VOICE ACTOR KEVIN CONROY PASSES AWAY AT AGE 66

If you've watched a Batman animated movie or television series over the last 30 years, whether or not you realize it you've experienced the vocal talents of Kevin Conroy bringing the Caped Crusader to life in these cartoons. Conroy began voicing the character in Batman: The Animated Series which ran from1992-1996 on Fox television stations. Since then, he has portrayed the character in fifteen movies and fourteen more television shows spanning nearly 400 episodes. Sadly, the world has lost Kevin Conroy to cancer. He passed away at the age of 66.

“Kevin was far more than an actor whom I had the pleasure of casting and directing – he was a dear friend for 30+ years whose kindness and generous spirit knew no boundaries,” Emmy Award winning casting/dialogue director Andrea Romano remarked to ageekdaddy.com. “Kevin’s warm heart, delightfully deep laugh and pure love of life will be with me forever.” 

“Kevin was perfection,” also noted Mark Hamill, who redefined the Joker playing opposite Conroy’s Batman. “He was one of my favorite people on the planet, and I loved him like a brother. He truly cared for the people around him – his decency shone through everything he did. Every time I saw him or spoke with him, my spirits were elevated.”

Stunned by the loss of this brilliant actor. Words can't express my admiration and respect for the man. I loved him like a brother.#RIPKevinConroy 💔 pic.twitter.com/THlaZ2uTSh

— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) November 11, 2022

Since taking on the lead role in Batman: The Animated Series, Conroy would forever be linked to the Dark Knight – in TV series like Batman Beyond and Justice League/Justice League Unlimited; films ranging from Batman: The Killing Joke and Batman: Gotham Knight to Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero and Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman; and more than two dozen video games.

“Kevin was a brilliant actor,” Hamill added. “For several generations, he has been the definitive Batman. It was one of those perfect scenarios where they got the exact right guy for the exact right part, and the world was better for it. His rhythms and subtleties, tones and delivery – that all also helped inform my performance. He was the ideal partner – it was such a complementary, creative experience. I couldn’t have done it without him. He will always be my Batman.”

Kevin Conroy is survived by his husband Vaughn C. Williams, sister Trisha Conroy, and brother Tom Conroy. Memorial services are pending.

BATMAN DAY 2019

Bat Signal projected on Detroit's Renaissance Center

Comic book retailers in Detroit and around the country will be celebrating the 80th anniversary of Caped Crusader adventures on Saturday, September 20, 2019 with BATMAN DAY. While supplies last, participating comic shops and book stores will be distributing 2 FREE Batman comic books. Pick up a Batman Day Edition of BATMAN: NIGHTWALKER or THE BATMAN WHO LAUGHS #1 with a Batman Who Laughs cut-out mask! Plus many of these locations are hosting Batman themed activities, discounts, and giveaways.

BATMAN NIGHTWALKER

Based on the New York Times bestselling novel by Marie Lu, this upcoming graphic novel adaptation brings to life the dark mysteries behind the gates of Arkham Asylum. Nightwalkers are terrorizing Gotham City, and 18-year-old Bruce Wayne is next on their list. Read a preview excerpt from this young adult genre graphic novel printed as a Batman Day special edition.








THE BATMAN WHO LAUGHS

This is a reprint of the 2017 one-shot story spinning out of DARK NIGHTS: METAL and comes with a special card stock cover that has a cut out mask of the Batman Who Laughs. That mask will be great for some Batman Day selfies!











BATMAN SOUNDTRACK

While flipping through the pages of your free comic books enjoy streaming the perfect soundtrack for some Batman reading. Spotify has compiled the Ultimate Batman Playlist of music from Batman-related films, television and games. From songs by Prince and R.E.M. to orchestral tunes by Danny Elfman and Hans Zimmer, these are perfect tunes to make you feel you've been transported to Gotham City while immersing yourself within these Batman Day comic books There is even a ditty featuring Mark Hamill in his joker persona from the Batman animated television shows.

BAT SIGNAL

As darkness sets look up into the night sky as Bat Signals will be illuminated on landmark locations around the world honoring the 80th anniversary of this pop culture icon. Berlin, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Montreal, New York, Paris and Tokyo are a few of the spots where you should keep an eye out for a glimpse of the Bat Signal. Follow along with the Bat-Tracker as the Bat Signal makes its way around the globe celebrating Batman Day.

BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE animated movie playing at select theaters on July 25

It's no joke that Warner Brothers and DC Entertainment are releasing this summer an animated movie meant specifically for an adult audience.   BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE is an R-rated cartoon based on the acclaimed graphic novel of the same name which takes a journey into the dark psyche of the Clown Prince of Crime -- from his humble beginnings as a struggling comedian to his fateful encounter with Batman that changes both of their lives forever.  Years later, and now escaped from Arkham Asylum, The Joker devises a plan to prove that one bad day can make anyone as insane as he is.



Following a gripping prologue introducing Barbara Gordon's heroic adventures alongside Batman as Batgirl, BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE stays true to the authentic tale that has held fans' imaginations for nearly three decades -- spotlighting the birth of a Super-Villain, the fortitude of a Super Hero and the punchline that will leave you speechless.  BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE reunites the foundation of the popular "Batman: The Animated Series" television show with Bruce Timm returning as executive producer and actors Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprising their roles voicing Batman and The Joker respectively.  Slated for a direct to home video release, BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE will get a one night premiere showing on the big screen at cinemas across the United States thanks to Fathom Events partnering with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment.


Fathom Entertainment brings the acclaimed graphic novel-turned-film to select movie theaters across the United States providing BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE the big-screen treatment on Monday, July 25, 2016  at 7:30pm and 10:00pm local time.   In addition to the showing of the animated movie, audience members will be welcomed by a special introduction from Mark Hamill plus see a never-before-seen documentary about how Hamill was cast in this project and what the role means to him as an actor and a fan.  The event will conclude with a special behind-the-scenes look at how the Joker's memorable, yet disturbing song and dance number was recreated from the print pages of a comic book to be portrayed in the animated movie.

Tickets for BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE can be purchased online beginning Friday, June 17 at FanthomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices.  Fathom Events will be listing participating movie theaters on the BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE section of its website.