Batman: the Killing Joke animated review and fathom Events

Hey O&G fans, Thanks to Fathom Events we got a chance to check out Batman: The Killing Joke on the big Screen. For those who have never read the 1988 one shot classic, here isa quick synopsis of the comic book story:

Written by Alan Moore, illustrated by Brian Bolland, and published by DC Comics. Set in the fictional U.S. city of Gotham, Batman: The Killing Joke provides an origin story for the supervillain the Joker, loosely adapted from the 1951 story arc "The Man Behind the Red Hood!". Taking place over two timelines, The Killing Joke depicts the Joker attempting to drive Jim Gordon insane and Batman's desperate attempt to stop him.

Otakus and Geeks went to the July 25th screening of Batman: The Killing Joke.

REVIEW

Most Fans know the story behind the Killing Joke, the Joker shoots Barbara Gordon (Bat Girl) paralyzes her and attempts to drive her father Jim Gordon insane. Making the animated movie about just that story would have been 1. short and 2. predictable. So the movies tries to expand on the story by adding a back story about Batgirl and Batman. Producer Bruce Timm told empire:

"We thought if we were going to expand this to feature length, we didn’t want to just pad out the original story... So we took that opportunity to basically tell a Batgirl story, which we don’t often get a chance to do these days. And it was great, because we could spend more time with her as a character and get to understand what she’s all about and how she’s similar to Batman in some ways, and really different in others. .... The good side of that is we get to spend more time with her and learn that she’s an interesting character. The bad side of that is that we get to like her so much that when The Killing Joke part of the story happens, it’s, like, “Oh, no!”, because we really like her".

The added Batgirls story really gave fans a reason to be invested in her character though-out the movie. The animation keeps true to the dark and violent story of the one-off comic book. The one thing about this movie that will be odd to fans is the.... one time sexual encounter between Batman and Batgirl. Considering that he is older and her love interest was usuallyDick Grayson (the first robin) in the comics and animated series.

Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, the iconic voices of Batman and The Joker really bring this movie to life and takes you back to Batman TAS and answers my question from my teenage years as to what an adult Batman animation would look like. Tara Strong is so talented is no wonder she plays so many voices in the DC animated universe and I think she's found a new character for future films.

Overall I think the film was awesome, the BatGirl back story was a good touch ( the short intimate scene has fans a bit confused) This is a film for Batman fans. I give the animated movie 3 1/2 stars.

Justice League vs Teen Titans cover art

Warner Bros. Animation have revealed the box art and release dates for the upcoming animated film Justice League vs. Teen Titans. The animated feature will be available as a digital download March 29, with a physical release on DVD and Blu-ray following on April 12.

Additionally, the Blu-ray edition of Justice League vs. Teen Titans will also have a vast array of featurettes including an "exclusive sneak peek at the next DC Universe Originam Movie." Although not mentioned by name, the animated adaptation of Batman: The Killing Joke is scheduled for release sometime in 2016 according to producer Bruce Timm

Justice League: Gods and Monsters Review

Hey O&G fans, Justice League: Gods and Monsters is the latest DC animated film. This marks the return of Bruce Timm to the series of films he helped to begin back in 2007. Written by Bruce Timm and Alan Burnett– both veterans of the DC animated TV universe– and directed by Sam Liu, this movie has the great story and action you expect from DC animated films.

As always here is a synopsis of the film:

In an alternate universe, the Justice League uses brutal force to maintain order on Earth. When scientists begin dying, the world's governments challenge the League's dominance.

REVIEW

The Movie was AWESOME!! The film opens (stop me if you've heard this story) on Kypton with a familiar scene we all know, in Jor-El’s lab with Lara as the planet nears its end. But wait True Comic Fans, this story has a dark twist. General Zod come busting in as Jor El is about to imprint his DNA into his son's pod. Zod shoots Jor El and uses his DNA for the pod and Lar Zod is sent to earth as the last son of Kypton instead. The baby is discovered by a Mexican couple, both poor workers, who decide to raise baby Zod as their own, and name him Hernan Guerra. (DC comics readers might recognize baby Zod as the same one from the Geoff Johns story Last Son, where he was raised by Clark Kent and Lois Lane as Chris Kent.)

Batman and Wonder Women have similar flash backs to how their lives began. Batman afflicted by a disease desperately searching for a cure, turns himself into a vampire. Wonder Women was the promised bride to Darkseids son to bring the waring kingdoms together. After her father planned an assassination and succeeded, she turned on her family and fled to earth.

The voice acting is one of the best I've heard from a DC Movie. Michael C. Hall giving Batman an eerie, undead monotone, Benjamin Bratt capturing the boldness of Superman with a hard Zod edge. Tamara Taylor was absolutely great as Wonder Women, switching from powerful to vulnerable to outraged on a dime. The animation is solid reminds me of Batman and Superman TAS. Bruce Timm and Alan Burnett have successfully delivered a fresh and exciting take on the Justice League by turning them into dark mirrors of the heroic icons we know so well. If you want to know the full and deeper story about all three Justice League members, you can check out the 3 issue series released by DC Comics.

Justice League: Gods and Monsters  will be released on DVD and Blu Ray on July 28th 2015.

Justice League Gods and Monsters Trailer

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has unveiled via IGN the first trailer from the upcoming animated movie Justice League: Gods & Monsters. The official synopsis describes the film as set in a alternate universe with a starkly different Justice League who use brute force to enact justice on Earth. Take a look:

Batman: Assault on Arkham Review

When it comes to animated full length features DC Comics always comes out on top. With movies like Justice League: Doom, Batman: Year One, Superman vs. Elite and Son of Batman they bring adversity and creativity to characters previously seen as one dimensional. The beauty of their most recent endeavor Batman: Assault on Arkham, is that they focus on the villains of DC rather than Batman himself.

It begins with a typical stand off between The Riddler and Amanda Waller, a high ranking US Government official who controls, or so she thinks, The Suicide Squad. Though throughout DC history The Suicide Squad has taken many shapes and forms, this movie sticks to The New 52 variant. Directors Jay Oliva and Ethan Spaulding choose to introduce the members of ‘task force X’ with a highly stylized short and sweet action clip that mirrors scenic montagues in classic heist films. Each character gets a quick clip which seamlessly debuts their individual strength and personality, so audience members who may not be familiar with characters like King Shark have all the information they need to jump right into the action.

The team is dispatched to break into Arkham Asylum to retrieve a thumbdrive stolen by The Riddler containing past, present and future Suicide Squad members. After Round 1: Harley vs Batman the team discovers that the Joker, voiced exceptionally by the Troy Baker, has hidden a dirty bomb at Arkham Asylum. Immediately the stakes are raised and the plot takes off from there. Between a masterfully conceived, and flawlessly executed break into Arkham through action packed all out brawls, shots of several Batman Villain favorites, including Bane and Poison Ivy, and the countdown to detonation DC has succeeded in creating a nail biting edge of your seat film.

While the promotion for this film pushes that it is based on characters the the Arkham Games is a gross overstatement. Batman: Assault on Arkham could be an issue of Suicide Squad. While some DC villains, like the Joker, are malevolent, ruthless and unyielding, DC has several villains that fans sympathize with and they showcase their vulnerability throughout the movie. Deadshot, or Floyd Lawton, in continually shown holding/looking at a picture of his daughter, touching the heart of fathers everywhere. King Shark even shows a softer side by trusting and helping Killer Frost who is turn supports him. The Suicide Squad would not be complete however without Harley Quinn. Originally created by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini for a single episode of the Batman Animated Series, Harley has acquired a mob of die hard fans. The Harley Olivia and Spaulding chose for this particular adventure is an interesting collision of the fun loving, misguided, and naive Harley, with the lethal, psychotic, and overtly sexy Harley. It’s the perfect combination! She goes toe to toe with Batman twice in the film and does a damn good job holding her own! She is also stuck between her two loves The Joker and Deadshot which was an interesting choice made in recent New 52 comics.

The style and tone of the movie compliments that of Son of Batman effortlessly. DC is no stranger the grotesque and gruesome. The animators were not afraid to add splashes of blood  throughout the movie along side of gruesome fight sequences. This includes the explosion of some characters head from their spine. So when Deadshot continues to rumble with the Joker with shards of glass sticking out of his body it’s a perfectly monstrous way to end this spellbinding feature. Also they are not afraid to cut off younger audiences by adding an apparent, and brief sex scene between Harley and Deadshot and well as a lot of bare back shots for both Harley and Killer Frost.

Batman: Assault on Arkham is a thrilling and gripping mission from start to finish. It is filled with bawdy strong women fighting alongside volatile intuitive villains in a Heist that will go down in the history books. It is available now on Blu Ray/DVD as well as digital download.

Final Score: 4.5/5

Batman Assault On Arkham Animated Feature With Kevin Conroy

Warner Home Entertainment will be releasing a new DC Comics animated feature  Batman: Assault On Arkham this Fall. The story is set in the Arkham video game universe as well as featuring voice talents from the game and new animation. Unlike the game, Batman will not be a solo act in this feature, as he is joined by Task Force X (Better Known as The Suicide Squad).

BATMAN: ASSAULT ON ARKHAM is directed by Jay Oliva and will feature the voices of Kevin Conroy as Batman, Neal McDonough as Floyd Lawton/Deadshot, Hynden Walch and Matthew Gray Gubler. There is no current release date for the animated feature. Check out the trailer below and tell us what you think.

Unlike the games, though, Batman won’t be a solo act in this mission, as he’s joined by Task Force X, better known to comic book fans as the Suicide Squad.

Read More: The Suicide Squad Strikes In New 'Assault On Arkham' Feature | http://comicsalliance.com/batman-assault-on-arkham-kevin-conroy-animated-feature-video-games/?trackback=tsmclip

Unlike the games, though, Batman won’t be a solo act in this mission, as he’s joined by Task Force X, better known to comic book fans as the Suicide Squad.

Read More: The Suicide Squad Strikes In New 'Assault On Arkham' Feature | http://comicsalliance.com/batman-assault-on-arkham-kevin-conroy-animated-feature-video-games/?trackback=tsmclip

by Sean Tucker

Son Of Batman Animated Movie

 "Son of Batman," the 20th DC Universe Animated Original Movie, will have its World Premiere as the featured event at WonderCon on Friday, April 18 in the Arena starting at 6:00pm. The premiere will be followed by a panel discussion amongst voice cast and filmmakers, including Jason O'Mara (Terra Nova, The Good Wife) and Sean Maher (Firefly, Serenity), the voices of Batman and Nightwing, respectively. More panelists to be announced as confirmed.

The world is turned upside down when Batman – one of the world’s greatest Super Heroes – discovers he is a father in the newest DC Universe Original Animated Movie, Son of Batman. This all-new, PG-13-rated film arrives May 6, 2014 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Blu-Ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD. The Blu-ray Combo Pack will also include Digital HD with UltraViolet.

Batman learns he has a son, Damian – and to further complicate matters, the mother is Talia al Ghul, daughter of one of his most dreaded enemies, Ra’s Al Ghul. When the odds quickly turn against Batman and Damian, Batman must become both father and mentor to the aggressive, agile new Robin. Together they form an uneasy alliance to try and thwart the criminal enterprise of Deathstroke and his army of ninja man-bats before there are international consequences. 


Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment, Son of Batman is directed by Ethan Spaulding from a screenplay by Joe R. Lansdale, and based on a story by James Robinson. James Tucker is producer. Phil Bourassa is character designer. Sam Register (Young Justice, Teen Titans), Michael Uslan (The Dark Knight Rises) and Benjamin Melniker (The Dark Knight Rises) are executive producers.
Son of Batman has tons of exciting enhanced content including:
Featurette – “The Fang and the Demon Head: The League - of Assassins”
Featurette – “Strange Blood Tie: Damian Wayne”
A Sneak Peek at the next DCU Animated Movie - Batman: Assault of Arkham
From the DC Comics Vault – 4 Bonus Cartoons 






Images

Image source and Story: http://toynewsi.com

by Sean Tucker

Flashpoint Paradox vs Flashpoint Graphic Novel Comparison

Hey Otakus and Geeks fans, Today I'm going to do a comparison on the Flashpoint Paradox animated movie and The Flashpoint comic book story arch. The animated movie follow the story told in the comics and graphic novels almost to a T with a few differences. A review on the animated movie was done by Justin, so I decided to give a more detailed look from a comic fans perspective. I will be giving a brief background of the story from the Graphic Novels, The differences in the movie and comics, and the order to read the graphic novels in should you choose to pick them up. As always here is a brief synopsis of the story.

"Flashpoint" is a comic book crossover story arc published by DC Comics. Consisting of an eponymous core limited series and a number of tie-in titles, the storyline premiered in May 2011. The core miniseries series was written by Geoff Johns and penciled by Andy Kubert. In its conclusion, the series radically changes the status quo for DC Universe leading into the publisher's 2011 relaunch, The New 52.

 Barry Allen wakes up to discover he is in an altered timeline in which Citizen Cold is Central City's greatest hero; his mother Nora (deceased in his own timeline) is alive; his father, Henry, died of a heart attack three years ago (instead of in prison); and that the Flash, the Justice League, and Superman do not exist. In Gotham City, Cyborg and Batman have a conference with a group of superheroes to discuss how the battle between Aquaman's Atlanteans and Wonder Woman's Amazons has caused massive death and destruction in Western Europe (sunk by the Atlanteans, except for the British Isles, which were conquered by the Amazons), with America similarly endangered. The heroes cannot cooperate to find a solution, and the meeting is disbanded. Barry Allen drives to the Batcave where Batman, who is revealed to be Thomas Wayne, attacks him — his son, Bruce, has died in his and his wife's place in this timeline.

Flashpoint Graphic Novels

 
First I'm going to talk about the Flashpoint Graphic Novels. Let's start with Flashpoint Batman ( everyone favorite DC Hero ) This by far was one of the best stories in the Flashpoint series. The changes that occur in this story are, Bruce dies instead of Thomas and Martha Wayne. This causes Thomas to become Batman ( Which they Never really explain ) and **** SPOILER ALERT**** Martha becomes the Joker.( This they do explain ) This was a great twist in the story that must have had most readers like " Holy mind F@%k Batman". This book talks about Thomas Wayne's fight against Gotham city's criminals and the struggle to keep his marriage and life together after Bruce's Death.

 Next is Flashpoint Wonder Women In this novel, a young Diana and a young Arthur meet after Diana is caught by a baby Kraken. Diana and Arthur battle for her freedom and though successful, Diana needs medical attention which Arthur provides by taking her to Atlantis. Becoming friends fast ( and we all know what this leads to ) the two young heroes decide a royal wedding to unite their powerful kingdoms is the best for everyone involved. Their nuptials are thwarted by both Amazons and Atlanteans that oppose the marriage both secretly and not so secretly. In that opposition, Diana’s mother, Hippolyta, is killed.

Flashpoint Superman, imagine if the ship carrying superman as a baby landed where the government found him instead of Ma and Pa Kent? Well this Flashpoint story answers that. When Neil Sinclair volunteers to become " Subject Zero" ( yeah this is always a good idea ) and serves as the military lab rat as the conduct experiments on him, he knew he would become a powerful fighting machine. After the formula was perfected Neil becomes obsessed with his new found strength and was banished to solitary confinement. When Superman's ship crashed on earth the military found their ideal candidate to turn into the weapon they always wanted.

Finally Flashpoint Flash this novel focuses on the Reverse Flash Eobard Thawne aka Professor Zoom, Captain Cold, and how they are all tied together. In a flashback from Eobard Thawne, The Flash (Barry Allen), stands over him, he has been defeated, again. He remembers when he was going to be the Flash of the 25th century. He thought that everyone would love him, just like they loved Barry Allen, but no, they were frightened of him. He idolized Barry, wanted to be just like him. But for what he did, he could never forgive him, he is going to destroy his future. He traveled back to the day that Barry caught his first crook. No, he should go back further. To the day he first discovered that he had amazing abilities. No, further, to the day when he was struck by lightning. He wonders, what would happen if the beakers never fell on to him, what if the bolt never hit him.

There are 8 books, but the four I mention are the best stories in the series.


MOVIE vs THE COMIC

There are some differences between the movie and the comics that might leave some people confused. Some are minor and nothing worth mentioning ( Just read the Novels ). Others were things I think the movie should have gone into more details.


Ok first let's start with the scene where Bruce Wayne is killed and Thomas and Martha Wayne survive the attack from the gun man. In the movies Martha is holding Bruce's body and crying, after Thomas finishes beating the crook, he goes over to them and Martha takes her bloody hand and puts it over her mouth, then starts to laugh. This is confusing to anyone who hasn't read the comics because they have no idea what it means. This is the point where she goes mad and becomes the Joker.

In the comics it wasn't that simple. I understand the movie can only do so much, but this is a big part of the Flashpoint story for Batman. Martha's transformation takes some time. She goes into a deep depression and finally loses it when Thomas says " I miss that lovely smile you always had". Well he gets his wish, Martha cut her mouth open on both ends and shows Thomas her lovely smile again. This is when she becomes the Joker.

Next I want to talk about the doomsday weapon Aquaman created as way to end everything if he wasn't victorious in his campaign againts Wonder Women and the Amazons. In the movie they talk about Capt. Atom flying to Europe on a mission to try and end the war and he goes missing. Later you find out he was captured by Aquaman and is now being used in a device as a bomb.

In the comics it wasn't Captain Atom, But Terra's bother Brion. He is hooked to a machine that amplify s his powers. When Aquaman activates the weapon the drown the amazons in Europe, Terra feels her brothers powers being used and saves everyone from being drowned by creating a new Themyscira from the existing land around them almost killing herself to do it.

Now I want to talk about the meeting between Batman and Cyborg. This was also a scene I think was important that the movie kinda of downplayed. When Cyborg save YOYO after Batman throws her off the roof, he has a meeting to discuss him joining a group of heros that are going to try a Final assault on both Aquaman and Wonder Women to end the war. Cyborg tells Batman that the would be hero's would all agree to fight as long as he was in and agreed to plan the assault. When Batman refuses, Cyborg ends the meeting and report to his government superiors. So much more should have been added to this point in the story.

In The Comics, some of the hero's and villains only agreed to help if Batman was in. Cyborgs tries his best to convince him, but he still declines. This causes many who attended this meeting to back out and think of themselves. Also there are a few spy's at this meeting for both sides that you discover later in the Flashpiont comics. I only bring this up because the movie would have had a bigger fight scene at the end. Especially the part when Wonder Women kills Captain Thunder.
 She didn't use her lasso to make him say Shazzam, Someone else did. I don't want to give too much away so read the books.

Flashpoint Comics and Graphic Novels in Reading Order

Flashpoint Trade Reading Order

* Flashpoint
* Flashpoint: Batman
* Flashpoint: Wonder Woman
* Flashpoint: Superman
* Flashpoint: Green Lantern
* Flashpoint: The Flash


Flashpoint's tie-in miniseries are the least connected to the main story than any other DC Comics crossover. It is entirely possible to read just the main Flashpoint miniseries and get a full story without reading the tie-ins; those tie-ins, however, flesh out major parts of the story and add much depth to the actions of the main characters; you'll see Wonder Woman and Aquaman differently.

Flashpoint Reading order by issues 

Flashpoint: Reverse-Flash #1
Flashpoint: Project: Superman #1
Flashpoint: Project: Superman #2
Wonder Woman and the Furies #1
Wonder Woman and the Furies #2
Green Arrow Industries #1
Legion of Doom #1
Legion of Doom #2
Legion of Doom #3
Grodd of War #1
Deadman and the Flying Graysons #1
Deadman and the Flying Graysons #2
Deadman and the Flying Graysons #3
The Canterbury Cricket #1
Abin Sur - The Green Lantern #1
Hal Jordan #1
Flashpoint #1
Abin Sur - The Green Lantern #2
The Outsider #1
Secret Seven #1
Secret Seven #2
Secret Seven #3
Citizen Cold #1
Citizen Cold #2
Citizen Cold #3
Flashpoint #2
The Outsider #2
Deathstroke and the Curse of the Ravager #1
Deathstroke and the Curse of the Ravager #2
Deathstroke and the Curse of the Ravager #3
Hal Jordan #2
Batman: Knight of Vengeance #1
Batman: Knight of Vengeance #2
Batman: Knight of Vengeance #3
Flashpoint #3
Flashpoint #4
Wonder Woman and the Furies #3
Emperor Aquaman #1
Emperor Aquaman #2
Emperor Aquaman #3
Lois Lane and the Resistance #1
Lois Lane and the Resistance #2
Lois Lane and the Resistance #3
Flashpoint: Project: Superman #3
The Outsider #3
The World of Flashpoint #1
The World of Flashpoint #2
The World of Flashpoint #3
Booster Gold #44
Booster Gold #45
Booster Gold #46
Booster Gold #47
Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #1
Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #2
Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #3
Hal Jordan #3
Abin Sur - The Green Lantern #3
Flashpoint #5
Kid Flash Lost #1
Kid Flash Lost #2
Kid Flash Lost #3 Flashpoint was a great crossover series and animated movie.Although there were a few differences from the Movie vs the Comic books, this is definitely a pick up for any comic book fans or someone just getting into comics. I would love to hear what you guys and girls think and if I missed anything that might be important to the stories.  by Sean Tucker

When Neil Sinclair volunteered to become “Subject Zero” and serve as the military’s lab-rat as they conducted experiments on him, he knew he would become the ultimate fighting machine. But after the formula was perfected, Neil become obsessed with his newfound strength and was banished into solitary confinement. - See more at: http://www.dccomics.com/tags/flashpoint-project-superman#sthash.LdsCnklM.dpuf

When Neil Sinclair volunteered to become “Subject Zero” and serve as the military’s lab-rat as they conducted experiments on him, he knew he would become the ultimate fighting machine. But after the formula was perfected, Neil become obsessed with his newfound strength and was banished into solitary confinement. - See more at: http://www.dccomics.com/tags/flashpoint-project-superman#sthash.LdsCnklM.dpuf

When Neil Sinclair volunteered to become “Subject Zero” and serve as the military’s lab-rat as they conducted experiments on him, he knew he would become the ultimate fighting machine. But after the formula was perfected, Neil become obsessed with his newfound strength and was banished into solitary confinement. - See more at: http://www.dccomics.com/tags/flashpoint-project-superman#sthash.LdsCnklM.dpuf

WHAT THE F*%K!! DC Comics May Be Killing Off Their Most Famous Black Character

Hey Otakus and Geeks fans, Sean (the True Comic Fan) Here. And seriously WHAT IS GOING ON WITH DC COMICS! First they let (or was apart of ) Cartoon Networks cancellation of Green Lantern TAS and Young Justice. Two great shows that deserved atleast one more season ( or  a movie to wrap them up). Now the rumors are flying that they might kill off Green Lantern John Stewart!

Character deaths aren’t an unusual thing in comic books but a huge nerve was hit yesterday when it was revealed DC Comics was planning to kill off Green Lantern John Stewart. The news came out amidst two more DC writers stepping off their new titles before any issues hit stores. Two big name creators are wrapping up their runs on two of DC’s best-selling titles. Geoff Johns is exiting Green Lantern with issue #20 after revamping the title back in 2004 with Green Lantern: Rebirth. Grant Morrison is leaving Action Comics where he’d been telling early-career Superman stories in The New 52.

Bleeding Cool reported those conflicting “editorial decisions” were DC’s plan to kill off John Stewart. Comic Book Resources later reported, confirming that reasoning. As to that story, Fialkov tweeted, “I’m not commenting on anything other than what I posted.” Bleeding Cool has since reported DC has changed their minds on axing the character, seemingly because of the intense reaction.

So why the uproar you ask? John Stewart has become one of the most beloved characters in the DC Universe. He was  introduced in the early 70s he made quite an impact. He has become one of the most famous African-American superheros DC has and his fan base got even bigger when he was the Green Lantern used in the Justice League animated series.I hope this isn't another BS ploy by DC to boost it's sales and if they are going to do this, they have a good reason and story behind it.

What ever the outcome I hope this is just a rumor and DC keeps John Stewart. With so many of my comic book heros dying off or getting cancelled this is starting to look like a dark time for comic book enthusiast.

LET"S HOPE THIS COMIC PANAL NEVER HAPPENS!!

BY Sean Tucker

The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 Review

                           The Dark Knight Returns Part 1

 

Hey Otakus and Geeks fans, Sean (The True Comic Fan) here. Today I have a question? What happens to Batman when he gets to old to don the Cape and cowl?   No the answers not hire a young Athletic boy named Terry McGinnis. The answer is calling Frank Miller to write one of the greatest Batman stories ever written. For those who aren’t familiar with the story of The Dark Knight Returns, here is a synopsis:

 

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is a four-issue comic book limited series comprising The Dark Knight Returns, The Dark Knight Triumphant, Hunt The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Falls, written and drawn by Frank Miller, originally published by DC Comics under the title Batman: The Dark Knight in 1986. When the issues were released in a collected edition later that year, the story title for the first issue was applied to the series as a whole. The Dark Knight Returns tells the story of a 55-year-old Bruce Wayne who comes out of retirement to fight crime, only to face opposition from the Gotham City police force and the United States government.

The Dark Knight Returns is set in a dystopian near-future version of Gotham City. A year is never specified, though it has been a full decade since the last reported sighting of Batman. The author also alludes to the deaths of Bruce Wayne's parents as being on the night of a movie theater showing of Tyrone Power in The Mark of Zorro, a movie with a release date of November 8th, 1940, a time when Bruce was a youth. Virtually all superheroes, with the exception of Superman, have been forced into retirement or otherwise driven away by a populace that no longer trusts them. Bruce Wayne, now 55, has voluntarily retired from crime fighting following the death (under unspecified circumstances) of Jason Todd, the second Robin. In the absence of superheroes, criminals run amok, and a gang called the Mutants terrorizes Gotham City.

·        

              Synopsis from wikipedia

REVIEW

The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 is Fucking AWSOME! DC animation has done it once again making a movie fans will fall in love with. The adaptation nails the tone and atmosphere of the book. Bruce Wayne at age 55 sitting on the sideline while watching his beloved Gotham City falling apart and riddled with crime, trying to cope with the fact that he may be to old to do anything about it.

The action sequences are great, with Batman popping in and out of Shadows taking criminals down and instilling the fear in those who dare break the law. I also love the way they show Batman can still kick ass, but age has definitely caught up with him. There are few times in the movie he struggles to do some of the things that would have been no problem in his youth. 

 

 

Peter Weller is pretty good as the voice of an aging Bruce Wayne and Batman, but I will always prefer Kevin Conroy above all. Ariel Winter is great as the voice of Carrie Kelly (yes there was a female Robin). David Selby was good as Commissioner Jim Gordon, but Gary Anthony Williams as the Mutant Leader was kinda Blah. 

 

Overall The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 is a must see and definitely something every comic and anime fan should have in their collection. If you loved the comic you will love this movie. My final grade: A

By Sean Tucker

 

YOUNG JUSTICE SEASON ONE REVIEW

  

Hey Otakus and Geeks Fans, Sean (True Comic Fan) here.  Today I’m doing a long over due review of Young Justice. Now for those of us who have been feining for a new DC animated series since the ending of Teen Titan, Justice League, and Justice League Unlimited, Young Justice will give you the fix you need. As always here is a synopsis of the series:

The pilot episode (later re-broadcast as the opening two episodes of season 1) aired a month prior to the debut of the regular series and introduced four characters: Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, and Speedy. It established their desire for greater recognition and respect, namely, a promotion from sidekicks to full-fledged superheroes. Met with opposition from their respective mentors in the Justice League, Batman, Aquaman, Flash, and Green Arrow, the protégés react in different ways. Speedy resigns from being Green Arrow's partner and begins calling himself Red Arrow.

The others seek to persuade their mentors of their worth by secretly taking on a Justice League mission to investigate the Cadmus building. During their infiltration of Cadmus' headquarters, the three heroes find a clone of Superman named Superboy. After the discovery, the team finds out Cadmus is creating living weapons called Genomorphs. The episode deals with this revelation, the origin of Superboy, and how this relates to a mysterious group of people called The Light (Cadmus's Board of Directors). In the end, Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, and Superboy negotiate with Batman to organize a covert operations team as a practical contrast to the Justice League whose celebrity status makes it difficult to maintain secrecy. After consulting with his colleagues, Batman establishes Young Justice in a secret cave on a secluded island. Here the teens are trained and mentored by the Justice League. Miss Martian makes an appearance at the end of the episode and joins as the fifth member.

Synopsis from Wikipedia  

Review Young Justice Season 1

As a fan of the comic book series I have to say the writers have done an excellent job with season one. The storyline has a new twist and drama every episode, which keeps you coming back every week. I had my doubts in the beginning because the team roster is different from the comic (original comic roster Superboy, Tim Drake/Robin and Bart Allen/Impulse) but the writers really made it work with storyline.

One of the most interesting thing about season 1 is the relationship between Superman and Superboy. When they first meet after Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad free Superboy from a secret a Cadmus facility, the Justice League arrive and Superman is less than happy to see a clone of himself. Superboy tells them that “ He’s a clone made from Superman’s DNA, Created to replace him should he perish or destroy him should he turn from the light.”

Another highlight from season 1 is the agenda of the mysterious organization called the LIGHT. They are the group behind Project Cadmus and the Superman Clone. It’s revealed later in the season (to the viewers) that The Light has been behind a lot of the weird events happening all over the world.

Overall I have to recommend Young Justice to anyone who is looking for a new animated series to watch. Right now anyone looking to catch up or watch the series for the first time can check it out Season 1 on DVD. My final grade for season 1: A+

Check out the Young Justice Comic Series.

By Sean Tucker/Writer