As many of us know, this year marks the 75th anniversary of Batman. Or his "birthday" as it is also referred. DC Comics is pulling out the stops all year around to mark the special occasion. Not just in the comic book aspect either, with them going batty across multiple mediums including animation with two new animated shorts focused on Batman. The upcoming FOX series "Gotham" is apart of the celebration, as well as an abundance of Bat-merchandise set to hit the shelves all year.
There is even going to be a "Batman Day" on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2014, which numerous comic book shops will be partaking in the event, where a free special edition of Batman will be available. Check with your local comic book store to see if they are involved and what they have planned. It could make for a fun day. There are also other things that DC Comics has planned for the Dark Knight this year, you can check out the full list over at their website HERE.
There is also a website via DC Comics focused on the 75th Anniversary of Batman, which you can find HERE.
I wouldn't be surprised if the unveiling of "Batfleck" Ben Affleck's Batsuit is unveiled amongst the events this year. It is something many fans are eager to see, with those who've seen it hyping it up (Kevin Smith, Jennifer Garner, etc). It is also nice to see that this year the 1960's Batman television series will finally be available in boxsets, bringing Adam West back into the DC Comics family, who I am sure will be possibly working a more full schedule being more of the more iconic "Batmen". Remember to tune in next time, same Bat-time, same Bat-channel! Until then...
Stay Nerdy!
You may not have ever read an issue of MAD Magazine, but there is an extremely high chance you know who he is, even if just by face recognition. It is soon to be MAD Magazine "mascot" Alfred E. Neuman's birthday, and DC Comics is showing their love by providing Neuman variant covers featuring the MAD man on a few of their monthly titles. With an April Fool's birthday, comes spoofed out covers with Alfred keeping with his traditional comedic ways while "dressing up" as comic book characters.
Unlike last year, where Alfred E. Neuman played the parts of various heroes upon the covers, this year Alfred brings his A-game showing his outtake, or his dark side if he even really has one, on some of DC Comics villains. Titles like Batman, Superman, and other usual variant recipients are getting one, but also closing issues like Nightwing are amongst the last (which you can find over at CBR HERE). Which villains will be chosen remains to be seen, CBR reports so far The Penguin (cover pictured), Earth 2 Superman and Parasite have been given the nod.
Curious as to how other alien-esque villains will look after having recieved the Neuman treatment come April. Until then...
Stay Nerdy!
Looks like the multi-talented Kevin Smith will be working on the upcoming Batman '66 Meets The Green Hornet. Smith won't be working alone, teaming up with Ralph Garman to bring the classic version of both characters to life via the writing slot, while artist Ty Templeton will bring their words to life on the visual aspect. But it gets better, the Batman '66 Meets The Green Hornet 12-part series will be receiving the Ross treatment via the covers. That's right uber talented artist Alex Ross.
Having enjoyed the Batman '66 series so far, it will be interesting to see how well this spin-off limited series fares. It is easy to look at it with an optimistic set of eyes, given that Silent Bob (Kevin Smith) and company are Bat-Fans through and through. Alex Ross also has a strong preference with the "classic" looks on comic book characters.
The series is set to drop digitally on the 21st of May, while the print version of Batman '66 Meets The Green Hornet hits shelves on June 4th, 2014. You can read more on the news over at USA Today's original article (via Smith's Facebook page) HERE
What do you think about the news? Have you enjoyed the current Batman '66 issues? Any Green Hornet fans out there jumping for joy, looking for any kind of redemption for the live-action film version? Personally, I am liking DC Comics willingness to finally embrace the campy style of Batman and now Green Hornet. Perhaps one day, some fans will get their Tim Burton Batman (1989) comic books available. Till then...
Stay Nerdy!
