If you must buy one collectible from The Dark Knight, it should be something from Hot Toys. However, those collectibles are 1:6 scale, meaning their insane replicas of the Tumbler and Bat-Pod would never fit in any reasonable person's living space. You can get a Batman 12" figure, but what's Batman without a vehicle? It's all about the gadgets.

Now there's an option. This Batman and Bat-Pod combo from Bandai's Movie Realization line is probably the best figure+vehicle set a fan could ask for, in terms of size, detail, and overall coolness. The figure is based on artwork from manga artist and self-described Batman fan Masakazu Katsura (Shadow Lady, Video Girl Ai), who reinterpreted Dark Knight's designs, making them anime-influenced and flat-out awesome. Batman himself is a little more muscular, with more defined details, and comes with a batarang and his grappling gun, plus extra hands to hold the accessories. The Batpod is given a more futuristic and edgier vibe, is composed of plastic and metal, and possesses a surprising heft and durability. The box is pretty damn cool too, with large color illustrations by Masakazu.

Those looking for a miniature Christian Bale and his Bat-Pod may want to give this figure a second thought, but fans who appreciate varying interpretations of The Dark Knight should make this an essential collectible. Also, it's only a little over a foot long so it'll easily fit on a desk or shelf. I have mine at work.