Batsuit Comparison: The Dark Knight vs Batman Begins
Jun 19, 2007 by Vic HoltremanThere’s been a fair amount of discussion online regarding the newly redesigned batsuit from the Batman Begins sequel: The Dark Knight, so I thought I would put images of the two suits up side by side for comparison.
There seem to be three schools of thought on this:
1. Folks who are displeased that the batsuit in the movies continues to stay away from the comics’ classic “grey tights” look.
2. People who don’t mind the armored look, but think the execution is too “busy.”
3. People who think the new suit looks great and reflects a real-world concept of a character like Batman.
Personally I fall into category #3, but I can understand the arguments of those in camps #1 and #2 and each one has valid points.
For the “classic” argument you have of course the fact that Batman should look like the Batman that inspired the movies. If it worked in the comics it should be good enough for the movies, and it’s sacrilege to make radical changes to such an iconic costume. There is also the argument that having a non-armored Batman adds to the fear/mystique quality of his reputation among criminals. On the other side one could argue that in the real world setting that Christopher Nolan has created for the film, that wearing nothing more than a thin garment just isn’t realistic or believable for a non-super-powered guy to go around fighting criminals with automatic weapons and psychopaths. The suit from Batman Begins, although rubbery looking, was probably the closest in overall look to the comics version than in any other Batman movie. If you want to talk “criminal intimidation factor”, I think the new suit has it in spades.
The second argument could be debated until the cows come home: Give the assignment with some vague parameters like “armored”, “ninja” or “modern samurai” to 10 costume/VFX designers and you’ll end up with 10 completely different looks for the costume. It just comes down to a subjective choice by the director of what he likes and how it fits into the universe he’s created. I think that while the costume in the first Nolan film was a departure from the previous movies, the design was still heavily influenced by what came before.
The third group says “hey, the costume looks great and realistic.” The chain-mail underneath the armor looks more breathable and flexible, and the more segmented the armored plates are across the costume, the more mobility Batman has when fighting, which to me is extremely important for a character whose main method of combat is hand to hand. This is why I’m also happy to see a cowl that finally allows him to turn his head from side to side. This new costume looks like the first real ground-up redesign of a Batman movie costume and with the exception that it would probably take 3 hours to put on, it’s probably the most realistic design for a guy who might do what Batman does in the real world.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the above points!
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The new bat suit to me seems more practical. If someone decided to be Batman in real life this suit would work. It has increased range of movement for his head, increased plating where it would be needed. Mostly around joints like the shoulders, elbows, knees…etc, and padding in the abdomen and chest. The ridges in the abdomen could allow for airflow so the wearer wouldn’t over heat and still give protection. My gripe on the suit though would be retractable fins…they came in handy when dealing with a sword in the first movie, why keep them hidden. As mentioned in a previous post, Batman is known for having a really long and wide cape.
It’s some of the best camouflage he has and also slows him down when he jumps down from high places lessening the damage to his knees and hips. I agree as far as the symbol, it should be noticeable and easy for all to see and know. Criminals fear the symbol and the general silhouette Batman has when they see him up close and from a far. It’s a big improvement, but they still have a way to go…and as far as the Joker, I wish they would have had Mark Hamill in that role just because he can do the voice better than anyone. Heath Ledger just seems out of place being he’s been in more chick movies than I can count…maybe they can dub his voice with Mark Hamill’s and then it wouldn’t be so bad.
I personally like the costume. It’s lines are good. The rest of the costume is just detail, its not important. But it makes the costume seem more ‘interesting’. You have to remember that someone was paid to design this costume so it’s no suprise that the costume is very ‘busy’. If you just glance at it you know it’s batman but at the same time it’s got lots of detail for people that like to pay more attention. You also have to remember that this is his secondary suit in the film. And as past films have proved these are usually more extravagant. It looks specifically designed to go hand in hand with the batpod don’t you think? The helmet type cowl, the shorter cape? The armour plate segments look very similar to the protective armour rally bike drivers wear. Also the boots look specifically designed to bike riding. Has anyone wondered what his initial costume in the film will be? Will it be the suit from the first film? And if it is have they made any improvements to it? He is still wearing the same utility belt in the second picture so it might be that he wears his old costume in the film… which isn’t a bad thing because I think they do tend to change the costume alot without making any vast improvements to it.
The new bat suit looks better in the ne footage pics then this. This shows a barley look at it in real acion it looks better
No offence to people who don’t like the suit.. Your stupid. They do the best they can an I think they did a great job for what we can do. This movie is supposed to be a lil mo realistic and put it short the comic was too fantasy. Don’t get me wrong I love the comics but if you want batman to wear spandex then you make it. tell you what if you can make a spandez suit stop a bullet even i’ll give ya 100$. Retards.
So you think the movie suits could stop bullets? They’re plastic,man!! And just as “fantasy” as the comix suit. So,you say you’re a reader of the batcomics,eh? Well,riddle me this:if you’re a lover of the Batman comics,then how come you didn’t know that the comix suit is NOT spandex,and that it IS bullet proof,fire proof,and shock proof? Hmm? It ain’t tights,either,chum. It’s a flexible bullet proof vest like substance,they just draw it skintight,but then,everything in comix is drawn skintight.
Oh,and how is telling people who don’t like the suit that they’re stupid not going to offend them?
“They do the best they can do..” umm..what? They’re NOT doing the “best” they can do,they’re doing the “best” they WANT to do. If they really wanted to do their best to please fans and honor the comic books,then Batman would be sportin’ his classic black and gray look,now wouldn’t he? You people seem to think that if the suit’s color scheme matches the comics that it’s no longer bullet proof and etc.
The movie suits STILL suck,and I’ll bet you,given the proper resources,that I COULD make a better batsuit.
And the batsuit from the comix is just as realistic,if not more,as any other superhero’s costume. They don’t change Superman and Spider-Man’s costumes when they translate comix to film,so why Batman’s?
KEL-
You approached this all wrong. Let me show you…
Dear Nachiste Seavey-
Please do not throw words like “Stupid” and “retards” around, when you are probably guilty of such a lack of intellegence.
“Your stupid” should be “You’re stupid”
“lil mo” I won’t even go there.
“Spandez” Please.
“100$” Oh, you mean $100.
Trying to read on your level gives me a headache. I was always told “if you don’t have something nice to say, say it to yourself”.
Thanks.
Alca,
Thank you for taking care of the comment for me. That was going to be my approach exactly.
And just because you begin a sentence with “no offence”[sic] does NOT give you permission to insult people directly afterwards.
Vic
LOL! Alca,dude,you pretty much summed up everything I wanted to say! Thanx,I wish I’d have wrote that.
I’m STILL laughing from reading that,Alcadyzaar! Good form,old man!
I’d have written that is what I should have wrote.
I can spell,you know:)
Doh! Not spell,write! WRITE! Screwed up again,sorry guys.
Wasn’t this page about Batman? You guys sound like the Joker’s goons in the TV show…they talked a load of hooey as well!
Talk about the movie, man!
Thank God Batman can finally, FINALLY move his head around, it’s been bothering me (and everyone else) since the Keaton era. The new design is defiantly a step up from the previous costume, though I think his gloves are still not attached to his “wrist armor” (like in the comics) but you don’t really notice it, not like in the previous costume….it was terrible. And the reduced mask size sure makes the ears look a lot better but at some angles the mask still looks too big. But what can you do, they’re going for a “real world” Batman.
Hopefully this costume upgrade will help Christian Bale play a better Batman, it was a bit overdone in some scenes (interogation scene). Remember Bruce Wayne is the real disguise, “Batman” is Wayne’s true self.
Yeah, the inability to turn your head is not a plus in hand to hand combat, is it?
Of course you still have the peripheral vision issue and the fact that it’s about impossible to hear through the cowl.
Vic
Looks AMAZING!
I actually like the very original bat-suit from the 40s. The original didn’t have the bright yellow oval on the chest. That was a concoction of the 1960s writers/editors trying to make him look less threatening and more appealing for children. I haven’t read a newer Batman comic, but I hope they’ve gone back to the original black and gray suit. Also, for those who think gray with black doesn’t fade into the dark, think again. the two colors break up the silhouette and make it more difficult to be spotted. This is the same reasoning behind military camouflage. Anyways, between the two pictures I’d have to go with the “Begins” suit but maybe adding the cowl from the second.
WOO HOO!!! Finally!! SOMEONE who agrees with me! You’re absolutely right,Nate,I totally agree with EVERYTHING you said,especially the part about the camouflage. Hopefully we’ll be able to see the comix style suit in JLA. Most the time people who don’t know much about the Batman comix attack the gray and black batsuit. You should get a standing ovation,man! BTW,the current batsuit is black and gray,much like the batsuit from the 1940′s you were talkin’ about. Kudos to ya,my brother! fight the power!
Came across this post looking for a comparison of the two suits. Let me start off by saying I am no near as much a batman fan as most here. Though he has climbed up the ranks and one of my favs. But in all honesty weather the suit is black and gray does not matter. It is a matter of what works in the real world. The armored look words and face it we don’t have technology that can make cevlar(sp) spandex type clothing. So to have a spandex type suit and say it is cevlar(sp) bullet proof, fire proof. etc etc would really streach the imagination. Yes I know that the suit in the movies is not bullet proof but the design make it believabe that it is bullet proof. That it can protect his body from hard falls and hits. Like football players and the equipment they wear. Most of the impact you believe is absorbed by the armor and not his gut. Also the symbol lets face it anyone would remember that a guy in a costume just beat the crap out of you. Not that he had a yellow symbol. That is the last thing on any criminals mind. I personally love the new costume, and the fact that he can no move his head side to side is the greatest thing about it. He also looks more confortable and not so inflated like the previous old ones. As some pointed above they made the costume to look less intimidating for the kids. His new costume would scare the crap out of anyone. For example the spider man movies. Now as I watched them I often wondered that Peter Parker is not indestrcutable. So how did he survive getting thrown through a wall, heck how does he in general every bone in his body should shatter. Unless I missed some vital info as to why he can survive this. Heck with the new costume you can believe that some of the impact is taken away versus tights that make you think. Yeah he fealt that and he shouldn’t get back up.
Ed,
Whether the suit is black and gray may not matter to you and other movie fans,but it matters to me and many other Batman fans and comix purists very much.
The suit from the comix wasn’t “spandex” and is just as realistic if not more than the movie suits.
The movie suits are bulletproof,fire proof,and shock proof to a degree,like the comix style suit.
Spider-Man has enhanced durability,so it doesn’t matter whether he wears tights or not. he doesn’t need any armor or anything. That’d be stupid and wouldn’t be respectful of the character,like the Batman movie suits.
It’s quite strange, at some level I fall into all 3 camps you have mentioned.
Camp 1: Yes would be nice to keep the costume classic, but how far back do you have to go for it to be classic. I remember when Bruce Wayne returned after knightfall in the early 90′s, he had an all black costume, and always had a much darker costume in the ‘Shadow of the Bat’ comics (which incidentally the new movies appear to be more inspired by). So if this era counts as classic then the current costume does sort of fit.
Camp 2: Think the execution of the Costume is too busy, and
Camp 3: Think the costume reflects a real-world concept.
At some level these agree with both of these, I love the plating idea, but some of it is too defined, thus tending to look busy. However it also give the edginess (if that’s a real word) and fear factor that the character needs, maybe the plates could be more interlocking or not quite so separated in places. This would make it less busy and still allow for the mobility.
Totally agree that it’s good they’ve finally allowed neck movement with the cowl.
Finally, and slightly off subject, the pictures I’ve seen for the Joker look awesome, and have really capture the psychopathic schizophrenia with the makeup this time.
Andy,
What the heck are you doing commenting on the internet? Your opinions are WAY to balanced and reasonable!
You make excellent points all around, and yeah, The Joker looks creepy as hell. So much so that I’m afraid I won’t be bringing my 11 year old daughter to see “The Dark Knight” although she loved “Batman Begins.”
Vic
Meant to say, I like the fact the Bat’s costume is evolving from movie to movie. Like you said Vic, he need the armour plating, unlike Superman (or as Batman puts it, Big Boy Scout in Tights), and with the x-men etc, he has no super powers and it to all intents and purposes nothing more than a tollerated vigilante (or not so tollerated at times) therefore his costume needs to adapt and grow and technology evolves and adapts.
Equally so, going from one non superhuman to another, IronMan, love the costume for the movie though a little confused by the trailer with Tony Stark being portraid as a heartless arms dealer to begin with. Don’t remember that being part of his origin, unless this is his post Onslaught origin; have to admit I gave up with Marvel when they re-merged the two universes they had quite nicely split with the Onslaught story. But hey, that’s in the past. Don’t quite understand why they have to dick around with the origins for the Marvel movies though.
The batsuit doesn’t need the clunky,plastic looking movie armor in order to be “realistic”. He’s not Iron Man,save the armor and suit accesories for him. The batsuit is fine the way it’s always been in the comics.
[KEL said "The batsuit is fine the way it's always been in the comics"]
What you mean single unflexible peices of armour plating like it has been for the last 20 or so years?
Unflexible? Ummm…..what? Have you even seen the batsuit from the comix? It’s VERY flexible,almost like regular cloth it’s so flexible. And it’s protective too,like a bullet proof vest.
Admittedly have read them much in the last 5 years; however read them for around 20 years prior to that. But remember the bat not being crushed in Cataclysm because the “suits armour plating protected me”.
And with the darker version redesign of the suit after knightfall and Dick Grayson taking on the mantle for a view months, the fabric type coating was kept on top of the plating to allow movement at the joints, in the same way as the chain mail is used for the new movie, however indications in the comics were that the costume was made of fewer and larger plates than have been designed for the movie.
Also in the comics you have a lot more artistic licence as to what the suit can do and how it moves because it is drawn as opposed to being live action. The plating has been incorporated into the batsuit at some level since at least the first Tim Burton movie, which is also part of why Bane didn’t use a frontal assault on the Bat as he new it would be too much hard work for him and instead wore him down first so the exhaustion would reduce the effect of the body armour to a minimum.
In the original origin story there was not much time devoted to Stark pre-Iron Man, but the gist was that he was an arms manufacturer with a lifestyle similar to that of Hugh Hefner.
So not exactly the kind of guy a girl would like to bring home to meet her parents.
Vic
While I would prefer the more comics style suit I can deal with what they give us. Just once though I would like to seem them come up with a mask that really works. These are the worst so far. The ears are way too far back and the cowl opening for his face too small. Really ruins the whole thing for me.
Kel
No I am not a purist, And you miss the point, would I like the costom to be more a fabric and not the way it is in the movies NO. The movies are taking a fantasy and making it more realistic. He could not wear a suit like the one they made for spider man and superman and make it seem realistic. Batman is only human, he can’t take near the amount of punishment that they take. Besides I know his costume in the comics isn’t spandex. It is cevlar which I believe is a thin armor plating. IT hard to make it seem like that in real life. VS drawing it in a comic book.