THE FOLIO SOCIETY DC: BATMAN COLLECTION

Who says reading comic books isn't classy?! The Folio Society, based in London, which publishes beautifully produced, illustrated hardback books is reprinting some of Batman's greatest stories in a format that would make these comic book stories look right at home on the shelves of the world's most prestigious libraries. Folio Society's DC: Batman edition available now for purchase celebrates the 85th anniversary of the first comic book appearance of the Dark Knight Detective reprinting twelve previously released stories.

Scanned from original copies held in the DC archives, the comics have been reproduced in 10” x 7” treasury format. An anti-scratch laminated hardcover features Batman’s signature silhouette, with titles foil-embossed in yellow and midnight blue, the book itself cowled in a pitch-black slipcase bearing the famous Bat-Signal. A compendium of gothic artwork and Batarang-sharp storytelling, DC: Batman is an unmissable investigation into the adventures and pathology of one of the world’s most famous – and most troubled – DC Super Heroes. Available exclusively at foliosociety.com for $100.

Created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger, Batman first appeared in 1939’s Detective Comics #27 and since then the Dark Knight has stood as a symbol of determination, courage and justice to generations of fans. This collectible compilation includes twelve seminal comics, by a host of iconic writers and artists— including Bill Finger, Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson, Denny O'Neil, Neal Adams, Marshall Rogers, Frank Miller, Dave Mazzucchelli, Alan Moore, Brian Bolland and Kelley Jones—all selected and introduced by former DC President, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of DC, Jennette Kahn. Along with the 320-page one-of-a-kind deluxe book, DC: Batman also comes with a stand-alone replica copy of Batman #1. Scanned in its entirety from an original 1940 copy, the replica copy of the Batman #1 comic book, which includes the original back-up strips and vintage ads and introduces DC’s Clown Prince of Crime, aka The Joker, and The Cat, who would come to be known as Catwoman.

“Created towards the end of the Great Depression by artist Bob Kane with writer Bill Finger, Batman is an icon as familiar as James Bond or Tarzan, one who has evolved to reflect the changing attitudes of the twentieth century,” Folio Society Head of Editorial, James Rose, communicated to ageekdaddy.com. “The stories selected for DC: Batman reveal how the character and his billionaire alter-ego Bruce Wayne gradually evolved from the dutiful crimefighter of the 1940s to a man who becomes as crazed as the criminals he puts away. The Caped Crusader faces a rogue’s gallery steeped in gothic horror, from the Weimar cinema-inspired The Joker to the Jekyll/Hyde figure of Two-Face and the Moriarty-like Ra's al Ghul.”

The stories included in The Folio Society DC: Batman compilation are:

Facsimile: Batman #1 (Spring 1940) 

• Writer: Bill Finger 
•  Cover artists: Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson 
•  Artists: Bob Kane, Sheldon Moldoff 
•  Editor: Whitney Ellsworth 

The Bat-Man Detective Comics #27 (May 1939)  

• Writer: Bill Finger 
•  Artist: Bob Kane 
• Editor: Vincent Sullivan 

 Robin—the Boy Wonder Detective Comics #38 (April 1940)

•  Writer: Bill Finger 
•  Artists: Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson 
• Editor: Whitney Ellsworth 

The Crimes of Two-Face! Detective Comics #66 (August 1942) 

•  Writer: Bill Finger 
•  Artists: Jerry Robinson, George Roussos 
•  Letterers: Ira Schnapp 
• Editor: Whitney Ellsworth 

Batman and Green Arrow: The Senator’s Been Shot! The Brave and the Bold #85 (September 1969)

•  Writer: Bob Haney 
• Cover artist: Neal Adams 
•  Penciler: Neal Adams
•  Inker: Dick Giordano 
•  Letterer: Ben Oda 
•  Editor: Murray Boltinoff 

Daughter of the Demon Batman #232 (June 1971) 

•  Writer: Dennis O'Neil 
•  Cover artist: Neal Adams 
•  Penciler: Neal Adams 
•  Inker: Dick Giordano 
•  Letterer: John Costanza 
•  Editor: Julius Schwartz 

The Dead Yet Live Detective Comics #471 (August 1977) 

•  Writer: Steve Englehart
•  Cover artists: Marshall Rogers, Terry Austin, Tatjana Wood, Gaspar Saladino 
•  Penciler: Marshall Rogers
•  Inker: Terry Austin 
•  Colorists: Marshall Rogers
•  Letterer: John Workman 
•  Editors: Julius Schwartz, E. Nelson Bridwell 

The Dark Knight Returns Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1 (June 1986) 

•  Writer: Frank Miller 
•  Cover artists: Frank Miller, Lynn Varley 
•  Penciler: Frank Miller 
•  Inker: Klaus Janson 
•  Colorist: Lynn Varley
•  Letterer: John Costanza 
•  Editors: Dick Giordano, Dennis O'Neil 

Batman: Year One—Chapter One: Who I Am—How I Come to Be Batman #404 (February 1987)

•  Writer: Frank Miller 
•  Artist: Dave Mazzucchelli 
•  Colorist: Richmond Lewis
•  Letterer: Todd Klein 
•  Editor: Dennis O'Neil 

Batman: The Killing Joke (July 1988) 

•  Writer: Alan Moore 
•  Cover artists: Brian Bolland, Richard Bruning 
•  Artist: Brian Bolland Colorist: John Higgins
•  Letterer: Richard Starkings 
•  Editors: Dennis O'Neil, Dan Raspler 

The Last Arkham (Part One) Batman: Shadow of the Bat #1 (June 1992) 

•  Writer: Alan Grant 
•  Cover artist: Brian Stelfreeze 
•  Penciler: Norm Breyfogle
•  Inker: Norm Breyfogle 
•  Colorist: Adrienne Roy 
•  Letterer: Todd Klein 
•  Editors: Scott Peterson, Dennis O'Neil 

Knightfall Part 1: Crossed Eyes and Dotty Teas Batman #492 (May 1993) 

•  Writer: Doug Moench 
•  Cover artists: Kelley Jones, Bob LeRose 
•  Penciler: Norm Breyfogle 
•  Inker: Norm Breyfogle 
•  Colorist Adrienne Roy
•  Letterer: Richard Starkings 
•  Editors: Scott Peterson, Jordan B. Gorfinkel, Dennis O'Neil

COMIC BOOK BRINGS TOGETHER BATMAN AND SPAWN

Comic book fans are getting an early Christmas present when a special one-shot comic book arrives at stores on December 13, 2022. Publishing companies Image and DC are teaming up to bring together two iconic comic characters into one jumbo sized story. DC's Batman and Image's Spawn will be battling it out in a 48-page prestige format special issue.

To close out Image Comics' 30th anniversary they are joining Spawn, the longest running independently published comic book series of all time, with Batman, one of the longest running publishing house comic book series of all time. Image Comics was created by artists who wanted to retain ownership of their art rather than it just becoming the intellectual property of the big publishing companies like Marvel and DC. Spawn became a fast horse out of the game for Image with its first issue selling 1.7 million copies. Over the years, the adventures of this Hellspawn have kept Spawn a prosperous comic book property with a loyal legion of fans.

Artist Greg Capullo has been in charge of painting the portrait of Batman imagery in DC Comics for awhile now. But prior to his stint drawing Batman, he was bringing Spawn to life as an illustrator for Image Comics. To celebrate Image Comics' 30th anniversary he wanted to bring two characters that have been heavily influenced by him together for an epic encounter. Thus, this Batman/Spawn one-shot comic book hitting comic book shop shelves on December 13th was born.

Two dark heroes, cursed by tragedy find their paths crossing ... but not by choice! What sinister foe is at work pitting the Dark Knight against the Hellspawn? From the shadows of Gotham City to New York City, this promises to be a blockbuster story three decades in the making!

SPAWN

VS

BATMAN

Being from the Motor City I have to appreciate Spawn being a kick-ass anti-hero from Detroit; but yet having a career in criminal law have to respect Batman being the World's Greatest Detective. So, I'm interested to see what happens when these two cross paths. Are you geeked about this DC Comics and Image Comics crossover event? I sure am!

BATMAN THE LONG HALLOWEEN ANIMATED MOVIE

Warner Bros Animation provided complimentary Blu-rays of Batman: The Long Halloween Parts I & II. Opinions expressed are honest and my own.

The Halloween season is upon us! A good time to watch the animated movie adaption of one of the best Batman stories ever published by DC Comics → BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN. This graphic novel story is so epic that its film adaption was split into two movies. Parts I & II are now available on Blu-ray and Digital as direct to video DC Universe Release release from Warner Bros Animation that any fan of the Caped Crusader will absolutely want to add to their home entertainment library.

Like other animated DC Universe Movies, BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN demonstrates that cartoons don't just have to be for kids to enjoy. In fact warning to parents this is a movie you probably don't want to view with young children. The combined BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN films are rated R for violence and bloody images. This flick immerses you into the gritty and violent atmosphere of the Dark Knight's vigilantism. 

PART I begins as a brutal murder on Halloween prompts Gotham’s young vigilante, the Batman, to form a pact with the city’s only two uncorrupt lawmen (Police Captain James Gordan and District Attorney Harvey Dent) in order to take down The Roman, head of the notorious and powerful Falcone Crime Family. But when more deaths occur on Thanksgiving and Christmas, it becomes clear that, instead of ordinary gang violence, they’re also dealing with a serial killer – the identity of whom, with each conflicting clue, grows harder to discern. Few cases have ever tested the wits of the World’s Greatest Detective like the mystery behind the Holiday Killer.

PART II continues from the cliff-hanger ending of Part I, the Holiday Killer is still at large and, with Bruce Wayne under the spell of the venomous Poison Ivy, Batman is nowhere to be found. The Caped Crusader finds himself liberated by an unlikely ally. Meanwhile Harvey Dent is confronting battles on two fronts: attempting to end the mob war while also dealing with a strained marriage. And, after an attack that leaves Harvey hideously disfigured, the District Attorney unleashes the duality of his psyche that he’s strived his entire life to suppress. Now, as Two-Face, Dent decides to take the law into his own hands and deliver judgment to those who’ve wronged him, his family and all of Gotham. Ultimately, the Dark Knight must put together the tragic pieces that converged to create both Two-Face and the Holiday Killer.

 

Buy BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN Part I or Part II using a Geek Daddy affiliate link and this blogger will receive a small commission at no additional expense to your purchase. Commissions are reinvested into the blog to provide non-sponsored content to share with our audience. Your support is appreciated by ageekdaddy.com! 

BATMAN THE LONG HALLOWEEN MOVIE

Warner Bros. provided a complimentary Blu-ray of BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN PART ONE to ageekdaddy.com. Views and opinions expressed are honest and my own.

One of the best Batman stories of all time has been adapted into an animated motion picture. Inspired by the iconic mid-1990s graphic novel created by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN PART I begins as a brutal murder on Halloween prompts Gotham’s young vigilante, the Batman, to form a pact with the city’s only two uncorrupt lawmen (Police Captain James Gordan and District Attorney Harvey Dent) in order to take down The Roman, head of the notorious and powerful Falcone Crime Family. But when more deaths occur on Thanksgiving and Christmas, it becomes clear that, instead of ordinary gang violence, they’re also dealing with a serial killer – the identity of whom, with each conflicting clue, grows harder to discern. Few cases have ever tested the wits of the World’s Greatest Detective like the mystery behind the Holiday Killer.

This is such an epic story that it is being divided into two DC Universe movies. Part I is available now on Blu-ray and Digital. Part II is being released on July 27, 2021 for Blu-ray and Digital. Both Part I & Part II will be released in 2022 as one movie available on 4K Ultra HD. 

These movies are sure to be a fan-tastic addition to your home entertainment video library for anyone who appreciates DC Comics super hero adventures. I can't wait to see how this animated movie compares to the print story. While Warner Bros. live-action DC films have been a bit of a flop the studio has done a tremendous job with its direct to video cartoon style superhero universe of movies. So I'm really geeked to watch BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN PART I.

BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN PART I has a runtime of 85 minutes and the Motion Picture Association of America has rated it PG-13 for violence, bloody images, language and some smoking. The DC Movie Universe has demonstrated with its outstanding lineup of animated films that cartoons aren't just for children producing flicks aimed for teenage and adult audiences that mature comic book fans crave. This movie is sure to show the gritty and violent side of the Dark Knight's vigilantism.

Buy BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN PART I using a Geek Daddy affiliate link and this blogger will receive a small commission at no additional expense to your purchase. Commissions are reinvested into the blog to provide non-sponsored content to share with you. Your support of ageekdaddy.com is appreciated!

THE BATMAN FILES

Since first appearing in the pages of DETECTIVE COMICS #27 on March 30, 1939, Batman has stood out as one of the world's favorite superheroes. A symbol of bravery, ingenuity, and heroism, who has a mantra that he won't kill when bringing criminals to justice providing a role model of integrity for generations of fans. The Caped Crusader has been an iconic figure in American pop culture for 80 years.

As Warner Bros. celebrates 80 years of Batman throughout 2019 with special releases, products and events, now seems like a good time to pick up THE BATMAN FILES by Mathew Manning. Written from the perspective of being Bruce Wayne's personal journal regarding his experiences as Batman this book provides an indepth look into the history of the Dark Knight. THE BATMAN FILES is a 308 page 8.9" x 11.2" hardcover dossier that details Bruce Wayne's crime fighting endeavors compiled by Manning in collaboration with DC Comics.

The book doesn't just rehash previous stories from comic books, novels, movies, television shows and video games though. THE BATMAN FILES immerses readers into the world of Bruce Wayne's alter ego. It really has the appearance of a personal journal or scrap book so it feels as if you are reading through a real life diary detailing the adventures of Batman.

Providing a complete outline of Batman's war on crime, the book provides notes about the Caped Crusader's friends and foes ranging from Robin, Batgirl, and the Justice League to Catwoman, Penguin and the Joker that appear to be in Bruce Wayne's own handwriting. THE BATMAN FILES is filled with Gotham City Police reports, newspaper and magazine clippings from publications within the DC Universe, blueprints, schematics, and maps. An Arkham Asylum psychiatric report for Jonathan Crane ( aka Scarecrow ); a college admission letter from Hudson University to Richard Grayson (the first Robin); the death certificate for Jason Todd (the second Robin), sketches of Batmobile designs; a newspaper clipping from the Gotham City Herald on the death of Thomas and Martha Wayne all provide an illusion of authenticity. My son reads this book over and over again because he says it feels like he has been transported within the DC Universe as he peruses through it.

I've quite enjoyed reading THE BATMAN FILES as well. I'm a big fan of looking through blueprints, technical schematics, maps and other forms, drawings and pictures that provide an enhanced view of the vehicles and locations from sci-fi and superhero stories.  This book is packed full of these sort of details. Blueprints of the Batwing, drawings of the Batcave's layout, a map of Gotham City, schematics for Batman's utility belt. There is a lot of stuff to geek out about compiled within THE BATMAN FILES.

THE BATMAN FILES by Mathew Manning is available from Andrew McMeel Publishing. It can be purchased at amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Books-A -Million (BAM!) and Indie Bound community of independent local book stores. A must have book for any Batman fan!

The book provides a dossier of private photos, police reports, news clippings, and journal entries that provides a timeline of significant events in the metamorphosis of Batman from first son of Gotham City to shadowy Dark Knight. THE BATMAN FILES is a great read for anyone who want to delve into the Caped Crusaders history during this year that mark's the superhero's 80th anniversary of being introduced in Detective Comics.

To stay tuned in to special products, publications and events associated with this milestone year in Batman's history keep an eye out for the hashtags #Batman80 and #LongLiveTheBat on social media. You can also visit Batman80.com for the latest news and updates from DC Comics about how Batman's 80th anniversary is being celebrated. Plus don't forget to follow @Geekdad248 on Twitter and Instagram to see how ageekdaddy.com is having a super time celebrating Batman's turning 80. You have to agree Batman has aged well and looks great for being 80!

A Celebration of the Caped Crusader - BATMAN DAY is Saturday September 26, 2015

Saturday, September 26th is BATMAN DAY where bookstores, comic shops, and other retailers will be celebrating this iconic character with fun promotional giveaways and special deals on Batman products.  Kids and kids-at-heart can also have some fun at home on BATMAN DAY too by enjoying these activity sheets, coloring pages, and mask cutouts from DC Comics:



If you are heading out on Saturday make sure to stop by a  comic shop, book store, or participating retailer to receive a FREE copy of BATMAN ENDGAME SPECIAL EDITION #1 with an 8-page preview of the upcoming BATMAN AND ROBIN ETERNAL.  Comic book stores will all have one cover for this free comic book but other retailers including Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Books a Million, FYE, Gamestop, Hot Topics and Spencers will be handing out comics with exclusive variant covers.  Digital isn't being left out of the party either with free downloads, also featuring exclusive covers, being available from Apple iTunes, Comixology, Google Play and Nook.

BATMAN DAY partners include Warner Bros. Consumer Products with licensees Bendon, Capstone, Penguin Random House, Scholastic, and DK Publishing, as well as DC Collectibles, WaterTower Music, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Partners will provide unique retail and digital promotional tie-ins to celebrate the world-renowned Caped Crusader.

Signings and meet-and-greets with top Batman talent from DC Comics will also be taking place on BATMAN DAY including an all star line-up at Baltimore Comic-Con with Scott Snyder, Greg Pak, Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, Peter Tomasi, Cully Hammer, and Klaus Janson. Additional BATMAN DAY signing events featuring comic book talent will take place around the United States and Canada include acclaimed artist and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee (Los Angeles), Greg Capullo (Guilderland, NY), Tom King (Baltimore), Paul Dini (Los Angeles), Tim Seeley (Chicago), Dan Jurgens (St. Paul), Brenden Fletcher (Toronto, ON), Sean Murphy (Brooklyn) Len Wein (Los Angeles), Chris Burnham (Burbank), Ray Fawkes (Toronto, ON), Pat Gleason (St. Paul), Brian Buccellato (Los Angeles), Kyle Higgins (Los Angeles), Matt Manning (Asheville, NC), Daniel Wallace (Eden Prarie, MN), with  more to be announced.

To help fans get in the spirit for #BATMANDAY the various DC Comics Facebook pages have been updated with themed banners.

But wait! take a closer look! In addition to their being a Batman logo on the banner could there be something else lurking in the shadows?

It's Batman!  They've added an image of the dark knight in the main banner of these nine Facebook pages as Easter eggs for fans to look for in a great caped crusader hunt:  Aquaman, Superman, Wonder Woman,  The Flash, Green Lantern, Justice League, Harley Quinn, Green Arrow, and Vertigo Comics.  Did you find all the hidden Batman images in the artwork?  Some are pretty easy to spot and others are really difficult.

As Robin would say Holy Armadillo Batman there sure is going to be a lot of Batmania going on September 26th!

Enjoying the Geeky Side of Life - Celebrating Batman Day

2014 marks the 75th anniversary of the creation of the caped crusader with Batman's first appearance taking place in Detective Comics #27 which was published in 1939.  In recognition of this milestone year DC Comics designated Wednesday, July 23, 2014 as BATMAN DAY to celebrate.  Comic book retailers celebrated BATMAN DAY by distributing a free print of a modernized version of Detective Comics #27 that was revamped by DC Comics creative team along with some fun cardboard caped crusader masks and other dark knight inspired swag.  I decided to take a "Dad Moment" with my kids and blocked off the day from work to devote having a themed day of Batman fun.

We did that last summer when DC Comics held a similar event marking Superman's 75th anniversary in 2013.  I took off work to take my children to the comic book store to pickup free Superman comic books than we went home to enjoy some Superman ice cream and play super heroes in the backyard.  My kids really enjoyed our MAN OF STEEL DAY together last year so we had a CAPED CRUSADER DAY this summer.

We started off BATMAN DAY cruising over to the comic book store to pick up our freebies.  Than we headed over to the park to have some super hero adventures at the playscape.  Following some playtime we visited a nature center where the guides told the kids about bats and gave them an up close look at a few stuffed specimens that they had on hand.  The guides also showed us some bat houses behind the nature center where the live ones live and explained how bats help protect us and the ecosystem by eating mosquitoes.

July 23rd was also "National Hot Dog Day" so we stopped by Sonic to get some $1 chili cheese dogs that they had on special for lunch.  We also nabbed some Batman Slushes to take home with us (Grape Slush - looks like Batman's costume - with Nerds candy in them - because enjoying comic books is kinda nerdy).

When we got home we enjoyed our Batman Slushes (well my son & I did; my daughter insisted on getting the red colored version) while reading our new comic books.  It was a full day enjoying the geeky side of life celebrating Batman's Birthday.  The following day I'll back to work and the kids will be back at the babysitters so I wanted to make the most out of our special Daddy Day Out.  I'm hoping my kids will remember these geeky days with daddy when they're grown up fondly and recognize that I made an extra effort to spend some special quality time with them while they were little...and hopefully it will inspire them to enjoy the geeky side of life every once in awhile.

Mark your Calendars: Get a Free Comic Book to Celebrate Batman's Birthday on July 23, 2014

You couldn't tell it from looking at him, but Batman turns a spry 75 years old this year.  The Caped Crusader made his first appearance in Detective Comics #27 published in 1939, which featured artwork by Bob Kane and a script by Bill Finger.  So DC Entertainment is celebrating Batman's 75th anniversary in 2014 and like his partner in crime, Superman, they are holding a birthday party for him at your local comic book retailer.

Last year, Superman turned 75 and DC Comics hosted "Man of Steel Day" at comic book shops and libraries across the country.  I took my kids and we grabbed a FREE All-Star Superman comic book than went home and read it together on the back porch while enjoying some Superman ice cream.  A similar event will take place this summer to celebrate Batman's 75th birthday.

Batman Day will be on Wednesday, July 23, 2014. DC Entertainment is partnering with thousands of comic retailers, book stores and libraries for “Batman Day” where each location will host a Batman 75^th anniversary celebration and offer fans a free, special edition Batman comic.

Mark your calendars and have your self some fun wishing the Dark Knight a happy 75th birthday ... and many more!

PS...The Batman television series that I grew up watching reruns of that originally aired on ABC from 1966 to 1968 starring Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin will be available to purchase on DVD for the first time ever this year in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the franchise.  Keep an eye out for that release date.