A pretty cool off-site Comic-Con activation that gets you away from the crowds and heat is The Batman Experience Powered by AT&T. The experience located at the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park is providing an immersive experience that explores the history of the cape crusader that is now celebrating 80 years.
The partnership between DC and AT&T is one of the largest-ever collections of Batman memorabilia including props, costumes, and vehicles. The interactive exhibition includes activitie on all three levels of the museums staggering 68,000 square feet space.
“DC is pulling out all the stops for this year’s Comic-Con to celebrate Batman’s 80th, from our dozens of panels to our newly expanded booth which is the largest on the convention center floor – The Batman Experience takes everything to the next level,” said DC Publisher and Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee
Batcave Interactive Gaming Zone at The Batman Experience at the Comic Con Museum
Entering the Batcave, you find yourself in the midst of batman’s secret lair, equipped with cave walls, Batman’s control center, Dark Knight Rises console, mood-altering lights and conduits. In addition to the visual experience, guests are welcomed to dozens of Batman video games straight from the DC archives. They include “Batman The Brave And The Bold” (Wii or 3DS), “LEGO Batman 3” (PS4), “Batman: Arkham Knight” (PS4) and “Injustice 2” (PS4).
Dark Knight Dive at The Batman Experience at the Comic Con Museum
One of the more exciting opportunities for fans of Batman the Dark Knight Dive. It’s the first thing you’ll see when walking up to the museum and Batman Experience. The Dark Knight Dive combines the magic of VR goggles and a skydiving booth to provide a 3D interactive experience. Fly through Gotham City in pursuit of the Scarecrow who’s attempting to take over the city and unleash his fear gas.
“The Batman Experience will be an epic, fan-centric activation showcasing how creativity and innovative technology can unlock new opportunities for fans, allowing them to engage and interact with Batman in a whole new way.” – Valerie Vargas, SVP of Advertising and Creative Services, AT&T.
Six foot black & white Batman statue designed by acclaimed artist Todd McFarlane
99 Batman Black & White figures from DC Collectibles
Unveiled on Wednesday night was the 6 foot black & white Batman statue designed by acclaimed artist Todd McFarlane. This marks the 100th statue in the line, the one-of-a-kind life-size version will be on display along with the ninety-nine Batman black & white figures from DC Collectibles.
“There isn’t a single fictional character that has endured and influenced pop culture like Batman has and this exhibition is a fitting tribute to that,” said DC Publisher Dan DiDio. “You get to experience Batman’s 80 years across every medium, from comic books to television to film and video games.”
Batmobile from Val Killmer’s Batman at The Batman Experience
Rising out of the floor of the Batcave, this cabinet is used by Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) to store the Batsuit and weapons that turn the reclusive millionaire in the Dark Knight. This beautifully designed piece of set dressing took one month to build, weighs one ton and cost one million dollars to make. It appears onscreen for less than ten seconds.
Batsignal from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017)
Four Batman costumes worn by Michael Keaton and Val Kilmer, suit worn by Chris O’Donnell as Robin, Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze, and Uma Thurman as Posion Ivy
Costumes from the FOX TV Show Gotham at The Batman Experience
Catwoman costume pieces worn by Michelle Pfeiffer in Batman
Decorative pieces from Batman movie starring Danny Devito at The Batman Experience
Prop pieces from the Batman & Robin Movie (1997)
Prop and Costume pieces from the Batman & Robin movie (1997)
The big draw after all is said and done is probably the hundreds of rare pieces of iconic DC comic book art, large-scale film and television props including several from Tim Burton’s “Batman” film such as the Batmobile and Batsuit worn by Michael Keaton. The original Batman feature film is itself celebrating its own 30th anniversary this year.
The Batman Experience is open to the public at the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park at 9:30 a.m. PT from Thursday, July 18th through Sunday, July 21st. No SDCC badge is required to enter this free exhibition.