Monster Jam Batman (2006)

       
 
 
Hot Wheels 2006 Monster Jam Batman
Hot Wheels 2006 Monster Jam Batman packaging Hot Wheels 2006 Monster Jam Batman roof Hot Wheels 2006 Monster Jam Batman sponsor detail Hot Wheels 2006 Monster Jam Batman suspension Hot Wheels 2006 Monster Jam Batman chassis Hot Wheels 2006 Monster Jam Batman rear

 
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NOTE: This is a modified reissue of an existing model, and this review will focus on the changes made between the cars. You can see the original review for more details.

Background

After long delays, Batman finally made its Monster Jam debut on January 6, 2006, in Charlotte, North Carolina with Jason Childress behind the wheel. It had a good debut season, including an invite to the Monster Jam World Finals VII. Childress retired from competition after the Finals, leaving Batman without a full-time driver for the rest of the season.

 

Packaging

A slight change from the previous design, the top right corner of the front panel was now open, allowing for a better view of the front of the truck. The rest of the overall look remained essentially unchanged.

 

Casting/Paint

The only casting change from the previous year was to the chrome engine and suspension components, which were changed to silver unplated plastic for 2006. The silver doesn't quite match the color used for the lower suspension arms, but its close. The contingency sponsors have also been updated, not only with new companies but also the plain gray background has been replaced with a printed diamond plate pattern.

 

Features/Accessories

No change from the previous release.

 

Accuracy

Now that an actual truck was racing, a few more details can be noted: the actual truck was gloss black, had smoke tinted windows, and the wings were solid black. There are also several discepencies in the sponsor logos, both on the chassis and the truck's sides. Finally, the wings are much shorter on the actual truck, with the exhaust nozzles being longer than the wing tips.

 

Overall

As noted in the '05 review, this overall design would be used for several years with only superficial changes. Exactly which year(s) you get is going to depend on how much a completist you are with the series.

 

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