The Sonar Batsuit
The Sonar Batsuit, also known as the Sonar suit, was a specialty Batsuit with different functions and a vastly different look from the standard suit. It was used on Claw Island to defeat the Riddler. The sonar suit had not yet been field tested and was chosen because the Riddler had destroyed all the other suits in the vault.
The suit was later upgraded with silver Ice Armor temporarily.
History
Creation
The Sonar suit was an iridescent silvery-black Batsuit that featured a more high-tech, armor-like design than the current Batsuit at the time. The suit featured a new bat symbol that was spread across the chest instead of being confined within an ellipse like in previous Batsuits. This new Batsuit utilized lenses that slid automatically over the cowl's eyeholes to display a sonar-generated image of Batman's surroundings to him, allowing him to see with more accuracy in extreme darkness or glare. The primary function of the lenses were a targeting system linked to a special Sonar Batarang with a homing device.
Testing on Claw Island
- "Were all the Batsuits destroyed, Alfred?"
"All except the prototype with the sonar modifications you invented. But you haven't tested it yet."
"Tonight's a good night." - ―Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth[src]
After all the standard Batsuits are destroyed by the Riddler, Bruce was forced to use the prototype with "Sonar" modifications to confront the Riddler on Claw Island.
Bruce continued to wear the sonar armor as he began to fight crime with his new partner Robin. Later he seemed to revert to a new traditional Batsuit, though some improvements from the sonar are evident on it.[1]
Sonar Ice
Temporary ice armor chest emblem
Bruce later briefly brought back the Sonar armor with special silver Ice Armor plating. New gadgets were integrated onto the new components specifically for that mission. He wore this variation of the sonar suit while piloting the Bathammer.
Bruce was still in the standard Sonar suit without the cowl or gloves when he put the cure into Alfred's IV to save him.[2]
Behind the scenes
Jose Fernandez working a early sonar suit maquette with Michael Keaton's likeness.
Design
The suit was designed and sculpted by Jose Fernandez
Trivia
- In the ending to Batman Forever, Batman is still seen in the Sonar suit when he and Robin are running towards the camera in front of the Bat-Signal. In the original ending that was never released he is still seen wearing it when he and Robin on a gargoyle pillar over looking the city.
Influence
- The movie Batsuits have taken after the philosophy of the Sonar Suit since its use in Batman Forever. They usually feature a large all black bat emblem that covers most of the chest. The torso and limbs feature complex "high-tech" looking designs.
- A black version of the Sonar Batsuit was used by director Christopher Nolan during auditions for the lead role in Batman Begins. It was worn by auditioning actors Christian Bale, Cillian Murphy and Eion Bailey. Only the difference in the audition tapes is that the utility belt was the black belt from the "Panther Suit". Not the Sonar utility belt.
- An actor wearing the Sonar Batsuit appears in the 2003 WB film Looney Tunes: Back in Action, exasperated over Brendan Fraser ruining a movie scene in his pursuit of Daffy Duck. Again the utility belt used was the black belt from the "Panther Suit".
- The Sonar Suit is the first movie Batsuit to feature high tech lenses on cowl like in the comics. Lenses were attempted again in The Dark Knight, the 2008 sequel to Batman Begins.
Gallery
