Batman is giving out presents to celebrate his birthday

DC Entertainment has designated Wednesday, July 23, 2014 as BATMAN DAY to celebrate the caped crusader's 75th birthday.  Batman's was introduced in 1939 with his appearance in Detective Comics #27.  In recognition of the 75th anniversary of the character's origination, DC will be issuing a new version of Detective Comics #27 that participating comic book retailers will be providing for FREE on BATMAN DAY.

This FREE comic will be a modern interpretation and retelling of the original Detective Comics #27 script and artwork.  This new version is designed by Chip Kidd and scripted by best selling novelist and DC comic veteran Brad Melzer with a cover by the "Batman" monthly series artist Greg Capullo.  Also for the more avid comic enthusiasts out there I'll note that this FREE comic story has already been published this year and was included as one of the multiple stories in the New 52 Detective Comics #27 Mega Batman Anniversary Issue that was sold a few months ago.  That issue retailed for $7.99 and had a few other stories included within it beyond the "original Batman story" though in my opinion after reading it that was the best part of that particular comic book.  Based upon seeing the content already in the Mega Batman Anniversary Issue of the New 52's Detective Comics (fyi DC rebooted all their comic book series a few years ago back to issue #1 and refer to this current timeline with their titles as the New 52) I have to say that it is a real value to get this story as a FREE stand alone comic book for BATMAN DAY.  It is well worth the effort to swing by a comic book store to pick one up!

In addition to the FREE comic book, retailers are being provided with some other giveaway items to distribute on BATMAN DAY.  You can pick up bookmarks featuring cover images from various Batman graphic novels.  There will also be four poster-board Batman masks designed by comic book artist Ryan Sook highlighting variations of Batman's look during his 75-year history.  The masks include:

+Batman's very first appearance in the 1939 DETECTIVE COMICS #27 as drawn by Bob Kane;
+BATMAN '66 - Adam West's classic television series version;
+THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS as drawn by Frank Miller in the 1986 comic book mini-series;
+ THE NEW 52 BATMAN as drawn by Greg Capullo.

There will also be a Batman 75th anniversary cape handed out that I'm not sure if it is made of poster board, paper, or cloth?  From the picture provided and based upon these being giveaway items for a national promotion, I assume the capes will most likely be made with the same material as the masks.  I wonder if the masks and capes are BYOS - Bring Your Own String - so you (or your kids) can wear them.

Normally you are giving someone a present on their birthday, so it's nice that instead on BATMAN DAY someone is giving you something for theirs.  DC hosted a similar event last year for Superman's milestone anniversary that I attended with my kids.  They provided free comic books, mini posters and book marks for MAN OF STEEL DAY at comic book retailers like they are doing this year with BATMAN DAY.  It was fun to take some time off of work and use this event for a little special time with my children that was out of the ordinary.  We went out to lunch, picked up some free stuff from the comic book store, than went home and enjoyed superman ice cream.  They had fun, I had fun, we made some family memories of them spending some quality time with their geeky dad.

Don't miss out on BATMAN DAY! Pick up a free comic book, have some fun with the event, and wish the caped crusader a very happy 75th birthday ... he doesn't look a day over 40 does he?  Here's a Superman Ice Cream toast to the caped crusader may you enjoy 75 more years of adventures!

For those of you not from the Midwest United States, Superman Ice Cream is produced by STROH'S and consists of a mixture of blue moon, red pop and lemon flavors.  Several other brands have imitated it with names like Super Scoop that mix together vanilla with cherry and blue moon ice cream but nothing beats the taste of the original STROH'S Superman Ice Cream.

Celebrate Batman's 75th Birthday with a Warner Brothers Studio VIP Tour

Wow! wish I could afford to fly the family out to LA for a trip to check out this special exhibit Warner Brothers Studio is putting on for Batman's 75th anniversary.  For a limited time, visitors to the WB studios in Burbank California, can participate in a Batman themed VIP tour that whisks you around the back lot sets to show you familiar sights you've seen in the Batman movies and than through a special exhibit where you can get a close up look at the vehicles, props, and costumes that appeared on the silver screen.  During the 2 hour 15 minute tour, expert tour guides will accompany you as they show you iconic locations from the Batman films and lead you through a newly-transformed Studio Tour museum that has its entire ground floor dedicated to the Caped Crusader.  The tours consist of 12 people per group that leaves every 15 minutes from the start off point so you have to reserve a date and time slot to go so you are assured a semi-private encounter through the "Batcave" exhibit as you wander through it.  You can reserve a time slot and purchase tickets online.  It costs $54 per person for the #WBBatmanTour.  If you have younger children, you should note too that children must be 8 years or older to participate in the tour.

Six iconic Batsuits will be on display including the original version worn by Michael Keaton in Batman and the final Christian Bale costume from The Dark Knight Rises. The cowls from all the Batman movies are also on display. You’ll get see a wide range of authentic costumes including those worn by Poison Ivy, The Riddler, Mr Freeze and Catwoman as well as some infamous prop weapons such as the Joker’s cards, Two-Face’s coin, Penguin’s umbrella and Bane’s bomb. A selection of the Dark Knight’s most iconic vehicles are also showcased – with the Bathammer, Bat-Pod and Tumbler taking center stage. The Bat-Signal, used to call Bruce Wayne’s alter ego at a time of need, will be on display and you’ll get the chance to operate the famous prop yourself and get a photo op.

CLICK HERE for more information about the Warner Brothers Studios Batman Exhibit.