The Super-Batarang[1] is a hi-tech computerized Batarang. The weapon can scan the area for surrounding _targets and plot a trajectory that it will follow once thrown using a self-propulsion system.
History
Knocking out Red Triangle clowns
During an encounter with the Red Triangle Gang, Batman found himself surrounded by five individuals, including a clown armed with a FIM-43 Redeye rocket launcher. Batman quickly grabbed the super-batarang from his utility belt and programmed the _targets before releasing it to neutralize the threat. After knocking out four clowns it was caught by the Ratty Poodle before it could strike Poodle Lady, who was unarmed and stood expressionless as the object approached her. Somehow the batarang's propulsion stopped once it was in the dog's mouth, perhaps hitting a button on the control pad. Before Batman could approach the pair to retrieve it the woman and her dog ran off with the weapon as Sword Swallower and Thin Clown rushed towards him, the latter with a large time bomb strapped to his chest.
Circumstantial evidence
Later the Penguin grabbed the batarang from the dog's mouth to hurl it that at the Ice Princess in her dressing room tent. After being told it was a camera, she stood up and struck as pose before it collided into her cranium, resulting in a bloody injury. The Penguin then took her to an abandoned building to began his plan to frame Batman for her kidnapping and murder. The super-batarang was later discovered by authorities in her tent once she was found missing. Commissioner Gordon actually showed the bloodstained weapon in an evidence bag on a live news broadcast, emphasizing that it was purely circumstantial. This was seen by Bruce Wayne on his date with Selina Kyle in Wayne Manor. Immediately after seeing it and hearing of the kidnapping he announced that he had urgent business and left. Selina also noticed the program moments later and realized she was late to play her role in the plot as Catwoman. The gadget was subsequently taken into the GCPD's Batman Locker.
The Bat-Locker
Whilst investigating Batman's identity, Barbara Gordon took interest in the Super-Batarang. Noting its high-tech design and cost to create it, she and Harvey Dent used it in their investigations into Batman's identity. Able to get it out of the Batman Locker, Barbara learned how to use the _targeting and control systems, including settings for the Batarang's attacks. These were later relayed to Dent, who also took it into his possession.[2]
Attack on Gotham Police Headquarters
During the attack on Gotham City Police Headquarters, Dent took the Super-Batarang with him, hoping to use it against Batman. When confronted by both the vigilante and Commissioner Gordon, he used the systems to _target Batman and knocked the vigilante's aim. The Batarang caused Batman to misfire a tranquilizer dart, knocking Gordon out. Dent then fled with both the commissioner and the Batarang whilst Batman attended to a gunshot Lt. Bullock.[3] The gadget was later returned to Barbara as part of a package exposing Batman's identity.[4]
Appearances
Other/Non-Canon
- Detective Comics #32 variant cover
Behind the Scenes
This gadget was designed by Tim Flattery, originally conceived to double as brass knuckles. This control scheme allowed Batman to use his thumb to navigate the button pad. The finger slots ended up being dropped and button pad simplified for the final prop. A few variations of these props were made, some that fold open, some that were just solid pieces for stunts and one with a working LCD screen for the closeup.
Trivia
- The term 'Super-Batarang' originates from Daniel Waters' drafts of the screenplay and is used to identify the gadget in the official collector's magazine. Bo Welch also used this name Batman Returns: The Official Movie Book. It is never otherwise named in the film or novelizations.
- Originally in Waters' script there was another gang that dressed as Batman, like in Frank Miller's Dark Knight series. Batman is especially angered by them, using this super-batarang to display his superiority over their primitive weapons. José Luis García-López depicted this scene in an early sketch for the film's licensing art.
- In Wesley Strick's shooting script, Knifethrower Dame is present during the scene and throws a knife directly into Batman's chest emblem while he programs the device. In the final film, she is not shown at all during this segment, even in the assorted heists directly proceeding.
- The super-batarang is reminiscent of the self-propelled smart-disc used in Predator 2 released three years prior.
- Critics and historians have pointed out the super-batarang as the inspiration for Rocksteady's Remote Control Batarang, much like the zip-lines used by Michael Keaton inspired the Line Launcher.
- Joe Quinones drew a pair of super-batarangs in the hand of Batman for his "New 52" Detective Comics #32 variant cover.[5]
Gallery
Screencaps
Still photos
Promotional photos
Licensing art
Merchandise
Other appearances
