BATMAN RECOMMENDATIONS

The sequel to "Batman Begins", THE DARK KNIGHT, comes out this weekend. If you've got Bat-Fever and want more, here are some JimSmash Bat-Recommendations for your reading and viewing pleasure!!

COMICS:
When introducing a non-comic fan to Batman, there's usually 8 solid stories I start them on. If you liked Batman Begins and can't wait for DK, then I highly suggest you track down these books and read in this order:

1) YEAR ONE
2) THE LONG HALLOWEEN
3) DARK VICTORY
4) THE KILLING JOKE (note: do NOT get the hardcover, recolored version)
5) THE CULT
6) ARKHAM ASYLUM (with art by Dave "Sandman Covers" McKean)
7) JLA VOL 1: NEW WORLD ORDER
8) DARK KNIGHT RETURNS

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ANIMATED:
From 1992-1995, this animated series of Batman is just about perfect! The creators simply NAIL the characters and world. In addition to great writing and art, you have KEVIN CONROY doing the best freaking voice of BATMAN EV-ER.... and MARK HAMILL doing an instant classic JOKER.... RON "Hellboy" PERLMAN as CLAYFACE.... MARC "BeastMaster" SINGER as MANBAT......! The entire voice cast is stellar, really.

I recommend renting the dvds (or looking up on YouTube). Here are some of my favorite episodes (linked to Netflix for your convenience!):

"HEART OF ICE" (Mr Freeze - the best Freeze I've ever seen!)
"TWO-FACE" PT 1&2 (fantastic Two-Face origin story)
"FEAT OF CLAY" PT 1&2 (great Clayface!... also episode: "MUDSLIDE")
"ON LEATHER WINGS" (Man-Bat! Skreeee!)
"ROBIN'S RECKONING" PT 1&2 (awesome!)
"GROWING PAINS" (....just watch it)
"MAD LOVE" (Harley Quinn!)
"OVER THE EDGE" (Gordon and GCPD gun after Batman!)

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In addition, rent the BATMAN/SUPERMAN ANIMATED MOVIE. Its perfection.

And, DC COMICS just released on dvd "BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHT" which has 6 short stories done by some of the great animators in Japan. I highly highly recommend picking this up!

So there you have it! Lots of Bat-Stuff to read and watch! You have your homework. I expect reviews (ie praises) from each of you JimSmash Readers by month's end. No excuses will be accepted and each week late will cost you a letter grade.

Enjoy!!