As a superhero who isn’t particularly “super,” Batman’s had to compensate for this vulnerability with everything from his intellect to his resourcefulness. As the greatest Detective on Earth he’s more than prepared for any danger thanks to his seemingly infinite collection of gadgets. From the camp to the cool, Batman has wielded an innumerable amount of tools against his foes. Some have been ridiculously cheesy; some have been be amazingly cool. What sets the best apart is their continued use and appearance throughout the many faces and iterations of Batman. As he has evolved over the years so have the tools of the trade, but the truly memorable will be tied into the mythos forever. These are Batman’s 21 Greatest Gadgets of all time.
21. Shark Repellent Spray
Is this you? Have you ever been innocently laddering above the ocean only to be attacked by a large shark? Well Batman’s patented Shark Repellent Spray is just for you. Possibly the most ridiculed of all his inventions, the spray most famously kept Adam West’s Batman from being bitten one too many times. While not the most flashy or useful or beneficial of his tools it’s an undeniably hilarious addition to the Bat-Armory.
20. Fingerprint Bullet Ballistics Test
Though praised as the most realistic Batman film of all, The Dark Knight still manages to venture into the ridiculous. In the 2nd Act, Batman takes a ballistics test from a shattered bullet by comparing it to a similar bullet shot into a similar piece of brick. From here he’s able to see how the bullet would shatter and thus compiles a 3D image of the fragmented bullet so he can take a fingerprint. While this may sound technologically plausible, in reality it’s as comical as the repellent spray. But thanks to Christopher Nolan’s straightforward and realistic approach we’re led to believe this is just another sample of extreme BatCave science.
19. Napalm
While not among the more famous of his gadgets, napalm is certainly one of the most memorable tools of Michael Keaton’s Batman. Used against Catwoman, the napalm seems surprisingly violent and dangerous for the Dark Knight until one remembers the brutality with which Keaton’s Batman protected Gotham.
18. The Whirly Bat
Undoubtedly the most ridiculous of Batman’s vehicles, the Whirly Bat is one of the most frequently used gadgets in Batman’s arsenal. Most writers may include it sarcastically, but no one can deny the fear a bicycle-copter riding Batman would instill in Gotham City’s criminal underworld.
17. The Cowl
Keeping his identity a secret is just one of the several uses for Batman’s cowl. While it can house many tools and gadgets, it also serves as one. In The Dark Knight Batman’s cowl is electrified, shocking a Joker minion. In Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice it houses his voice modifier. The most interesting and debatable aspect may be length of the ears but the cowl ultimately remains a useful part of Batman’s outfit.
16. Vibra-Bullet
Created by Grant Morrison in the JLA: Tower of Babel story, the vibra-bullet is one of Batman’s fool-proof plans to take down the Justice League’s resident speedster. If successfully shot into the Flash’s spine the bullet would cause multiple seizures at light speed.
15. Flammable Nanites
Taken from Morrison’s JLA: Tower of Babel as well, Batman’s ultimate answer to Martian Manhunter’s battle prowess are small nanites. These nanites convert Manhunters’ skin into magnesium which bursts into fire when exposed to the air. While it may be more of a concoction than a gadget the technologically advanced asset is undoubtedly awesome and remarkably cruel.
14. Kryptonite Gloves
Frank Miller’s sequel to The Dark Knight Returns may be controversial, but Strikes Again has some undeniably awesome moments. Set shortly after its’ predecessor The Dark Knight Strikes Again is a further exploration of this DC Universe as the elder Batman reunites a retired Justice League. The book has glimpses of greatness, but fails to deliver a cohesive story. Batman pummeling Superman with Kryptonite Boxing gloves remains one of the more memorable panels of the infamous story.
13. Kryptonite Gum
The most recently created gadget on the list, the Kryptonite gum created by Scott Snyder in the pages of Batman is a deceptively simple homage to an espionage trope of both fact and fiction. A fake tooth is usually home to cyanide, a spy’s “last resort.” To Batman, the only situation that would warrant such a last resort would be a fatal fight with Superman. Only usable within spitting distance the gum serves as the final trick up his sleeve when facing the most powerful being on the planet.
12. 3D Sonar Lenses
Utilizing the massive sonar system bouncing off of Gotham citizen’s cell phones, Batman is able to see in complete darkness thanks to the 3D mapping created by the system. It’s an almost-omniscient viewpoint of any location within the massive scope of the far-reaching signal. Ultimately, Batman and Lucius Fox deem the gadget too powerful for this world; retiring it by the end of the film.
11. Detective Mode
Made famous by the Arkham Asylum video game series, Detective Mode proves to be more than the Instagram filter it resembles at first glance. It’s an invaluable tool with which you can further explore the dense Arkham underworld. From accenting clues to detecting a rising heartbeat, Detective Mode resembles what it must be like for a normal person to look through the eyes of the world’s greatest detective.
10. The Batmobile
Almost excluded from the list, the Batmobile is the most famous occupant of the BatCave other than the man himself. It comes in all shapes and sizes from the the tank-like Tumbler from The Dark Knight to the antiquated black firebird from the Adam West show. As the most recognizable car in fiction, the Batmobile is most interesting when altered or interpreted to better resemble that Batman in the driver’s seat.
9. The Exo-Suits
With too many to count Batman’s many exo-suits could probably put Tony Stark’s closet to shame. Though the most famous version would be the Dark Knight Returns or Batman Beyond suits, The Hellsuit created by Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason in the pages of Batman and Robin epitomizes the terrifying visuals that should come to mind when one pictures an armored Batman.
8. Sticky Gun (Bombs, Trackers)
As used in the extraction of Chinese accountant Mr. Lao, the sticky bomb gun makes an explosive debut that begins one of the best action sequences in any Batman film. Not always taking the same shape or size, a similar gun is used to shoot trackers onto fleeing vehicles or criminals. Batman usually avoids guns but the effectiveness of the sticky gun’s multiple uses is undeniable.
7. Projectile Gauntlets
Batman’s gauntlets can range from glorified gloves to the the versatile and deadly weapon as depicted in The Dark Knight. As a last resort Batman is able to shoot the spikes into the Joker just before swiftly ending their battle. Having already saved Bruce and Ra’s Al Ghul from falling off a snow-ridden cliff face, the spiked gauntlets prove themselves to be a vital section of the nocturnal knight’s suit of armor.
6. EMP(s)
The EMP (electromagnetic pulse) is meant to nullify and disrupt any electronics within its’ range. As a versatile weapon-maker, Batman has EMP guns, remotes, and grenades at the ready. Incredibly effective against almost any device, Bruce uses the EMP to stop anything electric like vehicles, powered suits, and paparazzi cameras.
5. The BatPod
Literally emerging from the ashes of the Batmobile, the Batpod remains the coolest and most enviable ride Batman has ever owned. Able to move side to side as easily as backwards and forwards, the versatile vehicle features two large canons to clear away any debris. Both Batman and Dark Knight Director Christopher Nolan used the pod to great effect, making an entire generation of fans dream about a pod of their own.
4. Smoke Pellets/Bombs
Whether hiding his entrance or his exit, smoke pellets are one of the most frequently used gadgets in Batman’s arsenal. Every interpretation of Batman showcases just how that particular Batman uses smoke to the greatest effect. From Ben Affleck’s gun-toting take to the smoke-filled sequences from the animated series, the billowing clouds of the smoke allow the caped crusader the cover he needs to deal with his enemies in a most secretive fashion.
3. The Batarang
The most easily recognizable of Batman’s weapons, the batarang comes in countless shapes and forms, though all of those forms and shapes resemble a bat symbol. From the computerized and remote controlled batarangs of the Arkham Asylum games to the electrified batarangs of the animated versions, a batarang is a customizable and compact weapon capable of almost anything in the hands of someone as skilled the Dark Knight.
2. The Utility Belt
Housing an unbelievable amount of Batman’s tools, the utility belt is almost a pocket of reality from which Batman can pull any impossible solution or ridiculous plan. While it is essentially carrying cargo, the intricacy of the contents therein makes it one of the most impressive gadgets of all. Every resource must be perfectly housed, protected from activation or release even as Batman does battle against the mightiest of foes.
1. The Grappling Gun
Batman’s greatest gadget is so intertwined with his identity it can almost be forgotten or labeled as part of the suit. Like the jets on Iron Man’s feet or the webs from Spider-Man’s hands, the grappling gun is what grants Batman the ability to simply be Batman. How else could he perch above the watchful gargoyles as an ever-present guardian? How else could he escape the destructive beam of Doomsday’s eyes? The grappling gun is a weapon, a vehicle and a life-saver making it the most important gadget Batman will ever have.
With the versatility needed to fight out of any situation, it’s no surprise Batman continues to ensure he’s prepared for anything. Without any superpowers of his own, Batman uses his intellect and his many gadgets as answers to the superpowers both friends and foes possess. Seen as cruel by some, a few of Batman’s tools are clearly meant to address a situation or person Batman knows he himself is incapable of fighting. The fact that so many of his gadgets exist is a testament to the character’s understanding of his own limitations and the need to expect the unexpected. From an outside point of view we can enjoy Batman’s exploration of the many uses of his tools and weapons. Be it screen or comic panel, there will always be tools and tricks for Batman to test in his proverbial sandbox of Gotham City.