Concept Art: Mr Freeze (and Bane, Batman, Batgirl) costumes

Last set of concept art for a while. First up we have some Mr Freeze costumes. Interesting to note that the initial idea seems to have been to cover his whole head in a glass helmet unlike the finished film.

NThen we have a quick sketch of one of Mr Freeze's goons.

Next up we have a sketch of Bane by Wil Rees.

Then another picture by Wil Rees of Batgirl wearing the slightly different "Ice" suit from the end of the film which included a cowl/helmet when she rode the bike.

And finally Batman in the "Ice" suit again by Wil Rees. Kind of looks neater here than it does in the finished film. Maybe having it been glossy and shiny like this would have improved the look slightly.

Concept Art: Poison Ivy costumes

This week we're taking a look at some of the concept art for Pamela Isley aka Poison Ivy. 

First up in a nice black and green design by Tim Burgard. 

Followed by a wild, spiky (and kinky) design by Miles Teves that would have surely caused a lot of parental complaints!

Then two by Wil Rees that more closely resemble the finished film (though I don't think Uma's nipples were that prominent).

And finally two entries by Susan Zarate. I really like these alot. The framed basque cleverly recalls the kind of trellis work you get in gardens. Again, maybe just a tad too sexy for a kids film.

Concept Art: Batgirl costumes

Batgirl was a new character for Batman & Robin and there were some questions about what her costume should look like. The task was given to costume concept artist Miles Teves who produced these four wonderful and wild designs. 

In an interview even he admitted the boob window on the second was maybe a step too far. Obviously the cowl was dropped for the finished film in favour of a domino mask like Robin.

Those who are disappointed by the lack of yellow should check out the 2002 TV series Birds of Prey which sports the exact same costume with yellow highlights and a cowl.

Also Tim Burgard designed this costume that is also super interesting. It looks like he was going for a mix of leather, latex and (possibly) spandex. I particularly love the goggles over the eyes.

Concept Art: Robin costumes

This week we're looking at concept art of the Robin costume used in the movie. These were designed by Miles Teves and based on the then fairly new Nightwing costume that Dick Grayson wore in the comics. The only change was the addition of a cape and a red bird logo on his chest (rather than the blue in wore in the comics).

I always felt it was a shame that the Robin costume from Forever didn't get reused as it's really only briefly seen in the last 15 minutes of the previous movie. Interestingly the storyboards do depict that costume so the filmmakers must have at least considered that option. 

Concept Art: Batman costumes

It's about time we looked at some of the concept art for Batman & Robin. I've always had a bit of the problem with the blue suit they used. I really missed the yellow oval and hated the raised eyebrows they added to the cowl. These designs - by Miles Teves - are all vastly superior. I particularly like the second one with reminds me of something DC might have used in an Elseworlds Batman story.

Magazine Article: Starlog #240 - Part 1

Back to Starlog magazine this week - an interview with production designer Barbara Ling along with a treasure trove of concept art - even a couple of early sleeker versions of the Batmobile (before toy manufacturer Kenner gave their input).