10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Batman’s Utility Belt
1. It Was Originally A Functionality Belt
In the very beginning, Batman wore a normal leather belt with a round buckle. Its function was simply to hold up his pants. In Detective Comics #28, the buckle was a square one. In that same issue, the Dark Knight produced his Batrope from the belt for the first time. In the next issue, he held gas pellets within the belt.
As Batman’s mission evolved, so did his belt and it began to take the shape of the modern utility belt. Bruce upgraded the belt by using top-grade leather and steel-reinforced pockets within it, making the belt bulletproof. He also incorporated a radio in the buckle of his and Robin’s belt so they could stay in contact if separated. He created a waterproof compartment for matches, and presumably compartments for money and the keys to the Batmobile, although the latter two are rarely mentioned.
Shockingly, the Golden Age Batman had a holster on his early belt and carried a gun. He largely abandoned the gun when Robin came into the picture, and later versions of Batman would never carry firearms; although Bruce is a proficient shot and he trains all his Robins in the use of firearms, despite the fact they never use them in the field.