Learn Batman's many roles

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Here's a look at some hardware and software that's available:

Sentry Alert Batman by Mattel, stand-alone product requiring two AAA batteries, $14.99. Children can learn the stealth and investigative techniques employed by DC Comics' famed Dark Knight through a line of 8-inch action figures and their high-tech accessories.

Based on WBKids' latest cartoon ode to the Caped Crusader, "The Batman," these rugged, multiarticulated dolls initially do little on their own but provide some imaginative play sessions. The real fun begins when the included EXP Power Key is plugged into a figure's removable backpack.

With a quick turn of the key, the backpacks spring open, a circuit is completed, and the unit can perform some electronic magic.

In the case of Sentry Alert Batman, the figure holds a muffin-shaped invisible-beam unit to keep unauthorized persons from entering a protected territory. When something or someone crosses the beam, an alarm sounds and lights flash. The unit also has missiles on each side that can be fired using buttons on top of their launchers.

Surprisingly, the device works only in the light, which seems to take away from its purpose, considering the Caped Crusader's propensity to work during the late evening hours.

Other figures include Truth Detector Batman, which comes with a recording device in the backpack to capture and play back nine seconds of an assailant's voice. The audio is then processed in the detector (wink, wink) and a red light comes on if the person is lying or a green light if he is telling the truth.

Sonic Spy Batman uses an amplification system with an ear bud so owners can listen in on the criminal element hatching plans to take down Gotham City. Unfortunately, its range is only about five feet because of very short cords, and it works best when the crime fighter is hiding near a suspected party.

Further enveloping children in the multimedia world of Batman, each package comes with a 12-minute DVD that contains a compilation of the comic book-character's famous cartoon battles, including fights with the Joker, Penguin, Mr. Freeze, Manbat and Bane.