DC Comics has revealed the first look at Batman '89's Batcycle! Over the years, Batman has used many types of vehicles to get zip around Gotham and fight crime. Batman's most common mode of transportation is by car as he drives his infamous Batmobile. When the Batmobile is out of action or isn't suitable for a certain mission, Batman's go-to backup vehicle is his Batcycle. In the comics, the Batcycle was originally used by Batwoman and later Batgirl. Batman's use of motorcycles was popularized when Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight films gave Batman a Batcycle, known as the Batpod.
The Tim Burton Batman films never gave Michael Keaton's Batman a motorcycle, he only had the Batmobile. The upcoming comic seies Batman '89 is the perfect opportunity for DC to expand on the already-iconic legacy of the Burtonverse. Already, Batman '89 has been confirmed to be utilizing many unused concepts that were scrapped from the original films. Notably, Marlon Wayans' Robin will be making his first appearance, alongside Billy Dee Williams' Two-Face in the new digital-first series.
DC Comics' big press release for Batman '89 showcases new previews of what's to come in the series. Among them, DC released pages from artist Joe Quinones' sketchbooks that reveal the finalized concepts for many of the miniseries' important players. Drawings of Batman and Robin's superheroes and civilian get-ups tease how they will look in Batman '89. Featuring underneath those drawings are sketches that showcase the first good looks at Harvey Dent aka Two-Face, Commissioner Gordon, Alfred Pennyworth, and the Joker Gang. However, the one brand new section that stands out is Quinones' Batcycle.
Although Michael Keaton's Batman was never given a Batcycle, there was a toy released alongside the film. This could mean that there were probably initial plans as Burton's first Batman film went into production. The new design by Quinones seems to be based on the unused Batcycle concept, although it's not that similar. Quinones definitely used it as a base concept and built out his own personal look from there. Quinones' sketches show the new Batcycle from every angle, including a mode where the vehicle turns into a cocoon. This is a cool feature that will probably be used to shield Batman when he is drawing heavy gunfire.
Ultimately, it's exciting to see new ideas play out in this already established world. As the biggest challenge that Batman '89's team faces is to bring all the nostalgia, but also to build new concepts and expand the Burtonverse. The Batcycle is just one thing that signals the new and exciting ideas that have gone into Batman '89, thanks to writer Sam Hamm and Joe Quinones. Batman '89 #1 releases on participating digital platforms on August 10.
Source: DC Comics