Several things have happened in the past month that impact the new things coming out of DC. One of these is a new divison called DC Entertainment, basically to make new DC products and promote the DCU. Also, DC has announced some upcoming projects, including a series of short animated films, a Nightwing project of some sort, and a Jonah Hex movie.
I am thrilled.
I think that DC is finally taking things other than comics seriously. Sure, they had the (fabulous) series of cartoon shows, but then there was "The Batman Strikes" which I think we all can agree was a disgrace. But there's been very little other things to draw in non-comic readers, whereas Marvel has always pumped out as much stuff as they can (sometimes at the expense of quality).
For Batman fans, I don't think these new projects mean much. Most of the point, I think, is to promote lesser known superheroes (I mean, come on. Jonah Hex?). But this will probably become, if succesful, a much larger enterprise. Personally, I am hoping for another Bruce Timm-ruin cartoon series (Batman: The Animated series part II, anyone?)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Is Batman a Superhero?
In case you haven't heard, Batman: Arkham Asylum won a Guinness World Record for "Most Hyped Superhero Game" (the validity of this is in question--personally I think it's a little too much of a marketing ploy). But there's also a large outcry because apparently a large segment of the population doesn't consider Batman a superhero.
I think this is unfair. Sure, he doesn't have any "super powers" in the strictest sense. But aren't Olympic athletes considered extraordinary and of higher ability than 98% percent of the population? And also, the sheer amount of willpower and lack of self-preservation have to count for something.
Sure, he isn't bulletproof. But Bruce (since he's in the Arkham video game, I'm using him in the discussion) could walk into a room full of the most powerful beings in the known universe and stop all conversation by clearing his throat. Superman can't say that. For all his sixty different kinds of vision, he doesn't command that kind of attention.
That's what makes a superhero.
I think this is unfair. Sure, he doesn't have any "super powers" in the strictest sense. But aren't Olympic athletes considered extraordinary and of higher ability than 98% percent of the population? And also, the sheer amount of willpower and lack of self-preservation have to count for something.
Sure, he isn't bulletproof. But Bruce (since he's in the Arkham video game, I'm using him in the discussion) could walk into a room full of the most powerful beings in the known universe and stop all conversation by clearing his throat. Superman can't say that. For all his sixty different kinds of vision, he doesn't command that kind of attention.
That's what makes a superhero.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
More Podcast Info...
We will be back to our regularly scheduled programming soon, but here is an expansion of the podcast idea.
Sample Program:
1.Introduction music/title sequence (1-1.5 minutes)
2. News, notes, etc. (3-5 minutes)
3. Feature: probably a minute-by-minute audio commentary on an animated episode/movie etc, a multiple person discussion, or interview if I ever get that popular. (10-30 minutes, a movie commentary would be spread out over multiple podcasts)
4. Other/feedback (5-10 minutes)
5. Closing (less than 1 minute)
All in all, it would be about 20-50 minutes. My goal is to have this not be something that I could do just as well on the blog.
Sample Program:
1.Introduction music/title sequence (1-1.5 minutes)
2. News, notes, etc. (3-5 minutes)
3. Feature: probably a minute-by-minute audio commentary on an animated episode/movie etc, a multiple person discussion, or interview if I ever get that popular. (10-30 minutes, a movie commentary would be spread out over multiple podcasts)
4. Other/feedback (5-10 minutes)
5. Closing (less than 1 minute)
All in all, it would be about 20-50 minutes. My goal is to have this not be something that I could do just as well on the blog.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Podcast?
Hello, everyone.
This is just a quick post introducing the new poll WHICH EVERYONE MUST VOTE ON OR BE BANISHED TO THE CRIME SYNDICATE'S EARTH!!
Just kidding. Maybe.
Anyhow, if there was a Batman World Blog podcast, would you listen to it? I've been toying with the idea of setting one up (yes, I would probably try to get it on iTunes).
As always, comments are open.
This is just a quick post introducing the new poll WHICH EVERYONE MUST VOTE ON OR BE BANISHED TO THE CRIME SYNDICATE'S EARTH!!
Just kidding. Maybe.
Anyhow, if there was a Batman World Blog podcast, would you listen to it? I've been toying with the idea of setting one up (yes, I would probably try to get it on iTunes).
As always, comments are open.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Batman: Haunted Gotham (Graphic Novel)
Batman: Haunted Gotham
By Doug Moench
Art by Kelley Jones
Rating: 3/10
In this tale, Gotham is mystically enclosed by an invisible barrier. Imps, magic and demons are real. The Waynes have trained their son, Bruce, to be fight against the hell-forces that are going to destroy the city. They die when he is an adult, and he dons the Batman costume to fight the dark magic. (It's really alien giant serpents.)
This was just too dang weird for me. There was little resemblance to the original characters except for the names and a sketchy history. The Waynes actually became ghosts, and then Bruce killed them to keep them from the demons, who would eat their souls.
The Joker was a patchwork Frankenstein with the head of Thomas Wayne. And there were giant-magic-human-eating serpents from outer space who transformed a lonely boy into what was supposedly Killer Croc, I guess. Need I say more?
Skip this. Just do not subject yourself to it.
*Deep breath*
I have two better notes for today:
First, I would like to thank DYlogger for writing about this blog on the Time Wasters blog (www.timewasters2009.blogspot.com It is cool). It's great to hear that people enjoy this blog. Frankly, I just started it because I got sick of being called a nerd (I am a geek, thank you very much).
Also, you should read The Umbrella Academy if you haven't already. It isn't Batman related or even in the DCU, but it is one of the best series I have read. Ever. And the covers are absolutely beautiful.
By Doug Moench
Art by Kelley Jones
Rating: 3/10
In this tale, Gotham is mystically enclosed by an invisible barrier. Imps, magic and demons are real. The Waynes have trained their son, Bruce, to be fight against the hell-forces that are going to destroy the city. They die when he is an adult, and he dons the Batman costume to fight the dark magic. (It's really alien giant serpents.)
This was just too dang weird for me. There was little resemblance to the original characters except for the names and a sketchy history. The Waynes actually became ghosts, and then Bruce killed them to keep them from the demons, who would eat their souls.
The Joker was a patchwork Frankenstein with the head of Thomas Wayne. And there were giant-magic-human-eating serpents from outer space who transformed a lonely boy into what was supposedly Killer Croc, I guess. Need I say more?
Skip this. Just do not subject yourself to it.
*Deep breath*
I have two better notes for today:
First, I would like to thank DYlogger for writing about this blog on the Time Wasters blog (www.timewasters2009.blogspot.com It is cool). It's great to hear that people enjoy this blog. Frankly, I just started it because I got sick of being called a nerd (I am a geek, thank you very much).
Also, you should read The Umbrella Academy if you haven't already. It isn't Batman related or even in the DCU, but it is one of the best series I have read. Ever. And the covers are absolutely beautiful.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Underused Characters
With all the sudden emphasis on the Joker this past year (and therefore the exclusion of other worthy villains), I have created a list of the ten most underused Bat-Universe characters.
THE LIST
10. Warlock's Daughter--Darla Aquista, killed in the events of War Games, was resurrected as a magical being by . She has since joined the Shadowpact, but Gotham could use some mystical mayhem for the new Batman to deal with.
9. Fright--The once-lab assistant of Jonathan Crane, she betrayed him and gained the abilities to exhale neurotoxins, enhanced acrobatics, and other abilities. She was only seen once (2005), but would be a worthy villain, and one that has not been written to death.
8. Nocturna has made a few appearances lately, in the Green Arrow/Black Canary wedding issue, and the Gotham Gazette one-shots, although those were only cameos. This is one villain who could rival the Batboys in their love of the shadows.
7. Plastic Man--optimally, this tram-up would happen after Bruce returns. This may just be me (and I realize he isn't really a Bat character) but I love those two together. Also, Plas hasn't been seen in the DCU in quite a while.
6. Mad Hatter--he would be interesting to see in Red Robin, after this whole Ras Al Ghul business is over (where is this series headed, anyway?).
5. Henri Ducard-- This actually applies to all of Bruce's mentors. I would love to see a miniseries covering those 10+ years he spent overseas.
4. Nite-Wing--a sociopath, and enemy of Nightwing, I would love to see Tad team up with Jason Todd and fight Batman.
3. Ragman--now that most of Gotham's vigilantes are overseas, AWOL, or dead, the new Batman needs some allies. Ragman has been gone for a while. Is it time for a return?
2. Chancer--a villain with the power of extreme luck, Chancer was only seen once, but he nearly bested the Batman.
1. Commissoner Gordon--It's not that we haven't sen him, but when have we actually gotten any good stuff about our dear cop? With the end of Gotham Central and the miniseries GCPD, it's been awhile since we've had a really good story about Gotham's blue boys. And right now, what comics really need is just a good story--none of this earth-shattering stuff.
THE LIST
10. Warlock's Daughter--Darla Aquista, killed in the events of War Games, was resurrected as a magical being by . She has since joined the Shadowpact, but Gotham could use some mystical mayhem for the new Batman to deal with.
9. Fright--The once-lab assistant of Jonathan Crane, she betrayed him and gained the abilities to exhale neurotoxins, enhanced acrobatics, and other abilities. She was only seen once (2005), but would be a worthy villain, and one that has not been written to death.
8. Nocturna has made a few appearances lately, in the Green Arrow/Black Canary wedding issue, and the Gotham Gazette one-shots, although those were only cameos. This is one villain who could rival the Batboys in their love of the shadows.
7. Plastic Man--optimally, this tram-up would happen after Bruce returns. This may just be me (and I realize he isn't really a Bat character) but I love those two together. Also, Plas hasn't been seen in the DCU in quite a while.
6. Mad Hatter--he would be interesting to see in Red Robin, after this whole Ras Al Ghul business is over (where is this series headed, anyway?).
5. Henri Ducard-- This actually applies to all of Bruce's mentors. I would love to see a miniseries covering those 10+ years he spent overseas.
4. Nite-Wing--a sociopath, and enemy of Nightwing, I would love to see Tad team up with Jason Todd and fight Batman.
3. Ragman--now that most of Gotham's vigilantes are overseas, AWOL, or dead, the new Batman needs some allies. Ragman has been gone for a while. Is it time for a return?
2. Chancer--a villain with the power of extreme luck, Chancer was only seen once, but he nearly bested the Batman.
1. Commissoner Gordon--It's not that we haven't sen him, but when have we actually gotten any good stuff about our dear cop? With the end of Gotham Central and the miniseries GCPD, it's been awhile since we've had a really good story about Gotham's blue boys. And right now, what comics really need is just a good story--none of this earth-shattering stuff.