Currently Reading for Tackle Your TBR Read-a-Thon book #6: Batman Returns

I know it's been a while but yes, I'm finally back to reading. I'm going to put Star Wars: Fatal Alliance by Sean Williams to the side. Because despite how good it is, for some reason I have yet to finish it. What I'm going to do is read it from the beginning again since it's been quite some time since I've read it. Anyway, until then I'm going to start reading the novelization of one of my favorite Christmas movies Batman Returns by Craig Shaw Gardner.

I love reading novelizations because the story usually gets a chance to be expanded on and you get a little more insight into the characters. I bought the Batman Returns novelization several years ago after I read the novelization for the Batman movie which was also written by Craig Shaw Gardner. Anyway, I can't wait to get started reading this.

Book: Batman Returns by Craig Shaw Gardner

Description:

Batman versus the criminal element. In Gotham City, evil never sleep not even for Christmas.

Today, a new danger is born—in the guise of a villainous figure with an umbrella full of savage tricks. He's the Penguin and he's out to take over the city. And he has an ally, she's sinuous and mysterious. And she's got nine ways of evading death. She's Catwoman. This time, Batman faces the showdown of his life.

Weekend Film: The Batman

Nothing beats the craziness of the Gotham TV series but I think The Batman might be a close second at least based on the trailer. As much as I'm interested in seeing this movie, I do wish Batman wasn't always the most overly promoted character. There are so many other DC Comics characters that I don't get why the same characters are constantly focused on. However, with that said, I do plan to see this movie. I hope it'll be good.


The Batman

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Colin Farrell, Paul Dano, John Turturro, Andy Serkis, Peter Sarsgaard and more

Director: Matt Reeves

Writers: Matt Reeves and Peter Craig

Description:

When the Riddler, a sadistic serial killer, begins murdering key political figures in Gotham, Batman is forced to investigate the city's hidden corruption and question his family's involvement.

Batman Returns' 29th Anniversary

Batman Returns was released 29 years ago in theaters on June 19, 1992. The movie was directed by Tim Burton and it's one of my favorite superhero and Christmas movies. As much as I like the first Batman movie, I love Batman Returns so much more. This dark, gothic, sexy yet fun holiday movie follows Batman as he tries to stop Catwoman and the Penguin. I thought Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Michelle Pfeiffer as Selina Kyle/Catwoman and Danny DeVito as Oswald Cobblepot/Penguin were equally fantastic in their roles.

Each interpretation of the characters were perfect for this movie because the Penguin is usually shown in other media as a sophisticated high society criminal but for this movie he was transformed into a sewer dweller who was once born into wealth. He was sort of disgusting and was at times more animal than man but this take on the character really worked for the movie. As for Selina Kyle, in this movie she went from being a shy mousey woman who after nearly being killed, transformed into someone who is confident and fearless. I do wish there was a third Michael Keaton Batman movie that centered the return of Catwoman, I really wanted to see them reunite. But I guess that's what comic books are for.

On a side note, I always found it interesting that both Batman and Batman Returns movies directly led to the creation of one of my favorite shows, Batman: The animated series which premiered on September 5, 1992.

Art of the Day: The Penguin (Gotham)

Artwork: The Penguin by Rachel Perciphone

Fashion Meets Comics: Batman '66 Tote Bag

As soon I saw this Batman '66 tote bag, I immediately said I want it. I love the bright psychedelic colors and Batman winning the fight against the Penguin, Riddler and Joker. As perfect as this is, I wish Robin had been included because he was a big part of the series as well. But this bag is really cool, I would love to carry this around during the summer.

Batman Wins Again Tote Bag                                   $34.95                                WB Shop (wbshop.com)

- 18 x 18 inches

Art of the Day: Oswald Cobblepot (Gotham)

Artwork: Oswald Cobblepot by viciouself

When Gotham first aired I didn't think I would like this version of the Penguin but Robin Lord Taylor has done a great job with the character. With each season Taylor has gotten a chance to explore who this version of Penguin is giving fans an unimaginable new take on the high society criminal.

So far, I'm really enjoying this third season but I'm disappointed with some of the fan reaction to the new direction the show is going in. It should come as no big surprise that the show is possibly developing a romantic relationship between Oswald and Edward Nygma (a.k.a. the Riddler).

I don't see anything wrong with these two possibly in a relationship because ever since the second season when Ed let Oswald recuperate at his apartment after he got shot by Tabitha Galavan you could see the immediate chemistry.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #157: Penguin: Pain and Prejudice

I had been meaning to pick up this Penguin miniseries but never quite got around to it. I love how Penguin always sees himself as this high society criminal. But the thing is he's still a criminal and it doesn't matter how he tries to sugar coat it.

I really want to read this.

Book: Penguin: Pain and Prejudice (issues #1-5) by Gregg Hurwitz with illustrations by Szymon Kudranski

Description:

Bestselling author Gregg Hurwitz examines the painful and dark past of one of Batman's most devious foes. How did young Oswald Cobblepot go from being the apple of his mother's eye to the leader of underworld gangs and adversary of The Caped Crusader?

Art of the Day: Profiles of Batman's Villains

Book: Villainous Profiles by memorypalace

From L to R:

Row 1: Scarecrow, Two-Face and Penguin

Row 2: Poison Ivy, Joker and Catwoman

Row 3: Clayface, Bane and Harley Quinn

Row 4: Ra's al Ghul, Mister Freeze and Riddler