Tag: Robin

Are The Amiibo Worth Hunting For In ‘Fire Emblem Echoes’?

by Josh Jackson

All the amiibo hunters out there know the feeling running down their spine when they hear that new Fire Emblem amiibo are coming. As some of the rarest figures on the market, it’s usually a mad dash to track down Nintendo’s premiere swordfighters, as the characters have very few printings despite their series becoming one of Nintendo’s most profitable franchises. Once again, a new game asks you to track them down to use them in your game thanks to the release of Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia, but are they worth tracking down for it?

Early into the game, unlocking Mila’s Turnwheel gives you access to the amiibo menu, which asks you to tap the warriors from a distant time to join your battles as Illusory Heroes. Using the Marth, Roy, Ike, Lucina, Robin and Corrin amiibo, (when the latter is released,) gives Alm or Celica the added ability to summon them to the field for one turn at the cost of 10 HP. From there, the CPU takes control of your summoned warrior for one turn, allowing them to deal one powerful blow before returning to the ether.

If you ask me, (and if you aren’t why are you reading this?), the cost isn’t worth the reward. 10 HP can be what leads to a sudden game over, and considering that your main characters are the only ones that can use this ability, their deaths mean an instant game over regardless of the difficulty you’re playing on. Add to the fact that the heroes would sometimes waste their one turn by making some completely braindead moves, and you’re better off just powering through as Alm or Celica, since they’re likely to be two of your best units at any given time anyway.

But while the older amiibo aren’t very impressive, the actual Alm and Celica amiibo are much more exciting to use. Tapping them unlocks a special dungeon containing equipment that can make the early game much easier to manage. Once your main characters are powered up, you can also save their stats to make them Illusory Heroes for your game, or a friend’s game if they need an extra boost. But most importantly, these saved stats will carry over to new games, so if you want to speed run a second playthrough, saving their stats onto the amiibo and uploading them at the start of the game will help you plow through armies with your unstoppable power couple.

Aside from the game play functionality though, these amiibo are some of the best looking ones yet. Compare them to the laughably awkward looking Marth from the amiibo launch day, (also known as amiibogeddon,) and it’s clear that Nintendo upped the quality control quite a bit in the last two years. Check out the comparison for yourself.

Alm and Celica look like they’re silently judging Marth.

All in all, the old amiibo aren’t worth tracking down just to use in this game. However, the Alm and Celica figures are great additions both to the game itself and to your amiibo collection as some of the best looking ones to date. Word is they aren’t nearly as hard to find as previous Fire Emblem figures have been, so I say jump on them before they disappear.

Want to know more about the latest Fire Emblem title? Check out our full review here, and find out about all the goodies the limited edition includes over here. Let us know in the comments if you’re planning on adding this pair to your collection!

Universes Merge In This ‘Lego Dimensions’ Story Trailer

by Josh Jackson

It’s no secret at this point that Lego Dimensions is bringing over a dozen different universes into one huge game, ranging from Scooby Doo to Doctor Who. But how exactly do these characters come together? If this question has been keeping you up at night, WB Games has released a new trailer detailing the story of the game.

Primarily featuring the characters included with the Starter Pack, Batman, Gandalf and Wyldstyle become caught up in a plot from an evil being who’s attempting to merge their worlds together. If you needed a sample of just how much we can expect from Lego’s Toys To Life game, the trailer includes appearances from Robin, Bane, Frodo, The Wizard Of Oz‘s Emerald City, Superman, Metropolis, Scooby Doo and so much more. Check it out below!

What do you think? Is seeing all these characters coming together as surreal to you as it is to us? And who else did you spot that we might have missed? Tell us in the comments, and make sure to check back for more Lego Dimensions news as we get closer to its Septebmer 29th release date.

Amazon Releases Their Amiibo Wave 4 Schedule!

by Josh Jackson

Do you want those wave 4 amiibo, but value your sleep, time and dignity? Amazon might have you covered!

Despite Amazon’s international branches taking pre-orders for the latest round of figure hell, North America bypassed the whole system, instead deciding to release the latest set on release day in increments. By limiting each character to one per person and making the formal announcement the day prior, it’s obvious that Amazon wants to give its shoppers an equal chance to make their purchase, (in the middle of the day, no less!)

Promising to work with Nintendo to secure more stock, this hopefully won’t be the last time Amiibo hunters can turn to the online retailer for their wave 4 needs. Let’s just hope that future waves are approached in a similar manner, making late night lineups a thing of the past!

The release schedule is as follows, with special attention being paid to Lucina at 3:30 PT and Robin at 5:30 PT. Will their servers survive the mad rush?

Pac-Man: 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. PT
Charizard: 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. PT
Inkling Boy: 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. PT
Lucina: 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. PT
Wario: 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. PT
Inkling Girl: 4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. PT
Silver Mario: 5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. PT
Robin: 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. PT
Inkling Boy, Girl, and Squid 3-pack: 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PT

Let us know which figures you’re hunting for, and share your experiences in the comments below!

Geekscape Comics: Damian Wayne Returns To DC This October!

by Derek Kraneveldt

That didn’t last long.

Damian Wayne suffered a pretty horrific death in Batman Inc. #8 back in February, but that doesn’t mean that we won’t be seeing him around.

A new Damnian Wayne centric miniseries titled Damnian: Son of Batman is set to launch this October. The four issue series is written and illustrated by Andy Kubert, and heads into a future where Damian survives and eventually takes on the role of Batman.

Whether Damian permanently returns following the series is still unknown, but of course it wouldn’t be the first time that a character came back from the dead.

In speaking to the New York Post, Kubert States “I had a big affinity for Damian when I drew Batman issue #666 (in 2007). I really liked that Batman and always wanted to revisit him. Damian is a bit different than the ‘Bruce Wayne’ Batman. Grant Morrison tweaked his character in a way that made it very endearing for me to draw. And to write. Basically, what I’m doing is exploring the path that Damian has taken to become Batman. I think readers will see him in a different light than before.”

The first issue of Damian: Son of Batman  will release on October 30th. Take a look at some key art for the series below, and let us know if you’ll be adding it to your pull list!

SonOfBatman

Source:The New York Post

Damian Wayne – R.I.P.

by Derek Kraneveldt

Tomorrow’s edition of Batman Incorporated will feature a very unexpected death. Damian Wayne, the 10 year old son of Bruce Wayne and Talia Al Ghul will fall victim to an assassin cloned from his very own genes. Dang.

 

If he has to go… at least he goes out a hero, writer Grant Morrison confirmed that “He saves the world. He does his job as Robin. He dies an absolute hero.”

 

Damian’s death has been crafted to focus how parents can lose sight of their children when they fight. It’s certainly an interesting time to kill the character off, as the current Boy Wonder is much loved by fans of the DC Universe.

 

Again, Damian will lose his final fight in tomorrow’s Batman Incorporated #8; the death will be reflected throughout the DC Universe. Check out the issue’s cover below (a clear homage to Morrison’s Batman RIP), let us know what you think! How will you handle Damian’s death? How do you think that Bruce will take it?

 

BatmanINC

 

Here’s Morrison’s Batman RIP cover for comparison.

 

14768_900x1350

 

Source: New York Post

 

 

Joseph Gordon-Levitt Talks About The End Of ‘The Dark Knight Rises’

by Shawn Madden

Last night Joseph Gordon-Levitt appeared on Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show and the actor discussed the ending of The Dark Knight Rises. This included him discussing if he has any interest in returning for a sequel…if that somehow ever happened. If you haven’t seen the movie by now you probably shouldn’t be reading this or watching the video below. Just saying.


Watch The First Trailer For ‘Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part One’!

by Shawn Madden

Thanks to the people over at MTV Geek we have the first trailer for DC’s upcoming animated feature, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part One. This upcoming animated movie is based on the classic Frank Miller graphic novel of the same name.

Get More: MTV Shows

It’s been a decade since Bruce Wayne hung up his cape, following most of the other superheroes who had been forced into retirement. Facing the downside of middle age, a restless Bruce Wayne pacifies his frustration with race cars and liquor – but the bat still beckons as he watches his city fall prey to gangs of barbaric criminals known as The Mutants.

The return of Harvey Dent as Two-Face finally prompts Wayne to once again don the Dark Knight’s cowl, and his dramatic capture of the villain returns him to crime-fighting – simultaneously making him the target of law enforcement and the new hope for a desolate Gotham City. Particularly inspired is a teenage girl named Carrie, who adopts the persona of Robin and ultimately saves Batman from a brutal attack by the Mutant leader. Armed with a new sidekick, and re-energized with a definitive purpose, the Dark Knight returns to protect Gotham from foes new…and old.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part One goes on sale September 25th, 2012!

Five Easter Eggs You May Have Missed In ‘The Dark Knight Rises’!

by Shawn Madden

So, if you have not seen The Dark Knight Rises by now I advise you to not read any further because spoilers do lie ahead.

– Christopher Nolan loves Year One. Juno Temple played a version of Holly Robinson.

If you didn’t know by now, Christopher Nolan loves Frank Miller’s work. He even once gave his brother Jonathan an issue of Year One as a birthday present. So, right off the bat, I could tell who this character was from her first introduction. If you somehow have not read nor seen (there is an animated version which is great) Batman: Year One, here is a little info on the character:

Holly first appeared in Frank Miller’s Batman: Year One as a juvenile prostitute who lives with Selina Kyle. Holly plays a small but significant role in the story when she encounters a disguised Bruce Wayne during one of his early attempts at crimefighting and stabs him in the leg. Wounded by this attack and a subsequent battle, Wayne escapes back to his home, brooding on the fact that his enemies do not fear him. This encounter is an impetus for his creation of the Batman persona. As such, Holly plays an indirect role in the Dark Knight’s origin.

Now obviously the character is different in the movie, as many of them are in the Nolan-verse, and she only had a very minor role, but it is definitely a cool little nod to the fans of Year One.

– Roland Daggett from Batman: The Animated Series

Australian actor Ben Mendelsohn portrays John Daggett in The Dark Knight Rises. In the animated series, Roland Daggett runs a rival corporation called Daggett Industries. In the movie, Daggett runs a rival company and uses Bane to take Wayne Enterprises down (which doesn’t necessarily work out well for him in the end).

– Killer Croc in the sewers

Remember when Foley makes the comment about Gordon seeing “giant alligators” down in the sewer? Now, some of you are going to say that this is far fetched but hear me out.

It’s not. Because Killer Croc already did appear in the Nolan-verse. I take it that many of you have already forgotten about Batman: Gotham Knight, the animated DVD that was released which took place between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight? THE SHAME!

If you didn’t, you’d realize that Batman and Gordon have already gone into the sewer where they ended up fighting Killer Croc. Yup. This was the same animated short that also saw Jonathan Crane putting someone on trial and sentencing them to death. Sound familiar now?

– Yet ANOTHER Frank Miller reference during the chase scene

Remember during the chase scene when a veteran cop tells a rookie to “sit back, you’re in for a show?” As pointed out in our recent TDKR analysis podcast, that’s a wink-and-a-nod to an almost identical scene from The Dark Knight Returns, a story which features a similarly resurgent Batman after years of retirement, once again showing that Nolan does know his source material.

– All of the numerous Robin Easter eggs. Yup. Robin Eggs. Both intentional and unintentional.

If you’ve seen the film than by now you know the ending. And you’ve probably figured out that John Blake is somewhat of a mixture of Dick Grayson and Tim Drake. Grayson was an orphan in the comics while Tim Drake figured out that Bruce Wayne was Batman, thus leading to him becoming the third Robin after Grayson’s first.

Did you also notice the name of the one football player to survive the field caving in?

Now, Hines Ward was obviously playing himself but they definitely could have changed the name. But maybe Nolan and company left it as kind of a nod to Burt Ward who played Robin in the television series? Intentional? Unintentional? What do you think?

And I know quite a few people that missed this one. That R is the one that Tim Drake used on his Robin suit. Now, it’s a truly “blink and you miss it” moment, but Nolan could have taken it out and instead chose to leave it.

So, while none of these are really big deals, they are cool nods to the fans. Bravo Nolan.

Now, can you think of any that we might have missed?

Check Out The ‘Young Justice’ Footage From Comic-Con!

by Shawn Madden

During yesterdays DC Nation panel fans were given a preview of Young Justice. When we last left Young Justice before the hiatus, Artemis faked her death to work undercover with Aqualad against The Light. The video features a whole slew of new villains and heroes that we will be introduced to. No return date has been announced yet but is expected soon.

Geekscape Comics: First Look At ‘Batman And Robin #11’

by Shawn Madden

• DAMIAN makes good on his decision to defeat each ROBIN, and in a brilliant show of arrogance, starts with RED HOOD!
• The army of BATFREAKS is dead set on avenging their plight starts with the people of Gotham City!

BATMAN AND ROBIN #11
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Pencils & Cover by Patrick Gleason

Will Joseph Gordon-Levitt Suit Up In ‘The Dark Knight Rises’?

by Shawn Madden

For months now internet fans have been speculating that we would see Joseph Gordon-Levitt would suiting up as an incarnation of either Robin or Azrael. I personally couldn’t see Christopher Nolan going that direction and having him don the suit whatsoever and it looks like I was right. An advanced screening of Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ took place earlier today and one attendee (SuperHeroHype’s KnightOfTheFall) has revealed the following.

JGL is not robin nor does he appear in the suit. He is just an idealistic beat cop. Nothing more. His character is handled and written well.

Sorry guys. I know some people were hyped on this idea but trust me…from what I am hearing about his role you will be glad he didn’t. I can’t reveal the secret that I do know.

Geekscape Roundtable: Fictional Characters We’d Bang… PART ONE!

by GeekscapeStaff

Yeah, that’s right. Part 1. This is such an in depth topic that it’s getting a sequel.

Everyone has a fictional character they’d bang, whether it’s someone from a movie, a comic, or a car insurance company. So the Geekscape staff put together their top 5 lists, High Fidelity style. We even got The Devastator’s Geoffrey Golden in on the action!

Molly ‘Mayhem’ Mahan

Rambo: I actually poised a similar question to my mother the other day (we have that kind of relationship), only it was “Rocky or Rambo?” She went with Rocky and I couldn’t disagree more. While I do love the Italian Stallion, few things get me going more than a man who knows how to wield a bow (It’s the Dinah Lance in me). I remember watching the fourth one (yes, with Old Man Stallone) and the minute he whipped out the compound bow and started laying waste to the enemy, I melted. Additionally, he’s a soldier who disdains the government and authority, but still accepts (or at least performs) his mission, meaning he knows how to follow orders even if he thinks it’s a little weird and will go out of his way to perform. Hardly sounds expendable in the bedroom to me, amiright? And don’t tell me that guy isn’t in some serious need of sexual healing. Bow chicka bow wow.

Ares, God of War: As played by the late-great Kevin Tod Smith on Hercules and Xena: Warrior Princess (did you seriously think you’d get away with me not talking about Xena?). Though a complete and utter asshole on Herc, when the God of War showed up on Xena he was still a bastard, but a lovable one at that. I watched this show during my formative years, so the heat and passion between the two was always something I wanted for
myself, and at times seemed like the ideal. And he could be as sweet as a teddy bear at times, too, so he wasn’t all bad. I watched the show religiously during my formative years, so Ares became without a doubt the embodiment of what I found (and still find) sexy.

Tyrion Lannister: All the other fangirls can have their Jon Snows and Jaime Lannisters, I’ll go with the half-man who has proven time and time again that he knows what to do with a woman. Bonus: he doesn’t feel bad about it nor have incestuous leanings. That clever
tongue of his ain’t half bad either.

Jason Todd: Pre-boot, post-resurrection, and in the Hush black leather costume, please. The man’s got daddy issues, has died and come back, and is hell bent for vengeance. Don’t even try to tell me the sex wouldn’t be crazy awesome. Also, I think that random which patch of hair he had in that costume was cool, I don’t care how little sense it made, it was a neat aesthetic. Plus, banging one of the Robins (especially the one that has been the source of such angst in Bat-lore) just feels so awesomely perverse, I can’t help it.

Saotome Ranma from Ranma 1/2: Although a dude, he can change into a girl when hit with cold water. That must be experienced. Preferably by me.

Looking back on this collection, I realize that I may have some anger issues.

Dave Biscella

Dagger: I’m one of the few that LOVE Cloak & Dagger, so I figure that will give me an in. Plus I could use the line, ‘My addiction to you is one addiction you can’t cure.’

Ariel: She’s clearly pretty confident based on the way she dresses. She’s got beautiful red hair and a nice singing voice. Also, always wet.

Harley Quinn: It’d be like hooking up with a hot Juggalette without having to listen to ICP blare in the background.

Tinkerbell: Petite. Blonde. Looks good in green. Can fly. Can’t talk. Perfect mate.

Ryan Gosling in Drive: He won’t let anybody hurt me.

Ben Dunn

Mystique: The only correct answer to the “Which Fictional Character Would You Bang” question is Mystique. I include all incarnations of this blue skinned she-devil. Movies, comics, video games. The reason being that she can fulfill any sexual fantasy you have. Want to bang Kate Upton? Scarlett Johannson? Ros from Game of Thrones? She can be all of those! You would never have to look elsewhere again.

Echo (Dollhouse): Same reason as Mystique, only she gets to keep Eliza’s amazing body.

Jess (New Girl): Not only is she hot like Zooey Deschanel, but she’s super adorkable! Plus, it seems like she is up for whatever. Definitely couldn’t take her after a few days, so this would probably have to be a one nighter.

Alishia Bailey (Misfits): Her super power seems a bit redundant really, a super hot chick who’s power is to make you want to have sex with her? It’s like a delicious cake having the power to make you want to eat it. Stupid. That being said, I don’t care if I don’t remember it afterward, would still bang.

Thorn (Bone): She has curves in all the right places. Plus she hangs out with a bunch of white Smurf rip-offs, so I would probably be HUGE by comparison!

Editor’s Note: Matt Kelley has called shenanigans on Ben, citing the ‘wishing for infinite wishes’ rule for naming Mystique. This brings up a lot of ethical issues: what do you think, readers?

Eric Diaz

Will Hunting: The titular character of Gus Van Sant’s movie Good Will Hunting, and probably actor Matt Damon’s breakout role. Will Hunting is a rough around the edges, smart ass blue collar type, who is secretly hiding a genius level brain and a sensitive soul. Combined with Damon’s then baby face, floppy blonde hair and lips that look like they were put on this Earth to do one thing, it is all pretty much my own personal form of kryptonite.

Audrey Horne: For twenty years now, Sherilyn Fenn’s portrayal of Twin Peak’s black haired sex kitten in saddle shoes and pleated skirts Audrey Horne has been my go to answer for “if you had to go hetero for one night, who would it be?” My answer will always remain Audrey. Either sultrily smoking cigarettes in high school bathrooms, rolling her eyes at those around her and their small town ways, or causing trouble by going undercover in Canadian brothels, Audrey was always the very definition of sex bomb to
me. It is also possible I really just want to BE Audrey more than bang Audrey…. And that’s not a crime.

The Vampire Lestat: Possibly my favorite fictional character period, Anne Rice’s vampire protagonist is tall, blonde, and kind of a prick (all weaknesses of mine with men) but ultimately a noble soul when it counts. Ya know, except for the whole killing people thing. Instead of brooding about his vampiric condition, he mostly enjoys it and loves all the sensual new pleasures it brings him. Lestat is the prototype for vampires like Spike on Buffy and Eric Northman on True Blood. Although portrayed on screen twice-first by Tom Cruise in an admirable attempt, and later by Stuart Townsend in a movie I’d burn every reel of if I could, neither could come close to evoking the novel’s version of Lestat’s
ambiguous omni-sexual nature. It remains the novel version alone that really gets my juices flowing.

Aquaman: I’m talking classic Aquaman, with the orange shirt, clean shaven face, with the short hair and the big trident (the hippie look Aquaman was a big turn off. I hate long hair on guys most of the time). Why Aquaman? Why not? He’s muscular, super strong and rules 75% of the Earth. Also, he’s tall and blonde, and that’s been my type since I first saw Sam J. Jones in Flash Gordon as a young kid, and got excited for the first time down there. I should mention that runner up in the comic book category has gotta be Dick Grayson/Nightwing. I mean, he’s an acrobat. Do the math.

Chris Evans as Captain America: I’ve never been all that crazy about Cap in the comics, at least not enough to get turned on by him, by Chris Evans’ portrayal of the aw-shucks do gooder with a heart of gold trapped in a little guy’s scrawny body, who then gets turned into sex on a stick gets me going every damn time. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve paused that Blu ray in the scene where he emerges from the super soldier transformation all shirtless and sweaty and hot and…yeah, I’d better stop now. I will
admit, this entry is 50% “omg I really want have sex with Chris Evans” so I don’t know how much of that is him being Cap or not, but I figure I’d get less flack if I posted Chris Evans as Cap and not Chris Evans as Johnny Storm. Who I would also happily have sex with.

Shane O’Hare and Joshua Jackson

Rarity.
Rarity.
Rarity.
Rarity.
Sweetie Belle.

Special Guest Geoffrey Golden: A Girlfriend Approved Sex List

Let me preface this by saying that Amanda, my girlfriend and co-founder of our comedy magazine The Devastator, is not looking over my shoulder as I write this.

The only fictional characters I want to have sex with are ones that won’t make my beautiful, amazing girlfriend jealous. For example, Rosie the Robot from The Jetsons, a robot and not even a particularly attractive one at that (like, say, Lisa from Weird Science, who I definitely never fantasized about every day of 8th grade). Another robot I’d have sex with is Dot Matrix from Spaceballs, voiced by Joan Rivers, a trailblazing comedienne whose work I greatly respect.

Other characters I’d have sex with: Princess Fiona from Shrek, but only in ogre form, because I value inner beauty over outer beauty; the Librarian Ghost from Ghostbusters, assuming the physical contact we could make would be largely unpleasant; finally, Gaia from Captain Planet, who – according to Amanda – would be like having sex with a faint breeze. You know what, I’ll take it! On a related subject, do they make Captain Planet cockrings?

Some women do not want to read the phrase “Captain Planet cockrings” on a computer monitor.

Our culturally significant world changing discussion on cartoons we’d eff continues next week! BE THERE!

Geekscape Comics Reviews: “Batman Annual #1”

by Scott Alminiana

This week sees the release of “Batman Annual #1” from Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, with art from Jason Fabok. Inside this annual we are (re)introduced to Mr. Freeze and “The New 52” take on the character has some very cool changes. Seeing as here at Geekscape we aren’t big fans of spoilers I shall do my best to dance around the big ones found in this issue. Here we go…

As the issue begins we are introduced to Victor Fries as a young boy in Nebraska as he is on his way to a snowman building contest with his mother. In typical comic book origin fashion an accident occurs. The story then jumps to the present day as we find Victor, now locked up in Arkham Asylum during the “Night of The Owls.” Mr. Freeze then orchestrates a pretty chiller and killer escape from Arkham, once free he sets his sights on Wayne Tower and seeking some good old fashioned vengeance. Along the way there is a flash-back sequence that shows us the origin of this new Mr. Freeze that involves Bruce Wayne and how he was directly involved in the accident that turned Fries into Freeze. He blames Bruce Wayne for keeping him from his beloved Nora and plans to make him pay. Back in the present, Mr. Freeze faces off against both Nightwing and Robin in the bowels of Wayne Tower, defeating both in short order. Batman shows up on the scene and the two fight, during which time a stunning new twist is revealed. At the end we are once again taken back to a young Victor, this last scene will leave you with chills, pun intended.

This issue is co-written by regular “Batman” writer Scott Snyder and he is joined by James Tynion IV, a former student of Snyder’s at Sarah Lawrence College. They have crafted a great story that takes full advantage of DC’s “New 52.” They have put an awesome spin Mr. Freeze’s origin as well as managing to tie the story into the “Night of The Owls” event currently spanning all of the Bat books.

Jason Fabok is the artist on-board for this icy tale. Prior to reading this I was unfamiliar with his work, but after seeing his gorgeous art I look forward to seeing more from him. His redesign of Mr. Freeze doesn’t depart too drastically from Freeze’s previous incarnations but is updated for the “New 52” world. His panel layouts are easy to follow and his fight sequences, especially Freeze’s escape from Arkham, are down-right cool (sorry, had to get another cold pun in there).

Peter Steigerwald colors in Fabok’s art and he colors the book with lots of blue, red and black. He baths the flashbacks almost all in blues that help set them apart from the rest of the book. His colors complement Fabok’s art beautifully and helps distinguish this Annual from the ongoing “Batman” book and drive home the point of this issue. This is not Batman’s story, it’s Mr. Freeze’s.

“Batman Annual #1” is not only a great read but is also great way for DC to kick-off the first of their “New 52” Annuals. If the rest of DC’s Annuals are as well handled as this one fans are in for a treat.

Score: 9.5/10

"Everybody freeze!"

 

Geekscape Comics Reviews: “Batman Incorporated #1”

by Scott Alminiana

Welcome back to the wonderful, wacky bat-world of Grant Morrison. This week sees the release of “Batman Incorporated #1” and it’s a very welcome sight to be had. As with any Grant Morrison book, you may need a second reading to take it all in. This issue just has it all and it all works so well.

I’ll keep it light on any spoilers…

When the issue begins, we find Bruce Wayne and Alfred standing in the family cemetery, with Bruce informing Alfred that it’s all over with. Alfred asks Bruce a question, but before we get a chance to hear his response they are greeted by some surprise guests. From there the story flashes back one month and we find Batman and Robin in pursuit of a goat-headed killer. That’s right, a goat-headed killer, this is indeed a Grant Morrison book. Their pursuit leads to a pretty awesome fight in the middle of a meat-packing plant that’s filled with lots of blood.

The rest of the issue moves at a quick pace, we are treated to some ninja man-bats (oh how I’ve missed you), some great father-son banter between the dynamic duo, and a new villain by the name of Goatboy. Apparently there’s room for more than just one goat-headed killer in this town, Gotham does mean “Home of Goats” after all. There’s a few panels that show us what the rest of Batman, Inc. are up to, as well as the series main baddies Leviathan. The final page is a true cliff-hanger and will leave you eagerly awaiting the next issue.

Chris Burnham tackles the artwork in this issue and knocks it out of the park. The fight in the meat-packing plant that I mentioned earlier is a a particular standout, it all flows nicely and looks amazingly-bloody with blood splattered everywhere. Burnham also uses some really cool panel lay-outs in the issue. There’s a scene of Batman and Robin swinging through Gotham and Burnham uses the buildings in the foreground and background as additional panels and even colors them to look as if they have been painted on the side of the buildings. You’ll just have to see it for yourself, as my explanation of it can not do it full justice.

Everything in this issue just works so well together. If Grant Morrison keeps this up, Scott Snyder’s “Batman” may have some competition as the best bat-book on the shelves. Only time will tell of course. Do yourselves a favor and check this book out.

Score: 9/10

Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, Bat-Cow?!

 

 

 

 

 

Young Justice Will Bring ‘Legacy’ To Your Gaming Console!

by Joe Starr

DC Animation always knocks it out of the park, so this could be a winner… an upcoming multi-console video game based on the Young Justice cartoon series.

Here’s the official press release:

Fan Favorite DC Comics Franchise/Animated Television series From Warner Bros. Animation Set to Make Videogame Debut in a Multiplayer Action RPG

Little Orbit, a worldwide game publisher, announced today that it has entered into a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment for the Young Justice: Legacy video game set to ship in early 2013 for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo’s Wii(TM) system, and the Nintendo DS(TM) hand held system.

New episodes of the Warner Bros. Animation series Young Justice will air beginning Saturday, March 3, at 10:30 a.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network as part of DC Nation, the network’s brand-new one-hour block of exclusive kids’ television programming and shorts based on DC Comics characters.

In Young Justice, teenage heroes Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Superboy, Miss Martian and Artemis are tasked by theJustice League to act as their covert operations team. Armed with superior skills, weaponry and powers, the team must do battle against a wide array of villains from the DC Universe while trying to prove to themselves, and to their superhero mentors, that they too have what it takes to be a hero. Their journey is further complicated when they face the many unpredictable obstacles that arise in their path from inexperience and youth.

In Young Justice: Legacy fans can look forward to an original storyline set in between Seasons 1 and 2 of the television series, written in collaboration with show writers Greg Weisman and Brandon Vietti.  The game is packed with fan favorite playable characters, cameo appearances by popular Justice League heroes and villains, and includes online multiplayer as well as local multiplayer modes.

“The TV series is a fantastic combination of compelling writing, witty humor, iconic art, and exciting action sequences. The creators have done an amazing job blending over 180 DC Comics characters into their show filtered through a new, youthful perspective,” said Matt Scott, CEO of Little Orbit. “The new video game contains a slew of cool features and a large playable cast of familiar heroes, but our core mission is to create a unique experience that fits seamlessly into the world of the show and offers a new way to interact with these popular DC Comics characters.”

For more info, check out the game’s official website:
http://www.youngjusticelegacy.com