The Batsuit was the costume worn by Bruce Wayne while operating as Batman. Changing versions as he continued to operate, the costume served mostly as protection and to strike fear into the criminals he fought. Aside from the prototype Batsuit, all versions were equipped with electronic gadgets, such as holographic lenses and forensic scanners.
Versions[]
Prototype[]
Batman's Prototype Batsuit
Wayne first developed the prototype Batsuit whilst planning his war on crime. Aside from voice modulation, a utility belt to store some of his gadgets, basic holographic functionality and a communicator in the ears, it did not provide Bruce any protection or other benefits, aside from theatricality and intimidating criminals. The suit would be donned before his battle with Lady Arkham, should he choose to stop Two-Face from taking over Wayne Manor at the cost of his tech being hacked. Though the suit was badly damaged in a fight with Lady Arkham, Batman would continue to wear it until his tech was restored.
Mark I[]
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The Batsuit Mark I on display
The first armored Batsuit was created shortly after Wayne officially began his war on crime as Batman. The suit was fitted with various armored plating to protect him from both normal gunshots and armor-piercing bullets as well as other forms of attack, though the back was left exposed, due to the cape. Along with voice modulation, a communicator, and basic holographic functionality, the cowl also could interface with the Bat-Drones. Fox later upgraded to the cowl to include thermal imaging, allowing Batman to detect heat signatures.
Along with protection and use in combat, the gauntlets were fitted with a holographic display and controls. These could be used to interface with the Batcomputer and Bat-Drones, control gadgets, hack into devices, and activate an Ultrasonic Bat Beacon. The gloves had scanners fitted in to analyze items of interest and catalogue compounds, sending information gather to the Batcomputer. A microphone was also hidden into the gloves' fingers, which could be activated with the controls on the gauntlet and directly feed into both the cowl's communicator. The Batsuit's cape was also designed to act as a glider when stretched out, with Batman using it to travel both long and short distances or mitigate damage from falls.
The suit is damaged during Batman's fight with Lady Arkham at the Skyrail Depot. The damage can only be repaired if Batman convinces Fox to work for him full-time or if he protects his technology from Penguin.
Mark II[]
Fox presents the Batsuit Mark II
Fox was in the process of creating the second version of the Batsuit during Batman's battle with the Children of Arkham. If Batman decides to stop Penguin from hacking his tech, Fox was able to finish it before Batman goes to confront Lady Arkham. Along with the existing features provided by the previous Batsuit, the Mark II also came with improved armor to protect him from Lady Arkham's concussion staff and pouches on the utility belt to store his improved tech. Unlike the Prototype Suit, the Mark II only receives some scratches from Lady Arkham's staff.
Mark III[]
Batman's Batsuit Mark III in action
Batman's third Batsuit was completed in the time between the riots at Arkham Asylum and the Riddler's return to Gotham. The suit was known to be heat resistant, could seal itself to stop him from losing blood (if seriously injured), and featured a new gadget, Bat-Anchors, attached to his wrists. The gauntlets were now hidden within the upper gloves but could be deployed whenever he wished. The suit would also allow other features, including a gas mask to be fitted, allowing Batman to adapt to situations.
Trivia[]
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Concept Art for the Mark I Batsuit in Batman: The Telltale Series
- Each of the Batsuits seem to be inspired by an existing design in the comics or other media:
- The prototype suit appears to have been inspired by the New 52 Batsuits, though its lack of armor and cloth base makes it similar to classic versions of the costume.
- The Mark I suit is similar to the New 52 Batsuits, due to its armor plating and more tactical appearance. It also shares shorter ears, something first implemented in The Dark Knight Returns.
- The Mark II suit is based on the Exoframe Batsuit used by Batman during The Dark Knight Returns, due to the heavy armor and the silver color scheme.
- The Mark III suit is based primarily on the Plated Batsuits used in The Dark Knight trilogy, with a darker color scheme, longer ears and retractable gauntlet blades.
- Concept art for Batman: The Telltale Series indicates that the suits' gauntlets planned to feature inbuilt grappling hooks, similar to those seen in Joel Schumacher films. Though this was scrapped, it was later recycled with the Bat-Anchor being attached to Mark III's wrists in The Enemy Within.