Normally I’d pass on wearing a cape and hip-hugging tights…but for this I’ll make an exception!
I really can’t say enough about Batman. He’s not just my favorite superhero; he’s one of my favorite characters ever! The positive impact of the caped crusader on my personal life is almost as great as the vengeance he deals out on behalf of the good citizens of Gotham. If I were to make a mental DVD of my life, looking back I actually use my obsession with the Bat as chapter points throughout.
But who am I kidding? I know I’m preaching to the choir! After all, there’s a reason he’s turning 75!
While still kicking as much ass as ever, Batman isn’t exactly a spry young man anymore. On the comic page he doesn’t age (unless you’re reading Batman Beyond of course), but 2014 will mark seven decades+ that he’s been fighting crime. If nothing else, that speaks to both the staying powering of the franchise (by always taking us in new directions and keeping things fresh) as well as the love that fans feel for not just Batman, but Bruce Wayne as well. I dare say it’s a connection that doesn’t exist among readers with the likes of Superman or Spider-Man. As I’m sure is the case with many of you, Batman has always seemed a bit more personal to me.
Now, in a recent press release, DC has unveiled its plans to mark the 75 th anniversary of the iconic series with a yearlong extravaganza! DC Entertainment President Diane Nelson herself called the franchise’s name sake “…one of the greatest characters ever created,” who is “…an integral part of pop culture and has successfully captured the imagination of the entire world.”
To celebrate, our cups literally runneth-over with what’s expected in the coming weeks and months to honor our favorite hero. So let’s take a look at just a few of the awesome things that bat-fans should be on the lookout for.
New Batman Films (both animated and live-action):
While most everyone is psyched about finally getting to see Superman and Batman share the same screen (less-so regarding Ben Affleck), the Man of Steel sequel/crossover isn’t’ the only new movie that looks interesting. Son of Batman (due out in May) will see Bruce try to lead his son Damian (who he learns is being raised by the League of Assassins) down the right path after Deathstroke kills Ra’s al Ghul. Also, what many consider to be the greatest superhero film of all time (the ’89 Tim Burton classic featuring Michael Keaton) will get a 25 th Anniversary Edition as well.
Batman on TV (1960s, 1990s and Today):
The much anticipated release of the campy 1960s Batman TV series (starring Adam West) will finally be hitting store shelves after years of waiting. In addition, an all-new Batman series will be coming to FOX, simply entitled “ Gotham .” It will chronicle a young Jim Gordon and his struggles to survive a corrupt police force and a city overcome by crime (set during the early days of the Wayne Family murder). However, one the most shocking (but fantastic) bits of news, is that the legendary 90s cartoon Batman: The Animated Series will be getting two new shorts (overseen by series veterans Bruce Tim and Darwyn Cooke).
…and all the rest of the Batman goodies:
It’s hard to encapsulate everything planned for 2014, as the sheer volume is staggering. From a special commemorative Detective Comics #27 (and shops hosting “Batman Day” on July 23 rd ) to Rocksteady’s blockbuster next-gen release of Arkham Knight (which will conclude the hugely successful franchise) this is the year that fans of Batman should look back on and remember fondly.
There are naturally the unintended consequences of such an endeavor, namely the $19.99 cans of shark repellent likely to hit Spencer’s. Hell, who am I kiddin’…where’s my wallet?!