November Batman News

DC's The Source has posted new information to inform us on the changes coming to Batman in November. Here's what The Source has to say:

"Bruce Wayne be returning to a new set of Batman duds, but his first sidekick, Dick Grayson, will continue to fight crime on the streets of Gotham as Batman, and under the banner of 'Batman Inc.'"

As for the rest of the titles, Batman and Robin will continue the adventures of Dick and Damien, While Batman Inc., and Batman: Dark Knight will follow Bruce Wayne. Here's what editor Mike Marts had to say on the subject:

“Just as readers were getting comfortable with the idea of former sidekick Dick Grayson playing the role of Batman, along comes Bruce Wayne’s triumphant return to the Cape and Cowl. Is Gotham City ready for two Batmen? Is the world? And who’s to say the fun will end there?”

Con News

With Baltimore Comic Con and Fan Expo wrapping up this weekend, DC has thrown a whirlwind of news tidbits at us. I've posted three links to the articles that should hold interest to you. I will tease these few things:

1. Ongoing Batman Beyond series

2. “I’m going to give away a little secret: [Dick] was going to go back to Nightwing pretty quick, but that reaction that we’ve seen kept him in the costume longer -- and will see him there in the future. He’s not coming out anytime soon just because Bruce Wayne is coming back,” DiDio said.

3. What about “Gotham Central?” Sattler said DC is “working on something that will fill that niche.”

Click the links for all the stories!

BCC: DC Nation
Fan Expo: DC Universe
Fan Expo: DC Nation

Tony Daniel on Batman

Wednesday afternoon, The Source posted some preview art and some quotes from Tony Daniel about his return to Batman. Check out the extremely graphic preview sketch below:

Tony Daniel says a few words on his upcoming Batman run after the break.

Details Emerge About 'Young Justice'

New details have arisen about the animated series Young Justice. And Spinoff Online has brought it to the masses.

I highly recommend you read the rest of the article, but here is a small snippet:

The cartoon’s Robin and Kid Flash are definitely Dick Grayson and Wally West, not Tim Drake and Bart Allen. “We went through and made the decision fairly early on that this was going to be a young DC universe,” Weisman said, “that Superman will have only shown up ten years ago, put on the cape ten years ago, Batman would have only put on the cape nine years ago, that the heroes haven’t been around that long, and once you’ve made that decision, then the idea of starting with Dick Grayson and Wally West, the original side kicks, they’re still young …”

The world of Young Justice is part of DC’s multiverse. “… We’re set on Earth 16,” Vietti said, “so we’re actually a part of the DC Universe – you know they have 52 earths now and we’re Earth 16, so we’re part of the multiverse, and the comic book that’s based on the show is going to be in continuity.”

Preview: Batman #702

Thanks to DC's The Source, we're given a sneak peak at the "lost chapter" in Bruce's life between R.I.P. and Final Crisis. I have to say, Tony Daniel draws a pretty awesome Flash. Take a look!

First Look: Yanick Paquette's Batman, Inc.

Well, let the good times roll! Or continue to roll in this case. Our friend, DC's The Source, has released Yanick Paquette's first cover to the new series BATMAN, INC from writer Grant Morrison. The title kicks off in November along with BATMAN: DARK KNIGHT. Take a look at the cover!

First Look at New Batwoman Ongoing

DC's The Source has granted as a peeky-poo at the new ongoing Batwoman series by J.H. Williams III. Can I just say, "LOOK HOW PRETTY!?!"

DC Universe Online Video Game Teaser Trailer

Here is the DC Universe Online Video Game teaser trailer. There are no words. I'm just salivating.
The full trailer will be released on July 23rd. The game is scheduled to be released November 2, 2010.

Batman: Under the Red Hood DVD Review

Well boys and girls, I hope you have room on your "instant classics" shelf for Batman: Under the Red Hood for this movie is quite possibly one of the best Batman movies of all time. And I've seen them all. Dozens of times.

NERD ALERT!

Batman: Under the Red Hood is the eighth film in the DC Animated Movies collection, written by Judd Winick and directed by Brandon Vietti. B:UtRH tells the tale of a new crime lord known only as the Red Hood. This mysterious figure is taking control of the Gotham Underground by force much to the dismay of Batman. The film is based on the original comic story line Batman: Under the Hood written by Judd Winick.

I'm going to give you the bottom line here before I delve into a full review with SPOILERS. Batman: Under the Red Hood is a fantastic movie. Bruce Timm and his creative team really upped the level of quality for this production, which is saying something considering every one of their movies are fantastic. Everything is spot on from the style, to the action, to the voice acting, to the fluidity of animation. Any Batman should be proud to have this on their shelves. Even if you aren't a "Red Hood" fan.

********************************SPOILERS!******************************
HEED MY WARNING! I'M GOING INTO DETAIL HERE. DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT (!) CONTINUE TO READ LEST YOU WANT TO KNOW ALMOST EVERYTHING!!

Ahem.

::Drinks tea with lemon::

Sorry about that, all that shouting made me sound like Christian Bale. Now, on to a fully detailed, spoiler-ridden review.

Are ya ready kids!?

Story

Batman: Under the Red Hood opens with death of the second Robin, Jason Todd, at the hands of the Joker. Most Batman fans know Jason's history, but if you're unfamiliar click here. Without going into full detail, Judd Winick takes liberties with the death of Jason, spinning it to his own benefit. Fortunately for Mr. Winick, he not only does justice to Jason's demise, but he also improves upon it. The death of Jason in this film is quite violent and heartbreaking considering it's only 5 minutes long.
After the Death in the Family, we skip ahead five years as we're introduced to the rest of the star-studded cast such as Nightwing, Black Mask, Alfred, etc, etc. I'm going to touch on all the voice actors later, so don't fret just yet.

Now, I'm going to SPOIL something right here: The Red Hood is in fact Jason Todd returned from the grave! OH MY GOD I HAD NO IDEA!

Nah, I'm just kidding, I really knew all along. In the original comics storyline, the identity of the Red Hood remained a mystery until the end of the story. Here, we are given clues to know who's under the hood quickly although the audience is more aware than Batman and his allies.

Winick holds true to his original plot, but deletes any mention of Infinite Crisis. This validates the story more for those of us comic fans and casual viewers alike. Winick reworks Jason's return to not only be grounded in the Batman mythos, but far more believable than the likes of Superboy Prime. For the record though, I'm one of "those people" that like Prime. I just don't care for the punch.

As the film progresses, we are treated to some very cool moments. The fight choreography in particular is very well handled. It's the best I've ever seen in a Batman movie. Do note that the movie is in fact quite violent. If any of you are parents, I would recommend waiting on this title for your children until they're a bit older. Lots of blood and lots of bone crunching. Oh, and the mild swearing. Can't forget that.

B:UtRH isn't all action though. This movie is really a character and philosophically driven story. Winick raises some of the "big questions" and we are treated to some answers. And of course, anything that delves into the psychology of Batman is worth a look.

The film at its end is quite heartbreaking. It's the same feeling I get every time I watch Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. If you don't know what I'm talking about, either go out and watch B:MotP or get a soul.




Animation

This is just a great looking movie, no other way around it. The animation is very fluid while the camera angles are masterfully placed to keep you in the action. The architecture of Gotham is wonderful. This is a more realistic Gotham than we've seen in the past, borrowing aspects from Nolan's "Chicago" Gotham, but maintaining a life of its own. Oh, and the car and plane: badass.



Voice Acting

O.K., I'm a stickler for voice actors. I am so needlessly picky it could drive anyone insane. I think it's almost impossible to top, or even equal some of the actors used on Batman: The Animated Series. So, are you ready for this? Everyone was awesome. And I mean it.

Batman: Bruce Greenwood. Just...wow. If Kevin Conroy didn't exist, Bruce Greenwood would be my Batman. He was just phenomenal. The man could make a room stand still by breathing.

Nightwing: Neil Patrick Harris as Nightwing is the one cast member I was a little iffy on which shocked me because I love NPH. He fits Dick Grayson very well, he understands the character, but I could tell he was "putting on" a voice that didn't suit Dick. Be your own judge, but that's just my opinion.

Alfred: Ol' Alfie is a tough one to cast. When you have the voices of Michael Gough, Michael Caine, and Efrem Zimbalist Jr. in your head, it's very hard to accept another Alfred. However, I was very impressed with Jim Piddock. Very good actor and he gave Alfred all the sass required.

Red Hood: Jensen Ackles just NAILED this part. He found Jason's voice to make him less of a whiner and more of a badass. I really dug what he brought to the table.

Black Mask: Wade Williams as Black Mask is everything a Black Mask fan (like myself) could hope for. He really understands how insane BM is along with how much of dark comedian he can be. I was very happy.

Ra's Al Ghul: O.K., here are a few things about Ra's Al Ghul. 1) It's pronounced RAISH-AL-GHOUL, not RAWZ-AL-GHOUL. This always bothers me anytime I watch Batman Begins no matter how awesome it is. Luckily, B:UtRH got it right. 2) David Warner (BTAS) is ingrained in my head as Ra's Al Ghoul. 3) I LOVE Jason Isaacs. Everything the man does it gold, including pieces outside of The Patriot and Harry Potter. Although, I may be a little biased because he filmed a movie in my town. Now, all that being said, Jason Isaacs NAILED Ra's Al Ghul. My only complaint: he is not in the movie nearly as much as I would like to have seen.

The Joker: John Di Maggio is a hell of a voice actor. I've been a fan of his since the original days of him as Bender on Futurama, but I've followed his career up through Teen Titans (Brother Blood), The Batman (Mugsy/Rhino), and The Spectacular Spider-Man (Hammerhead/Flinto Marko) to name a few. Di Maggio as the Joker? AWESOME. Just as Bruce Greenwood owns Batman, Di Maggio owns Mr. J. He is creepy, sardonic, ruthless, and totally awesome. Di Maggio has it all. What? How does he compare to Mark Hamill you ask? I'll take either. And I mean that.


Overall, Batman: Under the Red Hood is an instant Batman classic, measuring up to the likes of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm or Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker any day of the week. You could even compare it to the live actions films, but I always find that's a little unfair. Animation and live action are two different film animals. Each have pros and cons over each other. But that won't stop me from rating this right up there along the best of the Bat films.

Batman: Under the Red Hood will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray on July 27, 2010. You can pre-order your copy here.

New Books Coming This Fall

Good news everyone!

According to DC's The Source, everyone's favorite website (well, mine anyway), us Bat-fans have quite a few treats coming in the next few months.

First, we will be treated in October to "Bruce Wayne: The Road Home," a series of eight one-shots dealing with the repercussions of Bruce's return. These one shots will be handled individually by some of DC's top talent, including one of my favorites, Bryan Q. Miller. This is what Mike Marts, editor of the Bat titles, has to say on the subject:

“Bruce Wayne’s journey back home has been a long and dangerous road, but before he can assume the mantle of the Bat again, he must first figure out how things have changed in the world around him, how relationships have changed…and how those changes will effect his decisions moving forward as the protector of Gotham City.”

Next, The Source announced newly appointed writer of Action Comics Paul Cornell, teamed with artist Jimmy Broxton, will be taking on Knight and Squire, the British Dynamic Duo! Invented by Grant Morrison, Knight and Squire developed a rabid cult following, so much so that DC feels right to treat us to a six issue mini-series of our London-hopping crime-fighting cousins. Here's what Paul Cornell has to say on the subject:

“I’m delighted to be working in DC Britain! Grant always said that he added something to the Knight and Squire’s world with every appearance: we’ll be taking that policy, and the amount of over the top weird and wonderful zany surreal Britishness and dialing them up to eleven. If you’ve wanted to see a milkman fighting a dinosaur in a suit, in a pub, then this is the comic for you.”

And finally, in October, David Finch will team with Grant Morrison for Batman: The Return, a one-shot beginning the new era in the Batverse. But wait! There's more! In November, David Finch will take on the tasks of writer/artist in the new ongoing series Batman: Dark Knight! This is what Finch had to say on the subject:

“I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’ve wanted to draw Batman for a very, very long time. Batman and his world embody everything that I love about Superhero comics, and I could not be happier that I’ve gotten this opportunity!
Maybe the greatest thing about Batman is his versatility as a character. He can be so many things to so many people. For me though, the Neal Adams, Denny O’Neil issues from the early 70’s are the most definitive. That work casts a very long shadow over every Batman book that has come out since, and I think its a testament to it’s strength that close to 40 years later it remains modern and vital. Batman is at his best with his hands dirty, chasing the worst of the worst with everything on the line. He’s a detective, first and foremost. But he’s also the enforcer. Nobody gets away with crime under Batman’s watch, and he makes sure they think twice before they step over the line again.
The Dark Knight takes Batman outside what he knows, into a world of demonology, dark arts, and mystery. He’s the ultimate detective, faster, stronger and smarter than any villian, but now he faces creatures to whom logic and mortality don’t apply.
I want Dark Knight to be true to Batman’s street level, crime fighter roots. He’ll face a rogues gallery that we’re all familiar with, but this book will take him on a darker path where he’ll be stretched to his physical and psychological limits.”

Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.

Superman/Batman: Apocalypse Glimpse

Hello All -

As I was stumbling my way through Twitter, I came across DCU Movie Page and the tweet "Look at the heroes of Superman/Batman: Apocalypse." Well, needless to say, when I saw not one, but THREE links to let me pass into the magical realm of knowledge, I clicked away, and looky looky what I found!!


Look how pretty!!! I gasped out loud when I saw what Bruce Timm and his team have in store for us next time around. This the most faithful artist to animation interpretation we've seen from the DC Animated movies. Michael Turner was a master of his craft and I'm very pleased for them to pay such homage to his legacy.

Shameless plug: For those interested in Jeph Loeb's original story Superman/Batman: The Supergirl from Krypton then check out Thought Bubble Audio for their soon to be released radio production of this very story!

I have always been a fan of this story, and I'm very glad to see the way this movie is playing out. Superman/Batman: Apocalypse goes on sale September 27, 2010.

First Look at Supergirl

I know this is technically more "Superman" than "Batman," but take a look at this article from TV Guide Online about Summer Glau as Supergirl in Superman/Batman: Apocalypse! The article includes our first look at the animation style and guess what?! She has Michael Turner eyebrows!! And if you don't know what I mean by that, shame on you comic fan. Shame. On. You.

Happy Fourth!!

Source: TV Guide

Beyond Awesome

If you're above the age of 18, you may remember a little show entitled, "Batman Beyond." This animated television series, created and produced by the master, Bruce Timm, depicted an aging Bruce Wayne as he takes on a protege in the form of high school student, Terry McGinnis. The show ran from 1999-2001 on Kids WB before it was canceled unceremoniously. It was almost revived several years later with a college-aged Terry and the daugher of Nightwing and Starfire, but the show never left the runway. Even though Batman Beyond: Part II never made it to syndication, the cast was featured in its own feature length movie ("Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker") and on two Justice League episodes. The latter episode, entitled, "Epilogue," (which actually aired as part of Justice League Unlimited) served as a proper series finale for the show as it never had one before.

But why am I sharing all this lovely information with you? Well, as it turns, out, DC Entertainment (as they're now known as) has decided to give Batman Beyond its own 6-issue mini series starting in June!!! BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!!! Not only are we receiving a Batman Beyond mini, but we're also going to be looking at Superman Beyond!!

As you may or may not know, Superman was featured on two episodes of Batman Beyond. I believe Superman Beyond to be about this spin on the character but DC has given us no further details at this point.

Needless to say for all those Batman Beyond fans out there, this is very, very schway.

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.

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

Source: DCU The Source