04 September 2009

Evolution of the Batman (and Robin) - Batman Serial

And so it begins, a 30+ part feature following the Batman from his earliest days as a wee baby bat until he matured into The Dark Knight, and beyond... Batman's sidekicks Robin and Batgirl will also get their fair share of attention during this series. Hope you enjoy.

In May 1939, Batman appeared in the the pages of Detective Comics #27.

Robin, The Boy Wonder, debuted a year later in issue #38.


In 1943, The Dynamic Duo made their big screen debut in a 15 chapter movie serial, beginning with The Electrical Brain. The story focused on a US government agent Batman taking on Japanese agent Dr. Daka and his zombie making device.

The serials, made during World War II, have not aged so well as they are filled with racial slurs and poor production values. Also, Batman was not a vigilante, because of course, that would be wrong. On the plus side, the serials were responsible for introducing the bat cave along with its grandfather clock entrance to Batman lore.



The serial was popular enough to justify a sequel serial a few years later. And continued popularity paved the way for the BIF, BANG, POW 1960's television series and for nearly 70 years more of Caped Crusader adventures and counting.



Mmmmmmm, Batman Cereal.

Up Next: Batman and Robin Serial


Batman Serial

02 September 2009

Flash: Pilot (1990) - Film Capsule


Heroes: The Flash



Villains: Pike

Diabolical Schemes: Back in the day, Pike was a crooked cop and partner to Barry Allen's (Flash) brother Jay. Jay took down Pike, now Pike wants revenge. He is bent on bringing "chaos" to the city with his biker gang.

Coolest Moment(s): I enjoyed the thought they put into side effects of super speed: torn clothes, melted shoes, enhanced hunger, and a weakness of vulnerability after "running out of gas."

Worst Moment: Barry's pre-Flash running suit with a super-wide V-neck was outrageous.

Review in 50 Words or Less: A decent pilot. Sure, the big-bad was not that scary, but he did leave his mark. And the origin was grounded in a fairly realistic world. The Batman 89 influence is felt, but not unappreciated. Makes a good case for the potential of a big budget Flash film.



01 September 2009

Smallville's JSA Announced

As posted last week, Smallville is getting a lot of guest heroes this season (such as the previously mentioned Wonder Twins). Also on the list was the Justice Society. Well, now we know which Society members will be appearing: Hawkman, The Spectre, Doctor Fate, and The Atom (Green Lantern Alan Scott and Flash Jay Garrick will NOT be appearing), though others may also join the line-up.

EDIT: (ALAN SCOTT MAY APPEAR AFTER ALL)



I am interested to see how Hawkman translates to live -action TV. Last time wasn't so hot.

31 August 2009

Wolverine Storms Disneyland



DISNEY TO BUY MARVEL! I am pretty sure this is big news.