alongside him when he was the Batman. After earning his corn as Robin, Dick decided he could assume another costumed crimefighter identity away from the watchful eyes of Bruce. He became Nightwing, and moved from Gotham to the neighbouring town of Bludhaven. Despite this, Nightwing has always stayed in close touch with Batman and his other friends and allies.

The face on Nightwing has been well done. He lacks the goofy-looking grin that afflicted the Robin Minimate, instead having a determined look on his face. The mask looks very nice, similar to the Robin mask but with added spikeyness. Unlike several of the Mini Flyer Minimates, Nightwing does have a pegged hairpiece.

The costume is all black, with dark blue trim, and a dark blue V on the torso. Dark blue on black makes it very hard to see. He does have some nice muscular detailing too – check out that six pack! The paint detailing is excellent here, nothing has been misapplied. The oversized gloves look like they would be one piece, but in fact they are normal Minimate hands with a larger blue circlet attached to the wrist first.

For accessories, Nightwing has a couple of billy clubs which are similar to Daredevil’s, although these are slightly longer. He looks great using them.

Overall, this is an understated yet well done Minimate version of a fan favourite.

MMC Score – 7 out of 10

The Nightwing Mini Flyer is thankfully different to the Batman and Batgirl Flyers. It’s going for much more of a snub-nosed fighter look, set free from the structural ties of repeating the bat shape. This is a good thing, as the other Mini Flyers are quite diverse in their looks despite all being based on a similar idea conceptually.

The colours are black and a much lighter shade of blue for the edging on the wings and the rear fin itself. The colours complement each other well – hey, black goes with anything. The main problem with the design is that the wings look very stubby and gimpy. In trying to fit the Mini Flyer standard for size and pieces they have sold this design a little short. It’s a real shame because you can see that the design has potential.

As with the other Mini Flyer sets, there are no real gimmicks to speak of. A nicely-smokey translucent canopy which opens and the same well-designed cockpit area for the Minimate is all that we get.

Overall, the Nightwing Mini Flyer has problems with its more ambitious reach. It wants to be a real futuristic fighter-jet type dealie but doesn’t quite have the pieces to pull it off. With a few more blocks and larger wings to put it into Javelin-sized territory, this could really have been a winner. 

Review and pictures by Danny Mills

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