A new graphic from NetEnt Stalker looks at how some of the most iconic modes of transport used by our favourite heroes (and some villains) have developed since their earliest appearances – from Turtle Vans to Helicarriers.
If you ask someone who their Batman is, they might name West, or Kilmer, or Bale – but which is their Batmobile?
It might be the red-trimmed car from the ‘60s show, the wingéd torpedo with its fancy underlighting, or possibly even the gun-toting military machine from the new Affleck films – each is iconic for each era, and each is startlingly different.
But whichever crime-fighting vehicle you picture when you think of the Batmobile, you can now have a look at all of them – a stunning graphic from NetEnt Stalker looks at the development of iconic gadget-filled cars, gliders, and whatever the technical description of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier might be.
Land, Sea, and Sky
As well as some DC and Marvel stars, the graphic also has a look at the Turtle Van (aka Battle Shell, aka Shellraiser, aka the Party Wagon), the armoured conveyance for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which started life as essentially just a van with some modifications, and worked its way through being an armoured car, and then a subway car (since the Turtles spend most of their time underground).
Some of the others include:
- The Green Goblin’s Goblin Glider – although the Spider-Man villain originally had a jet-powered broomstick, Marvel made the entirely reasonable decision to swap it out for something a little less comical (and allowing for more gadget space) in the form of the glider – which is now an essential part of the character’s appearance and identity.
- Ghost Rider’s Hell Cycle (and Hell Charger) – the first time the cycle (and the skull-headed rider) appeared in the comics, it was pretty ordinary-looking as far as motorcycles go. By the time Nicolas Cage got around to starring in the 2007 film, it had a full-on heavy metal design and flaming wheels. The role of the hero has moved a couple of times, and the latest version has a 1969 Dodge Charger known as the Hell Charger instead (which also has flaming wheels).
- Captain America’s Motorcycle – unlike Ghost Rider’s vehicle, the tires aren’t on fire, but Captain America often has a bike to ride around on. It first appeared in very colourful fashion in the 1979 television film, all done up to match his costume, and when it entered the comics, it was only slightly tuned down to be a little more respectable. In the Marvel Comics Universe films, however, it’s essentially just a normal motorcycle – if a really cool-looking one.
Whichever way you prefer of getting about, make sure to check out the complete list of design changes, vehicle alterations, and upgrades on the full infographic here.
