Tag Archives: bruce timm

Batman: The Killing Joke Gets an R Rating

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Batman The Killing JokeIt shouldn’t be a shock to anyone but Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has accepted an “R” rating from the MPAA for their upcoming animated film, Batman: The Killing Joke. I say it shouldn’t be a shock since the original source material graphic novel is what I’d consider an “R” rating as well. This is the first non-PG/PG-13 rated movie in the nine-year and 26-film history of the DC Universe Original Movie franchise.

Batman: The Killing Joke, one of the best-selling graphic novels in history, tells the tale of The Joker’s origin story – from his humble beginnings as a struggling comic, to his fateful encounter with Batman that changes both of their lives forever. It also contains some of the most controversial material in comics history. The graphic novel won two Eisner Awards and was written by Alan Moore 28  years ago. It is consistently a top selling graphic novel, with this film being greenlit in 2013 and announced in July 2015.

Actors Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprise their Batman: The Animated Series roles as Batman and The Joker, respectively.

Animation visionary Bruce Timm guided the DC Universe Original Movie franchise for its initial 16 films, then returned last summer with his own original story, Justice League: Gods & Monsters. Timm takes the reigns once again for Batman: The Killing Joke, reuniting a trio of actors (Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill & Tara Strong) from the game-changing Batman: The Animated Series cast to add even greater reverence to this heralded tale. Recognizing the fans’ dedication to the highly acclaimed graphic novel, Timm has worked meticulously to accurately maintain the intense adult content of The Killing Joke.

At this time, there are no plans for an edited, PG-13 version of the film according to Warner Bros. announcement.

Batman: The Killing Joke also features the voices of Tara Strong, as Barbara Gordon and Ray Wise as Commissioner Gordon.

The film’s World Premiere will take place at Comic-Con International this summer, and see a subsequent release in 2016 on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD. Tat relase date will be announced at a later time along with what other content we can expect.

Spider-Gwen #1 Swings Back Into Action!

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Because you demanded it, the character that took the world by storm is back and she’s better than ever for a brand-new ongoing series this October! Marvel has released a first look at Spider-Gwen #1 – coming to you from the team of Jason Latour, Robbi Rodriguez and Rico Renzi!

Now is your chance to jump in with a clean entry point into Marvel’s breakout sensation of the year! The answers you’ve been waiting for are here: the secret history of Gwen Stacy and Peter Parker revealed! Someone out there has recreated Peter’s Lizard formula. The same formula that mutated him, branded Gwen a fugitive and ultimately cost Peter his life. Gwen WILL NOT let that happen to anyone else – no matter the cost. But with NYPD Captain Frank Castle and the Kingpin of Crime Matt Murdock still on her trail, that won’t be so easy. Plus, the introduction of Norman Osborn and Harry Osborn. What could possibly go wrong?

The next epic chapter of Gwen Stacy’s life is about to begin. You won’t want to miss the bombastic debut!

SPIDER-GWEN #1 (AUG150805)
Written by JASON LATOUR
Art & Cover by ROBBI RODRIGUEZ & RICO RENZI
Variant Covers by NICK BRADSHAW (AUG150806), SKOTTIE YOUNG (AUG150808),
And BRUCE TIMM (AUG150811)
Kirby Monster Variant by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA (AUG150813)
Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER (AUG150809)
Hip Hop Variant by HUMBERTO RAMOS (AUG150812)
Cosplay Variant by KATHRINE ZAN (AUG150807)
Blank Variant Also Available (AUG150812)
FOC – 09/21/15, On-Sale 10/14/15

Spider-Gwen_1_Cover

Suit Up With Your New Look at Invincible Iron Man #1!

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This Fall, the Marvel Universe is reforged and recharged as All-New, All-Different Marvel kicks off in full force! New titles, new characters, and new creators explode on to the scene as only Marvel could bring you. Leading the charge for this movement is the blockbuster new title Invincible Iron Man #1 – from the explosive creative team of Brian Michael Bendis and David Marquez! Today, Marvel is pleased to present your new look at the highly anticipated first issue coming to comic shops on October 7th!

Exploding out of the pages of Secret Wars comes a fresh new take on the Armored Avenger in a gigantic new series! New armor, new villains, a new supporting cast and a new purpose as Tony Stark bursts across the landscape of the Marvel Universe. And a shocker of a last page that will have the entire comic industry talking! Plus, questions will be answered – what really happened at the end of Secret Wars #8? Who are Tony Stark’s biological parents? The quest begins here!

Strap in and suit up, True Believer. The marquee comic launch of the fall is coming as Bendis and Marquez armor up to bring you a new Iron Man for a new Marvel Universe.

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1 (JUL150696)
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1 LAUNCH PARTY OPT-IN (JUL150706)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art & Cover by DAVID MARQUEZ
Deadpool Party Variant by YASMINE PUTRI (JUL150710)
Variant Covers by BRUCE TIMM (JUL150700), ADI GRANOV (JUL150702), SKOTTIE YOUNG (JUL150703)
Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER (JUL150704)
Hip Hop Variant by BRIAN STELFREEZE (JUL150699)
Design Variant by DAVID MARQUEZ (JUL150701)
Young Guns Variant Set by DAVID MARQUEZ, SARA PICHELLI, MAHMUD ASRAR, NICK BRADSHAW, VALERIO SCHITI and RYAN STEGMAN (JUL150705)
Cosplay Variant by DALE OLIVER (JUL150698)

Invincible_Iron_Man_1_Cover

Invincible Iron Man #1 Comes To Comic Shops For an Epic Launch Party!

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All-New, All-Different Marvel kicks off in full force this fall, and Marvel is making sure all comic book stores worldwide are armed and ready for the new flagship Marvel title as Invincible Iron Man #1 explodes into comic shops on October 7th! You won’t want to miss comic superstar Brian Michael Bendis and red-hot artist David Marquez’s opening salvo in their explosive new ongoing series. And Marvel is ready to make the launch one to remember. In addition to being first in line to purchase Invincible Iron Man #1, fans will also be able to receive special items at participating retail stores, including the first piece of the exclusive Build Your Own Iron Man promotional item!

Launching alongside Invincible Iron Man #1, the first piece of the Build Your Own Iron Man promotional item will allow fans to assemble their very own Iron Man armor. Based on artist David Marquez’s new armor design, collect all six pieces, launching alongside Invincible Iron Man and five other October Marvel titles, fold and compile your very own Iron Man standing nearly a foot tall!

To ensure these parties are a massive sales success, each retailer opting into the event will receive exclusive Invincible Iron Man Party promotional materials. Check your Marvel Mailer for more information on how to opt-in by 8/10 to ensure your store has these items.

All qualifying retailers who opt in will receive the following as part of the INVINCIBLE IRON MAN launch:

  • Invincible Iron Man Invitational Postcards
  • Invincible Iron Man Build Your Own Iron Man Promo Item Piece 1 of 6
  • Invincible Iron Man Skottie Young Lithographs
  • Invincible Iron Man #1 Exclusive Deadpool Sketch Party Variant by Yasmine Putri
  • Mass media promotion around the launch of Invincible Iron Man and the associated parties

But that’s not all! Retailers who qualify will also be eligible to order the Invincible Iron Man #1 Deadpool Party Variant. Everyone loves Tony’s new armor – even the Merc With a Mouth! From rising star Yasmine Putri, fans won’t want to miss this exciting variant only available at the upcoming launch parties.

Strap in and suit up! Prepare for the marquee comic launch of the fall as Brian Michael Bendis and David Marquez armor up and bring you a new Iron Man for a new Marvel Universe. Don’t miss the blockbuster on-sale October 7th !

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1 (JUL150696)
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1 LAUNCH PARTY OPT-IN (JUL150706)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art & Cover by DAVID MARQUEZ
Deadpool Party Variant by YASMINE PUTRI (JUL150710)
Variant Covers by BRUCE TIMM (JUL150700), ADI GRANOV (JUL150702),
SKOTTIE YOUNG (JUL150703)
Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER (JUL150704)
Hip Hop Variant by BRIAN STELFREEZE (JUL150699)
Design Variant by DAVID MARQUEZ (JUL150701)
Young Guns Variant Set by DAVID MARQUEZ, SARA PICHELLI, MAHMUD ASRAR, NICK BRADSHAW, VALERIO SCHITI and RYAN STEGMAN (JUL150705)
Cosplay Variant Also Available (JUL150698)

Invincible_Iron_Man_1_Cover Build_Your_Own_Iron_Man_Promo_Item_Mock_Up Invincible_Iron_Man_1_Putri_Party_Variant

Review: Justice League: Gods and Monsters

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Justice-League-Gods-and-Monsters-2015-movie-posterAnimation legend Bruce Timm returns to the popular DC Universe Original Movies with his unique new vision of a Justice League you’ve never seen before. Justice League: Gods & Monsters features a Superman born of General Zod’s blood, a Batman with a healthy dose of bat in the man, and a Wonder Woman rising from the ranks of the New Gods. This ain’t your daddy’s Justice League. They are as likely the world’s saviors as Earth’s despotic rulers. When a group of famed scientists experience untimely “accidents,” a government task force follows the trail of clues to the Justice League — and into a high stakes game of intrigue, mystery and action that asks the question: How do you serve justice to those above the law?

This newest animated movie based on DC Comic characters is a fascinating one in that it really puts a lot of interesting new takes on characters, and while it goes far in some points, it also doesn’t go far enough and explore others. The concept of a Superman not only of Zod’s blood, but raised by immigrant parents is potentially amazing, and worthy of a film all to itself. However to socio and political impact of such a change is only handled by a few sentences or some words in Spanish.

jlgm-group06jpg-806cceChanges for Wonder Woman and Batman too are interesting, and while they get a bit more of a focus on their past, more so than Superman, that is more to really show us what is different in their origin, or provide the reasoning behind something that matters in the film.

The movie reminds me of the classic DC Elseworlds line of comics, spinning out different versions of characters we know. The movie is entertaining, it’s also not super deep other than different versions of characters we know. The murder mystery story is interesting, and gives us a threat that isn’t just another super villain to punch.

The voice acting is solid, I liked the cast, featuring Michael C. Hall as Batman, Benjamin Bratt as Superman, Tamara Taylor as Wonder Woman, and many more who you’d recognize. It’s rare that I’ve had issues with Warner Bros.’ voice casting for their films, and this is no exception there.

I think overall, the movie screams potential for me. There’s tons here to mine and dive deeper in to, I want to see more of it. What we get is very entertaining, but shallow in some ways. I will say, the spin on classic characters, with so many nods for long time fans, will keep DC Comic fans entertained throughout.

Overall rating: 8

Warner Bros./DC Comics provided a FREE copy for review

Justice League: Gods and Monsters Chronicles – “Bomb”

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Machinima and DC Comics are back with a new episode of Justice League: Gods and Monsters Chronicles.

Set in an alternate universe where Superman is the son of General Zod, President Amanda Waller turns to the man of steel when a weapon malfunctions and threatens to destroy a city. That weapon’s name… is Brainiac.

The series is produced by Bruce Timm.

Justice League: Gods and Monsters Chronicles – “Twisted”

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The first episode of Machinima and DC Comics‘ Justice League: Gods and Monsters Chronicles has been released. This isn’t the happy go-lucky DC Universe you’ve known. It’s a rather dark take on classic characters reminiscent of an Elseworlds tale.

This episode is set in an alternate universe where Batman is actually Kirk Langstrom, the dark knight pursues a new, more unhinged Harley Quinn.

The series is produced by Bruce Timm.

Dark Horse to Publish the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Minicomic Collection

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Following the critically acclaimed release of The Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Dark Horse and Mattel have teamed up once again to deliver another must-have book in 2015: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Minicomic Collection.

The toy juggernaut Masters of the Universe and its subsequent action figure lines featured memorable pack-in minicomics that aided in playtime for children across the world. Clocking in at 1,232 pages, this impressive oversized hardcover collection features sixty-eight US releases, including all minicomics from the ’80s Masters of the Universe line, the ’80s Princess of Power line, and the ’80s and ’90s He-Man line, plus an introduction to the minicomics in the current Masters of the Universe Classics toy line—all in production order. Relive the illustrated adventures that fueled your imagination!

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Minicomics Collection is on sale October 21 in comic shops and November 3 in bookstores.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Minicomic Collection HC
Tim Seeley (W),  Steven Grant (W), Phil White (W), Gary Cohn (W), Michael Halperin (W), Scott Neitlich (W), Bruce Timm (A), Mark Texeira (A), Larry Houston (A), Jim Mitchell (A), and Charles Simpson (C)
FC, 1232 pages
HC, 6” x 9”
$29.99, 978-1616558772

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Minicomic Collection 1

Machinima Lands Justice League: Gods And Monsters Chronicles

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TrioMachinima has landed the exclusive rights to Justice League: Gods and Monsters Chronicles, a three-part animated series from Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment. It’ll be co-produced by Bruce Timm and Alan Burnett.

Chronicles is set in DC’s New 52 animated universe that began in Justice League: War. It’ll debut in 2015 and then be released on video later.

Warner Bros. made an investment in Machinima, so the partnership isn’t shocking.

 

SDCC 2014: Giant-Size Kung Fu Bible Stories

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Edited by Erik Larsen and Bruce Timm—and just in time to take San Diego Comic-Con by storm—comes Giant-Size Kung Fu Bible Stories, a deluxe limited edition collection featuring the original stories of the world’s greatest cartoonists.

This treasury edition format includes seven eye-popping, mind-melting stories from Erik Larsen, Bruce Timm, Adam Warren, Tom Scioli, Ryan Ottley, Andy Kuhn, and Arthur Adams. A collection years-in-the making, readers won’t want to miss out on this amazing special collector’s issue, an Image Treasury Edition.

A limited number of Giant-Size Kung Fu Bible Stories will be available exclusively at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. It can be purchased at the Image Comics booth (#2729) for $20 each. Snap them up before they’re gone!

GIANT-SIZE KUNG FU BIBLE STORIES

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