CT Toys Mafex-126 Hush Batman Blue Ver. [Bootleg]

Description

The CT Toys Mafex-126 Hush Batman (Blue Version) is a highly regarded third-party (often referred to as a “high-quality KO” or knock-off) recreation of the original Medicom Toy Mafex No. 126. It is modeled after the iconic artwork of Jim Lee from the legendary comic arc Batman: Hush.

For many collectors, the CT Toys version has become a “must-have” because it offers almost 95% of the quality of the original high-end Japanese import at a fraction of the price.

🛡️ Product Features: The “Hush” Aesthetic

This figure captures Batman in his classic 1970s-inspired Blue and Grey color scheme, which he famously returned to during the Hush storyline.

1. Sculpt and Paint

• Jim Lee Proportions: The figure features the classic athletic, muscular build and the “short-eared” cowl synonymous with Jim Lee’s illustrations.

• Color Palette: A vibrant navy blue is used for the cowl, cape, gloves, boots, and trunks, contrasting sharply with a matte light grey on the bodysuit.

• Finishing: Unlike many budget figures, CT Toys uses a matte finish that minimizes “plastic shine,” giving it a premium look on the shelf.

2. Premium Articulation (The Mafex Style)

CT Toys has successfully replicated the complex “Super-Movable” engineering that made the original figure famous:

• Ball-Jointed Neck: Separate joints at the top and bottom of the neck allow for natural “looking up” or “chin tucked” poses.

• Butterfly Shoulders: Internal hinges allow the arms to cross the chest significantly for dynamic Batarang-throwing poses.

• Dual Torso Joints: Features both a mid-torso ball joint and a waist swivel for deep “crunch” and side-to-side tilting.

• Ankle Rockers: Extreme range in the ankles allows the feet to stay flat on the ground even in wide, low-gravity fighting stances.

3. The Wired Fabric Cape

A standout feature is the real fabric cape.

• Internal Wiring: There are thin, poseable wires sewn into the edges of the cape.

• Dynamic Posing: This allows you to “wind-blast” the cape, drape it over Batman’s shoulders, or make it appear as if he is gliding mid-air.

📦 Box Contents & Accessories

The CT Toys version is known for including almost all the accessories found in the original high-end release:

⚖️ The “CT Toys” Difference (Buyer Insight)

Since this is a CT Toys release and not the official Medicom release, there are a few things collectors should note:

• Value for Money: While the official Mafex can cost $100–$150 on the aftermarket, the CT Toys version is typically found for $20–$30.

• Joint Tightness: CT Toys is praised for having surprisingly tight and durable joints, often fixing the “loose wrist” issues found in early official Mafex batches.

• Paint Nuance: The paint might be slightly less “sharp” on the belt or the eyes compared to the $100 version, but for most displays, the difference is negligible.

🦇 Who is this Batman? (Lore)

In the Hush storyline, Batman is pushed to his mental and physical limits by a mysterious new villain who seems to know his every secret. This figure represents Batman at his detective peak—relying on his gadgets, his martial arts, and his relationship with Catwoman and Superman to solve the mystery of Thomas Elliot.

The “Blue and Grey” Batman from the Hush storyline (2002–2003) is considered by many fans and artists to be the definitive modern version of the Dark Knight. Illustrated by the legendary Jim Lee, this design was a deliberate attempt to return Batman to his “Bronze Age” roots while updating his physique for a modern, grittier era.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the “Hush” Blue Batman:

🎨 Visual Design & Anatomy

The “Hush” look is defined by its hyper-masculine, athletic proportions and a vibrant color palette that contrasts with the “all-black” tactical suits of the 1990s.

1. The Cowl and Mask

• The “Short Ears”: Unlike the long, spindly ears of the 90s (Kelley Jones style), Jim Lee gave Batman shorter, thicker ears. This made him look more like a brawler and a tank.

• The Jawline: The mask is sculpted to emphasize a massive, square “heroic” jawline.

• The Eyes: He is depicted with the classic white, pupil-less lenses, which give him a ghostly, intimidating presence in the shadows.

2. The Color Palette: Blue & Grey

• The Homage: The use of Navy Blue for the cowl, cape, gloves, and boots was a tribute to the 1970s Neal Adams era.

• The Grey Bodysuit: The suit is a medium-light grey, tight enough to show every ripple of his highly defined musculature (the “shredded” look).

• The Emblem: This version features the large black bat without the yellow oval. It stretches across the chest, emphasizing the breadth of his shoulders.

3. The Cape

• The Silhouette: In the Hush comics, the cape is almost a character itself. It is massive, heavy, and often depicted with deep “scallops” (the points at the bottom) that resemble bat wings.

• The Interior: Jim Lee often drew the interior of the cape with more blue highlights, while the exterior stayed darker to blend into the Gotham skyline.

4. The Utility Belt

• Pouch Style: Moving away from the “capsule” style belts, the Hush Batman uses a pouch-based utility belt in a vibrant yellow/gold. These pouches feel more tactical and functional, housing everything from Batarangs to Kryptonite rings.

🧠 Character Context: Why the Blue Suit?

In the Hush story arc, written by Jeph Loeb, Batman is at his absolute peak as a detective.

• Back to Basics: After the dark, apocalyptic events of No Man’s Land, the “Hush” era was a “back-to-basics” mystery. The blue and grey suit symbolized a Batman who was no longer hiding in the ruins of a broken city, but was once again the Guardian of Gotham.

• The “World’s Greatest Detective”: The Hush storyline involves Batman revisiting his entire “Rogues Gallery” (Joker, Poison Ivy, Killer Croc, etc.). The blue suit represents the “classic” hero who is smart, capable, and perfectly in control—until the mystery of Thomas Elliot (Hush) begins to unravel his life.

• The Romance: This suit is also iconic because it is the one Batman wore during his famous rooftop romance and eventual unmasking to Catwoman (Selina Kyle) in this specific comic run.