Warning! Contains spoilers for Batman #150!

According to the iconic Incredibles scene, capes are an extremely impractical part of a costume, but Batman proves the rule totally wrong. Capes are, indeed, often impractical: they drag behind the hero and can be stepped on or caught on things, and they’re easily grabbed to restrain the wearer. Edna Mode may believe that all good superhero costumes don’t have capes, but Batman proves that his cape has a very real purpose.

One surprising use of Batman’s cape appears in a scene from Batman #150 by Chip Zdarsky and Denys Cowan. In this issue, Batman is going up against a group of low-level criminals who have stolen villains’ tech. As the criminal, Belle, tries to shoot Batman with Mr. Freeze’s ice gun, she misses because Batman’s cape obscures where his body actually is.

That’s only one part of what makes Batman’s cape so useful. Due to his preference for using stealth, Batman is capable of wrapping his body in his cape, which makes him pretty hard to see in the dark. Not only that, but it can hide where his body is, making most people miss their shots, as seen here with Belle’s attempt at shooting him.

Batman’s Cape Is the Perfect Decoy Target for Gunfire

Panels from Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, Lynn Varley, and John Costanza

While everyone loves to point out how goofy capes are, Batman’s cape is useful for a variety of reasons. Not only does it help him hide in the shadows, as mentioned, but it’s also integral for helping him glide. This is a key part of how he gets around Gotham City, using it in tandem with his grapple gun. He’s also been shown taking it off and using it to wrap up civilians he needs to save, such as when he carries people out of burning buildings. In Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns, Batman also uses his cape to obscure a driver’s vision, causing the driver to crash.

Batman is notorious for always being prepared. He wouldn’t go out to fight crime wearing something for no reason, meaning that every part of the Batsuit is there for a variety of uses. Batman can use his cape to glide through Gotham, hide himself in shadows, obscure criminal vision, or save civilians. Batman’s trunks are equally important, able to stop him from inhaling things like smoke or just protecting his face in general. His Bat ears can be used as both projectiles and radio antennae. Every part of Batman’s suit matters, including the cape.

Batman Will Never Ditch His Iconic Cape

The Cape Is One of Batman’s Most Useful Gadgets

Batman’s cape is an iconic part of his basic look, which he’s had since his first appearance in 1939. There’s really no reason for the basic Batman costume elements to ever go away. While capes might be a running joke to some, Batman shows that they’re unbelievably useful. As would be expected from a man who is always prepared, Batman’s cape does a lot more than just look cool. It’s instrumental in helping him fight crime and save lives. As long as Batman stays away from any jet engines, the cape will be here to stay.

Batman #150 is available now from DC Comics!