NEW BATSUIT TO COME IN 'THE DARK KNIGHT'

Why do they keep futitzing around with the Batsuit? In every batfilm since Tim Burton brought the Caped Crusader back in the late '80s, we've seen different incarnations of the suit. Why?

In the comic, there isn't a constant need to revamp and tweak. Minor aspects, yes like his bat symbol, etc, but not major costume changes. Ugh ... The suit, iconic in all its vigilante glory, remains a constant.

While I wasn't a big fan of the suit in "Batman Begins," this new version just seems even more like body armor. I understand that the Dark Knight has to be protected, and thus, have a need for body armor, but damn - I love the look of that vintage Batman, sans armor. See below. It's ominous.

So, this weekend comes word that the look of Bale's new Batman is getting tweaked. Entertainment Weekly has released a pic of the new Batsuit in the upcoming "The Dark Knight," due out next summer.

While it's obviously sleeker and high-tech looking, it doesn't say "Batman" to me. Honestly? It sorta says Black-ops paratrooper.

The EW piece also also includes the down low on Bat's new threads: Its made up of 200 individual pieces of rubber, fiberglass, nylon and metallic mesh. His forearm spikes are now both retractable and can be ejected at targets. The most difficult part of the redesign? The cowl which is now modeled more on a motorcycle helmet design which allows the actor (who did look somewhat wooden in the last film) to both swivel and nod.

Check out Superhero Hype for the full shot.