DVD review – Batman: Year One (Two-disc Special Edition)
Batman: Year One Two-Disc Special Edition DVD
Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli’s “Batman: Year One” is a comic-book classic, recounting the early adventures of Batman and police Lt. James Gordon in a corrupt, crime-infested Gotham City. The story was originally serialized in issues 404 through 407 of DC Comics’ “Batman” title in 1987.
“Year One” has been influential in nearly all the Batman adaptations in other media since, including “Mask of the Phantasm” and Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight.” Miller’s darker takes on Batman in “Year One” and the earlier “Dark Knight Returns” were influential on the 1989 “Batman” film as well.
With so much history hanging on this story, there’s a lot for the direct-to-video animated adaptation to hold up. The extremely faithful adaptation, produced by Bruce Timm and co-directed by Lauren Montgomery and Sam Liu, succeeds as the best direct-to-video DC Comics movie to date.
The cast includes Ben McKenzie as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Bryan Cranston as James Gordon, Eliza Dushku as Selina Kyle/Catwoman and Katee Sackhoff as Sarah Essen. Cranston, whom many know from “Breaking Bad,” is a fantastic Gordon. “Year One” is Gordon’s story as much as it is Batman’s, and Cranston hits every emotion needed to pull off the complex character. Gordon’s a good man and a good cop; but Gotham City will put both of those characterizations to the test, as corruption and double-dealing test his faith and resolve.
Extras include a “Catwoman” short, written by Paul Dini; two Catwoman-centric episodes of previous “Batman” animated series; and a documentary on the importance of Miller and the “Year One” story to the Batman mythos.
— Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman
Batman: The Animated Series inspired “The Batman Adventures”
In 1992, “The Batman Adventures,” inspired by Batman: The Animated Series, began its run at DC Comics. Originally planned as a six-issue miniseries, the comic went on to run for 36 issues plus three annuals.
I recently re-read issues 1-12 of the series, which provide accessible, enjoyable done-in-one Batman tales (with some continuing plots or subplots).
Superman surgery, Avengers trailer parody, Halloween recommendations on Planet 46 Halloween Special
Kyle drops in Logan-style, bub, in this year’s Planet 46 Halloween Special. Also on the show: Superman fan Herbert Chavez undergoes 10 years of surgery to become resemble his hero; Bryan Harley makes an awesome Avengers trailer “Sweded” parody; Halloween comics are recommended; and Sterling Gates is making a stop in Oklahoma. Plus Wolverine, Superman and more make an appearance in the review file.
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Comic-book recommendations for Halloween reading
With Halloween just around the corner, publishers have released new or updated editions of some horror and Halloween-themed comics. Each of these would make fine reading with a flashlight once the sun goes down on All Hallows’ Eve.
Happy birthday, Bernie Wrightson!
According to the Comics Reporter, it’s the 63rd birthday of popular horror artist Bernie Wrightson.
He’s known as the co-creator of “Swamp Thing” and for his work on comic book titles from “House of Mystery” to “Batman: The Cult.”
I read “Batman/Aliens” from 1997 last night, a two-part series written by Ron Marz with art by Bernie Wrightson, and Wrightson does as well as anyone in making the alien creatures of the “Aliens” universe truly disturbing.
His work on “Creepy” and as an illustrator of “Frankenstein” have been reprinted in the past year, and are worth seeking out. Wrightson has recently worked with writer Steve Niles on projects including “The Ghoul” and “Doc Macabre.”
- Matt Price
Comics read in 2011: 1,608 Still to go: 403.
Avengers first look in EW; Beware the Batman cartoon; Walking Dead webisodes
First look at the Avengers are in Entertainment Weekly; the new Batman cartoon “Beware of the Batman” is set to debut in 2013; and Walking Dead webisodes are online at AMCtv.com this week on the Planet 46 
comics show.
REVIEW FILE: Penguin Pain and Prejudice #1, Huntress #1, Action Comics #2, Supernatural #1, X-Men Schism #5
Comics read in 2011: 1,540 Still to go: 471
2,011 in 2011 comic-book reading challenge: Week 38 and 39 recap
Grant Morrison’s “Batman and Robin” provided a solid chunk of the comics I read over the past two weeks, as did the new releases of DC Comics’ “The New 52.” That put DC Comics at 72 comics read of 108 read total in the past two weeks of my 2,011 in 2011 comic-book challenge. I am attempting to read 2,011 comic books in the calendar year. With almost 75.6 percent of the year over, I’ve read 1,535 comics, or almost 76.3 percent of the total comics I need to read. I’m ahead of pace, but just barely. Click past the cut for the full breakdowns of comics read.
Aquaman #1 and other DC The New 52 week 5 reviews
Here are brief reviews for the final week of #1 issues from DC’s “The New 52.” The final week was strong, with several titles that are worth adding to your pull list.
Grant Morrison’s “Batman and Robin” gives heroes new roles
Former Robin (and Nightwing) Dick Grayson took over for his mentor in “Batman and Robin” 1-16 by Grant Morrison. The dynamic of the Batman and Robin team is flipped from the traditional: Batman is the more upbeat hero, while young Damian Wayne, the 10-year-old son of Bruce Wayne, is a grim and determined (if bratty) avenger.
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Batman Year One DVD trailer; DC Comics’ sexy superheroines; X-Men Destiny videogame released
Batman Year One trailer shown in advance of Oct. 18 release; X-Men Destiny hits shelves; and DC Comics’ sexy superheroines cross the border in the Planet 46 Comics Podcast.
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