The Batpod is a vehicle that debuts in the Batman film The Dark Knight, due in theaters July 18, 2008. The Batpod is a sort of souped-up motorcycle. It does not supplant the Batmobile in the film, but rather functions as a second Bat-vehicle.
Design
The Batpod resembles an elongated, low-profile motorcycle. It has wide tires more common for a car than a motorcycle, as well as machine guns mounted on the forks, flanking the front wheel. As demonstrated by Meredith Vieira in a June 18, 2007, segment of The Today Show, the Batpod's rider would have to assume an extreme, forward-leaning posture.
Guns Controversy
There has been online controversy over the use of guns on the Batpod, with some blog contributors asserting that Batman, the character, does not use firearms. While this is true in most Batman series, the character does brandish guns in Frank Miller's The Dark Knight comic series.
Toy Version
The toy version of the Batpod—as well as action figures and other collectibles related to the film—is made by toy manufacturing giant Mattel. The Batpod is set to appear in toy stores just prior to the film's July, 2008, release.
