Warning: spoilers ahead for Batman: Fortress #7!DC has unveiled the “weirdest” gadget in Batman’s utility belt contains a number of high-tech tools that the Dark Knight uses in his war on crime, and in Batman: Fortress #7, readers learn of a surprising addition to his arsenal–bacon jerky. And while it may seem to be an odd choice, Batman’s reasons for having it on hand make perfect sense. The issue is on sale now in print and digital.
Batman’s utility belt is a wonder, a fantastic device that is integral to not only his uniform, but his war on evil as well. The gadgets contained in the belt seem numerous–a testament to Batman’s planning and forethought. They include, but are not limited to: gas pellets, lock picks and portable analysis tools; Batman also hooks his grappling gun to his belt. Now, as he and a motley crew of heroes and villains, including Lex Luthor and a Green Lantern resembling a rodent, try to fight their way into Superman’s Fortress of Solitude, Batman’s utility belt is about to be the team’s saving grace.
As the issue opens, Batman’s team is contending with the various booby traps Superman has built into the Fortress. The first trap tripped nearly drowns the team, and they would have been goners if not for the timely intervention of Aqualad, also part of Batman’s team. Next, the team encounters a hall of mirrors–and each one leads to the Phantom Zone. As the team tries to figure out this latest puzzle, they are confronted by Krypto. The super-dog does not instantly recognize anyone, and starts growling. Red Arrow draws her bow, but Krypto uses his heat vision to melt her arrow. With the team running out of options to get past Krypto, Batman pulls something out of his belt. Luthor asks if it is a Kryptonite pellet, but instead Batman reveals it to be a piece of bacon jerky, which placates Krypto. Red Arrow is incredulous, but Batman explains that a lot of times he must get past guard dogs–and the jerky works wonders. The issue is written by Gary Whitta, illustrated by Darick Robertson, colored by Diego Rodriguez and lettered by Simon Bowland.
Batman Always Plans Ahead – With Bacon Jerky.
Scraps of bacon jerky might seem a random–and odd addition to Batman’s crime fighting arsenal, but it makes perfect sense, and is a testament to Batman’s genius. As Batman noted, in his line of work he often has to deal with guard dogs, and distracting them with jerky or other similar items is a humane solution to the problem; Batman is not a murderer, and this extends to animals as well. Placing bacon jerky in his utility belt once again demonstrates Batman’s devotion to preparation and foresight.
When Batman explains the jerky to the rest of the team, he mentions it gets used a lot more than his shark repellant. This is a shout-out to the Batman television program of the 1960s; the show often featured a number of esoteric gadgets, such as shark repellant or alphabet soup containers, in his utility belt. Batman having bacon jerky in his belt is not only a humorous shout-out to this show, but also demonstrates his genius and ability to plan ahead.
Batman: Fortress #7 is on sale now from DC Comics!
