Batman Merchandising
A Deep Dive into the Dynamic Merchandising World of Dark Knight Products and Their Impact
For more than eight decades, Batman has captured the imagination of fans around the globe. As the second major superhero introduced by DC Comics, Batman quickly gained popularity due to his unique appeal: a mere mortal armed with genius-level intellect, peak human physical prowess, and indomitable will. Fan fatigue for the character does not seem to exist since the fervent Batman fanbase is still willing to spend their cash on the character whether it is via newly released films or tie in merchandise. In fact Batman is considered an evergreen property with its multi-generational and collectible appeal.
The Marketing Behind the Bat-Signal
Batman's merchandise marketing strategy has heavily leaned on the character's enduring popularity and the strong brand identity of the Batman logo. The iconic Bat-Signal or the Batman silhouette are immediately recognizable symbols that transcend language barriers.
Once Warner Bros. Consumer Products took over many of the major marketing campaigns with licensed products were strategically aligned with the release of new Batman films, TV shows, or video games, taking advantage of the heightened fan excitement during these periods. These collaborations with high-profile brands have been used to reach a broader audience to the benefit of all.
DC Comics originally held the copyright to all things related to Batman. When Warner Bros. acquired DC Comics in 1989, they acquired the valuable rights to the Batman franchise allowing them to use all Batman characters in movies, TV shows, video games, comics and other media as they see fit. All licensing rights for Batman are granted by Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a division of Warner Bros. Entertainment. The Batman licensed product program is lucrative not only for Warner Bros., but also for the companies who are granted the rights to use Batman for their merchandise. And an enthusiastic fanbase allows for the most part for these licensing programs to excel. This vast merchandising empire includes an eclectic mix of products ranging from health and beauty, apparel, home and even food items, to the more obvious such as toys, games, and collectibles. Products are created for both children and adults.
Just to understand how dedicated Warner Bros. Consumer Products division is about monetizing the Batman franchise, let’s delve in deeper to the comprehensive licensing of Batman merchandise.
There were some missteps along the way. The best example is from 1997.
1997
The over-merchandising of Batman & Robin (1997) is often considered a commercial misstep. The movie was heavily criticized for its overt focus on merchandising, with excessive product placements and a plethora of tie-in products that diluted the brand's value. Batman & Robin is frequently ranked as one of the worst movies ever. It was neither a financial nor critical success when it was released in 1997. The film nearly ruined the entire Batman cinema enterprise until Christopher Nolan took the reins in 2005 and rebooted the franchise with Batman Begins.
Film Poster 1997 Batman & Robin
Read more in this article by Michael Lui- Batman & Robin (1997) How Toy Sales and Merchandising Destroys a Film
Despite the occasional setbacks, the Batman merchandising machine remains a powerhouse in the industry, regularly innovating and finding new ways to keep fans engaged. In the end, the strength of Batman merchandising lies not just in the products themselves, but in their ability to tap into the enduring love and fascination for one of the most iconic superheroes in comic book history - the Batman. We will discuss just a few notable ones.
2013
TV Series Batman & Robin 1966 -1968
In 2013 Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) officially launched the highly anticipated Batman Classic Television Series licensing program officially launched their highly anticipated Batman Classic Television Series licensing program, inspired by the classic DC Comics 1960’s Batman television show.
For the first time in over 40 years that fans of the original Batman & Robin TV show would be able to experience a full merchandise licensing program that captured the classic, kitschy look and feel of the original TV show. Retailers had requested a larger merchandise line tied to the show over the years, but studio arm had previously been able to use only the series’ logo, POW!-packed animated opening sequence and the Batmobile for products. The studio was limited to a small line of T-shirts and a die-cast Batmobile made by Mattel. However, after successful negotiations, starting in 2009 with negotiating Fox, Adam West and the estates of the show’s other actors for the rights to their likenesses Warner Bros. Consumer Products announced in 2012 that their “new licensing program allows our partners to take advantage of the characters, gadgets and humor that made the show a smash hit in its day and a perennial favorite decades later.”
The star of the series, Adam West was at the event roll out, as well as many celebrity Batman fans. Part of the licensing deal included clothing from and toys.
Licensing partners included:
Junk Food Clothing: celebrity-favored designer of fashionable t-shirts
Mattel: a line-up of six-inch figures of The Joker, a six-inch Figure Assortment of Batman, Robin, The Riddler, The Penguin, Surfing Batman, a collector’s BATMAN Classic TV Series Batmobile, as well as the Mattel vintage-styled Batman Ken and Catwoman Barbie Doll.
Barbie Collector Pink Label Batman
1966 Classic TV Series Adam West Doll
FanSets: a classic Batman straight from the Classic TV show from 1966.
DC Comics Batman 1966 Collection
Licensed Fansets Pin MicroJustice
Rubie’s Costume Co: deluxe Batgirl costume
Mezco: Batman and Robin, their signature Batmobile, and The Joker and The Riddler Mez-itz mini-figures.
Mezco Toyz 1966 Batmobile with Batman and Robin
CSS Industries: gift-tags and stationery
Mead: 2014 wall calendar inspired by the show.
New Era: three new, limited-edition caps inspired by the Batman Classic Television Series , available exclusively at Meltdown Comics
In addition, a new digital comic book series called BATMAN ’66 that was based on the popular 1966 TV show was launched that summer. Written by Jeff Parker, the BATMAN ’66 series feature cover art was by Michael Allred and the first issue was drawn by Jonathan Case. BATMAN ’66 will also be collected and available for sale in monthly print issues. 30 issues were published between 2013–2016.
BATMAN ’66 #1
2014
To mark the milestone 75th anniversary of DC Comics’ Batman, Warner Bros. Entertainment and DC Entertainment planned a year-long celebration befitting the world’s most popular Super Hero. Part of the year long celebration included a Batman Day where DC Entertainment partnered with thousands of comic retailers, book stores and libraries for “Batman Day” on Wednesday, July 23. Each location hosted a Batman 75th anniversary celebration and offered fans a free, special edition Batman comic. Warner Bros. Consumer Products also partnered with an array of licensees to celebrate Batman’s 75th Anniversary through special edition and limited-release products. From the classic 1960s TV series to modern day comics, Batman’s presence celebration of his legacy through everything from toys to t-shirts.
Read more about DC Entertainment action-packed year.
2019
In 2019 the successful partnership between DC Comics and Converse resulted in Batman-themed sneakers, blending comic fandom with sneaker culture. Converse celebrated Batman’s big 80th birthday year with a licensing collaboration with DC comics
Celebrating 80 Years of Batman with a special line of shoes dedicated to his eight decade-long history. Almost all eras of Batman comic books were presented in this amazing collection of footwear.
Sneaker Designs from Converse DC Comics Licensing
Read more with this article at the Nerdist, BATMAN CONVERSE COLLECTION CELEBRATES 80 YEARS OF THE DARK KNIGHT.
2022
The list of products that were licensed as tie ins with the 2022 film release of The Batman movie, directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Patterson / Zoe Kravitz / Paul Dano Colin Farrell & others is extensive as more and more companies see the finanacial benefits of being associated with the Batman francise.
Warner Bros. Consumer Products’ expansive, The Batman Collection, featured products across multiple categories:
Fashion and Footwear:
Lanvin / Carhartt / TomboyX / EleVen by Venus Williams / PUMA. The branded DC Shop will launch collections in Target / Walmart / Zara, / Carrefour / Tealer.
Accessories
Accessory Innovation / Funko / Boxlunch / Fast Track / Manly Bands / Pull & Bear / Global Junk Brands / Mobyfox, / Zara / Fossil / Kross Studio / Tendence Japan (Asia Pacific) / Maxlog (Brazil) / Uncle Jacks Watches (Asia Pacific)
Beauty:
House of Sillage / Emilie Heathe and Dr. Squatch
Toys and Collectibles:
McFarlane / Funko and Spin Master / LEGO / Hot Wheels and Rubies
Food:
Select markets around the world (excluding the U.S.). Oreo will replace the classic Oreo cookie embossment with a “The Batman” emblem with custom “The Batman” designed packaging.
It’s pretty impressive considering it is just for the roll out of one Batman movie.
Read more about Oreo Drops New Batman Cookies With Riddles That Unlock the Batcave from a 2022 post from FireWire Blog.
The Caped Crusader's Product Portfolio
Apparel & Jewelry: Apparel and jewelry is a massive part of Batman's merchandising strategy, catering to fans who love to showcase their admiration for the Dark Knight through their fashion choices. Websites like MoonAtMidnight.com have capitalized on this, offering a wide range of Batman T-shirts featuring stunning designs created using sublimated printing for high-resolution images.
MoonatMidnight Batman T shirts
One of the biggest rollout of Batman apparel occurred with the tie in between Warner Bros. Consumer Products /DC Comics and the French high fashion house of Lanvin who created a complete Summer 2022 collection inspired by Batman.
Read more about the collection at DC COMICS X LANVIN
Or this article: The Batman, French Fashion House Lanvin Team for Elegant Sneakers, Dresses and More
The branded DC Shop has gone all in with Batman apparel.
Batman DC Shop Apparel
Just like apparel there is a plethora of Batman inspired jewelry for any occasion ranging in prices from the low to the very expensive, from massed produced to one of a kind. Some have been created with official licensing agreements with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and others are not, but riding on the coat tails of Batman’s popularity. We even found Batman engagement and wedding bands.
Home Decor: The merchandising doesn't stop at wearables and toys. Batman-themed home decor products like bedding sets, lamps, and wall art are common.
Pottery Barn has released a Batman-themed line of home decor. One standout item is the Batman Cityscape Quilt, which features a hand-stitched Gotham City skyline on one side and the Bat-Signal on the other.
Bedrooms are a popular room to decorate with Batman licensed products. Wayfair offers a number of DC Comics Batman items including beds and bedroom sets, comforter sets, chairs, a bookshelf and loads of wall posters that should satisfy Batman fans.
Wayfair Batman Bedroom for Kids
Wayfair Batman Bedroom for Kids
Pottery Barn DC Comics Licensing
Another example:
A California couple purchased a home and wanted to transform a teen’s bright-colored bedroom into a Batman-themed room for their two boys, ages 4 and 6. The lucky brothers get a room designed around their favorite superhero that can transition with them as they get older.
The redesign by 27 Diamonds Interior Design took four months to complete. What lucky kids!
See the transformation from an article entitled: Before and After: Welcome to the Batcave
Warner Bros. Consumer Products and retailer Bloomingdale’s have joined forces to celebrate the upcoming 75th anniversary of DC Comics this holiday season. Merchandize included everything from t-shirts, socks and scarves to tote bags, wallets, ties and cuff links.
Press release:
Bloomingdale's stores have partnered with DC Comics to celebrate the upcoming 75th anniversary of DC Comics. This holiday season, Bloomingdale's will debut shops featuring DC Comics-inspired clothing and accessories. Designers contributing to the exclusive collection include Trunk, Junk Food, Converse, Psycho Bunny, Jack Space and Because We Were Bored.
Batman Kitchen Accessories: The Batman branding has found its way into kitchens too. ThinkGeek released a Batman-themed coffee maker and mug set, while Zak Designs has a line of Batman dinnerware for kids.
Batman Mugs that change with hot or cold by ThinkGeek / DC licensing
ThinkGeek offers DC Comics Batman Classic Bat Symbol Color Change Mug. The Batman Mug features a classic Bat Symbol design that changes its design when hot liquid is applied.
Zak Designs DC Comics licensing Dinnerware 3 Piece Set
Miscellaneous Licensed Products:
iPhone: There are myriad Batman related designs on iphones. For the Batman fan what better way to show your allegiance than with your iphone case design from Head Case Designs - Officially Licensed Batman DC Comics Patterns Vintage
Fashion Soft Gel Case Compatible with Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max DC Comics licensing
Ringtones and Sounds: You can find Batman-themed ringtones, text tones, and sound effects for download on platforms like Zedge and iTunes.
Batman Watches: High-end collectible watch makers like Fossil and Invicta have made Batman-themed watches. A notable piece is the Invicta Batman 26237 Pro Diver Men's Wrist Watch officially licensed which features Batman's iconic symbol on its face.
Invicta licensed Batman Watches
Fossil licensed Batman Watch
For more products from Fossil’s Limited-Edition Batman Collection.
Fossil Limited Edition Batman™ Legacy Backpack (left)
The Batman™ x Fossil Backpack (right)
Food and Food Related Licensed Products
Batman's popularity has indeed extended into the food industry, with a diverse array of themed products and tie-ins. You can find Batman-themed food and beverage items, such as Batman-branded breakfast cereal, energy drinks, and even Batman-themed restaurants like the DC Super Heroes Cafe.
2016
Batman Cereal: General Mills released a limited-edition Batman cereal to coincide with the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice movie. In 2015 General Mills announced that Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice themed cereals were going to be released as part of the marketing and merchandise for the new Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice film. The gossip was that the Batman cereal would have chocolate strawberry flavored bat-shaped pieces. And they were right!
Lincensed General Mills Cereals Tie in
General Mills Presents Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was a 4-issue mini-series featuring the DC Extended Universe versions of Batman and/or Superman, published March 2016 in specially marked boxes of General Mills cereals. This mini-comic measured 7" by 5".
General Mills Presents Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
4 issue mini series
The cereal is still available to buy on ebay!
2018
Batman Ice Cream: a press release in Feb 2018 announced that Edy’s had just introduced three ice cream flavors based on Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Batman’s Dark Knight Brownie Bite has a chocolate ice cream mixed with chocolate pieces, brownies, and fudge swirl.
Dark Knight Brownie Bite is a supermarket ice cream carton manufactured by Edy's. It is a chocolate flavor with bat-shaped brownie chunks. The cartons have a 12-part comic art story printed on the back, featuring Batman's Rebirth costume.
Edy’s Dark Knight Brownie Bite
Still available in some stores
2002 -2016
With the success of such kids shows on the Cartoon Network such as the Justice League and the same top–selling DC Comics title, there have been a number of licensing deals between DC Comics and ConAgra the parent company of Swiss Miss and Chef Boyaedee which was acquired in 2000, over the years aimed primarily towards kids. The licensing strategy has an established track record.
Press Release from ConAgra Sept 2002
DC Comics and ConAgra Foods' Swiss Miss Brand Team Up for Justice League Hot Cocoa Mix with Marshmallow Swirls
The front of the Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa box features Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman while the entire Justice League team is featured on the back panel in a super hero mix–up game. There are eight pouches of cocoa, featuring a Justice League character on each pouch, with a dot–to–dot game.
2016
July 2016 Press release: Chef Boyardee, DC Comics Launch Co-Branded Pastas
ConAgra Foods’ Chef Boyardee has partnered with DC Comics to launch co-branded pastas as part of the merchandizing / licensing with the release of Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice movie.
Chef Boyardee and the DC Comics™ Justice League: Mealtime Super Heroes
Even Super Heroes need some assistance, so Chef Boyardee has enlisted a team of legendary characters to bring even more fun to mealtime. The Super Heroes of DC Comics™ Justice League™ have taken on the delicious assignment of starring in a collection of Chef Boyardee pastas. Batman, Superman, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Supergirl and Batgirl all adorn new Super Hero-themed pasta dishes. While the hearty tomato sauce will be familiar, the pasta designs are new, featuring the emblem of each Justice League character.
Batman Candy: Various types of Batman-themed candy have been released over the years. PEZ has a large line of licensed Batman-themed dispensers since 1966. You can go to the Pez website on their Dispenser Archive page to see when each PEZ dispenser was introduced.
1966 Batman Pez Dispenser
For the latest cinema blockbuster from Warner and DC, with the new leading actor Robert Pattinson as Batman, PEZ Candy Inc is again accompanying the movie with PEZ dispensers.
2022 Batman PEZ Dispensers
Batman Nemesis Candy: Boston America Corp released an Batman logo candy: classic hero vs villain in the DC universe. Batman Nemesis is packaged as a 1.2 ounces tin with sour blue raspberry candy.
Batman Nemesis Candy
Batman Energy Drink
When everything else fails, Batman energy drink saves. But even Bruce Wayne must fly to Finland to drink this Finnish original energy drink.
Batman-themed Restaurants:
There have been several Batman-themed restaurants and cafes around the world. The DC Super Heroes Cafe in Singapore features Batman-themed decor and menu items, including a "Dark Knight Burger". Unfortunately in 2020 a press release announced that the DC Super Heroes Cafe would be closing its Marina Bay Sands outlet for good.
DC Super Heroes Cafe in Singapore Closed- No more Batman waffles!
The Three Brothers Family Restaurant in New Milford is a Batman themed restaurant with Batman memorabilia all over the place here, from the old-school TV show iteration up to the newer films and a tasty Batdiner.
Read more about the restaurant in a 2022 article.
Three Brothers Family Batman Themed Restaurant
A Batman-themed restaurant called "Park Row" opened in London in 2020, featuring an immersive dining experience inspired by Gotham City.
PHOTO: THAMESFLEET / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
Read this Food & Wine news article An Official Batman Restaurant Is Opening This Year (But It's Not in Gotham)
Read this Rob Report news article: This Batman-Themed Fine Dining Restaurant in London Is Bringing Gotham City to Life
The London restaurant, Park Row, which has been conceptualized as the luxe, fine-dining home of the Caped Crusader.
These are just some examples that demonstrate the marketing breadth and depth of Batman's influence in the food industry, not just as branding on products, but also as a theme that enhances the dining experience for fans of the Dark Knight.
Online and downloadable Batman products.
In the digital era, the reach of Batman-themed merchandise has extended beyond physical products to include a wide variety of online and downloadable content. Here are some specific examples:
Digital Comics: Services like ComiXology and DC Universe Infinite offer a vast array of Batman comics available for digital purchase and download. This includes classic issues, limited series, and recent titles.
Video Games: Many Batman video games can be purchased and downloaded directly from online platforms like Steam, PlayStation Store, or Xbox Store. Games like the "Batman: Arkham" series and "Batman: The Telltale Series" are available on these platforms.
Batman Arkkham Knight
PlayStation4
Mobile Games: There are several Batman-themed mobile games available for download from the App Store or Google Play, like "Batman: The Enemy Within" and "LEGO Batman: DC Super Heroes" where Batman and Robin join forces with other famous DC super heroes including Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and more to stop the notorious villains Lex Luthor and The Joker from destroying Gotham City.
LEGO Batman: DC Super Heroes
RELEASE DATE April 20, 2013
PLATFORMS Android, iPhone/iPad
Ebooks and Audiobooks: Batman novels, such as "Batman: The Killing Joke" and "Batman: Year One", are available as ebooks or audiobooks from online retailers like Amazon and Audible.
Streaming Shows and Movies: Batman films and TV shows can be streamed on platforms like HBO Max and Netflix, and digital purchases are available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple iTunes.
Digital Art and Posters: Websites like Etsy and Redbubble allow artists to sell Batman-themed digital artwork, which customers can download and print for personal use.
Online Courses: For fans who want to delve deeper into the lore and impact of Batman, online courses like The Rise of Superheroes and Their Impact On Pop Culture offered by the Smithsonian on edX can be a great resource.
Join the Smithsonian, and comic book industry legend, the late Stan Lee, in this self-paced course to explore the history of the comic book and the rise of superheroes.
Learn more about the course.
Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences: "Batman: Arkham VR" allows fans to don the Batsuit in a virtual reality adventure. It is available for download on platforms like PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive. Experience Gotham City through the eyes of the World's Greatest Detective in an all new ARKHAM MYSTERY. THINK LIKE BATMAN. Utilize his LEGENDARY GADGETS in Virtual Reality to unravel a plot that threatens the lives of Batman's closest allies.
Batman Arkkham Knight
PlayStation 4 VR
Requires PlayStation VR, PlayStation Camera, and Move Controllers to Play
All these digital products offer diverse ways for Batman fans to engage with the world of the Dark Knight, from reading and gaming to learning and even experiencing Gotham City firsthand through VR.
The Batman extensive merchandising landscape, spanning physical goods like apparel, toys, games, food items, collectibles, and extending into the digital realm with downloadable content, digital comics, games, and even virtual reality experiences, embodies the expansive and enduring appeal of this iconic character. These products, meticulously crafted and marketed to fans, reflect the character's evolution across different media and his enduring influence on pop culture. From rare comic book collections to immersive video games and themed cereal boxes, the Dark Knight continues to be a pervasive presence in the lives of fans, young and old alike, around the world. Despite occasional setbacks, the Batman brand has proven its resilience and adaptability, consistently finding innovative ways to keep fans engaged and invested in the adventures of their favorite caped crusader.
