It’s no surprise that The Avengers was a summer blockbuster, earning $1.5 billion in the box office as well as a score of DVDs and Blu-rays that are now in homes everywhere.  It proved that the super hero movie is stronger then ever – and that Scarlett Johansson is still sexy in leather. What was surprising was the number of people who doubted it would even succeed – and  Joss Whedon shoved the third highest grossing film of all time in their faces and proved them wrong.

One person that couldn’t be happier for all of this success is Marvel‘s President of Production Kevin Feige, who has watched the super hero trend change as a producer – in some capacity – for every single Marvel movie. So when MTV News‘ Josh Wigler spoke with Feige, he was more then happy talk about all the success The Avengers has had recently.

“We’ve had the good fortune of having a lot of dreams come true. I still remember six, seven years ago, thinking about casting Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man. ‘It’s outside the box! It could be like Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow! It  could take off!’ Clearly, we’re there now. That being said, you can never honestly expect this kind of success and be any kind of reasonable human being. I was just hoping it would be the biggest Marvel Studios movie of all time. It’s got to beat ‘Iron Man 2′ or we really screwed it all up. And we more than doubled that.”

And as for Whedon, Feige couldn’t sing higher praises for the director and writer of one the summer’s hottest movies.

“We believed that Joss could handle the spectacle, along with the amazing crafts people and technicians we hired, but never letting the  characters get lost among the spectacle. We knew it would be a big movie with  big visual effects. But I never wanted these great character who we love and  have established in other films to get lost in the spectacle. ‘And now they  fight aliens!’ We wanted the characters to stand out, and that’s Joss’  signature. I think he did his best job yet with ‘Avengers.’”

Now that The Avengers has proven that a multi-hero feature can be successful, the competition has taken notice and started planning their own ensemble franchise - DC Comics, to be specific. Now that they’ve seen it can be done, Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment are finally going after that long awaited Justice League movie. So what’s the producer got to say about the competition and the dynamic of James Gunn‘s Guardians of the Galaxy compared to other movies?

“There’s no rule that say you have to do it one way or the other, though I believe that what was unique about ‘Avengers’ was not that it was a group of superheroes, but a group of superheroes you knew and loved from other [films] all coming together. It wasn’t like ‘X-Men,’ which is inherently a team-based film, or ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ which we’re working on right now and is also a team-based film from the start. It was all of these people from other stories coming in and merging for one story. That’s what was cool to me about ‘Super Friends’ when I was a kid and that’s why I wanted to do ‘Avengers’ the way we did it.”

You gotta love the subtle jab Feige sends towards DC, but he’s not wrong.

The previous Marvel features created a selling point for The Avengers; people wanted to see how everyone would react when thrust together in a global threat, if that dynamic was built up to mesh the team together all the build up from previous movies would have been meaningless. As long as everyone involved in the next phase of Marvel’s production understands that team dynamics work in team-based movie then we can expect super heroes and less ”super friends”.

Source: Comic Book Movie

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In brightest day, in blackest night, No evil shall escape our sight. Let those who worship evil’s might, beware our power, The Bastardcast’s light!!!

In this episode, Jason is growing out an Alan Moore beard while ceaselessly watching Mohawk Man and the Curiosity Crusade and Jeremy is trying to advance his career as a Hollywood player, forcing Jason to act out a scene with him from Karl Welzein’s un-sold script for Roadhouse 2012: Pain Still Don’t Hurt.

The boys (because these are not men!) also chat about the return of President Camacho, Scully and Mulder, the earnings potential of Annie’s Boobs, and Jason unveils an excerpt from his interview with Eddie Izzard, who talks about why he took the role of Grandpa in the Munsters remake, Mockingbird Lane.

In the MAIN EVENT, Jason and Jeremy take on Joss Whedon’s indentured servitude with Marvel, Ben Affleck’s flirtation with DC, and the chances that a greater push toward television by Marvel and DC could backfire and over-expose comic book heroes.

Then, in DIRTY NERDY SECRETS Jeremy reveals that he is afraid of being probed on a UFO by a Sasquatch, and Jason tells us why all kids who own or have owned a Power Wheels are fucking douche bags, but that there is a sadness to those who, like himself, owned a NES Powerglove.

All of that and the Ghost of Andy Rooney, on this week’s Bastardcast.

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DC Entertainment has posted the trailer for the first in a pair of animated movies telling Frank Miller’s epic tale of an aged Batman, The Dark Knight Returns to the Internet.

The Dark Knight Returns is truly one of the greatest comics ever created. Check any “Top 20″ lists of comic and you’ll find The Dark Knight Returns along side The Watchmen, The Killing Joke, X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga, and other greats. If it’s not on the list above 20 then that guy or gal knows dick about comics.

Since there might be a few younger readers out there that may have never read comic, the story starts . . .

The Dark Knight Returns set in a near future where Batman is retired and Gotham City has slid into a dystopian state ruled by a gang of hooligans called The Mutants. The 55-year old Bruce Wayne is forced to don the cape once more, this time partnering with a female Robin to not only stop the Joker but keep the peace when the city falls into chaos after being hit by an electromagnetic pulse.

Then the shit really hits the fan and Batman ends up in a knock down drag out fight with none other than his oldest super-friend Superman. In this animated version the story is broken into two movies. The first deals with the books opening story line with Batman returning to a city overrun by gangs and violence.

The voice actors for the movie make an impressive list:

• Peter Weller, the fan-favorite star of the original RoboCop and guest player on shows like 24 and Dexter  as Bruce Wayne/Batman.
• Ariel Winter, of Modern Family and Phineas and Ferb fame, as 13-year old Carrie Kelley/female Robin.
• Wade Williams, Prison Break, who also provided vocals for DC titles like Green Lantern: Emerald Knights and Batman: Under the Red Hood, as Harvey Dent/Two-Face.
• Michael McKean, This Is Spinal Tap and Clue (who briefly played Perry White on Smallville), as Dr. Wolper – the psychiatrist who releases Joker from Arkham.
• David Selby, star of the original Dark Shadows and Falcon Crest in a yet to be named role . . . Alfred?

The “Is it just me ? ? ?” section.

This NerdBastard is not sold on Peter Weller’s voice work in this trailer. He just seems to be stumbling over the lines. When ever I’ve read The Dark Knight Returns I’ve always heard an angry, annoyed, impatient Batman and I’m just not feeling that pissed off vibe in Weller’s voice. Maybe it’s because we don’t get to see any Joker or Superman in this trailer, that might be it.

Take a look at the trailer and let your fellow NerdBastards know what you think in the comments section below.

Part 1 of The Dark Knight Returns to hit shelves later this fall, followed by Part 2 in early 2013.

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In a startling revelation (for me at least) that big money comic companies are not just all about turning out the next biggest super hero flick, DC Entertainment is working on a project, named ‘We Can Be Heroes,’ to help with the ongoing problems of drought and starvation in Southern Africa.  And to help them in their noble endeavor, they’ve brought aboard music star Chris Daughtry.

He will be working with DC in a number of ways, starting with recording a new, acoustic version of his band’s hit song “RescueMe.”  The song will be showcasing the relief project debut in Los Angeles, accompanied by a Jim Lee art backdrop.  Daughtry, who has expressed pre-stardom dreams of being a comic book artist, is a huge fan of Lee.  They met at San Diego Comic-Con and Lee later approached him about the We Can Be Heroes project.  The song itself will be released on iTunes sometime in the next few weeks and all proceeds from it will go directly to the We Can Be Heroes foundation.

The musical angle is, however, just one part of a much larger ambition to help alleviate the problems of Africa.  DC will be putting on an art exhibit called Darkness & Light which will further aid the charity.  Daughtry has also lent his skills to this part of the program, though in a different capacity – displaying his artistic skills.

Daughtry is a big player when it comes to helping with charities in Africa and the We Can Be Heroes project is but one more step in a string of gracious assists from the musician.

I have to say, things like this give me a little bit more hope that we in the geek-culture central can put forth an effort and really make changes for the better.  Godspeed Daughtry and DC.  And Nerdbastards fans, even you’re not a Daughtry fan, spend a few bucks and help some people out.

Thanks to Hollywood Reporter for letting us in on the scoop.

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There is a small rule to follow when it comes to DC Comics characters in an animated form. The further they are from the Timmverse (named for producer Bruce Timm) of the DCAU, the closer they are to suck. Ok, maybe that’s just me and my cynical/jaded old ass but I’m still not really sure about the forthcoming Beware The Batman on DC Nation’s animation block.

DC Entertainment and Cartoon Network have released the first trailer for the CGI ‘toon today with a few details. Bats assisted by Katana (not Robin) and Alfred (who’s apparently now a spy) and face  “new villains not previously seen in animated form” such as Anarky, Professor Pyg, Mister Toad and Magpie. No Joker? Two-Face? Not even Bane to tie into the TDKR?

I stand by my earlier judgement.

You can check out the teaser after the jump, meanwhile I’ll go back to listing off words I wish Kevin Conroy would have said in Batman: The Animated Series. I stalled out after ‘pomegranate’…

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Kotaku recently had the chance to chat with Geoff Johns, DC Entertainment’s Chief Creative Officer and all around demi-god of the New 52, about what we can expect from DC in the future in the way of video games. They already have two smash hits with Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City, but what about a video game starring their most iconic character, Superman?

We talk about it a lot, about how flipping up robots for four hours would get old. I think all games come down to gameplay and the right studio. I’m sure the right studio could crack it. Rocksteady has a real passion for Batman, and I think that’s why they make a great game.

You’d think a Superman would be a no brainer, but I understand making him an interesting character to play would be tough. Rocksteady’s Batman games are so engaging and fun because playing as Batman is a challenge. You can’t jump into every room and punch everyone out. You play that way and Batman dies very quickly, but with Supes you could just punch everyone. World saved, game over. Booorrriiiinnng! Kotaku suggests including villains of Superman’s caliber, like criminals from the Phantom Zone or Darkseid, and they’re plausible foes but I fear for the time being you can only hang out with Supes in DC Universe Online.

But DC is planning another video game. One not based on Batman.

We’re working on Suicide Squad; it’s in development right now. I’m really super excited about it. Because of the concept, you have a game where any of the lead characters can conceivably die and it’s not a stunt. Some really cool story could come out of that.

At first glance this sounds like an excellent idea. There’s a huge roster of awesome villains for DC to choose from and true to the comic, not everyone would survive. In fact, this article alludes to DC not only looking to adapt Suicide Squad as a video game, but possibly a movie, too. But I think a video game would be the safer bet. Suicide Squad is pretty out there and unknown property, I’m not sure it would capture the movie-going audiences like say a Wonder Woman movie could. (Do you hear me, DC!? Stop rebooting Superman and Batman and give me my damn Wonder Woman flick!)

What do you think of a Suicide Squad game? I fear they’ll use the current incarnation of the Squad, with Juggalette Harley Quinn, and the thought of that give me nightmares.

And speaking of Johns, how about an Aquaman video game? He’s done wonders for the character in the comics, I think a video game for Aquaman could rock. I can see it now, the gameplay could be mostly underwater with time in Atlantis. Remember how awesome Ecco the Dolphin was!?

Source: Comic Book Movie

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So remember in 2005 when DC Comics came out with its new logo, and everybody hated it? Well get ready to hate again.

Bleeding Cool is reporting as the above image on the right hand side is the new logo for DC Comics and DC Entertainment (for DC Entertainment, replace the word “Comics” with “Entertainment” in the same font). Can you say underwhelmed?

A short history of the DC logo: The “DC Spin/DC Swoosh” was designed by Josh Beatman of Brainchild Studios in 2005, and it replaced the “DC Bullet” designed by Milton Glazer in 1976. No word on if the new “DC Peel” is the legit new logo, but apparently, DC has submitted it, without color, to be registered for use on everything from T-shirts to coasters.

I guess time will tell if this is the future face of DC, but in the meantime, let’s start hatin’!

Source: The Mary Sue

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Most of you have heard about DC Entertainment’s plans to create the DC Nation block of programming on Cartoon Network. Cartoons such as Green Lantern and Young Justice, comic creator interviews, live action, shorts, anything DC.

You know that Marvel wouldn’t be far behind. Marvel’s highly publicised upcoming animated series Ultimate Spider-Man based on Brian Bendis’ comic of the same name, will debut in a new programming block on the basic cable channel Disney XD called Marvel Universe. The animated block of television will also contain:

“. . . exclusive Marvel content, including new animated short-form series, live-action interstitials and the series return of The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.  The block will be home to Marvel’s biggest superstars, such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, Captain America and many more to introduce dynamic stories of action, adventure and heroism to a whole new generation.”

Ultimate Spider-Man will also have a few differences from the comic we know so well. For a start, the lead character is white.

“Ultimate Spider-Man features a teenage Peter Parker juggling the typical growing pains of high-school with the not-so-typical growing pains of being a Super Hero.  As the newest member of Nick Fury’s S.H.I.E.L.D. organization, Peter finds himself on a team with four other teenage Super Heroes.”

Credits across the shows include some of Marvel’s creative greats:  Joe Quesada, Paul Dini, Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, Duncan Rouleau and Steven T. Seagle and Brian Bendis.

Hopefully this wil spark some creative juices on both sides of the Marvel/DC comic fence, driving improvments to both companies quality and quantity of animated series.

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Hal Jordan is getting a lot of attention lately. A few years back writer Geoff Johns resurrected the character and refueled the Green Lantern line with the popularity needed for a big, splashy, summer blockbuster of a movie. Which, if you haven’t heard, is totally happening. Green Lantern hits screens on June 17th and in a turn of brilliant marketing Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment have released an animated film about the Green Lantern Corps.

Green Lantern: Emerald Knights is the 11th film in the line of DC Animated features and like, Batman: Gotham Knight before it, this is an anthology, featuring six interweaving tales from the Green Lantern Corps. A surprising but completely welcomed choice. I feared this movie would be another Jordan adventure in a tie-in or lead up to this summer’s film. Emerald Knights is really a tale about the Corps, and the different Lanterns who comprise it.

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Do you wish you could somehow transition your vigilante lifestyle from DC Universe Online into the real world? Are you dreaming of jumping rooftops and thwarting thugs in the costume you’ve brilliantly designed in game? Well, DC Entertainment and the advertising goliath, Leo Burnett Worldwide are looking for you. Recently opened in Madrid, Spain is the tailor shop of a one, Mr. Lee, tailor for a super heroic world.

I’m not kidding, either. This is 100% legit. In Madrid you can visit a shop and have your costume from DC Universe Online personally tailored. Of course, this little service will only set you back about €400, roughly $600, but for the crime-fighters of tomorrow that’s chump change. Mr. Lee’s Sastreria is currently accepting appointments which you can book on his website.

This might just be the perfect solution for all those frustrated DCUO gamers who currently can’t play due to the Playstation Network being out of commission. I’m not bitter or anything, I am perfectly capable of finding better things to do with my time than clearing the streets of Gotham of crime or helping the Green Lanterns defeat the Sinestro Corps. Yeah, no, I totally have better things to do with my time. Like, umm, watching this video and then immediately booking my appointment with Mr. Lee to make my crime-fighting alter-ego, the nature-infused archer Guinevere, a reality. Mr. Lee is all about confidentiality when it comes to your secret identity.

Impressed or shocked DC is wanting fans to shell out 600 bucks for a costume any good cosplayer could whip together for a lower price?

source: Comics Alliance

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