The Batmobile of DC's TITANS Universe Revealed

Warning: SPOILERS for Titans Episode 6

The chances of seeing Batman appear in DC's Titans TV show are still a mystery, but viewers have just gotten the next best thing. The Dark Knight is still keeping his distance from Dick Grayson, but the Titans version of The Batmobile has finally been revealed.

The vehicle isn't being used in place of Batman, or even to suggest that he's following Dick Grayson, the former Robin, and his mission to prevent "Hell on Earth." In fact, his new sidekick Jason Todd makes it clear that his team-up with Grayson is his own idea. But when the boy's arrival stirs up memories of Dick's past, his flashback into the Batcave gives the very first glimpses of the newest Batmobile to join DC's Universe.

This Page: The Titans' Batmobile First Images
Next Page: The New Batmobile Pays Homage To The Past

The Batmobile Joins The Titans Universe

The makers of the show clearly know just how much fans will flip with the introduction of a new Batmobile - indeed, it's one design that is guaranteed to turn heads whenever adapted to a movie or TV show. And with Episode 6 of Titans, "Jason Todd," the DC Universe series provides more than one tantalizing look at the sleek lines of their own design. Especially when compared to the version fans have recently got in both Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, and Zack Snyder's own creation in Batman v Superman.

Where those designs favored brute strength, resilience, and utility to match their more bruised-and-bloodied Batmen, the makers of Titans have taken a very... different path. Which may come as a surprise, considering this version of Robin is rougher than even Affleck's Batman. To be fair, that's judging Dick Grayson solely on how he's been acting after leaving the Robin and Batman names behind. When he was still operating at Batman's side - like when this flashback is set - perhaps his fighting style (and morality) were as polished and perfected as Batman's own signature vehicle.

That theory might actually be just what the makers of the series intend, too. When Dick Grayson showed up in his Robin outfit, embedding his 'R' insignia into flesh, stabbing throats, and presumably castrating would-be torturers, fans made a simple assumption. If this is how the Titans universe treats Robin, then this must also be how Batman is shaped, as well. And given how Dick has referred to Batman's willingness to kill as the thing that drove him away, the evidence supported that theory. But now that his Batcave and Batmobile have been introduced, we have to ask: have we gotten the Titans version of Bruce Wayne all wrong?

We'll have to wait until the show actually shows Batman or Bruce Wayne to make that call, but for now, the newest Batmobile has the spotlight. Especially for fans eager to see how this new design pays homage to past versions - fusing old and new together into a new generation of Batmobile.

Page 2 of 2: The New Batmobile Pays Homage To The Past

Tim Burton's Batmobile is a Major Influence

The indelible mark left on the Batmobile debuted in 1989's Batman is still visible, and the way in which the camera crawls forward, stretching the horizontal lines of the Batmobile even further is almost a wink to the audience. That basic structure - rear-placed cockpit, extended chassis, and front axle trying to press through the front bumper - is unmistakable now, after production designer Anton Furst won the Oscar for it and the rest of Gotham in Tim Burton's film. Although a bit more rigid in its lines front to back, the design seems to evoke both the Batman film and the more art deco Batman: The Animated Series Batmobile. Until we get a closer look at the front, though, it will be hard to draw that line.

But before we get there, it's worth pointing out the introduction of some color into this design of the Batmobile, as well. This Titans creation won't be the first to incorporate red accents into the Batmobile. Batman: The Brave and The Bold may be the most recent example of a black-and-red Batmobile in motion, used almost exclusively as a visual detail. However, we don't expect this to be a hint that the Titans version will be transforming into other vehicles any time soon. For now, the subtle pinstripe of red is hard to discern as either paint or lighting. But it ain't the only red to be found

Titans Shows Love For Batman '66

The far more enticing look at the Batmobile comes in the next shot, showing the vehicle from the front end, tantalizingly out of focus. But what can be seen are even more red accent lines, which would call back to the Batmobile seen in the original Batman TV show alone. Thankfully, seeing Adam West and Burt Ward in this new rendition is made even easier, with what appears to be the same twin-bubble-cockpit of the original Batmobile. Original, as in the version created by George Barris for the TV show, based off the Lincoln Futura concept car.

As much as the front of the Batmobile appears to be very, very happy to be making its Titans debut, we would guess that the red 'smile' is taking cues from modern supercars, not the Cars franchise from Pixar. The hood appears to still have a raised section down the middle of the hood, so its possible that the classic jet-engine propulsion system is still intact, just harder to make out. While the specifics may elude for now, you have to admit: taking inspiration from two of the most iconic - and for many, the best ever - Batmobiles is a wise move from the Titans team. Now, we know they didn't build it for these peeks alone: when do we get to see the entire thing?

How do you feel about this first look at the Titans take on the Batmobile? Are you taking these glimpses as a reason to get excited for a full reveal, or does some aspect of it give you doubts? Let us know your own reactions in the comments!

Titans releases new episodes every Friday, exclusively on DC Universe.