Batman's utility belt

Last updated
Batman's utility belt
Batman's utility belt.png
Publication information
Publisher DC Comics
First appearance Detective Comics #29 (July 1939)
Created by Gardner Fox
In story information
TypeCostume, Equipment
Element of stories featuring Batman

Batman's utility belt is a feature of Batman's costume. Similar belts are used by the various Robins, Batgirl, and other members of the Bat-family.

Contents

History

Artist Greg Capullo signs a replica Batman utility belt during an appearance at Midtown Comics in Manhattan. Beside him from left to right are Batman writers Scott Snyder, Tom King, and Frank Miller. 9.17.16BatmanDayByLuigiNovi49.jpg
Artist Greg Capullo signs a replica Batman utility belt during an appearance at Midtown Comics in Manhattan. Beside him from left to right are Batman writers Scott Snyder, Tom King, and Frank Miller.

Batman historian Les Daniels credits Gardner Fox, the first writer other than Bill Finger to write the adventures of Batman in Detective Comics , with introducing the utility belt concept in Detective Comics #29 (July 1939). [1] In its first appearance, Batman's utility belt "contain[ed] choking gas capsules." [2] Two issues after the utility belt debuted, Fox also wrote the first appearance of a bat-themed weapon, when the batarang debuted in the story "Batman vs. the Vampire" in Detective Comics #31 (Sep 1939). [3]

Up until 1989, most artists drew the utility belt as a simple yellow belt with a buckle and capsules/cylinders around it (except artist Graham Nolan, who included two pouches on the back of the utility belt). In 1986, Frank Miller drew Batman's utility belt with military-style pouches in the Batman: The Dark Knight Returns limited series. This rendition was used again in Batman: Year One and used by almost every artist in the Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight comics series. In 2000, the pouches became a standard feature in the depiction of the utility belt.

The grapple gun, which fired the Batline/Bat-rope (it had to be thrown manually prior to that), was first introduced in Tim Burton's live-action film, Batman . One feature added to the utility belt in the film and its sequel Batman Returns , was a small motor which would move items from the back of the belt around to the front allowing Batman easier access to his weaponry and tools. [4]

Description

Although seemingly unremarkable in appearance, the utility belt is one of Batman's most important tools in fighting crime. [5] Consisting primarily of a strap and buckle, the utility belt houses ten pouches or cylindrical cartridges that are attached to the outside of the belt. The buckle itself typically contains a miniature camera and a tape recorder. A secondary compartment behind the length of the belt houses Batman's supply of batarangs.

Each of the ten pouches or cylinders contains various tools integral to Batman's war on crime, with the cylinders being interchangeable with each other. Through the years, Batman has modified the contents of his belt to accommodate various crime-fighting scenarios.

Most versions of the belt contain security features to prevent anyone other than Batman from opening it. The belt is shown to be able to electrocute any villain who even touches it. It can also release stun gas to prevent tampering. The belt's compartments are locked and only Batman knows how to open them.

Contents

Elements [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] of the utility belt at times include, but are not limited to, the following:

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References

  1. ↑ Daniels, Les. Batman: The Complete History. Chronicle Books, 1999. ISBN   0-8118-4232-0, pg. 29
  2. ↑ Mike's Amazing World of DC Comics: "The Batman Meets Doctor Death" in Detective Comics #29. Retrieved July 31, 2008.
  3. ↑ Mike's Amazing World of DC Comics: "Batman vs. the Vampire" in Detective Comics #31. Retrieved July 31, 2008.
  4. ↑ Don Shay (1990), Cinefex: 24, So I put the idea to Tim that we have the belt revolve. He liked that concept and told us to go ahead with it. ... Evans and his crew constructed a revolving utility belt that was chain-driven by a small electric motor in the rear.{{citation}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  5. ↑ Fleisher, Michael L. (1976). The Encyclopedia of Comic Book Heroes, Volume 1: Batman. Macmillan Publishing Co. pp. 41–44. ISBN   0-02-538700-6 . Retrieved 29 March 2020.
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  30. ↑ Batman Annual #19 (1995)
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  33. ↑ Judgement on Gotham (1991)
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  35. ↑ "Gotham Girls - Harley Gets Stuck". YouTube . Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2013-06-27.
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  48. 1 2 "Batman Capability Website: Strategy/Tactics" . Retrieved 2013-11-06.
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  50. ↑ Megan Farokhmanesh (12 June 2013). "Batman: Arkham Origins' remote claw is a multi-functional tool". Polygon . Retrieved 2013-07-21.
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  52. ↑ "Injustice Gods Among Us Cutscenes / Cinematics FULL MOVIE 2013". YouTube . Retrieved 2013-01-27.[ dead YouTube link ]
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