When it comes to fan art, it seems as though there's a fine line between the practical and the just-for-fun works. Where one artist may create a fully functional redesign of the outfit worn by their favorite superhero, another might turn the entire cast of a brutal crime drama into corgis. But in most cases, a similar amount of work and effort goes into both of these art styles. So when something both stylish and realistic comes along, it's always a real treat knowing it was a work of passion, as this latest Batman piece shows.
On that note, consider Robert Pattinson's leading role in the upcoming Matt Reeves film The Batman. It's already been established that this will be a more fresh-faced take on the character of Batman, focusing on his earlier years in the cowl when he's still getting the hang of things (such as hanging dudes off rooftops by their ankles). So it's understandable that his trademark Batsuit will be a much more focused and simple design than many of the other versions seen over the decades.
But what if he went with full-on Arkham Knight-style metal plate body armor? Well, that's where Malaysian concept artist Jarold Sng comes into play. Likely taking some clear inspiration from Rocksteady's Arkham series of games as well as a number of other heavily armored sources in Batman's past stories, Sng designed a whole new imposing suit for Pattinson's version of Bruce Wayne. Keeping the pulpy bat symbol on his chest comprised of actual repurposed guns, he added plenty of toughened metal bits all around to show off a Batman much more seasoned and prepared for the grueling ordeals ahead.
Similar to a similar fan upgrade done to give Star Wars' TIE Fighters functional hyperdrives, it's remarkable just how well the redesign works, trading in fabric for alloy wherever possible without sacrificing mobility. From the glowing eyes all the way to the padded leg guards, this is an outfit that anyone would be terrified to see bearing down on them in the night. Plus, as a bonus, Pattinson's trademark impeccable jawline seems to fit this outfit almost more naturally than the one seen in the actual trailers for The Batman.
Sng also included alternate versions of the artwork showcasing Pattinson's Batman without the cowl, proving even further that he's definitely got the look for the part down. Like with the heavy makeup transforming Colin Farrell into the Penguin, it's clear that Reeves has an eye for aesthetics in the upcoming reboot. So having someone as talented as Sng taking a crack at it was bound to result in something incredible.
Of course, this may all just make the wait for The Batman even more agonizing. But hopefully, the time between now and then goes by in a flash, or at the very least, just remember that waiting is the hardest part.
The Batman will release exclusively in theaters (which would admittedly be a very strange thing to say outside of COVID times) on March 4th, 2022.
Source: Jarold Sng/Instagram