BATMAN: THE RETURN #1 - NEW COSTUME DESIGN - THE YELLOW OVAL IS BACK!!!

That's right... DC The Source have released the first look at David Finch's costume re-design for BATMAN: THE RETURN #1. The return of the yellow oval.

BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY OFFICAL TITLE FOR NEW BATMAN VIDEO GAME SEQUEL

WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES BATMAN: ARKHAM CITYTM as the Official Title for the Sequel to the Critically Acclaimed Batman: Arkham Asylum.

BATMAN DECEMBER SOLICITATIONS

DC Comics have released the Batman Solicitations for December 2010 - check them out here.

Welcome to Batman: Gotham Knights Online, your number #1 resource for all things Batman. Every week, keep up to date with all the current news surrounding the comic books, media, merchandise and listen to our weekly podcast, where we have exclusive interviews with people from the industry and a look at all things Batman past, present and future...

GKO: MADHOUSE

Here you will find our rambalings on all area's of Batman, interviews and speical features!

JL: CRISIS ON TWO EARTHS REVIEW

We review Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths.

BATMAN OF ZUR-EN-ARRH

We take a look at the Batman of Zur-En-Arrh from Batman #113.

GREG RUCKA INTERVIEW

Gotham Knights Online - Interview with Greg Rucka.

BTS: MUSIC MEISTER

A behind the scenens look at The Music Meister.

REVIEW: SB: PE

We review Superman / Batman: Public Enemies.

J.H. WILLIAMS III INTERVIEW

Gotham Knights Online - Interview with J.H. Wiilams III

REVIEW - BATMAN: AA

We review the most eagarly anticipated game this year!

BATMAN CRIME JAZZ

Composers talk crime jazz for Batman

IGN EXCLUSIVE: MIKE MARTS BATMAN MYSTERY WALL!

Posted by Unknown

This is great, IGN have plucked a fantastic exclusive today where they have been into Batman editor Mike Marts's office has a massive mural tracking the locations and status of all of the Gotham-based characters (and then some).

IGN Comics: Mike, you're giving us a bit of a look at how the Batman editorial team plans out titles and tracks characters with some shots of what you call "The Wall". How long have you been using something like this and what necessitated doing something like this?

Mike Marts: We in the Bat Group — myself, editor Michael Siglain and assistants Harvey Richards and Janelle Siegel - have been using "The Wall" technique for two or so years now... but for the first year and a half, it was all in our heads!

When we started diving into the complexity of Battle for the Cowl (and all that follows it), we soon realized we needed something a bit more graphic and "in your face". There were just too many characters moving in too many different directions. So was born "The Wall".


IGN Comics: The Wall as it stands now reflects a certain time period in the overall saga of Battle for the Cowl. Where are we at this point and time?

Marts: What you're looking at now represents the time period just after BFTC #2.

Click here to read the full interview and see what's at the bottom of Mike Marts chart and try to figure out the clues?

(Source - IGN Comics.com)

HOT TOYS: DEBUT 1/6TH SCALE MMSDX JOKER

Posted by Unknown

The debut of MMSDX series is THE JOKER from the Dark Knight movie:

- Hot Toys True Type figure with over 35 points of articulation
- Stands approximately 12 inches / 31 cm tall
- Dressed in Gotham City police suit, hat, Gotham City cop badge and shoes, the characters wears for assassination scene in the movie.
- Weapons-M1 Garand Rifle
- Additional costume: Improved & movie-accurate Joker costume of an overcoat, sport coat, vest, shirt, tie, pants, belt, socks and shoes, with grenades rig and suspenders
- Weapons and accessories: Five pieces of grenades, knife, pistol and Joker cards
- Seven Interchangeable posing hands
- An interchangeable and new make-up Joker head featured with Parallel Eyeball Rolling System (PERS) and colored Translucent Iris.
- Deluxe figure stand with LED lights

**About Parallel Eyeball Rolling System (PERS)

PERS is a brand new technique applies to Hot Toys MMSDX figurines, special features include:
- Unique designed eyeballs with colored Translucent Iris
- Simultaneous Positionable Eyeball Function
- Work in all direction, as natural as human eyes

++Artist: Sculpt by YULLI
Paint by JC Hong
Costume by HARUE Creative(Hai Lim)


To see all the images click here to head on over to Hot Toys.com

(Source - Hot Toys.com)

GOTHAM KNIGHTS ONLINE HAS STARTED TO TWITTER

Posted by Unknown


That's right, Gotham Knights Online has joined the growing masses on Twitter!!! I've been toying with some social networks and out of all of them Twitter seems to the one for me. If your a Twitter user, please fell free to add Gotham Knights and throw back some chat in regards to recently posted news and chat about what's going on in the Batman universe.

Were at twitter.com/gothamknights

RECENT SITE UPDATES & COMIC REVIEWS

Posted by Unknown

The following comic updates have been added to the site:

BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL:
The following reviews have been added the Batman: Battle for the Cowl comic section - Battle for the Cowl Commissioner Gordon #1, Battle for the Cowl: Oracle #1 and Battle for the Cowl: Azrael #1 so head on over the comics section now to check them out.

The following media updates have been added to the site:


BATMAN: THE ACE DETECTIVE
Batman radio series produced by Pendant Audio have allowed me to create a new page promoting the series...

THE DARK KNIGHT
As its the most recent I thought the first movie to add this this section had to be The Dark Knight. Everything from behind the scene, viral campaign coverage and all the poster artwork is included.

GAMESPOT.COM: BATMAN ARKHAM ASYLUM GAMEPLAY VIDEO!

Posted by Unknown

Gamespot.com have released a new video today featuring the actual gameplay from Batman: Arkham Asylum from this years GDC...


(Source - Gamespot.com)

CBR: JUDD WINICK TALKS BATMAN POST BFTC PT2

Posted by Unknown

CBR have posted the second part of their interview with writer Judd Winick regarding his return to Batman post BFTC.

The one very interesting point on this interview is how he was originally handed “Battle for the Cowl” and wrote two issues before he was taken off the project?

CBR: The June solicitations are out and “Batman” #687 is promising a meeting between the “new” Batman and Superman and Wonder Woman. What can you tell us about that first meeting? Is it safe to say the comicdom royalty are not amused?

Judd Winick: I can tell you that Superman and Wonder Woman are absolutely in the comic book. The nature of their meeting with Batman is something that I will have to keep quiet about until June 10. Where’s the fun in that?

I was quite pleased with the first issue. It’s sort of a #0 issue, if you will, which came about after a couple of manifestations. To explain that, I should talk about “Battle for the Cowl.” I was writing “Battle for the Cowl.” I actually wrote the first two issues. And I was very, very ahead of schedule. I knew where things were going to end and I was excited to do it, so I decided to get a jump on it. So I had two issues in the can and was moving along while the other six titles were picking the creative teams and getting going. But once I sat down with the editors for these books, Mike Marts being one of them, because of the immensity of the story I was writing, we found I was actually mining territory that they wanted to touch upon in the other monthlies. I was burning a lot of fire wood, because those were my marching orders. I was supposed to tell this big, gigantic story of what got us here. “Battle for the Cowl” was going to be big. It was going to be four issues and we were going to double ship each month and I think they were going to be 30 pages each. It was going to be a big, big thing. So there was a lot of ground to cover. All the characters were going to be represented. And I was robbing, inadvertently, all of this great story from the monthlies. And a lot of their motivations for things they were going to come to and what not, I was covering.

For the entire interview click here...

(Source - CBR.com)

DETECTIVE COMICS # 854: CO-FEATURING "THE QUESTION"

Posted by Unknown

Newsarama announced earlier in the week that Cully Hammer has signed a new exclusive contract with DC Comics, which will include working alongside Greg Rucka on a new "Question" feature that will be appearing in Detective Comics #854.

Greg Rucka posted today on his Live Journal blog some cool new design images Cully Hammer has done.

Greg Rucka wrote the following:
"So now I can talk about the fact that Cully and I are doing the co-feature that will begin running in Detective Comics #854, the Batwoman debut issue, this June. Starting with four eight-page chapters, then expanding to ten-pages an issue, and he's been drawing, and it look incredible, and no, I can't share the pages with you.But I can share his design work, which certainly gives a nice taste of what's to come".

I think this will be a fantastic addition to 'Tec, based the relationship Renee Montoya and Kathy Kane share and also the fact that I fell in love with the Question character when Montoya took over from Vc Sage in "52".

To see all the images click here to head on over to Greg Rucka's Live Journal Page.

(Source - Newsarama.com / Greg Ruck Live Journal)

HOT TOYS: JOKER 1/6TH SCALE TEASER POSTER

Posted by Unknown

Hot Toys have revealed the poster to the upcoming 1/6th Scale Joker figure based upon the "Why So Serious" poster...

WARNER BROS. ANIMATION CELEBRATION

Posted by Unknown

WARNER BROS. ANIMATION CELEBRATION

WHEN: Tuesday, April 7, 2009
6:00–6:30 p.m.: Media and Guest Arrivals
7:00 p.m.: Entertainment Program Begins
7:20 p.m. (approx.): Billboard Reveal

WHERE: Warner Bros. Studios
Animation Plaza – Gate 2 (Guest Parking at Gate 3 Structure)
4301 W. Olive Avenue
Burbank, CA 91522

WHAT: Warner Bros. Animation is hosting a celebration of nearly 80 years of classic animation with the public unveiling of the new Warner Bros. Animation billboard (the first such update in 15 years), featuring beloved characters from Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera and DC Comics.

The evening festival event will feature entertainment, prizes and fun, for families and fans.

WHO: Live, special performance by the Beat Freaks, the phenomenal all-girl dance crew from the 2009 edition of “America’s Best Dance Crew”

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Come dressed as your favorite DC Comic super hero (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, etc.) or other Looney Tunes or Hanna-Barbera character

Many prize giveaways, including tickets to the Warner Bros. Studios VIP Tour, as well as DVDs, toys and more

Meet Bruce Timm, James Tucker and Glen Murakami, the creative team who bring your favorite super heroes to life. Learn from our team of animators how to draw your favorite characters.

· Refreshments will be provided
· And much more…

PARKING: Visitor check-in is located at Warner Bros. Gate 3 (Parking Structure), across from the Gate 2 entrance to the Studio lot. Everyone attending the show must have a valid photo ID available for security purposes.

TONY DANIEL BLOG NO MORE!

Posted by Unknown

It seems after the slight mishap Yesterday regarding the possible identity of Batman. Tony Daniel has taken his blog site down?

Not sure if this is a permanent decision but hopefully he will re-instate at a later date, as some of the sketch he's been letting fans see over recent months was a joy to look at...

IGN: BFTC #2 VARIANT COVER

Posted by Unknown

IGN have posted the next variant cover to Batman: Battle for the Cowl #2. The same approach to the Nighwing cover on the last issue showing Tim Drake in half Robin half Batman costume, which we saw him don in BFTC #1...

(Source - IGN Comics.com)

CBR: JUDD WINICK TALKS BATMAN POST BFTC!

Posted by Unknown

CBR.com has spoken with writer Judd Winick on his return to the Batman title post BFTC, along side artist Ed Benes and Rob Hunter with the focus on Batman as a new character and his mission to clean up the streets of Gotham. This is the first of a two part interview, which will continue tomorrow.


CBR: Is the Batman that you’re writing in “Batman” the same Batman that will be in Grant Morrison & Frank Quitely’s “Batman and Robin?”

Judd Winick: Yep, Batman’s Batman. Across all the books and all the titles, Batman will be the same Batman. I can go out on a limb with that one without checking with DC.

CBR: We just spoke with Greg Rucka about writing “Action Comics” without Superman, and while you’re writing “Batman” with Batman, it’s not Bruce Wayne. Was that part of the appeal of taking on this assignment?

JW: For us as creators, it’s always been, “How do we get a fresh take on this character?” The last time through, it was about Jason Todd. That was a story that hadn’t been told yet, as far as I was concerned. And coming back to it now, well, internally we’ve been talking about me coming back to “Batman” with editorial since I left. But for me, there wasn’t a story that I really wanted to tell. There wasn’t one that really felt that interesting to me. But this one did. We’ll call it this “new take” on Batman to keep things sort of simple. But that interested me more than anything else, really.

It’s a new take on an old character. And that becomes a fresh story. I think we’re all sort of in agreement with that. That was the draw. But that’s just the starting point. It is about this new take on this character, as well as a mystery that will spin out of it. And not the obvious one. Not the one about possibly getting Bruce Wayne back in the cape and the cowl. That really isn’t the ongoing. That will be part of it, if ever.

I think each title has its own arc and own trajectory and a thing that it’s going for. “Batman” will be a very different book in story and in tone than “Batman & Robin.” Grant’s book will be very Grant Morrison. It’s going to be very fantastic and fantastical and big and wonderfully broad and expansive and looking at Batman in a very new way. My book is going to be a little more introspective. It will be about Batman examining who he is. And what it means to wear the cowl.

Check back tomorrow, when CBR News talks more with Winick about his two unpublished issues of “Battle for the Cowl,” the importance of Alfred, and why writing “Batman” is great for dinner parties.

For the entire interview click here...

(Source - CBR.com)

NEWSARAMA: DIEDRICH BADER TALKS BATMAN: BB SEASON 2

Posted by Unknown

After CN announced yesterday its dramatic expansion to its 2009-2010, which includes a second season for Batman: The Brave and the Bold Newsarama.com hasn't wasted any time talking with Diedrich Bader (the voice of Batman), to talk about what's to come from season two who feels this upcoming series of episodes will be the best yet.

“You hear so much about everybody discovering each other and learning how to work together during the first season. You know, it’s funny, but it really is true. What I think is so great about being renewed is now we have this chemistry and have the opportunity to really let the show become what it is.”

It sure does sound like the show is turning into something. One future episode will feature the latest incarnation of Bat-Mite, with Paul Ruebens voicing the role.

“He’s hilarious,” says Bader. “He’s so perfect as Bat-Mite. The fanboys of the show are just going to go out of their minds because we mess with reality in a way that just hasn’t been seen on our show. Both the script and the animation goes completely out there.”

For the full segment click here...

(Source - Newsarama.com)

BFTC: MYSTERY OF THE BATMAN? SPOILER ALERT!!!

Posted by Unknown

SPOILER ALERT!!!

I spotted a few hours ago a new post on Tony Daniels blog featuring new designs of Robin with the following description added - "Okay - here are my designs. Batman was a no. “They didn’t want the all black, which I understand. But I thought it would be a cool change, and he’d still be recognizable as Batman. Looks a little (or a lot) like the movie version. Robin’s costume was chosen, but the hooded cape was decided upon after this sketch. I have more lying around, different angles. I just need to dig and right now I don’t have time.” before I had chance to read the post it was very quickly deleted and have been checking all evening to see if these new images would appear.

I've just read over at CBR: Robot 6 blog who has managed to grab the image Tony Daniel posted of Batman with one major error... the description note on the design mentions the name of the Batman in the costume!!!
I've included this at the bottom of the post, but for those of you who don't want to know the possible identity of Batman I urge you not to open the image in full!!!

SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!!





















SPOILER ALERT!!!

(Source - CBR.com)

HOT TOYS: NEW 1/6TH JOKER POLICE OFFICER TEASER IMAGE

Posted by Unknown

Hot Toys have released a new teaser image of the upcoming 1/6th Joker doll in Police officer outfit.

IGN: KEVIN VANHOOK TALKS ORACLE

Posted by Unknown

IGN Comics continue their coverage of this years most anticipated Batman event BFTC. This time talking with writer Kevin VanHook on his tie series Oracle: The Cure.

IGN Comics: Getting back to the plot of the series a bit, what kind of an impact will Batman's disappearance have on Oracle? They've had a rocky relationship in recent years, so how does she react to Batman's absence as your series begins?

VanHook: She has set up a wall around herself in a lot of ways. When we find her on the first few pages of Oracle #1, people in her life are trying to reach her. People like Black Canary and Nightwing and so forth. Because of what's going on, they're specifically concerned with why she's back in Gotham. Her father is looking for her. We get across the idea that she's gone inside a little bit, and she's really not there. She's starting to live much more in the hacker world. It's like trying to have a conversation with somebody who's just not really paying attention. She's got her own stuff going on in her head. We see it when we're outside in Gotham and we see the smoke and fires in the distance and hear comments that let the reader know the city is in turmoil.

Also artist Guillem March has done an amazing set of covers for this series, see the cover break down he recently posted on his blog:


For the entire interview click here...

(Source - IGN Comics.com)

TONY DANIEL BLOG: PENCIL COVER BATMAN #687

Posted by Unknown

Tony Daniel has posted the cover sketch for Batman #687 and has promised some design sketches for Batman and Robin soon:

QUOTE:
"The design is by Andy Kubert. I will later post a couple of my design ideas here so people can see what I was thinking for the new look. In the end, DC and all the big wigs and WB stuck to something very close to what Batman already was. Which is fine, because, you know, people hate change, right? My Robin design was chosen and he was a bit easier to approve. I'll showcase some of the Robin design sketches soon too."


(Source - Tony Daniel Blog)

DC SOLICITATIONS: BOOSTER GOLD #21

Posted by Unknown

One to look out for in June is Booster Gold #21, which features a Booster visiting the Batcave after he learns about Batman's death only to face a new Dark Knight!!!

BOOSTER GOLD #21
Written by Dan Jurgens and Matthew Sturges
Art by Dan Jurgens & Norm Rapmund and Mike Norton
Cover by Dan Jurgens & Norm Rapmund

“Day of Death” part 1! - When Booster Gold learns of Batman’s death, he visits the Batcave, but runs into a new Dark Knight. Fists will fly and Batman will die...again!

DC DIRECT: JUST ANNOUNCED - BATMAN FAMILY STATUE pt2

Posted by Unknown

DC Direct has announced the second part to the Batman Family Statue with part two featuring Nightwing and Huntress. This is am amazing piece and will look amazing once finished!!!


BATMAN FAMILY MULTI-PART STATUE: PART 2: HUNTRESS AND NIGHTWING
DESIGNED BY ANDY KUBERT • SCULPTED BY OLUF HARTVIGSON

It’s the ultimate collectible for Batman fans! Batman and his allies team up in four separate pieces (sold in three parts) to form a single statue.

Solicited this month is Part 2 of this multi-part statue, which features Huntress and Nightwing standing on a rooftop in Gotham City, heroically surveying the place they call home. This part of the statue follows Part 1, solicited last month and featuring Robin and Catwoman reclining on a gargoyle. Part 3 (to be solicited next month) will feature Batwoman and Commissioner Gordon.

The bases of each piece slide together to form a shot of the entire Batman family on a rooftop overlooking Gotham. Each of the three parts includes a piece of the fourth portion of the scene, which can be easily assembled to form Batman, who looms in the back of the scene. All three parts of the statue are needed to make Batman.

Part 2 of the statue measures approximately 10” high x 7” wide x 5” deep, while the entire multi-part statue measures approximately 11” high x 17” wide x 11.5” deep when fully assembled.

(Source - DC Direct.com)

IGN: BATMAN JUNE SOLICITATIONS!!!

Posted by Unknown

IGN seems to be the new home of all the Batman exclusives over recent months. Again they have the first look solicitations for the Batman comics coming out in June... You can imagine how hard these were to right for DC comics to ensure no spoilers were given...

DETECTIVE COMICS #854
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by JH Williams and Cully Hamner
Cover by JH Williams
Variant cover by JG Jones

"Elegy" part 1 of 4! - A new era in the history of DETECTIVE COMICS begins as Batwoman is unleashed on Gotham City! Marked by the blood-red bat, Kate Kane is a soldier fighting her own private war – one that began years ago and haunts her every waking moment. With a script by Greg Rucka and breath-taking art by JH Williams III, you've never seen anything like this.

Featuring the debut of a new co-feature starring The Question written by Rucka! Odds against you? Alone and nowhere to turn? Willing to fight, but you don't know how? When you're searching everywhere for an answer, sometimes all you need to do is ask the right Question. Renee Montoya again dons the faceless mask to help those in need, all the while searching for her own answers in this new adventure with art by Cully Hamner (BLUE BEETLE).


BATMAN #687
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Ed Benes & Rob Hunter
Cover by Tony Daniel & Sandu Florea
Variant cover by JG Jones

In this special epilogue to BATTLE FOR THE COWL, new BATMAN writer Judd Winick rejoins the Bat Family! This 40-page issue explores the final moments of the Battle for the Cowl as the new Batman learns that winning the Cowl comes at a high price! Witness the new Batman taking to the streets of Gotham City for the first time! Putting a new man inside the Bat-suit was the easy part – now the fun begins! Guest-starring Superman and Wonder Woman, this issue is a must-read for any Batman fan.

BATMAN AND ROBIN #1
Written by Grant Morrison
Art and cover by Frank Quitely
Variant cover by JG Jones
Sketch variant cover by Frank Quitely

"Batman Reborn" begins here!

With the reunited team of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely (ALL-STAR SUPERMAN, WE3, New X-Men), this first issue kicks off a 3-part story arc that can't be missed! The new Dynamic Duo hit the streets with a bang in their new flying Batmobile as they face off against an assemblage of villains called the Circus of Strange. They also tackle their first mission investigating a child who's been abducted by the mysterious Domino Killer. But will everything go smoothly? And who exactly are the new Batman and Robin? The newest era of The Dark Knight begins here!

RED ROBIN #1
Written by Christopher Yost
Art by Ramon Bachs
Cover by Francis Manapul
Variant cover by JG Jones

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!

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #1
Written by Paul Dini
Art and cover by Guillem March
Variant cover by JG Jones

This all-new series features the bad girls of Gotham City! Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn are tired of playing by other people's rules regardless of which side of the law they're on. These tough ladies have a new agenda that's all their own, and they'll use any means necessary to pursue it. But can they get along and work as a team? And who will get hurt along the way? DETECTIVE COMICS and STREETS OF GOTHAM writer Paul Dini kicks off this brand-new ongoing series with amazing artwork by Guillem March (JOKER'S ASYLUM: POISON IVY, GOTHAM GAZETTE).

BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #1
Written by Paul Dini and Marc Andreyko
Art by Dustin Nguyen & Derek Fridolfs and Georges Jeanty & Karl Story
Cover by Dustin Nguyen
Variant cover by JG Jones

An all-new Batman series by the DETECTIVE COMICS creative team of Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen! As a new Batman rises on the streets of Gotham City, the heroes, villains and citizens take notice. How will the police feel about this new Batman, and can he control the crime in Gotham the way the old Batman did? This new series also features a regular ongoing co-feature starring Manhunter written by Marc Andreyko and illustrated by Georges Jeanty (Buffy Season 8)! Kate Spencer lost a friend during the chaos of BATTLE FOR THE COWL, and now she wants payback. As usual, she'll use any means necessary to get it!

THE OUTSIDERS #19
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art and cover by Lee Garbett & Trevor Scott
Variant cover by JG Jones

"The Deep" part 5 of 6! - With half of the Outsiders captured and the remaining members on the run, things have reached a boiling point for Alfred's new squad! And to make matters worse, Deathstroke the Terminator discovers he may have found a way to increase his amazing powers. Meanwhile, the search for the mysterious meteorite – and its strange connection to the Insiders – continues!

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #30
Written by Andrew Kreisberg
Art by Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens
Cover by Stephan Roux

"Bad Cop" part 2 of 2! - Facing the rogue Gotham City police officer who was "created" by The Joker – Commissioner Gordon and Batman receive desperate help from an unusual source: young Barbara Gordon!

(Source - IGN Comics.com)

NEWSARAMA: SPEAKS WITH AUTHORS OF THE BATCAVE COMPANION!

Posted by Unknown

Newsarama have sat down with authors Michael Eury and Michael Kronenberg of the Batcave Companion, to talk about what readers can expect from the book, which is released Wednesday 15th April.


NRAMA: Why did you specifically focus on the New Look and Bronze Age eras of Batman?

ME: Because they’re the eras which resonate with the mass audience: Batman as campy pop idol and Batman as the Dark Knight.

NRAMA: Now, despite the title, the book isn’t 100 percent about the Batcave. But I am curious: What do you feel the Batcave represents to the Batman mythos?

ME: While Batman has operated independently of the Batcave upon occasion (including the early 1970s, as Michael K. covers), the Batcave is integral to the character and exemplifies Batman’s iconography perhaps better than any other hero’s hideaway.

Plus it appeases comics fans: It’s the ultimate data- and gadget-loaded HQ and it’s a collector’s dream! (C’mon, wouldn’t you like a giant penny in your basement?)

For the entire interview click here...

(Source - Newsarama.com)

GKO EXCLUSIVE - BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD COMPOSERS TALK “CRIME JAZZ!” WITH EXCLUSIVE MUSIC CLIPS (PODCAST #2)

Posted by Unknown

Well as promised here is the interview I conducted with Batman composers Kristopher Carter, Lolita Ritmanis and Michael McCuistion a couple of weeks ago where we discussed various projects they’ve worked on including the current Batman: Brave and the Bold.

Below is a transcript of questions relating to Brave and the Bold, but I did also get the chance to talk about their background and what it was like to work on other Batman animated shows along side the late Shirley Walker.

I’ve also been given some "EXCLUSIVE" audio clips from Warner Bros. Animation, which have been individually cut for Gotham Knights online by Kris, Lolita and Michael.


When you where first told about the concept of Brave and the Bold, what was your initial reactions and did you decide to give the "show" itself a particular theme or try and give Batman and the other characters individual themes?

Lolita: Well the actual main title of the show is written by Andy Sturmer who you may also know having done the Teen Titans theme, so the opening theme is Andy's. But as far as the style of the show, James Tucker really gets most of the credit. He knew what he wanted; he kept saying "Crime Jazz". So the original approach was that we were going to be able to do sort of a slight homage to the old Batman Adam West approach.

Michael: We were all very excited because it was something that was very classic, very television and extremely well done when it was originally done. The idea of being able to do something so different for Batman and still have it be that, was very classy and cool.


So the difference between the two show's is more tip of the hat towards the 60/70's comics and TV series, did this help with the direction each episode would take?

Michael: Well James came to the table sometime with very specific ideas, and sometimes there were shows that were generically part of the series and then there were the shows that stood on their own... Kris, can you think of some scores that have been out of the box?

Kris: We have explored shows that have definitely needed their own sound. For example, when we had the "Return of the Fearsome Fangs!" episode with the Bronze Tiger, James really wanted to feature a kind of an Asian sound - but put through a seventies filter (laugh). He wanted it to kind of draw on sounds that you would assume and associate with a martial arts film of that era and one of the examples we discussed was (Michael cut in and mentioned) Enter the Dragon. Yeah but it was defiantly (sings), " we were kung-fu fighting”… The best part is that James is not afraid and encourages us to really, really go for it.

We have a character coming up pretty soon that James wanted to go in the direction of the rock band "Queen” this is a theme that comes up often. But this time James said "pull out all the stops and make it Queen "... Make it so! (laugh) As composers we love it when a producer has the confidence to not hold back and let’s us give our all, which is really satisfying from a creative standpoint.


Lolita: And it’s also wonderful for us when we can utilise the talent of some of our wonderful live musicians on this show. We have an incredibly talented woodwind player John Yokham, who play's all the various saxophones, clarinets and some ethnic instruments. It’s like a candy store! We’re going to have this villain and let the base clarinet be his main sound, or this villain will have a baritone saxophone or even pair it with a strange ethnic Asian flute to add affect. It’s great to be able to write something and have wonderful performances by soloists.

Michael: It takes the music to the next level and we're really happy to have the ability to do that on this show.

On a more technical aspect, what's the process you go through to compose and score episodes of Brave and the Bold? Does the director or producer give you ideas and how do you split the work up between yourselves?

Lolita: We have full recording session on the show, and we also have two engineers who mix our music for these episodes - it’s a full music production. It’s an elaborate system were we spot the music with James and identify what kind of style were going to have for each show. Then we mark where the music starts and stops and create the music. About a week later we will come back and play the music for him. He will give us suggestions, critiques and say “Hey-its perfect don't change anything.” Then we hire the musicians and record the live parts and mix it. It's full on production for each and every twenty-two minute length cartoon.

Kris: We tend to write independently rarely sit down together, but there have been experiences were we would all three sit and share the piano. When working on these episodes, we all sit down and split the work up in an equal fashion. Sometime during the spotting session with James about the music, there will be a scene that really speaks to one of us and we’ll call dibs. We each have our own individual list of about a third of the music that has to be written independently; meanwhile we still make a point of keeping in touch with each other. Were always playing things for each other, sharing audio files during development so that we know which direction we're going. In the end, we have created a very homogenous sound.

Michael: We each have our own individual studios where we do our own writing, but this enables us to put a lot of attention on the overall score simultaneously. This process produces an exceptional product in the end and enables us to meet the short turn around time to complete post production on the episode.

Lolita:
We have tried it in the past, were we will each take an episode. It’s creatively very satisfying, but on a practical level a composer or composers might be waiting for their episode to be completed, while other composers can be in a time crunch or panic mode. Splitting up the work is a more effective solution and ensures that all our resources are being exploited. This situation ensures we are focused everyday, putting the attention on making sure the music is right and not exhausting ourselves.

What are the deadlines like for each episode and which episode has been your favourite to score so far?

Michael / Lolita: The “Musical” episode is my favourite, because it’s kind of out of the box.

Michael: There's been some wonderful moments where we've had a great opportunity for music. For some of the fight scenes James will decide that we can compose the music as if it was choreographed to the fight and he will back-off the sound affects in favour of the musical stabs and other audio cues instead of the punches. It really lets the music shine in places for the episodes that we've scored so far.

Lolita: It’s nice because James does like to favour music in certain spots. There may be a scene that kind of sits there and even though it is good, it doesn't have as much colour as another scene. It’s nice for us to be able to bring a whole different dimension to a particular scene. James is always willing to take that stretch and it is very rewarding for us.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wanted to say a massive thanks to Kris, Michael and Lolita for taking the time to speak with me and what an amazing opportunity it was to speak with such professionals from the industry.

The full interview is included on this week’s Podcast and also includes my chat regarding other projects. Click
here to listen…

The above sound clips are the property of Warner Bros. Animation and are not to be copied and reused without their permission.


CBR: GRANT MORRISON TALKS BATMAN & ROBIN!

Posted by Unknown

CBR.com have spoken with writer Grant Morrison on his upcoming run on Batman & Robin due to launch in June.

Morrison mentions how the new series feels a little bit like the classic Adam West/Burt Ward “Batman” TV series from the late 1960s, which I think is a legendary idea and Damien Robin already looks the part...

CBR: There’s no denying the excitement of your fans, but how about you? Are you thrilled to be working with Frank Quitely yet again, this time on “Batman & Robin?”

Grant Morrison: He’s just handed in the first issue and he’s started to work on the second. It’s amazing. It’s a very different take on Batman. It looks quite different. And quite interesting.

CBR: How can you describe what he is doing with the characters?

GM: Well to begin with, it’s Frank Quitely. This is certainly looser than what he was doing on “All Star Superman.” There was more control on that book, because we wanted it to be more like Superman. So it was all very controlled, very measured. The “Batman & Robin” stuff is more brazen. And he’s producing things like sound effects, because nobody does sound effects anymore. Everybody has given up on them, so what we’ve done is incorporate them into the artwork. When someone hits water, the water rises up and makes the “splash” effect. It just looks fantastic.

Again, it’s much more playful than “All Star Superman,” which was more classical and maybe more restrained. This is more wired.

For the entire interview click here...

(Source - CBR.com)

NEWSARAMA: DC DIRECT SNEAK PEEK!

Posted by Unknown

Newsarama.com has an article showing some sneak peek images of DC Directs up coming products. Two items of interest are the Batman: Black and White statue based on the art of Lee Bermejo and two new Ame-Comi Batman and Robin.

(Source - Newsarama.com)

LA LA LAND RECORDS - BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM COMPLETE SCORE

Posted by Unknown

Another fantastic release from La La Land Records, with the release of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm Complete score...
I had an mail from them this evening confirming they will be taking orders for this limited edition score on Tuesday 24th March, and not unlike the recently sold out! score for Batman: The Animated series this score will also be limited to 3000 copies.

BATMAN-MASK OF THE PHANTASM
Original Soundtrack Recording Music by Shirley Walker

1. Main Title: Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (EXPANDED) (5:01)
2. The Promise (EXPANDED) (1:25)
3. Ski Mask Vigilante (EXPANDED) (4:29)
4. Fancy Footwork (0:41)*
5. Phantasm's Graveyard Murder (3:52)
6. Bad News* / Set Trap* / May They Rest In Peace* (1:51)
7. First Love (2:00)
8. City Street Drive* / Sal Velestra* / Good Samaritan* (2:17)
9. Birth of Batman (EXPANDED) (6:01)
10. The Joker's Big Entrance* (3:03)
11. The Big Chase (5:40)
12. Nowhere to Run* (2:01)
13. A Plea For Help (1:01)
14. A Tall Man / Arturo and his Pal */Makes You Want To Laugh* / What's So Funny?* (4:04
15. Andrea Remembers* / True Identity* (3:19)
16. Phantasm and Joker Fight (6:00)
17. Batman's Destiny (1:47)
18. I Never Even Told You - Performed by Tia Carrere (4:24)

Bonus Tracks:
19. Theme from Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm (2:06)
20. Welcome to the Future!* (1:04)

Total Time 62:06

*- DENOTES PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED MATERIAL

TNI: TDK MOVIE MASTERS SERIES 3 - HARVEY DENT VARIENT

Posted by Unknown

Toy News International have posted an updated image gallery of Mattel's Movies Masters series three, which includes a variant figure of Harvey Dent. This will no doubt end up as a chase figure from this series:



(Source - Toy News International.com)

NEWSARAMA: DAN DIDIO 20 Q&A

Posted by Unknown

It seems like its been a while since Newsarama have done a 20 Q&A with Dan Didio, but with all the interviews surrounding BFTC and the new titles in June, there is no surprise a number of questions have been focusing on that. I've only included the Batman related questions below. Also a very nice point made about Bruce Wayne at the end!

Newsarama: 5) The Batman titles that are coming out in June – a reader asked if there will be a cohesion between them once they all launch and start rolling in the post Battle for the Cowl world as we see in the Superman titles after New Krypton?

DD: There’s a cohesion in a sense that it’s clear that they’re all coming from the same place. There is a new Batman, that’s pretty clear, so that character will be reflected in all the series and the ramifications of the change in the character will be reflected as well. But each of the series comes from a different point of view – Batman & Robin will naturally focus on the new team of batman and Robin, Batman will focus on the new Batman, Detective Comics will focus on the new Batwoman and her role in Gotham City as she tries to affect change; Streets of Gotham will focus on the supporting cast members of Gotham’s world and how they interact with Batman; Gotham City Sirens will be dealing with Catwoman, Ivy and Harley Quinn and their adventures, many of which may dovetail in with other adventures that are taking place in other places in other aspects of Batman’s world; Outsiders deals with Alfred who will be seen in other books, but this is Alfred’s mission and directive and is about adventures that take place outside of Gotham City and Batgirl will be featuring...well, we’ll leave that for another day.

NRAMA: And all of those are ongoing?

DD: Yes they are.

NRAMA: 7) Speaking of Batman & Robin – with te announcement of Grant and Frank on that title, a lot of people immediately started wondering about scheduling. How are you going to be working that out with this title, given that Frank’s not really a monthly artist?

DD: All Star Superman was a particular book that was the story that Grant and Frank were telling, so that’s why we waited on that one. In this case, we all are going in with our eyes open in regards to the expectations and the challenges of doing a monthly series with this creative team. Grant is working with Frank on beginning the books – they started early, but more importantly, we will make sure this book comes out, and the story is constructed in a way that other artists can come in so we can keep it on a monthly schedule.

NRAMA: 19) With the options that are coming up in regards to storytelling – that meaning, the use of co-features in books, will we be seeing the tales of Cave-Batman and his roommate anywhere in the coming months?

DD: If that man is Bruce Wayne, and he is in a cave, then the answer is that yes, that is a story that will definitely be told in the DC Universe at some point.

For the entire Q&A with Dan Didio over at Newsarama.com click here...

(Source - Newsarama.com)

GOTHAM KNIGHTS ONLINE - PODCAST CO-HOST WANTED!

Posted by Unknown

This is a shout out to any regular visitors to Gotham Knight's Online to see if anyone would be interested in helping me with two aspects of the site.

Firstly I'm looking for a couple of people to help write weekly reviews on current and older published Batman Universe comics, which will be added to the database as we go along.

The second is I'm looking at making a fortnightly podcast that focuses on all the news for that two week period and do some online comic reviews and other reviews on things like new merchandise, TV shows, movies etc and I would like to ask if anyone would like to co-host the podcast with me?

I'm thinking two or three people would be enough and this will be a great opportunity to get to speak with guest stars in the industry to conduct interviews and talk about all things Batman with other people who share your enthusiasm.

If you are interested please feel free to email me at jondoe297@live.com, if you want to know more on what I've got planned?

Many Thanks
Bob (jondoe297)

IGN: FIRST LOOK - GOTHAM CITY SIRENS & STREETS OF GOTHAM

Posted by Unknown

IGN are still getting all the exclusives when it comes to the upcoming Batman Universe. Tonight they have unveiled some of the covers and artwork for Gotham City Sirens featuring Catwoman, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy as the main characters. Written by Paul Dini and art by Guillem March.


Also Batman: Streets of Gotham written by Paul Dini and art by one of my favorite artists Dustin Nguyen.


For all the images click here to visit IGN Comics.com

(Source - IGN Comics.com)

NOW GAMER: BATMAN ARKHAM ASYLUM Q&A

Posted by Unknown

Video game site NOW GAMER has spoken with Batman: Arkham Asylum game director Sefton Hill saying - "The team is 100 per cent commited to delivering the Batman game you've always wanted to play”...

NG: Have you been influenced tonally by Christopher Nolan’s work with the recent Batman films, or do your influences still lie more with the comics?

SH: Our influences are mainly from the core comic history. We have over 70 years of Batman to draw from so there’s plenty there for us to use. I think both Christopher Nolan films are awesome but any similarities in tone are more down to the fact that he is probably inspired by the same elements of Batman as we are.

It is certainly true, though, that Batman: Arkham Asylum is a dark game. Once we’d decided to set the game in a madhouse with Joker running the show it was inevitable it would end up this way! I think people will be very surprised at some of the dark secrets hiding within Arkham: rest assured there are some things in there that will shock you!

For the entire interview click here...

(Source - Now Gamer.com)

CBR: TALKS WITH WRITER ROYAL McGRAW ON BFTC: COMMISSIONER GORDON

Posted by Unknown

CBR.com is keeping up with current events today, this time with writer Royal McGraw, who is penning BFTC: Commissioner Gordon alongside artist Tom Mandrake.

CBR: For this one-shot, Commissioner Gordon is your lead. What makes him such a great character?

RM: Because he is a great character. This sounds like a cop out answer, I know, so allow me to explain. Years ago, Bruce Wayne watched helplessly as his parents were gunned down in front of him. Now, as a direct result of this tragedy, Bruce feels compelled to dress up like a giant bat and punish criminals and, in doing so, avenges his personal tragedy over and over again. A lot of superheroes get origins like this. It explains the “why” of it all.

James Worthington Gordon, on the other hand, does the right thing solely because it is the right thing to do. There is no compulsion there, no mania driving him. He is simply a good man who does good – no matter the cost. And, oh boy, there has been cost. He lost a marriage, lost custody of his son, lost his second wife, nearly lost his niece. The list of horrors is interminable. Yet, despite this, Gordon still does the right thing every time. So, yes, it is a circular piece of logic, but Gordon is a great character precisely because he is great.

For the entire interview click here...

(Source - CBR.com)

CBR: TALKS TO JEPH LOEB ABOUT SUPERMAN/BATMAN ANIMATED MOVIE

Posted by Unknown

Jeph Loeb has spoken with CBR.com regarding the recently announced Superman/Batman - Public Enemies animated movie from WB. and his or Ed McGuinness involvement.

CBR: Does it get any bigger than a story starring Superman and Batman?

JL: Are you reading “Ultimatum?” But seriously, “Public Enemies” is a pretty massive story. I’m curious as to what they’re going to do with it.

CBR: So you’re not involved in the project?

JL: They asked me to write the script and I really, really wanted to, but I was on “Heroes” and my schedule was just too full. So, no, I haven’t had anything to do with it. But, I’m a huge Bruce Timm [Executive Producer] fan, as he knows since I dog him at conventions, and I’m sure he’s going to make it even better than the comic.

CBR: What about McGuinness? Is he involved?

JL: I spoke to Ed this morning and he told me they had approached him to do designs, but his schedule was too full, as well. We both would’ve loved to be involved.

For the full interview click here...

(Source - CBR.com)

CBR TV: VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH GREG RUCKA

Posted by Unknown

CBR has posted an interview with Greg Rucka regarding his upcoming return to Detective Comics starring Batwoman. There are no big reveals, but good to watch as it Batman related lol!

(Source - CBR.TV)

TONY DANIEL & DUSTIN NGUYEN BLOG UPDATES

Posted by Unknown

Tony Daniel posted on his blog today regarding more writing assignments coming his was after the already successful release of Batman: BFTC # 1. The update also included a cool image of the last page of BFTC of the Jason Todd Batman without any of the lettering:

Also artist Justin Nguyen, who will be working alongside Paul Dini again on Batman: Streets of Gotham, uploaded the below cover artwork to issue #1:


(Source - Tony Daniel / Dustin Nguyen Blog)

SUPERMAN/BATMAN - PUBLIC ENEMIES NEXT DC ANIMATED MOVIE?

Posted by Unknown

CBR/Robot 6 posted today that Superman/Batman is confirmed as next DC animated movie?

According to AICN who confirms that Warner Bros. Animation and DC Comics will follow this summer’s Green Lantern: First Flight with Superman/Batman: Public Enemies, based on the 2003-2004 comic-book storyline by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness and is scheduled for a autum release.



The official synopsis appears to follow the source material along with the proposed logo for animated movie:
The initial arc of the Superman/Batman comic series — pretty closely, with President Lex Luthor claiming that a kryptonite asteroid heading toward Earth is part of a sinister plot by Superman. Luthor then offers a $1 billion bounty for the Man of Steel and his “partner in crime” Batman.

If this is the case then I'm pretty sure the new Green Lantern: First Flight animated movie will be premiering at this years San Diego Comic Con with an official announcement/teaser of this this next project to be seen then.

(Source - CBR / Robot 6)

MATTEL: MOVIE MASTERS SERIES 3

Posted by Unknown

Spotted this over at Dark Knight Batcave, showing some fantastic images of Mattel: Movie Masters series 3, which features Bruce Wayne in his Batsuit proto-type, Joker thug from the prologue of TDK, Joker in Gotham PD Cell and Two-Face. These are possible some of the best figure to date...

(Source - Dark Knight Batcave)

LISTEN TO THIS WEEKS PODCAST ONLINE COVERING NEWS, REVIEWS AND INTERVIEWS WITH GUESTS FROM ALL BATMAN INDUSTRIES!



GKO: PODCAST #43

This week we cover the usual news in the Batman Universe. 4th to 17th Oct, including Batman: Knightfall Pt11.
23-10-10

GKO: PODCAST #42

This week we cover the usual news in the Batman Universe. 20th Sept to 3rd Oct, including Batman: Knightfall Pt10.
09-10-10

GKO: PODCAST #41

This week we cover the usual news in the Batman Universe. 13th to Sept 20th, including Batman: Knightfall Pt9.
14-09-10

GKO: PODCAST #40

This week we cover the usual news in the Batman Universe. Aug 30th to Sept 12th, including Batman: Knightfall Pt8.
14-09-10

GKO: PODCAST #39

This week we cover the usual news in the Batman Universe. Aug 23rd to Aug 29th, including Batman: Knightfall Pt7.
31-08-10

GKO: PODCAST #38

This week we cover the usual news in the Batman Universe. Aug 9th to Aug 22nd, including Batman: Knightfall Pt6.
24-08-10

GKO: PODCAST #37

This week we cover the usual news in the Batman Universe. Aug 2nd to Aug 8th, including Batman: Knightfall Pt5.
03-08-10

GKO: PODCAST #36

This week we have a new host and review Batman: Under the Red Hood along with all the news from the week.
03-08-10

GKO: PODCAST #35

This is our SDCC '10 coverage special covering all the news from July 19th to July 25th.
26-07-10

GKO: PODCAST #34

This week we cover the usual news in the Batman Universe. July 12th to July 18th, including Batman: Knightfall Pt2.
19-07-10

GKO: PODCAST #33

This week we cover the usual news in the Batman Universe. July 5th to July 11th, including Batman: Knightfall Pt1.
12-07-10

GKO: PODCAST #32

This week we interview writer Judd Winick about the Red Hood.
05-07-10

GKO: PODCAST #31

This week we cover the usual news in the Batman Universe. June 14th to June 20th.
21-06-10

GKO: PODCAST #30

This week we cover the amazing release of Batman #700. June 7th to June 13th.
14-06-10

GKO: PODCAST #29

This week we cover the usual news in the Batman Universe. May 31st to June 6th.
7-06-10

GKO: PODCAST #28

This week we cover the usual news in the Batman Universe. May 24th to May 30th.
31-05-10

GKO: PODCAST #27

This week we cover the usual news in the Batman Universe. May 10th to May 23rd.
24-05-10

GKO: PODCAST #26

We return for a quick April round table episode.
10-05-10

GKO: PODCAST #25

This week is our 25th Anniversary episode including a new co-host.
21-03-10

GKO: PODCAST #24

This week we interview with artist Lee Garbett to talk about his current run on Batgirl
01-03-10

NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH iTUNES. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE