At over 140 pages, this book by Mark Cotta Vaz (and published by Insight Editions) is more than worthly to call itself "The Complete History". It is comprehensive.

Front cover

It's also damn gorgeous! The pages are thick paper stock with a lovely sheen. The comic panel reproductions on the pages (of which there are many) look amazing and are presented here in a much larger format that you've probably seen before. The pages are 9inches tall by 11.5 inches wide.

It is a book that focuses on the Batmobile - from it's first appearence in the comics to Christopher Nolan's latest trilogy - but, as you might expect, it also covers quite a large amount of Batman's history (as well as his associated characters).

The first 30 pages of the book dwell on the comic origins, with the vast majority of the rest focusing on the 60's TV show right up to the latest movie, The Dark Knight Rises. The Batman Live incarnation is even present. Near the end there is an awesome fold-out page with all the movie Batmobile's side-by-side. No doubt taken back in March when all the cars were assembled for the display. There are also other fold out pages that look just as great.

For those concerned that all the focus would be on just the "Tumbler", then fear not. There is a fairly proportionate dedication to each car.  The Tumbler does get most coverage although that is to be expected!

The photos in the book of the cars are breathtaking. There are many that I hadn't seen before. To see the cockpit of each car in such clarity...wow - you just want to stare that these photos taking in every detail. It's probably as close as most of us will ever get to sitting in the cars!

As well as concept sketches of all the movie cars, there are extensive photos of the SFX wizardry behind them - now we know how all the neon lights were operated in Joel Schumacher's movies!

As you might expect, there is lots of commentary from those involved in the comics and films - with great contributions from Paul Levitz and Nathan Crowley. There is lots of new information (well I wasn't aware of it) on the SFX behind Anton Furst's 1989 design - so there is plenty here to keep everyone happy.

All that is left to say is that this is an amazing book. It looks amazing and the research and information presented is fantastic. If you have pre-ordered it then you will not be disappointed. If you haven't yet thought about getting a copy...if you are a fan of any incarnation of the Batmobile then this book is a must read. I can honestly imagine someone who isn't a big Batman fan picking up this book and saying "Whoah, that is cool!"

If the mountain of trivia doesn't keep you busy for hours, the photos will! 

Probably as close as most of us will ever get to sitting in a Batmobile!
Rated: 9/10

          
Just a few of the many photos and illustrations within the book - click to enlarge

You can buy "Batmobile: The Complete History" from Insight Editions

As a side-note, the book also gives some information concerning the Blu-ray release of "The Dark Knight Rises" that I found interesting and hadn't heard. I won't mention it though...you'll have to read the book yourself.

 

 

Press release:
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)

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.