Batman - Light Gray Suit with Blue Mask (Short Ears)
bat002 · Batman / DC Super Heroes
Original Batman (2006-2008) · 2006. This was the debut year of the LEGO Batman theme, representing a major shift as LEGO began securing massive popular entertainment licenses beyond Star Wars.
Figure ID
bat002
Theme
Batman / DC Super Heroes
Year Released
2006. This was the debut year of the LEGO Batman theme, representing a major shift as LEGO began securing massive popular entertainment licenses beyond Star Wars.
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While it appeared in two sets, it was part of the very first wave from 2006, and finding it with the original soft cloth cape and crisp printing is becoming increasingly difficult for collectors.
Head
Yellow skin tone with a black printed headband (to hide the skin underneath the mask), white 'blank' eyes for the cowl, and a determined, gritted-teeth expression. The mask is the Blue Batman Cowl (Short Ears) mold.
Torso
Light Gray torso with muscles defined in dark gray lines. Features the yellow oval 'classic' Batman logo and a detailed yellow utility belt. The arms are Light Gray with Blue hands.
Legs
Light Gray legs with a Blue hip piece. There is no printing on the legs or the sides of the legs, following the standard design of the mid-2000s era.
Accessories
Traditional Blue soft cloth cape (one-hole or two-hole variety). Primarily paired with black Batarangs or grappling hooks in original sets.
Color Scheme
A 'Silver Age' inspired palette of Light Gray, Blue, and Yellow. This iconic comic book look contrasts with the later move toward all-black 'Dark Knight' style suits.
Printing Details
Pad printing on the torso (front) and head. High alignment quality characteristic of the mid-2000s, though it lacks back torso printing, which was not standard for most figures at that time.
Variants
Varies from bat001 (Dark Gray suit/Black mask) and bat005 (which uses the long-eared cowl). This specific light gray/blue combo is the definitive 'Comic' variant of the 2006 line.
Condition Notes
The soft cloth capes used in 2006 are highly prone to fraying at the edges. Check for 'neck cracks' (vertical cracks in the torso sides) and play-wear on the blue mask ears. The light gray plastic is also susceptible to sun-fading/yellowing.
Estimated Value
Used Complete: $45 - $65 USD. New/Mint: $85 - $120+ USD. Prices have trended upward significantly as the 2006 theme reaches vintage status.
Price (New)
Originally available in set 7779 ($9.99) and 7782 ($49.99). The entry-level price point of the Batman Dragster made this figure accessible at launch.
Compatible Sets
7779 Batman Dragster: Catwoman City Chase (2006); 7782 The Batwing: The Joker's Aerial Assault (2006).
Character Background
Based on the DC Comics character Bruce Wayne. This specific design evokes the 1970s and 80s comic appearance drawn by artists like Neal Adams, known for the blue-and-gray color scheme.
Design Notes
Features the 'Short Ear' cowl mold which was the standard for years before the taller, more 'Gothic' ear molds were introduced. It represents the first-ever 'classic' aesthetic Batman in LEGO history.
Similar Minifigures
bat001 (Black/Gray version), bat005 (Blue/Gray with Long Ears), and later SH016 (modern variation of the blue/gray suit).
Collectibility
High. As a 'First Wave' Batman figure from the original licensed theme, it is a cornerstone of any DC LEGO collection and holds strong nostalgic value.
History
This figure marked the beginning of modern LEGO DC licensing. Before 2006, Batman only existed in 'fan-made' or 'custom' forms. It paved the way for the current massive DC Super Heroes line.
Interesting Facts
The 'headband' printed on the head was a clever solution to ensure no yellow skin showed through the mask's eye holes, a technique still used in various forms on modern masked figures.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the original 2006 Catwoman or Joker to recreate the box art scenes. Use a UV-protected case to prevent the blue parts from fading and the gray from yellowing.
Modification Potential
Excellent base for Silver Age MOCs. The blue cowl and hands can be swapped with dark blue or black parts to create different era-specific suits like the 'Hush' or 'Year One' versions.
Overall Assessment
An absolute classic. While the printing is simple by today's standards, its historical significance and iconic color palette make it a premium item for collectors. Rating: 9/10.