Batmobile: The Complete History [Hardcover]

Mark Cotta Vaz (Author), Paul Levitz (Foreword), Nathan Crowley (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 10, 2012

Here for the first time is the complete history of the sleek, sophisticated, incomparable Batmobile. From its humble beginnings in the pages of Detective Comics, to its reimaginings every decade in the pages of DC Comics, to its unforgettable appearances on the big screen, this book explores each incarnation of the Batmobile in incredible detail and scope.

In addition to comic books, the Batmobile has been immortalized in nearly every imaginable medium, including film, television, toys, and video games. Most recently, it was given breathtaking new life—and incredible capabilities—in Christopher Nolan’s extraordinary film trilogy, which concludes with 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises. While each of the Batmobile’s incarnations will be explored, special attention will be paid to the "Tumbler" Batmobile from Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises.

With stunning gatefolds and detailed specs, blueprints, and historical comparisons, BATMOBILE: The Complete History is an informational and visual delight for auto and Batman fans alike. It’s an unparalleled and high-speed journey that will leave you breathless.

BATMAN and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics. (s12)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mark Cotta Vaz is a New York Times bestselling author with more than 25 published books, including the critically acclaimed Living Dangerously: The Adventures of Merian C. Cooper, Creator of King Kong, a TLA finalist selection. His "making of" books have documented TV's Lost and such feature film productions as The Spirit and the Twilight saga.

Paul Levitz is an award-winning writer, comics editor, and executive (publisher of DC Comics for two decades; President & Publisher from 2002–2009). He recently wrote 75 Years of DC Comics (Taschen) and teaches at Columbia, Pace, and Manhattanville. He lives in New York City.

Nathan Crowley is the twice Academy Award™–nominated Production Designer behind Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. Crowley’s credits include Insomnia, The Prestige, and Public Enemies, among many others. The Dark Knight Rises marks his fifth collaboration with Nolan. He lives in Los Angeles.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 148 pages
• Publisher: Insight Editions (July 10, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781608871032
• ISBN-13: 978-1608871032
• ASIN: 1608871037
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.2 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #36,032 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book but not graphic details July 10, 2012

By Melvin Festoon

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you were looking for complete and graphic details of Batmobiles then this isn't for you. But, if you were looking for an overview of the Batmobile myth and legend then this book is a great start. It does mostly feature details of the Tumbler, Christopher Nolan's realistic take on the Batmobile for his trilogy. I wasn't disappointed when it skipped over the Batmobile of the 60s because that has been done and this book is timed to be released with The Dark Knight Rises. Having gotten the Art of Batman Begins book and seeing some detail there, this was a little more detail and telling of the making of the Tumbler. If you have a collection of Batmobiles and want to add this book to your collection then it is a fine book. If you are into moving making or vehicle making and want exact details then this book isn't for you but it was a fun read and has some great pictures and four page spreads. I have been a Batmobile fan for 40 years and this book is a great addition to my collection of movie Batman books. I didn't miss the lack of details on the Tim Burton or Joel Schumacher Batmobiles because I bought this knowing it was mostly about the Tumblers.

35 of 45 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars disappointing July 7, 2012

By R. Fletcher

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

As a Batman & Batmobile fan for over 52 years I was hoping for the best from this book but the woefully inadequate coverage of the '66 Batmobile is very disappointing to say the least. There has been over 45 years to collect info on the TV Batmobile and what is presented is barely a measly token effort to showcase the most famous of all Batmobiles. The two photos of the real '66 Batmobile are a joke and only the cockpit area is seen. The photos of the "real" car are not even the one that was in the TV show - but of one of the later clones Barris cobbled together. The whole chapter is a slap in the face to all the fans of this, perhaps greatest of all, Batmobile.
There is also several wasted pages that could have had useful photos instead. Pages 2, 14, 15, 197, 108 & 139 are an example.
There is so many photos that should have been here but are sadly missing.
There is no index.
There should have been a whole chapter on Batmobile toys, diecast & models. There is a brief mention of the Aurora kit but no pictures. There is also some photos of diecast or models but who knows what as there is no caption.
Chapters 4 & 5 cover the Batmobiles of '89, '92, '95 & '97. There is mention of the Batmissle but no picture of it.
The Batmobiles of the comics are covered okay but the main focus of the book seems to be on the Dark Knight series of movies and the tumbler. The coverage of this latest Batmobile is very good but if you are not into the bat tank military look and were hoping for some intelligent info on the '66 Batmobile then you are out of luck.
It looks like we will have to wait some more before someone does this history right.
One simple fact remains, the title of this book is "Batmobile the Complete History". It is not called The Tumbler.... Therefore I expect a complete history which, sorry to say, this is not. Read more ›

5.0 out of 5 stars batmobile May 29, 2013

By cath

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Fantastic book great graphs fast delivery great price . Son so happy with book as he is a huge Batman fan . Great for his collection of memoribilia

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book May 25, 2013

By kiss army general

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I'm not a "car" guy but I'm a batmobile fan. I loved all the pictures of all the different cars & what went into building each. Great book for a Batman fan!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! May 18, 2013

By José Luis Alvarez García

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

We love it. Agree with others that claim is not complete, whatever, nut i think it is the best one about batmobiles, great graphics, great content.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great photos April 28, 2013

By Derk Diggler

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Great read, great price, quality photos. What more to say, hard cover, good coffee table book for anyone. Everyone loves the batmobile...except the joker.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent batmobile introduction April 26, 2013

By John L Lin

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Better than I expected.
Great pictures and great materials which are never seen in other books.
Recommended for all batman fans.

5.0 out of 5 stars Batmoblie: Complete History April 11, 2013

By Jamie Langley

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you love the Batmobile(and who doesn't) then check this out. Every batmobile is included from the early comics to the Tumbler. Great pics throughout the book & great stories. Don't miss this book!