Batman's utility belt is a feature of
Batman's costume
Costume is the distinctive style of dress and/or makeup of an individual or group that reflects class, gender, occupation, ethnicity, nationality, activity or epoch—in short, culture.
The term also was traditionally used to describe typica ...
. Similar
belts are used by the various
Robins,
Batgirl
Batgirl is the name of several fictional superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, depicted as female counterparts and allies to the superhero Batman. The character Bette Kane, Betty Kane was introduced into publica ...
, and other members of the
Bat-family
The Batman supporting characters are fictional characters that appear in the American comic books published by DC Comics featuring the superhero Batman as the main protagonist.
"Batman family" or "Bat-Family" is the informal term for Batman's clo ...
.
History

Batman historian
Les Daniels credits
Gardner Fox
Gardner Francis Cooper Fox (May 20, 1911 – December 24, 1986) was an American writer known best for creating numerous comic book characters for DC Comics. He is estimated to have written more than 4,000 comics stories, including 1,500 for DC ...
, the first writer other than
Bill Finger
Milton "Bill" Finger (February 8, 1914 – ) was an American comic book writer who co-created the DC Comics character Batman with Bob Kane. Despite making major (sometimes, signature) contributions as an innovative writer, visionary mythos/world ...
to write the adventures of Batman 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 ...
'', with introducing the utility belt concept in ''Detective Comics'' #29 (July 1939).
[ Daniels, Les. ''Batman: The Complete History''. Chronicle Books, 1999. , pg. 29]
In its first appearance, Batman's utility belt "contain
dchoking gas capsules."
[Mike's Amazing World of DC Comics](_blank)
"The Batman Meets Doctor Death" 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 ...
'' #29. Retrieved July 31, 2008.
Two issues after the utility belt debuted, Fox also wrote the first appearance of a bat-themed weapon, when the
batarang
The batarang is a roughly bat-shaped throwing weapon used by the DC Comics superhero Batman.
Etymology
The name "Batarang" is a portmanteau of ''bat'' and ''boomerang'', and was originally spelled baterang.
Usage
Batarangs are customizable t ...
debuted in the story "Batman vs. the
Vampire
A vampire is a mythical creature that subsists by feeding on the Vitalism, vital essence (generally in the form of blood) of the living. In European folklore, vampires are undead, undead humanoid creatures that often visited loved ones and c ...
" 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 ...
'' #31 (Sep 1939).
Up until 1989, most artists drew the utility belt as a simple yellow belt with a buckle and capsules/cylinders around it (except artist
Graham Nolan, who included two pouches on the back of the utility belt).
In 1986,
Frank Miller drew Batman's utility belt with military-style pouches in the ''
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns''
limited series. This rendition was used again in ''
Batman: Year One'' and used by almost every artist in the ''
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight'' comics series.
In 2000, the pouches became a standard feature in the depiction of the utility belt.
The grapple gun, which fired the Batline/Bat-rope (it had to be thrown manually prior to that), was first introduced 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 live-action 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 ...
''. One feature added to the utility belt in the film and its 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 ...
'', was a small motor which would move items from the back of the belt around to the front allowing Batman easier access to his weaponry and tools.
Description
Although seemingly unremarkable in appearance, the utility belt is one of Batman's most important tools in fighting crime. Consisting primarily of a strap and buckle, the utility belt houses ten pouches or cylindrical cartridges that are attached to the outside of the belt. The buckle itself typically contains a miniature
camera
A camera is an instrument used to capture and store images and videos, either digitally via an electronic image sensor, or chemically via a light-sensitive material such as photographic film. As a pivotal technology in the fields of photograp ...
and a
tape recorder
An audio tape recorder, also known as a tape deck, tape player or tape machine or simply a tape recorder, is a sound recording and reproduction device that records and plays back sounds usually using magnetic tape for storage. In its present ...
. A secondary compartment behind the length of the belt houses Batman's supply of
batarang
The batarang is a roughly bat-shaped throwing weapon used by the DC Comics superhero Batman.
Etymology
The name "Batarang" is a portmanteau of ''bat'' and ''boomerang'', and was originally spelled baterang.
Usage
Batarangs are customizable t ...
s.
Each of the ten pouches or cylinders contains various tools integral to Batman's war on crime, with the cylinders being interchangeable with each other. Through the years, Batman has modified the contents of his belt to accommodate various crime-fighting scenarios.
Most versions of the belt contain security features to prevent anyone other than Batman from opening it. The belt is shown to be able to electrocute any villain who even touches it. It can also release stun gas to prevent tampering. The belt's compartments are locked and only Batman knows how to open them.
Contents
Elements
of the utility belt at times include, but are not limited to, the following:
Batarang
Batarangs are customizable throwing weapons, based on
shuriken
A is a Japanese concealed weapon used by samurai or ninja or in martial arts as a hidden dagger or '' metsubushi'' to distract or misdirect.
History
The origins of the ''bo-shuriken'' in Japan are still unclear, despite continuing researc ...
s and
boomerang
A boomerang () is a thrown tool typically constructed with airfoil sections and designed to spin about an axis perpendicular to the direction of its flight, designed to return to the thrower. The origin of the word is from Australian Aborigin ...
s, and are collapsible so that a large number of them can fit inside of Batman's utility belt.
Batman's grappling hook
Also known as Batline, Batrope, Batclaw and Batgrapple.
A handheld
grappling hook that shoots out a claw-shaped projectile on a retractable high-tensile cord, which grabs onto a surface.
Then, this cord pulls Batman to his target. A later boost upgrade launches him high into the air above the target point if he desires (so Batman can glide from there).
The hook can also pull down walls, grab enemies and pull them closer, or pull guns straight out of their hands. The hook is secured to the belt magnetically rather than being contained in the belt.
It has been portrayed as a portable grappling hook line to be manually thrown onto a higher surface or vantage point for him to climb it to the targeted area.
However, in more recent incarnations, his overall grappling gear is composed of a line-launching, gun-like device that shoots the line to pull Batman towards his targeted area or to pull a target towards Batman.
A rifle-like grappling gun first appeared in Frank Miller's ''
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns'' #1. However, the now standard hand-held version of Batman's grappling gun first appeared in the 1989 ''
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 ...
'' film.
It gradually replaced the batarang and a rope in the comics after artist
Norm Breyfogle introduced a grapple gun in ''
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 ...
'' #458 in January 1991.
That tool became the standard in the subsequent animated series, comics, films, and video games such as ''
Batman: Arkham Asylum'' and in ''
Batman: Arkham City'' a more advanced version called the Grapnel was introduced which could be used to launch Batman into the air to glide using kinetic energy.
Cryptographic sequencer
With this computer-like device, Batman can hack into computer systems, communications frequencies, etc. Seen in the ''
Batman: Arkham'' video game series.
Bolas
Thrown around the feet of Batman's enemies to tie them with a composite-nylon cord. Often causes an escaping opponent to trip. With the push of a button in Batman's glove it can deliver an electric shock.
Tracers
Used to track enemies Batman cannot follow closely. They also function as miniature listening devices to listen in on conversations from afar. Sometimes fired from a modified pistol, as shown in ''
Batman vs Superman''.
Smoke pellets
Large amounts of smoke can be deployed by throwing or breaking open these small hardened-gelatin spheroid capsules.
Often used to quickly provide cover for Batman's stealthy exits and entries. The lenses in Batman's cowl can see perfectly through the smoke.
Gas pellets
Similar to smoke pellets, gas pellets are used for incapacitating opponents.
Lachrymatory, anesthesia, nerve, and regurgitant agents are deployed by breaking open the capsules. A gas filter in the cowl's nose-piece allows Batman to be around the gas unharmed.
Line launcher
A device that shoots out a steel line in both directions making a zip line, or a tightrope to walk on.
Seen in ''
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 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: Arkham Asylum'', ''
Batman: Arkham City'' and ''
Batman: Arkham Knight''.
Tranquilliser gun
This collapsible gun fires darts that are tipped with fast-acting anaesthesia, paralytic agents, or other chemicals/drugs.
In ''
Batman: Year One'', this is replaced (or possibly preceded) by a
blowpipe kept in one of the boots.
Glue globules
Small round globules of concentrated adhesive glue. They are used to encase enemies in a sticky substance.
The globules can be thrown or fired with a small gun. Seen in ''
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies'', ''
Batman: Arkham Origins'' and in the webseries ''
Gotham Girls''.
Lock pick
This gadget is used to escape handcuffs and access locked rooms. It is rarely kept in the utility belt, more often in one of Batman's gloves.
Rebreather
This cylindrical device allows Batman to breathe underwater or in low oxygen environments. It is very small and compact so it fits easily into the utility belt. The standard rebreather gives 2.5 hours of oxygen.
Laser
A strong miniaturized laser used as a cutting tool.
Pellet grenades
These small
explosives
An explosive (or explosive material) is a reactive substance that contains a great amount of potential energy that can produce an explosion if released suddenly, usually accompanied by the production of light, heat, sound, and pressure. An exp ...
are often used to knock down walls
.
Concussion mines
These are powerful
timed explosives, used for destroying vehicles or blasting out reinforced concrete walls.
Explosive gel
A gel-like substance which can be remotely detonated for an explosion.
It is contained in a spray device which also acts as a remote detonator. Seen in ''
Batman: Arkham'' video games.
Thermite grenades
An incendiary used to burn through obstacles.
The fires produced by these grenades are fueled by
thermite
Thermite () is a pyrotechnic composition of powder metallurgy, metal powder and metal oxide. When ignited by heat or chemical reaction, thermite undergoes an exothermic redox, reduction-oxidation (redox) reaction. Most varieties are not explos ...
, and thus are impossible to extinguish and burn at over three times the temperature of molten magma.
In ''
Batman: Year One'', the thermite charge ignites accidentally and destroys the utility belt.
Napalm
This incendiary gel is kept in delicate packets. Once thrown or broken open, the packets release the napalm gel, which sticks to whatever it comes on contact with and instantly ignites. Seen in the film ''
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 ...
''.
Taser
Used by Batman to stun his enemies with an electrical shock to temporarily paralyze them.
Remote electric charge
This small collapsible gun fires powerful bolts of high current electricity
.
It is used to incapacitate enemies at long range or overload electronic devices. Seen in the video games ''
Batman: Vengeance'', ''
Batman: Arkham City'' and ''
Batman: Arkham Knight''.
Stun pellets
Emit bright light and loud sound to completely blind and deafen enemies. The effect wears off in a few minutes, however. Batman is unaffected by these due to his cowl's lenses and sound dampening systems.
EMP gun
Used to disable any electrical equipment
.
Disruptor
Batman's disruptor can remotely disable firearms and deactivate explosives.
Remote claw
Confiscated from
Deathstroke
Deathstroke is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, the character first appeared in ''The New Teen Titans'' #2 (December 1980) as Deathstroke the Terminator. In his co ...
, this gadget is used to join two objects and pull them together.
It works by firing a projectile out which hooks onto an object. The projectile then launches a rope-attached claw, which attaches to a second object. Once both are connected, they are pulled together.
Batman can use this to knock enemies together, slam heavy objects into foes, or string objects up. Seen in the video game ''
Batman: Arkham Origins''.
Ultrasonic bat beacon
This device emits sonic waves that attract thousands of bats to Batman's location. The bats swarm around him, creating a diversion, as well as sometimes attacking assailants and reinforcing the idea that Batman is a supernatural entity. It is usually kept in the heel of a boot rather than the utility belt. Seen in ''
Batman: Year One'' and ''
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 ...
''.
Sonic devastator
This small device, when activated, releases high energy sonic waves that can shatter glass and completely incapacitate enemies, making them writhe in agony.
It has a range of a few hundred feet. Sound dampening systems built into the cowl leave Batman unaffected.
Seen in ''
Batman: The Animated Series'' and ''
Injustice: Gods Among Us''. This device is rarely kept in the utility belt. Rather, it is kept in one of the gloves.
Freeze grenades
Based on technology created by
Mr. Freeze
Mr. Freeze is the name of two supervillains appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Dave Wood and artists Sheldon Moldoff and Bob Kane, the character initially debuted in ''Batman'' #121 (February 1959) as Mr. ...
, these grenades encase anything in their blast radius in a block of ice.
They are useful for freezing enemies to incapacitate them, as well as freezing water to create ice platforms to walk on. Seen in the video game ''
Batman: Arkham City'' and ''
Batman: Arkham Knight''.
Kryptonite
Batman keeps a chunk of kryptonite
(in some stories, a ring with a kryptonite gem, implied to have originally belonged to Lex Luthor) in his belt in a lead lined compartment in order to take down any hostile
Kryptonians
Kryptonians are a fictional extraterrestrial race within the DC Comics universe that originated on the planet Krypton. The term originated from the stories of DC Comics superhero, Superman. The stories also use "Kryptonian" as an adjective to ref ...
.
In the ''
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 ...
'' TV series Batman calls his kryptonite "insurance", but in some continuities Superman himself gives the kryptonite to him, as a sign of trust.
By giving Batman the kryptonite, Superman understands Batman's wariness of his power and trusts Batman to subdue him, should he go astray.
Marbles
Used by Batman to create sounds that imitate his footsteps for diversions.
References
External links
Superhero Gadgets as a Deus Ex MachinaUtility Belt Bio
{{DEFAULTSORT:Batman's Utility Belt
Belts (clothing)
1939 in comics
Fictional elements introduced in 1939