Batman News

This post relates to: Two-Face, Joker, Batman, What did you think of The Dark Knight?

I'm going to be honest.  Despite all the hype and excitement that everyone seemed to have for this movie, I wasn't overly excited to see it.  I've asked myself why this is.  Even on my way into the theatre I was trying to figure out why this was.  Part of me thinks it could be the unfortunate death of Heath Ledger.  That may have a tiny bit to do with it but that's not the main reason.  I think it's because we've seen Batman movies so often now that despite the high quality and budget, it is just another Batman movie. 

Even as far as the characters go there's nothing really new.  We've seen the Joker.  We've seen Harvey Dent (and Tommy Lee Jones as Two Face, ugh).  I wondered why they would choose to use these characters again.  Then again, who else could they use?

So what did I think of the movie despite my hidden desire to not like it?
I loved it.  Even though there weren't any really "new" characters, all the actors involved should get an applause (and they did at the midnight showing I went to).  Forget what you've seen before.  This is a whole new game.

A minor thing that I liked was the fact that there still is no Wayne Manor (which was completely destroyed in the last film).  It makes more sense for Batman to live in the city he's dedicated himself to protect.  That was one thing that always bothered me about the Adam West tv show.  When a villain was committing a crime in Gotham, Batman would have to haul ass to the city to get there before they made their escape.   I don't care how fast the Batmobile is, Batman needs to be close to the action.

I think the question on everyone's mind is, how was Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker?  It was a gutsy move on his part.  Jack Nicholson did a good job despite how cheesey that movie was.  I was a huge fan of some parts.  To me, I just never pictured the Joker dancing to a Prince song.  Not that there's anything wrong with dancing to Prince.

Heath killed as the Joker.  Figuratively and literally.  I'm sure most people had the same thoughts when they first saw the images.  "What's up with the face paint?"  We know the Joker doesn't wear make-up.  So why would they do that in the movie?  Despite being a superhero movie and the fact that you have to have a sense of disbelief, trying to work in the origin of the Joker's white skin could be a bit much.  Plus he's already been in action as seen at the end of Batman Begins.  So I can accept that he's a dude that paints his face white.  The scars on his face just add to his (possible) insanity. 

The Joker here was such a great villain.  What he was trying to do actually makes a sort of sense.  He may have sick and twisted ideas, but you get an understanding of where he's coming from.  That's not something that you really see in the comics.  In the comics, he just does things because most likely, he's just crazy.  From a selfish point of view, we the comic fans, are losing an awesome Joker.  It was simple a stellar performance.  It is a tragedy that Heath Ledger is dead.  I still feel for his family. 

What about Aaron Eckhart?  Just recently I've seen him in two movies.  No Reservations (not my cup of tea) and The Black Dahlia.   I can't say that I loved either of those but he did a good job acting in them.  They did make me wonder what he would bring to the role of Harvey Dent.  I wondered if he could also play the role of Two Face.  We see Harvey winning over the people of Gotham, including Bruce's ex.  That made me not want to like him.  Harvey is portrayed very well as a really good guy.  He wants to clean up Gotham and will not back down from a fight.  The set up of showing how good Harvey is really works in defining the character.  I'm sure you've seen Two Face in the cartoons or read about him in the comics.  There is a great dynamic to his character.  Two Face isn't just a complete bad guy.   There is some good in him,  which is why he would always give people a chance to live with his coin.  Aaron Eckhart really captured the essence of Harvey.

What about Christian Bale?  Do I really need to say anything?  If you've seen Batman Begins, you already know that he is Batman.  It's not an easy job.  Bale continues to capture the edginess of Batman and is convincing as Bruce Wayne.  Batman sacrifices a lot for his city.  It's too bad Batman doesn't get any time off.

The other actors were great also.  Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Maggie Gyllenhaal (who seemlessly took over the role played by Katie Holmes), they were all outstanding. 

I have to give the movie a five out of five.  I didn't want to like it as much as I did but there was no way not to.  It was just well done.  It's not a feel good movie.  There's a reason it's called The DARK Knight.  You will not be disappointed in the production.  The movie has plenty of action and a few surprises.  The Batman movies have always been a tad predictable but this one outdoes the others.

Bravo. 

Now to get some sleep.



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This post relates to: Ben 10, Star Wars Clone Wars Adventures, Batman

Cartoon Network and Adult Swim Panels and Events Lineup  2008 Comic-Con International

Cartoon Network and Adult Swim will host a number of panels and special events, such as signings, during Comic-Con International in San Diego, Calif., Friday, July 26 - Sunday, July 28, 2008.  All times, dates and locations subject to change.  

PANELS

BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD

Friday, July 25, 10 – 11a.m. (PT)

Location: 6B

From Warner Bros. Animation comes the latest interpretation of the classic Batman franchise.  Our caped crusader is teamed up with heroes from across the DC Universe, delivering nonstop action and adventure with a touch of comic relief.  Blue Beetle, Green Arrow, Aquaman and countless others will get a chance to uphold justice alongside Batman.  Though still based in Gotham, Batman will frequently find himself outside city limits, facing situations that are both unfamiliar and exhilarating.  The panelists include:

          o Sam Register, executive producer
          o James Tucker, producer
          o Michael Jelenic, story editor
          o Brandon Vietti, director
          o Ben Jones, director
          o Michael Chang, director
          o Andrea Romano, voice director
          o Diedrich Bader, voice of Batman

 
THE POWERPUFF GIRLS/ FOSTER’S HOME FOR IMAGINARY FRIENDS

Friday, July 25, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (PT)

Location: Room 6A (1,000 capacity room)

The Powerpuff Girls

Celebrate their 10th Anniversary. The panelists include:

                + Craig McCracken, creator
                + Cathy Cavadini, voice of Blossom
                + Tara Strong, voice of Bubbles
                + Elizabeth Daily, voice of Buttercup
                + Tom Kenny, voice of Mayor


Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends

In Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, the shy Mac has the perfect alter ego in his imaginary friend Blooregard Q. Kazoo.  Bloo is an impulsive and brash creature who lives at Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, a haven for wayward imaginary friends like Wilt, Eduardo, Coco and others who have been separated from the kids who invented them.  The panelists include:

                + Craig McCracken, creator
                + Lauren Faust, writer
                + Tom Kenny, voice of Eduardo
                + Keith Ferguson, voice of Bloo


STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS / LUCAS PANEL

Friday, July 25, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: Hall H

Cartoon Network series Star Wars: The Clone Wars to be a component of the main Star Wars panel. 
 

ADULT SWIM PANEL

Friday, July 25,  5:30 – 7:00 p.m. (PT)

Location: Room 6B

Moderator: Keith Crofford, vice president, Adult Swim

      
Robot Chicken

Robot Chicken, from actor/producer Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, uses stop-motion animation to bring pop-culture parodies to life in a modern take on the variety/sketch show format.  In Robot Chicken, no pop-culture target is safe.  Legions of action figures are used to spoof everything from Quentin Tarantino’s blood-spattered epics to The Real World.  The panelists include:

          o Seth Green, co-creator Robot Chicken
          o Matt Senreich, co-creator Robot Chicken


The Venture Bros.

 The Venture Bros. is an animated comedy series that follows the adventures of Dean and Hank Venture, the two sons of famous-but-flailing scientist Dr. Thaddeus S. Venture. The panelists include:

          o Jackson Publick, creator of The Venture Bros.
          o Mike Sinterniklaas, voice of Dean Venture


BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE PANEL (with a sneak peak at Secret Saturdays)

Saturday, July 26, 10:15 – 11:15 a.m.

Location: Room 6A (1,000 capacity room)

Ben 10: Alien Force

Ben 10: Alien Force begins the next chapter in the Ben 10 saga five years later, when 15-year-old Ben Tennyson chooses to once again put on the OMNITRIX. Joined by his super-powered cousin Gwen Tennyson and his equally powerful former enemy Kevin Levin, Ben is on a mission to find his missing Grandpa Max.  In order to save his Grandpa, Ben must defeat the evil DNAliens, a powerful alien race intent on destroying the galaxy, starting with planet Earth.  Ben will join forces with other young heroes to save the galaxy and his Grandpa Max, while passing along his knowledge to a whole new generation.  The panelists include:

          o Glen Murakami, executive producer
          o Dwayne McDuffie, story editor
          o Yuri Lowenthal, voice of Ben
          o Dee Bradley Baker, voice of Aliens
          o Ashley Johnson, voice of Gwen
          o Greg Cipes, voice of Kevin

 
Secret Saturdays

 Doc, Drew and Zak Saturday are a family of world-saving adventure scientists called The Secret Saturdays.  To the Saturdays, ordinary folk-tales aren’t just legends, but real-life mysteries and adventures.  Traveling from the Gobi Desert to the Marianas Trench, they explore ancient temples and bottomless caves and tangle with twisted villains, including the masked madman V.V. Argost and his half-human/half-giant spider. Introducing the series is:

          o Jay Stephens, creator

 
TIM AND ERIC AWESOME-CON II

Saturday, July 26 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Embarcadero Marina Park North

Tim and Eric, the comedy duo from the hit Adult Swim series Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! host a picnic along with games, giveaways and a karaoke contest. The winner of the day gets an opportunity to ride on jet skis with Tim and Eric. Good Job!  
 

CHOWDER/THE MISADVENTURES OF FLAPJACK (with a sneak peak at Underfist)

Sunday, July 27, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (PT)

Location: Room 6A (1,000 capacity room)

      Chowder

      Set in the magical Marzipan City, Chowder is an aspiring young chef in training under the watchful eye of the eccentric and much older Mung Daal. It is Chowder’s job to assist with the usual kitchen duties, like cooking Sing Beans until they warble on key, nursing a bruised Bluenana back to health, or delivering a thousand-pound cake to a man who lives on the head of a giant.  The panelists include:

          o Carl Greenblatt, creator Chowder
          o Nicky Jones, voice of Chowder
          o Dwight Schultz, voice of Mung Daal
          o Tara Strong, voice of Truffles

 
      The Misadventures of Flapjack

      Raised by Bubbie the talking whale in the bubbling splendor of the sea, Flapjack’s life was once a world of peace and tranquility. That all ended the day he and Bubbie rescued an old pirate from a shipwreck. Captain K’nuckles’ tall tales tangle up Flapjack’s head, consuming him with a desire for adventure. The panelists include:

          o Thurop Van Orman, creator of The Misadventures of Flapjack and voice of Flapjack
          o JG Quintell, creative director
          o Steve Little, writer and voice talent

 

      Underfist

      (Sneak preview of Underfist, from Maxwell Atoms, creator of The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy immediately following the Chowder panel)

          o Maxwell Atoms, creator of The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy and Underfist

 

CARTOON NETWORK SIGNINGS

Friday, July 25

    * 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.  The Powerpuff Girls 10th Anniversary
    * 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.  Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends

Saturday, July 26

    * 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Maxwell Atoms, creator of Underfist and The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy
    * 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.  Ben 10: Alien Force
    * 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.  The Secret Saturdays
    * 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.  The Misadventures of Flapjack
 
Sunday, July 27

    * 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. Chowder

 
CARTOON NETWORK BOOTH INFORMATION

Booth:  3645

ADULT SWIM BOOTH INFORMATION

Booth: 4151
 



 





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This post relates to: Bruce Timm, Greg Rucka, Brian Azzarello, Batman

Like most people, when I heard about an "anime" version of Batman, I was skeptical.  My first thought was "Why?"  As I started receiving more images, I was getting more excited.  Some people are still set that Batman shouldn't be done in anime form.  Now my question is "Why not?"  Change can be good.  Yes Batman: The Animated Series was great.  The recent The Batman was pretty good too, once you got used the slightly different style.  That's kind of my point here.  Change is good.  Take automobiles.  Each year the manufacturers try to change the design.  Who wants the same old thing?  So while Batman: TAS was great, they pretty much told all the stories they wanted to tell. 

So before you write it off completely, look at who is involved.  Gotham Knight is divided into six stories that are tied together.  Segmens have been written by David Goyer (who wrote a little movie called Batman Begins), Josh Olson (writer of A History of Violence and probably the "funnest" segment here),  Alan Burnett (who worked on Batman: TAS and wrote the Deadshot segment here), Jordan Goldberg (producer on The Dark Knight and The Prestige) and also a couple guys that have written comics: Greg Rucka and Brian Azzarello.  

Also, let's not forget Batman is voiced by the one and only Kevin Conroy.  Bruce Timm was the executive producer.  DC didn't skimp on talent.  And this is rated PG-13.  The kid gloves are off.

Let me start out with the animation.  The backgrounds were amazing.  Check out these shots:










The lighting effects were pretty cool.  The animation and characters had very fluid motion.  There was nice use of shadows in different scenes.  I also liked little details like the movement of characters hair or the way their clothes moved when they walked.  There were a couple times when the characters seemed...less detailed.  And can anyone tell me why in animes characters often have little beads of sweat just sitting on their face in a certain place?  They never trickle down.  It's like they're glued in place.

What did I think of each segment?

Have I Got A Story For You

This was the one that felt fun.  I know Batman and fun don't usually go together unless maybe if Adam West is involved.  This story dealt with some kids telling each other about their experience in seeing the Batman.  Each kid thinks they can top each other.  As can be expected, there may been a little stretching of the facts involved.  I've posted these images before so they're not really spoilers but check them out.


As I mentioned before, the shadows and lighting were pretty cool here.  I think it was during the Manbat part where I noticed a shaky-camera approach.  That made it feel more...real.  I really enjoyed this segment.  A good way to start the movie.

Crossfire

This story focused more on the police officers' view of Batman.  One officer in particular.  He's not crazy about the fact that Gordon allows a vigilante to run free.  He feels like he's just there to clean up after him.  There's a lot of interaction between him and his partner, Officer Ramirez (voiced by Ana Ortiz, whose interview you can read in the interview section).  I think because Batman wasn't a major player in this segment, I lost a little interest.  It does pay off in the end.  The fire sequence with Batman walking through flames was awesome.

Field Test

Here we get what seems like a younger Bruce Wayne trying out some gadgets for the first time.  I have to say that Bruce looks a little too...manga.  The character design was nice but it just felt a little off with Kevin Conroy's voice coming from him.  I also have to say that I didn't really like Batman's cowl in this segment.  He looked almost more birdlike.  But we see more of Bruce Wayne in action and the development of Batman.

In Darkness Dwells

This segment had Scarecrow and Killer Croc.  Maybe it was the drug induced hallucinations but this was my least favorite segment.  Sorry. 

Working Through The Pain

This might have been my favorite segment.  It's a tough call.  We see Bruce volunteering at a relief effort and getting some hands on experience in surgery.  We also see his task on becoming enlightened.  As Batman, he gets a bad injury and flashes back to his learning to deal with the pain.  Hence the title. 


Besides the training and fight sequences, there were some beautiful scenes.  There's actually some scenes of blue skies, flowers, and butterflies.  The cool effects are here, the wind blowing, flowers in the foreground and background, hair blowing, etc.  Seeing Bruce's final test is pretty darn cool.

Deadshot

This is my other conteder for favorite segment.  You may have seen Deadshot in the comics.  He's a skilled guy you don't want to mess with.  A couple parts where he was on "assignment" reminded me of some scenes from Wanted.  You get a lot of bullet-cams.  I don't want to give away too much about this segment but you can imagine what it must be like when Batman finally comes face-to-face with Deadshot.  The scene on the train was just great.



DC has a hit here.  Get over the fact that the art looks different.  The stories here really define who Batman is and how he got there.  You'll definitely want to watch this movie.  Probably more than once.  There's three versions.  A single dvd version.  A two disc version with a Bob Kane documentary, a featurette about the bad guys in Gotham, and four Batman: TAS episodes selected by Bruce Timm (Heart of Ice, I Am The Night, Legends of the Dark Knight, and Over the Edge).  Then there's the hi-def Blu-ray version where your eyes can really feast on the beauty of the backgrounds (and contains the same bonus features as the two disc version).  There's also a trailer "sneak peak" at DC's Wonder Woman dvd movie with voices by Keri Russel, Nathan Fillion, Rosario Dawsen and Virginia Madsen.

I give Batman: Gotham Knight 4.5 out of 5 stars.  It was great.  I can't say it was perfect.  But pretty darn close to it.







































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This post relates to: Batman, Batman

"UGLY BETTY" STAR ANA ORTIZ PLAYS ANIMATED DETECTIVE IN DC UNIVERSE ORIGINAL FILM "BATMAN GOTHAM KNIGHT"

As one of the stars of the ABC hit series "Ugly Betty," Ana Ortiz has enchanted the primetime audience playing Hilda Suarez, big sister to the title character. Today, Ortiz offers fans a 180-degree acting pivot from her most noteworthy role by voicing gritty detective Anna Ramirez in the DC Universe original animated film "Batman Gotham Knight." The film is available today, July 8, on DVD, Blu-Ray and OnDemand.

Ortiz initially auditioned for the same part in "The Dark Knight," but lost out to Monique Curnen. Her disappointment didn't last long as casting/dialogue director Andrea Romano took one look at the animated Ramirez and – without prior knowledge of her live-action audition – immediately sought to cast Ortiz in the voice role.

"An agent submitted Ana many years ago, before 'Ugly Betty' hit the air," Romano explained. "I've been looking for something to work with her on, and this project was so unusual that it just seemed right. I was clearly looking at the character, and how she interacts with other characters – and when I actually saw the physical character, she was first actress to come to mind."

Ortiz has had recurring and/or regular primetime roles in "Boston Legal," "Over There" and "Kristin," as well as making guest appearances on hit series from "NYPD Blue" and "ER" to "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and "Everybody Loves Raymond." However, "Batman Gotham Knight" was her first starring role in an animated voiceover. She has since recorded as a tiger for an animated Noah's Ark film.

"Ugly Betty" production moved to New York last week, and with it went Ortiz – back to her hometown. Before making her first visit to the new set in the real-life Gotham, Ortiz took a few moments to discuss her time in the animated Gotham – as detective Anna Ramirez in 'Batman Gotham Knight."


Question:
What were your impressions of your "Batman Gotham Knight" segments?

Ana Ortiz answers:
I loved them – and I wanted more! This was one of my first real voiceovers and, to do it for Batman, that was quite an honor. My husband and all of his cartoony friends were really into it – they all watched my copy of the movie and dug it. I have to admit that it's fun being in something that my guy friends could get into. So now I've got my macho cred, too.


Question:
What did you think of the physical appearance of your character?

Ana Ortiz answers:
I was thrilled – I've always wanted curly long locks, so that was so cool. And she's super cute. I loved she wasn't too stuffy – sometimes with lady cops, they try to be too much like guys. She was foxy, she had jeans and a cute little blazer. It was fun to see her when we were doing the voices, but it's really cool to see the film in its final form.


Question:
What were your initial impressions of the script and your role in the story?

Ana Ortiz answers:
It was cool for me because my character is a peacemaker. Usually the roles I get are the in-your-face instigator or fighter, but the nuance with her is as a peacemaker -- getting her partner to calm down and understand that Batman just might not be a vigilante. It was fun to play that angle, because usually I'm playing the one screaming and fighting. As a person, I would say I'm sort of a peacemaker, but I think I've evolved into that role. When I was younger, I was more of a fighter. L.A. has helped me find that side of myself.


Question:
The core theme of your segments, especially the more involved "Crossfire" chapter, deal with trust. Do you trust easily?

Ana Ortiz answers:
I think I trust fairly easily – which is odd for a New Yorker. But I think I do trust because I've had pretty good experiences. I think I'm also a good judge of character, so that's a good combination – it's worked out well for me so far.


Question:
As this was your first full-blown animation experience, was there any nervousness on your part entering the recording booth?

Ana Ortiz answers:
I just wanted to do a good job, and Andrea had given me such a great vote of confidence. Batman is such an icon and, for me, it was an honor to even be doing it. You want to be great, you want to bring justice to the characters, and bring these characters to life. It's a whole different style of acting and the artwork is so impressive that I guess it was a little nerve-racking to try and do that, but it was also fun.

I was definitely nervous going it alone at first, but when Gary (Dourdan) came in and we started to do some scenes together, that's when it really, really came alive. It felt like we had a cool thing going in the studio and, watching the film now, I remember certain moments when our energy together was really working well. He walked in and that really turned the switch for me. The relationship those two characters have on screen – we were able to do that in real-time in the booth.

Andrea's direction was important for me, because I'm kind of new at voiceovers for animation. There's so many specifics that you do in the booth that I wasn't hip to. For starters, acting alone is difficult, so I was learning those tricks. But then Gary came in and when you act with a partner, that raises the bar. He pushed me to meet his energy. So I really enjoyed the support of Andrea and Gary.


Question:
What helped you more in preparing and executing your voiceover performance – your experience on the stage or your experience before the cameras?

Ana Ortiz answers:
Stage acting has helped me in every aspect of my life, not just acting. I think it gives you a confidence and helps to always keep you on your toes. My best friend is a member of an improv comedy theatre, and it's like she always says: 'Anything can happen at any moment.' In theatre, you have to always be prepared. There's nobody there to save you. You have to figure it out for yourself. It's a good skill for life and, definitely for any other work that I've done, it's been my saving grace.


Question:
Would you like to do more voiceover work for animation?

Ana Ortiz answers:
I want to do as much as I possibly can. I love it, love it, love it.  Voiceover is so good – you can do crazy voices and all kinds of characters. Being Latino, it's hard to get cast for anything that
isn't specific. People expect me to be that larger than life character they've already seen, and it's so specific that it's hard to get other parts. In voiceover, they don't judge you on your looks or your past roles -- I can be a 90-year-old man or a tiger or whatever. It's very freeing. So I want to do as much voiceover as I can.


Question:
Are you a fan of the comic book or super hero genre?

Ana Ortiz answers:
I've always been a comic book fan, but I'm a girl – so I liked Archie and Betty and Veronica, and Mad and Cracked. I liked super heroes, but I was more for live action, like Linda Carter as Wonder Woman. Of the Saturday morning cartoons, I liked Super Friends and Animalympics.  Otherwise, I wasn't a huge cartoon girl.


Question:
Are you a Batman fan?

Ana Ortiz answers:
I guess being in New York, you always have a certain affinity for anyone who lives in Gotham. But I was raised as a Superman girl, because my dad is a Superman freak. I mean, he didn't name his kid Kal-El or anything like that, but he is obsessed with Superman and he loves Smallville. When I got the job on Ugly Betty, and they told us were were going to air on Thursdays at 8 p.m., I told my parents and my own father started saying 'What am I going to do? What am I going to do?' It's because we were going to air against Smallville. He kept asking 'What am I going to do? I can't miss my Smallville?' I told him – 'Dad, you're going to watch Ugly Betty.' Ultimately, we had to get him a TIVO. But I couldn't even believe it was a quandary.



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This post relates to: Batman R.I.P., Tony Daniel, Batman

DC COMICS SENDS BATMAN #677 BACK TO PRESS FOR NEW, SECOND PRINTING

 
Just days after announcing another new printing of BATMAN #676, the first chapter “Batman: R.I.P.,” DC Comics announces the BATMAN #677 has sold out and is going back to press for a new, second printing.
 
BATMAN #677 Second Printing (MAY088240) features a recolored version of the issue’s variant cover by Tony Daniel and Sandu Florea, and is scheduled to arrive in stores on July 30.
 
BATMAN #677 Second Printing (MAY088240) has a Final Order Cutoff date of Thursday, July 10.
 
Retailers may order this item by contacting their Diamond Customer Service Representative or DC Sales Representative, or by email at reorders@diamondcomics.com.
 
Other chapters of “Batman: R.I.P.” are available for ordering as follows:
 

    * BATMAN #676 Third Printing (MAY088147) is available for advance reorder and is scheduled to arrive in stores on July 23. 

    * BATMAN #678 (APR080180) is available for reorder.

    * BATMAN #679 (MAY080159) is solicited in the May Previews and is scheduled to arrive in stores on August 6.

    * BATMAN #680 (JUN080195) is solicited in the June Previews and is scheduled to arrive in stores on August 27.

    * BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #11 (JUL080127) is solicited in the July Previews and is scheduled to arrive in stores on September 17.

    * DETECTIVE COMICS #846 (MAY080171) is available for advance reorder and is scheduled to arrive in stores on July 9.

    * DETECTIVE COMICS #847 (JUN080202) is solicited in the June Previews and is scheduled to arrive in stores on August 13.

    * DETECTIVE COMICS #848 (JUL080129) is solicited in the July Previews and is scheduled to arrive in stores on September 3.

    * NIGHTWING #147 (JUN080206) is solicited in the June Previews and is scheduled to arrive in stores on August 6.

    * NIGHTWING #148 (JUL080130) is solicited in the July Previews and is scheduled to arrive in stores on September 3.

    * ROBIN #175 (APR080189) is available for advance reorder and is scheduled to arrive in stores on July 23.

    * ROBIN #176 (MAY080178) is solicited in the May Previews and is scheduled to arrive in stores on August 6.


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This post relates to: Batman

 

WORLD PREMIERE & PANEL SET FOR JUNE 28, 2008 AT WIZARD WORLD CHICAGO

Executive Producer Bruce Timm & Award-Winning Writers
Josh Olson, Brian Azzarello, Greg Rucka and Alan Burnett Headline Panel
following 7:00 pm Premiere of Third DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movie;
Filmmakers Slated for Autograph Session on June 29 at Popular Comics Convention

 Animation legend Bruce Timm and award-winning writers Josh Olson, Brian Azzarello, Greg Rucka and Alan Burnett will be the featured panelists when DC Comics, Warner Premiere, Warner Home Video and Warner Bros. Animation present the World Premiere of the DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movie, Batman Gotham Knight, at Wizard World Chicago on June 28, 2008, it was announced today.

The Batman Gotham Knight premiere will commence at 7:00 p.m. in the 1,500-seat hall within the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, and the screening will be followed immediately by a panel featuring executive producer Bruce Timm (Superman Doomsday, Justice League: The New Frontier) and a quartet of the film's writers: Academy Award nominee Josh Olson (A History of Violence), Eisner Award-winning writers Brian Azzarello & Greg Rucka, and five-time Emmy Award-winner Alan Burnett.  The film will be introduced by DC Comics President and Publisher Paul Levitz, and DC Comics Senior Vice President of Creative Affairs Gregory Noveck will moderate the panel.

As a capacity crowd is anticipated, the premiere is a ticketed event.  Free tickets for convention attendees will be distributed starting at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 28 in the Wizard World Chicago ticketing area.

The panelists will be available for a 90-minute autograph session on Sunday beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the Fountain Area. An encore presentation of the film will screen Sunday at 2:00 p.m., and seating will be allotted on an un-ticketed, first-come, first-served basis.

Batman Gotham Knight is a fresh and exciting new entry into the Batman mythos, spinning out of a 40-year history in animation including the Emmy(R)-winning Batman: The Animated Series, widely considered a pivotal moment in American animation. A cross section of distinguished creators, award winning producers, and acclaimed writers weave six interlocking stories that reveal Bruce Wayne's journey to The Dark Knight, each with stylish art from some of the world's most revered animation visionaries.

Batman Gotham Knight will arrive July 8, 2008 on DVD and Blu-Ray disc, and will also be available On Demand via digital cable and for download through broadband sites.


















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This post relates to: Batman, Superman, Trinity

TRINITY #14-17
Written by Kurt Busiek and Fabian Nicieza
Art by Mark Bagley & Art Thibert, Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens, Mike Norton, and Tom Derenick & Wayne Faucher
Covers by Jim Lee & Scott Williams
   
Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman lead the heroes of the DCU against the machinations of their malevolent counterparts, resulting in a cataclysmic event that will change the world – but not like anyone involved expects. Plus, Hawkman and Gangbuster make their move to rescue Tarot, and Konvikt breaks loose.
Issue #14 on sale September 3; issue #15 on sale September 10;
issue #16 on sale September 17; issue #17 on sale September 24
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US



DC UNIVERSE: DECISIONS #1-2
Written by Judd Winick & Bill Willingham
Pencil art by Rick Leonardi
Covers by Stephane Roux
  
 Election season is upon us, and the stakes have never been higher! An unknown villain is attempting to assassinate the presidential candidates, and only the heroes of the DCU stand in the way. As Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Superman, Batman and more try to learn the killer’s identity, they are faced with the difficult task of reconciling their own personal ideals with the mission at hand.

    Brought to you by writers Judd Winick (GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY, TITANS) and Bill Willingham (FABLES, DAY OF VENGEANCE) and featuring sensational art by Rick Leonardi (ROBIN, SUPERGIRL)!
Issue #1 on sale September 10; issue #2 on sale September 24 • 1 and 2 of 4
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US






FINAL CRISIS #4
Written by Grant Morrison
Art by J.G. Jones and Carlos Pacheco
Covers by J.G. Jones
   
It's one month after the Anti-Life Equation was released worldwide. Millions now toil as slaves of Darkseid, while the Justifier shock troops of Apokolips lay waste to the planet Earth and hunt down its protectors.
The remaining free humans and superheroes are stationed around the world, besieged within the walls of ten very familiar 'Watchtowers', as they fight a desperate, losing battle against the triumphant forces of evil.
While Green Arrow and Black Canary attempt to deliver the secret of humanity's last hope across America's blasted wastelands, the Outsiders brave the horrors of the Bludhaven bunker in search of Batman. The ultimate battle is coming…but which heroes will become villain – and vice versa? And what part do the Secret Society have to play in the dawning of this new Age of Evil?
Darkness is falling and death rules the day. Is this truly the end of the Age of Super Heroes? Don't miss FINAL CRISIS #4: “How to Murder the Earth!”

    Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers by J.G. Jones that will ship in approximately 50/50 ratio. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale September 17 • 4 of 7 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US


FINAL CRISIS: REVELATIONS #2
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Philip Tan, Jeff de los Santos & Jonathan Glapion
Covers by Philip Tan

    The Question’s been marked for death by The Spectre! How will Renee escape the grasp of the Spirit of Vengeance? Can either of them stop the immortal Vandal Savage once he has the Spear of Destiny? Plus, the return of Batwoman!
   
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers by Philip Tan that will ship in approximately 50/50 ratio. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale September 10 • 2 of 5 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US








FINAL CRISIS: ROGUES’ REVENGE #3
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and covers by Scott Kolins

    Captain Cold and the Rogues only want one thing – revenge. But with the Secret Society hitting the Rogues where it hurts, that revenge is being kept at an arm’s length. Not to mention, the subject of their revenge is now under Libra’s protection. It's do or die time for the Rogues as this villainous mini-series concludes! Plus, what's up with...Barry Allen?
   
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers by Scott Kolins that will ship in approximately 50/50 ratio. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale September 17 • 3 of 3 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US








FINAL CRISIS: LEGION OF THREE WORLDS #2
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by George Pérez & Scott Koblish
Covers by George Pérez

    Geoff Johns and George Perez continue crafting the Crisis of the 31st Century! As Superboy-Prime leads the Legion of Super-Villains against everything and everyone inspired by the legacy of Superman, the Legion of Super-Heroes are forced to call for help from beyond their world. Meanwhile, contingency plans are created by Brainiac 5 as he attempts to overcome Colu’s devastating betrayal, Dawnstar and Wildfire pull off a startling rescue, but at a horrible cost to the universe, and Saturn Girl uncovers the source of the Legion’s troubles.
   
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers by George Pérez that will ship in approximately 50/50 ratio. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale September 17 • 2 of 5 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US






AMBUSH BUG YEAR NONE #3
Written by Keith Giffen & Robert Loren Fleming
Art by Keith Giffen & Al Milgrom
Cover by Amanda Conner

    Darkseid makes a list and checks it twice! Plus, a shotgun wedding, alternate universes, more OMACs than you can shake a stick at and the very important return of Super-Turtle all wait for you in this all-new, all-ridiculous third issue.
On sale September 24 • 3 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US










SECRET SIX #1
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Nicola Scott & Doug Hazlewood
Cover by Cliff Chiang
  
Because you demanded it! The Secret Six are back in an all-new ongoing series that promises to deliver some of the darkest, most twisted action-adventure the DC Universe has seen since...well, the last time the Secret Six got together!  Writer extraordinaire Gail Simone (BIRDS OF PREY) is reunited with BIRDS penciller Nicola Scott to chronicle the adventures of the Six, and you will not believe what they have in store. Join Catman, Scandal, Deadshot, Ragdoll, and ?? as they prepare for an adventure that will take them through a gauntlet across the seediest parts of the DC Universe, and will ultimately pit them against a foe more monstrous and murderous than any they've had to face! Don't miss the beginning of the most ferocious and scandalous Six story yet!
On sale September 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US





EL DIABLO #1
Written by Jai Nitz
Art and cover by Phil Hester
& Ande Parks
   
The haunted horseman returns to the DCU in a six-issue miniseries! Who is Chato Santana? A ruthless ganglord or a modern-day Robin Hood? Caught between the law and a power struggle in his gang, Chato meets Lazarus Lane, an impossibly old man with a possessed past. Witness this tale of rebirth, revenge, betrayal, justice, Hell, comeuppance, curses, and consequences. Written by Jai Nitz (BLUE BEETLE, THE BATMAN STRIKES!) with art by Phil Hester and Ande Parks (GREEN ARROW, NIGHTWING).
On sale September 3 • 1 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US







REIGN IN HELL #3
Written by Keith Giffen
Art by Tom Derenick & Bill Sienkiewicz
Cover by Justiniano

    It's all-out war in Hell! The mystic heroes in the DC Universe are forced to choose sides between Lord Satanus and Neron - and you'll be shocked by the results!  Plus - A secret detention facility harbors something too horrible for even Hell to contain - what if it gets loose?
On sale September 24 • 3 of 8, 40 pg, FC, $3.50 US









RANN/THANAGAR: HOLY WAR #5
Written by Jim Starlin    Cover by Jim Starlin & Rob Hunter
Art by Ron Lim & Rob Hunter
   
It's all-out war between the Rannians and Thanagarians! Sardath prepares Rann's space fleet for an attack on Thanagar, but they're ill-prepared for what the Thanagarians have waiting for them. Meanwhile, Deacon Dark's plans finally come together...can the universe withstand the might of the new, all-powerful Snnyar?
On sale September 17 • 5 of 8, 40 pg, FC, $3.50 US










ADAM STRANGE SPECIAL #1
Written by Jim Starlin   
Art by Rick Leonardi & Dan Green
Cover by Jim Starlin & Al Milgrom

    A RANN/THANAGAR: HOLY WAR tie-in! After narrowly escaping a deadly blast, Adam Strange finds himself spiraling through the timestream, forced to relive the past and helpless to watch as his future unravels before his very eyes. Will he be able to pull himself together to rejoin the Holy War?
On sale September 3 • 40 pg, FC, $3.50 US










TITANS #5
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Julian Lopez & Prentis Rollins
Cover by Joe Benitez

    When Raven's half-brothers return to claim her and unite Trigon's bloodline, Raven must choose which ties are stronger: the family she was born to, or the new family she has made.
Resolicit • On sale September 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US









TEEN TITANS #63
Written by Sean McKeever
Art and cover by Eddy Barrows & Ruy Jose

    Bombshell is back! But wait — isn't she dead? Whatever the answer, one thing's for sure: the Teen Titans are gonna have their hands full! Also in this issue: Wonder Girl can feel something terrible on the horizon coming for her and there's nothing she can do to stop it!
On sale September 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US










DC SPECIAL: CYBORG #5
Written by Mark Sable
Art by Carlos Magno & Jonathan Glapion
Cover by Mike McKone
   
Meet The Phantom Limbs, an elite team of wounded soldiers saved by Cyborg's technology. The catch? The only way they can keep their new limbs is by killing for the mercenary Mr. Orr. Will Vic be able to save them from this Faustian bargain – or will they kill him first?
On sale September 17 • 5 of 6, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US









SUPERMAN #680
Written by James Robinson
Art by Renato Guedes & José Wilson Magalháes
Cover by Alex Ross
  
 “Atlas,” part 4! The grand finale of the Atlas epic finds Superman's foe seemingly victorious! With Superman down for the count, who can stand in the way of the city's supposed new ruler? Enter Krypto, (Super)man's best friend, who will do anything to protect his master. Don’t miss Krypto at his most heroic, a worthy addition to the Superman Family – and a very good boy. Plus: A new, magical character settles in Metropolis, just when Superman needs him most.
On sale September 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US







TOR #5
Written by Joe Kubert
Art and cover by Joe Kubert

    Captured and bound, Tor’s fate rests in the hands of a jealous Shaman. A sacrifice might succeed in delivering the tribe of hairy men from evil, but it will definitely deliver Tor and his allies str