Batman | DC Comics

Win Tickets to the Premiere of BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, PART 1

It’s one of the most widely read, popular and acclaimed graphic novels in the history of the medium. It influenced a generation of writers and artists, reinvented a classic character for a smart and savvy new audience and helped shepherd in a new era of bold, mature storytelling in the comic book medium. And on Tuesday, September 25^th, it will be brought to animated life in a two-part adaptation care of Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Home Video.

We’re talking of course about THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, and for the next two days, we’re giving you a chance to win a pair of tickets to either the Los Angeles or New York premiere of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1, the first half of the stunning new animated adaptation. However, there are a few stipulations.

First, you have to live in or around LA or NYC. The prize does not include travel expenses. Second, you have to be free on Thursday, Sept. 20 if you’d like to go to the NY premiere or Monday, Sept. 24 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 Tuesday, Sept. 18, 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.

At 6 pm PST on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, three winners will be chosen at random for both the LA and NY premieres and direct messaged for his/her info.

Good luck, and be sure to pick up Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 when it arrives in stores on Tuesday, Sept. 25^th!

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 Tuesday, September 18, 2012 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 Tuesday, September 18, 2012, 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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batman: the dark knight returns, Batman, giveaway

Voicing THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS: Michael McKean

Michael McKean just can’t stay away from the fanboy realm.

The versatile star of film, television and stage continues to deviate from his mainstream roles to appear in all forms of super hero entertainment, this time lending his voice to the egomaniacal Dr. Bartholomew Wolper in Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.

Based on Frank Miller’s landmark graphic novel, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1, is the next entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original Movies. The film arrives September 25, 2012 from Warner Home Video as a Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD, On Demand and for Download.

McKean (This is Spinal Tap, Best in Show) is a key member of a voice cast that features Peter Weller (RoboCop) as Bruce Wayne/Batman, David Selby (The Social Network, Dark Shadows) as Commissioner Gordon, Ariel Winter (Modern Family) as Carrie/Robin, and Wade Williams (Prison Break) as Harvey Dent/Two-Face.

His first brush with the comic book world was when McKean played Perry White during a 1995 SNL skit. He would revisit the role six years later on Smallville. In fact, McKean is one of only seven actors to appear in both Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and Smallville – and the only one to also give voice to a character in a DC Universe Animated Original Movie.

McKean’s been to the Batcave before, too. The New York native voiced the 1950s Joker and a Mutant in the “Legends of the Dark Knight” episode of The New Batman Adventures, as well as voicing Sneak Peek for Batman Beyond. For Justice League, he voiced The Sportsman.

The DC Lineage dips into his personal life, as well. McKean is married to actress Annette O’Toole, who has the distinction of playing Lana Lang opposite Christopher Reeve in Superman III, and as Martha Kent for 10 years of Smallville.

McKean obliged us with a few minutes to chat about his latest animated role, and a few other subjects near and dear to our hearts. Take a read …

QUESTION:

How did you come to think of Arkham Asylum psychiatrist Dr. Bartholomew Wolper?

MICHAEL MCKEAN:

Dr. Wolper is a very, very good shrink … if you ask him. He’s a guy who likes the sound of his own voice; he finds his ego very soothing, even though it seems a little ponderous from the outside. But he is convinced of his own genius, and definitely convinced that these poor, twisted souls who have been entrusted to his care are redeemable because he knows who the real bad guy is.

QUESTION:

And that “bad guy” is?

MICHAEL MCKEAN:

Wolper thinks that Batman is a social disease. He thinks that it is, in fact, Batman’s ego that is driving the crime wave in Gotham City. And he sets out to prove it. I don’t think he actually makes the case, but you can’t tell him that (laughs) … or anything else, for that matter.

QUESTION:

How did you approach playing this character?

MICHAEL MCKEAN:

My first impulse was Dr. Phil, but it didn’t work – it was too folksy. I think that a man whose ego is such a construct that it supersedes everything else around him, that’s kind of an interesting character to portray. There are some great examples in history. And I think a man who plays God – especially when it concerns human intelligence, human psyche, human emotions – he’s kind of like a prestidigitator. He’s the expert in the room, and when he tells you something is so, he expects you to believe it. And it’s only when he comes right up against the real world that it all falls apart.

QUESTION:

In addition to acting, you also direct. And you’ve worked with Andrea Romano on a number of projects. What makes Andrea so good at what she does?

MICHAEL MCKEAN:

Andrea Romano has a kind of a soothing, friendly personality, which of course masks a tyrant (laughs). Kidding, kidding. I think she’s an amazing talent and I trust her implicitly. Often if I’m directing, I’ll say, “Look, I won’t give you a line reading, but” and then I’ll try to make my case and get you to say what you’re supposed to say. As an actor, I actually ask Andrea for a line reading, because she knows exactly what she’s doing. She’s been doing it a long time, and she’s the best in the business. So I utterly respect her taste and opinion. And she’s also a great cheerleader – there’s never a time when I think “Geez, I don’t know what I’m doing here.” Even if I don’t know what I’m doing, she always convinces me that I do … and then she sets me straight (laughs). It’s kind of brilliant.

QUESTION:

Does being part of a Batman film have any personal significance for you?

MICHAEL MCKEAN:

When I was a kid, I adored the Bob Kane’s 1950s Batman. I liked the Superman comics and Justice League and Flash and the Atom – nobody does the Atom anymore, and that was a cool super hero – but I did love Batman. I loved the fact that they always found a way to stage the climactic scenes in a warehouse of gigantic toys, or huge oversized stuffed animals. And even as a kid, I sort of knew, “Well, (Kane) is sort of bored. He wants to draw something new other than just a street corner and a couple of guys fisting it out.” So I was a big comic book fan, and I loved the DC stuff.

When I went to college, the ABC series began airing. I was at Carnegie Mellon and I’ll never forget that everyone was looking forward to Batman and it was going to be the best thing ever. In those days, there was only one or two TV sets in the entire dorm. So we went down to the common room at McGill Hall and the show came on – and the minute the “pows” and “bams” and sound effects came on screen, the whole place went insane. Now these were all young men of ages 17 to 23, but suddenly we were all kids again. It was phenomenal. So it is kind of nice to revisit that (memory) by being in this film.

I also had the honor of playing the Joker in one of Mr. Timm’s episodes. Mark Hamill was doing the voice at the time, but they had a flashback to the 1950s, so I got to play the Joker in one episode. That was pretty exciting, too. And now it’s nice to be in a full-scale, class production like this.

QUESTION:

With all your years of comic book reading, and your interest in the super hero realm, do you have a character you’d most like to play or voice?

MICHAEL MCKEAN:

Comics actually taught me how to read. From the age of 3 or 4, my older sister would help me along with my reading lessons, telling me how to sound out words. Then I’d sit with my comics and really develop my reading. I remember that as I was reading comics, I had voices in my head for the characters. But I honestly don’t think I have one that I’d really want to take on. Maybe Bizarro Superman. That’d be fun to do.

QUESTION:

You’ve carved quite the resume of film, TV and stage performances, and yet you find time for a lot of animation voiceovers. For you, is that additional work … or working fun?

MICHAEL MCKEAN:

It is an awful lot of fun. The only time I don’t like voiceover stuff is if I have a ton of ADR work to do. I did a film called Short Circuit II, where I had a lot of scenes with a robot. And it was a real robot – it was operated off screen, but it really was a mechanical man. And, of course, they had the motors going at all times. Every move the robot made, there would be a noise with that movement. So every scene I had with this damn robot, which was about half the film, I had to loop everything. And that drives me crazy. But when you’re working with people like Rob Paulsen and Maurice LaMarche – I did a bunch of Animaniacs and a couple of Pinky & the Brain episodes – those guys make it such a great party atmosphere. They’re so funny and so smart – just amazing people to work with. That’s the best part of the job.

QUESTION:

With so many memorable roles in your lengthy list of credits, what do people stop and ask you about the most?

MICHAEL MCKEAN:

I guess Spinal Tap, just because we keep coming back. We made the movie 25 years ago and occasionally we “tour” and make TV appearances and put out product. So people know me from that. Occasionally somebody will come up and say “You’re Gibby from Dream On,” not very often, but sometimes. Laverne and Shirley – not so much. That’s a long time ago, and we’ve all changed (laughs). And, of course, the last few pictures I made with Chris Guest. People love Best in Show. People always say the same thing to me about that film – they say, “You know, you and your boyfriend had the best relationship of all the couples in the film.” And they’re so totally right (laughs). We were made for each other. So that’s a lot of fun, too.

QUESTION:

Dr. Wolper is actually featured in both Part 1 and Part 2 of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. Can you give us a little teaser of what to expect in the second half of the story?

MICHAEL MCKEAN:

The Joker is kind of Dr. Wolper’s pet patient. He is the most irredeemable, as far as society is concerned, which Dr. Wolper takes as a challenge. He’s thrilled and delighted when he sees the Joker making such progress, and he thinks that he’s done so well that the next step is to bring him out into the public to kind of show off his own work. It doesn’t go well.

Tags:

batman: the dark knight returns, Part 1, Batman, Michael McKean

BATMAN Group Solicits

TALON #3

Written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV

Art and cover by GUILLEM MARCH

1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE

1:00 B&W Variant cover by GUILLEM MARCH

On sale JANUARY 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Talon’s secret history in Manhattan is explored while Calvin Rose searches for an important figure from his past.

• Plus, what is the mysterious organization that has ties to Talon?

BATMAN, INCORPORATED #6

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art and cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

Variant cover by JUAN JOSE RYP

1:100 B&W Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

On sale JANUARY 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $3.99 US

• Bat-Robots versus Man-Bat armies as Leviathan takes control of Gotham City!

• Don’t miss the return of The Heretic!

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

BATMAN #15

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Backup story written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV

Art by GREG CAPULLO and JONATHAN GLAPION

Backup story art by JOCK

Cover by GREG CAPULLO

Variant cover by GREG CAPULLO

1:100 B&W Variant cover by GREG CAPULLO

On sale DECEMBER 12 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

• “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” continues here!

• The Joker’s attacks have taken their toll on Batman and his allies, and now they have to face the impossible.

• The final madness of The Joker’s plan revealed here! Why is he more dangerous now than ever before?

• Plus: In the backup feature, witness The Joker’s confrontation with the Riddler as the horror of The Joker’s plan is revealed.

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

DETECTIVE COMICS #15

Written by JOHN LAYMAN

Art by JASON FABOK

Backup story art by ANDY CLARKE

Cover by GREG CAPULLO

1:25 B&W Variant cover by GREG CAPULLO

On sale DECEMBER 5 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

• A “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” tie-in!

• What has The Joker done with The Penguin?

• Guest-starring Poison Ivy and Clayface!

• Plus: In the backup story, learn the secret way to make it as a super criminal in Gotham City.

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #15

Written by GREGG HURWITZ

Art and cover by DAVID FINCH

1:25 B&W Variant cover by DAVID FINCH

On sale JANUARY 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Batman’s final fight with Scarecrow is here!

• The Dark Knight has been drugged and beaten, but now he’s going to stop Scarecrow’s plans as he takes to the skies over Gotham City!

BATMAN AND ROBIN #15

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY

Cover by GREG CAPULLO

On sale DECEMBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T.

• A “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” tie-in!

• Damian vs. The Joker!

• Has The Joker finally met a Robin as dangerous as he is? Or will The Clown Prince of Crime claim another of Batman’s allies as his victim?

BATGIRL #15

Written by GAIL SIMONE

Art and cover by ED BENES

On sale DECEMBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• A “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” tie-in!

• With so many funerals planned, The Joker decides it’s time for a wedding!

• Barbara’s first confrontation with The Joker since he shot her is coming to a horrifying conclusion!

BATWOMAN #15

Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III and W. HADEN BLACKMAN

Art by TREVOR McCARTHY

Cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

1:25 Variant cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

On sale DECEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• The Batwoman/Wonder Woman team-up continues!

• The action is out of control as Bones, Chase, the DEO, Abbot and the Religion of Crime all descend on Gotham

City to take part in the fight against Medusa!

• And then at the end of the issue the all-new…ah…we can’t tell you but it’s awesome!

BATWING #15

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art by MARCUS TO and RYAN WINN

Cover by MARCUS TO

On sale DECEMBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Batwing and Dawn battle Father Lost in the streets of Tinasha!

• Father Lost’s new powers are proving too much for Batwing and his new ally…time for a last ditch effort that might just get them both killed!

BIRDS OF PREY #15

Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art and cover by ROMANO MOLENAAR and VICENTE CIFUENTES

On sale DECEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US• RATED T

• It’s shake-up time as the team loses one member and gains a new one!

• Meanwhile, something strange is happening to Black Canary, and Starling’s not sure what to do about it. Is this a hint of darker things to come?

CATWOMAN #15

Written by ANN NOCENTI

Art by RAFA SANDOVAL and JORDI TARRAGONA

Cover by TREVOR McCARTHY

On sale DECEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+.

• Following her standoff against The Joker, Catwoman takes an easy job: stealing Eclipso’s Black Diamond from The Black Room!

• The diamond’s power rises with the full moon…like on the night Catwoman sets out to take it!

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #15

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL

Art by TIMOTHY GREEN II

Cover by GREG CAPULLO

On sale DECEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• A “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” tie-in!

• Red Hood and Red Robin team up against The Joker!

• Teen Titans vs. The Outlaws!

NIGHTWING #15

Written by KYLE HIGGINS

Art and cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA

On sale DECEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• A “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” tie-in!

• The Joker strikes Haly’s Circus — and Nightwing can’t stop a devastating murder.

Click here to see a gallery of the covers for the above titles.

(The cover for TALON #3 by Guillem March)

Tags:

talon, batman incorporated, Batman, detective comics, batman: the dark knight, batman and robin, batgirl, batwoman, batwing, birds of prey, catwoman, nightwing, Red Hood and the Outlaws

THIS JUST HAPPENED: The Robins see the Bat Symbol

While many have gone by the moniker of Robin, these protégés of the Dark Knight are just as mesmerized by the hope and justice the symbol of the bat represents as are the rest of the citizens of Gotham City.

In the back-up story in BATMAN #0, writer James Tynion IV (TALON) and artist Andy Clarke (BATMAN AND ROBIN) travel five years back in time and show how various characters react to seeing the iconic Bat Symbol illuminate the night sky for the very first time.

In case you missed it, check out the page below that shows Dick Grayson, Jason Todd and Tim Drake all looking up at the Bat Symbol. Witness as Dick, Jason and Tim pause to be entranced by a light that not only shines against the night sky, but also paves the path for their destinies as Batman’s future partners in fighting crime.

Tags:

Batman, James Tynion IV, andy clarke

5.2 Reasons to Look Forward to Year Two of The New 52

This month marked the one-year anniversary of DC COMICS—THE NEW 52. It's hard to believe a whole year has gone by, but times flies when you're having fun and reading some rad comics. Also when you're playing video games. You think, "One more level and then I'll go to sleep," and next thing you know it's 4 a.m. so you might as well play through till morning.

Excuse us for the ramble. We're a little sleepy...

Anyway, over the past twelve months comic readers saw the early days of the Man of Steel as he rose from champion of the people to the world's greatest super hero, the formation of the world's premiere super team, a Bat punch the heck out of some Owls, a war of the gods, the rise of the Rot and much, much more.

It's been an insanely fun journey so far—but it's only just begun.

As much as we loved Year One, we're incredibly excited for what comes next and so, this week, we're giving our fans 5.2 Reasons to Look Forward to Year Two of The New 52!

1. Comics' Power Couple: Superman and Wonder Woman
In the Justice League arc "The Villain's Journey," two of the world's most powerful heroes began a relationship—one that's sure to have lasting consequences and repercussions throughout the entirety of the DC Universe. We're rather excited to see their relationship unfold and the impact it will undoubtedly have on the rest of the team. And there's also the fun of coming up with couple names: Dian-El... Kaliana... Dialark... Then again, maybe we should leave that to the professionals.

2. The Rise of the Third Army
We spoke about the awesomeness of the Green Lantern Universe previously, but it absolutely bears repeating. Over the past year writer Geoff Johns built an amazing story featuring (among so much more) the almost buddy cop-like relationship between Hal Jordan and Sinestro, the introduction of a new Green Lantern of Earth, and the decent of the Guardians into near kitten-punching villainy. And as fantastic as that's been, we know it'll only keep getting better:

3. Earths of the Multiple Variety
Writer James Robinson and artist Nicola Scott launched Earth 2 as part of the New 52's "Second Wave" of titles and introduced readers to a whole new world of super heroes similar, yet vastly different from our own. From the very first issue it has been a thrill ride filled with unexpected twists and turns—from the sudden death of the Trinity to emergence of a new breed of heroes—and there's literally a whole world of possibilities still out there to explore!

4. Girl Power
Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Supergirl, Batwoman, Worlds' Finest, Birds Of Prey, Catwoman—there are a number of phenomenal books currently on shelves that are written and drawn by all-star creative talent and headlined by female heroes, and this month Amethyst joins those ranks with SWORD OF SORCERY #0. Not to mention brilliant characters like Sir Ystin and Exoristos in Demon Knights, Zatanna and Black Orchid in Justice League Dark and more! Plus, one of our favorite female characters, Stargirl, returns in January in the pages of JLA!

5. Aquaman's Revenge
For quite a while Aquaman held a pretty bad rep. Even just recently he was lampooned in the extremely hilarious Robot Chicken DC Comics Special. But when writer Geoff Johns relaunched Aquaman last year, he accomplished something incredible: he made Aquaman one of the best-selling comics out there, period. It's been a breakout year for our aquatic hero and earlier today USA TODAY broke the story of what's coming next: the "Throne of Atlantis" crossover with Justice League! We can't even begin to imagine the depths of awesomeness this new storyline will take us, but we are more than ready and willing to take the plunge (puns!).

5.1 New Gods

5.2 The Joker's Back

What have you enjoyed most over the past year of The New 52? What are you looking forward to in the coming year? How much pickled peppers can the Pied Piper pipe? Let us know in the comments below!

Tags:

5.2 Reasons, The New 52, Batman, Superman, wonder woman, Aquaman, Justice League, Green Lantern, joker, batgirl, supergirl, catwoman, birds of prey, Sword of Sorcery

Who’s Who in the New 52: Week Two

Today marks the release of the second week of DC Comics’ #0 issues. Each of these special issues is filled with everything from secrets to revelations to origin stories. These will both explain what happened before the launch of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 last summer, as well as plant seeds for future story arcs!

If you’ve already picked up your #0 issues today, you’ve probably noticed that in the back of each book (and now online!) is a Who’s Who entry on a major character in DC COMICS-THE NEW 52. These pages share information such as each character’s first appearance, base of operations, powers, history, and other appearances. Below, check out the list of which character is being spotlighted on each of this week’s releases and be sure to click on their names to read up on who they are!

BATGIRL #0 – Batgirl

BATMAN #0 – Batman

BATMAN AND ROBIN #0 – Damian Wayne

DEATHSTROKE #0 – Deathstroke

DEMON KNIGHTS #0 – Demon Knights

FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. #0 – Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E.

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #0 – Green Lantern Corps

GRIFTER #0 – Grifter

LEGION LOST #0 – Legion Lost

THE RAVAGERS #0 – The Ravagers

RESURRECTION MAN #0 – Resurrection Man

SUICIDE SQUAD #0 – Suicide Squad

SUPERBOY #0 – Superboy

TEAM 7 #0 - Team 7

Tags:

batgirl, Batman, batman and robin, deathstroke, demon knights, Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E., green lantern corps, Grifter, Legion Lost, The Ravagers, Resurrection Man, suicide squad, superboy, Team 7

Exclusive First Look at the Variant Covers for BATMAN #13

On October 10, BATMAN #13 will fly into stores.

Below, take an exclusive first look at the issue's variant cover by Aaron Kuder!

And the digital combo pack!

And the black and white variant!

Tags:

Batman, Aaron Kuder

5.2 Questions with Matt Senreich

When we heard that the hilariously irreverent pop-culture-referencing, toy crazy Cartoon Network television series "Robot Chicken" was doing a DC Comics Special, there really was only one reaction to be had: "Buck yes!"

Known for its anthological sketches featuring various toys lampooning everything nerdy from TV shows and anime to video games and comic books, the Emmy Award-winning "Robot Chicken" was co-created by former Wizard Entertainment editorial director Matt Senreich and actor/nerd celebrity icon Seth Green (seriously, Google this man and tell us he doesn't live the most enviable nerd-tastic life ever).

The DC Comics Special—which focuses specifically on sketches featuring the heroes and villains of the DC Universe voiced by award-winning actors like Neil Patrick Harris and Alfred Molina—premieres on Sunday, September 9.

We had a quick chat with co-creator Senreich about the upcoming special in a bout of 5.2 Questions!

1. What about the DC Comics staple of heroes and the old Super Friends cartoon specifically inspired you guys to want to make this special?

I grew up a comic geek and worked in comics starting when I was 16 years old. Getting to play with Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, etc. was a dream to twist them on their side the way we do. So when Geoff Johns came to us with this idea, it was a no-brainer!

2. The cast for the special looks incredible—with NPH as Two-Face, Megan Fox as Lois Lane, Alfred Molina as Lex Luthor, Nerd God Nathan Fillion as GL, and more. Did you know beforehand that “These are the guys we want for these specific roles?” How did the casting all come about?

For some, we just knew who we wanted like Nathan as Green Lantern. Neil played Two-Face for us in a sketch during the regular season of Robot Chicken, so we knew we wanted to lure him back! Same with Megan Fox as Lois Lane. We had her play Lois Lane in a one-off sketch during a previous RC season. We love Breckin's Superman and Alex Bornstein's Wonder Woman. Alfred Molina was just a reach for the sky scenario and he said yes. We just thought his voice was exactly what we had written for that character!

3. Matt, can you give any hints to some of the voices you’ll be contributing? Snapper Carr, maybe?

I'm limited in my range with voice over, but I will say that I play a convincing Chillblaine. Oh, and a JSA member who has one line. I like to keep who I play on the down-low as it's usually not the best voice in the episode.

4. Can you tease some of your favorite sketches coming up in the special?

All the Lex Luthor stuff makes me really happy. Anything with the DC villains hanging out in the headquarters came together really well. It's hard to pick favorites, but Paul Reubens as the Riddler taunting Sinestro to cut his mustache may be my favorite if I had to choose today.

5. When you guys did the Star Wars Special, you had some sketches that didn’t make it into the first, but then were included in the second. Were there sketches that didn’t make it into the DC Comics Special that you’re saving for the possibility of a second?

Yes. Fingers crossed.

5.1 Have you ever dressed as a DC Comics character—be it for Halloween or a convention?

We are having a RCDC costume party for the premiere. So yes. Pictures may show up on Twitter eventually.

5.2 If you could have the power of any DC super hero, whose would you want?

Superman. Duh.

Also, be sure to check out the trailer for the special, this exclusive On the Set featurette, and stay tuned to DCComics.com for more from Senreich, co-creator Seth Green and writer Geoff Johns about the Robot Chicken DC Comics Special!

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5.2 Questions, Robot Chicken, DC Comics Special, Seth Green, Matt Senreich, Superman, Batman, Aquaman, wonder woman, Flash, lex luthor

5.2 Reasons Batman Live is a Can't Miss

Despite the Dark Knight's tendency in the world of comic books to stay in the shadows, in the real world, Batman does anything but. Seriously, the Caped Crusader has been featured in almost every type of media stage imaginable—from radio shows and award-winning animated television series to video games and blockbuster film franchises. However, he's long since been absent from one stage—the literal one.

That all changed in 2011 with the launch of BATMAN LIVE, a touring stage show that began in the UK, made its way through Europe and Latin America, and is now finally heading to the U.S.

The show has already received some pretty great reviews, but for those still reluctant to go check it out, we're giving you 5.2 Reasons Batman Live is a Can't Miss!

1. Written by Allan Heinberg

Allan Heinberg already has a pretty extensive television career writing for shows like "The O.C.," which featured a number of references to Superman, Watchmen, Sandman, and more. However, he's also no stranger to the world of comics, having written the incredible Young Avengers series for Marvel and co-wrote the JLA arc "Crisis of Coinscience" alongside Geoff Johns.

2. Robin Rises

As for the story itself, Batman Live focuses on one of the most defining moments in the history of the Dark Knight. No, not when his parents were killed (fair point, though). The other one. The introduction of Robin and beginning of the Dynamic Duo. And for those who think they already know the story, think again. There's some new twists and turns for the stage version of the tale, including the inclusion of numerous infamous inmates of Arkham.

3. The Batmobile

There have been a lot of different Batmobiles throughout the years, and while the tank-like Tumbler from the Christopher Nolan-directed films stands as one of the most powerful, the one from Batman Live might stand as one of the most scientifically sound. Designed by renowned Formula One race car designer Professor Gordon Murray—whose McLaren MP4/4 won 15 out of 16 Grands Prix—this Batmobile makes us desperately want to see the Caped Crusader taking it for a spin on the race tracks once the stage tour is over.

4. Gotham City Comes Alive

The amazing thing about plays and stage shows is how the designers and choreographers make an entire world come alive right in front of your eyes. With Batman Live, this happens through both the use of amazing sets (we'll get to that) and the use of a massive video screen (415,750 pixels—imagine THAT in your living room) that provides beautiful shots of the city and sets the tone through motion graphics and animation.

5. Creative Director Anthony Van Laast

This one sort of speaks for itself. Van Lasst's credits as choreographer include: Sister Act, Bombay Dreams, Mamma Mia!, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Annie Get your Gun, and more. Some of you stage connoisseurs may have heard of these, and for those that haven't, rest assured that these plays boast a production big on spectacle with equally immersive storytelling.

5.1 Those Previously Mentioned Amazing Sets by ES Devlin