Smoke Capsules (also referred to as either Smoke Pellets, Smoke Grenades or Smoke Bombs) are miniature capsules stored on the Utility Belt. Based on other smoke related weaponry, they are used by Batman and members of the Batman Family in their war on crime. Smoke Pellets are often used to create distractions or cover escapes.
Functionality
The appearance and functionality of smoke capsules have often change over Batman's history. In most continuities, they are small vials or containers stored on Batman's utility belt. Others depict them as bulky devices that will release clouds of smoke over time, very much akin to the real-life smoke grenades. The capsules are often depicted as storing a group of chemicals that, when mixed, create a cloud of thick cloud of gas. These clouds are often depicted as non-lethal to humans, though they can cause chocking and spluttering if breathed in. In some stories, Batman fits them with anesthesia or sedatives to knock opponents unconscious.
History
Smoke capsules first appeared in Batman #2. During the story, a wounded Batman used the glass vial to create black smokescreen to help him and Robin escape from Wolf the Crime Master and his henchmen. Similar vials had appeared before since Detective Comics #29, though these often contained chemical agents that would incapacitate foes rather than create smokescreens.
|
This section is a stub. You can help the Batman wiki by expanding it. |
Media Depictions
Like Batarangs and the Batrope, media incarnations of Batman have made use of Smoke Capsules in one form or another.
Live-Action
1960s Batman series
The 1960s Batman series features smoke capsules in "The Joker Is Wild". Batman uses it to help him and Robin escape Joker and his henchmen during their first confrontation.
Batman (1989 movie)
Batman throws a smoke capsule
Batman makes use of smoke capsules during the 1989 film. They are depicted as small glass capsules, similar to their original appearances in the Golden Age of Comics. Batman uses them to cover his escapes from both Axis Chemicals and the Flugelheim Museum. Smoke capsules do not appear in later Burton or Schumacher films. However, tie-in material for Batman Returns mentions a white chemical capsule of unknown contents; some have speculated it may be the next version of the smoke capsule.
The Dark Knight film trilogy
Smoke capsules are alluded to in Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins. Whilst training with the League of Shadows, Bruce throws an mixture of chemical components that creates a small cloud of smoke. During his initial fight with Bane in The Dark Knight Rises, Batman throws a device which creates four small puffs of smoke in an attempt to intimidate his enemy.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Lead-lined smoke grenades are used by Batman in his battle with Superman. They are used to distract the Man of Steel long enough for him to equip his Grenade Launcher.
Animation
Batman: The Animated Series
Batman makes use of Smoke Pellets in the series, often as methods of distraction or to incapacitate foes. They are also presented as having sedatives, inducing unconsciousness in targets.
Video Games
Batman: Arkham Series
Smoke Pellets from Batman: Arkham City
Smoke Pellets feature in the Batman: Arkham games from Batman: Arkham City onwards. Depicted as small metal capsules, they create small areas of smoke that will disappear after fifteen seconds. Batman can use them in Invisible Predator sections to stun enemies or create cover for himself. If spotted, Batman can throw a smoke pellet down to cover his escape. He can also use it to create cover around foes, allowing the opportunity to take multiple enemies at once. However, smoke pellets can be used only once in rooms, requiring Batman to use fire-extinguishers to the same effect. They will instantly recharge when he enters a new room. Whilst in the external Gotham areas, the pellets will need time to recharge before Batman can use them again.