And it stars Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes! Also written and directed by Smith (Clerks, the scary Red State) it’s short, but pretty entertaining. Injustice: Gods Among Us, starring a host of DC Comics characters, is out next week.
On a related note, the next game in the Batman: Arkham series is called Origins and will be out on October 25. It’s set on Christmas Eve and features 8 of the world’s best assassins, including Deathstroke, coming to Gotham to kill Batman. There’s a host of beautiful screenshots right here.
Legendary artist Carmine Infantino died this week. He co-created Batgirl, and revitalised the superhero genre, which was dormant at the time, with his fresh take on The Flash in 1956. There’s a great rundown of the man and his influence on not only DC Comics, but the comic book biz as a whole right here.
Sadly, in the mainstream press Infantino didn’t get the press he deserves, which is usually the way. Jack Kirby received very little attention outside of the comics industry when he died in 1994.
Anyway, one man who did get a lot of ink about his passing was famed film critic Roger Ebert. I don’t think his TV show with Gene Siskel was ever showed here in Australia, but I’m certainly aware of the man, and amongst the many looks back at his life is this amusing rundown of his 40 most scathing reviews from films over the last few decades. My faves are below, and you can see the whole list here.
8. Battlefield Earth (2000):
“Battlefield Earth is like taking a bus trip with someone who has needed a bath for a long time. It’s not merely bad; it’s unpleasant in a hostile way.”
12. Catwoman (2004):
“The director, whose name is Pitof, was probably issued with two names at birth and would be wise to use the other one on his next project.”
36. Spice World (1997):
“The Spice Girls are easier to tell apart than the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but that is small consolation: What can you say about five women whose principal distinguishing characteristic is that they have different names?”
The last time Warner Bros/DC Comics released a documentary was in 2010. Ryan Reynolds narrated Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics which looked at the 75 year history of the publisher, and it was rather enjoyable, and accessible, with plenty of interviews with comic creators, and some great art. The next focus is an interesting one, as it shines the spotlight on the multitude of bad guys and gals. Most people know the heroes such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, etc so to look at their enemies is an interesting idea, and comes at a good time, with the cinematic Bane and Catwoman recently seen, and Zod and Faora from June’s Man of Steel film, plus next month’s release of the Injustice: Gods Among Us video game. Official details below.
Behind every great hero, there are a whole lot of villains.” – Geoff Johns
Legendary Villain Christopher Lee Narrates
The Joker, Bane, Deathstroke, Darkseid and Lex Luthor — the scariest and most menacing villains in DC Comics’ universe — take center stage in a brand new full-length documentary from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) and DC Entertainment (DCE). The joint announcement was made today by WBHE and DCE.
Christopher Lee, who has played the villain more times than almost any other actor, will provide his unique voice as narrator. His roles in more than 200 films include star turns as Dracula, the Mummy and Frankenstein’s monster in Hammer horror classics, Count Dooku in Star Wars, and Saruman in The Lord of the Rings trilogy andThe Hobbit films.
In this new documentary film, the malevolent, sometimes charismatic figures from DC Comics’ hallowed rogues’ gallery will be explored in depth, featuring interviews with the famed creators, storytellers and those who have crafted the personalities and profiles of many of the most notorious villains in comic book history.
Production begins March 30, to coincide with WonderCon at the Anaheim Convention Center March 29-31.
Noted Geoff Johns, best-selling author and DCE’s Chief Creative Officer, “DC Comics is known for many things, but chief among them is the compelling, diverse and legendary society of super-villains who populate its universe. From the monstrous Solomon Grundy to the brutal Black Adam to the charismatic Sinestro, there is no single greater collection of villainy in all of fiction. These villains are hugely popular comic book characters in their own right and, quite honestly, many are often times more popular than some of our iconic super heroes.”
Jeff Baker, WBHE’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, Theatrical Catalog, added “The DC brand is enjoying a huge resurgence thanks to the entire leadership team at DC Entertainment which is driving opportunities not only for new theatrical properties, but for brand extensions as well. This new documentary will reinforce this evolving strategy and leverage DC assets across the entire studio landscape.”
Johns also reiterated that this year’s initiative will be a turning point for DCE. “It’s time we deconstruct these complex and sinister antagonists and celebrate the role they play as the engine and energy of some of the greatest storytelling in comics. 2013 is the Year of the Villain at DC Comics.”
On Saturday, March 30th, fans attending WonderCon are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite DC Comics’ villain for an opportunity to be featured in the documentary. Fans can join DCE at WonderCon Booth 801 with filming to take place Saturday from 10:30 am – Noon. To find out more about where and what time to meet in the WonderCon DC Entertainment booth, keep checking the DC Comics Facebook (Facebook.com/DCComics) and Twitter sites (@DCComics).
Participation in upcoming ‘cons’ (Comic-Con International: San Diego and New York Comic Con) is anticipated, with a full release scheduled for later in the year.
Iron Man 3 opens in May and yes, there will be over 40 different suits of armour in the film. Tony’s been a busy boy, as Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige describes.
“We have what we call the prehensile suit, which allows each individual piece of the suit to fly separately and latch on to him. It doesn’t quite work perfectly, but it is a great advancement that Tony uses throughout this movie, so that wherever he is, theoretically, he can call it to him and it can arrive. It doesn’t always work, and there’s a great scene in the movie, which we gave a little taste of to fans at Comic-Con this year in a giveaway of an art poster that Ryan Meinerding had done, where the entire suit doesn’t come to him. He just gets one glove and one boot and has to fight off a battalion of bad guys with just the boot and just the glove. “It’s often the limitations of the suit that can provide the most fun-when the suit breaks, when the suit doesn’t quite work — and there’s that in spades. We also, though, hint early on in the film by mentioning that this is not the Mark 8 as you might think because the Mark 7 was the last suit revealed in “The Avengers.” It’s the Mark 42. So there are well over 40 suits that Tony has built in between the time of “The Avengers” and “Iron Man 3″ because of his obsession. By the end of the film, we see each and every one of them, and you realize Tony is a mechanic and he has been tinkering. Any conceivable idea he had about the suit technology he built and stored in his Hall of Armor. Finally, after talking about it for four movies we finally see his Hall of Armor and the giant army of suits that he’s built for himself.”
You can check out 6 of those awesome suits here, but it looks like the classic Hulkbuster armour from the comics has yet to reveal itself, although the Igor suit somewhat resembles it. Oh, and if you’re in Disneyland you’ll be able to see some of those suits at a new exhibit that runs from April 13 to September.
I’ve never been a hug fan of fighting video games, although I spent many hours in my high school years playing Street Fighter 2. However, any chance to play as DC Comics characters has my interest, and Injustice: Gods Among Us continues to intrigue me, the more I see of it. Take these 3 videos for example. 240 missions? Surprise characters such as Martian Manhunter and Giganta (and possibly Lobo)! Sold! A demo for the much anticipated game will be released on April 2.
Geoff Johns has been writing comics, and TV shows for years now, so maybe this wasn’t his mistake, but in this week’s second issue of DC’s new Justice League of America, Steve Trevor’s dialogue refers to Green Arrow’s fake “wrap sheet.”
That spelling didn’t look right to me, and after some brief investigation, I can confirm that it should actually be, “rap sheet,” when referring to someone’s criminal record. Apparently its stands for Record of Arrest and Prosecution.
As for the series itself, it’s not too bad, and has an interesting line-up with Katana, Vibe and Catwoman, but I kept thinking of the various Avengers launches from Marvel in recent years, with the similar boardroom and press conference scenes, and behind the scenes political shenanigans.
Below are the official details for DC Comics/ Warner Bros’ next animated feature film. Yes, Superman’s chin may be a tad too pointy, but the film looks set to be pretty spectacular and action packed.
‘WHITE COLLAR’ STAR MATT BOMER DONS THE ICONIC ‘S’ SHIELD OPPOSITE ‘FRINGE’S’ JOHN NOBLE AS BRAINIAC IN AN ALL-NEW DC UNIVERSE ANIMATED ORIGINAL MOVIE
SUPERMAN: UNBOUND
COMING MAY 7, 2013 FROM WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT
‘Castle’ Duo of Stana Katic & Molly Quinn Voice Lois Lane & Supergirl on
Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, On Demand & For Digital Download
A destructive force is devastating
planets across the galaxy – with Earth next in its sights – and even
Superman may not be capable of halting the terror in SUPERMAN:
UNBOUND, the next entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe Animated
Original Movies. Produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and
Warner Bros. Animation, the all-new, PG-13 rated film arrives May 7,
2013 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment as a Blu-ray™ Combo Pack
($24.98 SRP) and DVD ($19.98 SRP), On Demand and for Digital Download.
The Blu-ray™ Combo Pack will include UltraViolet™*.
Based on the Geoff Johns/Gary Frank 2008 release “Superman: Brainiac,”
SUPERMAN: UNBOUND finds the Man of Steel aptly handling day-to-day
crime while helping acclimate Supergirl to Earth’s customs and
managing Lois Lane’s expectations for their relationship. Personal
issues take a back seat when the horrific force responsible for the
destruction of Krypton – Brainiac – begins his descent upon Earth.
Brainiac has crossed the universe, collecting cities from interesting
planets – including Supergirl’s home city of Kandor – and now the
all-knowing, ever-improving android has his sights fixed on
Metropolis. Superman must summon all of his physical and intellectual
resources to protect his city, the love of his life and his
newly-arrived cousin.
The film’s stellar voicecast is led by Matt Bomer (White Collar) as
Superman, John Noble (Fringe, The Lord of the Rings films) as
Brainiac, Stana Katic (Castle) as Lois Lane and Molly Quinn (Castle)
as Supergirl. Additional voices in the cast include Golden Globe Award
winner Frances Conroy (Six Feet Under) as Ma Kent, Wade Williams (The
Dark Knight Rises) as Perry White, Diedrich Bader (The Drew Carey
Show, Office Space) as Steve Lombard, Stephen Root (Boardwalk Empire,
Justified) as Zor-El, and Alexander Gould (Weeds) as Jimmy Olsen.
Supervising Producer James Tucker (Justice League, Batman: The Brave
and the Bold) also directs the film from a script by Bob Goodman
(Warehouse 13, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns).
“SUPERMAN: UNBOUND adds an all-new chapter to the growing legacy of
animated films featuring the Man of Steel and his epic challenges to
maintain peace on Earth,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Home Video
Vice President, Family & Animation and Partner Brands Marketing. “Matt
Bomer’s voice epitomizes the All-American hero that is Superman, and
John Noble counters that tone with a commanding, chilling delivery for
Brainiac. A superhero is only as good as the depths of his opposition,
and Noble brings out the best in his villainous portrayal of
Brainiac.”
SUPERMAN: UNBOUND Blu-ray™ Combo Pack has over 4 1/2 hours of exciting
content, including:
• Standard and high definition versions of the feature film
• UltraViolet™*
• Sneak Peek at Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, the next DC
Universe Animated Original Movie
• Featurette – “Kandor: History of the Bottle City” – An all-new
featurette. Kandor: a peaceful scientific community dedicated toward
the preservation of all that is good on Krypton, the home world of
Superman. That is, until the city was ripped from its world and
placed into a small glass bottle! This is the short story
highlighting the shrunken city of Kandor. Its history just as
fascinating as it is unique, here is how it ties in directly with the
Man of Tomorrow.
• Featurette – “Brainiac: Technology and Terror” – An all-new
featurette. Mostly machine, but part sentient being, Brainiac steals
cities and destroys worlds. Is he the most vile of Superman’s
villainous foes? Experience the Brainiac mythology and find out why
Superman barely stands a chance!
• Audio Commentary – Featuring members of the creative team: Mike
Carlin, Bob Goodman and James Tucker.
• Four bonus episodes from Superman: The Animated Series (“The Last
Son of Krypton, Part 1”; “New Kids in Town”; and “Little Girl Lost,
Parts 1 & 2”), all handpicked by producer Alan Burnett.
• Digital Comic – Excerpt from the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac by
Geoff Johns and Gary Frank.
The latest animated film from DC Comics/ Warner Bros is based on the 2008 Brainiac storyline from the comics by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank, in which Superman must fight the green skinned alien. The series was pretty entertaining and deservedly epic for the Man of Steel, and does a FAR better job of interpreting Brainiac (and Superman, and everyone else for that matter) than this never made screenplay that recently surfaced online.
Phew. It has been a busy few days with Superman news being unleashed almost daily, in anticipation of the upcoming film, and if you go to your local comic shop, you may just be bale to get a double-sided bookmark with recommendations of great Superman comics too.
Firstly, as anyone with a passing interest in cinematic history will know, there was a go in the late-90s of making a Superman film starring Nicolas Cage (true!) and directed by Tim Burton. It never happened, but you can watch the amusing storyteller Kevin Smith tell the wild tale here.
Two pics of Cage in the proposed Superman suit have been recently unearthed, coinciding with a Kickstarter doco about the failed film, called The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened? It would be a fascinating insight and a cringe inducing one, that I’m sure would just serve to remind us of what a travesty the film could’ve been. I hope the doco gets made.
Two scripts have also been unveiled on the net this week at the resourceful Superman Homepage. They’re PDFs of a draft of Superman Lives! and a later 2003 attempt called Flyby that was to be directed by JJ Abrams (the man now behind the first of the 2015 Star Wars films).
Now, instead of what could have been, two pics have been released about what will be, focusing on June’s Man of Steel film starring Brit actor Henry Cavil (Immortals). Here he is on the cover of this week’s Empire magazine, followed by one of many action figures sporting the film’s interpretation of the Kryptonian. Check out more toy pics, including Jor-El, and Zod here.
With all this, plus the excellent Injustice: Gods Among Us comic, and upcoming game, it’s finally a good time to be excited about The Man of Steel once more.
Ah, how far ‘toy’s have come in the last decade or so. Collectors can have a field day with small reproductions of their fave pop culture characters. Oh, how I wish I had the money and a nice display case to start a collection. Well, here’s two more recent figures, courtesy of those artisans at Hot Toys.
Iron Man 3 opens in May, and to get in the mood, you can check out this highly detailed 1/6th rendition of tony Stark and his armour parts from the film.
Also 1/6th scale is this upcoming Joker figure from Sideshow Collectibles which costs $190 and is modelled on the classic Joker rather than the new hideous version with the stapled on skin-face. Yuck.
The second poster for next year’s Superman film starring Henry Cavill is a surprising turn, and certainly not the heroic look we’re used to, but I like it. I assume those handcuffs are Kryptonian, but even if they’re not, Superman is a law abider, so would just play along anyway.
Uncanny Avengers #1. Not being a huge Marvel reader, like I was in the ’90s, I only pick up stuff from the publisher when it’s a fresh start or landmark issue really. This ish is the first of the Marvel NOW! initiative that sees a few new series debuting over the next few weeks. Rick Remender writing, with John Cassady pencilling a series starring a team made up of Captain America, Thor, Rogue, Scarlet Witch, Wolverine (of course! every team must have him!) and Havok is intriguing enough. Cassady won’t stay on this series for long I’m guessing, but whenever he does superheroes, it’s worth a look, although Cap’s costume still looks a little weird. In fact, they all, except Wolvie, have (slightly) new costumes, although that’s not mentioned in the story. It’s not a great jumping on point, but does follow the events of AvsX, which I didn’t read. I do know that Professor X died at the hands of a Phoenix Force-possessed Cyclops, which isn’t fully explained here.
Logan speaks at Xavier’s funeral, Cap and Thor enlist Havok (or try to) before fighting mutant Earthquake (fresh from brain surgery!), and Havok goes to talk to his cynical brother Cyclops in priosn. Oh, and Rogue and Scarlet Witch almost get into a fight at Xavier’s grave before some new baddies shown up, including, “The Goat-Faced Girl.” Yep. Not a lot really happens, the team isn’t forced yet and the fate of Xavier’s body is gruesome, but at least it looks good.
Oh, and when Cap asks Havok to lead the new team of mutants and humans, he refers to Wolverine’s “checkered past.” Shouldn’t that be, “chequered past?”
Batman and Robin #13. If the title of this issue (Zombie Moon Rising) wasn’t enough, then thankfully the pages following it live up to expecattions, although the credits page names this issue, “Eclipsed.” Writer Peter J. Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason have been telling Bruce and Damian Wayne’s intense and bizarre adventures for a long time now, so it’s a safe bet that any issue of theirs will be a winner.
It begins with father and son venturing up, up and away to prepare a satellite that’s linked with the Batcave for any temporary disruptions that may come with the eclipse, and with the Joker’s return they need all the resources at their command. While Batman and Commissioner Gordon check out some possible zombie attacks at a graveyard, Robin fights off a bounty hunting monster before some zombies fight him. The last 5 pages are pencilled by Tomas Giorello and it’s jarring as his style is so different from Gleason’s. It’s unfortunate, especially as Robin looks much older when Giorello draws him. Hopefully Gleason can draw the remainder of this story arc, as it’s setting up to be an entertaining one.
Creator-Owned Heroes #5. A new venture form Image Comics that acts like a magazine and anthology, this is a good idea, with stories from various creative teams running for a few issues. In his month’s release there are 3 new tales. Killswitch by Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti and artist Jerry Lando is the first and follows the titular assassin as he kills his latest target aboard a plane and befriends his not-so-grieving widow. It’s a good set up, especially the aftermath and the banter between the blonde widow and professional killer is great.
Next up is Black Sparrow. Set in a farm in the 1880s it centres on a recently hanged evil boy (so we’re told) whose body is returned to his family for burial. There’s only one more part in this story by Steve Niles, Jay Russel and Andrew Ritchie so I hope the end is a doozy. It’s certainly creepy so far, thanks to the desolate and haunting artwork of Ritchie.
The last story is by Gray, Palmiotti and Norberto Fernandez. Retrovirus follows scientist Zoe Wallace as she begins her new job at a research facility in Antarctica to help study a frozen and scary looking Neanderthal.
Also included is an interview with artist Amanda Conner, a few fan questions answered by Palmiotti, the first part of a writing comics tutorial by Steve Niles, and an editorial/behind the scenes piece by Gray. It all adds up to a good place to start for comics veterans or newbies.
It’s been a while, so here’s a triumvirate of reviews form DC Comics this week, specifically their #0 issues that aim to unveil the backgrounds of characters in time for the one year anniversary of The New 52 relaunch. The last time DC tried this was back in the mid-90s after the Zero Hour reboot. Okay, on to some quick thoughts.
The Phantom Stranger #0. Surprisingly this sold out at my comic shop, so thankfully I ordered it ahead of time. Written by President Dan Didio, who tried his hand at writing with the cancelled O.M.A.C series, and teamed with artist Brent Anderson (Astro City) this looks into the origins of one of DC’s most powerful supernatural figures. The cloak clad mystery man has been around since 1952 but his background has never been revealed. That has changed now, and will continue to, since he’s getting his own series. Here’s he presented as Judas, (yes the one who betrayed Jesus Christ) and upon hanging himself goes to an afterlife where he meets a council of wizards. As punishment for betraying Christ for 30 pieces of silver, he is given powers and returned to earth, with the cloak of Jesus, and the coins made into a necklace to bear. It’s an interesting origin, and one that has been touched upon in the decades of Stranger stories, but now it seems to be the status quo of The New 52 version.
The tale is told by Stranger’s frequent monologues, as he meets angry cop Jim Corrigan who becomes The Spectre all too quickly, and it looks like in future issues The Phantom Stranger will deal with the mystical forces of the DCU. This issue also hints at the upcoming Trinity War, which looks to involve Stranger, the female Pandora, and The Question. These few pages aren’t enough to delve into the origins of one of DC’s most elusive figures, but it’s a good starting point for hopefully slightly better adventures than this one.
Green Lantern #0. We’re introduced to yet another human bearer of a power ring, in the form of Arab-American Simon Baz (who has his own action figure already!). He has the word “courage” in Arabic on his forearm, and carries a handgun (at least on the cover) which seems redundant when you have one of the most powerful weapons on your finger. Writer Geoff Johns and artist Dough Mahnke do a fantastic job of introducing Simon. We see his tough life, his love for his family and his desire to do what is right, even when it’s not easy. Thanks to stealing a van, unknowingly with a bomb inside, he’s taken in for questioning before a power ring breaks him free.
There’s hints at Johns’ larger work in the GL series, with cameos from Batman, Cyborg, Hal Jordan and Sinestro and although we never see Simon in his new green costume, it’s obvious he’ll play an important role. Grab this one if you’ve been following the events in any of the Green Lantern books.
Detective Comics #0. The only Batman series I’ve been reading since DC’s relaunch last year is Batman and Robin, so I thought I’d see what’s going on in ‘Tec and Tony Daniel’s art continues to improve. Gregg Hurwitz writes this ish, with Daniels on art duties. Reminiscent of certain scenes in Batman Begins, the bulk of this issue is set 10 years before Bruce Wayne becomes Batman, as he learns from a husband and wife team in the Himalayas about how to cope with emotion, how to meditate and of course, how to fight. We see Bruce grapple with love and loss, and although the ending is somewhat melodramatic, it’s a good display of the transition between man and Batman.
Also included is a back-up tale called The Long Wait by James Tynion IV and Henrik Johnson that centres on Alfred’s patience in Wayne Manor waiting for the missing Bruce to return home after his mysterious years abroad. It works very well and shows a side of Alfred that I don’t think I’ve seen in a comic before.
Overall, these #0 issues are a good idea, to introduce new and lapsed readers, and the inclusion of one page Who’s Who entries in each ish is a nice bonus.
Hot Toys, makers of super detailed action figures have released a 6 minute short film with their Batman toys in action. It’s cool and rather whacky and features Commissioner Gordon, Batman, Joker and Bane. Watch Batman: The Dark Knightfall below and drool over more of their great work here.
Frank Miller’s influential and groundbreaking 1986 mini-series featuring an ageing Batman in a terrifying future Gotham is the next release from Warner Bros. slate of animated films based on DC Comics stories. Below is the official info of The Dark Knight Returns and the cool trailer.
FRANK MILLER’S COMIC MASTERPIECE IS NOW AN ALL-NEW DC UNIVERSE ANIMATED ORIGINAL MOVIE BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, PART 1COMING SEPT. 25, 2012 FROM WARNER HOME VIDEO
RoboCop star Peter Weller leads Stellar Voice Cast as Batman
in Animated Blu-rayTM Combo Pack & DVD
Frank Miller’s landmark graphic novel about fear, hope and redemption is celebrated with proper measures of haunting visuals and intense action in Batman: The Dark Knight
Returns, Part 1, the next entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original Movies. Produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, the all-new, PG-13 rated film arrives September 25, 2012 from Warner Home Video as a Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD, On Demand and for Download. The Blu-ray™ Combo
Pack will include UltraViolet™.
The DC Universe Animated Original Movies have been a fan favorite since debuting in 2007 with Superman Doomsday. Now averaging three releases each year, the DCU animated films are based on classic tales from DC Comics’ revered library or original stories featuring DC’s
fabled characters. Stars of feature film and primetime television populate the stellar voice casts of the DCU animated films. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 represents the 15th film in the ongoing series.
Fanboy demi-god Peter Weller (RoboCop) leads a stellar voice cast as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Joining Weller behind the microphone is David Selby (The Social Network, Dark Shadows) as Commissioner Gordon, Ariel Winter (Modern Family) as Carrie/Robin, three-time DCU veteran Wade Williams (Prison Break) as Harvey Dent/Two-Face, and Michael McKean
(This is Spinal Tap) as Dr. Bartholomew Wolper.
In the bleak and ominous future of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1, it’s been a decade since Bruce Wayne hung up his cape, following most of the other superheroes who had been forced into retirement. Facing the downside of middle age, a restless Bruce Wayne
pacifies his frustration with racecars and liquor – but the Bat still beckons as he watches his city fall prey to gangs of barbaric criminals known as The Mutants.
The return of Harvey Dent as Two-Face finally prompts Wayne to once again don the Dark Knight’s cowl, and his dramatic capture of the villain returns him to crime-fighting – simultaneously making him the target of law enforcement and the new hope for a desolate Gotham City. Particularly inspired is a teenage girl named Carrie, who adopts the persona of Robin and ultimately saves Batman from a brutal attack by the Mutant leader. Armed with a new sidekick, and re-energized with a definitive purpose, the Dark Knight returns to protect Gotham from foes new … and old.
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 is directed by Jay Oliva (Man of Steel, Green Lantern: Emerald Knights) from a screenplay by Bob Goodman (Warehouse 13). Sam Register (Young Justice, Teen Titans, Ben 10) and Bruce Timm (Justice League: Doom) are the executive producers. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 will provide the epic story’s
thrilling conclusion with its release in early 2013.
“Frank Miller’s classic re-imagining of Batman has been faithfully recreated under Bruce Timm’s skilled guidance as a masterpiece of storytelling,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Home Video Vice President, Family & Animation Marketing and Partner Brands. “This
story has been treated with great reverence, including a tour-de-force performance by science fiction legend Peter Weller as the voice of Batman. We know our fans will not only love this film as a stand-alone, but will clamor for the release of the second half next year.”
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 Blu-ray™ Combo Pack has more
than 2 hours of exciting content, including:
• Standard and high definition versions of the feature film
• UltraViolet™*
• Sneak Peak at Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2, the next DC
Universe Animated Original Movie
• Featurette – “Her Name is Carrie … Her Role is Robin” – An all-new
featurette. Experience the role of Robin, through the eyes of a
female warrior.
• Featurette – “Batman and Me: The Bob Kane Story” – A documentary
comprehensively chronicling the remarkable life of the creator of
Batman.
• Two bonus episodes from Batman: The Animated Series handpicked by
producer Alan Burnett: Two-Face, Parts 1 and 2
• Digital Comic – “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns” (digital comic
with cover art and three full comic pages)
* Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 UltraViolet offer is a
limited time offer. Restrictions and limitations apply. Go to
ultraviolet.flixster .com/info for details.
Finally, here’s a short video showing many of the different Batman symbols used over the decades. There have been a lot.
Having just finished its run in Portland, the new Darkness & Light exhibition is going to San Diego Comic-Con next week and then Atlanta in August and Chicago in September. Details here and below.
Darkness & Light: Art Inspired by Heroes & Villains, Hope & Heroism exhibition is a one-of-a-kind art and education tour to raise awareness and funds for the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa. Darkness & Light features some of today’s top contemporary artists and showcases a collection of original artwork inspired by DC Comics’ Justice League characters paired with real world photography that depicts the everyday heroes fighting hunger in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya. From the Super Heroes that fight for justice in the comic world, to the human heroes who make a difference every day in the real world, Darkness & Light tells the story of the crisis through the lens of those working tirelessly to be of service to those in need.
The exhibition shows us what is possible when we tap into our own best qualities of responsibility, willpower and inner strength to be of service to others in need. And just like our favorite Justice League Super Heroes, the art reflects the Super Hero powers we each hold that compel us to do good in the world.
The centerpiece of the collection features a large-scale piece of original artwork by Jim Lee, the legendary artist and DC Entertainment co-publisher, featuring the profile of Batman in a color palette inspired by the hues of Africa – yellow, green, red and black. Lee’s work is featured alongside journalistic photography that expose moments of heroism by aid workers in the Horn of Africa.
Select pieces of DC Entertainment artwork will be auctioned off at the end of the tour with all net proceeds going directly the We Can Be Heroes campaign.
Darkness & Light is launching at Mercy Corps’ Global Headquarters and gallery in Portland, Oregon – a nonprofit partner of We Can Be Heroes – and then traveling to cities across the country including Comic-Con in San Diego July 9-15.
If you’re in a tour city, stop by to see the artwork and find out how you can make a difference!
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