Open forum about comic books, superheroes, writers, artists and anything comic book related. All thoughts are welcome but please do not use foul language. Heroes, remember, should set an example.
Bob Kane, with the uncredited aid of Bill Finger, sold the rights for a superhero in 1939 to National Comics. The hero proved to be an everlasting icon among comic book characters. Batman has gone from the pages of comics to be featured in newspaper comic strips, novels, graphic novels, television shows, cartoons and films. He is among one of the most celebrated and recognized characters in all of comic book history.
Despite the diverse markets in which Batman has been shared, the one that continues to define him is the comic book. His history is written and established through the pages of one of imagination's oldest outlets. The artists who have been privileged to bring Batman to life have also affected the dynamics of such a visible character. Many great artists, and some not-so-great, have penciled the Caped Crusader and Dark Knight to life each leaving him with their own touch, their own mark and their own interpretation.
Different eras have defined different styles. Different artistic media have also been used, such as animation, painted art and dynamic pencils. Among the greats are such ones as Jack Kirby, John Byrne, Neal Adams, Dick Sprang and others. Through their work Batman has grown to what he is today. Their definition of justice is revealed through their artistic impression of Batman.
We would like to know what you think. Which art style and artist do you prefer and enjoy. Cast your vote below, leave a comment about your favorite Batman artist and share with us as we continue Batman Week. Be sure to visit us at our website, http://www.kryptoknightcomics.com.
"Atomic batteries to power. Turbines to speed." Those classic lines from the Batman TV show in the 1960's solidifies one of the most recognizable cars ever to exist, The Batmobile. Bob Kane's creation of the Batmobile changed the way superheroes were made. Since Bruce Wayne had no super powers and had a HUGE bankroll instead, it only made sense that he would have gadgets to fight. Any crime fighter in his position would need a means to travel. Superman could fly. The Flash could run. Spider-Man had webbing. Batman, however, has always had the coolest ride!
This raises an interesting question. Which design for the Batmobile has been the best. We have seen TV versions, animated versions and film versions. We would like to know what you think. Cast your vote below for your favorite Batmobile. You will earn 10 points in our weekly contest. Just for the record, our favorite is the 1960's version driven by the Adam West Batman. It is too hard to vote against such a classic Batmobile!
I can remember when we were approaching Y2K and the world was concerned about a worldwide technological collapse. Now, we are approaching the end of 2010 and starting another decade in 2011. In the last ten years we have seen the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, 2 wars, 2 economic recessions, 1 of which nearly collapsed the entire world economy, bank closings, the biggest Ponzi scheme in world history by Bernie Madoff, a major tsunami in the Indian Ocean, Hurricane Katrina, several typhoons and earthquakes, the world's worst oil spill in human history by BP, the death of Saddam Hussein, a nuclear threat from South Korea and Iran, the rising power of China, several school shootings and the list goes on. These are just a few of the astonishing events that have taken place! If the world ever needed a hero/heroes then this has been the decade for it! That is exactly what we have gotten, too; so to speak!
This last decade, 2001-2010, has seen an increase in the interest of comic books, superheroes and the love of fantasy. Marvel stock continued to rise even during recessions and was eventually bought by Disney. Comic book movies have become more and more in demand. We have seen Spider-Man, Wolverine and the X-Men, Superman, the Hulk and more. Iron Man, probably the biggest success of them all, has become iconic. Who can look at Robert Downey, Jr. and not see Tony Stark? We also have animated films and TV shows featuring the X-Men, the Avengers, Batman and, one of my personal favorites, The Super Hero Squad. We love our heroes and we love to be entertained by them. Yet this is just the beginning!
2011 is going to be a pivotal year for comic book films and comic book events. Fans the world over are in expectation of seeing major heroes on the big screen. Planned for release in 2011 is Thor, Captain America, The First Avenger, and Green Lantern. Iron Man 3, Superman, Batman, The Avengers, Wolverine 2, X-Men: First Class and Transformers are all scheduled for release in the following years. While these films are definitely anticipated by comic book fans, they have also generated a new era of fans; movie fans. This generation loves the movie screen heroes but have no interest in comics themselves. For comic book companies, however, this avenue has captured new revenue and new customers. The fact is though that the world wants heroes and lots of them.
As a comic book fan myself, I have longed to see these characters come alive. While some films have been dismal failures, i.e. Ghost Rider, Daredevil, Elektra, it is still a totally cool thing to see living, breathing crime fighting heroes saving the world; even if it is only fictional.
The 2 big guns, Marvel and DC, have lots of plans headed into the new decade. One in particular is Marvel's plan for Spider-Man in the Ultimate Universe where just about anything goes. It is basically a recreation of the Marvel Universe but with altered stories and origins from the originals. The biggest thing to see in early 2011, will be the Death of Spider-Man. This will prove to be the biggest, boldest move Marvel has attempted in the Ultimate Universe. Recently we saw the death of Captain America in Marvel's regular titles. Naturally, it he did not stay dead. For Ultimate Spider-Man, however, it seems that this may not be the case since many characters in the world of comics always find a way to return (Hal Jordan, Barry Allen, Bruce Wayne, Aquaman, Firestorm, Superman, Captain America and others). It seems the only well known character who has remained dead is Gwen Stacy, unless you count her emergence in the Spider-Man movie trilogy. In any event, the death of iconic heroes always seems to draw readers. Whether it is a publicity stunt to sell comics or not it will certainly prove to be a key moment for Marvel and Spider-Man fans.
Of the upcoming films, which do you think will be the best? Cast your vote!
If you have ever wanted to enter into the DC Universe and help Batman or Superman bring down Lex Luthor or The Joker then this is the game you want to play. DC Universe Online is an online role playing game that allows you to create a superhero and fight alongside DC's most powerful heroes.
One of the most notable elements to the game, aside from its graphics, are the voices. As you watch the attached trailer 2 voices are quickly recognized; those of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hammill. These to actors have provided the voices for Batman and the Joker for over a decade now. I am pleased to know that they will continue providing the voices for their respective characters in DCUO. Other notable voices are Adam Baldwin (Superman), Gina Torres (Wonder Woman) and James Marsters (Lex Luthor).
DC Universe Online is currently undergoing Beta Testing. I have been unable to get an official release date. In any case, DCUO looks as if it will be an awesomely fun way to enter into the DC Universe! Below is the cinematic trailer promoting the game. The only word that can describe it is WOW!
