Super Girl races Jessie Quick for title of World's Fastest Woman

Following up on the success of their Colonel Sanders comic books, DC Entertainment has also created a series of free comic books tied to a promotional partnership with Snickers.  In conjunction with the annual Comic Con International event in San Diego this weekend, Snickers Comic #2: The Fastest Woman Alive is now available as a digital download for a limited time on DC Entertainment's online comic book store powered by Comixology as well as at comixology.com.

It’s the race of the millennium: Supergirl, the Woman of Steel versus Jesse Quick, super-speedster of the Justice League! But a monstrous figure plans to attack the stadium during the event—and it’ll take both Supergirl and Jesse, plus Superman, the Flash and an army of Snickers-powered spectators, to bring him down!

Snickers Comic #2: The Fastest Woman Alive follows up on a free issue provided at last year's Comic Con in San Diego that pitted Super Man versus the Flash in a similar story.  Unlike the past KFC Colonel Sanders comics that can still be read online, Snickers Comic #1 is no longer available.  So if you are interested in reading this new Snickers comic download it while you can! 

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.

INJUSTICE 2 Super Hero Video Game Arriving In 2017

For fans of DC Comics super heroes, 2013's INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US from NetherRealm Studios is one of the most action packed and immersive video game experiences to date allowing players to engage in combative competitions featuring these characters.  Similar to the dream sequence shown in the recent Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice movie this fighting game also has Batman battling Superman in a dystopian future  INJUSTICE takes place in an alternate reality from the primary DC Comics fictional universe where the Joker has tricked Superman into killing Lois Lane and their unborn child.  Fueled with grief, Superman becomes a dictator over the world ruling the planet as its High Councillor imposing his will over all of subjected humanity.  Batman doesn't let this go on without a challenge and leads a resistance that also includes Aquaman, Green Lantern, and Wonder Woman.  I've spent a lot of hours having fun playing this game on my PlayStation 4 and its mobile version on my iPad so it was exciting to find out that a new and improved sequel will be arriving in 2017.

Available for Playstation 4 and Xbox One, INJUSTICE 2 will feature a massive roster of Super Heroes and Super Villains allowing players to create the ultimate version of their favorite DC Comics characters personalizing them with unique and powerful gear that can be earned throughout the game.  INJUSTICE 2 will allow gamers to take control of how their characters look, fight, and develop through a variety of game modes.  The game will continue the cinematic story introduced in INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US as Batman and his allies work to putting the pieces of society back together while struggling against those who want to restore Superman's regime.  In the midst of this chaos, a new threat appears that will put Earth's existence at risk.



To get INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US fans excited about the upcoming sequel, players of the mobile app version of the original video game can now unlock INJUSTICE 2 versions of Superman and Aquaman through its in-game Challenge Modes.  The mobile device version of the game is available as a free download on the App Store and Google Play.  It does contain in-app purchases but casual games can enjoy the game without spending money as I've personally had a lot of fun playing it without buying any enhancements or power-ups.

For more information, visit injustice.com or follow @injusticegame on Twitter.

Free Swag at Comic Book Shops in June from DC Entertainment

 

Wednesdays are New Comic Book Day each week every month throughout the year.  To help keep customers regularly coming through retail store doors and to assist publishers with managing their workload and production the distribution of new comic book issues are scheduled so that releases are evenly spread out throughout the month hitting store shelves on Wednesday.  So comic fans are guaranteed that on most Wednesdays they'll be able to find something brand new to pick up and read if they swing by their neighborhood comic book store.

DC Entertainment has had their comic book series on hiatus in April and May this year as they've focused efforts on promoting several mini-series tied together through a storyline called Convergence during that time span.  At the conclusion of the two month Convergence campaign, 25 of DC's popular monthly titles that existed before the Convergence event will continue again at the point where they left off at in March 2015 plus 24 brand new monthly series will begin with their first issues in June.  To promote the return of fan favorite titles like Batman, The Flash, Superman, and Wonder Woman plus kick off the new serials featuring characters such as Black Canary, Starfire and Bat-Mite, each Wednesday in June DC Entertainment will be giving away FREE swag like posters, temporary tattoos, and cardboard super hero masks at participating retailers.

On June 3rd, DC Entertainment will be distributing Justice League Darkseid vs. Anti-Monitor 11” x 17” posters with art by Jason Fabok; Batman Beyond paper masks; Bat-Mite temporary tattoos; and Bizarro temporary tattoos.

June 10th will feature a Batman 11” x 17” armor blueprint poster; Harley Quinn masks; Starfire 5” x 7” postcards; and Gotham Academy crest stickers.

The promo items for June 17 will be  Justice League Of America 22” x 34” posters with art by Bryan Hitch; Black Canary 11” x 17” concert posters; Robin: Son of Batman paper domino masks; and Prez bumper stickers.

Wrapping up the month on June 24th will be a Superman Daily Planet Replica edition; Grayson Spyral ID cards; We Are…Robin temporary tattoos; and Batgirl paper masks.

Look for these free promotional items on New Comic Book Day each week throughout the month of June.  These aren't extravagant but still these fun little items will probably thrill most kids and put smiles on their faces. I know my kids always love temporary tattoos and would have a lot of fun playing around with these character masks. Oh, and I think that Darkseid poster is pretty darn cool myself!  CLICK HERE to find a comic book shop near you.

Win a Walk on Role in Star Wars Episode VII

Star Wars is making its way back to the silver screen in 2015 and when millions of people flood theaters around the world to see it there is a chance they could see you in the movie!!!  Director J.J. Abrams is giving away a chance for one lucky fan to win a walk on role as an extra in the film through a partnership with UNICEF'S Innovation Labs and Programs and website Omaze.com called STAR WARS: FORCE FOR CHANGE.

From May 21 through July 18, 2014 people can visit Omaze.com and make a donation to support UNICEF.  Based upon the amount of money donated you can receive various reward prizes and entries for the walk on role as an extra in Star Wars Episode VII.  Disney has pledged $1 million dollars to cover the expense of the FORCE FOR CHANGE rewards and costs so that all of the money raised from fan donations goes to the charity.  If you would like to enter the sweepstakes for the change to appear in the movie without making a donation, you can do that to.  Send a postcard with your contact information on it to: 

FORCE FOR CHANGE 

P.O. Box 3190

1217 Wilshire Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90408

or visit this website and complete the form: https://www.omaze.com/digital-free-alternative-method-of-entry

FORCE FOR CHANGE rewards range from $10 which provides 1 entry in the Star Wars movie sweepstakes and a digital badge that you can use for your twitter avatar to $50,000 for a private advance screening of the movie in your hometown and 5,000 entries into the sweepstakes.  CLICK HERE to see all the rewards available.

This Star Wars promotion is following the example set by DC COMICS in their WE CAN BE HEROES campaigns which I've blogged about in the past.  DC's WE CAN BE HEROES campaigns provide rewards from fan donations that are used to support charities providing famine assistance in the Horn of Africa.  I have to say that from looking at and participating in past WE CAN BE HEROES campaigns they are much more generous and affordable than the FORCE FOR CHANGE promotion is.  FORCE FOR CHANGE is really focused towards wealthy individuals who can afford to spend thousands of dollars versus WE CAN BE HEROES has some pretty cool reward items that middle class families can obtain for reasonable donations ranging from $25 to a few hundred dollars.  So from the reward perspective, I find the FORCE FOR CHANGE campaign to be pretty uninspiring except for the change to win the opportunity to be in the movie (which is still very biased to high level donors) compared to WE CAN BE HEROES.  If FORCE FOR CHANGE isn't going to provide some fun and innovative rewards in the $25, $40, $50, $75 and $100 price ranges to really bring in the support of a wide spectrum of the Star Wars fan base off all income levels from around the world in my opinion Disney really should have just donated that million dollars directly to UNICEF. 

poster $70 donation

t-shirt $100 Donation

While the FORCE FOR CHANGE execution is somewhat disappointing, it does help a good cause. It is important to remember to purpose of the campaign is to raise as much money and awareness as possible to support UNICEF.  According to Omaze.com, Star Wars: Force for Change wants to create a brighter tomorrow for thousands of kids and families around the world. By acting as a Force for Change, your contribution to support UNICEF’s Innovation Labs and other innovative work for children will fund dozens of life-changing projects like these in communities across the globe: 

• Portable, solar-powered learning kits being built in China, Uganda, and Burundi to ensure underprivileged children in these countries have access to relevant, high-quality educational materials. 

• Mobile phone application developed in South Sudan and Uganda, and used in the Philippines, that helps reunite children with their families after an emergency. 

• A text messaging solution in Zambia that helps families receive infant medical test results from clinics, in half the time, through mobile phones. 

If you are a Star Wars fan and can afford to make a donation to UNICEF, be a Force For Change and participate in the campaign. For more information, visit http://forceforchange.starwars.com/

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.