the dark knight returns

Caption This!: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns: A Call to Arms

Welcome, Bat-fans, to Caption This!, DC Collectibles’ monthly game of captionary cleverness where we give you a fun photo and ask you to compose the perfect caption for it. As many would-be captioners have discovered, it’s not always easy to nail that perfect combination of inside knowledge and humor that all great captions have in common. But don’t take our word for it. Try it out yourself!

In 1986, Frank Miller gave us the Batman classic, The Dark Knight Returns. About four months ago, we announced a series of DC Collectibles statues and action figures inspired by the book. And today, we’ve taken one of those statues and done something absolutely ridiculous with it. Yes, it truly is a great day to be a Batman fan. And apparently, it’s also a great day on the ol’ farm for a pony ride.

Man, there’s a lot of tallgrass on the mean streets of Gotham. No wonder Batman’s decided to ditch the Batmobile for a four-legged ride. So, you think you can Caption This? Well, then git to it, pardner! Giddyap!

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Caption This!, the dark knight returns, Batman, DC Collectibles

Caption This!: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Action Figure

Just like a certain Dark Knight, Caption This has returned! We’ve emerged from our month-long “retirement” and are back with a great new photo. Will you rise to the challenge with an equally inspired caption for it? Does the Batmobile fire rubber bullets? (No, seriously. Does it? We’ve never been able to tell if Batman was being serious there…)

Keeping the parks of Gotham free of crime and corruption is a big part of Batman’s nightly duty. But in the day, he prefers another activity. Looks like the bat signal isn’t the only thing you’ll be spotting in the skies of Gotham…

Think coming up with a caption for this one will be a breeze? Well, then what are you waiting for? It’s time to Caption This!

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caption this, DC Collectibles, the dark knight returns

Win Tickets to the Premiere of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2

There’s a Dark day on the horizon, and DC fans couldn’t be happier about it.

Last fall, Batman fans celebrated when Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Home Video released Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1, the first installment of an unprecedented two-part animated adaptation of Frank Miller’s seminal graphic novel, THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS. Winning over fans and critics alike, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 brought us a stunning vision of a Gotham plagued by violent gangs and an aging Dark Knight who’s driven out of retirement by a need to protect his beloved city. However, with an ending that teased the return of the Joker to Gotham, it’s hardly surprising that most fans were hungry for more.

On January 29, 2013, they’ll get their wish as Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Home Video release Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2, the concluding chapter of this epic tale. Featuring the return of Peter Weller as the voice of Batman and Bruce Wayne, David Selby as Commissioner Gordon and Modern Family’s Ariel Winter as Carrie Kelley (aka the new Robin), the PG-13 film also features Michael Emerson (of Lost and Person of Interest fame) as the Joker, Human Target’s Mark Valley as Superman and Conan O’Brien as talk show host Dave Endochrine.

Best of all, if you live in New York or LA and follow us on Twitter, you could win a chance to see it early with some of the filmmakers and voice cast members. We’re giving away five pairs of tickets each to the New York and Los Angeles premieres of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2. However, if you’d like to win, you’ll have to do a few things.

First, you have to be able to get yourself to the premiere. The prize does not include travel expenses. Second, you have to be free on Wednesday, January 23 if you’d like to go to the NY premiere or Monday, January 28 if you’re hoping for LA. And finally, you have to follow us on Twitter. Here’s how to win:

1) If you're not already doing so, be sure to follow @DCComics on Twitter.

2) Before 5 p.m. PST on Thursday, January 10, tweet out your favorite DC animated movie, making sure to tag @DCComics and use either the hashtag #BatmanNYCPremiere or #BatmanLAPremiere. You must pick one or the other, not both.

After the deadline, five winners will be chosen at random for both the LA and NY premieres and direct messaged for his/her info.

Good luck, and be certain to pick up Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 on Blu-Ray, DVD, On Demand or Digital Download when it arrives on Tuesday, January 29!

Giveaway Details

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A purchase of any kind will not increase your chances of winning.

This Sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia who are at least 18 years old as of the date of their entry. Employees of DC Entertainment and any of DC Entertainment’s affiliates, parents, subsidiary companies, or advertising and promotion agencies and members of their immediate families are not eligible to enter or win the Sweepstakes. Void where prohibited. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants agree to these Official Rules and DC Entertainment’s Privacy Policy. The decisions of Sponsor are final and binding on all matters relating to this Sweepstakes. Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received.

One entry per person. All entries must comply with these Official Rules and meet the submission guidelines detailed herein. Each entrant is solely responsible for any and all uses of his/her registered Twitter account.

By submitting a tweet, entrant warrants, represents and agrees that: (i) entrant is the person responsible for the tweet; (ii) the reproduction, distribution and display of the tweet does not violate the rights of any persons or entities; (iii) the entrant has the right to submit the tweet to Sponsor; and (iv) Sponsor may reproduce and display the tweet on DCComics.com and all DC Comics-operated Twitter and Facebook pages. Sponsor reserves the right to condition the award of prizes upon the execution by the winner(s) of a publicity release. Notwithstanding this reserved right, entry is conclusively deemed to be permission by the entrant for Sponsor to use the entrant's name and picture (without compensation to the entrant) if the entrant is a winner to publicize the Contest and otherwise, as determined by Sponsor, unless prohibited by law. Sponsor reserves the right to require the winner to execute an affidavit of eligibility as a sworn document and provide other proof of eligibility as a condition of receipt of the prize or award.

The random selection will be held on 6 p.m. PST on Thursday, September 10, 2013 from all eligible entries received. We will then Direct Message the winners on Twitter to get necessary information. If a selected winner does not comply with these rules or respond to the request to claim their prize, an alternative winner will be selected from the remaining eligible entries. Prize does not include transportation costs and all entrants are responsible for securing transportation to the event. Total value of prize is $50.00.

Sponsor not responsible for late, lost, stolen, incomplete, misdirected, garbled, damaged, delayed or undelivered entries.

Winners’ List: For the name of the winner, available after Thursday, January 10, 2013, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope, to be received by DC Entertainment to: Gerard Maté 4000 Warner Blvd. Burbank, CA 91522.

The Sponsor of the Sweepstakes is DC Entertainment, 1700 Broadway, New York, NY 10019.

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the dark knight returns, Part 2, Batman, giveaway

5.2 Reasons to Watch BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, PART 1

When Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight first came out in theaters, naturally we went to a midnight showing. Afterward, we all thought basically the same thing, "Wow. We need to see that again." We went again the next day.

A similar thing happened after watching Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1, the animated adaptation of Frank Miller's seminal best-selling graphic novel. In fact, it was so enjoyable that part of our brain isn't even here right now. It's still thinking about the film and fighting with the other half to just stop writing and go home and watch it again.

Since, you know, job and responsibilities (dolla dolla bill, y'all), we can't really do that, we're instead going to give you 5.2 Reasons to Watch Batman: The Dark Knight Return, Part 1!

1. It's an Adaptation of THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS

Let's get this one out there early. Frank Miller's Dark Knight Returns ranks as one of the most influential and character-defining comics in modern history. His grim and gritty take on the Caped Crusader set the tone for the character for almost every interpretation that followed. Even after 25 years, it still remains a perennial best-seller month after month. All that and it's quite simply a fantastically well-told story.

2. It's a GREAT Adaptation of The Dark Knight Returns

While watching the film, we popped open a copy of the graphic novel to compare. We suggest doing the same. Seeing certain iconic images come to life brought out a childlike giddiness. It's an extremely accurate adaptation. There are some slight deviations—tweaked dialogue and extended scenes—but it all enhances the story for film and allows both comic book and film to stand on equal footing of greatness in their respective mediums.

3. Peter Weller as Batman

When they announced Peter Weller as the voice of the aged and grizzled Bruce Wayne, it just seemed like a perfect fit. It also sent our nerd-fueled brains into a conniption. (Robocop as Batman?!) Weller's take on the character plays out brilliantly. It takes a little bit to see exactly what he's doing as it's subtle, but once you get it, it's like Joker gas to the face: you can't help but grin.

4. The Score

A good or bad musical score can make or break a movie. Christopher Drake—who composed the music for a number of DC animated films including Wonder Woman and Justice League: Doom—really struck the perfect chord (ha!) for the mood and tone of the film—and most importantly, the setting. Something about the music fit perfectly with the world itself and enhanced all the dialogue and action on the screen. You might even find yourself humming it while doing everyday stuff afterward. It'll make pouring cereal super epic.

5. It Gets You Excited for Part 2

As the title may suggest, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 covers the first half of the graphic novel—basically the initial, uh, return of the Dark Knight. Because of the split, the pacing excels tremendously and the end leaves you very, very excited for the next installment.

5.1 Awesome Easter Eggs

5.2 We Could Watch This Iconic Moment Over and Over Again

Now, if you'll excuse us, we need to go watch that movie again. Let us know in the comments below (hey, that rhymed!) what you're excited to see in the upcoming film and what other adaptations you think would be awesome to see!

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5.2 Reasons, Batman, the dark knight returns, frank miller, joker, batman: the dark knight returns, Part 1

Voicing The Dark Knight Returns

We know fans of Batman, Frank Miller and comic books in general (in other words, pretty much everyone on this site) are all very curious about the upcoming two-part animated adaptation of THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, the seminal graphic novel that dramatically reinterpreted the characters and world of Batman and Robin while helping to spark an industry-wide shift to more sophisticated, darker comic book storytelling.

Today, the news about the film’s voice cast hit the web in a story by The Hollywood Reporter, which also included some of the first images to be released from the highly anticipated film. Peter Weller is voicing Batman, Ariel Winter has been cast as Robin… Who else will be helping them bring this dramatic story to life?

For the answer to that question and more, be sure to check out the article. And feel free to let us know what you think about the news in the comments below!

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the dark knight returns

DC Digital Comics Store

cx_dc Got some amazingly exciting news to launch this week off with. Yeah, I count Wednesday as the beginning of the week as it’s New Comic Book Day! (It’s the same way the New Comics Year ends and starts again with every San Diego Comic Con in July). So every Wednesday, I actually am now in the habit of checking for both new print and digital releases and sure enough, we’ve got some downloadable gems this week. In fact, we’re rolling out Frank Miller’s seminal work , The Dark Knight Returns. This is the book that brought me back into comics when I was in college and truly inspired me to become a comic book illustrator and is a must have for every Comics Cognoscenti.

What makes it even more special is that we are offering it up through our very own DC Digital Comics Store!

Yep, you heard that right. We’re thrilled today to announce the opening of our brand new DC Comics storefront. What does the latest development to our ongoing Digital Publishing Initiative mean for you, the ever-devout DC Comics fan? Well, for one--it’s going to allow you all the ability to purchase and download comics from your desktop and laptop computers from our very own website. And because we want to make the purchasing, storage and management of your comics digital library as easy and convenient as possible, we’ve made sure that our storefront is powered by comiXology which means if you buy a DC digital comic like the chart-busting Death of Superman on your Mac or PC at home, you can read the very same series on-the-go using your iPhone, iPad or laptop using our DC App without paying any a penny more or creating any new logins. Or vice versa.

We call it convergence. You will find it simply easy.

And you know what? Given the proliferation of digital comics apps, mobile devices and platforms, I know as a consumer of digital comics that I appreciate that kind of convenience. And as a Co-Publisher who finds time to catch up on his comics reading while on-the-go, I love the fact that I can carry around not just the latest digital issue of The Authority, one of my favorite all time comics, but my entire DC digital collection on any one of the devices I schlep with me to the far corners of the earth. And we’ve made many of the first issues of these great series free in commemoration of today’s news.

So check out what’s available for download this week--we run the gamut from Vertigo’s ground-breaking Transmetropolitan by Warren Ellis and Darick Robertson to Grant Morrison’s The Invisibles to the DCU’s outstanding Identity Crisis series by novelist Brad Meltzer and artist Rags Morales. It really is an embarrassment of riches and honestly, we have many, many internal discussions about what we should be rolling out next...should it be material from our classic archives or more recent tales of our iconic characters or the works of DC’s greatest creators? In cases such as writer Brian Azzarello who’s best known for his riveting Vertigo opus 100 Bullets but also for his poignant take on the Man of Steel in Superman: For Tomorrow, we couldn’t choose between the two and ran with both to celebrate the launching of our new storefront. But please, sound off on our Facebook page and be heard—at the end of the day, we really do strive to make the DC Digital Offerings reflect not just the very best works of DC Comics but what YOU, the reader, wants out of very your own DC Digital Comics Experience!

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Batman, brad meltzer, brian azzarello, comixology, DC Store, dccomics.com, Digital Comics, facebook, frank miller, identity crisis, ipad, iphone, rags morales, Superman, the dark knight returns, twitter

WHAT'S NEXT FOR FRANK MILLER AND JIM LEE?

The King is dead! Long live the King!

Let me shed some more light on what was just announced at WonderCon today: ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN, THE BOY WONDER -- the landmark hit series from the superstar team of writer Frank Miller and artist Jim Lee -- has ceased publication.

But that's not the news here. The epic partnership of Miller and Lee is far from done:

"The first Chapter of the story of how Batman and Robin came to be has been told in issues 1-10 of ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN," said ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN artist Jim Lee. "Frank and I sat down just recently to have a long talk about how best to finish this very 'deadline challenged' project and give the loyal fans the second part of this epic storyline they have been patiently waiting for. Moreover, we wanted fans to know that this story is part of the overall Batman mythos and DARK KNIGHT RETURNS universe which Frank [Miller] started back in 1986."

Out of this meeting came the decision to rebrand the series DARK KNIGHT: BOY WONDER. It will fit into the library of Frank Miller Batman titles: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, BATMAN: YEAR ONE and THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN. Beginning in February, 2011, you will see the remaining six issues ship on time, every month, culminating in the conclusion of the storyline started years ago.

"I feel terrible about how late the book fell behind," added Lee. "100 percent of the blame falls upon my shoulders, so one of the reasons we chose the February, 2011, start date was to ensure that DARK KNIGHT: BOY WONDER would ship regularly and on-time. There are a number of reasons for it's incredible delay but rather than focus on what cannot be changed, I want to promise fans that they will see cool snippets and exclusive previews on this very blog in the coming months to whet their appetites for the the next chapter of the story of the Dark Knight and Robin, the Boy Wonder."

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all star batman and robin the boy wonder, Batman, batman: year one, frank miller, jim lee, the dark knight returns, the dark knight strikes again, the dark knight: the boy wonder

A few links of note for Friday

Two big things are hitting the wire today, so here we go:

Today marks the launch of IGN.com’s BLACKEST NIGHT mini-site, which will include previews, interviews, video features, sketches and more exclusive content. Check back on Monday, as IGN will unveil a first look at GREEN LANTERN #43, a BLACKEST NIGHT prologue, and early next month they’ll debut an exclusive video feature about the upcoming event, including interviews with series writer Geoff Johns. So, swing on over and bookmark the page, as it’ll be the hot spot for all things BLACKEST NIGHT.

The New York Tmes unveiled their weekly graphic novel bestseller list, and Grant Morrison, J.G. Jones, Carlos Pacheco and Doug Mahnke’s superhero epic FINAL CRISIS is atop it, in its first week of eligibility. Neat, huh?

Other notable titles making the list: BATMAN R.I.P., BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE, JOKER and BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS.

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Batman, blackest night, carlos pacheco, doug mahnke, Final Crisis, Geoff Johns, grant morrrison, green lantern, IGN, ivan reis, j.g. jones, joker, new york times, the dark knight returns, the killing joke

A few links of note for Friday

It's been a busy week here, and I'm sure it's been equally hectic everywhere else. But it is Friday, which means a few minutes should be taken to scan the wide expanse of the Internet for some interesting early afternoon reading. Ask and ye shall receive.

• We debuted four pages from the first issue of WEDNESDAY COMICS this week, and so far the response has been resoundingly positive.

• This week's NYT Graphic Best Seller list features BATMAN R.I.P., BATMAN: HEART OF HUSH, BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE, JOKER, ALL STAR SUPERMAN v2, SUPERMAN: BRAINIAC and BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS.

• IGN has an early look at Batman in July, while NEWSARAMA runs down the Superman titles for the same month.

• Comic Book Resources reviews GREEN LANTERN CORPS #35, SECRET SIX #8 and ACTION COMICS #876.

• Dan DiDio answers fan questions at NEWSARAMA, and, most notably, reveals that artist Mark Bagley will be joining the BATMAN creative team in July. NEWSARAMA caught up with the artist today.

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all star superman, Batman, blog@newsarama, comic book resources, Dan DiDio, heart of hush, IGN, joker, mark bagley, new york times, Newsarama, robot 6, superman: brainiac, the beat, the dark knight returns

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