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!

This post has affiliate links, which means this blog could earn advertising money if you buy something. This doesn't cost you anything extra, ageekdaddy.com just has to give you the heads up for legal reasons. Click away!

JADA TOYS THE BATMAN BATMOBILE

Have you seen THE BATMAN movie starring Robert Pattinson as the Caped Crusader? I really enjoyed the film; though the star of the show for me was the new batmobile! This movie's batmobile is a suped up hotrod with more of a focus on it being a Motor City muscle car than a vehicle full of techy gadgets. This has to be my favorite batmobile yet from the comics, tv shows and movies, plus it has a great chase scene in THE BATMAN that gear heads and movie geeks are sure to equally appreciate.

So, I was excited to discover Jada Toys has created a 1:18 scale diecast replica of THE BATMAN batmobile. Officially licensed by DC Comics, this Hollywood Ride showcases movie accurate details of this crime fighting muscle car. Built with a diecast metal body and premium rubber wheels, this hotrod also includes opening doors and a detailed interior that matches the look of the real vehicle used for filming batmobile scenes in the movie. 

The 1:18 scale batmobile, think equivalent size to vintage style G.I. Joe and Star Wars toys from the '80s, also comes with a 3.75" diecast Batman who comes dressed in a cape and cowl and sports a bat insignia on his chest. A great looking figure that enhances displaying THE BATMAN Jada Toys 1:18 scale batmobile by having Batman stand next to it. Unfortunately, the included action figure doesn't have any articulation so it can't be poised to have it look like Batman is sitting behind the wheel driving the batmobile. One of the very few disappointments of this toy car. Another being that there aren't more details to view inside the front hood when flipping its moveable panels open. All in all though there is very little to be disappointed about when it comes to this diecast batmobile. 

The true highlights of this car that more than overcome any of its deficiencies are its spectacular lighting effects. In addition to impressive rear engine lighting effects, it also has working headlights, tail lights and lighting in the front grill, side markers, and embedded within the front hood. The lighting is powered by three replaceable watch style flat batteries and has an on/off switch on the undercarriage to conserve battery life. 

The 1:18 scale THE BATMAN Jada Toys batmobile earns a Geek Daddy nod of approval for being fun for either playing with or displaying. It is a nice size for a displayable decoration making this batmobile a great addition in a man cave, home office or game room. The lighting effects provide a super ambience to any recreational space. This is an eye catching movie vehicle replica that people who see it are sure to be geeked about.

For more information about this and other collectible figures and vehicles head over to jadatoys.com.