Dick Sprang's Bat Suit

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Larry A.
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Dick Sprang's Bat Suit

Post by Larry A. »

Hi All,
After reviewing several pictures, it occurred to me that Adam's Bat suit was a version of Dick Sprang's 1950s suit. The main differences being the belt cartridges, and Dick Giordano's insignia change. I'm thinking about not only doing Adam's Bat Suit, but a copy of Dick Sprang's. Any suggestions for me, Folks?

Thanks in advance,
Larry
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Batfanman
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Re: Dick Sprang's Bat Suit

Post by Batfanman »

Here's a link to making a utility belt that would be very similar to the Sprang belt - just do all cyliners (perhaps a bit smaller) and no pouches:

http://www.fathersofthedarkknight.com/t ... -belt.html

For the tunic and leggings, you just have to decide if you want the aubergine shade like Adam's or if you want to do it gray. Other than creating the Sprang emblem, you're pretty much done if you've already got the rest of the AW suit.
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Larry A.
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Re: Dick Sprang's Bat Suit

Post by Larry A. »

Thank You Batfanman!! I used to own that gorgeous Dick Sprang painting....again, my ex destroyed it. I talked with Dick before he passed away and he told me that the AW aubergine color would work equally well as the gray. He suggested to me that I should use foam rubber muscle padding to fill myself out to look like Dick's somewhat stocky look. He also suggested that if I do his Robin, I should remember He drew Robin's shoes as sort of Boots. BTW, Sir, do You have a copy of the above illio of Dick's that You'd be willing to share with the rest of us.....PLEASE????
Thanks for Your input, my Friend......
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Larry
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Larry A.
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Re: Dick Sprang's Bat Suit

Post by Larry A. »

One more thing, my Friend: I definitely will use the AW cowl because I don't really care for the light blue ears. LOL
Larry
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Batfanman
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Re: Dick Sprang's Bat Suit

Post by Batfanman »

I got that image off the internet, sorry - don't have an original. As for those cylinders, I would suggest 3/4" - 1" plastic tubes with domed caps. I've been looking about for some caps that have the proper looking dome shape but haven't seen them yet. Will update if I find them.

Keep us updated on your progress.
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Larry A.
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Re: Dick Sprang's Bat Suit

Post by Larry A. »

I will. I'm going to check Plastruct for elliptical domes for the cylinders. I appreciate Your suggestions for the cartridges.

FYI, I live in Fairborn, Ohio!
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Larry
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Batfanman
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Re: Dick Sprang's Bat Suit

Post by Batfanman »

I found these caps on eBay - they're 32mm (1.3")

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Pcs-Plastic-3 ... 5b1496030e
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Chuck Williams
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Re: Dick Sprang's Bat Suit

Post by Chuck Williams »

Certainly looks like the screen test bat was directly inspired by this Sprang drawing...
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Batfanman
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Re: Dick Sprang's Bat Suit

Post by Batfanman »

I've wondered why they used the Sprang bat-emblem for the screen test when the new-look was already in comics. Perhaps they hadn't come up with a good way of making the oval emblem at that point?
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Re: Dick Sprang's Bat Suit

Post by Larry A. »

Hi Batfanman, Hi Chuck. First off, thanks for the link to "Fathers of the Dark Knight" Its a BIG help and I'd like to see the play as it looks fascinating. The AW screen test is intriguing. I find it kinda weird that the cowl which ended up being used on the series looked almost identical to D.S.'s as opposed to the pilot cowl. As far as the D.S. insignia being used, I will hazard a guess that it might have been quicker and cheaper to cut out the Bat and spray it on. Considering it was a pilot, who knows. Ironic, isn't it that Lyle Wagner tested for Batman and ended up playing Steve Trevor opposite Linda Carter.......LOL
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Larry
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Batfanman
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Re: Dick Sprang's Bat Suit

Post by Batfanman »

Very few realize (especially Burt) that someone else also did a screen test... :)
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SprangFan
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Re: Dick Sprang's Bat Suit

Post by SprangFan »

Actually, Chuck, that's a Curt Swan image. But an awesome one.

I agree that except for the obligatory (by '66) yellow oval, Adam's costume most resembles the Dick Sprang version. In fact, while all other artists seemed to "agree" that Batman's cowl was attached to his cape and pulled forward over his head like a hood, Sprang always drew it as a separate piece from the cape that, when removed, retained its shape, helmet-like. I've always wondered if this inspired the costume makers on the show because, in retrospect, making a cowl look right was always one of the biggest problems for superhero films. In the serials, they never (IMO) got it right, not for Batman and not for the Phantom or Captain America, either. The inner shell solution made all the difference, and I think the inspiration was right there in Sprang's drawings.
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Batfanman
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Re: Dick Sprang's Bat Suit

Post by Batfanman »

That screen test emblem didn't go to waste, either - it is the one they eventually used on the Bat-cycle albeit with a slightly longer tail.
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Larry A.
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Re: Dick Sprang's Bat Suit

Post by Larry A. »

Thanks for the info BatFanMan, Everything helps.I don't know if anybody noticed on the "screen test", but that Batman's cowl looks like it has it has a 80's brow ridge molded into it and the back is almost like the Rubies 1966 costume cowl?.
Sprangfan, welcome to our discussion and thanks for Your input. I confess to not having noticed it before, but by Golly, You ARE right. Dick (R.I.P.)'s cowl does look like it has a firm form beneath it. Darn Good catch!!!! Even the eyebrows and part of the nose and eyes match what was later used in the Series. BRAVO!!!!
To every one so far!!!!!

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Larry
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Batfanman
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Re: Dick Sprang's Bat Suit

Post by Batfanman »

Lol, Stryker - that's Ben Affleck's cowl. :)

On the real screen test cowl, you can see that they were experimenting with style ideas in the eyebrow area and man, those ears! I wonder what ever became of that cowl?
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