Happy 35th Anniversary to Tim Burton's BATMAN!

Happy 35th anniversary to Tim Burton's BATMAN, which hit theaters on June 23, 1989. 🦇🃏🎥

Starring Jack Nicholson as The Joker and Michael Keaton as Batman/Bruce Wayne, this 1989 movie went on to earn $411.6 million at the box office and a solid place in cinematic and comic book history.  I had a small hand in those box office proceeds; I saw BATMAN in the theater multiple times that summer (no small feat as the theater was a 45 minute drive out of town)!

Oh, and remember the protests when Keaton's casting was announced? Now, Keaton is as solid and cherished a part of the Batman mythos as the late Kevin Conroy (BTAS, etc.). 

Reports on Keaton casting: batman-on-film.com

BATMAN teaser trailer: YouTube 

Film vs novel: batman-news.com

DC League of Super-Pets

 

You can find this on HBO Max....errrr Max... hmmmm sounds like a dog's name... that's appropriate :)

Anyway, we dove into this animated movie recently. I was excited for it and while it was good, I wasn't as blown away as I hoped to be. I did love that Krypto was voiced by Dwayne Johnson "The Rock" and Ace was voiced by Kevin Hart. This match up was perfect for their characters and they both were perfect in the roles.

I loved the created family aspect of this movie of course and the fact that it was animals becoming the family made me even happier. Overall though it was lacking something or maybe it had too much of nothing. 

I am interested to know if kids liked this one. I wonder if they got some of the actual comic book references or if it was all over their heads. I am not sure if this movie is for kids or adults or just comic book readers or maybe that's the problem, they didn't know who to make the movie for in the end. Well that makes it sound terrible and it wasn't that but simply put I doubt I would watch it again.

2 paws

Titans Season 4 part 1

 Dangrdafne review:

I love Titans. I love Nightwing. I love Starfire. I love Beast Boy. I love Raven. Really, I love them all.

This season was not as good as the other 3 BUT this was only half the season so far and it is still better than so many things I watch elsewhere :) I have been trying to determine what might be holding this season back and I wonder if it is the use of magic/mythical/mystical story line and not a superhero story line. Not that all of Titans is superhero related but it seems to be the strong point.

I am enjoying Joseph Morgan as Sebastian Sanger. He seems perfectly suited to this role after The Originals but I must say that I am thoroughly enjoying the less yelling from him ;) I look forward to where Brother Blood is going as I have no background in this story line at all.

It has been interesting to watch Joshua Orpin as Superboy have to tap in to his inner Lex Luthor. His character has had quite the arc and they are certainly bending him even further this season. I can't wait to see where he ends up through it all.

I am also interested to see how all the character story lines will meet up this season, of course IF they meet up.

3 paws

Baltimore Comic Con 2022

Our first con back since 2019 and it is one of our favorites ... and ... it remains so.

Small, easy to navigate, easy to talk to all the vendors, good panels, great volunteers and nice people across the board.

These are the items we purchased during the con, most from previous artists/vendors that we love but there are some new people here. I recommend all of them and I hope you enjoy looking through our purchases and please be sure to click through to see all the amazing people's websites and other wares.

http://dawngriffinstudios.com/

https://ewacats.com/

https://steveconley.com/the-middle-age/

https://artnessbyjustinbrown.com/

http://www.mouseguard.net/

https://www.skjaldborgartisans.store/

https://www.thescarygodmother.com/

https://jeremybastian.bigcartel.com/

https://mouseguard.bigcartel.com/

https://redstylo.com/product/ninja-bear-1/

https://baltimorecomiccon.com/

https://sourkissdesigns.com/

https://martybaumann.com/

http://www.geekboypress.com/

The Batman

 Dangrdafne review:

Wow Wow Wow Wow!!

For me this was The.Best.Batman!

I loved every second of it. I loved Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman. I loved Zoe Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman. I loved Jeffery Wright as Gordon and even Andy Serkis as Alfred (it was nice to see Andy as a full human ;) character). 

In fact during the car chase, before the chase even ended, I said to Brainwise that this was my favorite Batman ever. He asked, "person or movie?" I answered Yes. Then the chase ended and I clapped and cheered. Wow!!!! I am all in.

This was an excellent noir detective movie and it was like a full comic book come to life in front of my eyes. Seriously, full on eye candy in all ways. Every scene was important and carried out perfectly. 

Hilariously I was concerned about people saying the movie was too dark to see but I had absolutely no problem with this issue. I was able to see everything and never felt that it was too dark to see. I also felt the violence was not as bad as people had said. I expected gore and blood and to avert my eyes all the time and I never did and I didn't think the violence was actually that violent. It was Batman comic book violence but it was also noir violence and you don't actually see most of it. Maybe I am just immune at this point after all the movies I have seen but I have no complaints about this movie... ok maybe there was a little too much whispering :) but I heard it all and didn't miss anything as can sometimes happen.

So my favorite things were:

1) The shots of Rob with the black eye makeup and his hair all disheveled and no, not because he looks hot or anything like that, as some would say. I just thought it seemed the most real Bruce out of the Batman suit and I think it represented Bruce's mind set: dark, disheveled, confused, lost, and wanting.

2) The car chase!! The noise, the rain, the speed, the filming of it all, the fire and the end shots!

3) The dark hallway shooting scene! Woah! Incredible filming and choreography!

4) The music. From the score to the chosen songs. All the sounds added depth and brought me deeper and deeper into the movie. So impressed.

5) Everything!

Seriously, I loved this movie. I didn't think it was too long, I didn't think it was too dark, I didn't think it was too violent, I didn't think anything bad at all. I thought it was a brilliant story, acting, filming, directing, everything. Can’t wait to watch it again! 

4 paws and a tail

Titans - Season 3 HBO Max

 Dangrdafne review

My goodness I love this show. My first love is Ted Lasso but I’m pretty sure this is my second. And it couldn’t be more opposite. Or is it?

Yes Titans is incredibly violent and dark and angsty but at the heart of it is my favorite theme, making a family out of a rag tag bunch of folks. 

There was not one moment of this season that had me complaining or bored or irritated. I loved every second. 

I am especially enamored with Barbara Gordon, portrayed by Savannah Welch. Not only is she incredible in the role but she is truly from the disability community and what she brings to this role is the heart and soul of everything. She is simply marvelous. Every person should view her fight scene in the Lady Vic episode. It is incredible! She is incredible!

There are some new family members too and it was fun to watch Brainwise realize who they were and how they were being introduced to this version of Titans. I loved all the new characters and how they were woven into the story. I can't wait to see where we go in Season 4!

Remember I have no history with Titans or any baggage either. I do have knowledge from watching Gotham, Teen Titans, and other Batman movies/shows and it does enhance watching Titans and definitely never detracts for me. This season leaned a lot on Gotham history it seemed and definitely tied to the show many times. The biggest was one of the rooms shown in Wayne Manor, I would swear it was the identical room from the Gotham series. 

I hope you have watched the previous seasons and if you haven't, get to it! You can't watch this one without the other 2 and why would you want too :)

I will close with a memory I had while watching Brenton Thwaites this season and that was when he came on the screen in the first episode and I didn't know who he was going to portray, I turned to Brainwise and said "He's Dick Grayson isn't he?" I was 100% right and he is 100% the perfect Dick Grayson. He looks like him, he acts like him, he is him. I absolutely adore Brenton's portrayal and I am so glad the casting team found him and hired him. Honestly, I am grateful for each actor in this series, they are all amazing and perfectly matched to their characters.

4 paws

Zach Snyder's Justice League

 Dangrdafne review:

I am not sure where to start with this movie. I wanted to love it. I wanted to like it. I think I tolerated it in the end. Here are the notes I took when I started the movie:

Note 1:

This is not what he (Zack Snyder) would have done from the start. He did this now because he could. Waaaaay too dramatic and drawn out and I’m only 18 minutes in. I didn’t even know what was happening in the beginning. I’m so confused.

Note 2:

The only good thing so far is Steppenwolf does look Much Better. Annoyed at the overly dramatic themes.

Note 3:

Desaad??? Darth Vader or Doctor Doom or a mix? Totally Dr Doom.

Note 4:

The Flash first scene takes waaaaay too long. Not fast enough at all. Ridiculous music.

Note 5:

Here we forget Martha and it’s all about dads.
Flash = dad in prison
Cyborg = dad issues
Batman = dad issues
Aqua man = human dad
Wonder Woman = no dad

Then something changed in the pacing or the story but I noticed that I stopped taking notes, so I must have gotten back into the movie somehow and stopped complaining and just watched. And I did that all the way through the first part of the epilogue, which was really well done but then Zach had to keep going ... why?....and I was right back to the feelings from the beginning of the movie. So annoyed.

There were changes I liked in the movie and obviously some that I did not like. Was this movie needed? Yes for Cyborg, and no for everything else.  

I am torn with wanting to watch it again to try and not be annoyed, so perhaps I need to watch it with Brainwise so I can hear his take on the movie, and not caring to watch it ever again. 

2 paws - Cyborg helped this not be 1 paw

Titans season 2 - HBO Max

 Dangrdafne review

I told you this was a show I couldn't stop binging. I JUST posted about season one and we have already finished season 2.

WOW, WOW, WOW

I really feel like everyone involved in this show has been waiting to make this show. They are Titans in the industry and they have all just been waiting for everything to align to make this dream show. Each actor is perfectly cast for their character, the cinematography is spectacular and the writing is superb. I just can not get over this show. I love it.

Season two did have a rougher start than season one especially since season one was the longest introduction to a show ever but worth every second. But it didn't take me long to fall right back into step with everyone. I love the storytelling on the show and the character study episodes are like individual movies of their own. The episode "Conner" had me forgetting what show we were watching and thinking it was a whole different show (and that is not a bad thing to me). Impressive!!

One big change for season 2 was the music. Season one episodes closed with the Titans theme, which I love. Season two closes each episode with a perfect story matching song. This was a strange change at first but each song was thoughtful and perfect and some of my favorites.

I don't know when season 3 will exist but I am ready and waiting for it. 

In the meantime, there is another show that I like just little more than this one... and you all know that is a huge statement since I have been raving about Titans for 2 weeks now. Stay tuned right here to see what my favorite show is, even more than this one - if that seems possible.

4 paws and a tail

Titans season one - HBO Max

 Dangrdafne review:

Wow, wow and wow. I truly had no idea what to expect for this show. In fact I didn't even know what it was about when I added to the watch list on HBO Max. I just knew it was comic book related and that hubby would want to watch.

And just like Doom Patrol, I couldn't imagine just how much I would love it! It is eye candy with a great story and amazing characters played with perfection by amazing actors. Hubby told me there would be characters from Teen Titans (the animated series we watch many years ago and I love), Doom Patrol and Batman.

I am completely sold and in love with Brenton Thwaites as Robin. As soon as he came on the screen in the first episode, I turned to hubby and said "that's Dick Grayson/Robin". He was EXACTLY what I think Dick Grayson would look like AND I don't even know the comic version of Dick Grayson. It was just spot on and he is incredible in the role.

Anna Diop is perfection as Kory Anders/Starfire and perfection as herself. She is gloriously beautiful and she is completely Starfire to me. I simply adore her and her acting. I love that she has no idea who she is but that doesn't even take away any confidence from her. I love that she just keeps moving forward and she doesn't wallow in her issues. 

Teagan Croft brings Rachel Roth/Raven to life. On the animated Teen Titans, I recall not really knowing Raven that well. She was definitely an emotional teen and a loner but I don't recall why, Titans have given me the why and I am in. I can't wait to see where this story goes...

Ryan Potter is playing my favorite from the animated Teen Titans, Gar Logan/Beast Boy. I LOVED Beast Boy on Teen Titans and I love him on Titans. He has the quirks and the kindness and the fun that Beast Boy had on the animated series. 

There are so many more characters and all are amazing. Minka Kelly would be another that stands out not only because I love her as an actress but she embodies Dawn/Dove so well. She seems all delicate and sweet but do NOT cross her as she will take you out. 

We did joke at our shock that these Titans do indeed kill! They are not our animated Teen Titans... and I like that just fine. Warning though, this show is extra violent. I mean I look away soooo much during some episodes. That's the joy of cable. 

Great score and music too and it is beautifully filmed. I love, love, love this show. This is one of the few shows that I have found it very hard to stop watching/binging. I just want to keep watching and see what happens next. Simply stunning, really it is.

4 paws and a tail

Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)

 Dangrdafne review:

I LOVE this movie (most of it). I LOVE Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn. I LOVE all the supporting women. I did NOT love Ewan McGregor ... at all. In fact, I called him Ewwwwan after this movie. I wish it was because he was such a good villain that I didn't like him but it was that he was so horrible in this role. Bland, ridiculous, boring and just plain bad. Basically I wish they had just dumped the males in this movie and just let it be all the women and some unknown males. 

My favorite part of the movie was how I felt watching it - I felt like I was in a comic book and it was a wild, crazy, fun ride. I just loved watching this movie. I loved the insanity of it all. Just give in and enjoy it. Girl power!! I hope there is more Birds of Prey to come, I am ready.

3 paws with Ewwwwan

4 paws without Ewwwwan :)

Batman Day 2019

September 21, 2019, was the annual instance of Batman Day.

I know it's late in the day, but as part of my own observance of Batman Day 2019, here are several of my favorite Batman stories (in no particular order):

SDCC last minute reminders

Print out all your confirmations: SDCC Merchandise pre-order, Exclusives Lottery wins, tickets to parties, anything that you think you can get on your phone, don't trust it and print it. Some places only accept the print out too.

Make sure you have binoculars, sunscreen, swimsuit, a few pairs of shoes, extra socks and underwear, and business cards if you are handing them out this year. If you are cosplaying make sure you have all the parts for your costume. And most of all, YOUR BADGE!

I was trying to go from memory for packing and I decided that I shouldn't trust that, so I pulled out my travel folder and found a fun checklist from Crazy for Comic Con's 2012 post!! It was perfect, it helped me remember to get the binoculars out and into my carry on. I love to use them when in our hotel room, if we are lucky enough to get a view.

Another fun thing that someone did and I "stole" :) was creating a secret Facebook group with your friends so that you can safely post where you are and when so a potential meet up could happen at any time. Instead of trying to text everyone or Tweet out your info publicly, I though this was a great idea. So I created one for my group of friends and I am hopeful it will work for us. *Crosses fingers and toes for good service in the center*

I also highly recommend using the My Sched that is offered by CCI. If your friends all use it and you are connected by social media then you can see your friend's schedules and see if anything overlaps. My hubby and I even use it for each other!!

Last but not least, have fun, be nice, sleep well and remember we are all here for the same reason... the love of comics and all that entails.

-Dangrdafne

SDCC 2019

So next week at this time we will be in San Diego anticipating the start of SDCC 2019, the 50th anniversary of SDCC. How amazing is that??

I am very excited for this trip and can’t wait to see all my friends and all the amazing panels and wares to be had on the floor. We don’t have many exclusives to get, except for one in the portal. We did our best to use our credits appropriately but only time will tell if it works out for us. Hopefully the 80th anniversary SDCC Batman will come home with us. What are you looking for this year?

I have some friends on panels this year so I was sure to put their times on my calendar and we always see the animated film on Friday night. Other than that there are no parties on the schedule with the ending of Game of Bloggers and the Hero Within closing party. While I am sad to not have the parties to go to and the time to see certain people, I am happy to have the time open. Hopefully we will still see everyone we want to.

What are your must do panels? Do you have any parties planned?

I am also just looking forward to being away and hanging out in San Diego. It is one of my favorite places to visit and the bonus of seeing my childhood best friend is a huge factor in my love of the area.

I hope everyone attending has safe travels and may all the odds be in our favor to get the exclusives we want and seats at the panels we want. Happy SDCC!!!!

Oh Nerdy Christmas Tree

We decided to open our Batman and Friends ornament container this year and decorate our tree in all the nerdy goodness we have. What nerdy goodness do you have that you like to use to decorate?

Here are some highlights:

Citizen Wayne

So, before Marvel and Brian Michael Bendis went all exclusive, Bendis did a story for DC Comics. It was a short Batman Elseworlds story printed in THE BATMAN CHRONICLES #21 (June 2000). This must have come out during a lull in my collecting habits, because I don't recall the cover, and I certainly don't recall any of the contents.

 The Batman Chronicles Vol. 1 Issue 21

Now, the artist on that 2000 story was one Michael Gaydos. Yes! The very same person who co-created Jessica Jones with Bendis, also co-created Bendis' new character, Pearl. And he did the pencils on the first DC/Jinxworld issue of PEARL, a book that also includes that previously Batman story, "Citizen Wayne," as back material.

And "Citizen Wayne" is a solid bit of black and white storytelling. And, yes, it's a nod to the great Orson Welles' seminal film. I'm not sure I can adequately encourage you to go get your own copy of this, so I'll just share Bendis' intro to the story and its first page:

Intro to "Citizen Wayne" as reprinted in PEARL #1

The Heart of Batman (Batman, Vol. 3 #20)

Yeah, Batman is still here. Respect!

The finale of "I am Bane," the fourth arc of writer Tom King's run on Batman, comes to a close in Batman, Vol. 3 #20. Tom King (Omega Men, The Vision, The Sheriff of Babylon) might not have been everyone's pick to follow Scott Snyder, but I know I was psyched about it (I mean, I love, love LOVED his run on Omega Men). And now, after having lit a proverbial fuse about 10 issues ago, this story has paid off in spades. Or batarangs. OK, maybe not batarangs. I don't think a single batarang was thrown in this throwdown between Bane and Batman.

Anyway, if I'm being honest, I'm worried any time Bane is front and center. Not because I'm worried about what will happen to Batman. No, it's because I'm one of maybe a dozen Bat-fans out there who don't really care for this villain who looks, acts, and talks like a professional wrestling trope on steroids. Was that redundant? Maybe. But in the hands of King and the art team, Bane has been almost interesting. And I've been on the edge of my seat with each issue.

So, if you don't care about following a full story and just want a great fight where Batman shows his major gravitas, pick up this single issue. But, if you're interested in a carefully crafted yarn that shows the heart and soul of Batman, read through this entire run from the beginning of Batman Rebirth.

Batman, Vol. 3 #20
April 5, 2017
Tom King (writer)
David Finch and Danny Miki (art)