BATMAN DAY

DC Comics is celebrating the 85th anniversary of its costumed superhero, Batman, with a day full of fun promotions on September 21, 2024. Here are some of the BATMAN DAY activities taking place this year:

COMIC BOOK SHOPS

One of my favorite Batman comic books ever is the one-shot special issue BATMAN/ELMER FUDD which was originally published in 2017. This story written by Tom King and illustrated by Lee Weeks pits a classic Looney Tunes character instead of hunting rabbits he is pursuing the Caped Crusader in a gritty, realistic setting instead of the cartoonish style people are used to seeing Elmer Fudd portrayed in. After a chance meeting with billionaire Bruce Wayne, Elmer Fudd's obsession quickly escalates into stalking Batman through the dark alleys and high-class social settings of Gotham City. 

I was geeked to have Lee Weeks autograph for me my first print edition of BATMAN/ELMER FUDD at Motor City Comic Con. If you missed out on the original release of BATMAN/ELMER FUDD, local comic book shops will be selling reprints of the comic book with two cover art variations. I like this comic so much I'm buying the Noir cover even though I already own the original issue.

For Batman Day, comic shops will also be stocking on shelves the first issue of the new series Batman The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween, a follow-up story to the popular Batman: The Long Halloween graphic novel and a facsimile reproduction of Detective Comics #27 which features the first appearance of Batman.

Some comic book shops will also be giving out FREE comic books for BATMAN DAY! DC Comics has printed three BATMAN DAY 2024 issues to be distributed to fans. One with some sections from the JOKER THE WORLD graphic novel, one tied to BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN and another one focused on an adventure with Batman's sidekicks. Available while supplies last at select locations!

Digital comic book readers should check out DC UNIVERSE INFINITE online subscription library which is celebrating Batman Day by offering a curated collection of Batman-centric content FREE to read, in front of its paywall. Use promo code BATMAN8530DAY for a 30-day free trial. Offer only valid in the USA.

Amazon also has several digital comics available for FREE for BATMAN DAY. These special issues include Batman: The World, Batman / Fortnite, Batman: Hust and Batman's Mystery Casebook. These are readable on an Amazon account via read.amazon.com. 

MOVIE THEATERS

A number of movie theaters are having special Batman screenings. For example, in Metro Detroit, Emagine Theatres will be hosting a Dark Knight trilogy movie marathon on BATMAN DAY. Select Emagine theatres will be offering tickets to all three films and a concession deal for only $25 per person.

The Batman Day Package is only $25 and will include tickets to each of the films, Batman Begins, Dark Knight, and Dark Knight Rises, an 85oz popcorn tub and small drink that can be refilled for no additional cost throughout the day. The following locations will be participating in Batman Day celebrations. Michigan: Emagine Canton, Emagine Novi, Emagine Rochester Hills, Emagine Birch Run, The Riviera Powered by Emagine

BATMAN BEGINS (2005) After witnessing his parent’s death, Bruce learns the art of fighting to confront injustice. When he returns to Gotham as Batman, he must stop a secret society that intends to destroy the city. Rated PG-13 

THE DARK KNIGHT (2008) When the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, Batman must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice. Rated PG-13 

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2012) Eight years after the Joker’s reign of chaos, Batman is coerced out of exile with the assistance of the mysterious Selina Kyle in order to defend Gotham City from the vicious guerrilla terrorist Bane. Rated PG-13 

Film Schedule BATMAN BEGINS: 1:00pm DARK KNIGHT: 4:00pm DARK KNIGHT RISES: 7:15pm 

For BATMAN DAY, AMC Theatres will also be taking online preorders for the purchase of their popular sold-out Bat Signal light up popcorn buckets. If you want one get it now at movie chain's online shop. These are sure to sell out! Expect delivery in Spring or Summer of 2025.

DIECAST

If you are a fan of diecast cars like I am. BATMAN DAY is a good excuse to purchase some. Jada Toys has some great Batmobile models available on Amazon.com including the one from The Batman (2022), the Tumbler from the Dark Knight movies, the batmobile from Tim Burton's Batman, and the classic car from the 1960s era TV series. These look great displayed in a home office or game room.

Hot Wheels also has some great Batmobile diecast cars. I couldn't resist picking this one up for myself the other day. Gotta love the classic TV show version of the Batmobile!

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HOT WHEELS LEGENDS TOUR 2024

Toy manufacturer Mattel made a stop on its HOT WHEELS LEGENDS TOUR in the Motor City this weekend. Sponsored by Mobil 1 and Walmart, the event showcases real cars made to recreate the look of Hot Wheels and existing vehicles that served as the inspiration for being crafted into miniaturized diecast toy cars by Mattel. The HOT WHEELS LEGENDS TOUR'S Motor City stop also had on display hotrods and other customized cars that local people could have judged to have their vehicles entered into a competition where the winner will be replicated into a 1:64 Hot Wheels diecast car that will be made available to add to toy collections. 

The Hot Wheels Bone Shaker hotrod was one of the most popular cars at the event. Every parent there was getting pictures of their children with this car. It really stood out!

Gearheads have to love the 1968 Corvette, the Midas Monkey, that Mattel commissioned Gas Monkey Garage to build. This car marked the first time that Hot Wheels had reached out to a tuner about building a car from scratch to be the inspiration for creating a diecast toy and used in promoting the brand. This is a sweet ride that any Gas Monkey fan will be geeked to get a close up look at.

My son's favorite car on display was an original Dodge Viper in mint condition. This is one of the few auto show concept cars that actually became a reality. Manufactured in Detroit the Dodge Viper is a great example of Motor City Muscle. It looks sleek and has the speed to match its appearance...a very nice ride!

My favorite car there was probably the least glamorous. A recreation of Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane's police car from the Dukes of Hazard television show. While most attendees weren't paying attention as they walked past it, I discovered the trunk was filled with autographs and memorabilia from the cast and crew of the Dukes of Hazard. I loved that show as a kid ... it was must see TV each week when a new episode aired! 

The next stops this summer on the HOT WHEELS LEGENDS TOUR are Chicago and Indianapolis before heading to Texas for some shows in September. Click here for more information about these events.

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MATTEL WHEELING A NEW ANIMATED SHOW ONTO NETFLIX

An all-new animated children’s series based upon Mattel's iconic Hot Wheels brand of toy cars is coming to Netflix in Spring 2024. Mixing out-of-this-world vehicles, adventurous characters, high-octane races and more, the new Netflix series promised to be a high-speed thrill ride. Hot Wheels Let's Race follows the newest generation of racers: Coop, Spark, Mac, Brights, Axle, and Sidecar as they attend a racing camp that always puts the pedal to the metal. 

Through exciting car races, extreme stunt contests, and thrill-seeking challenges, Hot Wheels Let’s Race is a show that while aimed at kids the whole family can enjoy watching it together. Plus, in coordination with the Netflix Season 1 debut of Hot Wheels Let’s Race the toy manufacturer will be coordinating a lineup of Hot Wheels toys and consumer products featuring the show’s vehicles, settings, and storylines.

Are you geeked about this new show coming to Netflix? 

DETROIT AUTORAMA 2020

Thanks to Championship Auto Show Incorporated  for inviting ageekdaddy.com down to the TCF Center for a tour of the 68th Detroit AUTORAMA. This annual event known as "America's Greatest Hot Rod Show" showcases dozens of custom and classic cars. AUTORAMA 2020 also has two special exhibits on display with one featuring the race cars used in filming the movie Ford vs Ferrari and the other highlighting 5 of the most significant hot rods of the 20th Century.

Detroit AUTORAMA 2020 is sponsored Meguiars, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and the Summit Racing Equipment Show Car Series. It takes place February 28 through March 1. Show hours are Friday Noon - 10pm, Saturday 9 am - 10pm and Sunday 10am - 7pm. General admission is $21 with children (6 - 12 years old) costing $8 to get in. Children under 6 years old are FREE. Discounted tickets are also available at O'Reilly stores at $19 for adults and $7 for kids. Go to autorama.com for more info.



THE CARS FROM THE MOVIE FORD VS FERRARI

Two race cars used in filming scenes for the movie Ford vs Ferrari are on exhibit at this year's Detroit AUTORAMA. The #95 car depicts a Ford GT40 in race scenes during the movie. This green race car was also painted during production to also be seen as the red #3 and yellow #8 race cars seen in Le Mans sequences during Ford vs Ferrari.

The red #20 car on display at AUTORAMA was used to depict the Ferrari 330 P3 on-screen in the movie. Both of these vehicles used for filming scenes in Ford vs Ferrari are modern day replicas of the original 1960s era race cars. They were both created by Race Car Replicas of Fraser, Michigan specifically for use in Ford vs Ferrari. Ironically, both of these cars sport Chevy engines underneath their replicated Ford and Ferrari exteriors.



The plot of Ford vs Ferrari is based upon a real life story in this movie which is one of the best racing movies to come out of Hollywood in years. It is the story of American automotive designer Carroll Shelby and fearless British race car driver Ken Miles as they battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary vehicle for the Ford Motor Company. Together, they plan to compete against the race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966.



Can Shelby and Miles get their GT40 over the finish line in triumph over the Ferrari 330 P3 which is known as one of the most beautiful and fastest cars ever built at that time. You will have to watch the movie to find out! Pick up Ford vs Ferrari at Best Buy on Blu-ray. If you purchase the movie through ageekdaddy.com link this dad blogger will receive a small commission at not additional expense to you. Thanks for your support!



You can also get an up close look at the Ford GT cars that are currently competing on race tracks around the world. Ford Performance has a motor sports area at AUTORAMA with a number of engines and vehicles on display. Today's Ford GT are still inspired by the race track success of the model that won Le Mans as seen in the movie Ford vs Ferrari.

MOST SIGNIFICANT HOT RODS OF THE 20TH CENTURY

Look back at the roots of the show, this year AUTORAMA has a special exhibit of some of the most iconic hot rods that inspired generations of gearheads and wrench monkeys. Take a look at five custom cars that are at the heart of hot rod heritage. On display are Norm Grabowski's Kookie T (known for its appearances on the television show 77 Sunset Strip), Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's Beatnik Bandit (which was the inspiration for the look of one of Hot Wheels first toy cars) and Outlaw, Bob McGee's Ford Roadster, and Tommy Ivo's T Bucket.

KOOKIE T

This car showed the fun side of hot rod culture through a full page picture in LIFE Magazine of Norm Grabowski enjoying a hamburger in his car outside a Hollywood Big Boy restaurant. Grabowski used his career as a stunt driver to get his hot rod featured in a number of movies and television shows, most notably serving as the ride for Gerald Lloyd “Kookie” Kookson III in the detective show 77 Sunset Strip (1958 - 1964). The popularity of this car created what was known as the T-Bucket craze of the late '50s / early '60s. This included inspiring the hot rods used in the Munsters tv show (1964-66). I loved that show! Norm Grabowski's Kookie T is considered one of the world's most famous hot rods ever built.

BEATNIK BANDIT

This hot rod by Ed "Big Daddy" Roth inspired one of the original Hot Wheels car designs released by Mattel. The Mattel toy car was released in 1968 as one of the first sixteen vehicles for the Hot Wheels brand. The actual hot rod was built in 1960 off of a 1950 Oldsmobile chassis and was known for its bubble top that served as both a roof and a door to the vehicle. One of the most recognizable hot rods loved by both car aficionados and toy collectors alike.

OUTLAW

Ed Roth built more than 40 hot rods with original and futuristic designs during his lifetime. The 1960s was considered the "Roth Era" of Hot Rod design with the cars he crafted inspiring others to duplicate his stylings. The car that started it all was his 1959 Outlaw that itself was inspired by Norm Grabowksi's Kookie T but utilized a brand new technique for the chassis by uniquely crafting it with fiberglass. Known for 6'4" height and 240 pound physique, Big Daddy Roth followed up Outlaw with vehicles that looked like spaceships like the Beatnick Bandit (1960), Mysterion (1963) and Orbitron (1964). Ed Roth created cars that both car geeks and sci fi fans can appreciate and it all started with the Outlaw.

FORD ROADSTER

Returning from military service in WWII, Bob McGee crafted what was to become the stereotype for the classic post-World War roadster hot rod. In fact the term hot rod came from the increasing popularity of people calling modified roadsters "hot" thus hot roadster eventually became "hot rod." McGee's discarding parts that didn't improve the speed or appearance of his vehicle, lowering the suspension, supping up the engine, and giving the car custom painting and upholstery provided a check list of details that became a standard for crafting a hot rod. His 1940s innovations soon became standard fare for hot rods in the following decades. He backed this reputation by getting his customized Ford Roadster to be timed at 112.21 mph in 1947. A 1948 cover photo on Hot Rod Magazine ensured that McGee and his Roadster would be long remembered as leaders in car customization.

T BUCKET

This hot rod gained a following in the 1950s because its owner Tommy Ivo was known for both being an illegal street racer in Los Angeles with a reputation for never losing on the drag as well as competing in sanctioned motor sport track events by the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association). An appearance by the T Bucket (inspired by the Kookie T) in Hot Rod Magazine as well as in the 1956 movie Dragstrip Girl fueled the popularity of this hot rod and its bucket style chassis. Having reached speeds of up to 119 mph drag racing at San Fernando Speedway, Tommy Ivo's T Bucket absolutely earned its cred with hot rod enthusiasts!



In addition to these exhibits, there are also numerous classic automobiles, customized vehicles, tricked out trucks, and race cars to check out. Plus don't miss out exploring the basement exhibit area of TCF Center which is showing a gritty collection of cars from exhibitors like the Deadlast Car Club. This area is featuring live music and car renovation demonstrations as well as showing any car can get a new life. Even a postal truck!

One of my favorite cars at AUTORAMA was this hot rod based upon a Prohibition era rum runner. Now that is a sweet ride!

There is sure to be a vehicle on display for anyone to geek out over at AUTORAMA as you wander through its galleries of cars. You can even get autographs and pictures with WWE Legend Ric Flair,  Cody Walker from the Fast & Furious movies, race car driver Lyn St. James and Marvel Comics' Spider-Man. Have some Motor City fun by visiting Detroit's AUTORAMA 2020!

Hot Wheels Flipping Fury

 **A Geek Daddy received the featured product for free to review**

If you're last minute holiday shopping for a youngster in your life, you may want to swing by your local Toys R Us to pick up a Hot Wheels Flipping Fury toy race car. This motorized race car from Toy State will thrill kids with its flipping action feature, flashing lights, engine sound effects, and playable music is also a very  affordable gift with a manufacturers suggested retail price of $9.99.  My kids had a lot of fun dancing to music the Flipping Fury plays at the touch of a button and racing the toy around our back deck.



The Flipping Fury is motorized so with the push of a button it races off.  As the toy races along it performs a variety of stunts as it flips between its two sides.  It's like having two vehicles in one as the one side is a hot red convertible and the other looks like a futuristic space ship.  Play with the vehicle individually using either side as a single vehicle or use its motorized drive to have it flipping between the two as it speeds around.  Throw in lights and sound effects and playing with this toy is a real blast.

The Hot Wheels Flipping Fury is recommended for ages 3 and up. It requires 4AA batteries which are included with the toy when you purchase it. Be aware that this is a motorized toy that will race around under its own power but not a remote controlled vehicle so be prepared for it to bounce off of things that may block its path.



We found it to be very durable bouncing off of furniture, walls, and cement steps it would just flip and keep on going whenever it encountered an obstacle.  Plus it took a plunge off our deck racing full speed as it crashed into our yard and didn't break.  The vehicle ran very well on carpet, hardwood and cement but really isn't meant to run on dirt or grass.  When my kids tried to play with it in the yard it just spun its wheels and got stuck.  Make sure you have plenty of  space if playing with it indoors because this thing really whips around a room.  I do have to say this toy took a licken' and kept on ticken'.




The motorized action of the Flipping Fury worked really well for my kids and there weren't any hang ups or hiccups with that play feature when they were monkeying around with it.  Another nice aspect of the car is that the motorized action and special effects are all activated with the simple push of a button.  No winding, pulling or tugging trying to activate these functions.  In addition to the bottom and top of the car having their own unique image each side also has its own unique lighting, sound, and music effects. I also personally like as the car prepares to race off it makes the sound or an engine revving and tires squealing.

During the school year, my twins are invited to numerous birthday parties and it can be challenging to find presents that their friends and school mates will appreciate but won't bust our budget.  This would be a great idea for a gift for those type of situations as it is a well made, durable toy that is both really cool and very affordable.  Just beware that your own child will probably want one for themselves if they see it in action.

Toy State's Hot Wheels Flipping Fury gets A Geek Daddy nod of approval for being a toy that is tricked out with a lot of cool bells and whistles yet is dependable and durable enough to provide hours of quality play.  The fact that it comes with batteries included is also another nice factor that puts a smile on this daddy's face.

For more information, visit www.toystate.com

Star Wars Inspired Hot Wheels Cars Race to Stores

Hot Wheels has a new lineup of toy cars racing to store shelves just in time for the holiday shopping season that have designs inspired by the characters from Star Wars.  We recently picked up the Darth Vader Mobile that both my kids and myself agree is just pretty darn cool.

The back of the packaging for the diecast car reads:

As powerful and menacing as Lord Vader himself, this jet black sports car commands the road with a force befitting a Dark Lord of the Sith.

Vader's iconic helmet, mask and chest plate create an ominous design that can intimidate even the fiercest drivers, while his Lightsaber side trim indicates he's always ready for battle.

If you only knew the power of the dark side, you'd steer clear of this sinister speed machine!

To help market this new line of Hot Wheels toy manufacturer Mattel actually commissioned the creation of a real life #DarthCar that has been driving around the country making promotional appearances.  It looks like a fierce ride!

The Darth Vader Mobile was fabricated from a Chevrolet Corvette with a 526 horsepower GM LS3 V-8 engine featuring a six-speed manual transmission and has been road-tested at speeds at up to 80 miles per hour; though it has the capability of reaching a velocity of 150mph.  The car has illuminated side pipes that are styled to look like red lightsaber and special audio effects that include Vader's breathing and the sound of light sabers igniting which can be controlled by an iPad.  Plus the helmet styled roof lifts off to provide access to the vehicle utilizing a smoke machine to add dramatic effect to the process.  Impressive, Most Impressive!

Check out this video on the making of the Darth Car:

There are five models of the Star Wars Hot Wheels Toys - Luke Skywalker, Yoda, Chewbacca, R2D2 & Darth Vader unless you get the exclusive collectors pack at Target which features a sixth car: the Stormtrooper.

 

 

 

 

My wife's favorite car is the Yoda version which she says is adorable.  I personally like the Luke Skywalker fighter pilot car the best.  Interestingly, my twins actually agreed on something for once and both like the Darth Car the most.  We all came together though to agree that these cars were awesome...well except for the R2D2 buggy which we all felt was pretty lame.  These Hot Wheels cars are available at Toys R Us, Walmart, Target and Amazon.com.