Man-Bat
From the Lego Batman Wiki
Man-Bat (aka Dr. Kirk Langstrom) is a villain in Lego Batman: The Video Game
Contents |
[edit] Character Background
Doctor Kirk Langstrom was a scientist specializing in the biological study of mammals, especially bats. In an effort to cure his growing deafness, the scientist develops a formula intended to allow humans to be able to mimic the sonar that bats naturally possess. When he tries this formula on himself, however, he winds up transforming into a monstrous human/bat hybrid driven purely by instinct that terrorized Gotham City for a short while. Eventually, he was defeated and returned to human form by Batman.
While in Man-Bat form, Langstrom is often depicted as superhumanly strong, and armed with sharp talons on his fingers. In addition, he is also able to fly like a real bat. Despite offering him new strengths, however, the serum also gives him new weaknesses, as his supersensitive hearing renders Langstrom vulnerable to sonic weaponry.
Since then, Langstrom had taken the serum again on several occasions, one time coaxing his wife Francine into taking it as well. Repeated usage of the serum has apparently affected his DNA, as their child was born in the form of a human/bat hybrid.
Unlike many of Batman's enemies, Langstrom is not out for criminal gain or terrorizing innocents, as he loses all rational thought when he transforms into Man-Bat. When he manages to keep his intelligence while in Man-Bat form, he has actually worked for the forces of good.
[edit] In Lego Batman: The Video Game
Upon being broken out of Arkham Asylum, Man-Bat joins forces with The Penguin, Bane, Catwoman, and Killer Croc. He is first seen roosting from the ceiling of Penguin's submarine headquarters, where Croc is using him as a punching bag. Later on, he is seen planting a box filled with docile penguins against a wall.
Once Penguin's machine is ready to be deployed, he stages Man-Bat as a guard inside the jungle exhibit at the Gotham Zoo, as it is the only way to get inside the Arctic exhibit, where the machine is hidden. Batman and Robin soon arrive and battle Man-Bat beneath the deck of a ship, where the half-human hybrid attacks the Caped Crusaders by dropping bombs from the ceiling. He is eventually defeated when the Dynamic Duo stun him with a massive record player.
He is last seen inside his cell at Arkham, hanging from the ceiling and reading a newspaper.
Rather than an ordinary scientist unwittingly transformed into a mindless monster, the game depicts Man-Bat as an actual criminal who retains his intelligence in Man-Bat form.
[edit] Equipment and Abilities
In close combat, Man-Bat attacks opponents by slashing at them with the talons on his fingers. He also possesses super strength, thanks to the serum that transformed him into Man-Bat, allowing him to easily lift and pull heavy objects.
Using his wings, Man-Bat is also able to glide across gaps for short distances.
[edit] Appearance
Man-Bat is a muscularly-built mix of man and bat, covered in brown hair with a pair of enormous wings growing out of his back. Massive, pointed ears sit at the top of his head, allowing him to hear the slightest of sounds.
