Batman's "New Era?" Bring It On!

Author: Cary Ashby
March 27, 2009


EDITOR'S NOTE: You can listen to BOF's "New Era of Batman" roundtable podcast HERE. We've got all opinions covered on this one, so don't think it's all one-sided. One can also find an opposing view to this op-ed (authored by me -- full disclaimer) RIGHT HERE. - "Jett"



Before I started ranting on “Batman‘s New Era,” let me establish a few things…

1) Most importantly, I'm no "Bat-Sheep," as Jett puts it. I have no problem saying DC has made knuckleheaded editorial decisions. (Superman Blue and Red, anyone?) When I see some of those poor choices, I just want to smack myself in the head -- mentally, at least -- and then want to do the same thing to the writers and editors. ("Help us, Denny O'Neil, you're our only hope!”)

2) I'm also not willing to follow DC around blindly simply because I can't freakin' afford it! If I'm going to lay down my hard-earned cash for some comics, I want to make sure I get my money's worth. In other words, if it goes in my collection it's because I truly WANT it in my collection and will be re-reading those issues on occasion. When I returned to collecting comics in the late 80s (after leaving when I get royally irritated about Jason Todd, basically an obnoxious version of Dick Grayson, being Robin), I promised I'd be very selective about what BATMAN releases I would buy. And I still stick to those guns. 'Cause let's face it, some of the stuff released since the '89 film has been forgettable, well, you know….

3) Bruce Wayne IS the Batman. Always will be (but apparently not starting in June) and will be again. How can you not put BW and The Dark Knight together in the same thought? They are inseparable. I stopped watching BATMAN BEYOND because I realized I didn't like somebody besides BW being The Bat. The best part of KNIGHTFALL? Knowing Bruce would be driven to return as Batman and then see him putting a hurtin' on AzBats, who had soiled what Batman stood for, to reclaim The Mantle of the Bat.

4) I'm all for trying to keep long-time characters fresh. Sometimes that involves making controversial or unpopular writing decisions. In other words, writers have to take storytelling chances. Some work well and some fail miserably.

5) At the end of the day, I want to read (or watch) a memorable, fun comic book adventure.

6) SO...I'm down with this "New Era of Batman."

GRANTed (pun intended), I’m as event-fatigued as the next guy. I’m sick and tired of DC having a Crisis after Crisis. Enough already! Grant Morrison shouldn't have given us two (!) ways for Batman to "die." He should have chosen one and stuck with it and made it flow between the end of “Batman: R.I.P.” and FINAL CRISIS. Instead, we're left confused…very confused. As frustrated and disappointed as I am with the way the continuity between “R.I.P.” and FINAL CRISIS was mishandled, I’m not willing to be a fair weather fan and give up comics because the original Batman is no longer The Dark Knight. (Although I do see why that might be the case.)

Why, you ask? I have faith DC and the talented pool of Batman family writers can spin some good yarns out this Batman-is-gone scenario. It should be a heckuva ride. After all, I’ve referred to myself as a diehard Batman fan for too long to jump ship now.

Without further adieu, here are my thoughts and predictions on the new era of Batman…

THE NEW BATMAN
As I wrote for my paper's column in mid-November, I have no doubt Dick Grayson (aka Nightwing) will be the new Batman. He’s been groomed to take over for Bruce Wayne ever since he became the first Robin. And frankly, like Marvel’s Captain America, I’d love for DC to take a long time with Dick in the cowl and truly try to make a go of it. That would make for interesting story possibilities. What better way to get fans anxious about the original's return than by having them wonder when, or even if, Bruce is returning to the cowl?

BATMAN AND ROBIN
First of all, it’s about time we had a series focused on The Dynamic Duo. Yes, this is a roll-your-eyes way of DC getting readers to buy more titles, but the post-Bruce Wayne world is the best time to debut this title.

My heart wants to see the new Dynamic Duo being Dick and Robin III (Tim Drake), but my instinct is telling me Robin might be Damian, Bruce’s biological son. I just don’t see Dick wanting his partner to be someone both people haven’t been able to trust. Why would Tim suddenly giving up his Robin identity? Morrison gave a lot of clues to Damian being Robin not only throughout his BATMAN run, but also in his extensive interview with blog.wired.com. Having Damian as Robin would be extremely disappointing, especially considering how great the interactions have been between Dick and Tim and how much time other writers have taken to develop their brotherly relationship. The tweaked Robin costume and Morrison using B&R (and BATMAN #666) to probably keep his "Batman & Son" storyline going is further evidence Robin could be the brat, er, Damian. (Drat!)

Morrison’s “David Lynch directs the Batman TV show” pitch makes me nervous, but I’m usually that way with him -- or utterly confused. How ‘bout some linear narratives for a change, huh, Grant? I hope he approaches B&R with the same respect and novelty he did ALL-STAR SUPERMAN. Regardless, it should be an intriguing approach to the Dynamic Duo.

DETECTIVE
I’m all for Batwoman getting her time in the spotlight. She was way too underused in 52. Why introduce a character with ties to DC’s past and not do much of anything with her? Let’s face it: Batwoman’s time in this title could be an audition for her own series.

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS
I might not pick up this title much past its first issue or storyline, but if it’s anything like the Webisodes of “Gotham Girls,” we’re in for a treat. Besides, Dini’s run on DETECTIVE COMICS was stellar, if not (dare I say it?) an instant classic. SIRENS could be the villainous answer to BIRDS OF PREY, but probably will be much more interesting, at least under Dini’s more than capable pen.

RED ROBIN
All evidence points to Jason Todd being Red Robin. The second Robin has had an annoying habit of taking up other people’s identities since he was resurrected. So it makes sense for him to bear the name of the middle-aged, alternative Dick Grayson in KINGDOM COME and the duds that JT wore in COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS #7. But wait -- Dan Didio, in an IGN video interview about Batman’s future, said Tim doesn’t believe Bruce is dead, so could Robin III become Red Robin? Maybe Tim gives up being Robin to search for Bruce as a civilian.

OK, I admit it: It's a toss-up between Jason Todd and Tim Drake. My vote is for JT to be Red Robin, keep Tim as Robin and Damian as the unwanted intruder.

Here's to deep pockets, discerning, skeptical minds, a lot of fun, and some great reading during this “New Era of Batman” -- however long it lasts.

Batman's "New Era" Begins in June

Author: Jett
March 24, 2009

As you all know, I’m not too thrilled with all this -- this “New Era” for Batman. Regardless, it’s happening and it starts in June. Here are Batman in Comic’s June solicitations from DC….



BATMAN AND ROBIN #1
* Written by Grant Morrison
* Art and cover by Frank Quitely
* On sale June 3rd
* Reviewed on BOF by Jett
"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! Retailers please note: This issue will ship with three covers. For every 25 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Frank Quitely), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by JG Jones). For every 250 copies of the Standard Edition, retailers may order one copy of the Sketch Variant Edition (with a cover by Frank Quitely), which is a sketch version of the Standard Edition.

BATMAN #687
* Written by Judd Winick
* Art by Ed Benes & Rob Hunter
* Cover by Tony Daniel & Sandu Florea
* On sale June 10th
* Reviewed on BOF by Paul Casey
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. Form for more information.

DETECTIVE COMICS #854
* Written by Greg Rucka
* Art by JH Williams and Cully Hamner
* Cover by JH Williams
* On sale June 24th
* Reviewed on BOF by John Bierly
“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.

RED ROBIN #1
Written by Christopher Yost
* Art by Ramon Bachs
* Cover by Francis Manapul
* On sale June 10th
* Reviewed on BOF by Ryan Hoss
Writer Chris Yost and artist by Ramon Bachs 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!

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
* On sale June 17th
* Reviewed on BOF by John Bierly
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! Kate Spencer lost a friend during the chaos of BATTLE FOR THE COWL, and now she wants payback. As usual, she’ll use any

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #1
* Written by Paul Dini
* Art and cover by Guillem March
* On sale June 24th
* Reviewed on BOF by Stephanie Carmichael
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.

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #30
* Written by Andrew Kreisberg
* Art by Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens
* Cover by Stephan Roux
* On sale June 10th
* Reviewed on BOF by John Bierly
“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!

THE OUTSIDERS #19
* Written by Peter J. Tomasi
* Art and cover by Lee Garbett & Trevor Scott
* On sale June 17th
* Reviewed on BOF by Paul Casey
“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!

I will admit that I will be reading BATMAN & ROBIN as I will be reviewing it for BOF. In fact, BOF will be covering and reviewing Batman in comics during this "New Era." I'm also intrigued a tad by this RED ROBIN to be honest.

I guess we'll see where all this goes.

"It's all part of...the plan?"

BATMAN 3 Announcement Rumors "Not true"

Author: Jett
March 23, 2009



Over the last couple of weeks, BOF has heard whispers from very good sources that Warner Bros. might be planning on officially announcing BATMAN 3 as well as the return of director Chris Nolan. When was this to take place? Well, in late July as Comic Con International 2009 commences in San Diego.

After hearing this scuttlebutt from several trusted insiders, I proceded to pose the question to Warner Bros. As well as Chris Nolan representatives. Warner Bros. tells BOF that this particular rumor is “not true,” while Nolan representatives had not responded by the time this story went online.

Between now and July, could Warner Bros. decide to make an announcement? Sure. But I believe that they would have responded with a “No commment” if it were a possibility. Since THE DARK KNIGHT was announced a year after BATMAN BEGINS in July of 2006, it's certainly looking more and more as if BATMAN 3 is going to be a 2012 release.

Anyway, BOF highly recommends fans NOT to expect a B3 announcement come CCI San Diego time and prepare yourself for a three year wait before the next BATMAN hits theaters.

No More R-Rated Comic Book Films From WB

Author: Jett
March 23, 2009



According to a report over on IESB.NET, Warner Bros. is mandating that superhero/comic book films -- as well as “tentpoles” -- are to be PG-13. Apparently, the R-rated WATCHMEN‘s box office -- or lack thereof -- is behind this decision.

WATCHMEN took in $55 million (domestic) opening weekend and has fallen sharply since. Based on that, I get it -- WB wants these sort of films to available to a larger audience. But I don’t know what they were expecting here -- it’s WATCHMEN for crissakes! But I get it.

Now don’t worry, I don’t think that the fine folks in Burbank are demanding that all DC-based films go the route of FANTASTIC 4, OK. Hell, THE DARK KNIGHT was pretty damn dark and it was rated PG-13 -- and it made a BILLION DOLLARS! Just don’t expect the upcoming GREEN LANTERN, WONDER WOMAN, and BATMAN 3 to include F-bombs, sex, and bloody/gory violence. And frankly, I have zero desire to see an R-rated BATMAN, GL, or WW anyway.

Now on the other hand, if a film of this genre demands an R-rating to tell the story properly, I’d hope WB wouldn’t put the ‘ol kibosh on it. This mandate does reek a bit of “Well, it’s a comic book film -- they’re for kids,” which certainly isn’t cool.

Overall, I’ve got no problem with this. For the full story, visit IESB.NET.

Crash Test Dummies: Superman's Song

tarzan wasn't a ladies' man
He'd just come along and scoop 'em up under his arm
Like that, quick as a cat in the jungle
But clark kent, now there was a real gent
He would not be caught sittin' around in no
Junglescape, dumb as an ape doing nothing

Superman never made any money
For saving the world from solomon grundy
And sometimes i despair the world will never see
Another man like him

Hey bob, supe had a straight job
Even though he could have smashed through any bank
In the united states, he had the strength, but he would not
Folks said his family were all dead
Their planet crumbled but superman, he forced himself
To carry on, forget krypton, and keep going

Superman never made any money
For saving the world from solomon grundy
And sometimes i despair the world will never see
Another man like him

Tarzan was king of the jungle and lord over all the apes
But he could hardly string together four words: "i tarzan, you jane."

Sometimes when supe was stopping crimes
I'll bet that he was tempted to just quit and turn his back
On man, join tarzan in the forest
But he stayed in the city, and kept on changing clothes
In dirty old phonebooths till his work was through
And nothing to do but go on home

Superman never made any money
For saving the world from solomon grundy
And sometimes i despair the world will never see
Another man like him
(2x)

The Ballad of Barry Allen

Performed by Jim's Big Ego
from the album, "They're Everywhere!"



I've got time to think about the beauty of the thousand variations of the beating of a wing of a hummingbird suspended in the aspic of the world moving slower than molasses as I'm off to catch the girl who is falling off the bridge
and I'm there before she knows it
I'll be gone before she sees me
with my hand around her waist
I pull her back to safety
by the time she knows what's happened
there'll be someone else who needs me
because time keeps dragging on
and on
and on
and on
(time keeps dragging on)
I've got time to think about my past as I dodge between the bullets how my life was so exciting before I got this way and how long ago it was now I never can explain by the clock that's on the tower or the one that's in my brain
and I'm there before you know it
I'll be gone before you see me
and I'd like to get to know you
but you're talking much too slowly
and I know you'd want to thank me
but I never stick around
because time keeps dragging on
and on
and on
and on
and on
And you say the time goes rushing by
but it seems so slow to me
and you see a blur around you fly
but it takes too long
it seems so slow to me
(time keeps dragging on)
How I wish I'd never gone into my lab to experiment that night before lightning flashed around me
and time changed speed
now I have to try to be so patient and wait for calamity to strike
because when things change in an instant
it's almost fast enough for me
and I'll be there before you know it
I'll be gone before you see me
and do you think you can imagine
anything so lonely
and I know you'd really like me
but I never stick around
because time keeps dragging on
and on
and on
and on
and on
And you say the time goes rushing by
but it seems so slow to me
complain I'm gone before you blink your eye
but it takes too long
it seems so slow
And you say the time goes rushing by
but it seems so slow to me
and I want to be there while you laugh or cry
but it takes too long
it seems so slow to me
(time keeps dragging on)
and on
and on

Hal Jordan Cast?

Author: Jett
March 21, 2009

UPDATE: Per MANIA.COM, no offer has gone out to actor Chris Pine to play Hal Jordan/Green Lantern. Says the site, "One source told us the producers of the film are "not even close to making an offer" for the lead role. The reason? The casting director on the film hadn't even signed on until late last week, the same day that the offer supposedly went to Pine. In fact, the casting director plans an exhaustive search which may result in a star, an up-and-comer or a complete unknown landing the job."

As I said last week, one of the other names being thrown around is that of Aussie thesp Sam Worthington who stars with Christian Bale in this Summer's TERMINATOR SALVATION. However, Mania says that agents everywhere are pushing their clients who meet the model for the producer's take of Hal Jordan.

The previous GL casting report is below...



According to both LATINO REVIEW and IESB.NET, Chris Pine (STAR TREK) is either the front-runner to play Hal Jordan in the upcoming GREEN LANTERN film, or has already been offered the part.

On the other hand, the website COLLIDER.COM claims it's BS. “At least according to my source, and mine is the same one that said Anton Yelchin wasn’t in the running either. Trust me, the person I’m speaking with would know. While Latino Review and IESB have definitely broken a lot of casting stories, this is not going to be one of them.”

Well obviously, someone is going to be wrong here. Anyway...

BOF was told yesterday that industry scuttlebutt has TERMINATOR SALVATION star Sam Worthington was in the mix. Honestly, I'd prefer this casting over Chris Pine – but that's just me.





Hal Jordan?
Sam Worthington (up) & Chris Pine (down)

Regardless, filming for GREEN LANTERN is slated to commence filming in September, so casting the title role is definitely going to go down soon.