The Dark Knight Manual: Tools, Weapons, Vehicles and Documents From The Batcave by Brandon T. Snider is not due for release until July 24, 2012, but Coming Soon was able to get their hands on an early copy. They were also kind enough to release a few images from the book which feature The Bat, the new aerial vehicle used by Batman in The Dark Knight Rises.
For those unfamiliar with the book, you can check out the plot description below.
“…..an in-world exploration of Christopher Nolan’s Batman: The Dark Knight Manual, the definitive guide to his [Batman’s] tools, vehicles and technologies…..Featuring removable documents, including the design and capability of the famed utility belt, the hi-tech functions of Batman’s cowl, and every detail of his amazing arsenal of weapons and gadgets…..reveals how Bruce Wayne operates as Gotham’s greatest protector.”
The Tumbler and the Batpod have been Batman’s preferred mode of transportation in the previous two films, but it seems like they will be cast aside in The Dark Knight Rises in favor of The Bat. From what we’ve seen in the trailers, The Bat definitely “isn’t a car” and it can do much more than just fly. I can only imagine what director Christopher Nolan‘s imagination has come up with for the vehicle.
While not as stylish as the Batpod, The Bat looks impressive so far and I commend the people behind its design as it is well thought out. I can’t wait to see how it’s used in the film.
The Dark Knight Rises flies into theaters on July 20, 2012 and stars Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard and Michael Caine.
Here are the cool concept art images for The Bat along with an image of the Fusion Reactor:
