THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS...

Aurora 1974/'75 Batman model - with added owl

Here's yet another "Rambling Robson Reminiscence" which hopefully you'll all find at least vaguely interesting.

Back in  early 1983, a friend told me that a model shop in Glasgow was selling an AURORA BATMAN model for the paltry amount of £1.50. If I wanted it, he'd pick it up the next time he was in town. Having had this kit back when I was a boy, dang-tootin' I wanted it. I duly gave him the dosh and sat back to wish my life away until I got my grubby hands on the model.

When I did, I was surprised to see that the box was different to the one I had as a kid, and when I opened it, I was slightly disappointed to note that there had been a few changes made; namely, the owl had been omitted, and the name on the tree and the circular bat-emblem on the chest had been removed. (An oval sticker was supplied in its place.)

Anyway, I overcame my disappointment and started to assemble and paint the kit, which was the 1974/'75 reissue. I had to put my efforts on hold while we moved house, applying the finishing touches to the model in our new abode. Over four years later, due to circumstances too long and boring to relate here, we decided to move back to our previous home - and Batman made the return journey with us.  

The US version of the box. UK kits
did not have the comic

However, that absent owl always bothered me - so imagine my delight when, 24 years after first acquiring the reissue, I eventually managed to obtain a spare '60s owl, finally allowing me to complete the model to my satisfaction. I was only 24 when I started the kit and 48 when I gave it the final finishing touch - in the same house in which I had begun it, half my life away almost to the very month.

Is it just me, or does there seem to be an immensely satisfying level of ironic profundity in that little accomplishment?

H'mm - just me then.