Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice Comic-Con Trailer Hits

Here’s the brand, spankin’ new Comic-con trailer for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice fresh out of Hall H.

Batman vs Superman: Casting Rumors, TDKR, and Connections to the Nolanverse?

Since Batman vs Superman(one of the the rumored titles) was announced at San Diego Comic Con last month, the internet has been awash with rumors and speculation about the Caped Crusader. Who will play Batman? Are Warner and DC going for someone young or someone more established? When in Batman’s career will the story be set? Could it be set after Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises after all, despite all claims to a reboot? Based on certain recent rumors, it certainly is a possibility, which we will take a look at below.

Zack Snyder was keen to point out that the quote taken from Frank Millers ‘The Dark Knight Returns’ (which was read by Harry Lennix at the SDCC announcement) was more to establish tone rather than it being a sign of Superman vs. Batman being a direct adaptation of Millers TDKR. Seeing as they have recently touched on that source material already with the awesome DC Animated Feature Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, it makes sense they wouldn’t be looking to dive into that territory again so soon.

[box_dark]”I want you to remember, Clark. In all the years to come, in all your most private moments, I want you to remember my hand at your throat. I want you to remember the one man who beat you.”[/box_dark]

However, the Independent recently reported that Snyder will be meeting up with Frank Miller to discuss Batman vs Superman, so it remains to be seen what kind of connection the film will have to the hit graphic novel.

Personally, I feel the tone of ‘TDKR’ would fit neatly into the world that Snyder and writer David Goyer created for Man of Steel. It might also slip in seamlessly into the Nolan verse, despite Christian Bale no longer being onboard as the Dark Knight.We already know that this isn’t going to be another Batman origin story, which we don’t really need to see again. One of the failings of The Amazing Spider-Man in my opinion is that it tried to spin a new origin story out of one we had already seen recently.

With Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy so embedded in people minds, we certainly don’t need to see another Year One style project.  Heck, if  Goyer and Snyder wanted to, the sudden appearance of Superman could be what initially brings Batman out of his early retirement we saw at the end of The Dark Knight Rises. That would also neatly fit this movie into the world that Nolan created with his Dark Knight trilogy. Now that would be interesting.

If Snyder and Goyer do go with a completely new universe as they have said before, than they will of course need to establish a new character. Within the comics Batman is perpetually in his 30’s, which has allowed for the character to be played by a revolving door of actors over the years, like in the Burton and Schumacher days. This generally negates the need to ever revisit the origin story, and would open many doors for more Batman adaptations in the future if that same mold is followed.

What initially bothered me about the announcement was the possibility that Batman would just be a glorified cameo. Hopefully this won’t be the case, as I feel there is plenty of fertile ground from the comic book history for Snyder and Goyer to really explore the relationship between Batman and Superman. They need to look no further than Jeph Loeb’s brilliant ‘Public Enemies’ storyline for inspiration.

Man of Steel sets up a great opportunity to put Batman and Superman at odds, while setting up the potentially great friendship they have. Having seen the destruction that is happening in Metropolis caused by these extra terrestrial beings, it seems only natural that Batman would want to investigate the events that occurred, which must have caused hundreds, if not thousands, of deaths. Initially it would be interesting to see Batman and Luthor working together, or at least sharing a vested interest as they rebuilt Metropolis into the futuristic city it’s known as in the comics.

This could lead to a fantastic mid film showdown between Batman and Superman, referring back to the quote read by Lennix and the rumored ‘vs.’ of the title. Once convinced of Superman’s good intentions, Batman could be put at ease. Here is where Luthor’s malevolence could really take over, as he is driven mad with the idea of defeating Superman and Batman, who has seen through Luthor’s veneer. It would make an amazing final act to see Batman and Superman team up against Luthor decked out in his battle suit.

It’s unlikely that Warner and DC will cast Batman too old, as they will want to churn out a few more Batman themed films. Not to mention the ever promised Justice League film that was recently confirmed. Even if it does continue with the continuity established within Nolan’s world, Batman is only roughly mid 40’s. Of course, age isn’t really an issue if they pick the right person, much like Marvel did when they cast Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark in Iron Man. So who would make a great Batman?

The rumors we have spoken about state that DC may be searching for an older Batman, with Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Jon Hamm, and Joe Manganiello all rumored (along with a few others) to wear the cowl. However, Warner and DC have denied all the rumors, with a source telling HollywoodReporter.com that the casting process hasn’t even started.

If they were to establish a completely new Batman then my choice of these would be Ryan Gosling (which was also Grizzly Bomb’s choice when we cast the Justice League movie). At 32 he seems the perfect age to carry the mantle of the Bat for a little while, and he has the acting chops, gravitas, and physique to make an imposing Batman. Brolin and Hamm however, would be perfect  for a Batman around the age and point in his life that we find Bruce Wayne in during Miller’s ‘TDKR’. So we will have to wait and see a bit more from the film’s development before we can further speculate.

What are your thoughts on the casting rumors for Batman? Excited to see Batman in the Man of Steel sequel or do you want to wait until he appears in a Justice League film? Sound off in the comments section below!

Fanmade photo courtesy of poumap on deviantart

The Griz Bin – Best Comic Asses, Terrible Super-Husbands, and Bat-Vandalism

Welcome to a new feature here on Grizzly Bomb! I’ll be covering everything that seems to slip through the cracks when we’re talking about comics. Is it Movie or TV related? NO! Is it the newest sensation in Video Game technology? NO! Sports? Celebrities? Comics? NO!!!

Oh, wait… Yea, there will be comics. I got carried away. We’ll be taking a look at lists, art, cosplay, epic fails, anything comic related without being comic specific… I’m confused… Let’s just get to it.

Top 10 Female Comic Book Characters’ Asses: I like how they reassure us that these are female asses. Sorry ladies. – [NerdBastards]

Wolverine Fails The Superhero Test: Hahaha, oh Wolverine. you suck. – [NerdApproved]

Spider-Man XXX Comic Book: Greatest. Idea. Ever. – [Bleeding Cool]

Avengers Ante Up: Art by Von Toten. Hawkeye either has the greatest poker bluff ever or is about to lose his skycycle. – [GeekTyrant]

Hero Express – ‘Green Lantern 2’, ‘Man of Steel’ Casting, and ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ Set Photos

Welcome to Hero Express, your one-stop shop through the news filled world of superhero’s in Film, TV, Video Games and whatever else floats your boat.

This is the Hero Express for June 27, 2011:

DC Nu: 52 Brand New #1’s – ‘Teen Heroes’

In this latest installment of our look at DC’s Brand New #1’s I think I’m going to tackle DC’s stable of Teen heroes. Up until a few years ago this was the main difference between Marvel and DC, as Marvel was not known for its teen heroes after the death of Bucky in the 40’s. Things of course change as the years go on, but DC has always been the front-runner when it comes to the teen heroes. All series descriptions are from CBR.

Teen Titans #1

Tim Drake is forced to step out from behind his keyboard when an international organization seeks to capture or kill super-powered teenagers. As Red Robin, he must team up with the mysterious and belligerent powerhouse thief known as Wonder Girl and a hyperactive speedster calling himself Kid Flash in TEEN TITANS #1, by Scott Lobdell and artists Brett Booth and Norm Rapmund.

So we find out where Tim Drake stands in the DC Nu, as well as a decidedly new look for one of my favorite characters. They of course all get a pretty drastic makeover, as well as some new characters I can’t place. I’m not sure how I feel about Tim’s wings, Superboy’s barcode tattoo, or Wonder Girl being referred to as a thief, but we’ll have to see how it plays out.

DC Nu: 52 Brand New #1’s – Superman

Now that Batman and Green Lantern have had their respective number one titles and covers revealed, it’s time the Man of Steel had a chance to shine. It sucks in my opinion that Action Comics will be restarting at #1, but the good news (For me anyways) is that Grant Morrison will be taking on the writing duties for the last son of Krypton. If anyone has read All Star Superman, then seriously what is there to worry about? Here’s a quick series description from IGN:

Action Comics #1 by Grant Morrison and Rags Morales

‘A new era of DC Comics begins as the longest-running monthly comic of all time releases its first issue #1 since 1938.

This September, New York Times bestselling writer Grant Morrison (ALL-STAR SUPERMAN) joins with sensational artist Rags Morales to bring you tales of The Man of Tomorrow unlike any you’ve ever read before in ACTION COMICS #1. This momentous first issue will set in motion the history of the DC Universe as Superman defends a world that doesn’t trust their first Super Hero.

The first Action Comics #1 is now the most sought-after comic book of all time. This September, one of comics’ most imaginative storytellers will make history again in Grant Morrison and Rags Morales’ ACTION COMICS #1.’

Picture Courtesy of IGN

Defending a world that doesn’t trust him? Sounds like Supes should be joining the X-men to me. This seems like a cool take on the character, because I can’t remember the public in any Superman comic not liking him or being afraid of him… Except for that one guy named Lex Luthor.

Next up is Superman #1 and the description doesn’t really give us much to go on, but a few surprises are always good. There’s a bad ass picture accompanying it though:

Superman #1 by George Perez and Jesus Merino

‘What is Superman’s startling new status quo? How does it affect his friends, loved ones and his job at The Daily Planet? Find out in SUPERMAN #1, written by legendary comics creator George Perez (CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS, NEW TEEN TITANS and WONDER WOMAN) and illustrated by Jesus Merino.’

Like I said, who knows where they’re going with this one. Honestly the picture reminds me a lot of Superman: Earth One, which looks to be the direction they’re heading with a lot of the new number 1’s as in younger versions of our heroes.

There’s plenty of more DCU reboots coming your way Grizzly Bombers, so stay tuned!

Review: Smallville – Season 10/Series Finale

It took a few minutes to sink in before I realized that it was the last time I would hear the Smallville theme song playing at the beginning of a new episode because tonight it happened: the series finale. I’ve been with the show many years, through the highs and the lows. Of course there were going to be terrible episodes I would despise over the course of the show and certain directions they took continuity that I don’t agree with but Smallville still remains one of my favorite shows of all time after ten seasons.

The episode opens with Chloe telling a child a story and then flashes back seven years earlier with Apokolips inexorably heading towards Earth…then the typical commercial break and theme song opening as I wait in anticipation!

Smallville: Zod Returns

It would appear they are definitely pulling out all the stops for this final season of Smallville. We get Darkseid, Booster Gold and Blue Beetle, Michael Rosenbaum will be returning as Lex Luthor, and now Callum Blue will return in two weeks to reprise the role of the villainous Kryptonian Zod.

I’m not sure what the general fan consensus was with Callum Blue’s performance as Zod, but even though I found him irksome at first, he definitely grew on me throughout season 9. By the end of the season he was a vile SOB, continuing on with his fetish of always wanting people to kneel for him. It will be good to see what became of him after all of the Kryptonians were transported to another world to live in peace. Something tells me that Zod wasn’t all that peaceful, or this in fact General Zod who took over Lex’s body in season 5/6, and not Major Zod from season 9. Actually from the looks of this picture I tend to lean towards it being the General version from season 5 and 6.

Thank you IGN.com

So is it just me or is that taking place in the Phantom Zone? If so, then it would appear it is General Zod since the last time he fought Clark it ended with him being sent back there. This episode will be taking place on April 29th in the episode called Dominion. I can’t wait! Now I just have to catch up on the last few episodes via DVR, because after all, the last episode of Smallville airs in May!

Everyone sound off in the comments section! Did you like Zod on Smallville or hate his kneeling loving face!?

Gotham’s 20 Best Villains: #1

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1. The Joker – Batman #1 (Spring 1940)

And in a complete and utter shock to absolutely NO-ONE, The Joker tops my list. Sorry for the lack of surprise here gang, but there is a reason he’s the obvious choice. He is, plain and simple, Batman’s nemesis.