More than 34 years ago, Tim Burton’sBatmanwould change the course of how the world’s greatest detective would be seen not just by comic book fans but by moviegoers the world over. Movie marketing was starting to be seen as the key to the kingdom to show audiences that a visual story was worth paying for to experience at the theaters, but it also went beyond that. It needed to be able to be the ocular meat and potatoes that went beyond the comics and story beats many was used to. Batman’s new logo was familiar but fresh and exciting, and people were thrilled to see it.With the tremendous success ofBatman, DC realized that a sleek and simple design could tell an engaging and memorable story to fans.
Outside of being a commercial success,Batmancemented that this film was more than just a comic book nerd’s dream but a cultural phenomenon everyone wanted to be a part of. While this film has been one of the most iconic interpretations of the superhero’s stories, its emblem is still one of the most striking pieces of comic book history and art. So why is this iconic chest symbol so different in this blockbuster hit?
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The Chest Symbol has Two Extra Tail Prongs
Tim Burton’sBatmanis defined by what came before as much as what has come after. Such a unique and charismatic approach to the material is impossible to replicate. One could even argue the same for Christopher Nolan’s treatment ofBatman Begins, as both directors have left favorably dissonant marks and interpretations on the beloved caped crusader. When it was revealed that director Tim Burton would direct a film adaptation ofBatman, with Michael Keaton starring as Bruce Wayne, it was reasonable to believe that such a film experience would fail, given the slight comedic, light-hearted appeal of both parties involved. However, both Burton and Keaton would prove audiences wrong.Batmanis a dualistic cinematic masterpiece.Pensive and grimly atmospheric within the backdropof Gotham City and Keaton’s performance, yet boldly underpinned with the colorful, hypnotic, and daring delivery of Jack Nicholson’s The Joker, the film was a monumental success.
This dualistic approach is illustrated in the 1989 version of theBatmanlogo, the creation of which was outlined at . Designed by artist Anton Furst, Furst would take the logo that everyone knew and loved and upgrade it for a new generation. Responsible for the film’s noir-like landscape and iconic bat mobile, the logo would be revealed on posters with nothing but the date of its release on top of a sophisticated black backdrop.The image would be met with mixed reactions, resembling a monstrous mouth with teeth or a cave. Whatever the design was, it caught people’s attention.
Furst would take the 1939 version of the logo, further defining its old look from its flat, less animated design against the bright yellow backdrop, and would extend its narrative with a bold, edgy bat shape set against shiny bronze. Furst would add little elements of shine, giving the logo a bit of opulence and depth. The black and bronze were not only a symbol of evolution,but also an extension of a characterwho was dark, sharp, and classy. When devoted fans felt overwhelming anxiety towards the project, Furst reassured them the comic book material was in the right hands with just one logo.
The Real Symbol Was Designed After Costumes
While much of the anticipation and excitement can be credited to the poster campaign that triggered most of the film’s success, the renowned design was still in production when the costumes were in their final stages of completion. During the post-production phase, Furst’s design could only be added in by form of Bat-signal projection to retain the lasting impact and continuity the artist created with its poster campaign.
Eventually inBatman Returns, Furst’s designs would be added to the costume designs and his take on Gotham City would further inspire other interpretations in the Batman universe such asBatman: The Animated Series, and woulddive further down into the rebootof the main DC comics, showing that Furst’s creative vision has fostered a lasting impact within the franchise. While Anton Furst sadly would never get to see the fruits of his labor blossom into what it has become today, his art has lived on throughout the makeup of Batman’s identity over the years. His lasting effects on the franchise and the film industry have been prolific. Such evocative resonance of Furst’s inspiration can be seen in the poster artwork from movies likeDick TracytoJurassic Park. Although the nods are exquisitely done, none compare to the original in terms of accomplishment.
At the time comic book fans played a major role in the success of this film. While it’s hard to imagine that such a genre was ever niche due to its glorious success over the years, comic book fandom did not attain the same strength and accessibility as it has now.Such power behind a simple designpropagated so much hype and unification that someone who would never even read a single comic would become enamored by what Batman had to offer.
The Design of the Bat Symbol Has Evolved Over Time
Over the years, the Batman symbol has been one that has evolved over time and through interpretation of the famous caped crusader. Furst’s ideas had a lot to do with the success of Batman’s symbol and his overall identity in the films. He recognized that a superhero can still appear human depending on the setting and that a logo is an extension of that. While many will argue thatBatman is not the best interpretationby comic book standards, it would be remiss to suggest that Burton, his creative team, or the actors respected the material because those behind it took great care to understand Batman as an icon.
A darker and edgier take on a superhero than those were better acquainted with, it also was able to dive into the utility side of Batman, showing how skilled he was as the average person who had no superpowers. Furst played a significant role in Batman’s evolution, as Batman has been a symbol in the superhero genre that has matured and expanded over time within the 84 years of the comics' continued success. From director Adam West’s warm and campy interpretation of the series, Frank Miller’s iconic and tenebrousThe Dark Knight Returns, to Matt Reeves' current fresh take onJeph Loeb and Tim Sale’sBatman: The Long Halloween, Batman has always seemed to ground himself within the era he is set in, unbound by time, unchained to stagnation.
The iconic bat has evolved and creatively changed over time, further extended by its symbology. While the crest may change as it continues to be worn by the superhero, what it stands for continues to mean the same for those that still follow and embrace its cultural significance. To fans, it’s more than just a bat symbol. It’s a beacon for hope, truth, and justice.
