A History of The Batmobile in Comics
We were going to post about comic book automobiles today – but the only one really worth mentioning is The Batmobile. Iconic, full of any gadget the Caped Crusader needs, and enough leg room to accommodate The Boy Wonder or BatGirl, we look back at some designs from DC, those that actually stayed around for more then one issue. Thanks to Batmobile History for all the great info!
Batman’s first ride showed up in Detective Comics #48, February 1941. This “Batmobile” was originally red then blue & a convertible based on the 1936 Cord, but the nose looked more like that of a Lincoln. There were no wings, no bat-faced front grill or logo. In fact, it looked like anyone’s random 2-door coupe.
In February 1950, Detective Comics #156 showcased a new Batmobile. After the previous vehicle was destroyed pursuing a gang, Batman revealed plans for a new Batmobile that was going to be “ten years ahead of anything else on wheels.” Though its shape resembled a Studebaker, it was as long as a Chrysler Imperial; inside was a complete laboratory with cabinets, a work stool, and a counter. Other features on the car included a steel “knife edge” nose to cut through barriers, a roof mounted searchlight that could double as a Bat Signal projector, a plastic canopy/windshield, rocket thrusters, and on-board television and radar screens.
This 50’s design has been a staple in Batman issues throughout Detective Comic’s run – especially in the 80’s 90’s and even today. Occasionally, this classic Batmobile comes back with a meaner looking bat-head and more destructive weapons. In modern times, The Dark Knight trades in his lab for a killing machine.
Nightwing has his own Batmobile as well, based off the one used in 1977’s Superfriends and also the 1960’s TV series Futura Batmobile. However, the lines of it were modified substantially for use in animation. This was the first car to feature a yellow bat emblem on its doors.
Some issues of the Dark Knight have featured Batmobiles based off various film adaptations. In fact, Frank Miller’s “Dark Knight Returns” shows us a Bat-Tank, later to become the Tumbler from Chris Nolan’s film series. Or, at least it looks oddly similar to us.
The Batman RIP Series featured another variation of this “new” retro mobile. Without Batman around in Detective Comics #851 and Batman #684 (a two-part story “Last Days of Gotham”) Nightwing takes up the slack in Gotham and at one point uses this Batmobile when he needs to get on-site quickly. This new look on the classic comic book Batmobile will probably return again in future issues.
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