Funko Pop Dark Knight Teaser Trailer

A fun sizzle reel I created, starring Dark Knight Funko Pop Heroes (and villains). Check it out!

Batman: The Animated Series Spotlight: Joker's Favor

Batman: The Animated Series is the best thing ever--it captures the essence of timeless comic book Batman with a touch of organic light hearted humor. Most of all, it features Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as The Joker. Batman Beyond has a very similar feel even with a completely different canvas, and both are part of the Timmiverse (referring to animated productions by Bruce Timm).

One of the best Joker episodes and best overall episodes of BTAS is "Joker's Favor". It follows an ordinary man, Charlie, who has an unfortunate run in with The Joker on a bad day and is held accountable for a favor "sometime in the future". The Joker keeps close tabs and threatens Charlie's family to make sure he keeps his promise. I'll let you watch the episode yourself, or read about it on the web, but here is why it is one of the best:

•  The Joker is actually scary in this episode. He comes across as more of a clown in most of the episodes (which is not really a bad thing--Mark Hamill's Joker brings lightheartedness in contrast to the more somber villains), but I think the realism of the storyline and the fact that he seems to be drawn slightly differently here make it all the more visceral.
• This is Harley Quinn's first appearance ever in the world of the Dark Knight. You wouldn't think so because she's already a comfortable household character. And she makes a grand first impression.
• Spoiler alert! Batman actually laughs in this episode. It's the context that makes it satisfying.

This is one of the episodes I go back to regularly, and I highly recommend it.

The Many Interpretations of The Joker

While it can be argued who Batman's greatest villain is, no one can really argue with The Joker. Here are some of the more notable Jokers in live action and animation over time. Who's your favorite?

Cesar Romero

A common theme among the different Jokers is that they fit into the world they're in. And that's certainly true of the "Adam West Batman" Joker. Brighter, more colorful, and more of a prankster than a threat. A true clown. Cesar Romero refused to shave his mustache for the roll, wearing makeup over it. Hardcore cosplayers mimic this effect, sometimes even using "fake" mustaches.

Jack Nicholson

 

Jack Nicholson held the spot as the most iconic Joker for a long time, even getting imitated by Jim Carrey in stand up. Isn't it cool that The Joker and Lucius Fox become best buds in "The Bucket List"? Jack Napier is theatrical and twisted, which is Nicholson's forte, and very fitting for Tim Burton's Batman. And what's with that stupid grin?

Mark Hamill

I have this poster at home. Hee-hee!

Certainly the best voice for Mistah J, who would have thought Luke Skywalker had such a twisted laugh? Batman: The Animated Series holds up exceedingly well over time. Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill are the best Batman and Joker in animation, period. Or is it Joker and Batman? (laughs) What I like about BTAS Joker: he's scary to the layperson (see episode: "Joker's Favor") but also engages in cat and mouse chases with Batman (see: "The Last Laugh").

Heath Ledger

That Australian surfer dude in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight, yeah, what's his name? Whereas Jack Nicholson was theatrical, but had a little too much "paunch", Heath Ledger's Joker is tall, slender, grungy and disturbing. The Bat and The Cat were at the midnight show, and the sold-out crowd went nuts after Heath's first major scene of dialogue with the mob. I think it had less to do with Heath Ledger's passing, and more to do with his overwhelmingly convincing performance. Given all the themes in the movie, it makes you question your own moral ambiguity--you want Batman to catch him, but why are you laughing along with him? He kills innocent people, but you think he makes compelling arguments. Sooner than later, he became probably the most cosplayed character since Chun-Li.

 

John DiMaggio

One of my personal favorites. While he might not have the vocal range of Hamill's maniacal Clown Prince of Chaos, he was meaty and dominating--just the right kind of alpha male to beat the shit out of The Boy Blunder. The Joker in Batman: Under the Red Hood also has a similar aesthetic to Heath Ledger's Joker--with the long unkempt locks, dark eyes, tall and skinny appearance, and long coat. His humor was twisted in a more self-serving way rather than making you laugh.

Michael Emerson

Now that Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 is soon to be released on blu-ray, we get another full-length feature with The Joker. And The Dark Knight Returns Joker is certainly a different style: broad-shouldered, more "human" (but certainly not a humanist) and vocally more calm . . . at first. I can't wait! Who is your favorite Joker?

Dark Knight Double Whammy

Holy Blu-Ray, Batman!

Winter is a damned good time for Batman: we have The Dark Knight Rises coming to home release on December 4, and then Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 (animated feature) on January 29, 2013.

 

Michael Emerson of LOST will be doing the voice for The Joker in 'Returns' and I'm sure he does a fantastic job. The Joker in Frank Miller's famed graphic novel, "The Dark Knight Returns" is a little bit different, so I think Emerson will match it really well. Actually, my favorite part about Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 is the ending, so I'm already excited . . .

As for 'Rises', I recently made a post that I'm not that excited about the blu-ray release. It was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, as I will certainly be at the door on the morning of its release. I'm mostly looking forward to the special features, as well as being able to read subtitles (there is a line by John Blake that I do not understand).

After experiencing it on IMAX ten times during its run (not bad), I look forward to stretching out on the couch during all 2 hours and 40 minutes. Plus, when I have a day to waste, I can't think of a better way to spend it than as a couch potato running a Dark Knight Trilogy marathon! 

Speaking of formats, have you seen or heard of the new 4K and 8K TV's slowly making their way to market? They are 8 and 16 times the resolution of 1080p, respectively (8K apparently approaches IMAX resolution). I'm sure the color quality, sound, and contrast ratios are superior, to boot. I wonder what kind of format will support it, i.e. what will come after blu-ray?

Nevertheless, these new ultra high resolution displays are absurdly expensive, but if I could afford it, I'd get an 8K projector with the largest, creamiest screen and 22.1 surround sound with enough watts to wake up the zoo.

Here is an awesome trailer for The Dark Knight Rises blu-ray release:

Book Review: "Joker" (graphic novel)

The Joker is arguably a more interesting character than Batman. The graphic novel Joker, written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Lee Bermejo, focuses on the Clown Prince of Crime through the eyes and narration of his enthusiastic (but green) henchman Jonny Frost.

Set in a dark and bleak Gotham City (yes, even more so than the one you know), Joker leaves Arkham Asyllum and wants to take back control of his city. Blood is certainly shed and laughs are had, even if only by Joker.

It took a while for me to warm up to the style of artwork--with its sharp edges, extreme texture, muted color palette, and blend of painted realism; but when you read the story, Bermejo's artwork really conveys the emotion and impact that Azzarello intended.

It's not a story for weak stomachs, its gruesome violence startles the reader in extreme Joker fashion. The part where the strip club owner's skin is ripped off was a bit over the top for me, but when Joker casually robs a bank and comes back with a blood-marked photo of the bank president's daughter and then tosses it out the car window, it effectively makes you really hate Joker.

My favorite part about the book are its character designs. In particular, Killer Croc (referred to as "Croc") is not immediately recognizable but is done in a more practical manner. He's the muscle but appears to simply possess a genetic skin condition (which is based in reality). Harley Quinn's aesthetic doesn't change much, her costume being her stripper gimmick (HQ being a stripper might rub some people the wrong way); but she is taller and doesn't say much at all (again, this might leave a bad taste in some people's mouth).

Even Joker's look is more similar to Heath Ledger's in The Dark Knight, and instead of the iconic and theatrical purple trench coat, he wears a jacket similar to one Bane wears in The Dark Knight Rises:

Other characters that appear are Harvey Dent/Two-Face, Riddler, Penguin, and of course, Batman. The characters as well as their designs are grittier and they're not necessarily referred to by their common names, ala the Nolanverse; but you know it's them right away.

Overall, it's a worthwhile read, and the [very detailed] art keeps your eyes busy. I read it in one sitting--it's not too long, which is good, because it keeps your interest. While it's probably not the greatest Joker story ever told (that goes to The Killing Joke), it belongs on the bookshelf of any Joker fan.

 

**** (out of 5)