The DCU’sBatman: The Brave and the Boldwill be Batman’s first chance in a long time to use some famous comic book gadgets that have never made it to a live-action movie. Theupcoming movieBatman: The Brave and the Boldwill be The Dark Knight’s first true appearance in the newly-formed DCU headed by James Gunn, following the release ofSuperman: Legacy.Considering how many amazing pieces of tech Batman uses in the comics that have yet to see on-screen representation, this movie will be Batman’s chance to show off an updated arsenal.
There are many reasons why some of Batman’s coolest gadgets have remained unseen by moviegoers.Whereas the more campy Batman appearances of the late 60s and 90s simply didn’t have the budget for a depiction of Batman’s more fancy utility belt options, the higher-budget Batman movies like Matt Reeves’The BatmanorChristopher Nolan’sDark Knighttrilogytend to be too grounded in reality for high-flying comic book inventions. Hopefully, as a more comic-faithful incarnation of the Caped Crusader,Batman: The Brave and the Boldcan introduce some highly-anticipated gizmos.
10The Bat-Eye
Batman’s trademark surveillance option for many years
Starting things off, one of Batman’s most quietly long-running gadgets is also one of his bulkiest and most cumbersome.The all-seeing Bat-Eye is a roughly basketball-sized spherical drone that functions as a hovering camera, aiding Batman and Robin in detective work like stakeouts and trailing perps. Even though it doesn’t fit in Batman’s utility belt, it has a convenient storage spot in the Batmobile for quick deployment on the go.
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Looking like a literal giant eyeball, the Bat-Eye is just the sort of silver-age gadget James Gunn might be interested in for his more fantasy-oriented and comic-accurate take on the DC universe. Even if its job is easily accomplished by a modern drone, the Bat-Eye could perhaps be outfitted with enhanced visual spectrums or targeting software to justify its existence. The device would also be a great segue forBatman: The Brave and the Boldto introduce Lucius Fox, who typically acts as the device’s mechanic in the comics.
9Freeze Grenades
A versatile tool adapted from Mr. Freeze’s technology
One of the coolest aspects of Batman in the comics is his ability to adapt to and learn from his enemies' powers.In the case of Mr. Freeze, the same cryogenic technology that powers his trademark freeze ray is adapted into grenade form by Batman to form the freeze grenades. Upon detonation, these small non-lethal bombs instantly cover an area in rock-solid frost.
The freeze grenades are one of Batman’s most versatile gadgets.
With their frosty impact zones, they can subdue enemies, create cover or terrain, disable movement with slippery ice, and so much more.They’re particularly useful againstBatman’s villainswith actual superpowers, like Clayface, Killer Croc, and Poison Ivy, all of whom have a greater chance of showing up inBatman: The Brave and the Boldthanks to the more fantastical world of the new DCU.
8Propeller Boots
Batman is always prepared for all types of terrain
Batman is famous as a superhero for being absurdly paranoid, always armed for any possibility, no matter how unlikely, with a dedicated contingency plan.No gadget better exemplifies this preparedness like the submarine propellor boots, used by Batman in aquatic environments.Built into the soles of Batman’s normal boots, these powerful rotors allow Batman to effortlessly maneuver through undersea locations with the greatest ease, despite the heavy, clunky nature of his suit while underwater.
There’s no telling how far the as of yet murky details ofBatman: The Brave and the Bold’s plot will take The Dark Knight.Possibilities for the use of the propeller boots range from Gotham’s bustling bay to its fetid sewers, always being patrolled by dangerous criminal elements. The closest thing to the propeller boots ever shown in the Batman movies are the heel-click-activated ice skates built into his shoes inBatman & Robin.
7Heated Batarangs
A red-hot variation of Batman’s most classic weapon
The humble Batarang is easily the most iconic piece of Batman’s typical arsenal, showing up in some form or another in essentially every cinematic Batman appearance.While the basic form of these throwing weapons are handy enough on their own, in the comics, Batman is known to use several clever variations of them to accomplish specific tasks. One of the most frequently reached-for of these is the heated Batarang, typically glowing with a red-hot haze.
ConsideringBatman: The Brave and the Boldmight be the only chance for big-budget powered villains like Clayface to show up, the heated Batarang might also finally see use.
One of thecoolest Batarangs ever shown off, these scorching flying weapons are, as the name implies, superheated with a powerful energy source, allowing them to slash and burn at the same time.These gadgets are specifically useful against the slimy body of Clayface, whose clay-like flesh is becomes hard and flaky upon exposure to extreme temperatures. ConsideringBatman: The Brave and the Boldmight be the only chance for big-budget powered villains like Clayface to show up, the heated Batarang might also finally see use.
6Bat-Net Drones
An elaborate fire-and-forget capture system
Except for Ben Affleck’s murderous Dark Knight, Batman is usually depicted as being unwilling to kill. With that in mind, most of his weapons aim to disable, disarm, or harmlessly capture rather than outright destroy.Enter the Bat-Net drones, a sophisticated capture and containment system that represents a breakthrough for Batman in anti-thug technology.
These flying devices, appropriately enough, resemble miniature mechanical Bats in their first stage,hovering in place or seeking specific targets at Bruce Wayne’s whim. Upon locking on to an enemy, the devices then explode forward, firing a powerful, twisting net that usually subdues most normal common criminals easily enough. At once portable, stylish, and practical, the Bat-Net Drones would be a clever way forBatman: The Brave and the Boldto showcase just how long their more veteran version of the Caped Crusader has been fighting crime.
5Projectile Ears
A creative last-resort for Batman
One of the coolest aspects of Batman’s gadgetry is its integration into his suit, with no square inch of his costume being left without a practical purpose. That even includes the trademark pointy bat ears of Batman’s iconic cowl, which aren’t always just for mere decoration. In some comics,Batman is depicted as being able to launch these sharp points as miniature projectiles at a short distance, surprising any attackers who might manage to overpower or get the drop on him as a last resort.
Admittedly, this is a relatively silly addition to Batman’s tool-kit that might be hard for even the campier world of the DCU to justify inBatman: The Brave and the Bold.However, movie precedent for a similar gadget is there, with Christian Bale’s Batman pulling a similar trick on Heath Ledger’s Joker with his bladed gauntlets towardsthe ending ofThe Dark Knight.Seeing Batman walk around sans ears like the popular “Man” meme accompanying Michael Keaton’s appearance inThe Flashwould be well worth the weapon’s inclusion.
4Finger Tasers
Batman remains a threat no matter what position he’s in
Projectile ears aren’t the only gadget built into Batman’s costume he can use to get out of a tight situation.Among non-lethal weaponry, it’s hard to beat the humble taser, something Batman has utilized in many different forms throughout his comic and movie careers. One of the coolest instances of him adopting the simple device, however, is still exclusive to the comics, with the fingertips of Batman’s gloves featuring tiny built-in tasers that can be fired with a flick of the wrist.
Batman is adept at using these devices to surprise the rare attacker that manages to get the drop on him, raising his hands as if to surrender, only to fire off a quick shot of the powerful, yet undetectable weapons.The films have played with similar concepts, with Christian Bale’s Batman getting taser-enhanced knuckledusters at one point handy for fighting off waves of incoming thugs.That being said, the difficulty remains in visually depicting a gadget so small – HopefullyBatman: The Brave and the Boldwould be up for the task.
3Collapsible Sword
One of Batman’s most audacious and flashy weapons
Even if a sword seems like a decidedly lethal weapon, with enough skill, Batman is able to deftly wield one to both defend himself and fend off opponents without landing a killing blow, owing to his intricate martial arts training.Swords can also be handy for Batman in the rare instances in which he fights off non-human foes, with which he’s usually more willing to literally cut loose with aggression. The coolest incarnation of a Bat-Sword is easily in the animated seriesBatman: The Brave and the Bold,not to be confused with the upcoming film.
At multiple points in theanimated Batman show, the protector of Gotham unsheathes a futuristic, flexible blue blade from his belt, revealing it to also function as a sheath for the sword.Considering theBatman: The Brave and the Boldlive-action movie will share a name for the cartoon, it would be appropriate to homage it by having Batman use one of his most famous weapons from the series.Besides the homage, the collapsible sword is simply too cool of an idea to resist.
2Bat-Sleep Gas
Batman isn’t above chemical warfare
Considering how ubiquitous smoke bombs are in Batman’s movie arsenal, it should be no wonder that the comics have granted him a greater range of gaseous devices than the films.Enter the endearingly-named Bat-Sleep gas, a signature chemical compound Batman frequently uses to quickly subdue foes nonviolently.Typically emitted from a canister or grenade, this gas harmlessly lulls average humans to sleep without much of a struggle.
After all, The Dark Knight is just as capable of putting someone to sleep with his first in every other movie version.
Admittedly, seeing such a sleeping gas used in live-action might not make for a particularly exciting fight sequence. However,with all the opportunitiesBatman: The Brave and the Boldwill have, there shouldn’t be anything wrong with Batman being allowed to take the path of least resistance in a few key instances. After all, The Dark Knight is just as capable of putting someone to sleep with his fists in every other movie version.
1Bullet-Proof Face Shield
Batman isn’t as vulnerable as he looks
In most incarnations, Batman’s costume is typically described as completely bullet-proof, with even Batsuits in low-tech universes likeRobert Pattinson’s Batsuiteffortlessly shrugging off live ammunition. The one obvious exception to this should be the lower half of Batman’s trademark cowl, which, by default, exposes his lower face and jaw to all sorts of dangers.It’s surprising that criminals don’t take aim at Batman’s face more often in both the comics or the movies.
He remains a threat no matter what position he’s in
Bullet-Proof Face Shield
He isn’t as vulnerable as he looks
The controversial comic seriesBatman: Odysseygave an answer as to why, with Batman possessing a clear, bullet-proof glass panel that can slide over his mouth, providing protection from heavy-caliber firearms at even point-blank range. This device is shown as being not always active, but voice activated when needed, still allowing Batman to get some fresh air while out on patrol. Even if this device might push suspension of disbelief a little too far over the edge, it would be undeniably cool to see it in action inBatman: The Brave and the Bold.
