You don't get it, son. This isn't a email service, it's a blog and we're the bloggers! We are the Caped Informers. Here to inform you on all current comic related news.
The 1st annual Capey awards are set for tomorrow, but I noticed our nominations list was missing something. Comic book nominations. A site based upon comic books should have some comic book nominees for its annual award ceremony, right? That's why I added these three last second categories. Make sure to stay tuned for the Capey pre-show and full show tomorrow.
Best Comic Run of 2013
Batman (DC)
Green Arrow (DC)
Hawkeye (Marvel)
Superior Spiderman (Marvel)
Wonder Woman (DC) Best Comic Writer 2013
Jeff Lemire (Green Arrow, Trillium)
Matt Fraction (Sex Criminals, Hawkeye)
Charles Soule (Swamp Thing, Superman/Wonder Woman)
Scott Snyder (Batman, The Wake)
Brain Azzarello (Wonder Woman, 100 Bullets)
Best Comic Artist 2013
Greg Capullo (Batman)
Andrea Sorrentino (Green Arrow)
David Finch (Forever Evil)
David Aja (Hawkeye)
Jae Lee (Batman/Superman)
Tune in for the Capeys tomorrow to find out all the winners! Who should win? Tell us in the comments.
IGN has posted the first official image of Grant Gustin as The Flash. We have seen Gustin as Barry Allen on Arrow, but this is the first time we see him don the costume of the Scarlet Speedster. It is a pretty interesting take on The Flash's original design with the lighting bolts not sticking out the side of his head. I'll have to wait to see the whole costume to form a opinion. The Flash pilot is to begin shooting next week. Hopefully CW picks up the show as a series so we can have a DC TV block on Wednesday nights along with Arrow next fall. Awesome DC action along with CW love triangles and forced dramatic moments. Sounds like my kind of Wednesday night.
Each of the last two Septembers, DC has launched a month long event (#0 issues, Villain's Month) to commemorate the beginning of their New 52 universe, which was started back in 2011. This year will be no different. DC announced today that September's event will be titled "Future's End". These stories will flash forward 5 years into the future and will be about where DC believes their characters are heading. If I was to make a bold prediction I would say that 5 years in the future Superman and Wonder Woman's love child dubbed the The Terrifying Toddler has taken over the DC universe. At least that the way it feels with DC pushing that relationship at us. Or maybe Batman is killed by Ra's Al Ghul. Then Ra's uses his army of Damian Wayne clones as Storm Troopers to fix the "broken" planet. Gotta love crazy future DC conspiracy theories. "Future's End" will also feature 3-D motion covers much like Villain's month in 2013. Except this time DC promises that there will be enough plastic to print enough copies of these 3-D covers. Great! I love having to pay an extra buck so I can see Batman's pectorals bugling out at me. So gear up for the future of DC with "Future's End".
Deadline and multiple other sources have reported that Patrick Wilson (Watchmen, The Conjuring) is in talks for a role in Marvel's Ant-Man. This is an unspecified role so my guess would have to be that Wilson will be playing the 60's version of Michael Douglas' Hank Pym. Or maybe he could be thrust into a villainous role alongside Michael Pena. Egghead perhaps? Paul Rudd vs. Egghead, you got yourself a billion dollar franchise right there. But in all seriousness, Wilson is a nice addition to the cast. Marvel Studios is really banking this a star studded cast (Rudd, Douglas, Lilly, Wilson, Pena) to catapult it's relatively unknown character of Ant-Man into Iron Man like success. Ant-Man is expected out June 2015.
Fans have been waiting months for a look at Jonathan Liebesman's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles". Well, producer Galen Walker just confirmed through Facebook that the first official trailer will be shown before viewings of the new Captain America movie. So suit up April 4th and go see Captain America: TWS to get a look at Michael Bay's vision of what a teenage mutant ninja turtle looks like. That is a scary phrase "Michael Bay's vision". Let's hope Megan Fox brings some of that "Jennifer's Body" charisma to the role of April O'Neal, so we can get past the probable Turtle bombs and loads of product placement. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is expected to open sometime in August. Go ninja, go ninja, GO!
Ah yes, the time has come (no pun intended), Arrow has returned with its latest episode "Time of Death". So here's the deal, I am going to give a quick summary of what the episode was about. Then my thoughts on what I liked and disliked. Then I'll conclude with what to look forward to. There are major spoilers, so if you have not seen this episode do not read any further. Go watch the episode and then return. For those who have seen it....let us begin....
The episode starts out with the introduction to this week's villain The Clock King as played by Robert Kneeper (Prison Break, Breakout Kings). The King is very skilled at analyzing time and has some serious hacking credentials as well. The opening scene shows him and his "men" stealing what is later referred to as a skeleton key, which can be reprogrammed to open any bank vault in the city. After gaining access to this key, Clock King is now able to hack anything he wants. That includes Felicity's fire wall she uses to help Oliver and Sara navigate the city. As the episode goes on, Oliver and company (pun intended) devise a plan to trap Clock King by tricking him into breaking into a vault owned by Oliver. This plan succeeds and the most unlikely of of the group turns out to be the hero. No not Diggle, not Sara, not even Ollie, but FELICITY! Yes folks tonight we got to see that Miss Smoak is not only a computer wiz, but she is also not afraid to get down and dirty with the rest of the gang. The ending reveals a some forward movement to the overarching seasonal plot (if you are still reading and haven't seen the episode yet, I advise you stop here). Ollie rushes home because he received a supposed S.O.S text from Thea, but he quickly finds out it was a trap to make him have to speak to his mother face to face. We then learn in these final seconds that Moria Queen has a guest over. Who is the guest you might ask? None other......than....SLADE WILSON!
What I liked:
I enjoyed seeing Robert Kneeper as Clock King. I thought he was fantastic.
It was nice to see that Ollie's team is capable of things that we never knew they were capable of. (In particular Felicity)
Good to see Detective Lance helping not just the Arrow, but Ollie as well.
We now know how Sara and Sin (Bex Taylor-Klaus) became so close and now call each other "sisters"
Laurel and Sara relationship has started to rebuild
Ollie and Laurel's relationship is over!
HUGE! things to come now that Slade is chilling with Moria Queen
Oh yeah...Felicity workin out/Black Canary suit
What I Disliked:
Would have liked to have seen more of the Clock King. His air time seem limited.
Where is Roy/Arsenal/Red Arrow/ Who ever he will be?
At times the episode seemed very slow
Shame on you Dinah Lance. SHAME ON YOU!
Laurel....get it together. Katie Cassidy, I love you, you are a beautiful gal, but Laurel needs to either start being a bad ass or get killed off.
Enough with the formal attire Slade! The people want Deathstroke!
Island scenes seemed a bit lackluster this week.
My Guesses for the Road Ahead?
I think we will start to see the demise of Oliver Queen and his fortune. Moria Queen is now in contact with Slade Wilson and we have learned from previous episodes that he wants to destroy Ollie (for reasons we don't quite know yet). So what better way to start than by ruining his company and his mother's electoral chances. Also, I think we can look to see Roy becoming more involved with the Arrow and Black Canary. Could we see the relationship between Ollie and his mother deteriorate even more? Probably. Will Thea learn the real truth about who her father is? Maybe, that will be something to keep an eye out for.
All in all I give this episode a 8 out of 10 overall. Arrow airs on the CW, Wednesdays at 8 pm.
At the end of 2013, Marvel and Netflix struck a deal to make four series and one mini-series based on Marvel's Defenders team. We knew that the lead characters of the four different series would be Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage and all off those characters would come together for a Defenders miniseries. So the big news today that IGN and several other sites are reporting that these series will all be shot in New York City. This is great news considering NYC is the most prominent city featured in Marvel comic books, so actually shooting on location will give these series a real gritty New York vibe. With this new shooting information, the studio heads have also released that these series come out to be 52 to 60 one hour long episodes combined. So expect each series to get around 12 to 13 episodes, which is Netflix's average number of episodes for an original series. The final announcement is that Daredevil will lead off these shows with his series. Which will become available for streaming sometime in 2015. So expect to hear the Man without Fear getting casted soon. One last item of note is that Kevin Feige says that Jeph Loeb (Smallville, Agents of Shield) will be heavily involved in the production of all the series. What do you think of the New York filming? Who should play Daredevil? Michael C. Hall perhaps? Tell us in the comments section.
Comic Book Movie and Variety.com are both reporting that Marc Webb has signed on to direct The Amazing Spider-Man 3 and 4. Along with Webb we should look to see Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Jeff Pinkner back as the writing team. It doesn't come as a total shock that Webb has been invited back since in my opinion he did an amazing job with the first film. His second installment is much anticipated and hopefully lives up to the hype. TASM 3 has a rough release date of June 2016 which means we could see Spider-Man, Batman, and Superman, all in the same summer. I don't know about the rest of you guys, but that sounds like a pretty amazing summer to me. Lets fast forward shall we? MARTY! GET TO THE DELOREAN WE HAVE TO GO FORWARD! FORWARD TO THE FUTURE!.....sorry it had to be said. Check Out More Here http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/notyetamovie/news/?a=95133
Its that time of year, Awards season! So with the Oscars happening this upcoming Sunday, the Caped Informers got together and decided to spread some award love as well. Below is a list of categories and nominations for 2013 comic movies and TV. The Informers will present the winners on their special Saturday Podcast that will be entitled "THE CAPEYS". They say to win a Capey is like knowing what heaven is really like. They also say to not win a Capey is like having Uma Thurman pull one's eye from their skull. Good luck to all the nominees! And may the odds ever be in your favor!
Movie Of the Year
Iron Man 3
Kick Ass 2
Man of Steel
Thor: The Dark World
The Wolverine
Best Actor (Movie)
Iron Man (RDJ)
Thor (Chris Hemsworth)
Kick Ass (Aaron Taylor-Johnson)
Superman (Henry Cavill)
Wolverine (Hugh Jackman)
Best Actress (Movie)
Lois Lane (Amy Adams)
Jane Foster (Natalie Portman)
Hit-Girl (Chloe Grace-Mortez)
Pepper Potts (Gweneth Paltrow)
Mariko Yashida (Tao Okamoto)
Best Supporting Character (Male)
Zod (Michael Shannon)
Loki (Tom Hiddleston)
Colonel Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey)
Aldrin Killian (Guy Pearce) Best Supporting Character (Female)
Yukio (Rila Fukushima)
Lady Sif (Jamie Alexander)
Martha Kent (Diane Lane)
Faora (Antje Traue)
Best Director
Zach Snyder (MOS)
Shane Black (Iron Man 3)
Alan Taylor (Thor: TDW)
James Mangold (The Wolverine)
Best Fight
Zod vs. Superman vs. Metropolis
Hit-Girl vs. Mother Russia
Wolverine on the Train
Superman vs. Faora in Smallvile
Thor vs. Malekith
Best WTF Moment
The Mandarin Reveal (Iron Man 3)
Superman snapping Zod's Neck (MOS)
Thor taking the Train (Thor: TWD)
That lizard chick ripping of her own face (The Wolverine) Best Sexually Charge Moment
Superman heat blasting Lois's wound (MOS)
Kick Ass and Night Bitch in a Bathroom stall (Kick Ass 2)
Geeky Aldrin Killian meeting Tony Stark and then getting stood up (Iron Man 3)
Why R U in this Movie?
Darcy (Kat Dennings)
Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley)
Aldrin Killian (Guy Pearce)
Ginger Guy at I Hop (Pete Ross)
Best Comic TV Show
Arrow
Agents of Shield
The Walking Dead Best TV Actor
Steve Amell (Arrow)
Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead)
Clark Gregg (AoS)
Jensen Ackles (Supernatural) Best TV Actress
Lauren Cohan (The Walking Dead)
Katie Cassidy (Arrow)
Emily Bett-Rickards (Arrow)
Ming-Na Wen (AoS) I'm Glad They Are Gone
Tommy Merlyn (Arrow)
Hershel Green (The Walking Dead)
The Governer (The Walking Dead)
Andrea (The Walking Dead) Best Animated Movie
The Dark Knight Returns Part 2
Flashpoint Paradox
Hulk and Iron Man
Best Announcement
Batman vs. Superman Movie
Ultron the villain in Avengers 2
Ben Affleck as Batman
Flash Spinoff
Marvel-Netflix TV Deal
Those are the nominees. All week we will debate and fight over who wins. The victors will emerge this Saturday 3/1/14. Also expect our Oscar picks as well. It's a jam packed weekend of Caped goodies. Who do you think should win? Have any fun category ideas? Post them in the comments section.
Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures has released a second trailer to their reboot of the Godzilla franchise. We get a better look at the big guy, but much like Smaug in the trailers of "Desolation", the filmmakers are hiding their creature's full appearance until audiences can see it up on the big screen. This definitely ain't your granddaddy's Godzilla movie, this looks like a disaster conspiracy monster thriller. A whole new genre. Kick Ass, Walter White, Imposter Ra's Al Ghul, and Scarlet Witch will all have to team up to stop the king of all monsters. Move over Avengers. Here's hoping this film does well so we can get a Mothra reboot! Or a crossover with "Pacific Rim". What, I like giant monsters and robot beating the shit out of each other. Who doesn't? Godzilla is due out May 16th.
According to multiple sources (Deadline, NBC CBM, Etc) NBC is bringing back its hit TV series "Heroes" back as a mini series. Being a huge fan of this show, I must say I cannot wait to have this series back. The series is to be called "Heroes: Reborn" and will last 13 episodes. Deadline has reported that it will not be featuring the old cast members, but a totally new cast which will be announced in a digital series before actually hitting the air. Although it will be new characters, NBC's entertainment president Jennifer Salke says that "we shouldn't rule out the possibility of seeing characters from the original cast showing up again". The reboot is scheduled to air sometime in 2015. Looks like 2015 is a huge year for heroes everywhere! What do you guys think? Do you love it or do you hate it? Let us know!! @Caped_Informers
Sony has just released a new trailer for The Amazing Spiderman 2 titled Rise of Electro. It is easy to see why they titled the trailer as such because we get some new exciting footage of Electro and Spidey, particularly their battle in Times Square. I hope the M+M's store makes it out okay. Also check it out for some new quick shots of the Goblin and his glider. Dane Dehaan's face may look like that gross rat-lizard creature from the first movie, but damn that glider looks cool. And especially do not overlook the trailer teasing Gwen Stacy's death. What did you think of the trailer? Why is Spidey wearing a fireman's hat? Will Gwen die? If so who kills her? Will it be Electro? Sound off on all these questions in the comments section.
The Walking Dead's 11th episode "Claimed" was definitely the show's best since it's epic midseason finale in which we saw the fall of The Governor. We finally get to me the foul mouthed Sgt. Abraham Ford and his companions Rosita and Eugene. Carl and Michonne got closer in a creepy house and Rick hid under a bed. All in all, it was a great episode here are some quick thoughts.
Great to see Michonne open up to someone, especially since she is attempting to help Carl.
The house that Michonne and Carl were gathering supplies from had some the worst paintings that I have ever seen. I mean serious who hangs paintings of an apple, a sunflower, and two bunnies on their walls? Nutjobs and Dan Lee that's who.
Abraham tells Glen and Tara what he and his partners are up too. Here's hoping they meet up with the rest of the group and follow Abraham's plan.
Can't wait for a Daryl and Abraham team up against a bunch of walkers. Brains flying left and right. Best from the show with the best from the comics.
What was the guy doing in the bathroom before Rick strangled him? He was sitting on a closed toilet. I guess he didn't want to have to strangle someone in order to find a bed to sleep on.
Rosita played by the lovely Christian Serratos once again proves everyone named Christian is beautiful. She has come a long way from being apple of Ned Bigby's eye on Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide.
Rick hiding under the bed while someone was being murdered, reminded me of Lucy Liu's story from Kill Bill Vol 1. Except they was no blood, and it wasn't animated, and wasn't Rick's parents being murdered. Actually nevermind.
WHERE WAS DARYL?!
Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10, for a good mix of action and characterization, along with a heavy dose of Abraham. Next episode Sunday at 9 pm on AMC.
All week, each of the informers has been counting down their top 5 favorite Batman TAS episodes, but now we are ready to present our top ten overall picks. Deciding on these ten was not an easy feat. There was much deliberation, fights broke out, marriages were ended, but in the end we finished it. So here are the top ten episodes according to the Caped Informers!
10. Jokers Favor
Why it's in the top ten: Joker keeps an ordinary man in fear for his life for over two years because of something so small as the man, Charlie Collins, yelling at him on the highway. Especially since initially he intends to kill poor Charlie. That is twisted. The Joker's massive ego is once again on display showing us that he cannot even allow himself to brush off just some average joe having a bad day. But most importantly we are introduced to Harley Quinn. That alone gains this episode top ten status. Harley Quinn has become a mainstay in DC comic lore since her beginning here.
9. If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?
Why it's a top ten: "Your about to match wits with the Riddler." The introduction to the Riddler on show comes in at number nine. Some of Batman's rogues only require the Bat to use his fighting skills, but not the Riddler. The Riddler always keeps the Dark Knight's mind sharp with his riddles. So when Batman and Robin get dropped like rats in a maze, they have to fight and think their way through the "Maze of the Minotaur" in order to save a greedy businessman who screwed the Riddler over. Nygma's anger can be justified, but his means of revenge cannot so Batman must intervene. Got to love tampering with the Hand of Fate.
8. Beware the Gray Ghost
Why it's a top ten: We all know Batman's origin story, but this episode adds a nice new wrinkle to the tale. Bruce Wayne idolized the Gray Ghost, a fictional TV hero, as a child. Now combine that with his parents death and you get Batman. The story of the character of Simon Trent, the man who played Gray Ghost, is one that we hear about happening all the time in Hollywood. After his show, Simon had a fall from the spotlight and dove into obscurity. The great Adam West's vocals capture your heart as you sympathize with this broken man, but when Batman needs the Gray Ghost to stop the Mad Bomber he steps up and helps Batman. Adam West and Kevin Conroy are unstoppable together.
7. Robin's Reckoning
Why it's a top ten: Another origin story makes the list. Robin is spotlighted in this episode and we get to see him confront the man who killed his parent's Tony Zucco. The best parts of this episode are when we see the tight bond between Bruce and Dick. Bruce really cares deeply about his sidekick because they have shared such similar experiences. He helps Dick not only become a hero, but becomes his mentor and brother to help guide Dick emotionally as well. Also Robin taking Zucco out on a motorcycle is pretty sweet.
6. Almost Got 'Im
Why it's a top ten: Joker, Killer Croc, Two-Face, Penguin, and Poison Ivy share stories about almost getting Batman over a card game. Enough Said. You got a great villain ensemble that leads to comedic moments. "I threw a rock at him!"
5. Heart of Ice
Why it's a top ten: Mr. Freeze was forever changed after this episode aired. He became a man turned cold from a greedy man's horrendous crime. Paul Dini weaves together an origin story that makes you sympathize with Victor. Once again we see Batman have to save a greedy business man from a super villain. I guess you can't pick and choose who you save, but Freeze's story makes you kinda wish Batman would take a sick day and let him take this greedy bastard out. Freeze also has some of the most moving dialogue that the show ever produced. Powerhouse episode.
4. Joker's Wild
Why it's a top ten: Greedy businessmen are all over this list. This time Cameron Kaiser is out to piss off the Joker by making a casino in his image. Kaiser's hope is the Joker blows up this grotesque building so he can collect the insurance money. Joker's initial reaction to the casino is hilarious. His ego once again drives him to commit a crime. One other note about this episode is we get the only Bruce Wayne -Joker interaction of the whole series. Bruce is just looking to anger the Clown Prince of Crime as he shits on the decor of the casino. Another fun moment is when we see the Joker's police file. The file says his name is Jack Napier, a clear nod to 1989 "Batman" in which Jack Nicholson's Joker was originally named Jack Napier. " Jumpin' Jimney Christmas, an homage to me. Too bad, I'm gonna have to blow it up."
3. The Man Who Killed Batman
Why it's a top ten: Almost every episode of Batman TAS is told from Batman's perspective. So it is a real treat to see an episode from a low level gangster like Sid "The Squid"'s point of view. Sid has a wild ride after he believes he killed Batman. Including a run in with the Joker. Joker's eulogy is the highlight of this episode. The viewer really begins to understand how Batman is the ying to his yang. You'd expect Joker to be jubilant about Batman's apparent death, but Mr. J's intense anger gives us get insight on the Joker's true motivations. "You really put the FUN in funeral"
2. Over the Edge
Why it's a favorite: Bane vs. Batman to the death. Bruce's identity revealed to the world. Commissioner Gordon's one man quest to capture Batman. Scarecrow killing Barbara Gordon. A shoot out in the Bat Cave and even criminals looking to seek damages from Bruce Wayne for repeatedly beating them. This episode is chock full of amazing possibilities on how Batman could meet his end.
1. The Laughing Fish
Why it's a top ten: NUMBER ONE! The Joker's scheme to copyright fish. The Joker terrorizes and publicly threatens a copyright worker because he would not let him copyright fish. That may sound ridiculous, but to the Joker he has the right to profit off every fish that bears resemble to his "frankly fabulous face." So on his quest he threatens several individuals who he believes can make his quest for copyright possible. This leads to Batman dealing with Joker swordfish, Joker cats, and even a Joker shark. Batman vs. a shark. Can't beat it. Except when you have Batman and Joker fight on top of an aquarium and Joker savagely beats Batman with a wrench. That fight alone is not the only "gut busting" parts of the episode. Joker airs several Joker Fish commercials that are filled with classic Joker charm. "They're finny and funny and oh so delish. They're joyful and jolly. Jokerfish!" The combination of a dark scheme with classic Joker charm earns this episode our top spot.
That is our top ten Batman TAS episodes. Shout to Paul Dini for writing seven out of the ten. Dude is a machine. Speaking of machines, Mark Hamill's Joker makes five out of ten episodes. Mark's portrayal of the Clown Prince of Crime is legendary and he deserves all his spots on this list. Do you agree? What is your top ten? Tell us in the comments section. I hope you enjoyed our week long Batman TAS celebration. Thank you for reading.
Howdy! On our latest episode of the Caped Informers Dan and Ryan join Christian to talk about an exciting week in the comic book world. Guardians of the Galaxy and Fantastic Four emerge as major topics, along with some interesting speculation on Cyborg's role in Batman vs. Superman. Enjoy!
(Recorded 2/22/14)
I remember watching both Batman: The Animated Series and Superman: The Animated Series when I was a kid and immediately loving both of them. It wasn't until I got a little older that I started to fully appreciate the darker and more in-depth elements that make Batman stories great. So without further ado, here is my definitive ranking of the animated series: 5) The Forgotten: While investigating the disappearances of Gotham's homeless in an undercover disguise, Bruce Wayne is kidnapped and imprisoned in a chain gang mining camp, suffering from amnesia. Alfred must thus track him down, help him escape and free the rest of the prisoners. Why it's a favorite: Got to love a white-haired Bruce Wayne. But beyond that we get an episode early on in the series that gives us a really good look into the character of Bruce Wayne. This is the first time the audience sees Bruce Wayne as someone who genuinely wants to help his fellow man and not just some guy who runs around in a bat suit "because he can afford it".
4) Showdown: Ra's al Ghul narrates a story from his past in which Jonah Hex stops his plan to destroy the new transcontinental railroad by using a war blimp. Why it's a favorite: This episode was a lot of fun because you get a story being told to us by Ra's al Ghul that took place years and years before Batman was around. I love it when you get a narration from a villain because it brings into question: Is the information I am receiving 100% accurate? You also get to see Ra's square off against a hero from a completely different time period: Jonah Hex. Watch as they face off on this blimp.
3) Harlequinade: The Joker steals an atomic bomb, and it is up to Batman and Robin to find and stop him. Since there is no time to spare, the duo enlist the help of Harley Quinn to track Joker down. Throughout the episode, it is briefly discussed how Harley met Joker. Why it's a favorite: Gotta love the classic unlikely allies coming together story. I am also just a big fan of Harley Quinn in this series. For a character that had no history going into this show, she has come a long way and you even get that brief insight into how her partnership with the Joker came to be.
2) Almost got Im': Joker, Killer Croc, Penguin, Two-Face, and Poison Ivy all meet at a poker table, each telling a tale of times when they almost defeated Batman. At the same time, Harley Quinn is about to kill Catwoman. Will Batman be able to save her? Why it's a favorite: Talk about an ensemble cast. You get four Batman stories in one episode, a ton of villains hanging out exchanging tales, and a surprise twist at the end of the episode similar to the one at the end of Cape and Cowl Conspiracy. Also it is just comical to see a bunch of people sitting around the table talking about Batman like he is "the one that got away".
1) Over the Edge: During a fight with the Scarecrow, Batgirl is ambushed on a rooftop and falls to her death. Having watched his daughter's demise, Jim Gordon blames Batman for her fate and vows revenge, even recruiting Bane in the process. Why it's a favorite: I'm a big fan of the "what if" stories. That is why I am also such a big fan of The Flashpoint Paradox. You get a Batgirl death scenario that results in Jim Gordon waging an all out war against Batman. It ultimately results in the deaths of both Gordon and Batman but you find out at the end that it was just a big hallucination that Batgirl was having brought on by some good old-fashioned Scarecrow fear toxin. Also this Battle to the Death between Bane and Batman.
Honorable Mentions: Heart of Ice, The Man who Killed Batman, The Demon's Quest, Laughing Fish, If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich? Hope you enjoyed the list and be ready for the Top Ten Batman: The Animated Series episodes tomorrow!
Deadline reports that NBC has cast actor Matt Ryan (Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior) as John Constantine for their new pilot based upon Vertigo's long running Hellblazer series. Hopefully the Welsh actor can give us a great rendition of the trench coat toting, foul mouthed, con man we all know and love. David S. Goyer (Batman Begins) will executive produce the series along with Daniel Cerone (Dexter). If the show makes it past the pilot stage, there will be four DC comics based TV shows (Gotham, Flash, Arrow) running in the fall. DC comics taking over your television sets.
Based
on the characters in DC Comics’ John Constantine stories, the project
centers on John Constantine (Ryan), an enigmatic and irreverent con
man-turned-reluctant supernatural detective who is thrust into the role
of CONSTANTINE defending us against dark forces from beyond. John
Constantine is described as a working-lass Londoner with rakish good looks,
scruffy blond hair, deadpan humor, and signature trench coat, who has
been studying the dark arts since he was a teenager. When the daughter
of a late friend is targeted by demons, Constantine steps in to save
her.
Read more at http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/nailbiter111/news/?a=94963#DfVGDPjSkYrRUEEy.99
Based
on the characters in DC Comics’ John Constantine stories, the project
centers on John Constantine (Ryan), an enigmatic and irreverent con
man-turned-reluctant supernatural detective who is thrust into the role
of CONSTANTINE defending us against dark forces from beyond. John
Constantine is described as a working-lass Londoner with rakish good looks,
scruffy blond hair, deadpan humor, and signature trench coat, who has
been studying the dark arts since he was a teenager. When the daughter
of a late friend is targeted by demons, Constantine steps in to save
her.
Read more at http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/nailbiter111/news/?a=94963#DfVGDPjSkYrRUEEy.99
Based
on the characters in DC Comics’ John Constantine stories, the project
centers on John Constantine (Ryan), an enigmatic and irreverent con
man-turned-reluctant supernatural detective who is thrust into the role
of CONSTANTINE defending us against dark forces from beyond. John
Constantine is described as a working-lass Londoner with rakish good looks,
scruffy blond hair, deadpan humor, and signature trench coat, who has
been studying the dark arts since he was a teenager. When the daughter
of a late friend is targeted by demons, Constantine steps in to save
her.
Read more at http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/nailbiter111/news/?a=94963#DfVGDPjSkYrRUEEy.99
Based
on the characters in DC Comics’ John Constantine stories, the project
centers on John Constantine (Ryan), an enigmatic and irreverent con
man-turned-reluctant supernatural detective who is thrust into the role
of CONSTANTINE defending us against dark forces from beyond. John
Constantine is described as a working-lass Londoner with rakish good looks,
scruffy blond hair, deadpan humor, and signature trench coat, who has
been studying the dark arts since he was a teenager. When the daughter
of a late friend is targeted by demons, Constantine steps in to save
her.
Read more at http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/nailbiter111/news/?a=94963#DfVGDPjSkYrRUEEy.99
Based
on the characters in DC Comics’ John Constantine stories, the project
centers on John Constantine (Ryan), an enigmatic and irreverent con
man-turned-reluctant supernatural detective who is thrust into the role
of CONSTANTINE defending us against dark forces from beyond. John
Constantine is described as a working-lass Londoner with rakish good looks,
scruffy blond hair, deadpan humor, and signature trench coat, who has
been studying the dark arts since he was a teenager. When the daughter
of a late friend is targeted by demons, Constantine steps in to save
her.
Read more at http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/nailbiter111/news/?a=94963#DfVGDPjSkYrRUEEy.99
Based
on the characters in DC Comics’ John Constantine stories, the project
centers on John Constantine (Ryan), an enigmatic and irreverent con
man-turned-reluctant supernatural detective who is thrust into the role
of CONSTANTINE defending us against dark forces from beyond. John
Constantine is described as a working-lass Londoner with rakish good looks,
scruffy blond hair, deadpan humor, and signature trench coat, who has
been studying the dark arts since he was a teenager. When the daughter
of a late friend is targeted by demons, Constantine steps in to save
her.
Read more at http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/nailbiter111/news/?a=94963#DfVGDPjSkYrRUEEy.99
Based
on the characters in DC Comics’ John Constantine stories, the project
centers on John Constantine (Ryan), an enigmatic and irreverent con
man-turned-reluctant supernatural detective who is thrust into the role
of CONSTANTINE defending us against dark forces from beyond. John
Constantine is described as a working-lass Londoner with rakish good looks,
scruffy blond hair, deadpan humor, and signature trench coat, who has
been studying the dark arts since he was a teenager. When the daughter
of a late friend is targeted by demons, Constantine steps in to save
her.
Read more at http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/nailbiter111/news/?a=94963#DfVGDPjSkYrRUEEy.99
Based
on the characters in DC Comics’ John Constantine stories, the project
centers on John Constantine (Ryan), an enigmatic and irreverent con
man-turned-reluctant supernatural detective who is thrust into the role
of CONSTANTINE defending us against dark forces from beyond. John
Constantine is described as a working-lass Londoner with rakish good looks,
scruffy blond hair, deadpan humor, and signature trench coat, who has
been studying the dark arts since he was a teenager. When the daughter
of a late friend is targeted by demons, Constantine steps in to save
her.
Read more at http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/nailbiter111/news/?a=94963#DfVGDPjSkYrRUEEy.99
Based
on the characters in DC Comics’ John Constantine stories, the project
centers on John Constantine (Ryan), an enigmatic and irreverent con
man-turned-reluctant supernatural detective who is thrust into the role
of CONSTANTINE defending us against dark forces from beyond. John
Constantine is described as a working-lass Londoner with rakish good looks,
scruffy blond hair, deadpan humor, and signature trench coat, who has
been studying the dark arts since he was a teenager. When the daughter
of a late friend is targeted by demons, Constantine steps in to save
her.
Read more at http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/nailbiter111/news/?a=94963#DfVGDPjSkYrRUEEy.99
My brother got me to watch Batman TAS with him when we were kids. I quickly became addicted to superheroes and their stories. My favorite hero is still Batman because of this amazing show that brought so many great additions to the Batman mythos. So without further a due, here are my top 5 episodes!
5. Fear of Victory: The Scarecrow invents some kind of fear chemical that is activated by
adrenaline. Then, he uses it to affect the outcome of athletic events.
Whenever a single person becomes agitated, the fear chemical kicks in,
turning his excitement to fear. The Scarecrow bets against the sports
stars' teams as part of his criminal scheme to scare up some quick cash
and Batman and Robin must foil his plot.
Why it's a favorite: This episode combines two of my passions, sports and comics. Scarecrow's scheme is fun and original. I especially love the scene when the bookie sends his thug after a disguised Scarecrow to see how he is always winning. That guy had no idea what he was getting into. This episode really thrives at challenging Robin and his arc comes full circle at the end when he saves the crowd at the football game from fear toxin. And to top all of that we have the incredibly creepy score from the always stellar Shirley McClain.
4. The Demon's Quest Parts 1+2: When Robin is mysteriously abducted from his college campus, the Batman
begins a fruitless search ... until he is astounded by the sudden
appearance in the Batcave of Ra's Al Ghul.
Ra's quickly reveals that his daughter, Talia, has been abducted under
circumstances similar to Robin's, suggesting that the same persons are
responsible. So begins an uneasy truce between the Batman and 'The
Demon'.
Why it's a favorite: Um, a shirtless Batman in a sword fight alone earns this episode a spot on this list, but its who he fights againist that makes this one of my all time favorites. Ra's Al Ghul. This was the shows introduction to Ra's. His scheme of faking Robin's kidnapping to see if Batman is worthy of replacing him as the Demon Head leads to an exotic episode outside the normal Gotham setting. I also love when Ra's calls Batman "Detective".
3. Christmas with The Joker: After escaping Arkham Asylum on Christmas Eve, The Joker takes over Gotham's airwaves and terrorizes the city for a crime. He challenges Batman and Robin to find his hidden TV studio and free his hostages — Commissioner Gordon, Detective Bullock and Summer Gleason — before midnight.
Why it's a favorite: This episode is a lot of fun. We get to see the Joker sing "Batman smells" and Batman fight a laser shooting canon. There quotable lines left and right, mostly from Mark Hamill, and how can you beat a nice "the train tracks are out" situation. Not to mention, Joker talking to his hand puppet and a cardboard studio audience makes for comedic gold.
2. The Cape and Cowl Conspiracy: Baron Jozek, furious at Batman for humiliating him at a dinner party
(over Jozek's underworld connections), hires Josiah Wormwood, a master
in setting traps for his victims, to hunt down Batman and bring back the
hero's cape and cowl.
Why it's a favorite: Batman's superior intellect and problem solving abilities are highlighted in this episode. Wormwood is a slimy, but intelligent villain whose near impossible to solve death traps are quite a challenge for the Dark Knight. When Baron Jozek reveals himself to really be Batman, I nearly shit myself. I did not see that coming.
1. Beware the Gray Ghost: Simon Trent, an actor best known for his past role as "The Gray Ghost",
is on the verge of bankruptcy thanks to his declining career. To save
himself, he sells off all of his Gray Ghost merchandise. Immediately
afterwards, a series of crimes related to the old show begin to occur.
Batman, having himself been inspired partly by the show to become the
crimefighter he now is, goes to Trent for help, and they team up to put
an end to the crimes.
Why it's a favorite: ADAM WEST!!! Long before he was roaming the streets of Quahog as mayor, Mr. West lent his vocal talents to the character of Simon Trent, the Gray Ghost, who turns out to be part of the inspiration for Bruce's Batman persona. We get great flashbacks to Bruce's childhood. He watched and idolized the Gray Ghost. So when a villain is recreating an old Gray Ghost episode to commit his crimes, Batman and the Gray Ghost have to team up to stop it. "You can't interview a dead man!"
Honorable Mentions: Feat of Clay Parts 1+2, Almost Got 'Im, The Man Who Killed Batman, Laughing Fish, If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?
Latino Review's Elmayimbe is always good for a juicy rumor. Today he is reporting that a source close to Batman vs. Superman has said director Zach Snyder (Man of Steel) is looking for an athletic African American actor in his 20's for a cameo role in his film. That certainly sounds like Cyborg to me. They could easily have someone in their 20's play the high school football star turned hero. The source continued saying that it would only be a small role and would only require a few days of filming. Supposedly the source also claims that Snyder has already spoken to Michael B. Jordan (Chronicle) about the role. Could Jordan be Human Torch and Cyborg? My guess is that someone else will be cast in the role if this is true. We don't want to have another case of Ryan Reynolds syndrome on our hands. One comic book role is enough for one actor. But what do you think? Could Vic Stone be in Batman vs. Superman? If so our own Dan Lee's super bold prediction in episode 2 of the Caped Informers was correct. Thus confirming an impending apocalypse. Batman vs. Superman is expected to be released 5/6/2016. Read more about the twitter post: http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/devlin712/news/?a=94938
The Sorcerer Supreme is indeed the next Marvel Studios project after Age of Ultron and Ant Man. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Marvel is now seeking a director and writing team for the supernatural picture. Rumored directing contenders include Jonathon Levine (50/50), Mark Andrews (Brave), Nicolas Arcel (A Royal Affair), and Dean Israelite (Welcome to Yesterday). If I had to pick I'd go Levine, his films have a good mix of comedy and drama. Marvel is also looking at the writers of the animated hit Kung Fu Panda, Jon Aibel and Glenn Berger, to script the movie. Let's hope this line makes the script. "You're just a big fat sorcerer!" "I'm not just a big fat sorcerer, I am THE big fat sorcerer!" Doctor Strange is expected in theaters 5/6/2016!
Whats up guys, Brady here to give you my top 5 favorite Batman TAS episodes of all time. I would just like to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Christian's list and thought he had some really great eps. So with out further a due let us begin....
Coming in at number 5
"What is Reality": Seeking to prove once and for all that he is the superior mind, The Riddler lures Batman into a riddle-solving contest inside the virtual reality of a computer game in order to save Jim Gordon's life. In the course of solving the riddles and escaping The Riddler's traps, Batman learns that he is also able to manipulate the virtual reality landscape much like The Riddler does.
Why its a favorite: The reason why this is a favorite is because we see Batman and Robin solving riddles in a totally different atmosphere. They are in a virtual reality video game, not Gotham City which makes the duo think outside the box on this one. Also, this episode really shows one of my favorite villains The Riddler in a truly fantastic way. To me he is on top of his game in this episode and the riddles are insane. We see Batman adapt to his surroundings and eventually turn The Riddler's own traps against him. All in all great episode and deserves the number 5 slot.
4.The Joker's Favor:After a man named Charlie Collins accidentally curses at the Joker on the road for bumping him, the Clown Prince of Crime corners him and intimidates him into doing him a "small favor". Two years pass, and the Joker finally decides how to use Charlie: to sneak a bomb into Gotham University, where Commissioner Gordon is to give a speech at an award ceremony. Charlie, who merely has to open the door, is skeptical at first, but for the sake of his family, he reluctantly decides to obey. But is the Joker really the type to let someone who insulted him live? This episode features the debut appearance of the Joker's sidekick/girlfriend, Harley Quinn
Why its a favorite: We have this innocent man who yells at the Joker, Charlie who expects nothing to come of it. Boy is he wrong. The Joker and the truly twisted person that he is decides to intimidate Charlie and force him to do him a "small favor" for him. The most twisted thing about it, is that he waits 2 years until confronting him about the favor. 2 YEARS!!! Could you imagine knowing someone like The Joker has asked you to do him a favor and waits two years to bring you up on it, yet here you are waiting on pins and needles everyday hoping that it won't happen. That is the beautiful thing about the Joker and the mind games that he plays. Also, in this episode we have the debut of probably one of the greatest female villians of all time. Miss Harley Quinn. This episode alone sparked an entire following for this character. She is phenomenal and just as twisted as her dear ol' Mr. J. Coming in at number 4 The Jokers Favor.
3. The Man Who Killed Batman: When a small time gang member seemingly kills Batman by accident, he gets involved with gangs all over Gotham, as well as the Joker and Rupert Thorne, none of whom believe his story that everything that is happening is by preposterous happenstance.
Why its favorite: There is one reason this made the list. The Joker/Mark Hamill's brilliant eulogy to Batman. A small time mobster, Sid "The Squid", supposedly "kills" The Batman and initially The Joker is ecstatic and holds a funeral, the whole 9 yards. After awhile we see that The Joker begins to lose his mind and realizes that he needs Batman, Batman is the one who keeps him going, who gives him that spark to be so diabolical and twisted. That's what I loved most about this episode, you see the true relationship that the two characters have.
2. Nothing to Fear: Batman encounters The Scarecrow and attempts to foil his scheme to burn down Gotham University, but in the process is exposed to the Scarecrow's fear gas and is forced to face his own guilt over the death of his parents. This episode introduced the popular line: "I am vengeance. I am the night. I am Batman!"
Why its a favorite: Scarecrow, Scarecrow, Scarecrow. My FAVORITE villain of all time is first introduced in this episode. The man who creates fear toxin gas and makes you see, hear, visualize your worst nightmares. Wow that is seriously some awesome shit. If that were real life and something like that could be created where you literally see your own nightmares before you, the world would be a horror show. Anyways, Scarecrow attempts to burn down Gotham University and Batman comes to save the day. This time though we see a terrified Batman because he comes to grips of what he sees when exposed to the fear gas. The death of his own parents. As if once wasn't enough for him, he has to relive the nightmare. Also, we hear that famous line that all bat-fans love to shout "I AM VENGEANCE, I AM THE NIGHT, I AM BATMAN!" Classic shit, comin in at #2 Scarecrow rules!!!
The music really fits....
NOTE: Not all these scenes are from TAS.
Finally #1 Laughing Fish: Joker creates a toxin that affects only fish, mutating them into Joker fish. Then, he targets innocent men who refuse to copyright his Joker fish. The Joker also captures Harvey Bullock and Batman must rescue him and foil the Clown Prince of Crime's insane scheme.
Why its a favorite: Ah yes, Laughing Fish. Probably one of the most famous Joker episodes of all time if I do say so myself. I think for me this is my number one favorite episode is because this is what really got me interested in the Joker and how truly twisted he was even for a kids show. If you were to re-watch this episode you too would have those haunting images of the deathly smiles on everyones faces who were infected by the Joker toxins. Truly dark images if you ask me but that is why I loved it. There were no flaws in this episode, it kept you on the edge of your seat the entire time thinking what will Joker do next? How will Batman react? What is the fate of Batman when he is infected? Just everything about it is fantastic. Deserves to be at the top of my list owning the #1 slot. Also, this was the first episode I ever watched so it has a special place in my heart.
Honorable Mentions: "Robin's Reckoning parts 1+2", "Jokers Wild", "Shadow of the Bat parts 1+2", "Christmas with the Joker", "The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne"
Hope you guys enjoyed the list! Tomorrow we hear from Adam Strand!
