Being one of the most popular characters in not just comic books, but pop-culture overall, Batman as a staple has brought forth one of the most wide-ranging and lucrative franchises that encompass all things comics, toys, films, and general merchandise. With such a rapport, the Dark Knight's fans are arguably among the staunchest across any fandom and are willing to put forth their best dollar to have any number of retro toys that exemplify the scope their hobby reaches.
For this particular list, we'll be leaving out modern figurines and sticking to old-school toys that are highly sought after and rare to find out in the wild.
10 Mego Batman's Wayne Foundation ($1,425)
Produced in 1977, the 'Batman's Wayne Foundation playset was created through a collaboration between DC Comics and toy developer, Mego. Displaying a four-level structure set-up as a crime-fighting lab, it includes a communication center, a trophy room in which a dinosaur and giant penny are showcased, a computer station, and a penthouse at the top floor. Each floor can be traversed using a functioning elevator, however, the actual Batman and Robin figurines we sold separately.
As is any item on this list, this is a commodified piece of Batman memorabilia that has reached a selling point of $1,425.
9 Aladdin Industries Batman & Robin Lunchbox ($2,465)
Released in 1966, Aladdin Industries brought forth a legendary lunchbox in which the campy Batman and Robin, usually attributed to the Adam West TV show, is illustrated engaging in various heroics and taking down the bad guys. Each face depicted a comic strip ranging from the dynamic duo saving a cat from a burning building to tangling with the Joker and the Riddler. In mint condition, this tin box has sold for an astounding $2,465.
8 Ideal Captain Action Batman ($2,860)
In an effort to compete with Hasbro's 'G.I. Joe's, Ideal Toy Company would be one of the first action-figure lines to hit the scene with Captain Action, an action figure with an array of costumes allowing him to become several superheroes such as Aquaman, Spider-Man, and Superman. Among them would debatably be the most popular costume which would be released in 1966. Equipped with many accessories making the overall set that much better, Captain Action Batman would become a staple in both collectible figurines and overall Batman collectibles.
Being sold at $2,860, this set includes a classic cape, cowl, and utility belt as well as a Batman sticker logo for the bodysuit. The utility belt itself was outfitted with a Batarang, bat rope, grappling hook, drill, flashlight, and a mini two-way radio.
7 Transogram Batmobile ($3,290)
One of the most iconic items the Caped Crusader has had to his arsenal is the wheels he uses to chase and pursue his enemies. Depicted through a vast number of different interpretations, almost every Batmobile is illustrated or designed with its own uniqueness, highlighting that particular director's or illustrator's perception of Batman's primary vehicle.
So when American toy producer, Transogram, released one of the first Batmobile toys modeled after the 1960's TV show, it would undoubtedly sail to the top of collector must-haves, and depending on its packaged condition, could be valued at $3,290.
6 Marx Batman Water Blaster ($4,210)
Racking up a selling price of $4,210, this water blaster released by Louis Marx and Company would be a prototype toy, and therefore a commodity to any bat-fan lucky enough to find it. Equipped with a scope, it shoots up to 20 feet and has an extendable stock for better accuracy. Compared to his grappling-hook, Batarang, or any other countless gadgets he has, it wouldn't be too far of a stretch to assume Batman possibly has a water gun for the needed occasion as well.
5 Ideal Official Batman Playset ($10,245)
Ideal Toy Company would roll out a myriad of toys and paraphernalia in the wake of Adam West's 1966 Batman TV show. Among them was a number of playsets that included various characters and vehicles that if found in pristine condition, could be fetched for a pretty penny in the modern-day. The Official Batman Playset showcased a lineup of heroes including Batman, Robin, Wonder Woman, & Superman all taking on three arch-villains and a giant robot.
Supplied with a solar-ray weapon and multiple Bat-Vehicles, the playsets had the peculiar idea of leaving the villains absent of any character detail while hand-painting the heroes, lending credence to its rarity and the most notable selling point of $10,245.
4 Ideal Official Batman & Justice League of America Playset ($10,755)
Yet another playset that would become a centerpiece to any Batman collector, the Official Batman & Justice League of America Playset housed 24 pieces of pure fun and would become one of the most coveted Bat-memorabilia items under Ideal Toy Company. This massive set would have 6 hand-painted heroes each with an accessory such as a Batarang, knife, or cape; 6 non-detailed arch-villains, Wonder Women's Ring of Fire, a giant robot, a reflector ray weapon, a Batcomputer, Batmobile and Bat-Plane with a launcher, and lastly a Sanctuary Batcave of which a weather vane and periscope sat atop.
Its highest selling point is $10,755, however, finding this set in its completion without any damages, which is a difficult task for any collector to undertake, is valued at near $13,000.
3 Ideal Batman Utility Belt ($11,000)
As previously stated, Ideal Toy Company released a list of Bat-centric toys intent on riding the TV show's popularity, one product, however, would rival all others in future reputation. The Official Batman Utility Belt, released in tandem with the flux of Batman toys Ideal had produced, had a variety of neat gadgets common to the Caped Crusader. It was equipped with a Grappling Hook, Bat-Cuffs, Bat-Flashlight, a Bat-Gun, a Batarang, and a Dummy Transmitter.
Being one of the first, if not the first, toy models of the infamous utility belt, it holds a much higher value compared to other replicas, which consequently has caused it to reach a sale of $11,000 after being sold on the TV show, Pawn Stars.
2 Marx Bagatelle Batman Game ($11,825)
Created by Louis Marx and Company, this litho bagatelle game, which is simply a synonym for a pinball game, was released in 1966 and like their Batman water blaster, would become a highly sought-after item that would sell for nearly 12,000 dollars down the line.
It would feature the Dynamic Duo taking down Blockbuster as well other foes and allies being displayed and lithographed along the backdrop. An interesting theory is that it's speculated that DC artist, Carmine Infantino, was hired to do the original artwork.
1 Ideal Super Queens Batgirl ($17,925)
Released in 1967 as a follow up to Ideal's Captain Action, Comic Heroines, or Super Queens as they're more commonly known, was an attempt to more directly capitalize on Mattel's Barbie Doll. The line consisted of 4 dolls of which were Supergirl, Batgirl, Mera, & Wonder Woman.
They are the very first dolls of the characters and all sell for insane amounts, however, to the Batman fan, having this extremely rare collector's item has arranged it to sell for nearly $18,000. 11.5 inches in size, it comes with a cape, cowl, utility belt, Batarang, and a bodysuit with a Batman/Batgirl sticker logo.
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