Square-Enix had some of their upcoming Batman Play Arts Kai figures, including some prototypes, at their booth during the Tokyo Game Show (TGS 2012). While I could go through the whole list, I think most people wouldn't get past the words, "The Dark Knight (Heath Ledger) Joker".

The prototype for the TDK Joker is something of a show stealer, driven in small part by the popularity of Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker. This unpainted prototype looks spectacular. I like how the sculpting even captures the ruffles in his vest. If he looks as good (or better) painted, the TDK Joker will likely be my first Play Arts Kai figure.

However, Joker wasn't the only Nolanverse figure on display as he was joined by a The Dark Knight Rises (Anne Hathaway) Catwoman, TDKR (Tom Hardy) Bane, and the (Christian Bale) Batman. The Catwoman prototype seems to be shaping up nicely and, when painted, might even give the Hot Toys version a run for its money if the gaudy joints don't prove too great a distraction. The Bane is also solid despite  possibly taking some artistic license with actor Tom Hardy's musculature. I have a difficult time objectively discussing the Batman because I can't quite get Bale's goofy Batman voice out of my head.

Also on display were some of Rocksteady's Arkham series designs, the most prominent of which was probably the Batman: Arkham City Harley Quinn prototype. While there's been some mixed reception over the character design (many fondly remember her "classic" outfit as seen in Batman: The Animated Series when they were younger), I've personally been a fan of her Arkham City redeco and believe the prototype does the design justice. I haven't been as into the Rocksteady Robin design (which is basically just the character with a hood) although the detailing looks good. Plus I suppose some fans might dig the look. Anybody here planning on picking some of these up?

[ Photos via Tokyo Hunter ]