LEGO’s much anticipated toys to accompany The Dark Knight Rises are set to be some of their best ever. The showcase item is 6860 – The Batcave. Whilst Lego aren’t claiming that this set is based on directly on the film, it does feature the characters Bane and the toxic female known as Poison Ivy.
LEGO Batcave
The Batcave features a working elevator, prison cell, flick missiles, bat computer and the famous Batcycle. Most excitingly, Bane’s drill tank looks like an awesome piece of kit which he uses to break into the huge Batcave to rescue Poison Ivy.
Batman has enjoyed many different forms of transport throughout his many reincarnations, with memorable ones including the Batwing, Bat Boat, Bat Sub and Batcycle.
None however, have come close to matching the popularity of dozens of Batmobile versions that have appeared in comics, TV shows and films. Sprouting ever larger tail wings and more aggressive looks, the Batmobile has come to represent Batman almost as much as the character himself. See some of the changing designs, followed by some of the best (and worst!) Batmobile toys that have been released by various companies over the years.
Different Batmobile designs over the years
Different Batmobile toys over time!
Toy manufacturers have had a field day creating models of every different version, from low price points of only a few pounds to highly detailed collectors editions with almost as many working parts as the real thing. If the views of the millions of worldwide Batman fans are to be believed, the combination Batmobile/Batcyle in The Dark Knight was the most awesome yet seen.
The Batcycle from The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight Rises Promotional Image
Pencilled in for a July 2012 launch is the final film in the trilogy – The Dark Knight Rises. Set eight years after the end of the last movie, the evil character known as Bane is confirmed as having a central role, together with character Selina Kyle, otherwise known as Catwoman.
Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine make welcome re-appearances in their previous roles of Lucius Fox and Alfred. The plot of The Dark Knight Rises is already the subject of intense media speculation. Toy companies are gearing up for even more Batman fever as interest builds and demand for Batman products rises yet again.
Batman and Catwoman
Some stunning promotional posters for Batman: The Dark Knight Rises have been gradually revealed as the build-up for the film’s release in 2012 gathers momentum. Here’s six of our favourites.
Batman The Dark Knight Rises Promo Posters
Detective Comics, May 1939
First appearing as a fictional character in Detective Comics in 1939, Batman became an almost instant hit with the readers who had a sense of empathy with the young Bruce Wayne who vowed to avenge his parent’s killers.
The following year he starred in his own title whilst still appearing in DC where he acquired his first Batplane. Batman has withstood the test of time with an impressive collection of evolutionary appearances. These include ongoing stories in Marvel Comics, dedicated TV shows, books, annuals and an eclectic series of carton and live action films.
Batman and Robin
The introduction of Robin as Batman’s assistant in the early 1940s enabled the Batman character to have a comrade with whom he could interact. This led to a series of adventures as they battled Gotham City’s two most persistent enemies – The Joker and Catwoman.
Despite its camp-comedy slant, the 1966 TV series revived the public’s flagging interest in Batman. The first iconic Batmobile was created, later to become transformed into ever more sophisticated and stylish designs.
The 1989 Batman Logo
Robin was killed off in 1988 – and the following year Tim Burton began a series of new Batman films that re-introduced The Joker with a stellar performance by Jack Nicholson. The sequel, Batman Returns had an equally compelling performance from Danny DeVito, starring as arch-enemy, The Penguin.
Batman Begins
The series of Christopher Nolan films that started with Batman Begins in 2005 took a different slant on the character for a new worldwide audience, by taking them back to Batman’s dark, tragic beginnings.
The huge success of this first revival film was quickly followed in 2008 by The Dark Knight. The absence of the word ‘Batman’ in the title was ridiculed in certain quarters, but this film was hailed as being one of the greatest superhero films ever made. This was helped by stunning portrayals of The Joker by Heath Ledger and Harvey Dent/Two-Face by Aaron Eckhart.
The Dark Knight Rises is scheduled for release in 2012 and will see Christian Bale reprising his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Anne Hathaway will play Batwoman.
The Dark Knight Rises Promo