DC Bringing ‘Batman Experience’ Activation to Comic-Con

It might not be hosting a panel in Hall H this year, but DC is nonetheless showing up in a big way to this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, with almost 50 panels throughout the four-day convention, in addition to a massive off-site, custom-built activation centering around the 80th anniversary of the first appearance of Batman.

The Batman Experience Powered by AT&T, a pop-up exhibit that will take up three levels of the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park, is set to run July 18-21 and will be open to everyone, regardless of whether or not they have a badge for SDCC proper. In addition to TV and movie props — including Michael Keaton’s Batman costume from Tim Burton’s 1989 classic — and rare original comic book art featuring the character and his fellow Gotham City citizens, the Experience will feature a gaming lounge including multiple classic Batman video and arcade games, as well as an “interactive punching bad experience” that allows visitors to fist-fight some of the Dark Knight’s rogues gallery.

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Most impressive of all is likely to be the “Dark Knight Dive,” which combines a skydive booth with VR headset to allow guests to fly through the skies of Gotham City in pursuit of the Scarecrow — although guest appearances by other Bat-characters will be pretty likely. (And yes, the headset will be in the shape of Batman’s iconic cowl.)

A sneak peek at The Batman Experience will take place during a special ceremony on Wednesday, July 17, when Batman becomes the inaugural inductee into the Comic-Con Museum Character Hall of Fame.

Although full details of DC’s 47 panels throughout this year’s Comic-Con have yet to be revealed, DC has shared details about the DC Universe panel taking place Saturday, July 20, in the Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton Bayfront at 7 p.m., promising “sneak peeks, first looks, exclusive screenings and breaking news” for the shows Titans, Doom Patrol, Young Justice: Outsiders and Harley Quinn. The latter will also be promoted at the combined DC/Warner Bros. booth on the show floor, which will feature an activation allowing fans to walk through the world of the animated comedy.

“We are excited to showcase our original shows and share more news of what’s to come in year two for DC Universe,” DC Universe senior vp and G.M. Sam Ades said in a statement. “In San Diego, we’ll embrace the ways in which DC Universe provides real-life membership benefits like no other service, designed specifically for DC fans. After last year’s amazingly successful introduction at SDCC, we’re thrilled to focus on the members who have made the service home to their DC fandom by offering unique, interesting experiences only we can provide.”

San Diego Comic-Con is set to run July 18-21 at the San Diego Convention Center, with Preview Night running 7-9 p.m. on July 17.