Superman/Batman: Public Enemies

As everyone is well aware (I hope), there is a new DC movie coming out, starring Batman and Superman, entitled Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (didn't I read a comic called the same thing? Oh, yes, I did).

The movie focuses on the same thing in the comic: a kryptonite meteor is heading straight for Earth, following Superman, so President Lex Luthor orders Superman to turn himself in. Instead, he goes to Batman. They are attacked by villains (Mongol, Solomon Grundy, Silver Banshee and Lady Shiva being among them) and then heroes (Captian Atom, Major Force, Starfire, Black Lightning, etc.). So, Batman and Superman have to team up.

Actually in the movie, the kryptonite meteor "drives Superman mad, leading him to commit murder".

And, via Batman on Film.com, we have stills from the upcoming animated movie. Hopefully, you can name them yourself, as I am too lazy to.











This movie will have the voice of Kevin Conroy for Batman, Tim Daly as Superman, and Clancy Brown as Lex Luthor. Others include: John McGinely (Metallo), LeVar Burton (Black Lightning), Xander Berkley (Captain Atom), Allison Mack (Power Girl), Ricardo Chiavera (Major Force), CCH Pounder (Amanda Waller), and a bunch of others.

Bruce Timm (Batman Animated Series, Superman Animated Series) is the executive producer, while Alan Burnett is editing the already amazing script.

Screenwriter Stan Berkowitz has worked on a lot of DC Animated movies. He's doing this one as well, and was interviewed about the movie. On the topic of why he decided to pen this particular movie, he stated:

"In the comic book...it was assumed that everyone knew the backstory to how Luthor got elected President. But we needed...to show an audience, who might not be familiar with the comics, exactly what would have to happen for Luthor to be elected. I sort of envisioned Luthor ascending to the Presidency somewhere around 2012...I figured that something bad would happen, and then Democrats would be elected in 2008, they wouldn’t be able to solve the problem and, in 2012, a tough, Ross Perot-style third party bid would be the one who’d be elected."

When asked about how he felt adapting a well known story, he said,

"For Public Enemies, there was also the issue of credibility. We were concerned that if a person who vaguely knows Superman and Batman grabs this off the shelf and sees Lex Luthor as President, he might think, “hey, what’s going on here?” It might just put them off, or make them think this was an alternate world story. And that’s not how it’s advertised. The other credibility issue is that in the comic, Luthor believes that the meteor is coming to Earth because of Superman. As a reader, I could not get past the fact that the public buys Luthor’s explanation. I didn’t believe an audience watching this as an animated production would buy Luthor’s explanation. So Alan (Burnett) and Bruce (Timm) and I had to figure out an alternate way for Luthor to frame Superman. I think it worked very well."

He also, when the interviewer wonders what it is like writing Batman and Superman together, says:

"Well, Batman and Superman are opposites. Superman has always been presented as the character from the light, the daytime; Batman from the nighttime. They have decidedly different outlooks. Superman is the ultimate kid from Kansas, who had a real healthy upbringing. Batman is the tormented orphan. In a way, Superman’s outlook is too sunny, and Batman’s is too dark. The two of them work against each other, trying to temper each other’s attitude.

Superman wants to cheer up Batman to a certain extent, and Batman wants to make Superman aware that there is a darker world under what Superman normally sees. It’s fun to create banter between them. It was also fun to adapt the banter that was in the graphic novel, and we used a lot of it. Jeph’s words were so good, we just pulled dialogue directly from the pages of the novel."

The DVD drops on September 29, so be ready, it's only a month (less!) away.

If you want more information:

The Full Interview with Stan

Extra Information

For the DVD Version on Amazon, click here.

For the Blu-Ray edition, click here.

For the 2-Disc Special Edition, click here.

You Know, After All of the Times that Raven's Family have Tried to Kill the Titans, You'd Think They'd Learn Not to Mess With Anyone Related to Her

Titans - Old Friends, starring Donna Troy, Nightwing, Flash, Starfire, Beast Boy, Cyborg, and Raven, my personal favorite.

I have to say, as much as I don't like Judd Winick, I liked this graphic novel. The artwork was great, too (thanks, Ian Churchill and Joe Benitez).

I think it's time for a Haphazard Heroines Comprehensive Review! It starts out by recapping a tale of the original Teen Titans (well, maybe not original, but one of the first few). You even get to see Dick in all of his Robin-pantsless glory. Ah, it was worth the $25.

They're fighting Bizarro and the Joker (odd couple...actually, nevermind). The Joker is impeccably drawn. Even when he's frowning, it's still a smile XD

Skip to the present day. Cyborg is forming the Titans East. He asks for his old buddies, but all of them are somehow otherwise occupied with superheroic duties (actually, Raven is trying to fit in at high school, but that's pretty much a full time thing). Cy is disappointed, but he gets some cool characters for the Titans East (Hawk, Dove, Power Boy, Anima, Little Barda, Lagoon Boy, and Son of Vulcan).

Cy sets up a little game of tag, but in the end, Power Boy is murdered and the others end up all critical in the hospital. What was it Deathstroke once said? Or was it Jericho? "Kids shouldn't be heroes"? or something like that.

Well, one of them said it. Deosn't matter - both are pretty messed up.

Then Cy gets firebombed and we switch to Nightwing's POV.

INNERMONOLOGUEINNERMONOLOGUEINNERMONOLOGUEINNERMONOLOGUE

So, Nightwing ends up in a fight with a bunch of creepy ninjas, a naked Starfire is almost devoured in Animal Man's pool in front of Animal Man's son, Raven is attacked by a demon in her high school, Red Arrow is on his bike when spikes shoot up from the ground to kill him, Beast Boy's home is on fire and melting onto his head, Donna Troy and Kyle Rayner are attacked while in outer space by something that looks like Kory's hair, and the Flash is taking a shower when sticky red stuff attacks his naked bod. Oh, and the New Teen Titans (Robin, Miss Martian, Wonder Girl, Supergirl, Ravager, Kid Devil, and Blue Beetle) are also attacked (by the ground, no less. I thought Terra was back, originally).

So, Batman helps out Nightwing, and the older Titans meet up together at the site of Power Boy's murder.

This is it. The moment we've all been waiting for - Raven announces that Trigon has returned.

Turns out Poppa Demon is attacking all former Titans - anyone who was a Titan ever. The older Titans and their mentors/allies/parents save Argent, Bumble Bee, Vox, Red Star, and Someone whose name I can't remember.

So, they really need to figure out what's going on, so Rae-Rae takes a trip to her father's realm. He actually isn't powerful anymore. He's frail and weak and has almost no power (still manages to almost strangle Raven, though...).

Oh, and he isn't alone now. The Titans hunt down anyone other than Angela Roth that might have had Trigon's kids, but all of the women are dead. Too bad their kids aren't. And they're annoying too.

They make Wally and Donna insanely jealous of each other, Nightwing and Starfire have passionate sex in somewhere that is not their bed, and Beast Boy and Raven go at it for a while.

Envy. Lust. Wrath. - sins, right?

It takes a while, but the kids are sort of defeated...if helping their father come to Earth and then sapping his power and leaving him alone is defeating them. They didn't get much power though.

There are a couple of cutsie BB/Rae moments (that I just so happen to love). They go get food, Starfire and Nightwing have a moment, and then back to Raven and Beast Boy.

Raven goes crazy, as usual. Really, I love it when this happens. The number of times she's helped her father! XD

Her brothers have come for her and take her to wherever her other brothers are. Donna Troy has a doohicky that takes them to Raven and they attack her and her evil brothers. Turns out, Raven is the sin of Pride. She takes her brothers powers and plans on giving them to her real family - the Titans. She's planning on killing Beast Boy to channel the energy, but the thing Donna got them to the place with glows and a phantom Raven comes out of it, defeating her evil side.

The novel ends with Jericho, who breaks into the Tower. He is unable to get out of the body of Match.

Wonder where that will take the old Teen Titans...

Hope you enjoyed the review and the comic (buy it.)

More Batman Three News

According to sources, the third Batman movie may be produced in only IMAX footage, which would require Christopher Nolan to get new cameras and everything.

We hope not. There's something about the regular movie theatre that is invigorating.

Plus, in this economy, can they afford to make the entire movie in IMAX? And has Christian Bale even signed on? He has expressed his distaste for the subject of the movie before.

It's rumored to be starting filming next year.

Review: Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?

I'm going to start this one out with stating that I don't like Superman, but I did enjoy Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? Alan Moore was right on target with that one. It was a good tribute to the Man of Steel.

But, as much as I love Neil Gaiman (and I'm sure this was his intent), I didn't really understand Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?

It started out in Gotham, as usual, and people are talking, but we don't see who. I mean, you assume that one of them is Batman, but whatever. Anyway, we follow Selina Kyle at first. She goes to a bar, talks with a dead man, and gets a bunch of cats to watch her car for her.

Then we see Alfred. Then we see Batman's dead body in a casket.

Depressing much?

So, the theory that it is Batman's disembodied voice we have been reading is confirmed when he is surprised to see himself in a coffin.

Two-Face, The Joker, Dick...all are at this "funeral".

People begin to speak. We start with Selina Kyle, who mentions her rooftop romance with the Caped Crusader.

Then we head on over to Alfred, who decides to explain that he was the Joker in the beginning, to keep "Master Bruce" alive.

a) when did it become alright for him to mention Bruce's name in front of his most hated enemies?

b) what the hell? Alfred is not the effing Joker!

That's when we stopped reading.

I'm sorry to everyone who wanted a full review, but I was utterly perplexed. I read a bit more, honestly, about the Penguin and the Joker, but I was just far too confused. So, instead, I watches eight seasons of Smallville and the pilot of Aquaman (with Justin Hartley aka Green Arrow as Arthur "A.C." Curry, also known as Orin. Whewww) that wasn't picked up by the CW. Good times.

I give it a 3/5.

I was confused as all get out, but the artwork was amazing.

Gotham City Sirens?

Just picked this up yesterday (it said it was new... and it said "Gotham City"... how could I resist?) and it's alright.

This is the oddest series I have read in a while, and that's really saying something.

It starts with Selena going on about how she still feels crappy and basically tells everything that's been going on. She was beaten up by like a mugger or something, and, strangely, Poison Ivy comes to her rescue. Do they have some kind of villainous understanding or something? So, Harley is living with Ivy (which is kinda crazy) and Ivy is like "wth?" when it comes to Selena, who is still shaken about the whole "had-heart-taken-out-of-body-by-Hush" thing.

And somehow the Riddler's in it...

Anyway, then Ivy drugs Selena to ask what Batman's secret identity is (not so nice after all).

That's when the issue ends, with a hair-splitting cliffhanger. I really wonder how they managed to pitch this. I mean, it's not bad, just weird. I guess because it goes well with the whole Batman: Reborn thing.

So, in issue 2...

I like the little trick Selena uses to not have to tell the identity of Batman. Thanks Talia al Ghul! It felt like Harley and Ivy were just going through the motions, not really feeling it, because it just seemed mechanical in the writing. Most of the story is that way, actually, making it seem superficial, as if nothing important is going on in the story for the entire issue(s?). It's a bit forgettable. It could be a pretty good series, but the writer needs to step up.

I'm trusting Paul Dini to keep this good, because DC has been really weak lately. The art I didn't like too much. Too...exaggerated? It's got that thing where women wearing almost nothing pose in impossible ways thing. It's weird. Maybe I'll grow to like it.

Soon To Be Mine...

Batman Confidential #32 - 

Very excited for this one. Batman goes to Moscow because the guy in charge of the mob in Russia wants to take over the Gotham City mob, so, of course, Batman can't let this happen.

Wait, I thought he was dead?

Deadpool - Merc With a Mouth #2

I've been waiting for the second part of this.

Head Case Pt. 2 - he sees his own zombified head?

And I thought the last issue was good!

Doom Patrol #1 - 

I've talked about it before, so we know it's gonna be great. I pre-ordered it online because my local comic store sucks XD

What I am NOT Reading:

The Death of the New Gods.

Sorry, DC, but it's boring and confusing. I had to reread the issues like three times to kind of understand...

Batman and Robin...Minus the True Batman

IT JUST DOESN'T LOOK RIGHT!

Dick Grayson is one of my all-time favorite DC Characters. I really love him! But I hate reading the newest Batman and Robin series, because, as much as I love Nightwing, I love Batman more.

As another comic blogger has stated, there is the old "different personalities" dynamic between Dick and Damian, which a Dick and Tim combo would lack, as they are more like brothers.

But Damian gets to me. I didn't like him in Batman and Son or Battle for the Cowl. He's just annoying. And I really like Tim.

So, don't get me wrong, it's a good series, but I really hate reading it (but I do anyway).

So, Batman and Robin #3 is coming out soon and, yes, I'm going to buy it.

Recap and Review!: "Batman" and "Robin" are up against the Circus of Strange, which are pulling a Gotham-City-Psychopath move and attempting to kill them. There's this guy named Professor Pyg, and they have to defeat him too. But! There's this scarlet hooded person hanging around in the shadows in the upcoming issue. Funny, I swear there's been a red-hooded person in the Batman stories before...*cough*RedHood*cough

Plus, I hate the cover art for this one.

My Mind Exploded Due to Trinity.

I love Trinity. I really do.

But the further it gets in the series, the more difficult it becomes to follow.

Take issue #42. I got it.

Cheetah vs. Black Adam - check!

The godlike Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman - check!

Hey! Wait!

Yeah, that's where I got confused too. Thankfully, looking back on the Trinity title, I understand now.

It involves a dream, Morgaine Le Fey, and the multiverse.

That's where I stopped.

I just get too freaking confused when the multiple Earths thing happens.

So, so very confused.

Le Fey is trying to destroy the Trinity (Batsy, Supes, and WW), along with Despero. I got that far.

I really do like what Wikipedia has to say about Morgaine trying to understand "why them?"

"As she studies their targets, Morgaine realizes why each third of the Trinity holds his or her share of the power: Batman is the pinnacle of human achievements, physical and mental; Superman is the ultimate freedom fighter, with an absolute will; and Wonder Woman's message inspires all around her to do what is right to the end."

I think I'm gonna try re-reading it.

You should too.

Watch This!

http://www.youtube.com/user/ItsJustSomeRandomGuy

I swear, you will love this guy until the end of your days.

The Batman is so funny!

And, for laughs:


Ahahahahah!

Justice League: Mortal vs. The Avengers

A Justice League movie entitled Justice League: Mortal is set to come out in 2011, the same as the Green Lantern movie and the forthcoming third Batman flick.

Wow, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, and the others got screwed out of their own movie franchises.

And, apparently, neither Christian Bale or that guy who played Superman (never can remember his name...) are going to be in it, which leaves us fans starving for some continuity.

According to Justiceleaguemovie.net, the movie is going to be a direct comptetitor against the May 4, 2012 Marvel flick, The Avengers, which should involve Robert Downey, Jr. aka Iron Man.

The JLA movie is going to be directed by George Miller (Happy Feet, Lorenzo's Oil, Twilight Zone: The Movie) while the Avengers movie will (possibly) be directed by Iron Man pro Jon Favereau.

From RopeofSilicon.com:

In talking with several online writers during Comic Con, Marvel executive Kevin Feige discussed the process of bringing the Marvel universe together in feature films with The Avengers, and how they plan on doing it on a grand scale. "I get to cheat because it's been done before in comics. It's not how the dots connect — we might be changing them a little bit — but it's that experience of reading comics we're trying to bring to movies, to people who've never opened a comic book before."

On the other side, the Justice League movie will involve Aquaman.

The supposed "Batman" for the movie is actor Armie Hammer (what a name!), who could tell a little about the movie before it was halted due to the writer's strike.

"I would spend hours training with actual guns to prepare me for this stuff," Hammer said. "It was very intense. Our workout regimens were so rigorous that most of us would vomit."

He added, "We weren't trying to get ourselves aesthetically good looking. We were trying to get ready for the demands of shooting."

He's already been fitted for the superhero costume, which he says features functioning equipment, including trademark Batman weapons like spring-loaded titanium Bat-erangs. "I was looking down, and I was thinking, This is the best," Hammer said off the first time he put on the entire ensemble. "Then I stood up, and they turned me around, and I faced a mirror—there was Batman. But then it hit me like a ton of bricks—it's not just Batman, it's me!"

On the subject of the Avengers film, though, the Marvel executive stated that they were attempting to weave many characters into the story. He also said (from Ropeofsilicon.com):

"My only concern is that whichever character's franchise we're launching that it stands on its own two feet. With Iron Man being the first one out of the gate, thank goodness that's what happened. Now everybody loves Iron Man [and] it's our job to do the same thing with Thor and the same thing with Captain America two years from now so by the time The Avengers comes in 2012 it's not just a team superhero movie with just a bunch of characters with powers, it's these three people — four including the Hulk — five including Nick Fury, that you've seen in other movies before now coming together for the very first time."

Read this if you want more information on the upcoming Avengers movie: http://io9.com/5322974/marvel-announces-the-avengers-line+up-plus-thor-and-captain-america-news

Or this: http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/marvels-film-future-follows-the-road-to-the-avengers

But! if you are interested in the JLA movie, check this out: http://www.superherohype.com/news/batmannews.php?id=7680

Or this: http://screenrant.com/justice-league-kids-casting-vic-1016/

Batman: Gotham Knights #43

This one was sad on so many different levels.

It was a brief reminder of the second Robin, Jason Todd, who I never much liked, but was still a Robin, so therefore deserves my respect.

This issue also had some dramatic irony in it.

Batgirl: Looks like you've caught the Joker in plenty of time to get back to business here.

Batman: I didn't catch him...yet.

Batgirl: Great. I'll sleep easy tonight waiting for the random poison gas attack or laughing fish special at my local market.

Batman: He can wait.

Batgirl: Until when?

Batman: I know him well enough by now to realize that he won't surface until he can strike out at me.

Batgirl: Then you're underestimating him. He doesn't have to attack you directly to hurt you.

Batman: Of course he does. That's how it works with us.

Batgirl: I hope you're right, but I wouldn't bet my life on it.

Oh, the cruel, cruel irony.

At least Babs lives, though. Jason gets pummeled.

Anyway, it was a nice reminder of the second Robin as he goes out on a jaunt about town with Batgirl (Barbara Gordon, not Cassandra Cain).

Sadly, in the "present", Batman's being served a court order. Something about Jason Todd's death...

Thank You San Diego!

Thanks to the Comic-Con in San Diego, we know a couple more details on the "upcoming" Batman flick.

Gary Oldman, who plays Commissioner Gordon in the movies, has let slip a few details on the much-awaited movie.

"The next Batman is shooting next year. It's at least two years away. But you didn't hear it from me."

Hurry up and give us the next movie! I don't want to wait until 2011 for it!

Question is, though...will Christian Bale return to the movie? He himself expressed his distaste for it.

Good luck with that one, Nolan.

Birds of Prey - Not Half Bad...

I know that the Birds of Prey comic has been canceled, which is an exceptionally sad thing, though some of the later issues were a bit lackluster. It didn't go out with the bang you expected from Huntress, Black Canary, or Oracle. Actually, it kind of went out with a whimper.

So, lo and behold, I found two collections of BOP comics that are nice to have. I'd actually only read one of them before I got these.

Birds of Prey: Perfect Pitch was right on tune. I loved how The Calculator was obsessed with finding out who Oracle was. It was really funny. His letter to her sounded perfect for the OCD Calculator.

Dear Oracle,
Allow me to introduce myself...
I'm the man who's going to bury you, your friends, and your family.

Meaning no disrespect or malice, of course.

You're simply in the way, my dear.

I'm sorry for all the machination. But I knew you would eventually HAVE to check these blueprints, and I really DID need to contact you.

I want Luthor's satellites back, Oracle.
And if I don't get them...
Well, then I'm going to have all of your operatives assassinated in one brief thunderstorm of blood.

C'mon, admit that was kinda funny XD

I'm also a big fan of Babs telling her dad, the former Commissioner Jim Gordon, that she was the information broker to the world's greatest heroes. She goes on to explain about Batgirl, but apparently...duh duh duhhhhh...he already knew.

Maybe he should have said something to Batman, because ole' Batsy seemed pretty upset that she had let her father know. But then again, he was already pissed about Huntress still working in Gotham, so maybe it just spilled over a bit.

So, to wrap the rest up, it's Black Canary vs. Deathstroke, which can only end badly, of course. The mercenary fell over the side of a building after being blinded by Canary and annoyed by Lady Blackhawk.

My personal favorite part is Huntress, who had been operating in Gotham, forcing an Italian mob to make her their capo and pissing off Batman in the process, giving the information on all mobs to Batman, who grudgingly says that it's excellent work.

Then Canary makes out with him ("No, honest, it was...kinda hot, really. Like kissing your principal while on detention.") and we all go home.

Until Shiva shows up, that is. Naming herself The Jade Canary, she trades life experiences with Canary, who is in a living hell in another country. After being beaten up by Prometheus, she leaves and Canary, who didn't want to be Shiva's apprentice in the end, comes back with a small girl named Sin.

And that, people, is a story for the next post.

P.s. I want this next!

Jason Todd is my Least Favorite Bird Boy

But I shall read this nonetheless. I actually already have this one! Yay!

Red Robin #1 (2nd Printing) is very good. Me gusta, for sure. It's for after Battle for the Cowl (which made me cry).

"Writer Chris Yost (New X-Men, X-Force) and artist by Ramon Bachs (Civil War: Front Line) kick off a brand-new ongoing series right here with 'The Grail' part 1 of 4! Following the aftermath of BATTLE FOR THE COWL, a new Batman watches over Gotham City.

But not everyone is ready to give up on the old one. Someone believes that Bruce Wayne may still be alive...and that someone is Red Robin. But who is wearing the Red Robin costume, and why is he traveling the globe looking for a dead man? Whoever he is, he's not alone in his search!"

Neil Gaiman Produces Good DC Magic

Neil Gaiman (Sandman) is releasing a Batman comic this week through DC Comics, which is the way it should be.

Batman - Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader? is sure to be a hit. I'm going to read it, at least.

It's a collection of previously released comics, but hardcover and together, therefore making more sense.

It includes: Batman #685, Detective Comics #852, Secret Origins #36, Secret Origins Special #1, Batman Black and White #2

Yum!

I can't wait to read it!

Death of Batman - Hoax or Huge Earner?

I've know this for a while, but I haven't had my computer for a while.

So, Batman isn't dead.

SPOILER!

Darkseid's Omega Sanction didn't kill him after ole' Batsy shot the radion bullet at him (I can't get over the use of a gun). The Omega Sanction is described as the "life that is death" and just sent his consciousness into a parallel universe. He was sent to the distant past (just his mind, not his body - but how can someone have their mind exist separately from their body?) and he is able to watch the passing of Anthro.

Wow. That's a lot to take in.

Thankfully, executive editor at DC Comics, Dan DiDio had this to say:

"He's not dead, though he'll definitely be gone for a while. Batman and Bruce Wayne have been here long before me and they'll be around long after me."

Well, we kind of knew that already. Why kill of one of their biggest moneymakers? Well, it allowed them to have Battle for the Cowl, which was pretty darn depressing.

Grant Morrison, writer of some of the most amazing comics (Killing Joke, Final Crisis, a whole bunch of others), has said that he is giving a "fate worse than death" that "no one would expect." Well, you got that right, Grant. No one expected you to kill off Bruce.

Now be a good adolescent-minded writer and bring him back.

New York Daily News: Fans prematurely mourn Batman (November 28, 2008

Dark Knight Sequel? - the rumors behind Batman 3

The Dark Knight was a blockbuster hit, raking in millions of dollars for Christian Bale, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Aaron Eckhart, and Christopher Nolan. Now, rumors about a third Batman movie are surfacing.

Villains in the Batman movies are always highly anticipated. Ever since the horrendous Riddler (Jim Carrey) and the idiotic Two-Face (Val Kilmer), fans of Batman, both the shows and the comics, have been waiting for true villains to be in a Bat-flick. Well, so far we've had the amazing Ra's Al Ghul (Liam Neeson), the Joker (Heath Ledger), and the Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy); all of which were played perfectly. Now, the third Batman movie (rumors, remember?) have suspected villains. Many believe that Angelina Jolie will be playing the feline fatale Catwoman (previously played by Michelle Pfeiffer), but Hollywood Newsroom is claiming that these rumors are exactly that...rumors. They say that Maggie Gyllenhaal, who was killed off during The Dark Knight is going to be playing Batman's long time love interest in the comic books. Says Hollywood Newsroom,

"Our source close to Maggie Gyllenhaal confirmed that she’s excited about the next movie, why else would she, or Katie Holmes for that matter, take on the thankless roll of Rachel Dawson? After Katie left the roll, they could’ve create a new character. But that wasn’t part of Nolan’s plan. This is the trajectory he’s planned for Rachel since the first movie. Not only is Maggie contractually obligated, but she’s already getting in shape for Batman 3.”

Yes, we know that Rachel Dawes is DEAD, but there are some ways around that (Lazarus Pits, she never really died, etc.), but Nolan has been very careful about keeping away from the unbelievable.

According to The Mirror, though, Catwoman is to be played by 62-year old singer Cher, who is said to be Nolan's first choice if her were to use Catwoman. He wants her like a "vamp in her twilight years", according to the same source, and Nolan wants her to be "the complete opposite" of the previous incarnations of Catwoman. If this is true, though, then Nolan is going way off character by not sticking to the comics like he previously has.

Another villain considered by many is the Riddler, whom people believe would be played by Johnny Depp (Sweeney Todd, Pirates of the Caribbean, Edward Sissorhands, the upcoming Alice in Wonderland). Hecklerspray.com is saying that these rumors are completely true.

"That’s a stone cold fact. Why are we so sure that Johnny Depp will play The Riddler in Batman 3? Because Johnny Depp recently briefly mumbled something desperately ambiguous about it possibly being quite fun to maybe play The Riddler during a local radio interview with his band."

David Goyer, the screenwriter of the Batman movies, has said this in response to the Catwoman and Riddler rumors:

"Batman has been published for 70 years. In the first movie, we used Ra's Al Ghul and the Scarecrow, who had not been in the movies before, and had not been in the '60s TV show before... There are dozens if not hundreds of other characters that fit that bill. Everyone says it's got to be the Penguin or Catwoman [in the next film]... well I completely disagree."

Next, it is said that the Penguin, rumored to be played by Philip Seymour Hoffman, will be in the Batman 3 move. Apparently, when Michael Caine (Alfred) was interviewed on MTV News, he was asked who he would like to be in the next installment of the saga. He said, and I quote:

"It’s Johnny Depp as The Riddler. And The Penguin is Philip Seymour Hoffman. I read it in the paper."

You may not believe this, but he also said, "

“When Christopher [Nolan] said we were going to do ‘The Dark Knight’ next, I didn’t know what that meant in Batman terms. I said, ‘What’s the story?’ and he said 'The Joker'. I said, ‘Oh, s–t! How are you going to top Jack [Nicholson]?’ He said, ‘Well, I’ve cast Heath Ledger. And I went ‘Ha! I couldn’t top Jack, but if anyone could, maybe Heath could.’ And he did.
“I was with [a Warner Bros.] executive and I said, ‘Are we going to make another one?’ They said yeah. I said, ‘How the hell are we going to top Heath? And he says ‘I’ll tell you how you top Heath — Johnny Depp as The Riddler and Philip Seymour Hoffman as The Penguin.’ I said, ‘S–t, they’ve done it again!’” [Laughs]

The Warner Brother execs could have been joking, or changed their minds, but I find it unlikely that Nolan will let them bring back anyone who has been previously used (Joker is a special case as he is the Caped Crusader's biggest nemesis).

A final rumor is that Aaron Eckhart (who played the DA gone bad, Harvey Dent) will be coming back, but Eckhart confirmed it himself that his character (Dent) is dead.

"He is dead as a door nail. He ain’t coming back baby! I asked Chris [Nolan] that question and he goes, “You’re dead” before I could even get the question out of my mouth. “Hey Chris, am I...?” “You’re dead!” Alright, cool."

As there are so many rumors, Warner Brothers must have a lot of difficulty squashing untrue facts. But that isn't their biggest problem. Christian Bale, who plays the titular Dark Knight, and only reluctantly signed onto another movie, is reportedly bailing on the third movie. He said in an interview that he "didn't even want to think about it [the movie]."

Click here to see the interview where he acts like Batman sucks.

The release schedule for the third Bat-flick is unknown, but several of the crew are saying that winter 2009 is the time to look for it. This is unlikely, as that is only two movie seasons away and it took Nolan two years to make The Dark Knight.

Oh, and Gary Oldman (Harry Potter, Batman Begins) had better be in this one, because he was just made Commissioner and he's my favorite character.

Who knows what the next movie will hold, but no matter what it is, I'm sure it will be another stunning production from Christopher Nolan.

Final Crisis - The End of Batman?

Finally got my hands on a copy of FINAL CRISIS. I was lucky; It was somehow just sitting on a table in Barnes and Noble when I went in there last week so, of course, I had to have it.

I didn't like it.

At all.

And not just the fact that BATMAN FREAKING DIES.

No.

It was kind of boring and I didn't understand some of it. No me gusta.

The drawing was great though and I always love reading Grant Morrison. Not so much this time, though.

Read this if you want what I'm sure will be a more enlightening and interesting review: FINAL CRISIS REVIEW

My hat's tipped to you, Bat-guano, for sacrificing yourself. May Superman fall in your presence when you return (because why the hell wouldn't they bring Batman back? He's the best of them all!)

"It's not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me."

I think I'd kill to be a superhero. I spent yesterday, today, and probably tomorrow too, watching the old 1992 Batman tv show and Justice League Unlimited. Tomorrow I'll probably start Batman: Gotham Knights, just for kicks.

I'm getting depressed thinking about this. Why in the world would God let us imagine all of this awesome stuff, but not have it be real, or humans have the ability? That's cruel. We obviously have a closet sadist up there. I'm seriously contemplating jumping off a rooftop to see what would happen. I want powers!

A list? What a great idea!

My List of Comic Book Characters that I want the Powers Of.

1. Raven (DCAU) - I think I would prefer Raven's powers, but from the DCAU and the comics, just to make me more powerful. Sometimes I find myself pointing at my light or my door, willing it to do what I want. Of course, this never works.

2. Batman/Batgirl/Lady Shiva/Onyx/Nightwing/Robin/Cheshire/Deadshot/Deadpool (DC and Marvel)- I know Batman has no powers, but that's what makes him so heroic! Plus, he has the whole genius thing and "Indomitable Will" going on. I feel like his would be the easiest to manipulate and I really do want to manipulate it, like, in real life. All of the others just rule, epically.

3. The Flash (DC) - I've recently begun thinking about how cool it would be to go super fast, how much fun it would be, and it's uses. I like it.

4. Psylocke (Marvel) - Elizabeth Braddock can do so much with her mind, and I think I would prefer mind powers, hence the obsessive Raven fever.

5. Jinx (DCAU) - Comics and DCAU, def.

6. Black Alice (DC) - Oh, come on, she gets a choice!

7. Ravager (Rose Wilson) (DC) - She kinda fits in with the Batman crowd but she can see the future!!!!

8. Kyle Rayner (DC) - The Green Lantern Ring is the most powerful weapon in the galaxy. Of course I want it! Plus, being an intergalactic cop would be cool.

9. Starfire (DC) - I like what she can do =D

10. Miss Martian (DC) - Another psychic. I enjoy them.

11. Zatanna (DC) - I always wonder if it's hard for her to say something backwards or if it just comes naturally...

12. Isis (DC) - She's magic too! You seeing a pattern as well?

13. Nightshade (DC) - I like the whole "darkness" thing.

14. Troia - Because who wouldn't want the powers of an Amazon? Now, I put her instead of Superman, Supergirl, Superboy, Caitlin Fairchild, etc, because THEY ALL ANNOY ME. Eff you Superman.

15. X-23 (Marvel) - A female version of Wolverine, but her spikes can come from her feet too!
16. Wind Dancer (Marvel) - There's just something about controlling wind that is endearing XD

17. Dr. Fate - Yet another "magic wielder". I like to call him "The Wizard", but that may be too reminiscent of the Wizard of Oz.

18. Jericho (DC) - Possession? Cool! Plus, Deathstroke would be my father! Well, same with Ravager...

19. Black Canary (DC) - She pwns.

20. Faith (DC) - Mind, yet again, along with...

21. White Queen (Emma Frost) (Marvel) - Le sigh. I am addicted.

22. Mystique (Marvel) - This would be fun and useful!

23. Gypsy (DC) - Mind, again! I don't see her often so I truly do appreciate her.

24. Arsenal/Speedy (DC) - they're too cool. And she has HIV, which is interesting.

25. Ice (DC) - Not a mind power, but it seems interesting and kind of fun, plus, easy to use.

26. Moonstone (Marvel) - Eh, maybe it's not her powers but her. I like her but come on! Gravity manipulation rocks!

27. Meggan (Marvel) - She just seems so Earthy...everything I'm not.

28. Poison Ivy (DC) - Yes, I know she's a criminal, but she seems fun, along with Harley Quinn.

29. Terra (DC) - She may have been evil, but her powers still pwned.

30.Joker (DC) - I wonder what it would be like to be insane...I do wish to know. I may try it out someday.


So, yes. Goodbye and Goodnight.

P.s. NEW COMICS FOR ME!

- Last Will and Testament
- World War III
- Justice for All
- Spotlight: Nightwing!
- Titans #8: A Villain Hides Within The Titans

DC Heroes tend to be better than Marvel ones

So, as the majority of my friends know by now, I absolutely adore comics. Have for years. I prefer DC over Marvel, but either are fine with me. My sister and I have been wondering lately who the best villains (not all comic book ones) are. So we made a top 5. Also, I'd like to post my top 10 favorite heroes list. So here ya go!

Top 5 Villains of All Time:

1. The Joker: Come on, you know he's cool. He's not superpowered but he is still a dangerous enemy to all, especially Batsy. Every time I see him portrayed in media, I love it. Jack Nicholson was great as the Joker in the '80s and I loved Heath Ledger's performance in The Dark Knight. Inspired. Though he did lick his lips a lot. Hm. Anyway, he's so awesome. The Joker is a psychotic villain who doesn't mind killing and loves a good joke. What's not to love?

2. Lord Voldemort: An evil wizard who continually takes over the magical world. That's pretty cool, dontcha think? Well, I do. He may have parental issues and be obsessive over a teenager (pedophilic much?), but he actually takes over, unlike people like the lame Lex Luthor. Voldemort gets what he wants, but he really overlooks things. Harry really pulled it over him on him in the final battle. In the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix movie, I particularly enjoy the scene close to the end where he tells Pesky Potter that he will lose...everything. Now that's catchy.

3. Magneto: This guy is a mutant...who can control metal with his mind. That's awesome! I wish I had that power. And in the X-Men movies, he's pretty hardcore. He kills men by stealing the iron from their bodies and he uses Jean Grey for his own purposes. He rocks!

4. Darth Vader: He's got a lightsaber. The force is with him. He had a romance with Natalie Portman. He's cool. Darth Vader, or Darthie, as I like to call him, is a great, heroic guy at first. Then this crazy Sith Lord corrupts him and makes him the most fearsome weapon in the universe. He looks strange when he takes the mask off, but no matter, he's still super powerful.

5. Deathstroke the Terminator: Slade Wilson has a long track record. He hunts down the Teen Titans. He blew Kid Flash's knee apart. He killed his own son. He pumped his daughter, Rose, full of super serum. He recruited people for his own Titans East, then tried to kill the real ones. He pumped Batgirl, Cassandra Cain, full of the stuff too. He murdered his longtime friend. He has a thing for a boy in tights. He's so cool! He is an awesome assassin, first in my list of four
(followed by Lady Shiva, David Cain, and Deadshot). He terrifies even the JLA. He terrifies me too, come to think of it.


Next up, my top 10 heroes of all time!

Top 10 Comic Book Heroes of All Time:

1. Raven (Teen Titans - DCComics): I have to say she's awesome. She has a demon father and that gets her in all kinds of trouble. Deathstroke and Ravager tried to kill her, Brother Blood tried to marry her, and countless other villains have tried to harm her. None of those worked, by the way. Raven kicked butt in the comics and on the animated television show. My ideal Raven would be a mixture. I liked the way Raven looked in the comics, but I want the powers from the show. She had more there. Plus, in the show, she was so much more creepy. Loved it! Too bad they canceled the show. They should bring it back, immediately! Haha, well, I think she's the best.

2. Batman (DC Comics): I loathe Superman but Batman is just the opposite. He has so many cool moments. Plus, he doesn't have powers, and I idolize him for that. Lol, I'm idolizing a fictional character. *sigh*, well, that's what comic books do to you. Anyway, he can do, like, anything. In Justice League, the animated show, he's so awesome, getting all of these cool lines. Plus, non of his movies bombed at the box office *cough*Supergirl*cough* =D Christian Bale is awesome playing him but Adam West is the true Batman. I could go on and on, but there are other heroes waiting.

3. Batgirl (Any version - DC Comics): Come on, any person trained by Batman is gonna be good. I mean, look at Robin! Plus, there is finally a girl in the Bat-Family. I guess I love Barbara Gordon most, and she will always be the classic Batgirl in my eyes, but Cassandra Cain really isn't that bad. I love that her parents are two deadly assassins. Barbara Gordon kicks butt as Batgirl, then when she is crippled by the Joker, she fights crime as Oracle. She never gives up, I swear. All Cassandra does is head the League of Assassins for a bit...oh, wait, never mind. It doesn't really matter which Batgirl it is, because either way, someone's going down.

4. J'onn J'onzz a.k.a. The Martian Manhunter (DC Comics): He's from Mars, which I think is pretty cool, and he has all of these awesome powers. I feel for him, you know, losing his people and all, but I think he found a good life on Earth. Maybe he isn't as awesome as Batman, but he sure knows how to make an entrance.

5. Robin the Boy Wonder (Richard Grayson, Nightwing, Teen Titans, DC Comics): The reason that I chose this Robin in particular was that he really had a reason. Jason Todd was a loser, Tim Drake only got his reason after his father died, and Stephanie Brown just wanted to be cooler. Richard Grayson watched his parents die and knew that he needed to avenge them. Sure, Tim Drake discovered Batman's identity, but Dick actually lived with the guy. That must have sucked. Anyway, not only did he have a reason, he stuck to it, saving a bunch of people's lives, even after he left Batman and created the Teen Titans. When he left the Teen Titans, it was to save more people, just in a different group, The Outsiders. He goes solo every once in a while, too. Richard learned to loosen up and is super awesome. I like that the Teen Titans series used Dick Grayson as Robin, and not Tim Drake, otherwise it wouldn't have really felt right.

6. Zatanna Zatara (DC Comics): She can conjure up almost anything and all she has to do is say what she wants backwards. It's an awesome power to have. Sometimes I feel like magic is the best power in the DCU, either because I am an obsessive HP fan, or maybe because it's so useful. Zatanna is helpful, awesome, and a girl, which rocks. I am completely against the sexism in comic book (examples: crippling Batgirl, removing Negative Woman's powers, fake killing Spoiler, the torture of Black Canary, the depowerment of Dawnstar). Women in Refrigerator's Syndrome must end! The depowered Zatanna, which made me mad. Anyway, go Zatanna! You are so much cooler than Zatara!

7. The Question (DC Comics): I like Vic Sage and Renee Montoya, but if I had to choose...Vic Sage. He's got the mystery thing going on. I became interested in this character when I was watching Justice League Unlimited, and he became a main character in one season.

8. Engineer II (DC Comics): Haven't read much about her yet but she's super powerful and I like her attitude so far. She'll go far.

9. Cyborg (Teen Titans - DC Comics): They call him the tin man with a heart. He's been transformed into a cyborg but he's still pretty awesome. He's coped with it well and enjoys training young heroes, like the New Teen Titans. Plus, he's got a sonic cannon! =D

10. The Flash (Wally West - DC Comics): He's super fast, funny, and has a conscience. I love the way he was portrayed in the animated series, Justice League. I thought that they did it perfectly. Anyway, he's pretty cool, but I got mad at him in A Kid's Game, he thought Bart would never be a good Flash. Well, Bart showed him! Wally redeemed himself in my eyes during the whole mess with Superboy-Prime and the Speed Force.

My longer list includes heroes such as Beast Boy, Doctor Fate, Black Canary, Speedy, and Mister Miracle. I have a few Marvel heroes, such as Rogue, Wind Dancer, Wolverine, and x-23.

So, that's my post for today. I'll post other things soon, just for you.