It was only a matter of time before Bats made it into the spotlight. Since the release of Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, everyone and their mother has been trying to emulate its flamboyant lead, Harvey Dent. Now that the Caped Crusader has become somewhat of a fashion icon, it’s a great chance to shine the spotlight on this once-in-a-generation of crime fighters and bring them to your fingertips.
To that end, here are five facts you need to know about Batman and Batarang.
1. The Name “Batarang” Means “Double-bladed Batarang”
When it comes to making a splash in the pop culture scene, Batman rarely gets the easy way. After all, not even the Boy Wonder can fight crime effectively alone. That’s why he keeps a pair of Batarangs in his utility belt. One wooden batarang, for stopping robbers and rapists. The other one, made of metal, for bringing down the bad guys. Together, they represent Batman’s most efficient and stylish mode of self-defense.
The name “Batarang” comes from the two bladed weapons Batman wields. The wooden batarangs are longer and wider than the metal ones, meaning they can be effectively doubled up to form a double-bladed club. In reality, both types of those iconic Batarangs look very similar, but the weight and balance are all over the place. While the metal version feels heavy in the hands, the wooden version is surprisingly light – almost like a feather. That’s why when you pull the string, the metal one goes flying first, and the wooden version comes around in the second part of the motion, giving you a real-life crowbar with which to smash the crap out of your enemies!
2. Batman Was First Inspired By The Works Of Frank Miller
Let’s face it, Miller’s Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is a pretty incredible piece of art. It perfectly captures the essence of this fantastic character, who first appeared in print in The Boy Wonder #1 by Miller and Tony Daniel in 1986. That’s also the year Batman was first introduced in film form, and Miller’s graphic novel was the first adaptation of the Batman mythos for mainstream audiences. It’s no surprise then that Christopher Nolan chose to film The Dark Knight on a semi-realistic basis, utilizing practical effects and location shooting in the UK and France, rather than using CGI to create the extraordinary environments of his films.
So, if you don’t mind seeing a little bit of Miller’s demented take on Batman, you’ll get a glimpse of the character in all of his glory in The Dark Knight. Unfortunately, no one is safe from Miller’s Batman, as the author himself has stated that his version of the Dark Knight will always be superior to anyone else’s. As you’ll soon discover for yourself…
3. The Joker’s Smile Is Worth More Than A Thousand Words
There are few characters in the history of cinema as iconic and popular as the Joker. The bizarre and lovable rogue stole the hearts of moviegoers in the 1940s with his performances in Howard Hawks’ classic To Have and Have Not and in his own personal favorite, the 1947 film The Wild, Wild West. Since then, his iconic smile has been a fixture on the big and small screens, serving as both a trademark and a way to instantly recognize the cowardly, yet lovable scoundrel whenever he appears.
While the Joker’s popularity may be unrivalled, it’s important to remember that he’s more than just a one-liner comedian. The character is undoubtedly one of the most iconic villains in pop culture, with a unique twist: He’s the ultimate anti-hero! Yes, the Joker is responsible for many crimes, ranging from small-scale heists to mass slayings, but he’s also the mastermind behind all of Batman’s greatest triumphs. The villain’s modus operandi is simple: He likes to play on people’s fears, greed, and vanity, convincing them that what he’s promoting is actually good for them.
Batman and Batarang doesn’t offer anything new when it comes to the Joker, but it does give you the opportunity to see one of the most iconic villains in an incredible range of motion. Whether you’re a huge fan of the Caped Crusader or have never given him a thought, this is definitely a must-watch for all Batman fans.
4. Batman’s Utility Belt Is More Than Just For Stacking Puns
When Batman first appeared on the big screen in his humble and badass form, he was armed only with a utility belt. That’s all he needed for the time being, as he continued to collect gadgets and gizmos throughout the decades as they became popular. While some fans may argue that the utility belt wasn’t meant to be an essential part of the character, it’s undeniable that it helped define Batman in the public eye. As time went on, movie-goers recognized the importance of Batman’s utility belt and began demanding that it be included in every adaptation. In the most recent Batman installment, The Dark Knight Rises, the Boy Wonder goes even further and includes an “elementary school” version of Batman’s iconic belt, along with an additional utility belt for his kid sidekick, Robin.
To this day, many people still think that Batman’s utility belt is just a prop, something to keep the outfit organized. While that may be true, it couldn’t be further from the truth. The utilitarian strap has evolved into an integral part of Batman’s identity, one that fans continue to adore and reference.
5. Batman’s Signature Move Consists Of A Backflip…
Even diehard fans may be surprised to learn that Batman’s iconic backflip isn’t entirely practical. While it may seem like an incredible acrobatic feat to be able to flip your enemy over your shoulder and into a brutal headbutt, that maneuver was actually inspired by Batman’s stuntman, Joe Chill. According to the actor who played the part, Michael Pare, Batman’s regular backflip (which, as you’ll see in the trailer, is a key component of his fighting style) was actually modeled after Joe Chill’s famous neck snap. Unfortunately, Pare didn’t live to see this remarkable accomplishment come to fruition, passing away in 2007 at the age of 58.
The significance of Pare’s death was not lost on the countless fans who took to social media to pay their respects. One user wrote, “Rest in peace, Joe Chill. You helped make a man out of me. Your backflip was also the inspiration for Batman’s backflip.” Another added, “Rest in peace, Michael Pare. You made a believer out of me. Your back flip inspired me to become a stuntman.” While still others tweeted, “So long, Joe Chill. You will be missed, but your legacy will live on through Michael Pare, the man who played you in the 1966 Batman film.”
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at performing stunt work, it’s time to live your best life! With the right training, you too could join the club and make a living out of being a badass.
Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped answer some of your questions about Batman and Batarang. If you have any more, please feel free to leave us a comment below. Enjoy the film, and try not to be fooled by the smiling faces of the villains…