hertenberger.co.za

Even the Batman requires some respite every now and again…

via Geekologie

For times when Batman simply has to fit his Batmobile into a narrow parking space, the new addition to the Batcave garage may prove handy. Designed by George Barris, the designer of the iconic 1960′s movie Batmobile, the BatSmart is a modern take on a classic theme.

Based on the popular Smart, the BatSmart features a make-believe turbine and rocket launchers.The interior has been customized to appear more Bat-like and a suitable body kit has been applied.

Maybe enough to scare fellow road users at first glance, the BatSmart has a good chance of being run over by a Hummer…

More pictures of this unique vehicle can be seen here.

The Internet is a wonderful place for finding almost anything. From those rare collectibles on eBay auctions to out-of-print writing preserved in digital format. For comic book lovers, the following resource is likely to become an oft-visited site: Steve Cottle‘s collection of newspaper dailies from the days of yore.

You’ll find Batman, Star Wars, Star Trek and many, many others from as early as the 1930′s. The archive is being updated constantly and there is a ton of stuff to keep any reader of comics very happy.

My recent read of the excellent graphic novel Joker was augmented by a quick look at the latest Batman title from DC: Batman and Robin.

This is probably nothing more than another way of enticing existing and new comic book readers to spend some money. That’s been my experience with the comic book industry and though I haven’t followed any title from any publisher in over five years or so I can’t imagine that their modus operandi has changed. Where a #1 of any title was an event that enabled serious collecting the last ten years have seen a slew of #1 titles being produced to revive flagging interest, introduce new creative teams or reboot a character due to sinking sales figures. The major occurence of Superman‘s apparent death in some or other continuity of the DC Universe has now been repeated with the recent apparent demise of the Bruce Wayne Batman. Have no fear: he’s still around somewhere, whether in the current dimension or another one. DC is providing a brief interlude with the introduction of a new Dynamic Duo consisting of erstwhile Nightwing Dick Grayson as Batman and the son of Bruce Wayne and Talia, Damian, as Robin.

Writer Grant Morrison is well-respected and I enjoy his style. The artwork by Frank Quitely is eye-catching and falls in a category I prefer: realism and detail, though there could be more detail. The story is fast-paced and I was able to pick the issue up and read it without any knowledge of what has been going on during the past few issues. That’s good. The Circus of Strange has invaded Gotham and the Dynamic Duo get to try out their flying Batmobile early on to apprehend Toad.

Depending on how long DC decides to carry on with this title is a question only they can answer. For now, I’m keen to see how issue #2 of Batman and Robin pans out…

It’s been a long time since I read anything comic-related. I sat through at least ten or so viewings of  The Dark Knight, which featured a very twisted and cruel Joker.

It’s a great movie and a superb silver screen representation of the Batman universe.

Heath Ledger‘s portrayal certainly brought a classic villain to life better than anyone could ever have expected. In the DC graphic novel simply titled Joker, writer Brian Azzarello borrows heavily from Ledger‘s on-screen presence, as does illustrator Lee Bermejo.

The striking cover caught my eye and I decided to have a read. I like the artwork: it’s clean and precise, but conveys the mood of chaos and anarchy the Joker causes in Gotham City upon his release from Arkham Asylum very well.

Somehow, he’s managed to convince his psychiatrist that he’s no longer crazy.

Jonny Frost is a common thug who volunteers to pick the Joker up from the asylum and becomes his right-hand man. The story is told from the point of view of Frost who uses his contact with the Joker to try to rise from a lowly thug to someone with a bit more clout in Gotham‘s underworld.

But for the fact that Frost is a criminal, his character evokes some sympathy. His multiple incarcerations have ensured a divorce and separation from the rest of his family. By the time his demise is imminent, Frost has experienced first-hand the destructive power of the Joker. There is no question that this is a dark and disturbing read. The excellent artwork complements the writing style.

The Joker is super-violent and consumes a fair quantity of booze and drugs. He seems to have little motivation other than to cause chaos and destruction.

Harley Quinn plays the silent and subservient part of the Joker‘s girlfriend.

A whole host of other well-known Gothamites make an appearance, including a menacing Killer Croc, Penguin and Riddler. Joker is intent on taking back his position as criminal kingpin. To achieve his aim, he causes murder and mayhem without regard for life or material.

Once again, only the Batman can stop the Joker, and his involvement is brought about, rather surprisingly, by Two-Face. The fact that Batman appears only once and for a very short time does not detract from the quality or enjoyment of the graphic novel. It’s a great read all round.

Joker is another excellent addition to the ever-expanding Batman mythos. Suggested for mature readers, this is not standard comic book fair.

Since Batman‘s name contains no L‘s and no R‘s, it’s logical that this cult comicbook hero would have found an ardent following in Japan.

In 1966, Bob Kane requested a Japanese manga expert to create a localized version of the popular comic books to tie in with the Batman TV series due to be launched in that country. Understanding his audience, Jiro Kuwata applied a fair bit of artistic license to modify the content of Kane‘s original material. Since Japan is the home of Manga, it was only logical that the Japanese Batman would have to fit in with that style. The 1960′s were also a period filled with a fascination for bizarre and unlikely technology, alien encounters and a generally bad dress sense…

Though the original material was thought to be lost for ever, many copies of the original Japanese comic books were found and restored. Some of these are collected in a colourful coffee table edition titled Bat-Manga! Secret History of Batman in Japan.

I picked up my softcover copy at the post office this morning, brought to me by the wizards at Amazon. In true Manga fashion, start reading at the end, not the beginning. There are some interesting colour prints of the original covers and concept artwork included in the 352 pages. The original comicbook pages have not been completely cleaned up, giving the bound collection an authentic feel. Thankfully, the smell of yellowing paper is absent

The stories don’t hold up to modern scrutiny, but are a lot of fun. This is a piece of history and a great addition to any Batfan‘s bookshelf.

The original 1966 Batmobile is an absolute classic. I owned an original Corgi model in my younger years. The one with an embossed Batman on its base, rocket blaster and front-mounted slicer. Alas, that much-loved toy couldn’t and didn’t survive. A replacement nowadays would run into a few thousand Rand, not necessarily in good nick and probably without any packaging. The next best option is the 40th anniversary model Mattel is rolling out. It’s a 1:18 scale 1966 Batmobile as seen in the original TV series and it’s the first time since the original Corgi model that such a larger scale Batmobile model is available.

George Barris‘ design is instantly recognizable.Though the model doesn’t have the original features of the Corgi, it’s still a perfect addition to any shelf in the various Batcaves strewn around the world.

If you have tried to find an original Corgi model, this may be the next best bet. If you’re in South Africa, you may want to order one here.

Who wouldn’t want this cool set of wheels?

Probably the coolest-looking of all Batmobiles, in my opinion. If you have roughly USD 500000 in your budget, you may want to bid for this authentic Batmobile used in the movie Batman Returns. In fact, it is Batmobile #3 from that movie and will be on auction from tomorrow. I’d get one, but I’m still missing the authentic Batsuit #24…

We’ve waited many months. Now, it’s here. And, The Dark Knight has been well worth the wait.

First off, it’s a long movie. Plan on at least two and a half hours of downtime for this one. Don’t bring the kids. The movie is violent and full of impact. It’s unlikely youngsters would take too well to the visage of Two Face, for example.

With Christopher Nolan‘s previous excellent interpretation of the Batman as a starting point, The Dark Knight has little to do but improve. And it does so in leaps and bounds. Staying true to the mythos of the Batman, the story is fairly intricate, involving numerous characters and situations.

In contrast to Jack Nicholson‘s portrayal of the Joker in the 1989 kickstart to the Batman movie franchise, Heath Ledger is first rate. He’s crazy, and enjoys it!

Absolutely believable and possibly the star of the show.

Batman and James Gordon have their hands full trying to keep control of the city. Harvey Dent is the newly appointed district attorney and is successful in bring the mob to justice with their help. The Joker unleashes a crime wave that cripples the city and brings the heroes to their knees.

Christian Bale performs admirably in his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Initially, I had to get over his change in voice when in costume, though.

There’s plenty of action and mayhem, with a good dose of contemporary Batman paraphernalia thrown in to keep true fans glued to the screen. He has some wonderful toys. The Tumbler gets a full workout and his once again completely destroyed after tussling with an 18 wheeler.

The Batpod has oversized wheels and looks impossible to steer. Nonetheless, it helps our hero out of many a nasty situation.

If you’re a true Batfan and haven’t seen this yet, you better get out there now. If you’ve no clue who the Batman is, you’ll enjoy a fantastic action movie. A winner all round, and certainly deserving of a second viewing and the purchase of the DVD!

The merchandising machine for the Dark Knight is at full tilt as the end-July release of the anticipated movie draws closer. Here’s another new poster just released, starring a rather disturbing Joker-eese image.

Of course, there are many other posters too. Take your pick.

In the run-up to the anticipated event on July 25 here in ZA, pick up some toys…

or indulge in this Batman reference extraordinaire, available for order online (US only – for ZA netizens, get it from Amazon‘s UK store):

Greenberger‘s encyclopedia is a definite addition to my overcrowded bookshelf! For 30 greenbacks it features

• details and the complete background on Batman’s origins

• biographies of every major character in the Batman universe

• classic black-and-white comic book artwork throughout

• two sixteen-page full-color artwork inserts

All in all, it’s a well-oiled marketing machine. And we have no one else to blame but ourselves. Enjoy