Batman, Black Suit, Gold Belt and Crest (1989/Tim Burton Style)
sh016 · DC Super Heroes
Batman · 2012 (First released in the Batcave: Caverne de Batman set)
Figure ID
sh016
Theme
DC Super Heroes
Year Released
2012 (First released in the Batcave: Caverne de Batman set)
Rarity
Uncommon. While widely produced in the early 2010s, it has been retired for over a decade. It was the standard 'comic' or 'movie' hybrid style Batman before the massive expansion of the LEGO Batman Movie theme.
Head
Double-sided flesh-colored head with a white headband (the 'blindfold' look when the cowl is off). One side features a grim/determined look, and the other shows a smirk/gritting teeth. Covered by a classic pointed-ear black cowl.
Torso
Black torso with a yellow/gold Batman crest (oval logo) and grey muscle definition. Features a gold printed utility belt with rectangular pouches. Printing is crisp with matte grey accents to highlight the chest and abs.
Legs
Plain black legs and hips. No printing on the front or sides, which was standard for basic Batman figures of this era.
Accessories
The specific figure in the image is missing its black cloth cape and Batarang. Originally, it would have included a spongy fabric cape and likely a black Batarang weapon.
Color Scheme
Primary black with gold and light grey accents. The flesh-toned hands and face provide the only skin-colored breaks in the dark aesthetic.
Printing Details
Pad-printed torso and head. The gold logo printing is notable for its 'metallic' sheen which was an upgrade over the 2006-era Batman figures. Alignment is typically centered across the chest.
Variants
Known variants include sh016a (soft cape) and sh016b (stiff cape). It is a direct evolution of the 2006 bat001 figure, shifting from light grey to dark/black as the primary suit color.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include 'neck cracks' on the torso and hair-line cracks on the heels. The cowl often shows bite marks or scratches on the ears. The gold printing on the belt is prone to rubbing off with heavy play.
Estimated Value
Used: $5 - $8 USD; New/Mint: $12 - $15 USD. The value is relatively low because this specific torso was released in multiple sets and a polybag (30160).
Price (New)
Available in sets ranging from $3.99 (Polybag) to $69.99 (6860 The Batcave).
Compatible Sets
6860 The Batcave, 6863 Batwing Battle Over Gotham City, 6864 Batmobile and the Two-Face Chase, 30160 Batman Jet Ski.
Character Background
This represents Bruce Wayne as Batman, specifically modeled after the 1989 Tim Burton film aesthetic with the yellow oval logo, which was the standard look for the character for decades in pop culture.
Design Notes
The white headband on the head piece is a clever design solution to ensure Batman's eyes look white through the cowl holes without making the face look strange when the mask is removed.
Similar Minifigures
sh002 (Batman with grey suit), bat001 (2006 Black Suit Batman), sh702 (1989 Movie Batman).
Collectibility
High for nostalgia as the 'primary' Batman for a generation of kids, but low for investment due to the high volume of production and lack of leg printing.
History
This figure marked LEGO's return to the DC license in 2012 after the 2006-2008 sets retired. It streamlined the printing and added more modern facial expressions.
Interesting Facts
Despite the lack of leg printing, this is often cited as the 'quintessential' Batman figure because of its clean, iconic comic-book look that bridges the gap between the 60s TV show and the gritty Nolan films.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed with a black brick stand or a Bat-computer vignette. Pair it with the 2012 Joker (sh005) or Catwoman (sh004) for a complete 'Wave 1' display.
Modification Potential
Excellent for purist customs. Parts can be swapped with modern 2-piece cape systems or dual-molded legs from newer Batman figures to 'upgrade' the look.
Overall Assessment
A foundational piece of any DC LEGO collection. While not monetarily valuable, it is a high-quality, iconic representation of the Caped Crusader that remains durable and instantly recognizable.