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See also: The Dark Knight Rises in Dallas: Where to See it in Full IMAX
Unlike most superheros, Batman isn’t bionic. He doesn’t have a mutation or special power: He’s a man. Since his toys are what protects him, five decades of Alfreds have dedicated their lives to tuning up Batmobiles. Here’s some of the most notable ones the caped crusader has driven.
The 1936 Cord (above) was our first look at Batman’s plush whip. It happened in 1941 in Detective Comics #48. From there it became a morphing legacy.
Still a favorite, this tv series edition was a 1955 Lincoln Futura with black interior and exterior, set off with red trim.
This mid-70s model of Batmobile is from Superfriends; it wasn’t flashy enough to make the cut for film. I love the bubble windows and blue color. It’s a little bit Bond, a little bit Bat.
The first Batman movie gave us this guy, a vehicle of undetermined origin designed to give a darker, more brooding take on the hero. Was it really 1989 when we saw this car? Damn.
I never cozied up to this model. There’s something about the fins. They just look so… aquatic. Sorry, Val Kilmer. You got a bum ride.
While this car is one of the better aspects of the Batman and Robin movie, it still isn’t great. I like that it resurrects stylistic elements of the earlier model ‘mobiles, but there’s something about it that just looks disjointed. Also, why wasn’t it a two-seater? What if Robin needs a ride to the tight store and his cycle is in the cave for repairs? Poor design.
It never made the transition to film but I like the sleek, simplistic nature of this Batmobile. It was the whip of choice for The New Batman Adventures, and later resurfaced in some Justice League cartoons. You know it’s got weapons; it just ain’t flashy about it.
The latest edition, The Tumbler, is back. After this many years Batman has turned to a tank for protection. I can’t blame him. Ride on, Batman. Ride on.
