Batman - Black Suit, Copper Belt
sh016 (sh016a) · Super Heroes
DC Universe · 2012 (Debuted in the Batcave #6860)
Figure ID
sh016 (sh016a)
Theme
Super Heroes
Year Released
2012 (Debuted in the Batcave #6860)
Rarity
Uncommon. While mass-produced in the early 2010s, this specific variant with the copper-toned belt and 'headband' white line was a staple of the first DC Super Heroes wave and is highly sought after today for its nostalgic value.
Head
Double-sided flesh head with a white printed 'headband' across the top (to create the white eyes when the cowl is on). Expressions include a determined scowl and a smirk/grin.
Torso
Black with detailed muscular printing, yellow Batman emblem with black bat, and a metallic copper-gold utility belt. Back printing includes torso muscle contours and belt segmenting.
Legs
Plain black legs (unprinted) with a black hip piece.
Accessories
Traditional black soft fabric cape and a black pointed-ear cowl (Type 2). The figure often comes with Batarangs as accessories in its original sets.
Color Scheme
A 'murdered-out' black primary aesthetic with high-contrast yellow and copper-gold accents for the logo and belt.
Printing Details
Pad-printed on the head and torso front/back. The belt features a subtle metallic sheen. High-quality alignment typical of the 2012 LEGO manufacturing leap.
Variants
sh016 has several facial variants (determined vs. smirk). Later versions of 'Black Suit Batman' (sh132) feature more gray detailing or changed belt colors (Bright Light Orange).
Condition Notes
Common wear points include fraying on the edges of the soft fabric cape and 'bite marks' on the top of the cowl's ears. The torso often develops hairline side cracks under the arms over time.
Estimated Value
Used: $8.00 - $12.00; New (taken from sealed set): $15.00 - $20.00. Current market trends for this specific version remain stable.
Price (New)
Originally available in sets ranging from the $12.99 Catwoman Cycle City Chase (6858) up to the $69.99 Batcave (6860).
Compatible Sets
6858 Catwoman Cycle City Chase, 6860 The Batcave, 6863 Batwing Battle Over Gotham City, 6864 Batmobile and the Two-Face Chase.
Character Background
Bruce Wayne/Batman, based on the DC Comics source material. This specific version was the flagship design for the 'DC Universe' reboot of the LEGO Batman line in 2012.
Design Notes
Significant for being the first redesign of Batman after the original 2006-2008 theme ended. It introduced a more modern, comic-book accurate muscle definition compared to the 'Classic' 2006 versions.
Similar Minifigures
sh002 (Batman - Gray Suit), sh132 (Batman - Dark Suit with Bright Light Orange belt), and the 2006 classic bat001.
Collectibility
High for 'completionist' collectors. While common, its role as the definitive 'modern-classic' Batman makes it a core piece of any DC collection.
History
Launched as part of the massive 2012 Super Heroes rollout that saw LEGO acquire both Marvel and DC licenses simultaneously for a new global push.
Interesting Facts
The white 'headband' on the head was a revolutionary design fix that allowed the eyes to line up perfectly with the cowl holes without needing a custom-molded white-eyed cowl.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed with the contemporary 2012 Joker and Robin. Use a clear acrylic stand to prevent the cape from bunching against a flat surface.
Modification Potential
Excellent for purist customs; the torso is a favorite for 'The Batman' (2022) style MOCs when paired with darker gray legs.
Overall Assessment
A foundational minifigure for the modern DC era. It is a high-quality, durable figure that captures the essence of the Dark Knight perfectly. Rating: 8.5/10.