The next animated feature from DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation will be based on 2011′s Flashpoint, the comic that saw the old DC Universe die out and merge into The New 52. It’s an interesting choice to develop a movie based on such a recent comic, but I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess it’s being chosen to further ingrain The New 52 in the public consciousness. Or they just think it’s a good story. I disagree, but you don’t see anyone asking what comics I want to see become animated features. ::cough::TheKillingJokeStarringMarkHamill::cough::
Opinions of Flashpoint aside, the cast for Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox – the animated version’s new title – looks stellar. Fan favorites Kevin Conroy, Dana Delany and Nathan Fillion are all returning as Batman, Lois Lane, and Green Lantern, respectively. Some new, big names are also on the roster, like Ron Perlman as Slade/Deathstroke and Cary Elwes as Aquaman. There’ll be another Batman in this one, too, and as readers of the comics know it’s not Bruce Wayne. Kevin McKidd (Grey’s Anatomy, Rome) will play the other Batman, Michael B. Jordan is Cyborg, Vanessa Marshall (Young Justice‘s Black Canary) is Wonder Woman, Sam Daly (son of often-Superman, Tim Daly) is Superman, C. Thomas Howell (Southland, The Amazing Spider-Man) is the story’s main villain Professor Zoom, and Justin Chambers (Grey’s Anatomy) takes on the starring role of The Flash.
All right, this cast has me pretty excited, possibly enough I’ll overlook their poor decision in adapting Flashpoint. What do you guys think? Conroy back as Batman is always welcomed, but I might even be more pumped for Elwes as the King of the Sea. That’s right, Aquaman fangirl right here.
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox will release on DVD, Blu-ray, on-demand, and digitally on July 30th.
It’s a little ridiculous how amped I am for NetherRealm Studios‘ new fighter featuring the characters of the DC Universe. Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe this is most definitely not. Injustice: Gods Among Us has wowed us with every teaser, trailer and gameplay featurette, and they’re not slowing down one bit releasing yet another trailer at this week’s Tokyo Game Show in Japan.
Check out the bone-crushing, world shattering action in their latest trailer,
What’s impressed me so much is almost everything they’ve shown us is in-game action. The few cuts scenes shown are when a character initiates a combo, but all the interaction with the environment and fellow players is all controlled by you, and that’s exactly what you want from a fighter. This immersive experience they’re promising is a big reason I’m considering snagging this when it releases in April.
PLUS. Did you happen to recognize the voice comin’ outta Batman’s mouth!? That’s right, Kevin Conroy is voicing Bats in Injustice increasing the game’s coolness factor exponentially.
Will you picking up Injustice: Gods Among Us for either the Xbox 360, PS3, or Wii U?
Every day the internet produces an astounding amount of goodies and gems. Most hilarious, some amusing, but all worth at least a few seconds of your time. We here at Nerd Bastards try to bring you the best bits of news and nerdery the webz has to offer, with a bit of snark thrown in. But sometimes not everything makes the cut. Monday through Friday we’ll be bringing you our inbox leftovers, our forgotten bookmarks, the nerdy bits that simply slipped through the cracks. You can submit items to Nerdy Bits by emailing us at nerdybits@nerdbastards.com.
Above: Some of you probably have fond memories of The Rocketeer. Others might be like, wha-? Either way you really can’t deny how fantastic this gender-swapped cosplay is. The retro-ness is perfectly accented by those garters, as well as a few other things. Photographed by gsrho. (CBM)
Stop what you’re doing. If ya got plans, cancel ‘em. What you’ll be doing for the next hour and half is watching, but more importantly, listening to Billy West, Tara Strong, Maurice LaMarche, John DiMaggio, Kevin Conroy, Jess Harnell and Rob Paulsen read The Star Wars Trilogy as if it were a radio play as this year’s Emerald City Comic-Con.
O.M.G.
THIS MIGHT BE THE GREATEST THING EVER!
And I’ve only watched the first scene where Vader interrogates Princess Leia. Oh, and to give you an idea how this goes down Tara Strong in the voice of Bubbles from The Powerpuff Girls is Darth Vader, Jess Harnell as Adam West is the Captain Antilles, Rob Paulsen as Pinky from Pinky and the Brain is the Stormtrooper, and John DiMaggio as Jake from Adventure Time is Leia.
Has you’re brain exploded from the potential for so much awesome? Yes? No? If not, then cool ’cause with your head intact you can starting watching it now,
Whoops. Seems Kevin Conroy, known to most of us as Batman, may have let it slip what DC property is next to be adapted into an animated feature. While appearing on the Nerdist Channel‘s weekly comic book show, Comic Book Club, Conroy said,
Oh I just, just last night, I recording a new animated movie…that features The Flash, it’s more about The Flash, but Batman is in it as well. It’s a Flash…Flashpoint! Flashpoint? I think it’s Flashpoint.
Flashpoint? Really?!? I mean, I guess I didn’t hate Flashpoint but I think I made myself read it more so for how it birthed DC’s new universe not because it was a particularly good read. Here’s a quick refresher about what went down in the miniseries,
Flashpoint was released in 2011 and was written by Geoff Johns with art done by Andy Kubert. The story shows The Flash(Barry Allen) waking up in an alternate time, where nothing seems to be right his mother is alive, his father is dead, there is no Superman or Justice League, and Citizen Cold is Central City’s greatest hero. After discovering that Reverse Flash is behind everything The Flash enlists the help of Batman(Thomas Wayne) to help him set the events of time right. While doing this Flash meets a mystrious hooded figure who urges him to merge the DC, Vertigo, and Wildstorm universe creating DC’s New 52.
There hasn’t been any official word yet about the slip-up, so there’s still hope it isn’t Flashpoint and Conroy just remembered the wrong title. Somehow though, I doubt it. I can’t think of another DC story with “Flash” in the title or one that would sound anything like Flashpoint. And does this mean Conroy’s voicing Bruce Wayne or Thomas Wayne? I’m confused.
At the moment I’d classify this as rumor. But coming from the mouth of Batman himself, it’s hard not to think it must be true. What do you think? Is a Flashpoint animated film right around the corner?
In a related note, I highly suggest you check out Comic Book Club. I’ve been a fan of their podcast for some time and their show on the Nerdist Channel is just as good, if not better since you can see them. Plus, they’ve had a great line-up of guests thus far. Check out this week’s episode, including Conroy’s Flashpoint bomb drop, below,
I don’t know about you guys, but I like to think of myself as a voice actor aficionado. I’m sure this is due to me watching cartoons for my entire life. Even now, as an “adult”, you’re more likely to catch me watching something animated over live-action. I’ve become really good at spotting a voice actor when I’m watching something and I just KNOW I’ve heard that voice before. Then again, there are some actors whose range is so amazing you wouldn’t believe the variety of voices that come out of their mouths. If you’re like me and seriously dig voice actors and the incredible work they do then have I got a documentary for you.
I Know That Voice is a doc about professional voice acting and it allows us to put a face to those voices we all love. Notable actors in the flick? Billy West, Kevin Conroy, Tara Strong, David Kaye, John Di Maggio, Tom Kenny, June Foray and tons more. Or as you might know them Fry, Batman, Bubbles, Megatron, Bender, Sponge Bob and Rocky the flying squirrel. Check out the trailer,
I think this documentary sounds fascinating, again it could because I’m something of a voice work nutjob, but come on, if I can’t let my nerd flag fly here, where can I? IMDB lists I Know That Voice as releasing in 2013 so hopefully more info will be available soon.
What do you guys think of it? Who are some your favorite voice actors?
A year ago this month the comic book and cartoon world lost a phenomenal man in Dwayne McDuffie. If you don’t know who he is, Google him. You’ll be astounded by the amount of projects he was involved with that you’ve undoubtedly either read or watched. To say his absence has left a ginormous gaping hole in DC’s creative talent is an understatement.
Yesterday saw the release of the latest DC Animated Film, Justice League: DOOM, with a screenplay written by McDuffie, his last project before his death. DOOM is also a reunion for a majority of the vocal cast from the celebrated Justice League cartoon, making this film of great importance to those kids raised with DC’s cartoons of the 90s and early 2000s. Meaning, me. Did DOOM live up to my dreams of being the ultimate Justice League team-up? Sort of. DOOM is action-packed with great humorous moments but it never fully explores the complex relationships between the League’s most famous members. There’s no deeper meanings here, just one hell of a fun adventure.
If you’ve followed this site at all over the past year you should know by now I’m a huge fan of DC’s animated films. I’ve reviewed every one that released last year for Nerd Bastards, and I’ll be reviewing Justice League: Doom when it drops on February 28th. So, you know, act excited.
Below are two new clips featuring Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter facing off against The Royal Flush Gang.
Synopsis: An adaptation of Mark Waid’s “Tower of Babel” story from the JLA comic. Ra’s al Ghul steals confidential files Batman has compiled on the members of the Justice League, and learns all their weaknesses.
DC’s animated offerings are my favorite versions of these character because they stay so iconic. Rarely do we see the cartoons or movies reflecting any of the comic books’ messy reboots or retconning. Plus, The Royal Flush Gang are favorites of mine from that modern classic ‘toon, Justice League.
Honestly, my heart still aches knowing that series is over.
Well, I’m stoked to seek DOOM, are you? With it’s incredible voice cast of Nathan Fillion, Michael Rosenbaum, Tim Daly, Kevin Conroy, Carl Lumbly, Phil Morris , Susan Eisenberg, Alexis Denisof, Claudia Black and Grey Delisle, plus knowing this was one of Dwayne McDuffie‘s last projects before he passed, how could you not?
Wow, guys, wow. Let’s talk about a crazy, busy, incredible con. As far as I’m aware, New York Comic Con is completely sold out. And you can tell, because it felt even more crowded than last year, but for being so crowded I can’t say I missed out on anything I wanted to do. All I did was hang out in the IGN Theater, which is comparable to San Diego Comic Con’s Hall H. The IGN Theater is where all the awesome shit goes down so of course I sat there all day to report on it for, because I’m just that nice.
Unfortunately, the IGN Theater is also a black hole. A signal sucking, 3G guzzling whore stealing my opportunity to share the awesome shit with you immediately. I’m sorry. If you’d like to hear and or see cool stuff from the con the minute it happens you are welcome to purchase me an outrageously expensive Wi-Fi pass.
What I can offer you is my audio recordings of all three panels I went to, Batman: Arkham City, DC Universe Animated Original Movies and The Venture Bros. They’ll be linked throughout this post. I offer these in exchange for not getting any kind of reporting out of the black pit of the Javitts Center in a timely manner.
First up was the Batman: Arkham City panel at which they premiered the full release trailer,
Beautiful. Chilling. A masterpiece of a game trailer if I ever saw one. I had the chance to play a little of Arkham City on preview night and everything you’ve heard is true. They took the unbelievable, most critically acclaimed super hero game ever and made it better. The world is open, about five times larger than Asylum. Batman has about double the amount of take down moves allowing you to pwn somewhere between 20-30 guys without much hassle. I remember hearing about the altered detective mode, but I can’t say it seemed all that different to me. I wasn’t in detective mode all the time during the demo, so maybe that speaks to the changes, you just won’t need to use it all the time.
At the panel was Sefton Hill and Nick Arundel from Rocksteady, Claudio Sanchez who created the original song for the game and of course, the Batman, Kevin Conroy. Hearing him talk, hearing him say, “I AM BATMAN!”, it made me quiver. Is there anybody you associate more with Batman? Probably not, he’s been playing the role for 20 years!
An audience member at one point asked why do they keep coming back to Conroy to voice the role, is it something he pursued? He said, not really, but rather it’s been this incredible fan reaction to his performance that keeps landing him the job. “You understand Batman better than I do, ” Conroy said at one point. Well, if that’s all it takes, us absolutely loving what Conroy brings to Batman, I hope he never stops. Y’know, until he’s dead or something, but that’s a horribly sad thought I don’t want to dwell on.
Here’s the link to the audio for the Batman: Arkham City panel. Be careful though not to blow out your speakers, the panelists talk low but then the fans scream really, really loud!
Who’s getting this game when releases on October 18th? I”ll be playing non-stop in order to finish quickly. The sooner I finish the sooner I can tell you all how amazing it is.
After Arkham City there was a short break where I attempted to upload that video above. Realizing it wouldn’t happen in the black hole of the Javitts I ended up back in line for the DC Universe Animated Original Movies panel. On this panel was Bruce Timm and Andrea Romano, and if you don’t know who they are, well, Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League and every other amazing DC animated work would never have happened if it wasn’t for these two. And they were also joined by Kevin Conroy. Seriously, I think the guy spent as much time in the IGN Theater as I did.
Here’s the full audio from from the DC Animated panel, including all the audio of the Catwoman short which they premiered at the panel. Oh! And a special lady stopped by to introduce the short. I think you’ll recognize her once you hear her sultry tones.
All right, so after watching the short, I have to say I was happier with it than I originally thought. Everything I read was, “Catwoman strips. She hides out in a strip club. STRIP!!” That’s all that was ever mentioned in marketing, but the actually stripping is minor. Catwoman spends most of her time involved in wild, high speed chases and ripping dudes up with her claws. She’s a super badass! Personally, I think she’s way hotter when she’s roughing guys up than when she’s unzipping her suit. Then again, I’m not a dude, so yeah.
Oh yes, and the special lady introducing the short was Eliza Dushku, whom I’m really glad they cast as Catwoman. She’s purr-fect. Yes, I went there. I’m crazy exhausted, to me that joke is a riot.
Once I was in the IGN Theater there really wasn’t much reason to leave. Especially because The Venture Bros. panel was next! In usual, hilarious fashion Doc Hammer and Jackson Publick showed up without much prepared but they still manage an outrageously funny panel. At one point, Doc goes through a list of words and phrases he never wants to hear again. I know random, but really funny shit. You can give a listen to the audio of their panel here, same warnings apply, panelists are quiet, fans are crazy loud.
Okay guys, so day one was a bit of a train wreck because I figured I could post as I go, tweet out cool stuff, but clearly that won’t be an option. What can I say, this con is a learning experience. For Day 2 look forward to, hopefully, more constructed and clear reports that’ll hopefully be coming your way in a more timely manner.
Now to pass the fuck out due to sheer exhaustion and nerdy glee.
Fans of the DC Animated Universe (other wise known as the Timmverse after producer Bruce Timm) should hear a few familiar voices when Justice League: Doom sees release in early 2012. TV Guide broke the news:
Castle star Nathan Fillion will reprise the role of Green Lantern, which he first played in Green Lantern: Emerald Knights. He’ll be joined by Tim Daly and Kevin Conroy, the longtime voices for Superman and Batman, respectively. Rounding out the cast are several of Conroy’s old costars from Cartoon Network’s 2001-06 Justice League series (known as Justice League Unlimited in later seasons):Smallville’s Michael Rosenbaum as the Flash, Alias alum Carl Lumbly as Martian Manhunter and veteran voice actress Susan Eisenberg as Wonder Woman. Cyborg, a character not seen on Justice League, joins the group for this movie and will be played by Bumper Robinson (The Game).
Yes! As far as voice talent goes, this is the greatest Justice League yet. Tim Daly has always been great as Superman. Kevin Conroy is and always should be the voice of Batman (take notes, Christian Bale, and stop gargling with cigarette butts and broken glass.) As far as Nathan Fillion as Hal Jordan, well he should have been the Green Lantern in the live action movie, damn it, but let’s let that sleeping dog lie.
Ripped from the pages of Mark Waids JLA, the movie is loosely based on issues #43 to 46, the “Tower of Babel” arc. Ra’s al Ghul steals Batman’s secret files that reveal how to defeat each member of the League. Asses are kicked. Names are taken. The adaption was written by the late Dwayne McDuffie. Those last two words tell me this will be good.
A trailer for Justice League: Doom will premiere at New York Comic Con on Friday, October 14th, and will also be included on the Batman: Year One DVD, on sale Tuesday, October 18th.
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