Tag Archives: jordan b. gorfinkel

JewCE 2024: Batman at 85

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Celebrate the Dark Knight’s 85th anniversary with comics industry legends Jordan B. Gorfinkel (former Batman group editor at DC, ideator of “No Man’s Land,” creator of Birds of Prey, writer of the Passover Haggadah Graphic Novel), Athena Finger (granddaughter of Batman’s co-creator Bill Finger), writer Danny Fingeroth (Marvel Comics group editor), and art historian N. C. Christopher Couch. Learn the secrets behind the cowl, including whether Batman actually is Jewish! Moderated by JewCE’s Roy Schwartz.

The Folio Society To Publish DC: Batman

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The Folio Society, independent publisher of beautifully illustrated hardback books, in collaboration with DC, will celebrate the 85th anniversary of the first comic book appearance of DC’s Dark Knight Detective with the release of DC: Batman. Created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger, Batman first appeared in 1939’s Detective Comics #27 and since then the Dark Knight has stood as a symbol of determination, courage and justice to generations of fans for over 80 years. Batman is one of the most iconic fictional characters in the world, and is a self-made Super Hero, notable not for his super powers, but for his intelligence, determination, and tech savvy.

This collectible compilation includes twelve seminal comics, by a host of iconic writers and artists— including Bill Finger, Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson, Denny O’Neil, Neal Adams, Marshall Rogers, Frank Miller, Dave Mazzucchelli, Alan Moore, Brian Bolland and Kelley Jones—all selected and introduced by former DC President, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of DC, Jennette Kahn. Along with the 320-page one-of-a-kind deluxe book, DC: Batman also comes with a stand-alone replica copy of Batman #1. Scanned in its entirety from an original 1940 copy, the replica copy of the Batman #1 comic book, which includes the original back-up strips and vintage ads and introduces DC’s Clown Prince of Crime, aka The Joker, and The Cat, who would come to be known as Catwoman.

DC: Batman includes:

Facsimile: Batman #1 (Spring 1940)
Writer: Bill Finger
Cover artists: Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson
Artists: Bob Kane, Sheldon Moldoff
Editor: Whitney Ellsworth

The Bat-Man
Detective Comics #27 (May 1939)
Writer: Bill Finger
Artist: Bob Kane
Editor: Vincent Sullivan

Batman and Green Arrow: The Senator’s Been Shot!
The Brave and the Bold #85 (September 1969)
Writer: Bob Haney
Cover artist: Neal Adams
Penciler: Neal Adams
Inker: Dick Giordano
Letterer: Ben Oda
Editor: Murray Boltinof

The Dead Yet Live
Detective Comics #471 (August 1977)
Writer: Steve Englehart
Cover artists: Marshall Rogers, Terry Austin, Tatjana Wood, Gaspar Saladino
Penciler: Marshall Rogers
Inker: Terry Austin
Colorists: Marshall Rogers
Letterer: John Workman
Editors: Julius Schwartz, E. Nelson Bridwell

Batman: Year One—Chapter One: Who I Am—How I Come to Be
Batman #404 (February 1987)
Writer: Frank Miller
Artist: Dave Mazzucchelli
Colorist: Richmond Lewis
Letterer: Todd Klein
Editor: Dennis O’Neil

The Last Arkham (Part One)
Batman: Shadow of the Bat #1 (June 1992)
Writer: Alan Grant
Cover artist: Brian Stelfreeze
Penciler: Norm Breyfogle
Inker: Norm Breyfogle
Colorist: Adrienne Roy
Letterer: Todd Klein
Editors: Scott Peterson, Dennis O’Neil

Robin—the Boy Wonder
Detective Comics #38 (April 1940)
Writer: Bill Finger
Artists: Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson
Editor: Whitney Ellsworth

The Crimes of Two-Face!
Detective Comics #66 (August 1942)
Writer: Bill Finger
Artists: Jerry Robinson, George Roussos
Letterers: Ira Schnapp
Editor: Whitney Ellsworth

Daughter of the Demon
Batman #232 (June 1971)
Writer: Dennis O’Neil
Cover artist: Neal Adams
Penciler: Neal Adams
Inker: Dick Giordano
Letterer: John Costanza
Editor: Julius Schwartz

The Dark Knight Returns
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1 (June 1986)
Writer: Frank Miller
Cover artists: Frank Miller, Lynn Varley
Penciler: Frank Miller
Inker: Klaus Janson
Colorist: Lynn Varley
Letterer: John Costanza
Editors: Dick Giordano, Dennis O’Neil

Batman: The Killing Joke (July 1988)
Writer: Alan Moore
Cover artists: Brian Bolland, Richard Bruning
Artist: Brian Bolland
Colorist: John Higgins
Letterer: Richard Starkings
Editors: Dennis O’Neil, Dan Raspler

Knightfall Part 1: Crossed Eyes and Dotty Teas
Batman #492 (May 1993)
Writer: Doug Moench
Cover artists: Kelley Jones, Bob LeRose
Penciler: Norm Breyfogle
Inker: Norm Breyfogle
Colorist Adrienne Roy
Letterer: Richard Starkings
Editors: Scott Peterson, Jordan B. Gorfinkel, Dennis O’Neil

The release of DC: Batman is the second release in the Folio Society publishing program with DC, following the release of the acclaimed DC: The Golden Age. DC: Batman has been made according to The Folio Society’s exceptional production standards. Scanned from original copies held in the DC archives, the comics have been reproduced in 10” x 7” treasury format. An anti-scratch laminated hardcover features Batman’s signature silhouette, with titles foil-embossed in yellow and midnight blue, the book itself cowled in a pitch-black slipcase bearing the famous Bat-Signal. A compendium of gothic artwork and Batarang-sharp storytelling, DC: Batman is an unmissable investigation into the adventures and pathology of one of the world’s most famous – and most troubled – DC Super Heroes. DC: Batman will be available from the Folio Society on February 20, 2024.

The Folio Society edition of DC: Batman, selected and introduced by Jenette Kahn, will be available for £65 / US $100 on February 20, 2024.  

JewCE 2023: Holy Graphic Novels!

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To go along with the Jewish Comics Experience exhibition, JewCE held a convention with numerous panels highlighting the history of comics and it connection to Jewish culture and history. Taking place in November, the convention has now released all of the panels for streaming and to watch on demand.

It’s A Bird! It’s A Plane! It’s… Moses! And Miriam, and the Maccabees, and the Megillah… and all of our sacred texts and heroes (and not just the ones that start with the letter M!). They’re being given renewed life and attention in Jewish comics and graphic novel—and now, for the first time ever, you can thrill to the amazing adventures of their talented creators—both commercial and cutting edge—as they reveal the secret origins of their art and careers!

Moderated by Jordan B. Gorfinkel, the panel features JT Waldman, Jessica Tamar Deutsch, Mat Tonti, and Willy Mendes.

Birds of Prey Gets a Poster

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Joker is less than a month of way but we’re already looking forward to the next film based on DC Comics properties, Birds of Prey, aka Birds of Prey and the Fabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn.

The movies is based on the DC property that brought together numerous female heroes for a kick-ass group.

The film stars Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Helena Bertinelli/Huntress, Jurnee Smollet-Bell as Dinah Lance/Black Canary and Rosie Perez as Renee Montoya who will be going up against Ewan McGregor as Black Mask and Chris Messina as Victor Zsasz. Ella Jay Basco is also listed as Cassandra Cain. The film is directed by Cathy Yan from a script by Christina Hodson. Chuck Dixon, Jordan B. Gorfinkel, and Greg Land are credited on the comics side.

Birds of Prey is out February 7.

Preview: Michael Midas Champion: Book 1

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MICHAEL MIDAS CHAMPION: BOOK 1

by Jordan B. Gorfinkel, illo. by Scott Benefiel
Pub Date: August 4, 2105
Pages: 144
Format: Trade Paperback
SRP: $19.95
Age Range: Teen +
Trim: 10-3/16 x 6-5/8
Publisher: InkLit (an imprint of Penguin Random House)
Distributor: Penguin Random House
Item Code: JUN151391
ISBN: 9780425280782

What happens when the hero doesn’t — or can’t — save the day? What happens when he has to juggle a family with a duty to humanity and starts to crack under pressure? What happens when the world ends before the book is over? The new graphic novel Michael Midas Champion asks all these questions and more in a thought-provoking super-romp that still has plenty of brawling, flying, rescuing, and ninja (!).

Brought to you by writer Jordan B. Gorfinkel — known as “Gorf” to the legions of fans who grew up reading the now legendary superhero storylines he edited for DC Comics — Michael Midas is the story of a bullied kid who, like all superheroes, gains extraordinary powers in a freak occurrence. But unlike the rest, Michael has to pump iron and eat healthy to keep it up, and he has a family that needs him (not just a sometimes-significant other). The hardworking hero has to balance everything that’s important to him, and the pressure to be a father, a husband, a role model, and a superhero gets a little too tough to manage.

Along with Gorf (Batman: No Man’s Land, Birds of Prey), veteran artist Scott Benefiel (Transformers, Superman) adds a slick, fluid visual style making this a superhero book for those who’ve never tried one before; a tale of growing up in a genre that normally doesn’t allow its characters to change.

MichaelMidasChampion-COV

BOOM! Studios presents Michael Midas: Champion!

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BOOM Studios Presents MICHAEL MIDAS: CHAMPION!
Behind Every Cape And Cowl There’s A Human Side.

May 23rd, 2012 – Los Angeles, CA – This June, BOOM! Studios is proud to announce MICHAEL MIDAS CHAMPION by Jordan B. Gorfinkel and Scott Benefiel. Wrapping a classic fairy tale in superhero comic book clothing, MICHAEL MIDAS CHAMPION blends the heart of It’s A Wonderful Life, the majesty of The Princess Bride and the thrills of Spider-Man.

MICHAEL MIDAS CHAMPION is the inspirational life story of Michael Midas, who, as told by a grandmother to her grandson, grows from being a boy—dealing with a playground crush stolen from him by a tormenting bully—into a crimson hero who dons a mask and battles evil, particularly the bully of his youth, who has, naturally, become his supervillain arch-nemesis. Through his triumphs and trials, Michael becomes a superhero so dedicated that he loses touch of what’s important in life—his loved ones—puttting them and the whole Earth on a path to complete destruction. But given a rare second chance, can Michael Midas Champion set things right? Will he?

Chris Renaud, director of DESPICABLE ME and DR. SEUSS’ THE LORAX, said, “MICHAEL MIDAS CHAMPION delivers a dynamic narrative and spectacular illustration while answering the question, ‘How do you balance a family and superpowers?’ Everyone can recognize their own life in the character of Michael Midas and that’s what makes it fun. I truly enjoyed reading this story.”

MICHAEL MIDAS CHAMPION is a full throttle, heart string tugging, all ages book filled with suspense, action, romance and wonderfully poignant scenes told in a cinematic wide-screen layout. A story that will touch a part of everyone that reads it.

Bonus: each issue also showcases an original short story, created by The Troika, the former Batman editors Jordan B. Gorfinkel, Scott Peterson and Darren Vincenzo, and special guests, including legendary Dark Knight writer/creator Denny O’Neil.

MICHAEL MIDAS CHAMPION will ship this July. This title is a six-issue mini-series which is accessible to all ages. Attention Consumers and Retailers–All six issues of Michael Midas Champion are complete, insuring on-time delivery and low-risk ordering.

Each issue will run 48 pages (with no interior ads) in a unique “Widescreen Comics” landscape format and will carry a $4.99 price point, with a Diamond Comics Distribution Order Code of MAY120978.

About Jordan B. Gorfinkel

Creator/Writer Jordan B. Gorfinkel, a.k.a. “Gorf” is a former Batman editor for DC Comics. Gorf is best known for creating the ambitious and critically/commercially- acclaimed epic Batman: No Man’s Land, as well as conceiving Birds of Prey. Since then, he has founded Avalanche Comics Entertainment which has worked with companies such as Microsoft, TOMS Shoes and Clorox.

“I cooked up Michael Midas Champion with all of my favorite illustrated storytelling ingredients: action, adventure, drama, mythos, suspense, romance, horror, redemption, drool-inducing art and most of all, heart and soul. My fondest hope is that fans will read it and fall in love with comics again like it’s their first time.” —Michael Midas Champion Creator/Writer Jordan B. “Gorf” Gorfinkel.

“It’s been fantastic working with Gorf. He’s seen it all in this industry and it shows in his writing — action, suspense, amazing characters — everything in the world of Michael Midas is fully realized and the final product is a book that’s simply outstanding.” — Adam Staffaroni of BOOM! Studios

About Scott Benefiel

Artist Scott Benefiel renders with a vibrant and dynamic style that captures both American and European aesthetics. He has worked with such publishers as DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, Image, IDW, Disney, Humanoids and others, penciling titles like GHOST, SUPERMAN, JLA, JSA, SILVER SURFER, GHOST/HELLBOY, and more. He is an accomplished artist and designer in the video game industry on titles such as TRANSFORMERS: WAR FOR CYBERTON, THE BOURNE CONSPIRACY, SILENT HILL 5 and more. And he has illustrated for animated television series, including MINORITEAM for Cartoon Network, and the award-winning animated feature ROBOTECH: THE SHADOW CHRONICLES.

About Jonny Rench

Colorist Jonny Rench provided the striking and lush “American Animé”-style Michael Midas Champion coloring before his untimely passing. Jonny was deeply admired for his prolific coloring of the Wildstorm Universe (on tiles such as The Authority, The Programme, Ratchet & Clank and Human Target), as well as his work for Aspen, Dark Horse and Devil’s Due.

About BOOM! Studios
Founded by Ross Richie, 2009 and 2010’s “Best Publisher” BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of Eisner and Harvey Award-winning, bestselling comic books and graphic novels with the industry’s top talent, including Mark Waid’s IRREDEEMABLE, new HELLRAISER comics written by Clive Barker, PLANET OF THE APES, 28 DAYS LATER, and Philip K. Dick’s DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?. BOOM!’s all ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz’ PEANUTS, Roger Langridge’s SNARKED, Cartoon Network’s ADVENTURE TIME, and GARFIELD. BOOM!’s lit comix-focused imprint, BOOM! Town, recently won the Eisner Award for its first book, Shannon Wheeler’s I THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE FUNNIER.