Jul 212013
 

bmjokerJoker seemed to have been defeated at the end of DEATH OF THE FAMILY, but the truth is that the clown is a part of the Batman mythos from beginning to end.  At least that is what writer Scott Snyder revealed in a panel yesterday about his run on the current BATMAN: ZERO YEAR storyline.  Here are a few things he let out for the fans to figure out.

…Snyder narrates a page from issue #23, out Aug. 14, with Bruce Wayne confronted by The Red Hood Gang. There are a lot of secrets revealed in that scene, Snyder says…

In another part of the panel, Snyder continues:

…Issue #23 will contain a scene between Bruce Wayne and Alfred that Snyder says is “very personal” to him.

“Our Alfred is saying, ‘Bruce, you need to mean something. You need to matter,” Snyder explains.

In regards to any possible Joker connection, Snyder says the villain is a key part of his overall vision for Batman. “He haunts Batman forever. He haunts this story, and every story.”…

And finally, the burning question:

…Does the Red Hood Gang play into the origin of The Joker? Snyder: “You’ve got to read #24.”

Well, I guess the Jokerholics will have to wait a little longer to see how he fits the Joker in the ZERO YEAR storyline, and makes me wonder if he’s going to favor any of the tens of previously told Joker origin stories to tie him to this stage of Batman’s crimefighter life.  We’ll wait patiently Mr. Snyder, your talent has not disappointed us yet

OH AND DON’T FORGET that Joker will have a small cameo September’s VILLAIN MONTH  in a new (?) Joker/ Batman story set to develop in  the pages of BATMAN #23.1

(For a full transcript of the panel visit NEWSARAMA.COM HERE or COMIC VINE HERE)

Jul 182013
 

foreverevil1Can’t wait to see this documentary analyzing the impact of villains in the DC UNIVERSE and their influences on the very heroes they antagonize.  With SDCC soon around the corner, they have revealed a little teaser video of the documentary.  Please enjoy the first look at NECESSARY EVIL TRAILER!

 

Jul 182013
 

When she was a regular in the old DC, they tried to give her a new image and more independence as a character with her own comic book series from 2001 to 2003 that included creative talents from Karl Kesel, Terry Dodson, A.J. Lieberman, and Mike Huddleston.  The original series was not too impressive, failing dramatically on releasing the inner talents of this character.

Now with the New52 revamped Harley Quinn (from her skimpy outfit, white skin,  and strange hair color scheme) and new origin thanks to the Joker himself who threw her into a vat of chemicals to make her at his image, they seem ready to give Harley another chance to go solo. Here is the promo pic from our friends at CBR.

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This time the team ahead of the new comic book run are no other than so well know comic book couple of Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner.  Maybe this new try of DC to finally give Harley the place she has earned in the Batman mythos will prove more successul than its predecessor.  That is something that has to be seen, but the new creative team are no amateurs and I think have a much better grasp of the character than did the first series.

Now please forgive my cold indiference at this time, but I will just sit and wait until the first issue comes out and check it out before thowing out any personal opinion on the subject (and that is because I am biased by the failure of the previous attempts).  I personally think she lost after issue #1 a lot of what made her such a success in the TV series.  So I will clear my mind now of the past because I want to address this re-launch with a new fresh mind.

In this promo pic (or tease) of the new series, hints that it  will obviously include Joker as part of the series, as they will try to explore the strange relationship that led to Dr. Quinzel on becoming Harley Quinn (just hoping they don’t dwell on the subject too long and give her a good deal of space to grow as a unique and independent character.  I believe she has a very strong potential to do it on her own with the direction of a great writer, editor and artist.  We’ll see.

 (Picture courtesy of CBR and source material courtesy of GIANTBOMB.COM)

Jul 152013
 

Could not let the news pass me by, since this has to be probably one of the best sculpts of the Clown Prince of Crime that the Sideshow artists have produced (Yes, and probably as good as the sculpt of the Museum Quality Joker statue!).  No release date, but you can sign in the Sideshow site for updates.  Just click on the ling below to be taken to the site.

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(Picture courtesy of SIDESHOWTOY.COM)

Jul 152013
 

More pics from our friends at Sideshow depicting the new Harley Quinn figure to be released on February of 2014.  The figure is basically a companion of the 1/6th Joker figure to be released later this year. 

I don’t know about you guys but I have no idea who came witht he idea of that hideous corsette for Harley.  If they were doing a classic Joker figure why not follow a masterpiece like that with a classic Harley?  Everybody knows the regular Harley Quinn had no corsette.  Is this DC and Sideshow’s idea of hybridize Harley with the new more modern look she has taken, just to make her “sexier”?  I would not believe it past DC Comics, specially after the more sexual tone the new 52 line has taken lately. It’s just a personal opinion.

Now to the important info.  The figure will also include two head sculpts and accessories:

  • Fully Articulated Body
  • Two Harlequin jester heads with alternate expressions; grinning and mischievous
  • Fabric Costume includes Black and Red Bodysuit, corset, lace detailing and jester tights
  • Giant Wooden Mallet (Printed Your Face Here)
  • Oversized Pop-Gun
  • Customized Boots (Engraved KA-POW on soles)
  • Variety of interchangeable hands for various gags and tricks, including:
  • Brass knuckle fist (Engraved HA HA)
  • Hand with syringe
  • Sideshow Exclusive: Engraved Butcher’s Knife

 Here are the pics:

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Detail of the Sideshow Exclusive engraved butcher’s knife:

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(Picture courtesy of Sideshow Collectibles.  For Pre-orders visit SIDESHOWTOY.COM or your local comic book shop)

 

Jul 142013
 

And I cannot wait until it gets here in October…

That statue of Batman vs Joker is worth to me the price tag of $99 dollars.  No offense to the Joker Hamilll worked with in both Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, but they made this Joker very ‘attractive’ (yes, even for a computer animated character) and modern at the same time.  I like the new concept and the new look. 

Now, here is the pic of the Collector’s Edition:

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The source of the Collector’s Edition details is Arkhamverse.com who claim the original picture was leaked to a French site.  A summary of the contents of the ARKHAM ORIGINS Collector’s Edition was also provided along with the leaked pic:

  • Unique 3D metal pack
  • The Art of Batman:  Batman Origins Artbook
  • 2 Exclusive DLCs
  • Holographic Collector’s Box
  • 23cm (9 1/16th inch) tall Batman vs Joker collectible figure
  • Price $99
Jun 302013
 

I don’t go for the fancy just for fads, but can’t deny that my handsome clown is depicted in all his glory (and with a face!) on the cover of BATMAN 23.1 in September, and he looks even better when you see him “moving” around in the cover as if he was really there…too cute to overlook.  Take a look for yourself!

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Jun 302013
 

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I really am waiting for the release of this figure.  I had collected the other Kai Arts figures (Joker, Joker Black, and Harley Quinn) and have to say that the quality of the craftmanship is impressive for such a small action figure (as compared with the much larger Hot Toys and Enterbay).  Here is a video I found reviewing the figure and makes me even more curious.  I need to get my hands on this figure.

 

 

 

Jun 172013
 

infinitycrisispicNow is your chance to meet another character from the upcoming game INFINITY CRISIS to come out later this year. Check out his powers, weaknesses and playing tips.

Spending time with this Joker isn’t just fun–it’s a gas!

Gaslight Joker

Universe of Origin: Gaslight

The prosperous Age of Invention’s most infamous serial killer, Gaslight Joker butchers his opponents with bloody cleaver and swarms of starving rats. Word traveled through Gotham of a “Laughing Butcher” who, with a joke and smile, led unsuspecting street dwellers beneath his shop to feed his pet rats. Batman heard these tales and sought this butcher out. The butcher fled and, in his flight, plummeted into a vat of chemicals. His face bleached and frozen into a mad mocking grin, he was transformed into “the Joker”. Gaslight Joker wades into fights with sweeping strikes of cleaver and ham, often followed by his “pets,” a ravenous swarm of starving rats.

(Video courtesy of DCCOMICS.COM)

Jun 172013
 

arkhamoriginjoker01I found a full ARKHAM ORIGINS DEMO WALKTHROUGH that was shown at E3 this year and has a little more footage on the Joker, plus more graphics from the actual playgame.  Joker footage starts with the Penthouse cinematics at 14:59 and runs for almost two minutes. Mr. Baker is really doing an amazing job trying to fill such large shoes and he’s not disappointing.

(I still can’t believe this guy was Batman’s/TwoFace/Brainiac voice for the LEGO BATMAN 2 movie)

The whole playable demo walkthrough is a real treat though, so feel free to watch it from the beginning…ENJOY

(Video courtesy of ARKHAMCITIVIDEOS at YouTUBE)