The Exoframe Batsuit, also known as the Powered Batsuit, is a mechanized Batsuit used to take on super-powered threats, namely Superman. It was created by the Dark Knight to fight Superman.
Description[]
The suit is built for the intention of fighting Superman. It has mechanisms which enhance Batman's strength and durability so that he can go toe-to-toe with the Man of Steel.
Functions[]
- Strength Enhancement: Similarly to Bruce's normal Batsuit during his resurgence as Batman, the Exoframe Batsuit had mechanics which strengthened his body.
- Electrified Gauntlets: The suit had enough electrifying power from its gauntlets to electrify a weakened Superman. This process also shocked Bruce while using it.
- Power Cable: This was a power-cable near the suit's waist, which could redirect energy in Gotham's power-lines to the Batsuit. What wasn't used for electrifying Superman and shocking Bruce awake, was used to power the suit.
- Sound-proofing: The helmet of the suit was made to cut off loud sounds, making Bruce effectively deaf while wearing it.
- Spiked Cleats: The suit has spiked metal cleats which Batman used to jab into Superman's face.
History[]
Superman was sent to Gotham to arrest Batman, or sanction him if he refused to come quietly. Batman and Alfred prepared the suit to use against the Man of Steel, who was still recovering nuclear bomb blast. Batman chose Crime Alley to make his last stand against the federal government. Batman plugged the armor into the base of the street light where his parents died, using the city's power for his electrified gauntlets and sonic wave gun. The plan required assistance from Oliver Queen, who fired a Kryptonite arrow at Superman. Knowing he would try to catch it or shoot it with heat vision, it was tipped with Kryptonite napalm. After this Batman managed to take down Superman before faking his own death to get the government off of his back.
Appearances in Other Media[]
Television[]
- Batman: The Brave and the Bold: In the season 3 episode, Battle of the Superheroes! Batman dons the Exoframe Armor to confront Superman, who has been corrupted by Red Kryptonite. During their fight, several freeze frame action shots are drawn directly from Frank Miller's panels in issue #4: The Dark Knight Falls.
Film[]
- Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 2: In the 2012 animated adaptation, the Exoframe is given more abilities, including jets in the boots. The lenses on the helmet are not flat white like standard Batsuit cowls, they are given a glow from LED lights behind them. Jay Oliva storyboarded a much more elaborate fight sequence where Batman uses the armor to throw a massive wrecking ball at Superman in a construction site. They also destroy local civilian housing rather staying in Crime Alley. A scene is added prior to the fight where Bruce tests the strength of the armor by lifting the 1989 Batmobile in the Batcave.
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: A highly refined and redesigned version of the armor appears in the film, serving the same purpose as that of the original comic. The only key differences here being that Batman intends on using it to kill Superman rather simply humiliating him and that the helmet again has LED lights like the Disney Iron Man helmets. Batman uses a grenade launcher to fire gaseous Kryptonite at Superman in place having Oliver Queen snipe him with K-napalm and he chooses a Batsignal rooftop as his battleground rather than Crime Alley. None of his equipment is ever plugged into a street light or any other external power source.
Video Games[]
- LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes: In LEGO Batman 2, the Exoframe Batsuit appears as Batman's Power Suit. It allows him to interact with Orange Strength handles and destroy silver LEGO objects with rockets.
Miscellaneous[]
- DCAU: While never appearing directly in the DCAU, the suit was featured in the DCAU spin-off comics Batman: The Adventures Continue with a figure released of it. Here it has rocket-boots and knuckles lined with kryptonite along with glowing green eyes. The suit is used by Batman to take on Lex Luthor who has a a giant robot which is secretly holding Superman inside of it. The figurine of the suit is called Super-Armor Batman.