The Bat-Signal is a
distress signal
A distress signal, also known as a distress call, is an internationally recognized means for obtaining help. Distress signals are communicated by transmitting radio signals, displaying a visually observable item or illumination, or making a sou ...
device appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
DC Comics
DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...
, as a means to summon the
superhero
A superhero or superheroine is a fictional character who typically possesses ''superpowers'' or abilities beyond those of ordinary people, is frequently costumed concealing their identity, and fits the role of the hero, typically using their ...
Batman
Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on M ...
. It is a specially modified
searchlight
A searchlight (or spotlight) is an apparatus that combines an extremely luminosity, bright source (traditionally a carbon arc lamp) with a mirrored parabolic reflector to project a powerful beam of light of approximately parallel rays in a part ...
with a stylized emblem of a
bat
Bats are flying mammals of the order Chiroptera (). With their forelimbs adapted as wings, they are the only mammals capable of true and sustained flight. Bats are more agile in flight than most birds, flying with their very long spread-out ...
affixed to the light, allowing it to project a large bat symbol onto cloudy night skies over
Gotham City
Gotham City ( ), or simply Gotham, is a fictional city in the Northeastern United States that serves as the primary city appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. It is best known as the home of the superhero Batman and his List ...
.
The signal is used by the
Gotham City Police Department
Gotham City ( ), or simply Gotham, is a fictional city in the Northeastern United States that serves as the primary city appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. It is best known as the home of the superhero Batman and his List ...
as a method of contacting and summoning Batman in the event his help is needed, but also as a weapon of psychological intimidation to the numerous criminals of Gotham City.
It doubles as the primary logo for the ''Batman'' series of comic books, TV shows, and films.
To celebrate Batman's 80th anniversary, DC Comics and
Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (WBEI), commonly known as Warner Bros. (WB), is an American filmed entertainment studio headquartered at the Warner Bros. Studios complex in Burbank, California and the main namesake subsidiary of Warner Bro ...
lit the Bat-Signal in thirteen cities on September 21, 2019, starting in
Melbourne
Melbourne ( , ; Boonwurrung language, Boonwurrung/ or ) is the List of Australian capital cities, capital and List of cities in Australia by population, most populous city of the States and territories of Australia, Australian state of Victori ...
and ending in
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, often referred to by its initials L.A., is the List of municipalities in California, most populous city in the U.S. state of California, and the commercial, Financial District, Los Angeles, financial, and Culture of Los Angeles, ...
.
Origins
The Bat-Signal first appeared in ''
Detective Comics
''Detective Comics'' (later retitled as ''Batman Detective Comics'') is an American comic book series published by Detective Comics, later shortened to DC Comics. The first volume, published from 1937 to 2011 (and later continued in 2016), is ...
'' #60 (February 1942). The signal has several different origins in comics featuring post-
Crisis
A crisis (: crises; : critical) is any event or period that will lead to an unstable and dangerous situation affecting an individual, group, or all of society. Crises are negative changes in the human or environmental affairs, especially when ...
continuity. It is introduced as a new tool after Batman's first encounter with
the Joker
The Joker is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, the character first appeared in the debut issue of the comic book ''Batman (comic book), Batman'' on ...
in the 2005 series ''
Batman: The Man Who Laughs'', and also during the 1990 "
Prey
Predation is a biological interaction in which one organism, the predator, kills and eats another organism, its prey. It is one of a family of common feeding behaviours that includes parasitism and micropredation (which usually do not ki ...
" storyline in ''
Legends of the Dark Knight''.
In the 2006 series ''
Batman and the Mad Monk
''Batman and the Mad Monk'' is an American comic book limited series, featuring the DC Comics superhero Batman published in 2006–2007. It is set during the '' Batman: Year One'' continuity, but after the events of ''Batman and the Monster Men'' ...
'',
Commissioner James Gordon
James W. "Jim" Gordon Sr. is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, most commonly in association with the superhero Batman. Created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane as an ally of Batman, the character debuted in the firs ...
initially uses a pager to contact Batman, but during a meeting with the superhero, Gordon throws it away, saying he prefers a more public means of contacting him. After Batman departs, Gordon looks out at the city and considers the exceptional view from his current position, hinting at the future creation of the Signal.
In the 1989
'' Batman'' film, Batman gives the signal to the Gotham police force, enabling them to call him when the city was in danger. In 2005's ''
Batman Begins
''Batman Begins'' is a 2005 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan, who co-wrote the screenplay with David S. Goyer. Based on the DC Comics character Batman, it stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne (Dark Knight trilogy), Bruce Wayne / B ...
'', then-lieutenant
James Gordon installs the Bat-signal on the roof of the police department himself. The film suggests Gordon was inspired to create the signal after Batman left mobster
Carmine Falcone
Carmine Falcone is a villain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, portrayed as a powerful Italian-American mob boss, an List of Batman family enemies, enemy of Batman, and an acquaintance of the Wayne family. He has also been ...
chained across a spotlight after a confrontation at the docks, Falcone's silhouette on the spotlight vaguely resembling a bat.
On the 1992 television show ''
Batman: The Animated Series'', the signal is introduced in the episode "The Cape and Cowl Conspiracy", though a makeshift signal was used earlier in "
Joker's Favor". In 2004's ''
The Batman'', Gordon invents it to summon Batman in "Night in the City", although the signal is also alluded to in an earlier episode.
Additional appearances
* In ''
Detective Comics
''Detective Comics'' (later retitled as ''Batman Detective Comics'') is an American comic book series published by Detective Comics, later shortened to DC Comics. The first volume, published from 1937 to 2011 (and later continued in 2016), is ...
'' #466 (1976), the villainous
Signalman
A signalman is a rank who makes signals using flags and light. The role has evolved and now usually uses electronic communication equipment. Signalmen usually work in rail transport networks, armed forces, or construction (to direct heavy equi ...
traps Batman inside the Bat-Signal device.
* In issue #6 of the 1989 series ''
Legends of the Dark Knight'', a group of crime bosses projects the signal upside down to summon Batman to help them fight a killer they cannot defeat.
*
Catwoman
Catwoman is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, she debuted as "the Cat" in ''Batman (comic book), Batman'' #1 (spring 1940). She has become one of the superhero Batman' ...
uses the Bat-Signal in the 1996 special ''
The Long Halloween''.
* In the 1999 miniseries ''
Batman: Dark Victory'', after Batman asks for
The Riddler
The Riddler (Edward Nigma, later Edward Nygma or Edward Nashton) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Bill Finger and Dick Sprang, and debuted in ''Detective Comics'' #140 in O ...
to offer his insight into the riddles of the new villain the
Hangman, the Riddler uses the Signal to summon Batman after he's finished his analysis. Later in the series, the Hangman sneaks onto the roof of Police Headquarters and turns the Bat-Signal on to lure then-recently appointed Commissioner Gordon to the roof and try to kill him, but is thwarted when
Two-Face
Two-Face is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Bob Kane, and first appeared in ''Detective Comics'' #66 (August 1942). He has become one of the superhero Batman's most enduring e ...
cuts Gordon down.
* During the 1993
Knightfall Knightfall may refer to:
Television
* ''Knightfall'' (TV series), an American historical fiction drama television series
* " Knight Fall", an episode of the sixth season of ''House''
* "Knightfall" (''Once Upon a Time''), an episode of the sevent ...
storyline, one of
Bane's henchmen remarks that the Bat-Signal is a "stupid set-up", as it allows criminals to know where Batman is, or at least where he will be, and lets them keep track of his movements.
* In the 1996 Halloween special comic series, ''
Batman: Haunted Knight'',
Scarecrow
A scarecrow is a decoy or mannequin that is often in the shape of a human. Humanoid scarecrows are usually dressed in old clothes and placed in open fields to discourage birds from disturbing and feeding on recently cast seed and growing crops. ...
alters the Bat-Signal to notify Batman that he has kidnapped Gordon. By adding an orange bulb and painting "eyes" on the signal, he turns the beam into a stylized
Jack-o'-lantern
A jack-o'-lantern (or jack o'lantern) is a carved lantern, most commonly made from a pumpkin, or formerly a root vegetable such as a mangelwurzel, rutabaga or turnip. Jack-o'-lanterns are associated with the Halloween holiday. Its name comes ...
image, with the bat symbol forming the mouth beneath two eyes.
* At the beginning of the 1999 ''
No Man's Land'' story arc in ''Batman'', a junior officer creates an improvised Bat-Signal out of spare parts. Gordon smashes it to pieces as he is angry at Batman as he believes that the vigilante abandoned Gotham. Oracle also builds a small Bat-Signal to summon Batman.
* In the 2002 comic book series ''
Gotham Central'', it is explained that Batman's existence is not officially recognized by the
Gotham City
Gotham City ( ), or simply Gotham, is a fictional city in the Northeastern United States that serves as the primary city appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. It is best known as the home of the superhero Batman and his List ...
authorities, and the police claim to Gotham citizens that the Bat-Signal is merely a method of using the Batman "
urban legend
Urban legend (sometimes modern legend, urban myth, or simply legend) is a genre of folklore concerning stories about an unusual (usually scary) or humorous event that many people believe to be true but largely are not.
These legends can be e ...
" to intimidate Gotham's criminal underworld. Owing to the events in the "
War Crimes
A war crime is a violation of the laws of war that gives rise to individual criminal responsibility for actions by combatants in action, such as intentionally killing civilians or intentionally killing prisoners of war, torture, taking hos ...
" storyline, relations between Batman and the
Gotham City Police Department
Gotham City ( ), or simply Gotham, is a fictional city in the Northeastern United States that serves as the primary city appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. It is best known as the home of the superhero Batman and his List ...
under Commissioner Michael Akins are officially severed, and as a result, the Bat-Signal is removed from the roof of Gotham Central. Needing Batman's help later, Akins retrieves a spare Bat Signal for single use. This signal is a more sophisticated
laser
A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. The word ''laser'' originated as an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radi ...
which paints a green bat symbol in the clouds and is more visible. This version of the signal is donated by Kord Industries (see the
Blue Beetle
Blue Beetle is the name of three superheroes appearing in a number of American comic books published by a variety of companies since 1939. The most recent of the companies to own rights to Blue Beetle is DC Comics, which bought the rights to the ...
). The laser signal is said to have been unused because the city council deems it an "inappropriate gift" (The characters are notably unimpressed by the more high-tech version).
* In the 2006 series ''
52'',
The Question alters the traditional Bat-Signal to project a spray-painted question mark. In the ''
One Year Later
"One Year Later" is a 2006 comic book storyline running through the books published by DC Comics. As the title suggests, it involves a narrative jump exactly one year into the future of the DC Universe following the events of the "Infinite Crisi ...
'' series, however, with the re-installation of Gordon as commissioner, relations with Batman improve. Upon Batman's return from one year of self-imposed exile, the Bat-Signal is activated once again.
* In the "Lovers and Madmen"
story arc
A story arc (also narrative arc) is the chronological construction of a plot in a novel or story. It can also mean an extended or continuing narrative, storyline in episode, episodic storytelling media such as television, comic books, comic strip ...
from the 2006 series ''
Batman Confidential
''Batman Confidential'' is an American monthly comic book series from DC Comics which debuted on December 6, 2006 and concluded on March 2, 2011.
Like a previous Batman series, '' Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight'', ''Batman Confidential'' fea ...
'', Batman sees the Bat-Signal and assumes Gordon is calling him to ask for his help. When he reaches the rooftop, however, he finds the Joker instead.
* In the 2009 crossover event ''
Blackest Night: Batman'', Batman and Robin deal with resurrected zombies of their dead foes, some of which have attacked the GCPD Headquarters. When
Black Lanterns attack the headquarters, the Bat-Signal shines in the sky, cracked and covered with two corpses surrounding the bat symbol. This prompts the Dynamic Duo to head over and help.
* In the 2014 series ''
Batman Eternal'', the Bat-Signal is shattered by new Commissioner Jack Forbes as part of his campaign against Batman, Forbes acting as a patsy for
Carmine Falcone
Carmine Falcone is a villain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, portrayed as a powerful Italian-American mob boss, an List of Batman family enemies, enemy of Batman, and an acquaintance of the Wayne family. He has also been ...
as he seeks to undermine Batman's status in the city as part of a new plan by an unknown foe. After the storyline,
Cluemaster
The Cluemaster (Arthur Brown) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman as well as a recurring enemy of Tim Drake, the third Robin. Cluemaster first appeared in ' ...
— the true villain of the piece— ties Batman to the Bat-Signal before unmasking him and carving the bat symbol onto his chest, but Bruce manages to escape his bonds, the storyline concluding with a new signal on the roof of the GCPD as Gordon is released and Batman's reputation is redeemed.
* During the Joker's 2015 attack on Gotham, Batman notes that his enemies have a pact that they will shine the Bat-Signal upside-down on the day he dies, with the Dark Knight using that plan to rally his other enemies to help him stop Joker's latest rampage, reasoning that none of them want the kind of destruction the Joker intends to unleash.
* After Batman's apparent death fighting the Joker, the Powers Corporation, as part of a campaign to create a new Batman, create the 'Bat-Blimp', which includes a high-tech electromagnetic Bat-Signal projected down from the airborne blimp, often used to carry the new Batman into action. After Gordon is nearly killed by new villain
Mister Bloom, the true Batman returns in a confrontation right next to the original, reactivated Bat-Signal, even hitting one of Bloom's minions with the metal bat in the Signal when it is shattered by an attack.
* In the
Elseworlds
Elseworlds is the publication imprint (trade name), imprint for American comic books produced by DC Comics for stories that take place outside the DC Universe Canon (fictional), canon. Elseworlds publications are set in alternate realities that ...
Batman & Dracula trilogy novel ''Batman: Crimson Mist'', Gordon and Alfred use the Signal to summon the vampire Batman after he has killed Penguin's gang, wanting to establish the situation now that Batman has surrendered to his vampire instincts. Later, Two-Face and Killer Croc use the signal to draw Gordon and Alfred to the roof so that the two sides can discuss a possible alliance against the vampire Batman and his new assault on Gotham's criminals.
In other media
1949 Columbia serial
The Bat-Signal made its first on-screen appearance in the ''
Batman and Robin'' serial by Columbia. In its first incarnation, it was simply a high-powered projector that was kept in Commissioner Gordon's office. When needed, he would simply wheel the Bat-Signal over to his office window and shine it directly to the sky. Though small, it was powerful enough to cast an image of the Bat symbol against the clouds.
1960s TV series
The Bat-Signal seldom appeared in the
1960s TV series, Commissioner Gordon generally contacting Batman using a dedicated phone line (the
Batphone). However, the Bat-Signal was occasionally used (for instance, in the episode "The Sandman Cometh" when Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson are away on a camping trip), whenever Batman needed to be summoned from the field. Its first appearance was in the pilot episode, "
Hi Diddle Riddle". The animated background for the closing credits of the TV series depicted the Bat-signal in the night sky over Gotham City.
''Gotham''
A promotion website for the 2014 ''
Gotham'' TV series on
Fox
Foxes are small-to-medium-sized omnivorous mammals belonging to several genera of the family Canidae. They have a flattened skull; upright, triangular ears; a pointed, slightly upturned snout; and a long, bushy tail ("brush").
Twelve species ...
.com called "Gotham Chronicle", which is an online newspaper following recent events from ''Gotham'', one of them stated that a Floodlight was built on top of the G.C.P.D building, referencing that the future Bat-Signal was used by police before it was a calling card for Batman, also stating that the series introduced the early uses of the Bat-Signal.
After the
third-season finale, "
Heroes Rise: Heavydirtysoul",
Bruce Wayne
Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on March 30, 1939. In t ...
is seen standing on a ledge overlooking the city as a searchlight gradually rises and picks out an area of the dark cloud that, when illuminated, looks like a bat.
In the finale of the
fourth season, "
A Dark Knight: No Man's Land",
James Gordon has
Lucius Fox activate the Floodlight on top of the G.C.P.D building. After the episode, Gordon tells Bruce Wayne that the signal is meant to be a symbol of hope, while both are looking up at the clouds illuminated by the Floodlight.
During
No Man's Land in the
fifth season, Gordon continues using the signal as a symbol of hope for the good people left in Gotham and later meets with Bruce at the Floodlight in "
Year Zero
A year zero does not exist in the Anno Domini (AD) calendar year system commonly used to number years in the Gregorian calendar (nor in its predecessor, the Julian calendar); in this system, the year is followed directly by year (which is the ...
". In the series finale "
The Beginning...", Commissioner Gordon and
Harvey Bullock re-ignite the searchlight to celebrate Bruce Wayne's return to Gotham after ten years.
Alfred Pennyworth
Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth, originally Alfred Beagle and commonly known simply as Alfred, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, most commonly in association with the superhero Batman.
Alfred is ...
then arrives and informs them that Bruce is otherwise engaged and can not attend their meeting. However, having noticed the searchlight that illuminates the sky, the Dark Knight then appears on a building from across the street, watching Gordon, Bullock, and Alfred.
''Arrowverse''
In the
CW series ''
The Flash
The Flash is the name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Harry Lampert, the original Flash first appeared in ''Flash Comics'' #1 (cover date, cover-dated Jan ...
'', a 'Flash signal' is created by
Cisco
Cisco Systems, Inc. (using the trademark Cisco) is an American multinational digital communications technology conglomerate corporation headquartered in San Jose, California. Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, s ...
, who claimed to have gotten the idea from "some comic book", which implies Batman does not exist in on
Arrowverse
The Arrowverse is an American Superhero fiction, superhero media franchise and shared universe that is centered on various interconnected television series based on DC Comics superhero characters, primarily airing on The CW as well as web series ...
Earth One. However, Earth 38, the universe ''Supergirl'' takes place in makes several references to him, solely as "Clark's (kind of) friend", and Oliver later refers to Bruce Wayne on Earth One.
In the second part of the
Elseworlds
Elseworlds is the publication imprint (trade name), imprint for American comic books produced by DC Comics for stories that take place outside the DC Universe Canon (fictional), canon. Elseworlds publications are set in alternate realities that ...
crossover, the Bat-Signal is shown, though it seems to have been inactive for some time during Batman's disappearance.
In the pilot episode of ''
Batwoman
Batwoman is a name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, depicted as female counterparts and allies of Batman similarly to Batgirl. The original version of the character, Kathy Kane (eventually given t ...
'', Gotham City Mayor Michael Akins was planning to turn off the Bat-Signal forever due to Batman's disappearance. The Bat-Signal was later destroyed by Alice in the episode "Down Down Down". A new Bat-Signal was made in "Who Are You?" by Luke Fox.
''Titans''
The Bat-Signal appears in the season finale of ''
Titans
In Greek mythology, the Titans ( ; ) were the pre-Twelve Olympians, Olympian gods. According to the ''Theogony'' of Hesiod, they were the twelve children of the primordial parents Uranus (mythology), Uranus (Sky) and Gaia (Earth). The six male ...
'', titled "Dick Grayson", in a dream world created by
Trigon.
''The Penguin''
A
spin-off
Spin-off, Spin Off, Spin-Off, or Spinoff may refer to: Entertainment and media
*Spinoff (media), a media work derived from an existing work
*''The Spinoff'', a New Zealand current affairs magazine
* ''Spin Off'' (Canadian game show), a 2013 Canad ...
series to the 2022 film ''
The Batman'', the 2024
finale of ''
The Penguin
The Penguin (Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman. The character made his first appearance in ''Detective Comics'' #5 ...
'' ends with the Bat-Signal shining in the sky over Gotham.
Live-action film
Burton/Schumacher series
In
Tim Burton
Timothy Walter Burton (born August 25, 1958) is an American filmmaker and producer. Known for popularizing Goth subculture, Goth culture in the American film industry, Burton is famous for his Gothic film, gothic horror and dark fantasy films. ...
's 1989 film ''
Batman
Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on M ...
'', Batman gives the signal to the police as a gift so that they can summon him when he is needed after he defeats
The Joker
The Joker is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, the character first appeared in the debut issue of the comic book ''Batman (comic book), Batman'' on ...
.
In Burton's 1992 sequel ''
Batman Returns
''Batman Returns'' is a 1992 American superhero film directed by Tim Burton and written by Daniel Waters (screenwriter), Daniel Waters. Based on the DC Comics character Batman, it is the sequel to ''Batman (1989 film), Batman'' (1989) and th ...
'', Batman has mirrors stationed atop
Wayne Manor
Wayne Manor is a fictional mansion appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. It is the home of Bruce Wayne, owner of Wayne Enterprises, who is also the superhero Batman.
The house is depicted as a large mansion on the outskirts ...
that reflect the Bat-Signal through his window, alerting him to its presence in the night sky. The signal is used when
Commissioner Gordon needs Batman's help when the Red Triangle Circus Gang attack
Max Shreck during
Christmas
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating Nativity of Jesus, the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a Religion, religious and Culture, cultural celebration among billions of people Observance of Christmas by coun ...
and appears again at the end of the film as a surviving Catwoman looks on.
In
Joel Schumacher
Joel T. Schumacher (; August 29, 1939 – June 22, 2020) was an American film director, producer and screenwriter. Raised in New York City by his mother, Schumacher graduated from Parsons School of Design and originally became a fashion designe ...
's 1995 sequel ''
Batman Forever
''Batman Forever'' is a 1995 American superhero film based on the DC Comics character Batman by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. It is the third installment of the ''Batman'' film series, acting as a standalone sequel to ''Batman Returns''. Directe ...
'', the criminal psychologist
Dr. Chase Meridian uses the Bat-Signal to call Batman, to seduce him. Batman is slightly peeved at this: "The Bat-Signal is not a
beeper". Later,
the Riddler
The Riddler (Edward Nigma, later Edward Nygma or Edward Nashton) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Bill Finger and Dick Sprang, and debuted in ''Detective Comics'' #140 in O ...
alters the Bat-Signal by projecting a question mark into the sky with the Bat-symbol forming the dot at the base. (The Riddler in the comics uses a similar tactic in ''
Batman: Dark Victory''; after brokering a tentative alliance with Batman, the Riddler changes the signal, projecting a question mark into the sky to let Batman know that he has an answer for him). A music video for "
Kiss from a Rose
"Kiss from a Rose" is a song from British singer-songwriter Seal's second eponymous album (1994). The song was first released as a single in July 1994 by ZTT, Sire and Warner Bros., and included in the film '' The NeverEnding Story III'' t ...
", also from ''Batman Forever'', features singer
Seal
Seal may refer to any of the following:
Common uses
* Pinniped, a diverse group of semi-aquatic marine mammals, many of which are commonly called seals, particularly:
** Earless seal, also called "true seal"
** Fur seal
** Eared seal
* Seal ( ...
performing the song while standing near the Bat-Signal.
In Schumacher's 1997 film ''
Batman & Robin'',
Poison Ivy
Poison ivy is a type of allergenic plant in the genus '' Toxicodendron'' native to Asia and North America. Formerly considered a single species, '' Toxicodendron radicans'', poison ivies are now generally treated as a complex of three separate s ...
alters the Bat-Signal by changing it to a "Robin-Signal" to lure
Robin into a trap.
Nolan series
In
Christopher Nolan
Sir Christopher Edward Nolan (born 30 July 1970) is a British and American filmmaker. Known for his Cinema of the United States, Hollywood Blockbuster (entertainment), blockbusters with complex storytelling, he is considered a leading filmma ...
's 2005 film ''
Batman Begins
''Batman Begins'' is a 2005 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan, who co-wrote the screenplay with David S. Goyer. Based on the DC Comics character Batman, it stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne (Dark Knight trilogy), Bruce Wayne / B ...
'', then-lieutenant
James "Jim" Gordon finds the mobster
Carmine Falcone
Carmine Falcone is a villain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, portrayed as a powerful Italian-American mob boss, an List of Batman family enemies, enemy of Batman, and an acquaintance of the Wayne family. He has also been ...
strapped onto a searchlight in the docks of Gotham City, for the Gotham Police force to arrest him, left by Batman. Lieutenant Gordon then notices that Falcone's shadow is projected into the clouds of the night sky, similar to the silhouette of a bat. At the end of the film, the Bat-signal appears, as a searchlight that projects the shape of a bat, installed atop police headquarters as a means to contact Batman.
In the 2008 sequel ''
The Dark Knight
''The Dark Knight'' is a 2008 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan, from a screenplay co-written with his brother Jonathan. Based on the DC Comics superhero Batman, it is the sequel to ''Batman Begins'' (2005), and the second inst ...
'', as in
Frank Miller
Frank Miller (born January 27, 1957) is an American comic book artist, comic book writer, and screenwriter known for his comic book stories and graphic novels such as his run on ''Daredevil'', for which he created the character Elektra, and ...
's ''
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns'', Gordon uses the Bat-Signal to remind Gotham of Batman's presence. The signal proves to be very effective, with drug dealers and criminals becoming apprehensive at its very appearance. At the end of the film, after reluctantly agreeing to let Batman take the blame for the murders committed by
Harvey Dent
Two-Face is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Bob Kane, and first appeared in ''Detective Comics'' #66 (August 1942). He has become one of the superhero Batman's most enduring e ...
to preserve Dent's image as Gotham's hero, Gordon hesitantly destroys the signal using an axe in front of various members of the police force and the press.
In the 2012 film ''
The Dark Knight Rises
''The Dark Knight Rises'' is a 2012 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan, who co-wrote the screenplay with his brother Jonathan Nolan, and the story with David S. Goyer. Based on the DC Comics character Batman, it is the final instal ...
'', the rusted remains of the destroyed Bat-Signal are still atop police headquarters. However, at the end of the film, with Batman declared dead, Gordon sees a restored Bat-Signal, providing hope that Batman has survived. (The signal itself is never used once in the film, however, making it the only live-action film about Batman where this occurs.)
DC Extended Universe
During 2014's
SDCC, a teaser for
Zack Snyder
Zachary Edward Snyder (born March 1, 1966) is an American filmmaker. He made his feature film debut in 2004 with ''Dawn of the Dead (2004 film), Dawn of the Dead'', a remake of the 1978 horror film Dawn of the Dead (1978 film), of the same name ...
's ''
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice'' was shown to the audience in Hall H. The teaser showed Batman in his armored
Batsuit
The Batsuit (or Bat-Suit) is a fictional tactical costume worn by the fictional superhero Batman, which appears in comics published by the American company DC Comics, and related media. The suit has been depicted in various artistic iterations, ...
atop a building one rainy night in Gotham. Batman removes a sheet to reveal the Bat Signal and proceeds to turn it on. Their audience is shown the projected image of the Batman logo in the sky until a figure appears out of nowhere in its place. A close-up of the figure reveals it is
Superman
Superman is a superhero created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, which first appeared in the comic book ''Action Comics'' Action Comics 1, #1, published in the United States on April 18, 1938.The copyright date of ''Action Comics ...
glaring down at Batman readying his heat vision, as Batman stares back at the Man of Steel.
In the actual film, the Bat-Signal is first referenced when Superman lands in front of the
Batmobile
The Batmobile is the fictional land vehicle driven by the superhero Batman, used both to patrol Gotham City looking for crime and to engage in car chases or vehicular combat with the city's criminal underworld. The Batmobile is one of a suite o ...
, causing it to crash into an empty warehouse, Superman tears the car open to inform Batman not to respond the next time they shine his light in the sky. Later, believing Superman responsible for the bombing of Congress, Batman activates the Bat-Signal himself to draw Superman to Gotham to confront him, unaware that
Lex Luthor
Alexander "Lex" Joseph Luthor () is a supervillain in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the character first appeared in ''Action Comics'' #23 (published on February 22, 1940, with a cover d ...
is manipulating them both into combat so that Superman will either be killed by Batman's kryptonite spear or forever compromise his image by killing Batman to save
his mother. During the battle, the Bat-Signal is destroyed when Superman throws Batman into it.
The Bat-Signal appears again in ''
Justice League
The Justice League, or Justice League of America (JLA), is a group of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The team first appeared in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #28 (March 1960). Writer Gardner Fox conceived the ...
'' and its
director's cut, with Gordon using it to call Batman along with Wonder Woman, The Flash, and Cyborg. It also appears again at the end.
''The Batman'' (2022)
The Bat-Signal is a major plot point in the 2022 film ''
The Batman'', directed by
Matt Reeves who co-wrote the screenplay with
Peter Craig. Unknown to anyone, Gotham Police Lieutenant James Gordon flashes the signal in the sky from one of the old Gotham Renewal Project buildings as a mode of contacting and meeting with Batman. Batman and Gordon use the signal to call each other to the location to meet and discuss. Batman in his opening monologue states that the signal also creates another purpose of spreading fear among Gotham's criminal element, as a warning. Criminals and thugs often are scared when looking at the signal as they think Batman's nearby and abandon their plans, fleeing the scene, which as Batman puts it, is an effective way of using fear as a tool, since he cannot be everywhere.
Animation
DC Animated Universe
In 1992's ''
Batman: The Animated Series'', the signal was built by Commissioner Gordon in "The Cape and Cowl Conspiracy".
Barbara Gordon
Barbara Joan Gordon is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. The character was created by television producer William Dozier, editor Julius Schwartz, writer Ga ...
uses it to contact Batman in "Heart of Steel" when she believes that an impostor has replaced her father. At this meeting, the signal is partially destroyed when Batman is attacked by a
Harvey Bullock duplicate, and Barbara uses Batman's grapple gun to pull the robot into the signal, electrocuting it. Likewise, the real Bullock uses the signal for the first time when reluctantly asking for Batman's help in discovering who is trying to kill him in "A Bullet for Bullock". The first use of a Bat-Signal of any kind in the series was in "Joker's Favor", where a man, forced to do a favor for the Joker at a dinner honoring Commissioner Gordon, uses a large bat model hanging from a crane, swinging it back and forth in front of a window to try to contact Batman.
In the 1993 film ''
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm'', Batman is being hunted by the police as a suspect in the recent murder of several gang lords (a crime committed by the
Phantasm), and Bullock, under orders from Councilman Arthur Reeves, tries to use the Bat-Signal to lure him in. Batman, knowing that it is a trap, does not respond. It is also used at the end of the film to call Batman to action once again (after Batman was cleared of the murder charges).
The Bat-Signal is not used in the 1999 series ''
Batman Beyond
''Batman Beyond'' (also known as ''Batman of the Future'' in Europe) is an American superhero animated television series based on the DC Comics superhero Batman, and serving as the sequel to both '' Batman: The Animated Series'' and '' The New Ba ...
'', save for one appearance, as Police Commissioner Barbara Gordon both has a direct line to the Batcave and is not as cooperative with the original Batman and his successor as her father was. The one appearance of the signal is in "Ascension", where Paxton Powers, the son of
Derek Powers (Blight), has a small replica of it built to summon the new Batman,
Terry McGinnis. Terry destroys it upon arrival, advising Paxton to "try e-mail", indicating his dislike of the device as being obsolete to his time.
In the 2002 web series ''
Gotham Girls'', Batgirl appears to push her father Commissioner Gordon onto the Bat-Signal, crushing it. It is revealed that he is merely a robotic replacement.
''The Batman''
In the episode "The Cat, the Bat, and the Ugly" of the animated TV series ''
The Batman'', Batman has just foiled a plot that The Penguin tried to pull on top of a lighthouse. After talking to Detective Yin, Batman is standing in front of the lighthouse light when the Bat Signal appears in the sky. In the second-season finale, "Night in the City" after newly inducted Commissioner Gordon finally agrees to ally with Batman; he begins using the Bat-Signal. After that, his "Batwave" alarm was rarely used.
''The Lego Batman Movie''
At the beginning of ''
The Lego Batman Movie
''The Lego Batman Movie'' is a 2017 animated superhero comedy film, based on characters created by DC Comics and the Lego Batman toy line. It was directed by Chris McKay (in his feature directorial debut) from a screenplay that is based on a ...
,'' Commissioner Gordon attempted to use the Bat-Signal to alert Batman only for it to be egged by
Egghead
In U.S. English slang, egghead is an epithet used to refer to intellectuals or people considered out-of-touch with ordinary people and lacking in realism, common sense, sexual interests, etc. on account of their intellectual interests. A similar ...
thus disabling it. Later Batman uses the Bat-Signal to make different versions of the symbol for Robin, Barbara, Alfred, and many of Batman's allies summoning them to team up and defeat the Joker.
''Batman: Gotham by Gaslight''
In ''
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight'', when Selina Kyle is being pursued by Jack the Ripper in an empty fair, she uses her blood and a spotlight to create a makeshift Bat-Signal to attract Batman's attention, sketching a bat on the light and aiming it at the sky.
''DC Super Hero Girls''
In the ''
DC Super Hero Girls
''DC Super Hero Girls'', also released as ''DC Superhero Girls'', is an American animated superhero web series produced by Warner Bros. Animation for Cartoon Network based on characters from DC Entertainment that launched in the third quarter ...
'' animated short "#BatCatcher", Batgirl mistakenly believes she is summoned by the Bat-Signal when in reality the shadow is cast from a real bat inside her bedroom. In the episode "#FromBatToWorse", Batgirl tries to use a Bat-Signal flashlight to call Batman for help against Poison Ivy, but it doesn't work and Poison Ivy points out that, unlike Gotham City, there is no pollution in the skies of
Metropolis
A metropolis () is a large city or conurbation which is a significant economic, political, and cultural area for a country or region, and an important hub for regional or international connections, commerce, and communications.
A big city b ...
for the Bat-Signal to shine against.
''Harley Quinn''
In the ''
Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn (Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel, PhD) is a fictional American character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm for ''Batman: The Animated Series'' as a henchwoman for the ...
'' episode "You're a Damn Good Cop, Jim Gordon", an overworked and depressed Commissioner Gordon starts excessively using the Bat-Signal to contact Batman for petty things like having someone to talk to about his failing marriage. Batman gets so annoyed that he confiscates the Bat Signal. By the end of the episode, they make amends and Batman restores it.
'' Batwheels: The Series''
The Bat-Signal appears in the kid & family-friendly animated TV series, ''
Batwheels
''Batwheels'' is an American animated Superhero fiction, superhero children's television series that premiered on September 17, 2022, on Max (streaming service), HBO Max. It made its linear premiere on October 17, 2022, on Cartoon Network's presc ...
''. In the Season 2 episode, "''Bat-Light Blow-Out''",…
Video games
*The Bat-Signal is also seen in ''
DC Universe Online
''DC Universe Online'' (''DCUO'') is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online game set in the fictional universe of DC Comics. Developed by Dimensional Ink Games and co-published by Daybreak Game Company and WB Games, the game was initiall ...
'' (2010), on top of the GCPD 9th station in the East End of Gotham. It is the focus of the feat to see places related to major DC Universe figures.
*The Bat-Signal is seen in ''
Batman: Arkham Asylum'' (2009) in the sky of Gotham City. During Batman's
Scarecrow
A scarecrow is a decoy or mannequin that is often in the shape of a human. Humanoid scarecrows are usually dressed in old clothes and placed in open fields to discourage birds from disturbing and feeding on recently cast seed and growing crops. ...
-induced nightmares, Batman must sneak through the remains of Arkham and defeat a gigantic Scarecrow by aiming the Bat-Signal at him. The Bat-Signal is also used in ''
Batman: Arkham City'' (2011) as a waypoint in the sky that hovers high above the location of the player's objective, and the original signal is located at the now-abandoned GCPD building as the subject of a
Riddler
The Riddler (Edward Nigma, later Edward Nygma or Edward Nashton) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Bill Finger and Dick Sprang, and debuted in ''Detective Comics'' #140 in O ...
Challenge. The usage of the Bat-Signal as a waypoint continues in ''
Batman: Arkham Origins'' (2013) and ''
Batman: Arkham Knight'' (2015), though the signal itself appears only in the latter game. At the end of ''Arkham Knight'', Batman initiates the Knightfall Protocol, which includes the destruction of the Bat-Signal via a built-in explosive added by
Lucius Fox. In ''
Batman: Arkham Shadow'' (2024), Batman, posing as
Irving "Matches" Malone, sets the Bat-Signal alight with a
molotov cocktail
A Molotov cocktail (among several other names – ''see '') is a hand-thrown incendiary weapon consisting of a frangible container filled with flammable substances and equipped with a Fuse (explosives), fuse (typically a glass bottle filled wit ...
in order to get himself landed in
Blackgate Prison.
*In ''
Batman: The Telltale Series'' (2016), Gordon first uses the Bat Signal in Episode 3, as he needed Batman's help when the cops are stretched thin throughout the city.
See also
*
Bat phone
References
{{Batman
Fictional elements introduced in 1942
Searchlights
Fictional symbols
it:Batman#Batsegnale