Meanwhile in Metropolis... (Apr.22)

Man of Steel Trailer #3

Any doubts or worries you’ve had about the Man of Steel are laid to rest with this new trailer. Compiled with footage we’ve seen in earlier teasers is a lot more footage we haven’t seen. Notable mentions include: more information on how Krypton was destroyed, Kal-el’s departure from his dying home world, more of Amy Adams as Lois Lane and more action sequences and special effects then released before. Now I know that judging a film based on its trailer can be just as misleading as judging a book by its cover but I must admit that this trailer has sparked my interest. This film marks the 75th anniversary of Superman, a chance at redemption after the disappointing Superman Returns, and the possibility of future sequels and a collected DC film franchise that rests on it’s success. Man of Steel looks to redeem the character and more importantly, give us a successful blockbuster Superman epic that we haven’t seen in over 30 years. And if you don’t believe me, see for yourselves:

PREVIEW: All Bat-Related New 52 Releases of 2013

A preview of DC’s collected editions of all Batman-related New 52 series being released throughout 2013. Enjoy!

NOW AVAILABLE (2013-)

- Batgirl Vol.2: Knightfall Descends

Written by Gail Simone, Illustrated by Ed Benes and Ardian Syaf

- Batwoman Vol.2: To Down The World

Written by JH Williams, Illustrated by Amy Reeder

- Justice League Vol.2: The Villain’s Journey

Written by Geoff Johns, Illustrated by Jim Lee and Scott Williams

- Justice League International Vol.2: Breakdown

Written by Dan Jurgens, Illustrated by Aaron Lopresti

- Suicide Squad Vol.2: Basilsk Rising

Written by Adam Glass, Illustrated by Fernando Dagnino

MARCH 2013

- Batman Vol.2: The City of Owls

Written by Scott Snyder, Illustrated by Greg Capullo

- Catwoman Vol.2: Dollhouse

Written by Judd Winnick, Illustrated by Guillem March

Everything We Know About BATMAN: ARKHAM ORIGINS (so far)

      

     It was just a day ago that the newest installment in the Arkham franchise was announced; yet we already know so much about it. Batman: Arkham Origins is the prequel to Arkham Asylum (2009) and Arkham City (2011), which will take you back to the early days of the Dark Knight. The game is slated for an October 25th release date, available on PC, Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii U. It will be developed by Warner Bros. Games Montreal instead of the traditional Rocksteady. However, WB Montreal promises to stay true to what Rocksteady has done with the previous two installments.

   There are several areas of interest involving Arkham Origins, namely: the plot, the characters, and the gameplay. Here is what we know about these categories so far:

PLOT

      Taking place before the rise, or creation, of most of Gotham’s most dangerous criminals, players will play as a young, unrefined Batman as he faces a series of events that define him into becoming the Dark Knight. Throughout the game you will be introduced to many familiar faces for the first time while you establish friendships, partnerships and adversaries. The story opens on Christmas Eve, with 8 assassins coming to kill Batman. I’m already interested.

Meanwhile, in Gotham City... (Apr.5)

Injustice on the iOS

With Injustice: Gods Among Us just weeks away, the excitement and anticipation of many fans are at its peak. Just a few days ago the demo was released, giving us the opportunity to play as Batman, Wonderwoman or Lex Luthor. After completing the first “Battle Mode” we were given an extended sneak preview of the game, revealing some unseen footage and an exclusive look at S.T.A.R Labs min-games.

If that wasn’t enough to spike your anticipation, an iOS game for your iPhone and iPad was just released yesterday. The graphics look good, the gaming controls are simple, but fun nonetheless, and there is an overabundance of extras and collectables. The biggest surprise came when we realized that by completing certain tasks or challenges in the iOS version, you’ll be unlocking backgrounds, icons, portraits and new costumes for your console version. And since this game is free in the Apple App Store, you almost have no reason to get it. For more details and hints on this new mobile game, check out IGN’s video analysis.

The First Female Robin Returns… Kind of

Batman and Robin #19 is slated for release next week and the aftermath of Damian Wayne’s death isn’t the only thing causing up a stir in this issue. The Dark Knight Returns’ Carrie Kelley will make her debut in the New 52, as teased on the back cover of #19. Writer Peter Tomasi says in a recent interview with the New York Post: “She’s a college kid who’s got spunk and speaks her mind. This is not an alternate-earth Robin, this is simply a girl named Carrie Kelley, who we learn knew Damian, which in turn weaves her into the fabric of the DC Universe for the first time in 25 years.” At least this news can put an end to all those rumors about either Tim Drake taking over the position permanently. While Drake is filling in temporarily in the Batman and Robin series, and while Damian’s possible resurrection should not be rued out, it appears that Kelley may in fact be the Robin of the future.