Batman - Dark Knight Suit (SDCC 2011 Exclusive)
sh002 · Super Heroes
DC Universe / San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive · 2011 - Debuted at San Diego Comic-Con as a promotional giveaway to announce the new DC Super Heroes line for 2012.
Figure ID
sh002
Theme
Super Heroes
Year Released
2011 - Debuted at San Diego Comic-Con as a promotional giveaway to announce the new DC Super Heroes line for 2012.
Rarity
Ultra-Rare. This was a limited edition promotional item given away via raffle/lottery at SDCC 2011. Only 1,500 units were produced.
Head
Light flesh head with a 'headband' white strip at the top to create the white eye effect under the cowl. Features a stern expression. The cowl is the standard Batman cowl mold in black.
Torso
White torso base with highly detailed gray, black, and silver muscular armor printing inspired by The Dark Knight film. Features a detailed utility belt at the bottom of the torso print.
Legs
Light bluish gray legs with intricate hitam and dark gray printing to simulate tactical armor and mesh. Includes black boots/hip design.
Accessories
Includes a black fabric cape (soft or stiff variant depending on batch) and a black grappling hook gun. Originally came attached to a cardboard backing card with a comic-style background.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic palette of black, white, and various shades of gray/silver, designed to mimic the grounded aesthetic of Christopher Nolan's Batman films.
Printing Details
Extremely high-detail pad printing. Unlike retail figures of 2011, this features extensive line work on both the torso and the front of the legs, reaching nearly to the feet.
Variants
This specific sh002 is the SDCC exclusive version. A widely released version (sh016) appeared in 2012 with a dark bluish gray suit color rather than the white/light gray 'prototype' look of this one.
Condition Notes
Look for fraying on the cape and torso/leg print wear. Because this is high value, many fakes/knockoffs exist; check the 'LEGO' logo inside the neck and between the leg studs.
Estimated Value
Used: $1,200 - $1,800 USD. New (on card): $3,500 - $5,000+ USD depending on card condition and certification.
Price (New)
Free promotional giveaway. Its value is entirely driven by its limited 1,500-unit production run and status as one of the first LEGO DC Super Heroes figures.
Compatible Sets
None. This was only available as a promotional polybag/carded figure at San Diego Comic-Con 2011.
Character Background
Based on Bruce Wayne's 'Advanced' suit from the 2008 film The Dark Knight, featuring separated armor plates for better mobility.
Design Notes
This figure marked a turning point in LEGO design toward 'hyper-detail'. The contrast on the muscular printing was significantly more aggressive than standard City or earlier Batman sets.
Similar Minifigures
Batman (sh016), Batman - SDCC 2011 Green Lantern version (sh001), and the Comic-Con exclusive Zur-En-Arrh Batman.
Collectibility
Highest tier. It is considered a 'holy grail' for DC Super Heroes collectors and sits at the peak of the investment pyramid for modern minifigures.
History
Released alongside sh001 (Green Lantern) to kickstart the LEGO/DC partnership. It represents the transition from the old 'Batman' (2006-2008) theme to the modern 'DC Super Heroes' line.
Interesting Facts
Despite the white torso, the character is meant to represent the black/gray movie suit; the white was a stylistic choice to make the printing details 'pop' for the debut event.
Display Suggestions
Should be kept in a UV-protected acrylic case. If on the original card, do not remove it, as the card accounts for over 50% of the market value.
Modification Potential
Extremely low due to value; any modification or part swapping would drastically reduce the market price.
Overall Assessment
An iconic piece of LEGO history. Its high detail, immense scarcity, and association with the Dark Knight trilogy make it one of the most desirable figures ever produced.