Suggested Reading: Hunter's Pull List

We here at the Gotham Central Podcast want to give you guys a look at some other comics that we read.

Back Issue Review: Batman The Brave and the Bold "Legends of the Dark Mite"

I know, typically, the "Back Issue Review" deals specifically with single issue comic books, but we'll be expanding that to all forms of media, so today, I will be covering Batman: The Brave and the Bold.


"Legends of the Dark Mite" starts with a short segment of Catman trying to sell a rare tiger to some criminals, when Batman comes to save the day with trusty sidekick, Ace the Bathound. That's right, Ace the Bathound. This episode starts off with a segment featuring Ace the Bathound treeing Catman so he is stuck, waiting for the authorities. Just take a second, drink that in.

Ready to continue? Good.

After featuring Ace the Bathound in the beginning, it comes as no surprise that the featured guest on this episode of Brave and The Bold features that other member of Batfamily, the imp from the 5th Dimension, Batmite. Batman runs in to Batman after a scuffle with some run of the mill criminals, and Batmite intervenes and makes things harder for Batman, just so Batman can prove how awesome he is.

Batmite ultimately shows himself and the fourth wall is completely broken when he describes himself as Batman's biggest fan. Batmite wants to prove how much he adores The Caped Crusader, but this ultimately ends as obsession and criticisms of Batmite's character after he changes Batman's appearance to forms ranging from the 60's Adam West Batman, described as "too campy", to Frank Miller's interpretation of Batman, described as "too psycho" (a hilarious nod to us hardcore Batman fans) as well as making Calendar Man in to a serious villain that has the ability to destroy Gotham.



After defeating Calendar Man's evil incarnations of villainous holiday icons, Batman shows his disdain for the crazed 5th Dimension Batmite, and Batmite goes off the wall and tries to destroy The Dark Knight.

Overall, this episode definitely has stuff for the kids, but mostly has easter eggs laid out for all of the hardcore Batman fans. It breaks the fourth wall by going to a 5th Dimension comic book convention and gives reasoning for the version of Batman we see in Batman: The Brave and The Bold, features members of the Batfamily that most don't either acknowledge or appreciate, but still uses them in a clever, humorous way. Out of all episodes of Batman: Brave and the Bold, this episode and The Super-Batman of Planet X are my favorites, and I definitely suggest giving this a watch.

And if anyone out there has not seen Zebraman, check it out as well, there are a lot of references to him, as well.

Live the dream, big shot!

On Amazon: Legends of the Dark Mite!

On iTunes: Legends of the Dark Mite!

Gotham Central-Reviews #13

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Well, Hello Gothamites,

This is our reviews episode where Justin and Hunter talk about and review all the books coming out of Gotham City!

This week is very exciting and features Batman & Robin and the return of Paul Dini!!

Gotham Central-Pull List #13

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Short week this week, but nonetheless, Justin and Hunter still bring you truth and comic previews, even in the face of adversity!

This week's books are::

Batman & Robin #9

Batman Chronicles Vol. 9 (TPB)

Batman: King Tut's Tomb (TPB)

Blackest Night #7 (of 8)

Gotham City Sirens #9

Enjoy, Gothamites!

Gotham Funnies: Batman’s Bootleg Origin

The Origin of Batman according to the back of a box from a bootleg Batman Toy:

"When being a child, Bruce Wayne had witnessed with his own eyes the fact his parents of millionaire were killed cruelly, so affected his strong desire of revenging his parents. However, God had never given him a chance to fulfill his weill, following the advice of R'as Al-Ghul, the chief of ninja group, Bruce come to Gete, which was a corrupted city filled with various crime groups. Bruce found a basement under his villa, in which the equipments turn him into another person: Spiderman. With this mask, Spiderman stroke all criminal activates and criminals everywhere, such as Tougon, the chief of Mafia, Doctor Jackstraw, the abnormal drug trafficker, even a mysterious opponent familiar with him————-"

If you know what’s good for you, you will NOT mess with Doctor Jackstraw!

Via: Comics Alliance

Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths WB Clip

Here's a clip that Warner Bros. has sent us claiming to be an "Exclusive Clip", but seeing as how the DVD/Blu-ray has already been released, I don't know how exclusive it can be considered, but either way, the video can be found here, and make sure to pick it up because we will be reviewing on one of our episodes soon, and if the buzz is accurate, it should be a pretty cool movie, even if a Baldwin is voicing Batman.

So, pick it up! It is out now care of Warner Bros. video.

Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (Two-Disc Edition)

@GailSimone Tweets #EmoBatman, People Listen

Well, I don't exactly know how to take this, due to my passionate love for Batman, but superstar writer Gail Simone has taken it upon herself to make a few jokes at The Caped Crusader's expense.

So, take it as you will, but it's pretty hilarious.

Here are some samples:

@GailSimone Batman wanted "World's Finest" to team-up himself and Morrisey every issue. #emobatman


@GailSimone Batman cried every night about his parents being dead when he was a child. Even when they weren't, yet. #emobatman

Check out everything tagged with #EmoBatman here!

Batman: The Brave and the Bold.....THE VIDEO GAME!

It didn't take long after the announcement of Rocksteady's acquisition for WBIE to reveal the next Batman game. Funny, since the next Batman game has nothing to do with Rocksteady and probably won't be anything like Arkham Asylum. It's being made by A Boy and His Blob/Contra 4/Shantae developer WayForward. The publisher announced a Wii and DS game coming this fall based on the comedic Batman: The Brave and the Bold cartoon. The cooperative game will allow a second player to control another DC Comics hero, from a group including the Blue Beetle, Green Lantern, Robin, and Aquaman. Plastic Man also appears on the box art and the splash image for the game’s website. Connecting the DS version to the Wii version will allow a friend to use the DS to control the 5th Dimensional fanboy Bat-Mite in the Wii game.

I might give this game a rent, but no purchase for me. Not even Bat-Mite could get me to buy. How about you? Are you interested in a Brave and The Bold game?

Source: Joystiq

Warner Bros. acquires Batman dev Rocksteady Studios

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group has announced its purchase of a majority stake in Rocksteady Studios, the developer responsible for one of the best games of last year (and without a doubt the best Batman game of all time) Batman: Arkham Asylum which gained critical praise and sales success (shipped over three million copies).

Jamie Walker, studio director of Rocksteady Games, expressed pride in the deal -- the cost of which has not been disclosed. "We are proud to strengthen our association with WBIE, a world class publisher that we have enjoyed working with since we began developing Batman: Arkham Asylum," he said. In addition, games director Sefton Hill noted, "The Rocksteady team is very much looking forward to creating more great games based on widely recognized Warner Bros. brands like Batman.”

Square Enix Europe (Eidos) has confirmed that it still retains a 25.1 percent stake in Rocksteady.

I just hope this doesn’t affect the untitled Arkham Asylum sequel in the works. What are your thoughts on the deal?

Golden Age Batman: Out of Context

Every once in a while we bring you a single panel from a Golden Age Batman story.

This times, we bring to you, Detective Comics #30

Video: Batman's Gonna Get Shot In The Face

Came across this funny video this morning. Its a few years old but hilarious none-the-less.

Description:
RANKED 4th BEST SHORT FILM OF 2006 BY FILMTHREAT.

Longstreth and crew have chosen a new target: Batman him­self! We all know him, but do we RE ALLY know him? Super­man, Nightwing, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Robin, and oth­ers help us take a closer look at the man they call Batman!


Batman's Gonna Get Shot in the Face

LARRY LONGSTRETH, ADVENTURER | MySpace Video

Review: The Super-Batman of Planet X

This episode of Batman: The Brave and The Bold starts normally enough, Batman disguised as Matches Malone partnering up with Dr. Magnus and The Metal Men facing off against some ruffian Space Criminals, when things go awry and Dr. Magnus blows their cover. A space fight ensues and our heroes come out on top!

Next up we see Batman and Green Arrow fighting even more space criminals, when a deflected shot (care of Batman saving Green Arrow's life) creates a wormhole and Batman is transported to the planet Zur En Arrh. After crash landing, our hero faces a criminal trying to make a young boy lose his parents over a family nick-nack, Batman saves the day, but after a scuffle, we see The Batman of Zur En Arrh, and his Bat-Radia! Ultimately, we see that The Batman of Zur En Arrh lives in a world much like the Metropolis of Earth and our Batman, Bruce Wayne of Earth, has gotten a gift of super powers from changing planets.

What's that? A Batman with super powers? That's right, he's your worst nightmare.



Overall, this is easily my favorite episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold, it's exciting to see the writers and producers experimenting with alternate dimensions, and specifically the Batman of Zur En Arrh, and it's absolutely amazing to see the possibility of Batman with super powers, I don't want to give too much away because I really want you to watch it, but there are some hilarious statements of Batman's opinions of Superpowers and Superman. It's priceless, absolutely priceless.

Guest stars Kevin Conroy, Clancy Brown, and Dana Delaney playing mirrors of their classic takes on Batman, Lex Luthor, and Lois Lane, respectfully, bring a much needed nod the fantastic DC animated shows of the 1990's while still completely understanding the mood of the Brave and The Bold.

Exciting, fun, and hilarious, The Super-Batman of Planet X gets the highest rating that I could ever image.

Buy it on Amazon! The Super-Batman of Planet X! [HD]

OR

Buy it on iTunes! 

Suggested Reading: Hunter's Pull List

We here at the Gotham Central Podcast want to give you guys a look at some other comics that we read.

Back Issue Review: Batman #666

Writer: Grant Morrison

Pencils: Andy Kubert

Inker: Jesse Delperdang






In the future, Gotham City is in its Darkest days, the first Batman has died, and his son, Damian, has taken his place. Damian Wayne is the Batman that no other Batman could be, a murdering vigilante. Commissioner Barbara Gordon is on his trail, and has a strong sense of vengeance to take out on Damian, for the murder of Batman.

In Batman #666, Damian Wayne is hot on the trail of 5 crime bosses who have been reeking havoc on Gotham City, but the ones that we are introduced to are Professor Pyg and Flamingo, but with Professor Pyg's genetic alterations on the citizens of Gotham, Damian must stop the madness, while killing some of Pyg's mutated monsters, Commissioner Gordon corners Batman, but he escapes and we learn the religious implications of the crimes that have been committed. All of these crime bosses are serving the will of the supposed son of Satan. A man who cloaks himself in the cape and cowl of a man he refers to as one of his fathers, Batman. During the fight with the self proclaimed Anti-Christ, Damian Wayne claims that he has made a pact with Satan, the survival of Gotham City in exchange for his soul.

I've read this issue before, but after reading the run of Batman & Robin featuring Dick Grayson as Batman and Damian Wayne as Robin, I appreciate this issue tenfold. Grant Morrison laid the foundation in #666 for Gotham City books for the foreseeable future. This is easily one of my favorite issues of Batman of all time, especially after the recent events in the DC Universe. And Andy Kubert is simply a legendary artist on Batman and whenever he does the pencils for any Gotham book, it is promised to be absolutely amazing, and this is no exception.

I strongly suggest anyone who has read Battle for The Cowl and Batman & Robin to go back and read #666 as soon as possible.

Gotham Goodies

Hey guys, this is new feature we here at Gotham Central are introducing that brings to you all sorts of Gifts and all other purchasable items from across the Internet.

This week's post comes from Etsy. Here are some of the awesome choices, including Pezz dispensers, Costumes/Hoodies, Laptop Stickers, and many other goodies!

Batman Laptop Sticker

Batman Paperweight

Harley Quinn Fleece Hoodie

Vintage Batman Pezz Dispensers

Source: Etsy.com

Gotham Central-Reviews #12

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Hello Gohamites,

Every week, Justin and Hunter delve in to the world of Gotham City and analyze each Bat Book, so that we can bring to you full, in depth reviews! Enjoy this week, as we had a big one!

This weeks books are:

Azrael #5

Batman #696

Batman: Streets of Gotham #9

Justice League of America #42

The Outsiders #27

Superman/Batman #69

Tiny Titans #25

This was full week! Enjoy, Gotham City!

Golden Age Batman: Out of Context

Every other night we bring you a single panel from a Golden Age Batman story.

This installment comes from Detective Comics #27! Enjoy!

Detective Comics #27a - Collector's Edition (Detectice Comics, 27a)

Major DC Entertainment News

As you may or may not be aware, in September 2009, DC Comics announced they were reformatting themselves into a new entity known as DC Entertainment. Today, this retooled company released the names and duties of its new executive team. I'll give you a teaser:

Geoff Johns to Serve as Chief Creative Officer.

Want more? OK fine. Enjoy this!

_______________________________________________________________________________

Official Press Release

Jim Lee and Dan DiDio Named Co-Publishers DC Comics

Geoff Johns to Serve as Chief Creative Officer

John Rood Named EVP, Sales, Marketing and Business Development

Patrick Caldon Named EVP, Finance and Administration

(February 18, 2010 – New York, NY and Burbank, CA) DC Entertainment, founded in September 2009 to unleash the power of the DC Comics library of characters across all media platforms, has named its executive management team, including new co-publishers of DC Comics and a Chief Creative Officer, as well as heads of Sales/Marketing/Business Development and Finance/Administration. Diane Nelson, President, DC Entertainment, made the announcement today.

The new senior executive team includes Jim Lee and Dan DiDio, who have been named Co-Publishers of DC Comics, and Geoff Johns, who will serve as Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment. Additionally, John Rood has been named Executive Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Business Development, and Patrick Caldon will serve as Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration. Each of these executives will report directly to Nelson.

“DC Entertainment’s new executive team is a creative ‘dream team,’ with accomplishments and talent unrivaled in the business,” said Nelson. “This announcement continues and underscores DC’s legacy as the ultimate destination for creators. We’ll benefit enormously from the deep experience this team represents, while re-energizing the direction and focus of the company. I’m excited and honored to have each of them with me at the helm of DC Entertainment.”

“With this new leadership team, Diane will be able to fully and respectfully integrate DC’s brand and characters, not only as key content drivers in the film division, but across all of the businesses of Warner Bros. and Time Warner,” said Jeff Robinov, President, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “I am very proud and excited about the accomplished executives who are charged with expanding this powerful library. They each have a diverse and complementary skill-set and are deeply committed to contributing to the DC Comics legacy.”

Prior to his current post, Lee served as Editorial Director, where he oversaw WildStorm Studios and was also the artist for many of DC Comics’ bestselling comic books and graphic novels, including “All Star Batman and Robin, The Boy Wonder,” “Batman: Hush” and “Superman: For Tomorrow.” He also serves as the Executive Creative Director for the upcoming DC Universe Online massively multiplayer action game from Sony Online Entertainment.

Lee is an award-winning comic book illustrator/creator/publisher who started his professional career at Marvel Comics where his work on the X-Men continues to hold the all-time sales record for single issue sales at eight million copies sold in one month. At Marvel, he also drew the Punisher and co-created many characters, the most popular being Gambit, featured in 2009’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” feature film. In 1992, he started his own production company, WildStorm Productions, and co-founded Image Comics, an independent comics company which quickly grew to become the number-three North American comics publisher. His most notable creations, “WildCats” and “Gen 13,” saw life beyond comic books as a CBS Saturday morning cartoon and as a direct-to-video animated movie distributed by Disney, respectively. In 1998, he left Image Comics and sold WildStorm to DC Comics.

DiDio most recently served as Senior Vice President and Executive Editor, DC Universe, overseeing the editorial department for the DC Universe imprint, including the ongoing adventures of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and scores of heroes and villains. He also worked to develop new titles with the industry’s premier writers and artists. At DC Comics, DiDio has spearheaded such bestselling projects as “All Star Batman and Robin, The Boy Wonder,” “Identity Crisis,” Green Lantern, Teen Titans and The Outsiders.

Before joining DC in 2002, DiDio was with Mainframe Entertainment, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President, Creative Affairs, overseeing the development, distribution, marketing and promotion of all Mainframe’s television properties. Prior to that, he served as Executive Director of Children’s Programming for ABC, where he was also a publicity manager, having started his television career at CBS, working in a variety of positions.

Johns builds on his current role at DC from being one of today’s most prolific, popular and award-winning contemporary comic book writers with this new executive role. He is a New York Times bestselling author who has written highly acclaimed stories revitalizing Green Lantern, Superman, the Flash, Teen Titans, and the Justice Society of America for DC Comics.

Johns began his comics career creating and writing “Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E.” for DC Comics while at the same time working with film director Richard Donner. After acclaimed runs on Flash, Teen Titans and the bestselling “Infinite Crisis” mini-series, Johns co-wrote a run on Action Comics with his mentor, Donner. Johns has also written and produced for various other media, including the acclaimed “Legion” and “Absolute Justice” episodes of Warner Bros. Television’s “Smallville” and Adult Swim’s “Robot Chicken” and “Titan Maximum.” He also wrote the story of the DC Universe Online massively multiplayer action game from Sony Online Entertainment.

Rood returns to Warner Bros. after 10 years with the Disney ABC Television Group, where he most recently was Senior Vice President of Marketing, ABC Family. While at ABC, he also consulted for ABC News during the recent transitions at “Good Morning America” and “ABC World News with Diane Sawyer.”

Prior to Disney, Rood worked for six years at Warner Bros. Consumer Products, negotiating promotional deals with national advertisers using Warner Bros.’ properties, including the DC Comics characters. He has also worked in promotions for Equity Marketing on the Burger King account and in advertising for Leo Burnett on the McDonald’s and Miller Brewing accounts.

Caldon most recently served as Executive Vice President, Finance and Operations of DC Comics and MAD Magazine. Before that, he served as Senior Vice President, Finance and Operations, and his other posts at DC include Vice President, Finance and Operations, and Controller, the position in which he joined the company in 1985. Prior to joining DC Comics, Caldon spent a decade at Warner Communications in corporate accounting and as Senior Vice President and CFO of the Cosmos soccer team (owned by Warner Communications at the time).

DC Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Entertainment, is charged with strategically integrating the DC Comics business, brand and characters deeply into Warner Bros. and all its content and distribution businesses. DC Entertainment utilizes the expertise the Studio has in building and sustaining franchises to prioritize the DC properties as key titles and growth drivers across all of the Studio, including feature films, television, interactive entertainment, direct-to-consumer platforms and consumer products. The DC Comics publishing business is the cornerstone of DC Entertainment, releasing approximately 90 comic books through its various imprints and 30 graphic novels a month as well as continuing to build on its creative leadership in the comic book industry.

______________________________________________________________________________

Click the link to read letters from each member of the new executive team!

Source: DCU The Source

Batman: Under the Red Hood First Look!

If the internet is the "information highway," then I just got hit by a mac truck driving down I-90-give me a high-5! Not too long ago, the wonder and magic that is DC Animated released the news that the next movie after Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (out Tuesday 2/22/10) will be Batman: Under the Red Hood. The story is adapted from the popular Batman comics storyline from a few years back entitled "Batman: Under the Hood" written by Judd Winick and art by Doug Mahnke. The tale returned Jason Todd from the grave to the might and glory he...never...had. Yeah. But! Regardless what you might think of Jason Todd as a character, Winick and Mahnke told a very engrossing, action packed, and character driven fury of awesome as far as Batman goes. I wasn't the largest JT supporter until going back and reading Under the Hood and now I actually enjoy when JT is around. Whoda thunk?

Comic Book Movie has released an article on the new movie with interviews from Bruce Timm, Judd Winick, Bruce Greenwood (voicing Batman - known mostly for Captain Christopher Pike from the newest Star Trek movie), and Jensen Ackles (Supernatural). Here's a snippet from Bruce Timm:

“It’s simply the darkest Batman movie we’ve made yet, and that’s including Mask of the Phantasm and Return of the Joker,” offers producer Bruce Timm, who has been involved in Batman’s 2D world since the 1990s’ Batman: The Animated Series. “This is a really gritty, pretty darkly emotional story, and if it all comes together as I’m expecting it will, it’s going to be something really special.”

Well, that tells me all I needed to hear!! Mask of the Phantasm and Return of the Joker are pretty dark movies, even if they are meant for a younger audience (unless you count the unrated Return of the Joker which is definitely not meant for children). Needless, to say, I'm very excited for this movie. Be sure to check out the link at the bottom of the page to read the whole article!

Source: Comic Book Movie

Contributor Profile: Tim Gannon

Name: Tim Gannon

Bat-Book: Batman: The Long Halloween

Favorite TV Series: Justice League Unlimited

Favorite Live Action Movie: Batman (1989)

Favorite Animated Movie: Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (unrated)

Favorite Theme: Any of the Danny Elfman scores. I particularly enjoy 1989's “Descent into Mystery” and the opening to Batman Returns.

Favorite Gotham Hero, other than Batman: Batgirl (Stephanie Brown that is. I do love Barbara Gordon, but she's Oracle now...duh.)

Favorite Villain: Depends on my mood. Today it's Black Mask (the original).

What got you in to Batman?: I can't honestly remember NOT being a Batman fan. I suppose it all started when I was growing up and I used to watch Batman (1960s) with my older brother and father. My brother and I would then go out into the backyard and play “Batman & Robin” (to this day, I'm still don't get to play Batman...). After that, the usual following of Batman: The Animated Series, so on and so forth. I do distinctly remember not being allowed to go see Batman Returns in theatres because my aunt said it was “gross and too scary”...I still haven't forgiven her to this day. As for the comic end, I always picked up Batman comics here and there thanks to my own mother's love of the character (she grew up reading the comics. Then she gave them away. She's another one I haven't forgiven yet). Once my mother stopped getting some books for me, I began picking up graphic novels on my own (my first being Long Halloween, followed by No Man's Land). Eventually I turned over to weekly books and I've been around ever since.

Personal Website: Thought Bubble Audio

Twitter: mr_gentleman

Gotham Central-Pull List #12

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Hello Gohamites,

This week, we talk about a ridiculous amount of comic books that relate to Gotham City! As always, we give you the descriptions and creative teams of all the Gotham books!

This weeks books are:

Azrael #5

Batman #696

Batman: Streets of Gotham #9

Batman: The Brave and the Bold #14

DC Universe: Origins (TPB)

Green Lantern #51 (Variant Features Scarecrow)

Justice League of America #42

The Outsiders #27

Superman/Batman #69

Tiny Titans #25

Batman: Black and White Statue

WOW! That's a full week! Enjoy, Gotham City!

Suggested Reading

We here at the Gotham Central Podcast were discussing the topic of trying to do a little bit of expansion of the content here, and one of the things we wanted to do was to give you guys a look at some other comics that we read.

Back Issue Review: Batgirl #1 (Sep. 2008)

Writer: Adam Beechen

Pencils: J. Calafiore

Inkers: Mark McKenna & Jonathon Glapion

The darkest Batgirl, Cassandra Cain, returns in this #1 issue from 2008. This issue deals with the results of Batman and Robin leaving Gotham City after the events of Identity Crisis, in which we saw the death of Tim Drake's father. Cain was left alone and was put through trials by her father and Deathstroke, which resulted in the deaths of multiple individuals at the hands of Cassandra Cain, raised to be an assassin by her father.

This issue features Batman and Robin giving Batgirl a second chance at redemption to face her demons and keep the oath of the cowl. Nightwing guest stars finding Cassandra searching for her father alone, and goes against the actions of Bruce and Tim, who seem to be blindly trusting Cassandra.

Overall, this is an excellent issue with Cassandra playing detective while trying to find her father, which puts her out of place. The writing is done in a fashion that is exciting, while providing quite a bit of detail and backstory. Definitely written in the dark style that complimented Gotham City at this time, while the art fits perfectly in this vain. Dark and flawless.

Although I love the current Bryan Q. Miller run on Batgirl featuring Stephanie Brown, it really helps me appreciate Cassandra Cain as Batgirl, and the wonderful character that was developed.

Golden Age Batman: Out of Context

Every other night we bring you a single panel from a Golden Age Batman story.

This installment comes from Detective Comics #36! Enjoy!

Gotham Central Exclusive: Toy Fair 2010

Hello Gothamites,

A good friend of ours, man on the scene, Dr. Frank Ramblings was able to attend the 2010 Toy Fair, and we've got some exclusive photos of upcoming Gotham action figures, statues, and toys coming soon to a retailer near you!

So check out these pics, and get your wishlists ready!

Subscribe to Frank's Blog and find out everything that he is up to!

Golden Age Batman: Out of Context

Tonight's panel comes from Detective Comics #34:

Every other night, we bring to you a single panel from a Golden Age Batman comic.

Gotham in May

Hello Gothamites!

Early Thursday morning, DC Comics announced all the Gotham books for May 2010 were announced, and we've got some excellent titles to look forward, so let's get to it!

May's books are:

BATMAN: THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #1-2

BATMAN AND ROBIN #12

BATMAN #699

DETECTIVE COMICS #865

BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #12

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #12

AZRAEL #8

BATGIRL #10

OUTSIDERS #30

RED ROBIN #12

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #44

For full details, check out the full solicitations from DC's The Source!

Source: The Source

Gotham Central-Reviews #11

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Hello Gothamites,

This is our reviews episode, where this we discuss all the Gotham books for Wednesday, February 10, 2011.

This week's books are:

Batman and Robin #7

Batgirl #8

And don't forget to come back next week!

Same Bat-time!

Same Bat-podcast!

Golden Age Batman: Out of Context

Here is another installment of "Golden Age Batman: Out of Context" where every other day, I will post a panel from a Golden Age Batman Story, but only one.

From Detective Comics #37, I present to you:

Trades in the Fall

Again, a great post from Alex Segura on The Source today gave us a list of all the trades and collections coming out from DC Comics for the rest of the year.

This list includes, but is not limited to:

Batman: Cacophony (TPB)

Batman: The Widening Gyre (HC)

Red Robin: Collision TPB (Including Batgirl #8)

Batman and Robin: Batman vs. Robin (Deluxe Hard Cover)

Batgirl: The Greatest Stories Ever Told (TPB)

All, these and more can be found here

Source: The Source

The Return of Bruce Wayne: All 6 Covers

Thanks to Alex Segura and the DCU Source Blog page, we got the last two covers for The Return of Bruce Wayne, but definitely take a look and the background image, and nice, upper half of the Bat Symbol. DAMN FINE work, Andy Kubert!

Source: The Source

Deal: Batman: Arkham Asylum Collector's Edition $59.99 @ Amazon

If you've been waiting for the Batman: Arkham Asylum collector's edition to come down in price, wait no longer! Our good friends over at Amazon.com are now offering said edition for $59.99 with free shipping and no tax.

Choose your system below:
PS3

or

Xbox 360

Bonus:
With your order you also get a $5 credit on select TV shows on Amazon Video On Demand.

Third Christopher Nolan Batman Film Confirmed

If you look closely at the recent interview with Warner Brothers' President Jeff Robinov you will find two very exciting movie announcements: the next Dark Knight is set, and a Wonder Woman movie might be in the cards.

Yesterday we told you about the third Nolan Batman film being in the works with brother Jonah and David Goyer on board to cowrite the script. Now the New York Times has confirmed that Batman film, and a possible movie version of our favorite Amazonian.

While interviewing director Nolan about working with Robinov they confirmed the next Batman picture and later said that Wonder Woman might be one of the next DC characters appearing on the big screen.

"He is trying not to cling to the things that have worked in the past," said Christopher Nolan, who directed "The Dark Knight" and is working on another Batman sequel....

The Walt Disney Company's $4 billion purchase of Marvel Entertainment just over a month ago has increased the pressure on Warner to succeed this time. Warner is expected to announce a DC slate in the coming months populated by characters like the Flash and Wonder Woman.

This is probably the closest thing to a confirmation we're going to get besides an official press release from the studio.

Christopher Nolan has etched his way into my Bat-loving heart with "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight" but he has his work cut out for him on the third film. Can you think of any trilogy where the third film was the best?


Source: New York Times

Airbrush - Jimmy Fallon Joker

Youtube user Alxgatorman posted this Joker video yesterday.

A mix of the original comic book Joker, the Dark Knight Joker on a Jimmy Fallon looking face. I had a suggestion to paint the old comic book style Joker, but I couldn't help but to use the face on Jimmy Fallon, He has a great Joker face. I just had fun with the idea. why so serious anyway? :)

In all, the painting took about 2 hours.

'Batman: Under The Hood' Cast Announced

On February 23 DC is set to release their next animated film, "Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths." If they continue their recent trend in animated films, expect to see a look at their next animated film, "Batman: Under The Hood."

Bat-fans will be happy to know we are learning more details about the film all the time. The latest news comes in the form of a cast announcement.

According to The Los Angeles Times, Bruce Greenwood will star as Batman, with John DiMaggio ("Futurama") as the Joker, "Supernatural" star Jensen Ackles as the Red Hood and Jason Isaacs as Ra's Al Ghul. "Doctor Horrible" and "How I Met Your Mother" star Neil Patrick Harris will portray Nightwing.

"Batman: Under The Hood" will be adapted by Judd Winick and based on the storyline of the same name that Winick wrote in the "Batman" comic series with artists Doug Mahnke and Paul Lee.

The story finds Batman contending with a figure from his past who has donned the identity of the Red Hood — a former alias of the Joker — in order to pursue his revenge against the Dark Knight and the Clown Prince of Crime.

It is unconfirmed at this point whether or not several of the DC heroes that appeared in the original story — including Green Arrow and Zatanna — will appear in the film.

It should also be noted that the story in the LA Times identifies the film as "Batman: Under The Red Hood" even though the original story was simply called "Under The Hood."

Source: LA Times

Batman: Under the Hood, Vol. 1

Gotham Central-Pull List #11

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Welcome Gothamites, to this, the 11th episode in our series of podcast entitled "Pull List" where we discuss all the new comics for Wednesday, February 10, 2010!

This weeks books are:

Batgirl #7

Batman and Robin #8

Brave and the Bold: Milstone (TPB)

Superfriends #24

Interesting Way To Bring The Joker Back For Batman 3

Batman On Film guest contributor Mark Hughes wrote up an interesting article recently, entitled “Why and How The Joker CAN return in Batman 3.″ In the article Hughes explains exactly how The Joker can be re-used in the next Christopher Nolan directed Batman movie. He has a specific subplot in mind for the film which I thought was perfect. Here's a small dose of the article:

“A subplot about this aspect of the Joker as he relates to Batman and Gotham could be an important addition to the storyline… We need not see an entire new storyline about the Joker menacing all of Gotham. The Joker as a supporting character, much like Lecter’s role in SILENCE OF THE LAMBS was not the main plot but instead the most important narrative element making up subplots and character arcs”

For those not familiar, Anthony Hopkins won an Academy Award for Best Actor in Silence of the lambs, where he only has 16 minutes of screen time helping the protagonist accomplish her goals.

I think this is a brilliant idea and I'd love to see it. What do YOU think?

Source: Batman On Film

Golden Age Batman: Out of Context

If you have been paying attention to the site at all, you know that we are introducing some new series of posts and trying to provide you with some good, entertaining content.

One of these new series of post is what I like to call "Golden Age Batman: Out of Context" where every other day, I will post a panel from a Golden Age Batman Story, but only one.

So, without any further ado, "The Return of Dr. Death" from Detective Comics #30

David Goyer Back On Batman!

David Goyer was one of the key players in the recent live action Batman revival. Last year he took on showrunning duties over at ABC on their "Lost Lite" sci fi show "FlashForward." Recently we learned he has stepped aside from "Flashforward," in order to focus on some film projects, including the next Batman film!

Goyer had this to say about the show,

"As my feature projects have started ramping up again, I felt I was being pulled in too many directions. I'm proud of the show and excited about the relaunch. It's in great hands."

Deadline Hollywood recently got the Goyer scoop on his involvement in the third Batman film in the "Nolan-verse,"

"Goyer's feature career is really heating up, since he co-wrote Batman Begins, and penned the story for The Dark Knight, and is now writing the third Batman installment with Chris Nolan's brother Jonah."

Goyer has been hit-or-miss with me as far as comic properties are concerned. He's dabbled in writing, producing and directing (Blade: Trinity) and some have been hits (Batman films) and some have been misses (Blade TV show).

He's definitely got his hands full with "Batman," "Ghost Rider," "Super Max," and "X-Men Origins: Magneto." Here's hoping he can focus his attentions and put out a quality product with the next Batman film.


Source: Deadline Hollywood

Return of Bruce Wayne: The Covers

After a little bit of time in Photoshop, I've been able to give you the "bigger picture" of The Return of Bruce Wayne. Hope you enjoy!

Personally, I am going to do my own coloring for this, just for kicks and giggles, leave comments if you want to see them ;)

But seriously, look at that beautiful artwork from Andy Kubert!

Source: The Source

Suggested Reading

We here at the Gotham Central Podcast were discussing the topic of trying to do a little bit of expansion of the content here, and one of the things we wanted to do was to give you guys a look at some other comics that we read.

So, in addition to some other posts like writer profiles, I've taken it upon myself to provide you with my weekly pull list on every Sunday evening. I pretty much enjoy everything that I read, so if you trust my opinion on these things, you may want to check out some of these comics if you aren't already reading them. :)

Lego Batman Video: Riddler Returns

This is pretty funny, some coarse language, but pretty humorous overall.

Trade Review: Battle For The Cowl

After the events of Batman: RIP and Final Crisis, both penned to an excruciatingly complex point by superstar, albeit polarizing, writer, Grant Morrison, DC Comics was left with the task of discussing and explain who would take on the mantle of The Caped Crusader, and that man was none other than Dick Grayson.



Tasked with telling this story was none other than Tony Daniel on both art and writing duties. In Battle for The Cowl (the main story) Daniel shows us who was vying for the title of Batman. The three real contenders that he came to were Dick Grayson, a reluctant replacement for Bruce Wayne, Tim Drake-the at-the-time Robin, and former dead/Robin/Vigilante/very confused individual , Jason Todd.Battle for the Cowl pretty much just shows the process of the three former robins being very angry with each other and all feeling like they deserve the role of The Dark Knight.

Ultimately, the down fall of Battle for the Cowl is that it is over done, the main story did not particularly set up or clarify any of the current events of Gotham City, although the side stories, such as Azrael and Gotham Underground did push along a story for the characters involved. Which, in all honesty, is pretty strange considering that Tony Daniel is on the current run of Batman. The other downfall is that the story could have been told in one issue, and definitely did not need to go to three. These facts really tend to take you out of the story and you actually realize that what you are reading is pretty much pointless, so it begins to make you less focused on the work, and thus making it less enjoyable. Tony Daniel just does his job and leaves it at that. There are no interesting takes on any of the characters involved, and no new developments on pre-existing character traits. It's your run of the mill Batman story sans Batman.

Overall, the book itself it is not absolutely terrible, it's just that the book feels pointless. If you were to read this book on it's own, it could be fine if it didn't rely heavily on pre-existing knowledge of the events of Final Crisis and Batman: RIP. It's really unfortunate because it takes a 3-4 star book, and turns it into a 2-3 star book based solely on the current events. And compared to other trades like Hush, Long Halloween, The Black Glove, and many others, it definitely pales in comparison.

All in all, if you just ABSOLUTELY need to know every excruciating detail of how, but not why, Dick Grayson put on the cowl, pick this up, but if not, stay away and read the first trade of Batman & Robin, which is coming very soon


Buy it from Amazon

Gotham Central-Reviews #10

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Hunter flies solo in the night skiy in this episode of Gotham Central, but don't let that discourage you! NO! Because we have some fantastic stories to discuss!

This Week's Books Are:

Legends of The Dark Knight Special

Gotham: Confidential #41

The Question #37

Red Robin #9

Plus, a special review of The Question backup stories from Detective Comics!

Gotham Central-Pull List #10

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While Commissioner Vactor is off hanging out with Jim Lee, Hunter stays in Gotham City to bring you all the information of this week's comics from Gotham!

This Week's Books Are:

Legends of The Dark Knight Special

Gotham: Confidential #41

The Question #37

Red Robin #9

Batgirl Action Figure

Barbara Gordon

The character of Barbara Gordon has been through quite a lot since her first appearance of Detective Comics #359 in January of 1967. The creation of Babs was one of necessity; the producers of the ABC Batman series wanted another female character due to the on screen success of Catwoman. When Carmine Infantino and Gardner Fox were charged with this task they developed not only Barbara but Poison Ivy and another character named the Grey Fox. The producers loved the concept and Batgirl and there was plenty of cross-promotion to take advantage of. Barbara Gordon was not the first Batgirl; Bob Kane had created a Batwoman and Batgirl that existed for a short time in the 1950’s. Those characters, in the words of a DC Comics open letter to the fans at that time “were gone for good”. This meant that Barbara Gordon was going to be a central character to the Bat-family moving forward.

In the late 1960’s the Batman TV series cast Yvonne Craig as Barbara Gordon. There was a tremendous amount of buzz at the time for this move, and helped to seal the order for a third season of the show. Craig did various photo shoots dressed as Batgirl and promoted “The Million Dollar Debut of Batgirl” as her “favorite comic of all time”. Clearly this was a move to generate female interest in the character and subsequently the TV series as well as Detective Comics.

The origin stories for the character were basically the same. On the TV series Barbara was daughter of Police Commissioner James Gordon who was a graduate student working at the Gotham Public Library who moonlighted as Batgirl. The comic origin was slightly different, going into more detail for Barbara’s motivation to be under the cowl. At a very young age Babs and her friend Marcy would design costumes and secret identities for themselves; this would lay the groundwork for Babs becoming Batgirl later on. Living in suburban Ohio, Barbara’s parents were killed in a car crash and she went to live with her Uncle, Cpt. Jim Gordon at age 13 who promptly adopted her. Living in Gotham City, Babs became infatuated with the city’s nighttime protector Batman. Becoming obsessed, she learned everything that she could about the caped crusader. One evening she snuck into her father’s home office, where he was having a conversation with Batman. Not knowing until now that Batman and her adoptive father worked together, this made her obsession with the Dark Knight grow even stronger. The following morning Babs insisted that she should be enrolled in martial arts classes. Although he was reluctant, Jim thought that the daughter of a police Captain could benefit from self defense classes. Barbara quickly obtained a black-belt while excelling in her training. Having realized that Batman was not only a perfected martial artist, but a super intelligent detective as well, Barbara committed herself to excelling in academics. She had a photographic memory which helped her to graduate at Gotham Heights High School at the age of only 16. This enabled her to earn a scholarship to Gotham State University, where she was one of the youngest students. Barbara graduated GSU before she was even a legal adult. Barbara had become friends with Katarina Armstrong who we now know as “Spy Smasher” in the DCU. This friendship was ended abruptly at GSU when Kat and Babs were in a track & field race where Kat tripped Babs and won the race. It was several years before the two would cross paths again. Now 16, she had accepted a job at the Gotham Public Library as a research assistant. Her training was not forgotten however, she learned Jujitsu under a sensei named Dragoncat. By this time Barbara had decided she wanted to work in the field of law enforcement. She asked her father about joining the police academy, but James laughed at her, claiming that she didn't even meet the height requirements. She attempted to join the FBI as well, but was not accepted for the same reason.

It wasn’t but a few nights later that Barbara’s life would change forever. The GCPD was having a masquerade ball. Many of Gotham’s elite would be there, including Bruce Wayne. Babs designed and sewed a feminine looking Batman costume for the party, one that resembled her designs from when she was a child. Her intentions were to spite her father by crashing this party as “Batgirl”. Once arriving at the party things quickly changed. A costumed criminal named Killer Moth” had raided the party and was holding hostages for ransom. This was her chance and she took it, not realizing that Bruce Wayne was Batman she tackled Killer Moth who had taken Bruce as his prize hostage. This allowed Bruce to escape and slip away to change in to Batman joined by Robin. By this time Killer Moth had overpowered Batgirl and she needed some help. Killer Moth was allowed to escape so that Batman could save Batgirl. Batman scolded Batgirl for being so reckless. This was a shock for Babs, but despite his disapproval Batman sent her a set of batarangs via Dick Grayson who had subtly revealed himself to be Robin. When Babs solved the mystery of Robin’s identity Batman “swore her in” with an oath and revealed his own identity.

For years Batgirl was used in the comics less and less, losing much of the attention that the TV series had brought to the character. Various storylines had her placed as a love interest for Robin. She eventually retired as Batgirl after being less fulfilled by her role as Batgirl.

If you are interested in reading some of the silver age stories involving Batgirl you need to prepare yourself for a different social culture. Women in the silver age were often depicted as weak and even simple minded. The stories are good, but it’s hard sometimes to get past the Bat-lipstick and utility purse that were commonplace of the time. You may even find that her origin has some differences as well. The mega event “Crisis on Infinite Earths” which took place in 1985 restructured the DC universe and many characters back-story. The origin I have talked about is based on the corrections to continuity that Crisis was designed to correct for the whole universe.

One of the significant changes to the DCU post-crisis was grittier and darker universe our hero’s were living in. Barbara Gordon was no exception to this rule. Having retired as Batgirl, Barbara’s life was about to take a 180 in the Graphic Novel “The Killing Joke”. The story itself revolves mostly around Batman and the Joker, who believes that any man could be driven insane if he has a “bad enough day”. Jim Gordon and Barbara become lab rats in the Jokers sick experiment. The Joker knocks on the door of the Gordon’s house and shoots Barbara in the midsection effectively paralyzing her from the waist down. He then takes her bloody body and snaps countless pictures of her in various states of undress. The Joker then leaves to kidnap James and torture him with the gruesome images of Barbara. This is a fantastic story that I hate to spoil if you haven’t read it. The story as it relates to the Gordon’s however still is having aftershocks in the Batman titles today.

Barbara goes through a deep depression after having her spine severed by the Joker’s bullet and her father as well as her sometimes boyfriend Dick Grayson is left grief-stricken. This causes Barbara to develop an intense obsession with everything to do with the Joker. She begins to develop some remarkable computer hacking skills and regularly taps into the prison surveillance cameras to keep an eye on the Joker. Dick Grayson and Barbara argue that an exception should be made to kill the Joker.

Barbara is able to find a very useful way to put her high intellect of information technology to good work. She develops the Oracle after the Greek figure of the same name, who was an all knowing woman. To this day Barbara has been irreplaceable as Oracle serving as an information broker for Batman, the Justice League, and countless other heroes’ in the DCU. She even develops her own team of female crime fighters known as “the Birds of Prey”. But Barbara does rely on her mind alone; she trains with a martial arts master by the name of Richard Dragon to develop her upper body and a fighting style that she can use while still in her wheelchair.

The birds of prey series ran for 10 years and was written by a handful of notable writers. It was announced that in 2010 Gail Simone will be taking back the title after having worked on the series earlier in her career.

Oracle was instrumental in the 2008 event “Final Crisis”, where she and Mr. Terrific attempt to shut down the internet due to the plan that Darkseid has to spread his anti-life equation. They are not successful and fall prey to Darkseids plan.

Barbara has appeared in various media as well, many of the Batman animated series had appearances of both Batgirl and Oracle. The movie Batman & Robin showed us a different interpretation of Barbara/Batgirl being the niece of Alfred Pennyworth.

If you are interested in reading some batgirl stories as I mention earlier, there are many trades out there to get a “Batgirl/Oracle fix”. By reading any of these you are bound to have a greater appreciation for Barbara Gordon and her unrivaled value to the DCU. The trade series “Batgirl: Year One” is a great place to start to really get a feel for despite her different motivations than Batman, she is a very complex character well deserving of her long history in the DCU.

• Showcase Presents: Batgirl, Vol. 1 ISBN 1401213677; collects early Batgirl appearances (1967–1975) (Release date 2007) Softcover
• Batman: Batgirl (1997) ISBN 978-1563893056
• Batman: The Killing Joke (1988) ISBN 0930289455
• Batman: Thrillkiller ISBN 1563894246; collects Thrillkiller: Batgirl & Robin and the '62 special (1998)
• Elseworld's Finest: Supergirl & Batgirl (1998)
• Birds of Prey (1999) ISBN 156389484X
• Birds of Prey: Old Friends, New Enemies (2003) ISBN 1563899396
• Batgirl: Year One (2003) ISBN 140120080X
• Birds of Prey: Of Like Minds (2004) ISBN 140120192X
• Birds of Prey: Sensei & Student (2005) ISBN 1401204341
• Birds of Prey: Between Dark & Dawn (2006) ISBN 1401209408
• Birds of Prey: The Battle Within (2006) ISBN 978-1401210960
• Birds of Prey: Perfect Pitch (2007) ISBN 1401211917
• Birds of Prey: Blood and Circuits (2007) ISBN 9781401213718