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#71

Current Runs / Re: Batman Resurrections (Batm...

Last post by The Dark Knight - Fri, 18 Oct 2024, 12:33

To tell you the truth I would have liked Resurrection to feature no new villains at all and instead focus on Bruce's ruminations, the remnants of Joker's gang and the beginnings of Max Shreck's string pulling. I have no idea how much time the author is putting in between the two films but I never felt it was terribly large. I like the idea The Penguin being the second villain Batman faced after a period of relative calm following Joker's death. These books rewrite all that if readers are willing to consider them canon.

#72

The Batman (2022) / Re: The Penguin (2024)

Last post by Silver Nemesis - Fri, 18 Oct 2024, 10:01

#73

Current Runs / Re: Batman Resurrections (Batm...

Last post by Gotham Knight - Thu, 17 Oct 2024, 14:11

Thanks for your thoughts, GK. My copy is yet to arrive. I'm expecting to feel similar to you. A decent read that generally does a good job, but not without niggles.

However, as is typical with the Burtonverse's forays into the expanded canon, we have the same old issues. It isn't as extensive as the 89 comic run, but we still have to deal with a few big problems: trying to re-litigate the films, straying too far from the voices we recognize, and trying to make it more like the comics. It starts off well enough, but as the narrative progresses it becomes apparent that this isn't quite the 89 universe, particularly where Batman is concerned.

Not surprising. Any Burton continuation that has a closer relationship with Gordon or has references to Arkham Asylum gets an automatic red mark against it from me. These things didn't happen in the first two films and I see no reason they would have in a third. I believe Resurrection features a scene of Batman in daylight, and while that was an unused idea for B89, it nonetheless didn't feature and I just can't imagine this incarnation doing that.

Yes, TDK, you are correct. The scene would have played better if Bruce had to makeshift a disguise or put on a balaclava mask during this daylight scene. Instead it has to explicitly be a daylight batsuit with gray on it because gray is comic book. End spoiler.
As for Batman, I accept some of the character expansions because it does allow for understanding why the GCPD endorsed this version and the scene where it is most prominent involves children who are in need of rescue, so I can only complain so much. It really is a solid book that I'm anxious to discuss. Waiting on you guys!

#74

Current Runs / Re: Batman Resurrections (Batm...

Last post by The Dark Knight - Thu, 17 Oct 2024, 12:21

Thanks for your thoughts, GK. My copy is yet to arrive. I'm expecting to feel similar to you. A decent read that generally does a good job, but not without niggles.

However, as is typical with the Burtonverse's forays into the expanded canon, we have the same old issues. It isn't as extensive as the 89 comic run, but we still have to deal with a few big problems: trying to re-litigate the films, straying too far from the voices we recognize, and trying to make it more like the comics. It starts off well enough, but as the narrative progresses it becomes apparent that this isn't quite the 89 universe, particularly where Batman is concerned.

Not surprising. Any Burton continuation that has a closer relationship with Gordon or has references to Arkham Asylum gets an automatic red mark against it from me. These things didn't happen in the first two films and I see no reason they would have in a third. I believe Resurrection features a scene of Batman in daylight, and while that was an unused idea for B89, it nonetheless didn't feature and I just can't imagine this incarnation doing that.

#75

Current Runs / Re: Batman Resurrections (Batm...

Last post by Travesty - Wed, 16 Oct 2024, 22:08

I didn't know this was a thing. I may just buy it for my kindle.

Thanks for the heads up. 😎👍

#76

Misc. Burton / Re: Scripts from Burton's film...

Last post by Silver Nemesis - Wed, 16 Oct 2024, 17:55

#77

Current Runs / Re: Batman Resurrections (Batm...

Last post by Gotham Knight - Wed, 16 Oct 2024, 14:15

I've read the entire novel. My thoughts in brief are that it is a very solid book that is not in line with your typical tie in books, which are typically breezy, thin, afternoon novellas that can be devoured quickly. This book is much more in line with that of a proper novel, ambitious in its telling, embellishing the world and the head spaces of the main characters. However, as is typical with the Burtonverse's forays into the expanded canon, we have the same old issues. It isn't as extensive as the 89 comic run, but we still have to deal with a few big problems: trying to re-litigate the films, straying too far from the voices we recognize, and trying to make it more like the comics. It starts off well enough, but as the narrative progresses it becomes apparent that this isn't quite the 89 universe, particularly where Batman is concerned. He's much closer to the mark than Hamm's comic, but you still see it run off course. The novel stumbles when it needlessly tries to answer what it thinks are dangling questions from the first film, questions that frankly already had sufficient answers in the film or didn't need addressing.

I'd still give the prose and the crisp, professional hand of John Miller praise enough to give this a solid 7.5 out of ten and a hardy recommendation to ardent 89 fans.

Also, be on the look out for the just announced sequel, also penned by Miller, entitled BATMAN: REVOLUTION...spoiler likely a Riddler story.. That's all from me until we get into discussions.

#78

Other DC Films & TV / Re: Superman (2025)

Last post by thecolorsblend - Wed, 16 Oct 2024, 12:17

I was going to mention the All-Star Superman thing if you didn't.

The good will for this movie is apparently unabated. People seem fairly open to whatever this movie is shaping up to be.

#79

Other DC Films & TV / Re: Superman (2025)

Last post by Silver Nemesis - Wed, 16 Oct 2024, 10:57

Here's our first look at Krypto.

This picture is based on a panel from All-Star Superman #6.

[ALL]

#80

Movies / Re: Are You Afraid of the Dark...

Last post by The Dark Knight - Wed, 16 Oct 2024, 10:07

I like darker material as much as anyone. But I do think the tone of modern content has become repetitive and exhausting. There just doesn't seem to be that spark of magic. Goosebumps still interests me because I believe it does have that. The market of children's novellas means there's added pressure on creating scary ideas. Importantly, Stine gives us a nice mix of mystery and humor that makes this a world you're eager to dive in to. I'm about half way through the original run of books (taking my time) and I'm still finding things to enjoy.

On this topic, as I've gotten older my belief has cemented that Batman should be something ALL ages should be able to watch. B66, BTAS and the Burton/Schumacher series fit that criteria. B89 and BR are the darkest of those interpretations but they're undeniably comic book with a sense of adventure. The restrictions on BTAS were also a blessing in disguise as far as I am concerned.

An atmosphere of constant hard violence and swearing runs the risk of becoming one note and lacking the full nuance the world of Batman deserves. Absolute Batman rubbed me the wrong way in this regard. It actually makes me feel like that style interpretation is LESS valid because it's not mainstream. A permission to now like the characters and material because it's been made less 'embarrassing'. I think the trick is presenting something unreal so we have the desire to wish it was. Escapism 101.

I do think a course correction is required in the near future.