ANOTHER GOOD BATMAN REVIEW
Reactions to "Blink," the first part of my 3-issue LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT arc, have been uniformly positive. Here's a link to another review: http://4colorreview.com/reviews/lotdk_156/lotdk_156.shtml
Wednesday, June 26, 2002
APROPOS OF NOTHING
Here's a link to one of the funniest sites I've seen in a long time. Enjoy http://www.villainsupply.com/
Here's a link to one of the funniest sites I've seen in a long time. Enjoy http://www.villainsupply.com/
Monday, June 24, 2002
LEN UHLEY ON STATIC SHOCK III
Toon Zone has an interview with Static Shock Writer Len Uhley which includes the following Season III tidbits:
"Alan Burnett continues as Supervising Producer, while Denys Cowan has moved from being one of the directors to one of the producers. The other producer is Swinton Scott. The story editor working with Alan is John Semper, who has been associated with a number of excellent shows, including the previous incarnation of Spider-Man.
To date, I have written two episodes: "The Usual Suspect," which is a bit of a who-done-it, and "Shebang," which introduces a great new character and potential ally for Virgil and Richie. I'm about to begin work on a third story, but I can't talk about it right yet. The new season has lots of big surprises in store, so I hope all of your readers will watch."
Toon Zone has an interview with Static Shock Writer Len Uhley which includes the following Season III tidbits:
"Alan Burnett continues as Supervising Producer, while Denys Cowan has moved from being one of the directors to one of the producers. The other producer is Swinton Scott. The story editor working with Alan is John Semper, who has been associated with a number of excellent shows, including the previous incarnation of Spider-Man.
To date, I have written two episodes: "The Usual Suspect," which is a bit of a who-done-it, and "Shebang," which introduces a great new character and potential ally for Virgil and Richie. I'm about to begin work on a third story, but I can't talk about it right yet. The new season has lots of big surprises in store, so I hope all of your readers will watch."
DWAYNE'S BATMAN REVIEWED
The Silver Bullet website posted a rave review for the first issue of my "Blink" arc. Since I couldn't figure out how to link to it, I've reproduced it here...
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #156
Posted: Friday, June 14
By: Ray Tate
"Blink--part 1"
Writer: Dwayne McDuffie
Artists: Val Semeiks(p), Dan Green(i), James Sinclair(c)
Publisher: DC
Plot: Batman must solve the serial murder murders of young Gotham women.
The high rating may be influenced by my hatred of the current direction, straight down, in Batman's DCU characterization. The fact is though this issue of Legends of the Dark Knight reads like Batman. I mean, he's solving mysteries for pity's sake. When's the last time that happened? Do not bring up Vesper Fairchild. My Batman, the Batman who influenced me on a near molecular level would have solved that crime in two issues at the most.
The Batman incarnation presented in this Legends of the Dark Knight is sharp, sophisticated and even a figure of a criminal's terror while at the same time personable toward the innocents of Gotham City. Indeed, he actually cares what happens to the innocent and is a far cry from the misanthropic and misogynist bastard who casts his offal-scented shadow in the Batman titles of the DCU.
If you fret about reverting Batman to a human being will also revert his caseload to the silly adventures at focus in the Adam West era, Legends of the Dark Knight should dispel those fears. This issue and story should carry a mature readers label. The story is not meant to be read by children. While it seems to revamp an old Batman villain from the Neal Adams reign, the story in fact is nothing less than an homage to Dario Argento's giallo films.
The story touches upon all the elements of that particular genre of horror. The killer is a ski-masked madman. The killings are serial, sex crimes. The victims are young women. The killings can happen in the real world. The method of execution is ghoulish, and an even greater repugnant factor lies beneath the veneer of perversion. Batman's ally in the hunt for the killer is a blind grifter whose senses have somehow been enhanced, and his part in the story starts out by comparison to the crime itself quite innocently.
Artist Val Semeiks and Dan Green's artwork even bears with regard to the non-Batman elements a cinematic Dario Argento style. Batman's ally looks as if he could have stepped out of a sixties Italian giallo. His suit we would consider dated, but for that time, he'd look dapper. The killer is nothing short of being a brute. His leathers are perfectly in keeping with the motif. The women too look to be from the period.
Where this story differs from a giallo is that Batman being the world's greatest detective tracks down the killer and with his appearance strikes fear in him that looks to make his very bones quiver. In the typical giallo, the detective is not larger than life but a cookie-cutter inspector or an amateur sleuth sometimes quirky but otherwise normal. Symbols of fear they are not. Batman is terror absolute to the killer and although technically an amateur sleuth more professional in talent than the most seasoned detective on the Gotham PD.
That he actually wins in the first chapter shows exactly how much Dwayne McDuffie understands his intelligence and what makes him such a threat to the criminal underworld. The mystery Mr. McDuffie makes as multilayered as his characters. Thus, the story does not feel drawn out to a trade paperback level. Rather, Batman has stumbled onto a conspiracy that readers have no doubt he will shatter.
The Silver Bullet website posted a rave review for the first issue of my "Blink" arc. Since I couldn't figure out how to link to it, I've reproduced it here...
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #156
Posted: Friday, June 14
By: Ray Tate
"Blink--part 1"
Writer: Dwayne McDuffie
Artists: Val Semeiks(p), Dan Green(i), James Sinclair(c)
Publisher: DC
Plot: Batman must solve the serial murder murders of young Gotham women.
The high rating may be influenced by my hatred of the current direction, straight down, in Batman's DCU characterization. The fact is though this issue of Legends of the Dark Knight reads like Batman. I mean, he's solving mysteries for pity's sake. When's the last time that happened? Do not bring up Vesper Fairchild. My Batman, the Batman who influenced me on a near molecular level would have solved that crime in two issues at the most.
The Batman incarnation presented in this Legends of the Dark Knight is sharp, sophisticated and even a figure of a criminal's terror while at the same time personable toward the innocents of Gotham City. Indeed, he actually cares what happens to the innocent and is a far cry from the misanthropic and misogynist bastard who casts his offal-scented shadow in the Batman titles of the DCU.
If you fret about reverting Batman to a human being will also revert his caseload to the silly adventures at focus in the Adam West era, Legends of the Dark Knight should dispel those fears. This issue and story should carry a mature readers label. The story is not meant to be read by children. While it seems to revamp an old Batman villain from the Neal Adams reign, the story in fact is nothing less than an homage to Dario Argento's giallo films.
The story touches upon all the elements of that particular genre of horror. The killer is a ski-masked madman. The killings are serial, sex crimes. The victims are young women. The killings can happen in the real world. The method of execution is ghoulish, and an even greater repugnant factor lies beneath the veneer of perversion. Batman's ally in the hunt for the killer is a blind grifter whose senses have somehow been enhanced, and his part in the story starts out by comparison to the crime itself quite innocently.
Artist Val Semeiks and Dan Green's artwork even bears with regard to the non-Batman elements a cinematic Dario Argento style. Batman's ally looks as if he could have stepped out of a sixties Italian giallo. His suit we would consider dated, but for that time, he'd look dapper. The killer is nothing short of being a brute. His leathers are perfectly in keeping with the motif. The women too look to be from the period.
Where this story differs from a giallo is that Batman being the world's greatest detective tracks down the killer and with his appearance strikes fear in him that looks to make his very bones quiver. In the typical giallo, the detective is not larger than life but a cookie-cutter inspector or an amateur sleuth sometimes quirky but otherwise normal. Symbols of fear they are not. Batman is terror absolute to the killer and although technically an amateur sleuth more professional in talent than the most seasoned detective on the Gotham PD.
That he actually wins in the first chapter shows exactly how much Dwayne McDuffie understands his intelligence and what makes him such a threat to the criminal underworld. The mystery Mr. McDuffie makes as multilayered as his characters. Thus, the story does not feel drawn out to a trade paperback level. Rather, Batman has stumbled onto a conspiracy that readers have no doubt he will shatter.
Wednesday, June 19, 2002
ALAN BURNETT TALKS STATIC SHOCK
Producer/writer and all around big wig Alan Burnett told the guys over at Toon Zone a little bit of what he has planned for season three. Click the link below to see what inside info he let slip:
http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37925
Producer/writer and all around big wig Alan Burnett told the guys over at Toon Zone a little bit of what he has planned for season three. Click the link below to see what inside info he let slip:
http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37925
Tuesday, June 18, 2002
STATIC SHOCK SEASON THREE ANNOUNCED!!
BURBANK, CA (June 18, 2002) — Kids' WB! has ordered 13 original episodes for a third season of the returning hit Static Shock from Warner Bros. Animation to air on Saturday mornings during the 2002-2003 season. This announcement was made today by Donna Friedman, Executive Vice President, Kids’ WB!
“Static Shock has delivered strong ratings this spring and is a wonderful example of Kids' WB!'s unique brand of ‘character adventures,’” said Ms. Friedman. “As we strengthen our creative partnership with Warner Bros. Animation, we are proud to continue tackling highly relevant issues for kids today in the third season of this electrifying series.”
Kids’ WB! continues to dominate as a market leader in kids’ television and has maintained its top-rated position. Season-to-date, Kids' WB! is the #1 Saturday morning network among all competition, including cable, in the key demographic of Boys 6-11 (5.3/22), taking seven of the top 10 program spots – and leading with the top five programs.
http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37836
BURBANK, CA (June 18, 2002) — Kids' WB! has ordered 13 original episodes for a third season of the returning hit Static Shock from Warner Bros. Animation to air on Saturday mornings during the 2002-2003 season. This announcement was made today by Donna Friedman, Executive Vice President, Kids’ WB!
“Static Shock has delivered strong ratings this spring and is a wonderful example of Kids' WB!'s unique brand of ‘character adventures,’” said Ms. Friedman. “As we strengthen our creative partnership with Warner Bros. Animation, we are proud to continue tackling highly relevant issues for kids today in the third season of this electrifying series.”
Kids’ WB! continues to dominate as a market leader in kids’ television and has maintained its top-rated position. Season-to-date, Kids' WB! is the #1 Saturday morning network among all competition, including cable, in the key demographic of Boys 6-11 (5.3/22), taking seven of the top 10 program spots – and leading with the top five programs.
http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37836
Monday, June 17, 2002
NEWS AND PHOTOS FROM THE EAST COAST BLACK AGE OF COMICS CONVENTION.
I couldn't attend this historic confrence but plenty of others did, Mamas Boyz cartoonist Jerry Craft has the scoop; "Dave Watkins and Paul Martin (Toronto, Canada), William Foster III (PA / CT); Arvell Jones, Desmond Jones, Teon Walker, C. Patrick Jackson and Andre Batts (MI); Lance Tooks and Titus Thomas (NY); Eric Battle (PA ); Jerry Craft(CT); Omar Bilal (MD); Bro. Grey and N. Steven Harris (NY); Stacey Robinson and Kevin Woolfork (NC); et al. And Elder Political Cartoonist, Samuel Joyner of the Philadelphia Tribune. This event, moderated by Yumy Odom (PASCEP Director & Founder of 1st World Komix, Inc.) was a first-time meeting for some and a reunion for others."
Click the link for more info and pictures: http://www.mamasboyz.com/news/blackagecomics.asp
I couldn't attend this historic confrence but plenty of others did, Mamas Boyz cartoonist Jerry Craft has the scoop; "Dave Watkins and Paul Martin (Toronto, Canada), William Foster III (PA / CT); Arvell Jones, Desmond Jones, Teon Walker, C. Patrick Jackson and Andre Batts (MI); Lance Tooks and Titus Thomas (NY); Eric Battle (PA ); Jerry Craft(CT); Omar Bilal (MD); Bro. Grey and N. Steven Harris (NY); Stacey Robinson and Kevin Woolfork (NC); et al. And Elder Political Cartoonist, Samuel Joyner of the Philadelphia Tribune. This event, moderated by Yumy Odom (PASCEP Director & Founder of 1st World Komix, Inc.) was a first-time meeting for some and a reunion for others."
Click the link for more info and pictures: http://www.mamasboyz.com/news/blackagecomics.asp
Thursday, June 13, 2002
Wednesday, June 12, 2002
ON SALE NOW!
BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #156
Written by Dwayne McDuffie; art by Val Semeiks and Dan Green
Blink, Part 1 of 3. When a blind man with the power to see through the eyes of other men accidentally taps into the mind of a serial killer, Batman finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that reaches from the streets of Gotham straight up into its cathedrals of power.
32 pages, $2.25
BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #156
Written by Dwayne McDuffie; art by Val Semeiks and Dan Green
Blink, Part 1 of 3. When a blind man with the power to see through the eyes of other men accidentally taps into the mind of a serial killer, Batman finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that reaches from the streets of Gotham straight up into its cathedrals of power.
32 pages, $2.25
Friday, June 07, 2002
DWAYNE TO STORY EDIT JUSTICE LEAGUE
The Comics Continuum reported the news a couple of days ago and it's true. I've started work on the second season of JUSTICE LEAGUE as a story editor. For more info, CLICK HERE
The Comics Continuum reported the news a couple of days ago and it's true. I've started work on the second season of JUSTICE LEAGUE as a story editor. For more info, CLICK HERE
Thursday, June 06, 2002
DWAYNE'S NEW BATMAN COMIC, JUNE 12
The first chapter of "Blink," a three-part LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT story I wrote, goes on sale next Wednesday. Val Semeiks did the pencils (the first time we've worked together since my ill-advised "Demon For President" story way back in 1992!) and Dan Green provided the inks. Look out for the *very* cool covers by Brian Stelfreeze.
The first chapter of "Blink," a three-part LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT story I wrote, goes on sale next Wednesday. Val Semeiks did the pencils (the first time we've worked together since my ill-advised "Demon For President" story way back in 1992!) and Dan Green provided the inks. Look out for the *very* cool covers by Brian Stelfreeze.
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