Warning: contains major spoilers for Batman/Superman #21!
The 1960's era of Batman adventures is known for being rather campy. Now, in Batman/Superman #21 a hilarious moment from Batman (1966) has been recreated. Superman's Kryptonian Eradicator makes for a perfect bomb substitute.
Batman (1966), based on the television series of the same name, was the very first feature-length Batman film. It starred Adam West as the titular caped crusader, with Burt Ward as his sidekick, Robin. Within the film, Batman is pitted against Catwoman, Joker, Riddler, and Penguin. During a humorous scene, Batman must find a way to get rid of a bomb so it doesn't destroy the headquarters of the villainous quartet - the United Underworld HQ - and harm several people.
Batman/Superman #21 has the creative team of Gene Luen Yang, Ivan Reis, Danny Miki, Sabine Rich, and Saida Temofonte. This comic has been throwing back to older iterations of DC's iconic super duo and now, it has referenced Batman's bomb disposal in a fun way - though much briefer than the film's scene. Superman's Fortress of Solitude houses numerous dangerous objects, including the Eradicator - which Etrigan the Demon is after. To prevent it from being used destructively, Batman delivers it to Superman.
The Eradicator first appeared in the late 1980s. It is more popularly known as the name of several characters - including the Last Son of Krypton - and appeared during the "Reign of the Supermen" arc that followed the "Death of Superman". Originally, however, it was a device. It was intended to prevent Kryptonians from leaving Krypton and it looked like a small rocket. This device has now returned in Batman/Superman #21, with Etrigan the demon wanting to acquire it and use it against the World of Tomorrow. Etrigan was recruited by Autuer.io, the archivist of worlds and main villain in this comic arc. However, Batman and Superman are working together to stop him from getting the Eradicator.
Batman's efforts result in him lifting the device over his head, similar to how Adam West's iteration of the character carried the bomb over his. In the film, Batman ran around, changing directions and doing everything he could to avoid throwing the bomb anywhere that could harm someone. This results in a lengthy - and very humorous - scene where Batman dodges a band, a pair of nuns, a flock of ducks, and a woman pushing a carriage - among many others. The latest recreation of this scene is much briefer, with the Dark Knight holding it and immediately throwing it over to Superman. Thankfully, there are no civilians anywhere to be seen that impede his throw. This is the perfect day for getting rid of a bomb.
Batman/Superman has been sending the titular pair of heroes into numerous cinematic-style worlds. They've been cowboys, allying with El Diablo and have visited the world of Adam Strange, where they partnered with Alanna. Demons have swarmed Metropolis and an alternate version of Bruce Wayne has become Bizarro Two-Face - an amalgamation of iconic DC villains. This series has definitely brought some campy elements, making this particular moment very fitting to bring back within it. While it won't necessarily be a reference that Batman fans consider the epitome of the caped crusader's career, it is certainly one that long-time fans will definitely appreciate. Batman's goofiest moment is one that is highly memorable.