Superhero Shows: 4/18/10

23 April 2010

Evolution of the Batman (and Robin) - The Batman vs Dracula

One of the best things that came out of The Batman series was 2005's surprisingly dark direct to video project Batman Vs. Dracula.

Even though it may sound silly, the movie was much grimmer than the TV series, pitting The Dark Knight against the original batman - Count Dracula. The movie was so dark in fact, that some scenes and blood references had to be edited for airing on Cartoon Network. Also, with double the capes, the animation in this movie was quite good maintaining the somber mood.

Of course, the two most overused villains from the series (Joker and Penguin) appeared here as well. Fortunately they were used pretty well with the Penguin forced to serve Dracula, and the Joker himself becoming a vampire (not the glitter in the sun sort either).

Another nice appearance was made by bone other than Vicki Vale. Arriving just after the series first lackluster season, this movie gave fans false hope that the series was going to get a lot better. Turns out this was just an outlier. Maybe it wasn't as good as other Batman animated movies that preceded it, but when measured against the standard set by The Batman, this was a home run.

Up Next: Justice League: The New Frontier

Batman Serial * Batman and Robin Serial * Batman '66 TV * Batman '66 Movie * Batman with Robin the Boy Wonder * Batman on Scooby Doo * Batman the Super Friend * The New Adventures of Batman * Batman '89 * Batman Returns * Batman: The Animated Series * Batman: Mask of the Phantasm * Batman Forever * Batman and Robin * The New Batman Adventures * Boo Wonder * Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero * Batman Beyond * Gotham Girls * Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker * Batman on Justice League * DCAU Crossovers * Birds of Prey * Teen Titans * Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman * Chase Me * The Batman * Batman Begins * Batman Vs. Dracula *

* Special Musical Edition * Special Christmas Edition * Special OnStar Edition * Special Never Happened Edition * Special Canine Edition *

The Losers have Arrived

I don't know of anyone planning to see it, but The Losers, adapted from DC Vertigo's comic is in theaters. I don't know, in spite of this looking awfully similar to the A-Team which is also coming out this summer, The Losers looks like it could be a good dollar movie experience. And hey, at least its not The Losers - 3D. Unfortunately I don't see much box office gold in store for this one.

Green Hornet Buzzess Off to 2011

Production for the Green Hornet has not gone well. The movie had switched directors, main actors, and release dates before finally settling on December 17, 2010. Last week rumors leaked that the film is not shaping up well and this week it was announced the movie is moving to January 14, 2011. Suffice it to say January has traditionally been a dumping ground for movies. While Sony claims to move is to allow the now "Green Hornet 3D" to have more 3D screens, the truth is that direct competition in 2D or 3D against Tron, Narnia, and Harry Potter would have likely left little audience for the Hornet. So, maybe the move will be beneficial. Having said that, making the movie 3D is ridiculous and this 3D trend is really getting out of control. Sorry guys, this wont be the next Avatar.

21 April 2010

Update: Young Justice is Coming

UPDATE: Below is the official description. Looks like it will be Superboy not young Superman and Arrowette is now Artemis. Hopefully ate some point Wonder Girl will be allowed to appear.

Young Justice - In Young Justice, being a teenager means proving yourself over and over—to peers, parents, teachers, mentors and, ultimately, to yourself. But what if you’re not just a normal teenager? What if you’re a teenage super hero? Are you ready to join the ranks of the great heroes and prove you’re worthy of the Justice League? That’s exactly what the members of Young Justice — Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Superboy, Miss Martian and Artemis—will find out, whether they have what it takes to be a proven hero. This all-new series is produced by Warner Bros. Animation and based upon characters from DC Comics. Sam Register (Teen Titans, Ben 10, Batman: The Brave and the Bold) is the executive producer. Brandon Vietti (Batman: Under the Red Hood, Superman Doomsday, The Batman) and Greg Weisman (Gargoyles, The Spectacular Spider-Man, W.I.T.C.H.) are the producers.

According to Toonzone, an announcement for the animated Young Justice series is imminent. and we even got a new, non-leaked image. Looks like a pretty good line-up though I am not sold on the look for Martian Girl. I also wonder, given all the legal tanglings with Superboy, if that is actually Superboy as opposed to the Legion of Superheroes solution of just using a young Superman. Can't wait to hear more about this series.

19 April 2010

Batman Red Hood Trailer is Revealed

It wouldn't be summer without a Batman movie, and it wouldn't be a Batman movie without the Joker. Looks like a "buy" to me.

Green Lantern's Brightest Days #15

#15 Justice League: Hearts and Minds

In spite of an effective threat establishing opening, Hearts and Minds was one of the weaker entries in Justice League's second season. Still, the episode did have a few gems for fans of the Emerald Knight and particularly of the Green Lantern Corps. In fact, this episode could well have been used as a pilot for a Green Lantern Corps series. Though Kilowog and Katma Tui had been seen in previous episode's it was here that their characters were given real development. For the first time in any format, Corps members aside from the "main human" were presented heroically at a more than superficial level.

The episode also gave some details about John Stewart's training under Katma Tui and of the ringbearer's need to muster great willpower to effectively wield the ring. It was also nice see Despero from the Lantern's rogue's gallery which usually only offers up Sinestro.