This figure is giving me all the feels. When I was a kid in the 80s watching non-stop syndicated episodes of Batman on the Family Channel, there was nothing quite as exciting as seeing that 3rd Season re-edited opening sequence with Batgirl inserted into the animation. That was the indicator that she would appear in that episode and it was a highlight of my TV watching in those days. I love almost all iterations of Barbara Gordon, but there's something special about those bright complimentary colors and campy episodes that always makes this version stand out from the rest. As toy collectors, we've all heard the stories about Yvonne Craig's estate being very strict with the use of her likeness, so merchandise of Batgirl '66 is pretty scarce. But thankfully there was a Batman '66 comic in 2013 that technically used generic likenesses and therefore provides a licensing loophole. (You'll note that packaging has the comic logo in place of the TV logo that the other characters have). Let's check out Batgirl below!
I love the multi-tonal purple between her bodysuit, gloves, boots, and cowl. My photos make the difference in shade look a little more stark than it is to the naked eye, but those different purples are what gives this figure a true authentic feel. I think the only merch to capture this correctly before now was the 2019 Hallmark ornament.
This may be obvious to most people, but when I was in college I learned about Complimentary Colors in art class and I've been fascinated with them ever since. When you look at the entire spectrum on a color wheel, any two colors that are on exact opposite sides of the wheel are called Complimentary and play a kind of trick with the photoreceptors in your eyes that trigger a pleasure response. Yellow and Purple is a prime example. Coincidentally the Orange and Blue motif of all the Batman '66 branding/packaging is another great example.
Batgirl comes with accessories! This is exciting because this line has been largely devoid of any weapons or props, instead opting for the word bubble onomatopoeias. But with the advent of the comic-based subline, the characters finally have real accessories.
Batgirl comes with Handcuffs and a Batarang.
Time for some Group and Comparison Pics!
Here are the three Batman '66 ladies so far: Eartha Kitt Catwoman, Batgirl, and Julie Newmar Catwoman.
And I was dying to compare these figures with the 2018 Lynda Carter Wonder Woman from Mattel. She obviously a larger scale, but I always imagine Diana as a super tall Amazon so I don't mind the difference.
And here is the Dynamic Trio from McFarlane Toys.
And all the different Batman '66 characters from McFarlane so far. I have skipped the character variations (Black and White repaints and Gasmask/Surfer/Unmasked/PinkRadioactive re-releases).
And all my Batgirl '66 figures together. From Left to Right: DST Bust (2016), Funko 3.75" (2017), NJCroce Bendyfig (2015), McFarlane 2023, Mattel (2015), and Hallmark (2019).
And with the larger vinyl figures added:
Cheers!
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