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(For news from previous months, click on the "News archives" link on the left)
Jan 29, 2005
Various Batman Pictures
Here are various Batman Begins pictures which have surfaced online this past week. First off is a picture at Superhero Hype of Batman and Scarecrow figures.
Next is a picture from Superhero Times of Batman and Scarecrow Walkie Talkies
The first picture of the Scarecrow figure is an unfinished version for anyone who is wondering why the character is orange.
Jan 24, 2005
Morgan Freeman nominated for Best Supporting Actor Oscar
source: Oscars.org
Some good news, Morgan Freeman (Batman Begins) has been nominated for best supporting actor for his role in "Million Dollar Baby". Batman Begins co composer James Newton Howard was nominated. For his score on "The Village"
Joel Schumacher's 'Phantom of the Opera' was nominated for art direction, cinematography, and Original song. Former Batman costume designer Bob Ringwood was nominated for his work on Troy
Shame Liam Neeson was shut out for his role in Kinsey. Still, best of luck to all
Catwoman leads Razzies
source:
MSN
The Never ending slaughter of Catwoman continues. The film has been nominated for seven razzies which include worst picture, worst actress (Halle Berry), worst screen couple (Halle Berry and either Benjamin Bratt or Sharon Stone), worst supporting actress (Sharon Stone), Worst supporting actor (Lambert Wilson), worst director (Pitof) and worst screen play(Theresa Rebeck and John Brancato & Michael Ferris and John Rogers)
In addition, Batman alumni's Val Kilmer and Arnold got nominations for worst supporting actors in 'Alexander' and 'Around the World in 80 Days'
Batman Animated Series vol. out
Just a quick reminder that the second set of the Batman Animated Series DVD's come out today.
EA producer Reid Schneider talks Batman Begins video game
source: Gamespot
Gamespot has a small interview with Reid Schneider about the Batman Begins video game. Interesting highlight is that former Batman writer/editor Denny O'Neil is helping with the story. Go Here to read the full interview
Jan 22, 2005
More to Hush than meets the eye
source: Newsarama
Fans who have been following Gotham Knights will be aware of a surprising twist involving the character. Writer A.J Lieberman talks to Newsarama about his plans for Hush and what he appealing about the character.
Catwoman DVD reviews
Here are links to two reviews of the Catwoman DVD. the heavily panned film isn't treated any better in its DVD form either
More Batman DVD details
source: Batman on Film
Here is some interesting information regarding DVD's of the previous four Batman films. Bill Ramey recieved the following information about the discs
More details can be found Here
Jan 17, 2005
New Batman Pictures
source: Batmannews.de
The German Batman site Batmannews.de, has posted some new pictures from Batman Begins. As well Bill of Batman on Film has a couple of new pictures which were released over the weekend.
Great pictures especially the one from the LA Times and Entertainment Weekly.
Batman DVD news
source: Batman on Film
Here's some news that should make fans of the previous films happy. Bill is reporting that both Joel Schumacher and Tim Burton have recorded commentary tracks for their respective Batman films. Schumacher is also going to do a re-cut of Batman Forever.
Sony Pictures is preparing to release the 1949 Movie Serial 'Batman and Robin'. The Two disc set will be released on March 22 and will feature all 15 parts. Head down to the Comics Continuum to see the boxart and menu screenshots.
Don't expect any director's cuts of the Burton films. Tim Burton has said many times that the existing films are his final cuts. A re-cut of Batman Forever has been rumoured for years and I am most excited about that as well as the Serials.
Jan 14, 2005
New Batman Begins set reports
source: Batman on Film
Paul Wares has put up his last two reports of his visits to the Batman Begins set. In set report four, he talks to Nathan Crowley about the design of Gotham city and the Batmobile and in Report Five he wraps things up with a visit to two key sets and what he thinks of the production
Also at Batman on Film, Bill has an interview with artist Lee Barmejo. He gives his thoughts on the films and his renditions of Two-Face and the Joker.
Superhero Hype has a scan of a Picture of Batman from the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly. Go Here to see it
Scott Beatty talks Nightwing: Year One
source: Pulse
Scott Beatty gives his thoughts on his and Chuck Dixon's upcoming Nightwing story. The Interview can be found Here
Batman makes Diamond's top comics of 2004
source: Newsarama
Diamond Distributors has released its statistics for 2004. Though his solo books weren't represented, Superman/Batman made several lists as follows (Rank in brackets):
Top 100 Comics of 2004
|
Qty Rank |
Retail Rank |
In Stock |
Title |
Price |
Ven |
|
|
3 |
3 |
** |
SUPERMAN BATMAN #8* |
$2.95 |
DC |
|
|
7 |
8 |
** |
SUPERMAN BATMAN #10 |
$2.95 |
DC |
|
|
10 |
17 |
** |
SUPERMAN BATMAN #9 |
$2.95 |
DC |
|
|
11 |
18 |
** |
SUPERMAN BATMAN #13 |
$2.95 |
DC |
|
|
13 |
20 |
** |
SUPERMAN BATMAN #11 |
$2.95 |
DC |
|
|
18 |
24 |
** |
SUPERMAN BATMAN #12 |
$2.95 |
DC |
|
|
33 |
34 |
** |
SUPERMAN BATMAN #14 (RES) |
$2.95 |
DC |
|
|
37 |
41 |
** |
SUPERMAN BATMAN #15 (RES) |
$2.95 |
DC |
|
|
43 |
43 |
** |
SUPERMAN BATMAN #16 |
$2.95 |
DC |
|
|
50 |
47 |
SUPERMAN BATMAN #6 |
$2.95 |
DC |
Top 100 Trades, OGNs
|
Qty Rank |
Retail Rank |
Title |
Price |
Ven |
|
|
1 |
8 |
BATMAN HUSH VOL 1 TP |
$12.95 |
DC |
|
|
8 |
6 |
SUPERMAN BATMAN PUBLIC ENEMIES HC |
$19.95 |
DC |
|
|
11 |
15 |
KINGDOM COME TP |
$14.95 |
DC |
|
|
12 |
27 |
BATMAN HUSH VOL 2 TP |
$12.95 |
DC |
|
|
57 |
36 |
BATMAN HUSH VOL 2 HC |
$19.95 |
DC |
|
|
73 |
114 |
BATMAN DARK KNIGHT RETURNS TP |
$14.95 |
DC |
Interesting that none of the regular Batman titles made the list. In fact the sales of the regular books dipped following the departure of Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee.
January 9, 2005
Jim Lee talks "All Star Batman and Robin"
source: Newsarama
Jim Lee to Newsarama about his latest collaboration with Frank Miller. Here are some snippets
NRAMA: Speaking of that "All-Star" angle, can you describe the setting a little more? It's Gotham, Batman/Bruce, Robin/Dick, but not the ones that are currently in the DCU…or are they? Or is that too much thought into it already?
JL: It's all of the above. It might be best to look at it as "Batman: Year Two" in the Millerverse of Batman. I assume it will feed off what Frank set up with Year One years ago and set up themes which will resonate with those seen in Dark Knight Returns and Dark Knight Strikes Again. It's a fresh examination of the complex relationship between Batman and Robin, Wayne and Grayson.
NRAMA: As you've been saying, Batman Begins will have an impact on DC';s publishing schedule for 2005. The movie opens in June, and Batman and Robin hits in July. Is that a slipped date, or something designed to keep the Batman buzz going after the flick?
JL: This is all by design. We have known about the scheduling for the movie for some time. Moreover, a lot of this kind of activity has to be planned way in advance given the size and scope of the marketing involved in a tentpole movie like Batman Begins. We want Batman and Robin to be there when Batman fans are hungry for more Batman.
Head down Here for more.
Batman Begins media
source: Various
The Official site has a high resolution version of the second teaser
Aronfosky/Miller Treatment reviewed.
Source: DC on Film
LSOK of Superman V has reviewed a treatment of the defunct Year One project by Aronofsky and Miller. While faithful in some regards, LSOK gives the treatment a thumbs down. Find out why Here.
I agree that this would not have made a good film. It seems to stray way too far from the spirit of Batman. The current production is more in tune with that spirit.
January 7, 2005
Gary Oldman talks Gordon
source: FilmForce
The folks at FilmForce have a wonderful interview with Gary Oldman. He discusses his character, how he approached the role and the Batmobile. The Interview is Here
FilmForce also has an interview with producer Emma Thomas. It is Here
January 6, 2005
Frank Miller and Steven Englehart return to Batman
source:Pulse
Some good news for Batman fans. DC has announced that Frank Miller will write the 12 part maxi-series "All Star Batman and Robin". Here is DC's press release from Pulse
PRESS RELEASE
FRANK MILLER AND JIM LEE TAKE ON THE DYNAMIC DUO IN ALL-STAR: BATMAN AND ROBIN
Superstar artist Jim Lee will be joined by legendary writer and Batman visionary Frank Miller on DC's upcoming ALL-STAR: BATMAN AND ROBIN. The series, scheduled to make its debut later this year, marks Miller's first work on the Dark Knight since 2001's acclaimed THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN, and Lee's return to Batman following 2002's best-selling "Hush" storyline in BATMAN.
"If there was one creator I wanted to work with when I was a fan, it would have been Frank Miller," says Lee, "so after this project, I think I'm going to be ready to retire! Seriously, it will be the pinnacle of my career so far, and I can't wait to get started. Frank and I have had a couple of meetings about the story, and it's going to rock!"
Miller says, "This is Dick Grayson's initiation and he's dealing with a very stern teacher. Batman is a hard teacher - unforgiving. Brutal. At the same time, Grayson is watching Batman come into his full power. Me and Jim Lee get to play with all of DC's toys. It'll be a romp. It'll be a lot of fun. I plan on raiding DC's treasury of characters. There won't be a Black Canary or a Wonder Woman unused."
"This is quite an honor and, needless to say, a fairly daunting task that DC has bestowed upon me by handing me the helm of ALL-STARS," says Group Editor Bob Schreck. "Being able to help these incredibly talented creators bring their amazing tales to life on the comics page is going to be one heck of a ride, no doubt. I can't wait until the readers get to see what's in store for them."
"Frank was instrumental in redefining Batman for a new generation, and I, for one, can't wait to see him bring that same level of clarity and interpretation to Dick Grayson and Robin," says Dan DiDio, VP - Executive Editor, DCU. "With the teams now set for the two ALL-STAR books, BATMAN AND ROBIN and SUPERMAN, everyone should agree that they meet the expectations set for these series: All Star creators working on iconic versions of our All Star characters - it doesn't get much better than this."
Pulse is also reporting that the legendary team of Steven Englehart and Marshall Rogers along with John Workman and Terry Austin will do a six part mini-series titled "Dark Detective"
Batman Begins set report # 3
source: Batman on Film
Batman on Film has posted its third set report. This one focuses on the Batman suit and how it is different from the others. Head down Here to read it
January 4, 2005
Batman Begins set Report
source: Batman on Film
As promised, Batman on Film has published the first of many of its set reports. In his first report Paul discusses his first day at the Cardington Hangers, his meeting with the producers and Christopher Nolan. Read this and more Here and Here
Batman Begins pictures
source: Various
Check out these new pictures of Batman. They can be found Here and Here