Batmobile History

Building a Batmobile: The First Finned & Masked Batmobile Part 7

nospam@example.com (Bill) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 04:45:34 -0700

Work continues on the Batman #5 Batmobile! With the body work entering its final stages, it was time to start on the last major modification: the roof fin.

Continue reading "Building a Batmobile: The First Finned & Masked Batmobile Part 7"

WonderCon 2012 Print - Choose Your Ride

nospam@example.com (Bill) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 04:32:44 -0700

This is one of three prints available at this weekend's WonderCon in Anaheim, CA. There will only be 100 of these, available at the Graphitti Designs booth (#601) for $49.95:

Click to enlarge

The First Batmobile: Cord or Graham

nospam@example.com (Bill) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 23:59:00 -0700

I just received a link to a post made about the first Batmobile (the red convertible drawn by Bob Kane for Detective Comics #48). In this post, the author presents a case that the base car used for this car was not a Cord 810/812, but a Graham Paige.

Though the Graham is a common guess, the Cord remains the more likely base model. The confusion generally comes from the image used on my site, which was used because it is the only "full view" of the car to appear in that issue. Unfortunately, it is also a view of the car speeding and shown from a low angle, so to add drama to the scene it has the typical "leaning forward" look that was common at the time.

Compare that to the above image, which shows the car from a higher angle and stopping after having crashed through a wall. Without the extra motion distortion, the fenders have relaxed to a look that much more closely resembles the Cord. There are also a few other "tells":

Cords actually did have creased front fenders, as seen in the above photo
Grahams had extra bulges on the fronts of the fenders, blending into the headlights; the Batmobile does not have these
Cords had very distinctive wheels (a byproduct of a poor brake design, where holes had to be drilled in the full-disc hubcaps); the Batmobile clearly sports these
Grahams had distinctive square-topped fender openings, while Cord fender openings were smooth curves like the Batmobile
Cord front fenders tucked in at the rear bottom corners like the Batmobile, while Graham fenders had a wider skirt
Grahams had a boattail trunk lid that mirrored the nose; the Batmobile had a flat trunk like the Cord (see below)

As for the headlights, while the Graham did have the unique square lenses, the Batmobile had them mounted much lower - right where the Cord's headlights are when they're in the "closed" position. Odds are that Kane drew the headlight doors and he (or whoever did the coloring for this story) colored them as lenses rather than solid doors.

So although the Graham nose does indeed look like it may have been the inspiration for this Batmobile's hood, the rest of the car just has too many Cord-specific details for it to be anything else.

Building a Batmobile: The First Finned & Masked Batmobile Part 6

nospam@example.com (Bill) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 19:57:48 -0700

Work continues on the Batman #5 Batmobile!

Continue reading "Building a Batmobile: The First Finned & Masked Batmobile Part 6"

Building a Batmobile: The First Finned & Masked Batmobile Part 5

nospam@example.com (Bill) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:48:41 -0700

Work continues on the Batman #5 Batmobile; this week the focus was on body work.

Continue reading "Building a Batmobile: The First Finned & Masked Batmobile Part 5"

Happy Valentine's Day!

nospam@example.com (Bill) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:17:00 -0700

If you need a last-minute idea for Valentine's Day, check out Party City and get that special someone these Batmobile-themed cards with poster (not recommended for actual romance):

UPDATE: Doc over at When Batmobiles Fly has some scans of the individual cards.

Building a Batmobile: The First Finned & Masked Batmobile Part 4

nospam@example.com (Bill) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:13:00 -0700

Work continues on the Batman #5 Batmobile; this week I had to redo part of my work after encountering one of the hazards of parts swapping.

Continue reading "Building a Batmobile: The First Finned & Masked Batmobile Part 4"

ToyFair 2012 Preview

nospam@example.com (Bill) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:41:12 -0700

New York Toy Fair is right around the corner, but Warner Brothers has already showed off a few of the new Batmobiles we can look forward to this year:

Evergreen Batmobile - Click Image to enlarge

Tumbler - Click Image to enlarge

Stealthstrike Stealth Jet Batmobile - Click Image to enlarge

Noble Collection's Dark Knight Chess Set - Click Image to enlarge

Building a Batmobile: The First Finned & Masked Batmobile Part 3

nospam@example.com (Bill) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:40:49 -0700

Work continues on the Batman #5 Batmobile, this week focusing on the chassis.

Continue reading "Building a Batmobile: The First Finned & Masked Batmobile Part 3"

Building a Batmobile: The First Finned & Masked Batmobile Part 2

nospam@example.com (Bill) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:39:22 -0700

Work continues on the Batman #5 Batmobile. Work on the chassis began as planned, but I was able to make greater strides than I expected with the body so I'll be sharing photos of that instead.

Continue reading "Building a Batmobile: The First Finned & Masked Batmobile Part 2"

Building a Batmobile: The First Finned & Masked Batmobile Part 1

nospam@example.com (Bill) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:46:56 -0700

Last year, I had started a new feature here that detailed the work that goes into building a model Batmobile. That first project was Frank Quitely's "Flying Batmobile" from Batman & Robin #1, and unfortunately personal life took over and I had to shelve the project for the time. Since then, comic legend Jerry Robinson passed away, and I wanted to pay tribute to him by building the Batmobile he helped create: the very first one to feature the roof fin and Bat-Mask grille shield. So tonight I return to the garage, but this time to build the car that first appeared in Batman #5.

Continue reading "Building a Batmobile: The First Finned & Masked Batmobile Part 1"

Review: Batmobile T-Shirt

nospam@example.com (Bill) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:34:27 -0700

Manufacturer: Alstyle
Item: Batmobile T-Shirt (Product #TVBM1902AT)
MSRP: $18.99

Click Image to enlarge

The '66 Batmobile is appreciating a nice surge in popularity recently, including Mattel's 1/18 diecasts, Fiberglass Freaks' official replicas, Round 2's 1/24 model kits, and a Hallmark Keepsake ornament. One more item that can be added to that list is this T-shirt from T-Shirts.com.

I don't wear nearly as many graphic T's as I used to (one of the hazards of working in a hobby work shop or garage is the abuse shirts endure), but I do have to say this is a very cool item. It's 100% cotton, and the art is a two-tone gray/orange on a dark black. Fortunately, the black does not look too "new" against the distressed art like a brighter color would, and the overall appearance should only get better with washing and wearing it. It's also nice and comfortable, and will be a good choice for conventions and shows. if you're a Batman fan looking for a decent graphic T, this is definitely a good choice.

Jerry Robinson

nospam@example.com (Bill) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:35:13 -0700

Jerry Robinson
January 1, 1922 - December 7, 2011

Press Release: Warner Bros. Consumer Products Extends Agreement With DC Comics Master Toy Licensee Mattel

nospam@example.com (Bill) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 06:13:42 -0700

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP), with DC Entertainment, announced today that it has extended its successful relationship with leading worldwide toy manufacturer, Mattel, Inc. The new multi-year agreement allows Mattel to continue as master toy licensee for the complete universe of DC Comics characters. Under the terms of this strategic alliance, Mattel is granted unprecedented access to the complete breadth and scope of the DC Comics vault of characters, which includes more than a thousand world-famous DC Comics Super Heroes and DC Comics Super Villains, such as Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and The Joker. Further, the agreement includes popular characters such as The Flash, Aquaman, Shazam!, Green Arrow and Hawkman.

“We have developed an incredibly successful partnership with Mattel and we are very excited about taking the relationship to new levels,” said Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment have an unrivaled slate of content support across all key platforms essential to our global consumer products business which is anchored by our alliance with Mattel.”

“The DC Comics Super Heroes enjoy a worldwide fan base that keeps the demand high for consistently imaginative new product,” said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President, Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing at Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “The extension of the Mattel agreement ensures that these fans will continue to be amazed by our DC Comics Super Hero offerings for many years to come.”

As part of the ongoing relationship, Mattel is set to develop toy lines for two of Warner Bros.’ most highly anticipated theatrical releases: on July 20, 2012, The Dark Knight Rises, and on June 14, 2013, Man of Steel. Future television-based collaborations include Warner Bros. Animation’s upcoming television series, Green Lantern: The Animated Series, along with their ongoing product support for Young Justice, also from Warner Bros. Animation. Both animated series are exclusive to Cartoon Network and will be the tentpole programming for “DC Nation,” the new multiplatform, branded block of original programming and exclusive content, featuring DC Comics’ library of legendary character properties, which will debut in 2012. A special Green Lantern: The Animated Series hour-long movie event airs Friday, November 11 at 7 p.m. on Cartoon Network. In addition to the rights to existing DC Comics characters, animation and motion pictures, the extension includes Mattel’s rights to produce toys based on future DC Comics films and animation projects that are developed and produced during the term of the agreement.

“Mattel has been a longtime, valuable partner to the DC Comics creative team,” stated Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment. “We look forward to working with Mattel and the Warner Bros. Consumer Products team to bring new DC Comics Super Hero toys to life for our fans around the world.”

Mattel supports the universe of DC Comics characters across all of its portfolio of core brands, including Hot Wheels®, Matchbox®, Barbie®, Mattel Games and Fisher-Price®, where the DC Super Friends products featuring the Imaginext®, Shake ‘n Go®, GeoTrax® and HeroWorld™ lines have introduced the DC Comics characters to an increasingly vast audience. The addition of the new Little People® product line that features DC Comics characters will expand consumer appeal even further. Mattel continues to bring the talents of its world-class sculptors, designers and developers to create product lines that target kids, collectors and pop culture enthusiasts. In combination with their deep knowledge of kids and expertise in kid-targeted marketing, product and content development, Mattel has developed DC Comics Super Heroes sections in the toy aisle designed to attract a new generation of kids to the universe of DC Comics characters for the first time, while fueling the flames of collectors’ and fans’ passion for these popular characters. In 2012, Mattel will partner with Diamond Comic Distributors to help extend its presence globally with exclusive European distribution rights for the DC Comics 6″ action figure line. With the broad scope of category rights granted, Mattel is uniquely positioned to leverage this rich portfolio across many different categories.

“We are thrilled to further our long-standing partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and support the extensive DC Comics portfolio’s franchise development,” said Tim Kilpin, Executive Vice President of Mattel Brands. “The DC Comics characters are rich in story and we look forward to bringing these popular characters to life through innovative product design.”

During its 10-year relationship with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Mattel has created and delivered a number of successful toy lines that bring the fun, action-packed heroism and excitement of DC Comics’ characters to life, including top-of-the-line action figures, vehicles and role play accessories across all DC Comics brands, including the 2005 release of Batman Begins, the 2008 release of The Dark Knight and the 2011 release of Green Lantern, along with a collection of heroes and villains from the popular animated series Batman: The Brave and The Bold and Young Justice, as well as the Batman and Superman family of DC Comics Super Heroes action figure lines.

Press Release: The Dark Knight Takes Over Daily Deal Site

nospam@example.com (Bill) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 07:45:19 -0700

Figure of the Day launched its site on May 6, 2011. It features a different pop culture collectible on a daily basis, ranging from action figures, bobble heads, busts, dolls to statues and everything in between at an affordable price with free shipping.

The site dedicates a whole day to one figure. However, during events http://www.figureoftheday.com will dedicate the site to a whole franchise offering various figures throughout the day.

On Monday, October 17, 2011, in commemoration of the new video game release of Batman: Arkham City, Figure of the Day will host a Dark Knight Event. The event will start at 6:00 am PST Monday morning, selling a figure from the Batman Franchise every hour until 12:00 am PST. Every purchase will enter the buyer in a raffle to win the brand new Batman: Arkham City video game. If the buyer purchases three or more figures throughout the day, they will receive a free Batman: The Dark Knight #1 comic book. For orders of four or more, the buyer will receive the comic book and a poster based on the Arkham Asylum or City video game. To close out the event, on Tuesday, October 18, 2011, a limited edition Batman statue will be featured. If a figure sells out during the hour it is featured, Figure of the Day will have a Striking Deal until the next hour.