- "You're just jealous, because I'm a genuine freak and you have to wear a mask!"
- ―The Penguin[src]
The second Batsuit was more armor-plated in appearance. It seemed somewhat more mass-produced than its predecessor, as Bruce Wayne had a walk-in vault to select and assemble from multiple suit-pieces that were present.
History[]
Batman Returns[]
At some point after the 200th Anniversary Parade, the Batsuit was updated to a more angular armor plated version, with more industrialized seam lines that were shown rather than being hidden at joints or at the back like the previous sculpted muscle look, most notably down the center of the thighs. The metal plates were removed from the inside of the gauntlets but the boots still had redesigned shin guards with a bat-insignia on both of the tarsals.
This new armor was shown to possess weak points, particularly in the pectoral seam or his lower sides, as demonstrated by Catwoman when she jabbed her claws into such a spot on two encounters.
Relighting of the Tree Ceremony[]
The Batsuit still retained its defense against bullets, when Commissioner Gordon's men shot him off the rooftop. The impact of the bullets still knocked the wearer off their feet, retaining the same drawback from the initial armor. It did not appear to leave bullet marks as easily the original torso after it took hits. Batman unveiled the ability to transform the cape into a glider to escape the situation, a notable improvement.
Showdown at the Old Zoo[]
In a demonstration of raw strength, Bruce was able tear the cowl cowl in half at the Arctic World pavilion. Max Shreck managed to shoot his chest plate with a revolver while he was distracted but recovered shortly thereafter after being downed from the shot briefly. Due to this gunshot, Bruce was unable to prevent Selina from murdering Max.
Batman '89[]
Bruce walks past his various Batsuits.
During a conversation with Alfred about his recent attack by Robin, Bruce walked past his various Batsuits, including the one that he had previously worn in 1992.
Features[]
Transforming Glider Cape[]
Batman's Glider Cape
The key new of feature of this Batsuit was the cape's ability to transform into hang-glider wings. This allowed Batman to fly from the rooftops of Gotham and traverse further distances than his grapple gadgets. It also allowed him to safely descend from the rooftops of Gotham.
Utility Belt[]
The same utility belt was still in use for the second Batsuit. The belt still had a small motor that was used for shifting equipment from the rear of the belt to the front. A handful of gadgets were typically stored on the back. It's contents included:
- Chemical Capsules: By this time the capsules were updated as four different colored capsules stored on the belt with different contents. The capsules included napalm, knockout gas, and explosives.[1]
- A Super-Batarang: Bruce started to carry an updated batarang with a LCD screen and button pad. It could lock onto targets and calculate a flight path to incapacitate them.
- Signal Jammer: A remote that could control multiple functions and controls. Before the showdown at the Old Zoo, Batman modified the multipurpose unit to control the Penguin Commandos and summon bats around the user.
- Zip-Line Grapple: A gadget that fired two dual grappling hook that created and travel on ziplines. Unlike its predecessor, Batman could store the tool on his utility belt.
- Speargun Grapple: The reel was updated to slide out fully assembled as a pistol, now functioning only for making vertical ascents and yanking thugs. The concept of switching attachments was abandoned. The circular plate with four bolts was replaced with chrome piece rather the black of the preceding model.
- Batmobile Communicator: Presumably, a variation of this device was still in use.
External gadgets associated with this armor[]
Appearances[]
- Batman Returns
- comic adaptation
- Batman Returns: The Penguin's Plot
- Batman Returns: Movie Storybook
- McDonalds and Diet Coke commercials
- Batman Returns Style Guide
- Batman Returns Style Guide II
- Batman '89
Video Games[]
Gallery[]
Behind the Scenes[]
Bob Ringwood created rough illustrations for the second costume, going back to their original concept of armor plating.
Merchandising[]
José Luis García-López style guide turnaround.
For reasons unknown, the Kenner Batman action figure mold was not updated to reflect the new costume. Very few figurines from other licensees attempted the new art deco plated armor design.
Legacy and Cameo-Appearances[]
Batman/Ra's Al Ghul: Year One #2.
- The Paraglider-Cape in Batman Returns was quite similar in concept to Christopher Nolan's "Memory Cloth" Cape in Batman Begins.
- Catwoman made reference to the weak spot her movie-version found in Batman Returns during Cry of the Huntress, sharing the information with the titular character.
- Bruce Wayne’s updated 2010 Batsuit, that was first shown in the Batman Incorporated Storyline, was conceptualized by artist David Finch as an amalgam from the Batsuits in Tim Burton's and Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight films.
- Along with the Foefie Gauntlet seen in the preceeding film, the zip-line grapple went on to appear in comics. It also inspired the Line Launcher from Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham games.
Trivia[]
- The costume was constructed using sculpted foam latex pieces over a neoprene bodysuit. The costume in Batman Returns was made out of a thinner, slightly more flexible foam rubber than the previous costume.
- Nike once again manufactured the boots for the costume, this time based on Air Jordan VIs.
- The chest was made more traditional in the sequel, due to fan complaints. Burton had wanted to "toughen it up a little" according to his commentary track for the dvd.