Today Rocksteady studios have released the next exclusive trailer for Batman: Arkham Asylum over at Game Spot UK

The release for this game isn't until late summer now, but it's starting to shape up very nicely. The new site will be launching in the next month or so, including exclusive content, like podcasts.

Coming up nicely after the below post is Newsarama’s Alex Zalben speaks with DC Comics’ VP/Executive Editor Dan Didio about Final Crisis #7, all things Batman and the lead up to The Blackest Night.

For the video, head on over to Newsarama.com

Well to start off, this isn't the best major event DC have done, but it's definatly kept me interested from a Batman point of view... and the end was well worth the wait... awesome.

This week sees the release of Final Crisis #7 with the following solicitation...

Written by Grant Morrison; Art by Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy; Covers by J.G. Jones and Doug Mahnke

The dramatic finale to the epic, seven-part saga of the DC multiverse concludes with an apocalyptic battle for the soul of humanity that must be seen to be believed! Can the heroes of 52 Earths save the multiverse? And is the only way to save it, to change it forever?

Is this Bruce Wayne, surviving in the stone ages, leaving clues on the walls??? only time will tell...

CBR.com continue with their coverage of Batman: The Brave and the Bold cast and crew interviews. This time around, it's with actor Will Friedle, who is currently playing the new Blue Beetle...

When asked whether or not it's strange to stand in a recording booth next to a new voice of the Dark Knight, Friedle told CBR News, "Frankly, I love it. I'm a big fan of the whole DC Universe, so being able to play a whole bunch of different characters from that genre is something I'm a fan of. And every Batman incarnation kind of requires a new Batman. So this one being a bit lighter and towards the comedy side couldn't get anyone better than Diedrich Bader. He's just perfect."

For the full interview click here...

(Source - CBR.com)

Newsarama, spoke with writer Grant Morrison today regarding the final movements of Final Crisis. One patricular aspect of interest for us is the Batman R.I.P. and Final Crisis ending in #6...

NRAMA: Speaking of Batman - along the lines of the more...controversial aspects of the larger Final Crisis storyline was how Batman RIP was included in it. Obviously, you had a place where Batman needed to be in Final Crisis, and he did meet his “end” in #6, but was that always the way things were supposed to go? Are you aware that there is a large amount of reader discontent that they essentially had to follow into another book to get the resolution of that story?

GM: Batman R.I.P. was planned from the start of my Batman run as the culmination of the ‘Batman vs. the Ultimate Diabolical Mastermind’ story I had in mind and it was always intended to wrap up just as you read it, before leading into the next chapter of my Batman run and the final twists and turns of this attempt to tell a ‘definitive’ long-form Batman adventure.

When Dan heard the R.I.P. title he asked me if it could lead us into the ‘death of Batman’ which he’d planned to occur in Final Crisis, so I made sure the Batman title and Final Crisis reached this particular endpoint at the same time and created a bridge between the two books. It’s possible to read Batman through 2009/10 without having read Final Crisis at all, however, so I’m trying to please everyone.

Of course I’m aware of a perpetual and chronic discontent from a particular jaded minority on the internet but I try to overlook their constant expressions of dissatisfaction on the grounds that it’s depressing and often personally abusive.

Surely part of the fun of comics includes following stories across titles? If you like comics, what’s so awful about buying another one to see what happens next? And if you don’t want to buy it, don’t bother. Do something else. Buy cigarettes or booze or bananas. I don’t know!

Every time I read about the agonizing pains of ‘event fatigue’ or how ‘3-D hurts my head...’ or how something’s ‘incomprehensible’ when most people are ‘comprehending’ it just fine, it’s like visiting a nursing home. ‘Events’ in superhero comic books FATIGUE you? I’m speechless. Admittedly they do tend to be a little more exciting than the instruction leaflets that come with angina pills but... ‘fatigue’?

Superhero comics should have an ‘event’ in every panel! We all know this instinctively. Who cares ‘how?’ as long as it feels right and looks brilliant?

For the entire interview click here...

(Source - Newsarama.com)

IGN Comics.com talks with Batman editor Mike Marts to discuss how Gotham deals with the absence of the Dark Knight, the Battle for the Cowl teaser.

Mike Marts talks about Grant Morrison's return and some of the upcoming one-shots preview in April solicitations. Also IGN try to get some clues from Mike regarding the teaser image and Paul Dini's involvement in new Batman projects. Fantastic interview...

IGN.com: I know there's always a lot of thought and heated discussion regarding where exactly one of these major beats occurs. For instance, should Flash die in the pages of Crisis on Infinite Earths or his own title? Should Spidey unmask in the pages of Amazing or in Civil War? Was there any discussion about whether Batman would die in his own title or in Final Crisis?

Marts: The plan for this storyline was in place for quite a while. To the best of my memory, we always planned on having that moment happen in Final Crisis. We knew that we were going for a certain major type of beat at the end of RIP, and then that would lead right into Final Crisis.

IGN Comics: As it turned out, there was a definite dramatic arc connecting Batman RIP, Grant's two Last Rites issues, and Final Crisis. When it came to making sure these events all synced up with each other, was there a lot of interplay between you and Eddie Berganza [editor of Crisis]? Or did a lot of the responsibility of making sure things played out organically fall on Grant's shoulders?

Marts: It was a combination of both those things really. We trusted Grant to have all the story beats line up and make sure one thing flows into the next. But yeah, there's a lot of responsibility as far as myself and Eddie Berganza and the rest of our editorial team are concerned. With the end of RIP and the last two issues of Final Crisis, there was a lot of interaction between the offices and a lot of sharing of materials to make sure we had the right visuals and beats corresponding in each of the projects.

IGN Comics: [laughs] Fair enough. I asked Tony Daniel this question when I interviewed him, and I'm interested to hear your perspective on it. I think if you were to ask ten fans who they expect to walk away from Battle for the Cowl with the right to become the next Batman, nine of them would say Nightwing. How are you guys going about subverting or playing with those expectations?

Marts: Well I think you can take a look at any one of the characters and come up with a justification for why he or she should be in the suit. A lot of people are going to gravitate towards Dick Grayson because he's been the second in command of Batman for so long, and has always been there. But you have to stop and think if this is something Dick would even want. Could he possibly feel like maybe no one could be Batman, and that the legacy of Batman is something to revere and respect and not try to replace?

Tim Drake is perhaps the best detective there is after Bruce Wayne, and in many ways he's even out-done Bruce Wayne in terms of his detective work. So he's a likely candidate as well. You also have to think of Damien Wayne. Like I said earlier, he feels entitled, and there might just be a reason this character wasn't introduced until the last three years. Jason Todd is also definitely someone to throw into the mix. He's been associated with Batman for a long time, and he's gone through a lot over the past few years. Sometimes he hasn't been the most stable person, so what would happen if he tried to become Batman?

And maybe it won't be Batman. This could be where we see Batwoman come into the mix more in stepping into that void. It could also be Selina Kyle, who's been closer to Bruce Wayne than most of these other characters have been. What about Cassandra Cain? Will she step up and become something that no one will expect? I really think that Dick Grayson is a popular choice – He just may not be the most logical choice.

For the entire interview click here...

(Source - IGN Comics.com)

Batman The Brave and the Bold #1
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(Source - DC Comics)

WB has passed me another first look at episode 9 of Batman: The Brave and the Bold titled - "Journey to the Center of the Bat!"
Special guest stars include Dee Bradley Baker voicing dual roles as both the “Brain” and “Chemo”, and James Sie as the “Atom”. Tune in to see them both on “Journey to the Center of the Bat!” airing this Friday, January 30 on Cartoon Network at 8:00 PM.

Synopsis:
This week Batman’s life hangs in the balance when he is poisoned by Chemo, who is under the control of the evil Brain. The Atom races to the rescue with Aquaman by shrinking down and entering Batman’s bloodstream. While Aquaman and the Atom battle the infection deep inside Batman’s body, Batman struggles to end Chemo’s rampage and defeat the Brain! This week’s teaser features Elongated Man and Plastic Man teaming up to derail a bank heist and capture the criminal Baby Face.

For all 19 images from this episode click here to head on over to the Gotham Knights Online Forum...

Voice actors starring in this episode include:
Deidrich Bader - Batman
Tom Kenny - Plastic Man/ Baby Face
John DiMaggio - Aquaman
Sean Donnellan - Elongated Man
James Sie - Dr. Choi/ Atom
Dee Bradley Baker - The Brain/ Chemo

Newsarama have an exclusive interview with rising artist Francis Manapul on his upcoming two-issue storyarc for Superman/Batman. For this storyarc, Manapul is using a new technique – applying inkwash to his pencils for a dramatically different look.

Newsarama: Can you tell us what you're working on today, Francis?

Francis Manapul: Currently I'm working on Superman/Batman #60. I'll be doing a two issue story. I also got other things in the works but I'll wait until after they are announced to talk about them.

NRAMA: How did you end up on Superman/Batman?

FM: I've been talking to Dan Didio throughout the summer cons on what I could work on after Legion. I expressed to him my desire to draw anyof my 3 favourite characters at DC. I was lucky enough to get two of them! Well technically 3 of them. [laughs]

NRAMA: So what is this storyarc about?

FM: The basic concept is that Superman and Batman wake up in an alternate universe. I think the preview art has enough there to tell you what kinda alternate universe they find themselves in. I also have to say that Mike Johnson and Michael Green have been fantastic to work with they really wrote a script that I feel plays up to my strength. I don't know if they wrote the story after they found out I was drawing it but it certainly felt tailor made for me to draw. I told them that I really felt like a kid in a candy store and I hope my enthusiasm shows in the end results.

For the entire interview and images of Francis Manapul's amazing artwork, head on over to Newsarama.com

(Source - Newsarama.com)

New Jersey's Courier-Post talked to Batman Begins and The Dark Knight executive producer Michael Uslan, who expects the third installment of the Christopher Nolan-directed films, starring Christian Bale, to hit theaters in 2011:

Uslan will be onboard as executive producer for the "Dark Knight" sequel, which he estimates will be theaters by 2011. As for the identity of the next round of Batman's supervillains and love interests, Uslan remains tight-lipped. "It's one of those deals where if I told you, I'd have to kill you," he says with a chuckle.

Also The Dark Knight received awards at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday - Heath Ledger won for Best Supporting Actor and The Dark Knight also won Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture.

Gary Oldman, who played Commissioner Gordon in the 2008 film, had tears in his eyes as he accepted the award on the late actor’s behalf. Accepting the award, he said:

I’m quite emotional. It is a great honor to be asked to accept this on behalf of Heath. He was an extraordinary young man with an extraordinary talent and it is wonderful that you have acknowledged that and honored that talent. On behalf of Heath and his family and his family on the Dark Knight, I thank you. Heath.

(Source - Superherohype.com)

Another awesome post from Tony Daniel, showing the color match up for covers 1 & 2 for Batman: Battle for the Cowl. Tony mentions on his blog this is his first visit to New York for the Comic Con!

Just to the right is a small snippet of cover 3, which looks like will include the Scarecrow and Poison Ivy!!!

I know a lot of fan are disappointed with the Oscar announcements made Yesterday, mainly with it being missed for some of the top accolades for best movie or best Director.

Co-writer Jonah Nolan sent his reaction to the fans at DarkCampaign.com:

hey — not sure who to address this to as it looks like a collective effort, but I just wanted to pass along my thanks.

It's truly humbling that you guys would take the time and effort to try to get the film recognized. I, like you, was disappointed that Chris didn't get some recognition this morning, but for Heath and so many of the people who worked so hard on this thing to get nominated is thrilling.

Any nominations for a comic book movie is a thing of beauty no matter how you slice it, and that takes the sting out a bit. Besides, I've been to the big show before, and, like any of these things, it's a little disappointing. Did you know it's not even an open bar once the show starts? At least this time I would have remembered to bring a little cash so I could buy myself a drink after losing.

The best part of this experience is seeing other people getting passionate about the film the way that we did. It has been a truly incredible experience. So thank you again. - jonah nolan

(Source - Superherohype.com / DarkCampaign.com)

Today episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold “Fall of the Blue Beetle” has been receiving a lot of hype since it's announcement last Sunday. Ted Kord being voiced by Wil Wheaton famed for his role a Wesley Crusher from ST:TNG.

CBR has posted and interview with producer James Tucker about the episode, which features Jaime Reyes traveling to Science Island to investigate his heritage and the former Blue Beetle, Ted Kord. When a mad scientist attacks the young hero, Batman must come to the rescue, while Jaime learns the truth behind Ted's disappearance.

CBR News: To start with, you used Jamie Reyes, the more recent Blue Beetle from the comics, in the first episode of the series. At what point did you decide you wanted to use Ted Kord on the show?

James Tucker: First of all, I always wanted to use Ted Kord on the show. I knew even though we were having Jaime that he’d still be tied to Ted Kord in a lot of ways. I wanted to bridge those two characters together somehow and connect them. That’s what you’ll find out in the episode. That was the thinking going in, we kind of knew we were going to do Ted Kord as a character on the show, we just hadn’t figured out how.

This Blue Beetle has never been animated before and that’s one of the joys of working on the show for me is getting to that. Even with “Justice League,” there were things that for whatever reason just didn’t work. So it’s been really rewarding to bring these characters that we didn’t get to do on “Justice League” to this show. He’s beloved in comic book fandom and I think this show is definitely honoring that in this episode. Plus, he’s likable and he contrasts nicely with Batman, who’s a little bit more “all business.”

The other thing about him as far as the context of “Brave and the Bold” is we pick people to work off of Batman. We want characters that can bring out a different side of Batman. I think that the comradery that Batman has with Ted Kord in this episode is really interesting and fun because he actually thinks of Ted Kord as a peer. If Batman’s life didn’t start out as tragic as it did, then Batman might be more like Ted Kord. He might still be Batman, who knows. Ted Kord just doesn’t come from the same kind of tragedy, so he doesn’t have that heaviness as a character like Batman does. On our show, we think Batman, whether consciously or unconsciously, seeks out lighter people to be around so he doesn’t get pulled down into that really, really dark place that he can’t come back from. Their chemistry is really interesting on the show.

For the entire interview, head on over to CBR.com

(Source - CBR.com)

Been waiting for this one this week, especially after the events from Final Crisis #6. Executive Editor Dan DiDio as he answers 20 questions from the fans over at NEWSARAMA...

Again as always, I've only focused on the Batman related questions, which this time around is a disappointing two!

6. Let’s talk about Final Crisis #6 – the book, as you mentioned, did well for you, and sold out, but that was the “conclusive” death of Batman, despite the conclusion of the “Batman R.I.P.” storyline in the Batman series in December – and no one really paid attention. I mean – you showed the body...?

DD: I agree – and as I said, the book did sell out, but also, it’s issue #6 of a 7-part series, so that issue #7 is one of the things that we want people to read to understand the full scope of the story that’s unfolding.

Also, we’ve been pretty upfront about what our plans are for Batman and the Batman family, and I think that everyone needs to hang on until Final Crisis #7 hits the stands. Following that, we can open up the discussion on our publicity for it.

7. When it does come to seeking and getting mainstream media attention on a big story such as the “death” of Batman, is it what it appears to be, that is, a delicate combination of not wanting to go to the well too many times for what may be seen as trivial twists of story as well as not wanting to try to hook someplace like The New York Times with something that can seem like crying wolf?

DD: Again, I think some of that will be answered with people see Final Crisis #7. If we went over the top with issue #6 in presenting the conclusion of that issue, we would have looked very foolish at the conclusion of issue #7. At this moment, I’d rather let the product speak for itself.

(Source - NEWSARAMA)

Dan Didio has recently published/posted the DC Nation, which from what I can tell is a list of quotes for DC characters in upcoming story arcs for 2009.

Now the interesting thing is the following two quotes:

8. "I will make sure justice returns to Gotham and every criminal is behind bars."
10. "I will be the greatest Batman ever!"

With only two listed Batman character is who could have said them:

B. Tim Drake
E. Jason Todd

Watch this space?

For the entire list head on over to DC Nation...

Spotted this over at artist Dutin Nguyen (recent Detective Comics, with Paul Dini), blog featuring am image, which feature some familiar DC and Marvel girls creating a sea of red imagery... I liked it so thought I'd post it.

Today was the official announcement of the Oscar's and the dark Knight received 8 nominations for the following categories:

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE - Heath Ledger
ART DIRECTION - Art Direction: Nathan Crowley, Set Decoration: Peter Lando
CINEMATOGRAPHY - Wally Pfister
FILM EDITING - Lee Smith
MAKEUP - John Caglione, Jr. and Conor O’Sullivan
SOUND MIXING - Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo and Ed Novick
SOUND EDITING - Richard King
VISUAL EFFECTS - Nick Davis, Chris Corbould, Tim Webber and Paul Franklin

Not too dis-similar from the BAFTA nominations. So one of the most successful picture of 2008 doesn't even get an acknowledgement for best picture or best director... very bizarre!!!

Here is the official IMAX press release and worldwide locations:

IMAX Corporation and Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that the box office smash hit The Dark Knight, which has grossed more than $997 million at the worldwide box office since its release on July 18th, 2008, will return to IMAX® theatres for an encore presentation. Starting January 23rd, the film will open in 143 IMAX screens domestically, and 29 screens internationally. Last year the film opened day and date in 94 domestic and 15 international IMAX theatres and went on to become the highest grossing live-action Hollywood IMAX release, generating $63 million as it continued to be released throughout the IMAX network.

The Dark Knight: The IMAX Experience features six sequences filmed with IMAX cameras, which marks the first time ever that a major feature film has been even partially shot using IMAX cameras.

"The Dark Knight is a crowning achievement in every sense of the word," said Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. "We want to provide one more opportunity for moviegoers to experience it on the big screen as it was meant to be seen. We're also very excited to give more fans in new markets an opportunity to experience the film in this special way, thanks to the continued rapid growth of the IMAX theatre network."

"As audiences discovered over the summer, The Dark Knight is not only a phenomenal film, but an extraordinarily unique experience in IMAX," said Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. "With the multitude of accolades it has received this season, we wanted to bring this amazing film back to theaters to give audiences another chance to see it on the big screen and in the expanded IMAX locations around the globe."

"We are grateful to Chris Nolan and Warner Bros Pictures for incorporating IMAX into such a wonderful cinematic masterpiece, and we're honored to bring it back to our theatres," said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "The anticipation surrounding the initial IMAX release reached beyond the markets where we had IMAX theatres and we're delighted that moviegoers in many of those markets will now have the chance to Experience it in IMAX."

One of the most celebrated and successful films of this or any year, The Dark Knight has been hailed by both critics and audiences since its original release last July. The film garnered widespread acclaim for its artistic and technical achievements, culminating with the film being named on more than 150 critics' lists of the year's top-ten films.

United Kingdom:
Birmingham - IMAX Theatre at Millennium Point
Bradford - IMAX National Media Museum
Glasgow - Glasgow Science Centre IMAX Cinema
Greenwich - Odeon Greenwich IMAX
London - BFI London IMAX Cinema
Manchester - Odeon IMAX Cinema Manchester at The Printworks
Wimbledon - Odeon Wimbledon

Click here to global releases at Superherohype.com

DCU Online have revealed new screen shots and images of character designs for the eagerly awaited DC Universe Online game. The main one of interest is the design concepts for Killer Croc, which look awesome...

CBR News will be taking a look at the animated Batman's compatriots in Batman: The Brave and the Bold for the next two weeks, starting with geek icon Wil Wheaton, who plays Silver Age Blue Beetle Ted Kord in this Friday's ominously titled episode "Fall of the Blue Beetle."

Self-described as "a lifelong comics fan," Wheaton is perhaps best known in acting circles as the man who once played teenage "Star Trek: The Next Generation" character Wesley Crusher, although today the actor carries a strong writing career, espousing on all things in geek culture from his blog and numerous books. Comics being a regular part of his geek-centric diet helped Wheaton prepare to play Kord in more ways than one.

Wheaton's take on Ted Kord appears mostly in flashback throughout the "Fall of the Blue Beetle" episode, although he teased that a mysterious figure in the modern era has Reyes thinking Kord still lives. In any event, the actor knew exactly where to look when building his voice performance. "The way that I approached creating this character, because of course I know Blue Beetle and the history of Blue Beetle, [was to look at] my first Blue Beetle -- the super wise-cracking Blue Beetle that was in 'Justice League' in the late '80s,” Wheaton explained. “I really know who this guy is and his commitment to justice. His confidence and his refusal to take things seriously, so I just portrayed him the way I remembered reading him in the comics. There are some scenes where Jaime encounters who he thinks is the same Blue Beetle. [Recording] that was kind of fun because I got to be a mentor to him and kind of embrace this character that had been put together for us."

For the entire interview, head on over to CBR.com

(Source - CBR.com)

FEATURING ART BY MARK STUTZMAN

HARLEY QUINN 1:2 SCALE BUSTS
The Joker’s go-to gal is the latest character to be added to the popular 1:2 scale bust line!This bust features Harley Quinn dressed in her classic harlequin jester outfit, which is finely tailored to the cold-cast porcelain bust. And as a special added feature, her pom-pom adorned hat can be posed in a variety of different ways.Mounted on a museum-style, pedestal display base, this mixed-media piece measures approximately 12” high (to top of head) x 7.75” wide x 5” deep, includes a 4-color Certificate of Authenticity and is packaged in a 4-color box.Advance solicited; on sale September 30, 2009

SCULPTED BY ANDY BERGHOLTZ

BATMAN: BLACK & WHITE STATUE: BATMAN BY DAVID MAZZUCCHELLI
BASED ON THE ART OF DAVID MAZZUCCHELLI
Appearing in black and white, it’s the Caped Crusader as he is seen in one of the most influential Batman stories of all time, BATMAN: YEAR ONE!This pose, designed by David Mazzucchelli, was used in one of the original promotional images for the book, and the artist himself was consulted for the production of this statue.The statue measures approximately 7.75” high x 4.5” wide x 2.75” deep, is painted in monochromatic tones, features a Bat-logo-shaped base and is packaged in a black and white box.Advance-solicited; on sale September 2, 2009

SCULPTED BY JIM McPHERSON

Toy News International.com have updated their site to include better images of the upcoming DC Universe Classics two-pack figures of Batman vs. Clayface...

Also for those lucky enough to be going to this years NYCC and are fan's of the current Mattel Batman figures:

11:00 - 12:00: Mattel and DC Comics — a heroic partnership. You’ve been a fan of Mattel’s popular DC Comics toy lines, now find out the latest news, sneak peaks and behind the scenes scoop on your favorite Mattel/DC action figures including DC Universe Classics, Batman, Justice League Unlimited, Infinite Heroes, plus exciting new lines like Batman: The Brave and the Bold as well as the world premier of brand new action figures!

DC Universe Infinite Heroes - Mallah's Revenge

Also added is TNI new hi-res images for Mattel's upcoming DC Universe Infinite Heroes - Mallah's Revenge, which includes Robin...

(Source - Toy News International / Matty Collector)

I've been passed from WB a sneak peek at Batman: The Brave and The Bold episode 8 "Fall of the Blue Beetle!”

Guest staring Star Trek: Next Generation Wil Wheaton as “Ted Kord / Silver Age Blue Beetle” and airs this Friday, January 23 on Cartoon Network at 8:00 PM.

For all 13 images from this episode click here to head on over to the Gotham Knights Online Forum...

The synopsis:
Blue Beetle traces his legacy back to the original Blue Beetle, to learn why the Scarab has chosen him to share in it’s powers and become a super hero. The journey leads him to the dangerous Science Island where he battles legions of robots alongside Batman and learns the truth behind Ted Kord’s disappearance.

Voice actors starring in this episode include:
Wil Wheaton - Ted Kord (Silver Age Blue Beetle)
Lex Lang - Dr. Polaris
Deidrich Bader - Batman
Will Friedle - Jamie (Blue Beetle)
Jason Marsden - Carlos

Tony Daniel has posted on his blog the combined pencil/inked covers for Batman: BFTC #1 & #2. I can't wait to see all three color covers together, will be awesome.

(Source - Tony Daniel Blog)

IGN Comics.com have done it again, giving everyone at first look at April's solicitation for Batman: Battle for the Cowl...

BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL #2
Written by Tony Daniel
Art by Tony Daniel & Sandu Florea
Covers by Tony Daniel

With the destruction of Arkham Asylum and dozens of Gotham City's most lethal villains rioting through the streets, it would seem that Nightwing, Robin and their allies have their hands full. But they hadn't counted on the return of Batman himself! But is it really The Dark Knight? If so, why is he acting so strangely? And if not, is this a threat that could mean the destruction of Gotham? This 3-issue series continues to shock and surprise as the battle shifts to the next level with a face-off and ending that will have everybody talking. Who has earned the right to be Batman? Who thinks they deserve it? Robin? Nightwing? Jason Todd? Who will ultimately win the BATTLE FOR THE COWL?


BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL – MAN-BAT #1
Written by Joe Harris
Art by Jim Calafiore
Cover by Ladr?nn

Spinning out of the events in BATTLE FOR THE COWL, Gotham City is in chaos and the villains of Arkham Asylum are running amok. One such villain is the evil Doctor Phosphorus who seeks out another scientist in this one-shot to help him grow even more powerful. But when that scientist is Kirk Langstrom, a.k.a. Man-Bat, Doctor Phosphorus – and all of Gotham – will get much more than they bargained for!

BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL – ARKHAM ASYLUM #1
Written by David Hine
Art by Jeremy Haun
Cover by Ladr?nn

Gotham City has become a place of nightmares and madness. At its poisoned heart lies Arkham Asylum. For decades the lunacy has been kept under control by Batman and contained within the walls of Arkham. But with Batman gone, what happens once the walls come tumbling down? In this one-shot, will the Asylum's administrator Dr. Jeremiah Arkham fall prey to the madness that has plagued so many of his inmates? Or will he seize this opportunity to usher in a new era for Gotham's most haunted institution?

BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL – THE UNDERGROUND #1
Written by Chris Yost
Art by Pablo Raimondi
Cover by Ladr?nn

With Batman gone, the villains have descended on Gotham! A who's who of Bat-villains star in this one-shot including Catwoman, the Riddler, Harley Quinn, Two-Face, Poison Ivy, The Penguin and Ra's Al Ghul. What kind of havoc will these villains wreak on a city that's already on the verge of implosion? Who will oppose them? And could they all work together to take down Gotham City – or will they just destroy each other? Find out when THE UNDERGROUND rises!

AZRAEL: DEATH'S DARK KNIGHT #2
Written by Fabian Nicieza
Art by Frazer Irving
Cover by Guillem March

The Suit of Sorrows worn by Azrael grants the power of wrathful vengeance. It magnifies the wearer's sins of imperfection. It is a death sentence waiting to be exacted. So then why do so many people want it? And why does Azrael, the new soldier for the Order of Purity, refuse to give it up even when he knows it will eventually kill him? With Gotham City torn apart by BATTLE FOR THE COWL, the new Azrael seeks to fill the void left by Batman's absence and redeem his tainted legacy, but the League of Assassins wants the suit for Talia and her own heir to The Dark Knight's mantle. And through it all, someone watches, waiting to snatch the prize from the winner...

ORACLE #2
Written by Kevin VanHook
Art by Don Kramer & Jay Leisten
Cover by Guillem March

The Calculator will go to any lengths to save the life of his daughter Wendy – even if it means using remnants of the Anti-Life Equation to do so! But when Oracle intervenes, she soon finds out that the Calculator has been killing Internet hackers from across the globe to get his hands on the Equation, and the final name on his list is hers!

(Source - IGN Comics.com)