Extra Sequential Podcast #51-Eisners & Old City Blues

49 mins. We discuss this year’s Eisner Award winners, including some surprises and a few faves, plus examine the recent OGN from Archaia, Giannis Milonogiannis’ sci-fi mash-up Old City Blues. Also, Home Alone 2, Garfield, the exclusion of Jedis and more.

LISTEN TO IT BELOW, DOWNLOAD IT HERE OR ON iTUNES

 

 

You can email us at kris (at)extrasequential(dot)com and befriend us on the NEW ES Facebook page.

3:26 NEWS

The rather subtle DC Relaunch protest at Comic-Con

New Judge Dredd film images

Marvel gets the film rights back to Blade and Punisher

Nerdcore duo Kirby Krackle’s new album, Super Powered Love is now out

Brian K Vaughan and Fiona Staples’ Saga

New DC animated films

Jack Kirby’s estate loses court case to Marvel

Captain America: The First Avenger is awesome. Here’s my full review

19:07 EISNER AWARD WINNERS

See the full list here

27:03 FEATURE REVIEW – OLD CITY BLUES

Set in Greece after a devastating flood, this sci-fi tale wears it influences proudly on its sleeve.

More info here and behind the scene commentary from writer/artist Giannis Milonogiannis here.

 

 

 

July 30, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, Movies, New To Comics?, News, Podcast, Reviews . Tags: , , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Captain America: The First Avenger Film Review

I must admit that I’ve always been more of a DC Comics guy rather than a Marvel reader. As a huge comic book fan for the last two decades, Superman, Batman and co. have always filled my collection more so than the likes of Spider-Man, X-Men, etc. However, it’s pretty obvious that the last few years have seen Marvel hit paydirt with their characters on the silver screen, especially since 2008’s Iron Man, a successful release from their own studio. It was also the first film to build their so-called Cinematic Universe that has seen characters and plot elements shared between both Iron Man films, The Incredible Hulk, Thor and now, Captain America. Next year will see The Avengers, directed by Buffy and Firefly creator Joss Whedon in which those aforementioned heroes, and others, will join forces under the guidance of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson).

Captain America: The First Avenger, to give the film its full title, is certainly a thoroughly enjoyable “see you later” from Marvel, until The Avengers lands, and if you haven’t got the idea by now, yes, there is an extra scene here after the credits, in which we see The Avengers assembled. It’s short, but certainly worth sitting through the credits for.

What precedes that however is two hours of rousing entertainment, and like all of Marvel’s other films, it works just as well for those unfamiliar with the character as it does for knowledgeable fanboys like me.

Directed by Joe Johnston (The Wolfman, The Rocketeer) it stays very close to the comics character as originally conceived by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby in 1941. Set mainly during WWII, it follows skinny, but noble, man Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) who desperately wants to join the army, but has been continually rejected due to his asthma and general lack of fitness. Seeing within him a courage greater than his strength, experimental scientist Dr. Erskine (Stanley Tucci) chooses Rogers to be the next candidate in his Super Soldier program.

The first candidate was Johann Schmidt, the man in charge of Hitler’s advanced science program, known as HYDRA. Growing impatient, Schmidt tried Erskine’s serum too early and although he became powerful, he was disfigured, taking the nickname Red Skull. He has grown increasingly ambitious in his evil plans, and with the recent power he has gained from the Tesseract (known as the Cosmic Cube in the comics) he arms his soldiers with its power, intent on claiming the world as his own.

Thankfully Erskine’s improved formula works much better, as a now beefy Rogers attests, especially when chasing a spy who kills Erskine and attempts to flee with the last of the serum. Rogers, now dubbed Captain America, becomes a national sensation and is sent on an international tour to rally the troops and get the public to buy war bonds. Rogers soon grows tired of this lack of military action and when he hears that his friend Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Shaw) has been kidnapped, he goes on a rescue mission, with the aid of British agent Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) and Howard (father of Tony) Stark (Dominic Cooper). Proving successful and discovering Hydra’s secret plans, Cap recruits a few soldiers and goes on a rampage to destroy all of HYDRA’s bases.

There is a superb mix of humour and drama, and romance and action here, and the sci-fi elements never seem too grandiose for the WWII setting. Initially proving skeptical to becoming Cap, after having played another Marvel hero (The Human Torch) in the two Fantastic Four films, Evans shows that he has the pathos and likeability to portray the patriotic hero here and most importantly, allows us to like the weakling Rogers even before he becomes the star spangled superhero. The supporting cast, which also includes Tommy Lee Jones, rounds things out nicely, but it is Evans’ show. The film moves at a brisk pace and even two montages can’t slow it down. The showdown between Cap and the Skull is somewhat disappointing, as are some of the CGI effects at times, but this is a much more solid film than Thor. It’s accessible, never dull and is quite charming with its straightforward action film approach. Fans of the comics will be taking mental notes here, as those behind the film know the origins of this tale and are not afraid to point them out. The transformation of Captain America’s costume makes sense here, and nods to Bucky’s comic costume, plus the inclusion of Cap’s allies the Howling Commandos are little things that will warm Marvel loyalist’s hearts.

This is another winner from Marvel, and will hopefully get audiences geared up for next year’s rather ambitious super team film.

See clips from this great film (including snippets of the post-credits scene) right here.

July 29, 2011
Categories: Movies, New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 2 Comments

Marvel: Season One Info

Perhaps, and understandably, spurred on, by DC’s massive success with the Superman: Earth One OGN last year, Marvel are trying something similar with their characters, in order to get the attention of comics newbies. It’s actually a good idea and should be done more often, as walking into a comic shop for the first time can be daunting if you don’t know where to start. The following info was released at last week’s Comic-Con but the pics are new.

Then again, Marvel make  a point to mention that they have been working on this for over a year, so I guess it’s one of those coincidences that happens between The Big Two from time to time.

MARVEL: SEASON ONE LINE-UP

Next year, immerse yourselves in the Marvel Universe like never before as the world’s greatest super heroes star in a line of all-new graphic novels with Marvel: Season One! Aimed at new and old readers alike, the first wave featuring Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Daredevil and The X-Men, brings readers a complete story, modernizing the seminal origins of these characters while also offering new revelations for long-time fans. There will be one graphic novel on sale each month starting in February.

“With Marvel Season One we’ve assembled a group of great creators who’re delivering exciting, iconic, in-continuity stories of our most popular heroes,” said Tom Brevoort, Marvel SVP/Executive Editor. “If you’re a new fan, you can start your journey into comics with Season One and if you’re a seasoned fan you’ll find some thrilling new insight into your favorite characters.”

The complete first wave of Season One graphic novels includes:

·         Fantastic Four: Season One by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Stephen King’s The Stand, Television’s Glee) and David Marquez (Secret Warriors), on-sale in February 2012

  • X-Men: Season One by Dennis Hopeless (Legion Of Monsters, Lovestruck) and Jamie McKelvie (Generation Hope, Phonogram), on-sale in March 2012
  • Daredevil: Season One by Antony Johnston (Daredevil) and Wellinton Alves (Nova), on-sale in April 2012
  • Spider-Man: Season One by Cullen Bunn (Fear Itself: The Deep, Sixth Gun) and Neil Edwards (Fantastic Four), on-sale in May 2012

“Marvel: Season One is all about bringing new readers to comics and comic stores around the world”, said David Gabriel, Marvel SVP of Sales. “We’ve been working on these for over a year and can’t wait for fans to see the results—they’re stunning! More news about the promotional and incentive plans for retailers will follow in the next few weeks.”

Whether you’re picking up a comic for the first time, or looking to add more to your comics reading experience, then it’s time to discover the world’s greatest super heroes all over again in Marvel: Season One!

Stay Tuned for updates and announcements over the next few weeks.

July 29, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, News . Tags: , , , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

New He-Man Mini-Comics

Dark Horse are creating new comics to be packaged with Mattel’s upcoming He-Man action figures, and the stories will be a continuation from the original ’80s mini-comics. Wow. Good news. You can read an interview here with their writer Tim Seeley (Witchblade). The covers are by Eric Powell (The Goon) with interior art by Wellinton Alves.

On a related note, action figure collectors can join Mattel’s new Club Eternia, which begins next year. For $20 a month, you’ll receive a host of goodies and exclusives throughout next year.

July 29, 2011
Categories: New To Comics?, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Sam Sarkar Interview

Now up at Broken Frontier is my interview with Sam Sarkar, writer of the new Image mini-series, The Vault. The first issue is out tomorrow and is definitely worth picking up. It’s a smart underwater mystery with a good mix of science and the supernatural, and it looks great too, with art by his Caliber: First Canon of Justice collaborator, Garrie Gastonny.

Sarkar, with his background in comics and film is an interesting guy. The interview can be read here and if you’d like to see Sarkar, you can do so at a signing tomorrow. Details for that are under the pretty pictures.

 

MEET SAM SARKAR, CREATOR AND WRITER OF THE VAULT

 

On July 27th, starting at 7:00 P.M., Golden Apple Comics will present an autograph signing with Sam Sarkar, for the release of the new comic book from Image Comics, THE VAULT.

 

THE VAULT is about a small team of treasure hunters, struggling to excavate a dangerous and legendary treasure pit before a massive storm hits Sable Island, the “Graveyard of the North Atlantic.” Equipped with all the latest technology, the scientists believe they are prepared against all of nature’s fury, but nothing can prepare them for what they are about to unleash.

 

“THE VAULT is kind of a contemporary Pandora’s Box story,” explained creator and writer, Sam Sarkar. “Though it appears on the surface to be a pretty straightforward story, it has most of its mythology buried deeply. It gets uncovered both literally and figuratively as the pit gets excavated.”

 

THE VAULT issue #1 autograph event will take place in Los Angeles at Golden Apple Comics on July 27th, 2011 from 7-9 P.M. at 7018 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood. For more information, please call 323-658-6047.


 

July 26, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, Interviews, New To Comics? . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

2011 Eisner Awards

Announced at Comic-Con was the full list of the prestigious Eisner winners for this year. As usual there’s no surprises, including CBR as Best Comics Related Journalism, but there’s a few deserving surprises, such as Daytripper, Return of the Dapper Men and Darwyn Cooke. And a comic shop in Israel. Called Comics & Vegetables. Yep. However, it’s not what they literally sell, as this interview reveals.

How was the name of CNV decided upon? Are you guys actually a vegetable store as well?

The name is based on a phrase in Hebrew, the closest word in English is “etc.”.

2011 Eisner Award Winners List

Best Short Story
“Post Mortem,” by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark, in I Am an Avenger #2 (Marvel)

Best Single Issue (or One-Shot)
Hellboy: Double Feature of Evil, by Mike Mignola and Richard Corben (Dark Horse)

Best Continuing Series
Chew, by John Layman and Rob Guillory (Image)

Best Limited Series
Daytripper, by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá (Vertigo/DC)

Best New Series
American Vampire, by Scott Snyder, Stephen King, and Rafael Albuquerque (Vertigo/DC)

Best Publication for Kids
Tiny Titans, by Art Baltazar and Franco (DC)

Best Publication for Teens
Smile, by Raina Telgemeier (Scholastic Graphix)

Best Humor Publication
I Thought You Would Be Funnier, by Shannon Wheeler (BOOM!)

Best Anthology
Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard, edited by Paul Morrissey and David Petersen (Archaia)

Best Digital Comic
Abominable Charles Christopher, by Karl Kerschl, http://www.abominable.cc

Best Reality-Based Work
It Was the War of the Trenches, by Jacques Tardi (Fantagraphics)

Best Graphic Album—New
Return of the Dapper Men, by Jim McCann and Janet Lee (Archaia)
Wilson, by Daniel Clowes (Drawn & Quarterly)

Best Graphic Album—Reprint
Wednesday Comics, edited by Mark Chiarello (DC)

Best Adaptation from Another Work
The Marvelous Land of Oz, by L. Frank Baum, adapted by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young (Marvel)

Best Archival Collection/Project—Strips
Archie: The Complete Daily Newspaper Strips, 1946–1948, by Bob Montana, edited by Greg Goldstein (IDW)

Best Archival Collection/Project—Comic Books
Dave Stevens’ The Rocketeer Artist’s Edition, edited by Scott Dunbier (IDW)

Best U.S. Edition of International Material
It Was the War of the Trenches, by Jacques Tardi (Fantagraphics)

Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Asia
Naoki Urasawa’s 20th Century Boys, by Naoki Urasawa (VIZ Media)

Best Writer
Joe Hill, Lock & Key (IDW)

Best Writer/Artist
Darwyn Cooke, Richard Stark’s Parker: The Outfit (IDW)

Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team
Skottie Young, The Marvelous Land of Oz (Marvel)

Best Painter/Multimedia Artist (interior art)
Juanjo Guarnido, Blacksad (Dark Horse)

Best Cover Artist
Mike Mignola, Hellboy, Baltimore: The Plague Ships (Dark Horse)

Best Coloring
Dave Stewart, Hellboy, BPRD, Baltimore, Let Me In (Dark Horse); Detective Comics(DC); Neil Young’s Greendale, Daytripper, Joe the Barbarian (Vertigo/DC)

Best Lettering
Todd Klein, Fables, The Unwritten, Joe the Barbarian, iZombie (Vertigo/DC); Tom Strong and the Robots of Doom (WildStorm/DC); SHIELD (Marvel); Driver for the Dead (Radical)

Best Comics-Related Periodical/Journalism
ComicBookResources, produced by Jonah Weiland (www.comicbookresources.com)

Best Comics-Related Book
75 Years of DC Comics: The Art of Modern Mythmaking, by Paul Levitz (TASCHEN)

Best Publication Design
Dave Stevens’ The Rocketeer Artist’s Edition, designed by Randall Dahlk (IDW)

HALL OF FAME
Judges’ Choices: Ernie Bushmiller, Jack Jackson, Martin Nodell, Lynd Ward
Elected: Mort Drucker, Harvey Pekar, Roy Thomas, Marv Wolfman

Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award:
Nate Simpson

Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award:
Patrick McDonnell

Bill Finger Excellence in Comic Book Writing Award:
Del Connell, Bob Haney

Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award:
Comics & Vegetables, Tel Aviv, Israel – Yuval Sharon, Danny Amitai

July 25, 2011
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 2 Comments

Extra Sequential #50

60 mins. Join us as we celebrate our first milestone episode and talk about heaps of Comic-Con news, and a few recent reviews. We also answer some fanmail and talk about bad Robin Williams’ films, MacGyver, Klingons, Jarvis Cocker, and invisible pants.

LISTEN TO IT BELOW, DOWNLOAD IT HERE OR ON ITUNES

 

6:54 NEWS

IDW’s Popeye comic

Vertigo’s House of Mystery is ending

Trailers for next year’s Dark Knight Rises and The Amazing Spider-Man

Marvel’s Season One newbie friendly OGNs

Tom Morello, Guillermo del Toro and P.C Cast working with Dark Horse

The dissolution of Superman’s marriage to Lois Lane

DC’s comic based on the game, Uncharted

Star Trek and Legion of Super-Heroes cross-over

Spider-Man and X-Men titles go digital

25:33 WHAT WE’VE BEEN READING

Osama Tezuka’s little known Apollo’s Song

Conan: Island of No Return

Taiyo Matsumoto’s Gogo Monster

DC Retro-Active – Wonder Woman – The ’70s. 2 tales starring a powerless, judo loving WW.

Big Baby, another weird comic from Charles Burns

Harlan Ellison’s collection of reviews, Watching

X-Men: Schism #1 by Jason Aaron and Carlos Pacheco

July 24, 2011
Categories: Comics, Movies, New To Comics?, News, Podcast, Reviews . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Star Wars – Digitally

Announced at Comic-Con was this great piece of news for Star Wars fans. Apparently there’s some price issues with the site and the iPad app, but they’re being worked on now to get the 99c price mentioned in the press release below.

STAR WARS™ COMES TO THE DARK HORSE DIGITAL STORE!

ENTER THE GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY ON YOUR iPHONE, iPAD OR LAPTOP!

The wait is finally over, as Dark Horse and LucasFfilm announce the arrival of Star Wars comics in the Dark Horse digital store! At the start of the Dark Horse Star Wars Comics 20TH Anniversary panel today, news of digital Star Wars comics was delivered to a packed house of fans, media and industry professionals.

Now, fans are encouraged to head over to Digital.DarkHorse.com to download their favorite Star Wars titles today, with over 50 comics available for purchase! Fans can now download, the original Star Wars: Crimson Empire series, Marvel’s adaptation of Episode IV: A New Hope, The Clone Wars, Knights of the Old Republic, Legacy: War, Knight Errant, The Old Republic, Jedi: The Dark Side, and the top-selling Darth Vader and the Lost Command. Most single issues will be priced at the standard $1.99, with KOTOR #1 and Clone Wars #1 available for free download! Additionally, Crimson Empire #1, Knight Errant #1, and The Old Republic #1 will be just $.99!

Going forward, Dark Horse will release a mix of new and backlist titles weekly. Stay in the know on all of your favorite titles, and sign up for the Dark Horse Digital newsletter at Digital.DarkHorse.com today!

July 23, 2011
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Lots of Comic-Con News

As the pop culture madness of San Diego Comic-Con starts winding down for another year, there’s far too much to talk about, but here’s a few interesting tidbits.

Apart from Captain America’s snazzy costume (the one he’ll wear in next year’s The Avengers film) 4 posters were on display, spotlight Cap, Iron Man, Black Widow and Hawkeye, all sporting slightly tweaked versions inspired by their comic counterparts as seen in The Ultimates.

Oni Press’ popular Western/ supernatural series from Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt is getting a 6 episode TV mini-series.

Solomon Grundy is The Penguin’s secret weapon,a nd Talia al Ghul appears in the Batman: Arkham City game.

MacGyver gets a comic (!) next year from Image.

Red Hulk gets up to mischief in the curiously titled Hulk of Arabia.

DC’s relaunch in September is not far away and they’ve released a whole bunch of new images, including 8 text-free pages from Justice League #1, pics from the Superman books and more (including The Flash’s fancy new costume and Mr. Terrific).

July 23, 2011
Categories: Comics, Movies, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Gestalt’s Torn at CBR

Comic Book Resources has an interview with Andrew Constant, writer of Torn, an upcoming horror/ werewolf OGN from Perth publisher Gestalt. Check out some impressive preview pages from Nicola Scott (Secret Six) and Joh James there. Go Gestalt!

 

July 21, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Meet John Carter

This just in from Marvel. At least they’re making the most of being owned by Disney, though hopefully this comic will be more successful than their Tron tie-in. If you like the classic heroism of Jon Carter and his worlds, you may also want to check out Dynamite’s prequel series.

Marvel & Disney Publishing Worldwide Announce JOHN CARTER: WORLD OF MARS

Official Comic Prequel to Upcoming Disney Film Arrives in October

Marvel Entertainment and Disney Publishing Worldwide are proud to announce John Carter: World of Mars, an all-new comic prequel to the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures feature  film, John Carter, which will hit theatres on March 9, 2012.  This October, John Carter: World of Mars #1 reveals the shocking events that transpire before the motion-picture story begins by showing fans just how John Carter, Princess Dejah Thoris and Tars Tarkas are set on the path that would bring them all together. Amidst this brutal thousand-year war, find out what decisions were made that let events escalate this far—and why. This blockbuster, four-issue, limited series comes straight from New York Times best-sellers Peter David (Dark Tower,X-Factor) and Luke Ross (Dark Tower, Captain America: First Vengeance), two of the most acclaimed talents in comics.

“We’re thrilled to bring fans their first look at the world of John Carter before the blockbuster film wows audiences next year,” said Axel Alonso, Marvel Editor In Chief. “It’s been a pleasure working with Disney, Peter and Luke to craft a powerful story that will appeal to both the legions of John Carter fans and those who are new to this exciting world.”

Director Andrew Stanton adds, “I am really thrilled to be collaborating with Disney & Marvel on this project and look forward to audiences exploring the world of John Carter via this exciting comic offering. I have wanted to see this property on the big screen since I was a young boy and hope that John Carter: World of Mars will excite and inspire fans of the series much like I was inspired many years ago.”

Before John Carter’s arrival on Mars, what events shaped the conflict that would change his destiny—and that of the universe—irrevocably? Find out this October as war, love and inescapable destiny collide in John Carter: World of Mars #1.

About the Movie:

From Academy Award®–winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton and a screenplay by Stanton & Mark Andrews and Michael Chabon comes “John Carter”—a sweeping action-adventure set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars). “John Carter” is based on a classic novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, whose highly imaginative adventures served as inspiration for many filmmakers, both past and present. The film tells the story of war-weary, former military captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe) and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/JohnCarterMovie

JOHN CARTER: WORLD OF MARS #1 (of 4)

Written by PETER DAVID

Art by LUKE ROSS

Cover by ESAD RIBIC

Rated T+ …$3.99

ON SALE IN OCTOBER

Although the film stars two actors from X-Men Origins: Wolverine, this film looks moody, dreamy and very cool.

July 19, 2011
Categories: Comics, Movies, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

New From Blackboox

I support Australian comics as much as I can, not only because comics can be a hard industry to crack, but because I admire anyone who takes a plunge for their creative dreams, especially if it’s my fellow countrymen. Publisher Black House Comics, and their distribution arm, Black Boox, have a few new goodies out, incorporating different genres. Check them out below and here.

July 18, 2011
Categories: Comics, New To Comics? . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Batman: Year One Trailer

Debuting at San Diego Comic-Con in a few days is DC’s latest animated film. They certainly have got a lot of mileage out of Batman. He’s been in most of their releases, but it just proves what a popular, and adaptable, character he is. The film looks like it’s done a great job of sticking to David Mazzuchelli’s original art style. If you have the Green Lantern: Emerald Knights animated anthology film, you’ll also be able to see a behind the scenes feature on Batman: Year One. It’s also great to see the 15 minute Catwoman short film included, although this may be the last time DC do this unfortunately. Details, (including the usual impressive array of bonus features) and trailer below.

LEGENDARY TALE COMES TO ANIMATED LIFE 

FRANK MILLER’S ORIGIN STORY OF THE DARK KNIGHT IS

AN ALL-NEW DC UNIVERSE ANIMATED ORIGINAL MOVIE

BATMAN: YEAR ONE Coming OCTOBER 18, 2011 FROM WARNER HOME VIDEO

Three-time Emmy Award Winner Bryan Cranston and Southland Star

Ben McKenzie Joined by Fanboy Faves Eliza Dushku and Katee Sackhoff in

Stellar Voice Cast; Available as Blu-rayTM Combo Pack & DVD

RELEASE ALSO INCLUDES DC SHOWCASE SHORT, CATWOMAN

Comics legend Frank Miller’s classic retelling of Batman’s gritty, formative days makes its full-length animated debut in Batman: Year One, 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 October 18, 2011 from Warner Home Video as a Blu-ray™ Combo Pack ($24.98 SRP) and DVD ($19.98 SRP), On Demand and for Download. Order due date is September 13, 2011.

Batman: Year One is based on the landmark 1987 DC Comics titles from 12-time Eisner Award winner Frank Miller and illustrator David Mazzucchelli. The film depicts young Bruce Wayne’s return to Gotham City in his first attempts to fight injustice as a costumed vigilante. The playboy billionaire chooses the guise of a giant bat to combat crime, creates an early bond with a young Lieutenant James Gordon (who is already battling corruption from inside the police department), inadvertently plays a role in the birth of Catwoman, and helps to bring down a crooked political system that infests Gotham.

Primetime television stars Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Ben McKenzie (Southland, The O.C.), Eliza Dushku (Dollhouse, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica) provide the core voices for Batman: Year One. Three-time Emmy® Award winner Cranston gives voice to young Jim Gordon, while McKenzie makes his animated voiceover debut as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Fanboy favorites Dushku and Sackhoff fill the roles of Selina Kyle/Catwoman and Detective Sarah Essen, respectively. Alex Rocco (The Godfather) is the voice of crime lord Carmine Falcone.

Animation master Bruce Timm is executive producer of Batman: Year One. Directors are Lauren Montgomery (Superman/Batman: Apocalypse) and Sam Liu (All-Star Superman) from a script penned by Academy Award® nominee Tab Murphy (Gorillas in the Mist, Superman/Batman: Apocalypse).

“Batman: Year One offers fans and newcomers alike an animated perspective on one of the true benchmark works in Batman comics history,” said Hersin Magante, Warner Home Video Marketing Manager, Family &, Animation.. “Bruce Timm and the Warner Bros. Animation team have gone to great lengths to realize Frank Miller’s ground-breaking, influential vision. Batman: Year One stands tall as the next DC Universe Animated Original Movie.”

Batman: Year One Blu-ray™ Combo Pack has almost 3 hours of exciting content, including:

  • Feature film
  • Sneak Peek at Justice League: Doom, the next DC Universe Animated Original Movie
  • DC Showcase Animated Original Short – “Catwoman”: This all-new entry to the growing canon of DC Universe animated shorts features the first first solo tale centered around Catwoman. The felonious feline’s adventure takes her through the seedy streets of Gotham City. Catwoman is voiced by Eliza Dushku (Dollhouse, Tru Calling).
  • Featurette –“Heart of Vengeance: Returning Batman to His Roots”: “The Dark Knight Returns” provided the denouement of Batman’s life. Frank Miller’s next seminal work would provide his near-mythic origin in “Batman: Year One.” This documentary uncovers the contemporary genius of Miller and the audience that was poised to appreciate the depths of his work.
  • Featurette –“Conversations with DC Comics”: The Batman creative team at DC Entertainment discusses the personal influence of “Batman: Year One” on their  careers. Batman producer Michael Uslan leads the chat amongst well-known writers, editors and artists of the Batman lore, focusing their dialogue on the darker, realistic interpretation of Batman’s origins by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli.
  • Audio Commentary with Alan Burnett, Sam Liu, Mike Carlin and Andrea Romano
  • “Batman: Year One, Chapter 1” Digital Comic Book
  • Two bonus episodes from “Batman: The Animated Series,” handpicked by Bruce Timm
  • Standard and high definition versions of the feature film
  • Digital copy on disc of the feature film compatible with iTunes and Windows

July 17, 2011
Categories: Cartoons, Comics, Movies, New To Comics?, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

New Looks, Same Characters

Comic-Con is only days away. I’ve been twice and it is awesome (but also expensive) and as the news on panels, exclusives and celebrities ramps up, so do the freebies, including the Souvenir Book, which features the second piece of art by Jim Lee of the new Justice League. Oddly enough, or maybe not actually, Wonder Woman has her pants back on, after originally having them, and then not. It seems even DC doesn’t know what her costume should look like. Poor woman.

If you are going to Comic-Con, these exclusives (of many available) may be of interest.

Next year’s Spider-Man reboot has had a bunch of cool pics released in the pages of the new issue of Entertainment Weekly. 15 in total in fact. See more here including mechanical web shooters (as it should be), Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker/Spidey and Emma Stone as his first love (again, as it should be) Gwen Stacy.

Finally, there’s more pretty pictures at an Abduzeedo post on artist DC Miller and his excellent cartoon-ish designs on some classic characters seen in films like Star Wars, Watchmen, 300, The Dark Knight and more.

July 15, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, Movies, New To Comics?, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 1 Comment

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