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Monday, December 3, 2012

READ THIS: Batmobile: The Complete History by Mark Cotta Vaz Our Coverage Sponsored by Stribling and Associates




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As you know, Whom You Know loves working with Warner Brothers and we are excited for their upcoming Batman dvd release!  In preparation, we decided to take a look at this fantastic tribute to Batman's need for speed between two covers and we highly recommend it.  What red-blooded American doesn't love Batman?  We love the Michael Keaton version, we love George Clooney and of course we love Christian Bale, who is Batman in the most recent Warner Brothers version.  Ray Kelly-what do you say-do you think the police can order a version for you to defend Gotham City?  One incarnation of the Batmobile reminded us of the Morgan, which we learned about from BBC Home Entertainment's Top Gear...Simon Cowell-we're still waiting for a ride in yours!  
Everyone three-quarters of a century old surely wishes they could drive a car like this!  The book is visually strong including the old comic books that are included which add an essential charm.  Tim Burton, we love what you've done to this machine.  Elements of the Stingray Corvette of the 1950's and Jet Aircraft we find to be the most commendable aspects of this iconic speedster.  Our esteemed panelists chime in:

Everyone has been raving about The Dark Night Trilogy recently in theaters. The drama, suspense, and excitement found in this trilogy is a staple of the Batman series itself. From its beginnings in comics to its rise to the screen, both big and small, Batman has been a cultural icon for decades. A hugely important element to the Batman story that often does not get enough attention, however, is the Batmobile. That has all changed now! Author Mark Cotta Vaz has given us Batmobile: The Complete History. This large and beautiful hardcover book takes the reader through the complete history of the famous vehicle. It is full of spectacular photos and detailed information. It is really hard to put this book down. Even when you finish reading it, you will want to pick it up again and again to marvel at the gorgeous photography of this super cool automobile.

You can still hear the Batman theme song from the TV series, if you listen closely to your childhood memories. Open this book, and the music pops, the pop culture flashes, and the sound effects increase as the sound of a revving car takes over. Over the horizon comes a bevy of dark beauties, resurrected from the past and glorious history of the Batman series, both TV and film. Undaunted, Batman with his Bruce Wayne money, built, designed, and drove some of the coolest cars since James Bond.  Cars, speed, and above all, heroics, tend to attract attention, and create a pool of adoring fans within any context of society. Give us Batman, whether he be Adam West, or George Clooney, put him in a souped up, hyped up sexy vehicle, and you've got success.  
Insight Editions has put together a master Bat class book. Written by Mark Cotta Vaz, with input from Paul Levitz and Nathan Crowley, Batmobile: the Complete History does what it claims. From comic book in glorious color illustration, to the big screen series, in glorious and darkened technicolor, this car has embodied the true spirit of one of America's most popular crime fighters. It's the soul of the a little boy who sets out to defend and protect, with the heart of a big boy who likes his toys. With a fan-pleasing fold-out, and technological specifications, this book delivers the Batmobile to you, signed sealed, and ready to hit the throttle.

What kid, from 1939 on, has not wanted to drive the Batmobile? I know I did! From comic books to television to movies, the Batmobile has been immortalized in different forms of media since its inception. And now, thanks to Batmobile: The Complete History from Insight Editions, readers have a chance to look at the history of the Batmobile and how it has evolved over the years. Batman's car first appeared in the first Batman comic, Detective Comics #27, way back in 1939. Readers may be surprised to learn that the original "Batmobile" was a red sedan with no especially remarkable features. However, that was soon to change, as by Detective Comics #30, Batman's car was described as a "specifically built auto." ByDetective Comics #35 (January, 1940), the red sedan was replaced by a blue "high-powered roadster." It continued to evolve from there, and now, over 70 years after its first appearance, the Batmobile continues to evolve today. With each new Batman movie, viewers eagerly await the emergence of the Batmobile to see what new and exciting bells and whistles have been added. In Batmobile: The Complete History, author Mark Cotta Vaz leads readers through an informative and engaging history of the legendary vehicle, supplemented by a plethora of quotes, diagrams, and photos. With enough information to satisfy auto-lovers and Batman-lovers alike, this book would make a great gift for just about anyone! 

I am a huge Batman fan.  I loved how this book chronicles the Batmobile from its beginning. Our children's museum did a Batman exhibit several years ago and one of the Batmobiles that was built as a backup for the Dark Knight Trilogy was on display. This book would have been the perfect companion while visiting this exhibit. There is so much information that I didn't even know about it. I never knew that Make A Wish had several wishes granted for kids to ride in it. That would be an awesome experience. I even giggled at the fact that some pages of the old comics were included. If you know of anyone who is as big of a fan as I am, this book is a must! It would make an awesome gift.

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Here for the first time is the complete history of the sleek, sophisticated, incomparable Batmobile. From its humble beginnings in the pages of Detective Comics, to its reimaginings every decade in the pages of DC Comics, to its unforgettable appearances on the big screen, this book explores each incarnation of the Batmobile in incredible detail and scope.

In addition to comic books, the Batmobile has been immortalized in nearly every imaginable medium, including film, television, toys, and video games. Most recently, it was given breathtaking new life-and incredible capabilities-in Christopher Nolan's extraordinary film trilogy, which concludes with 2012's The Dark Knight Rises. While each of the Batmobile's incarnations will be explored, special attention will be paid to the "Tumbler" Batmobile from Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises.

With stunning gatefolds and detailed specs, blueprints, and historical comparisons, BATMOBILE: The Complete History is an informational and visual delight for auto and Batman fans alike. It's an unparalleled and high-speed journey that will leave you breathless.

BATMAN and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics. (s12)

Mark Cotta Vaz is a New York Times bestselling author with more than 25 published books, including the critically acclaimed Living Dangerously: The Adventures of Merian C. Cooper, Creator of King Kong, a TLA finalist selection. His "making of" books have documented TV's Lost and such feature film productions as The Spirit and the Twilight saga.





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