Philadelphia University Student Creates Real ‘Bat Suit’ for Combat
Holy education, Batman!
An innovative creation by a Philadelphia University student is a perfect blend of fantasy and practicality.
University Herald reports.
Jackson Gordon, a student at Philadelphia University, recently took to Maryland’s Katsucon anime convention to show off his (almost) fully functional Batsuit.
Speaking with USA Today College, Gordon said he invited people he met at the convention to punch him. He said the suit can withstand damage from a blade, but will not be useful against a firearm.
An industrial design student, Gordon used Kickstarter to raise money “to create a real world equivalent of a batsuit that would provide significant protection and be accurate to the character.” His page – and photos provided to USA Today College – indicates he succeeded. Among his more pricey requirements were Kevlar and some silicon molds.
“When I came to this college, I was sort of sitting in my room all day,” he said. “I’d get my homework done in like, an hour, and then I’d have nothing to do for the rest of the day. So, I figured, I’ll do what I always do – I’ll start a project.”
A martial arts black belt, Gordon said he has already designed a costume Batsuit, but wanted to craft “an actual fully functioning replication of what a person would want in a modern type combat suit,” he said on his Kickstarter page.
The suit has a modern look to it, resembling the one from Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy rather than the Tim Burton “Batman” films. However, the helmet features short, stubby bat ears like helmet Ben Affleck will wear in his portrayal of the Caped Crusader.
Batman's Batsuit in Real Life: Philadelphia University Student Crafts Functional Combat Suit (University Herald)