“What’s In That Utility Belt: A History of Batman Gadgets” - Grappling Gun:
Many items in Batman’s arsenal we’ll be discussing in this session have originated outside of comic book and integrated later into our favorite stories. One such object, an important one at that, is the grappling gun which debuted in Tim Burton’s 1989 film “Batman” starring Michael Keaton. Prior to this introduction, Batman would use items such as a “Bat-Rope” or “Bat-line” that would, in its simplest form, have a Batarang or similar gripping object on the end of a rope and our Caped Crusader would throw the rope to attach on a high point of a building, which would give enough support for Batman, Robin or other Batman family members to use to hoist themselves to the destination or to glide across major gaps. While it seems odd to not see the Dark Knight with this tool which uses a magnetic cable or cord that shoots and attaches to gargoyles or other solid objects, the grappling gun is only a few decades old. Nevertheless, the Batman never leaves the cave without it, having it attached at the hip on the Utility Belt or in the gloved hands of our celebrated hero. The grappling gun has evolved across all media into one of the most handy pieces of arsenal to date. ✌🏼💙🦇🎬
