Countdown to Batman Day -- 5 Love Interests

"Being deaply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage"

- Lao Tzu

Despite the playboy persona, Bruce Wayne loved a couple of times in the comicbook multiverse. Love has made the Caped Crusader both invincible and vulnerable at the same time.

We have been accustomed to a Batman that is considered to be a god. But introducing romance in Bruce's life made Batman more in touch with his humanity. It is undeniable that romantic relationships of the Dark Knight is one of the most interesting developments to his story.

In celebration of Batman Day, we've come up with a list of the top 5 relationships that Batman has entered into.

5. Julie Madison

Julie Madison recently surfaced in Scott Snyder's Batman: Superheavy. In the story arc, Bruce was given two option; one, live a quiet life with Julie, or two, return as the rejuvenated Dark Knight to save Gotham City. He chose the latter as Julie encouraged him to do so.

Julie Madison first appeared in Detective Comics vol.1 #39. She was the very first love interest--actually she was the fiance--of the Caped Crusader. She found herself the target of Basil Karlo (a.k.a. Clayface) since she stared in a remake of his old film. She left Bruce Wayne without learning his Batman secret, and adopted the stage name of Portia Strome to pursue an acting career.

4. Wonder Woman

During Joe Kelley's JLA run in the early 2000's,Wonder Woman and Batman shared a kiss right before saving Aquaman. After all the time-travel and the weird adventures, Batman tried to put off discussing about their kiss. Irregardless, Wonder Woman used Martian Manhunter's Martian Transconsciousness Articulator to determine whether they were made for each other. Unfortunately, Wonder Woman decided to friendzone the Bat.

In Justice League and Justice League Unlimited animated series, the relationship between the two is a bit more organic compared to the comicbook version. Its one of the interesting aspects of the animated series.

3. Jezebel Jet

Jezebel first appeared in Detective Comics #656, Jezebel was portrayed as a celebrity with the status equivalent to Bruce Wayne. She is a supermodel and a leader of a small African country.

Bruce realizing that he needed to share his life with the people he loves, opened up to her about everythinge, even giving her a tour of the Batcave. However, Jezebel planted doubts in Bruce's mind about his sanity, and was finally revealed to be an undercover agent of Doctor Hurt's evil Black Glove organization. A vengeful Talia al Ghūl later targeted Jezebel for elimination. Speaking of Talia...

2. Talia al Ghūl

Talia is the mother of Batman's only biological child--Damian Wayne. However, this is only true in New Earth. In a different universe, Batman has a daughter with Catwoman.

As the head of killing organization The League of Assassins, Talia is without a doubt Batman's deadliest paramour. To achieve her goal, she used Damian to gain leverage over her beloved Batman. Her ambition is to rule the world but her unresponsive lover stands in her way.

1. Catwoman 

Bruce Wayne's Batman identity is much closer to his "true" personality than the manufactured playboy exterior he wears in public. Therefore, Catwoman is the only woman who knows him best of all.

The two have shared a flirtatious attraction ever since they debuted in Detective Comics #27. Catwoman is a thief, but since her crimes seldom harm the truly needy, Batman is willing to overlook her outlaw statues from time to time.

Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice Ultimate Edition Review by Sebastian Soriano

Everyone who’s seen this movie already knows that it’s strong points were visual comic accuracy, phenomenal cinematography and CGI, magnificently-choreographd action sequences, and generally the best superhero movie eye candy ever. What it initially lacked though was the proper character and plot development that a MOVIE should have. I have had endless debates with many people on this, most of whom are filmmakers. The theatrical cut was very poorly done to the point that majority of the audience members left that cinema scratching their heads and shaking their fists, cursing Zack Snyder for making a “terrible film”. I never saw the film this way. In fact, I felt quite the opposite for the film. I loved it, but this version of it, solidifies how good the film really is. The internet at least, has definitely turned on it’s head lately since the release of the Ultimate Edition with people taking to Twitter and other social media platforms to apologise to Zack Snyder and the rest for bashing BVS.

Here were a few things that this cut did way better than the rest:

1. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

One key issue with the initial cut was no one could really quite understand anyone’s motivation. Here, it is explained quite well.

Superman is conflicted about his place and purpose in this world and whether he actually has one. He is also going through the issue of accountability with his actions. Knowing when and how to act or whether he should act at all along with the reason he does what he does.

The people are split between whether they actually want a “Superman” to exist or not even though, you know, he does. This movie actually quite accurately reflects how modern society sees…well…God. People don’t want an all powerful being watching over them. They rely on him when times get tough, blame him when people things go bad, and curse him when he can’t/won't fix it. Mankind in this movie seems to be using Superman as a scapegoat for their problems.

Lex Luthor was motivated by his hate for "gods". He blames the lack of a “higher being saviour” intervention from the abuse he suffered under his father’s hands. He doesn’t want anyone more powerful than man ruling the earth and that is why he’s so hell-bent on destroying Superman.

Batman however, is clearly shown here as a completely broken shell of his former self. The opening scene let’s us see him witness the deaths of hundreds, maybe thousands, in the Wayne Tower crash that happened in the Metropolis Battle. Later in the movie, you see the Robin suit. The Jason Todd Robin suit. Well all know what happens to him. He gave up on hope, his principles, people, and his morals and because of doing so, has become absolutely blood-thirsty. Batman, in a way, he was the bad guy in this one as much as Luthor was. He was a criminal. He said so himself. Alfred told him that Superman wasn’t their enemy, but he clearly did not want to hear that. A “1% chance that he is our enemy” is not exactly a plausible statistic. Batman WANTED to kill Superman out of a pure need to hunt down any potential threats whether proven to be so or not. This was not Batman the hero, Batman the detective, or Batman the Dark Knight, no. This was Batman the hunter and that’s all he wanted out of all of this was to wipe every single evil or potential evil that plagued the world.

Wonder Woman was the way she is because she, like Batman, gave up on people too. Whatever happened during WW2 must’ve broken something in her that made her feel like she wanted nothing to do with people anymore and therefore chose to just sideline herself.

Those are just a few characters. I could do this all day, but that would take too much time. Point is, you’ll understand what each character stood for and why they did what they did.

2. PLOT HOLES WERE FILLED 

From the courthouse bombing to the incident at the desert, it was all explained. The 30 minutes really filled everything out that we weren’t shown in the initial cut. So much of the narrative was clearly explained. So much of the narrative was clearly laid out and now you don’t have to speculate for yourself why plot points pan out the way they do.

 3. BETTER CGI

Subjective, but didn’t you all notice that the CGI seemed to be a little more well-refined in this one? To me, key CG parts in the movie just seemed more crisp, like Doomsday.

4. BATMAN KILLING

Batman’s allegedly “indirect killing” was not so indirect here. You could clearly see how many people he blatantly killed and you know he meant to do it and that Snyder owned up to this Batman being a killer.

5. MARTHA

You all know how this scene went if you already watched the original movie. I already understood it when I first watched the movie, but after watching the Ultimate Edition, this became more to me than just Bruce getting a wake up call. This was DC/the DCEU’s way of telling us that this was going to be the revival of hope and positivity in the DC Cinematic Universe. Goodbye dark, gloomy, and depressing ways of storytelling and hello hope and heroism again. This scene actually sums up what the movie’s really about. It signals the death of DC’s old formula for movies. It’s telling us that they have no plans to “Christopher Nolan” their films again. This was the death of old DC going back to the values of a more classic and enjoyable DC.

There really is so much I could say about BVS Ultimate Edition, but that would cease to make this a review and inadvertently turn it into a play-by-play of the movie and I do not want to do that for any of you. You need to see this version of the film yourself.

Overall, this really was a better film than the one we were initially given. Is it perfect? No, but about 95% of it’s flaws were rectified. With that being said, the flaws are very forgivable. The movie is a lot of fun, very tense, and quite the visual spectacle. Everything else will make up for it’s minor flaws. This version of the movie I believe, should be the only version of the movie people should watch from now on. Buy it. Don’t pirate this movie. It is a work of art and fine works of art deserve financial reward from it’s fans. Buy it on Blu-Ray or digital. It deserves your money. I give this movie a 4.9/5

Batman v. Superman Spoiler-free Review by Sebastian Soriano

Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice Spoiler Free Review:

Right off the bat (no pun intended) this movie did things right. The intro explained that which I know fans are already tired of seeing. (Those who've seen it know what I'm talking about) There are certain stories that we don't need retold to us, but they did it in a way that was not even mildly intrusive to the plot. I was consciously looking for where this movie faltered for the many that gave it bad reviews and if I found anything at all, it was the very few moments wherein scenes and plot points seemed to have been transitioned to too fast, but they are honestly quite well-saved (in my opinion by the succeeding scenes). This was an obvious Justice League base movie though, so they will have certain scenes that feel a little shoehorned, but I don't think that. I think they made everything fit into a movie that could've felt cramped as hell.

The cinematography in this movie is top-notch maybe minus the editing, but this movie is the best superhero movie as a visual spectacle that I have ever seen in my entire life and Zack Synder, God bless him, told the story the way the source material wherein these characters originate from are told and that is through visual storytelling. This movie does not mince words. It is not as dialogue-driven as let's say, The Dark Knight was, but it was not as barbarically physical as Man of Steel. This movie is not here to serve. This movie demands to be understood through analysis and careful thought. This movie is here to tell people that emotion can not only be conveyed through words, but through every little thing one does. From mannerisms, to physical reactions and movements, the construction of their suits, to little things placed in and around their environments, and of course, speech. It has been a long time since I've seen a movie that is as beautifully seen as it is heard at the same time. Over-analyse this movie. It'll help you a ton in understanding it.

The acting in this movie was INSANELY PERFECT and so was the casting.

Ben Affleck delivered the Batman that I've been waiting for my entire life as a Batman fan. They did not represent a morally-rigid billionaire with a justice fetish. It presented a man that many can relate to nowadays: A broken idealist. A man who once believed in something better and through tragedy, an unfair tragedy, chose to take justice into his own hands. He chose to be the law. He chose to bypass the laws set before him by man and god because doing so caused him to fail and lose the ones he loved. As a Batman fan, thank you, Ben for giving us the Batman that not only the fans wanted, but the one I as a person needed to see. This Batman brought hope back to a man who's lost it. (I mean me. Lol)
10/10 performance

Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman was spectacular. She didn't speak much, but I understood everything she was about. She was a capable, crafty, sexy, intelligent woman who didn't just hold her own with the "big boys", but also showed that she could probably hand them both their assess if need be. She is definitely a perfect Wonder Woman and my personal favourite Wonder Woman that I've ever encountered in my lifetime. Yes. I am counting the comics and cartoons. She showed me a woman who's actions speak a thousand words and that a thousand words can't measure up to a single action when the action is done right. 10/10

Now, I'm down to the wild cards:

Literally all the reviews that I've read and watched said that Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor performance was abysmal, but I beg to differ. People probably bitched because they didn't get the Luthor THEY wanted because that is definitely not the Luthor you will get in this one. Lex embodies the successful, bigoted, arrogant, millennial. He sees power and beings more powerful than him and he wants to destroy it. He believes that man and man's comprehension and control are all that deserve to roam and rule the earth. He resents and craves power at the same time. He is a sick and twisted individual. He disgusted me, but was also the reason I laughed so much throughout the movie. Beautifully executed, beautifully acted. 10/10 for you too, Mr. Eisenberg.

Lastly, we have Supes himself, Henry Cavil. This movie revolves around one main narrative really, and that's Superman's Christ narrative. He is a god-like man in a man's world trying to be as human as possible and is faulted when he can't quite see every little thing coming because of his efforts to be human and when he does use his power, people question his intentions and instantly assume that he's out to abuse what power he has. I cannot speak further, but this movie teaches us the value of the Superman. The value of the powerful who have no corrupt intentions for man. He is hope and for hope to prevail, we must have faith. Once again, 10/10.

All of the acting performances in this movie were amazing and I now believe in every choice the DCEU has made so far. I guess the common populace isn't ready for this strategy of storytelling and doesn't really know how to deal with a movie like this. I understand their opinions and it's okay for them to think what they do, but obviously, I do not agree with them. This movie was an amazingly well-put-together story that I think everyone should watch and if they love it, should see it multiple times in order to make sure that this movie makes as much money and gain as much success as I believe it deserves. I will personally be watching this movie at least 5 times whether with friends, family, or myself. Hahaha. I haven't felt so satisfied by a movie in my entire life. This beautiful work of art gets a 10 out of 10 from me. Thank you, Warner Brothers and thank you DC.

Batman v. Superman Spoiler-free Review

 

Batman v. Superman is worth the wait. After watching the movie, the first thing I did was to read the reviews and that reddit article to make sure if they're legit. All I can say is that, BvS is amazing! I'm giving it a 9/10. Here are some of my initial input. I might update this space after catching some z's.

1. Addressing some criticism.

There are many factors in understanding the negative reviews. One, if the critic starts comparing BvS to Marvel movies, then its most likely that the person doesn't know what he/she is talking about. People got accustomed to Marvel movies that they forgot (or is not aware) that DC has a different market. DCEU and MCU are two different beasts. Comparison is inevitable BUT comparing them in the same category where one is known for is unfair for the other.

Two, Batman v. Superman is a comicbook movie. As oppose to a "superhero movie," the former is more identical to the pacing and structure of a comicbook. There are a lot of plot holes in the movie but those plot holes were used for a purpose (this topic is better discussed when the group is allowed to discuss the movie). It has the same structure as that of comicbooks. 

I think these are the biggest concerns of the critics. They can't understand how the story got from point A to point B. And at the same time, they're subconsciously comparing Marvel movies to Batman v. Superman.

Three, some people just hate Zack Snyder for his ambitious vision.

2. Batman v. Superman is true to its source material.

Saying that, "every scene in the movie pays tribute to the comics," is an understatement. There are A LOT (and I mean A LOT!) of references from the comicbooks. It is as if the comicbooks were brought to life. Heck, even Batman's prep-time was given emphasis in the movie!

If you're a comicbook fan, you will appreciate this movie for what it is. If you're not, then you might feel that there are unnecessary scenes. And from the latter view, you might feel that the movie, as a whole, is dragging.

Months before Batman v. Superman, people had a lot of theories as regards the direction of the franchise. I recommend that you forget all those theories and to stick with what you know from reading the comics. They used various story arcs from different titles but overall, it made sense. Again, stick with what you know from the DC mythos. Don't let theories or speculations determine your expectations.

3. Batffleck

Ben Affleck is my Batman. He portrayed the different aspects of Batman/Bruce Wayne perfectly! Haters will disagree but BEN AFFLECK IS MY BATMAN. Nuff said!

Gal Gadot is also amazing. She stole the show towards the end of the movie. She is exactly how Wonder Woman is in the comics.

4. Batman v. Superman is ambitious.

Batman v. Superman is the MOST AMBITIOUS comicbook movie of all time! They're trying to raise the bar through: (1) cinematography, (2) depth of dialogue, and (3) integration to reality.

This is Zack Snyder we're talking about. His movies are very pleasing especially to the avid movie fans. I guess I don't have to explain this. You already know him. His cinematography is way beyond the competition.

Mad props to Chris Terrio! Make sure to listen carefully to the dialogues. There are a handful of good lessons from the movie. Plus, most of the dialogues, especially those of Batman's, have easter eggs. Most of the lines imply something else (I'd like to point out something that was reported two weeks ago regarding the Wonder Woman movie however it is better discussed in the group after the discussion prohibition rule).

The movie is very ambitious because it tried to use our reality as its' setting. It is not breaking the 4th wall per se. It is more of using our reality as the setting for Batman v. Superman. Why do I say this? Well, go and try to spot CNN anchor Anderson Cooper and Neil Degrasse Tyson in the movie. They sort of portray themselves in the movie.

5. Delusion of Grandeur. 

Batman v. Superman is very ambitious. HOWEVER they fell short in execution. In my opinion, Jesse Eisenberg will be the rich source of criticism. Contrary to what people think, he is portraying LEX LUTHOR Jr. and not the Lex Luthor that we know. Although the movie emphasized this distinction between the two characters, comicbook fans will have a hard time deviating from the Lex Luthor they know. The casual fans and the avid movie goers will even have a harder time in understanding this character.  But to his credit, he was amazing! Despite his irritating character, I kind of love his portrayal of Lex Jr. For me, he is the necessary evil (or necessary annoyance for that matter). His line at the end of the movie will give you the BIGGEST easter egg for the franchise.

The crux lies in Snyder's intention (or should I say WB/DC's intention) to encourage people to read comics. Like I've said, this is a comicbook movie that the fans will appreciate. I don't think it was meant for avid movie goers. The movie pays tribute to the source materials which the casual fans (or critics) are not aware of. Personally, I am not well versed when it comes to Superman lore, but after watching the movie, it made me want to read on some of his stories.

6. Batman v. Superman is not for everyone

There! I've said it! Batman v. Superman is not for everyone. Like I've said, DC has a different market. Adults will appreciate this more than the minors. The movie is dark and gritty, don't expect shawarma jokes and a laughing audience. Don't bring your 8-year old kids, they will definitely get bored. 

7. Important Things to Note.

1. Don't believe the critics. As comicbook fans, you'll enjoy the movie.
2. Try to avoid comparing BvS to Marvel films
3. Watch the trailers that comes with the movie! There's something Batman-related hehe.
4. Take note of the actor and the costumes! There's a HUGE easter egg if you pay attention to the actor and the actor's costume.
5. Easter eggs galore! Listen carefully and pay attention to details.
6. There's a clear winner between the two. Go place your bets.

PLDT Home DSL Batman v. Superman at Rockwell Powerplant

Comicbook fans, as well as toy collectors and avid movie goers, are excited for the premiere of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. The local industry is of no exception. With a lot of companies, local and foreign, jumping into the BvS hype train, the fans and collectors benefits the most.

Today at the Rockwell Powerplant Mall, PLDT Home DSL hooked us up with an interactive BvS photobooth! No one actually knew about it. I don't remember it being advertised in the local geek community. But, regardless of the noise it made, their booth is pretty cool.

They have a make-shift open space photobooth where people can stand beside a cardboard cut out of Batman and Superman. What made it more interesting was the bust cut out which you can raise like a placard. After letting the professional photographers take your photo, the PLDT girls will give you the picture inserted on a BvS themed card.

They will also ask you if you want to win an 8GB USB. All you have to do is to post the same photo on your instagram account and hashtag #pldthomedsl and #batmanvsuperman.

The fun doesnt end there! They have an amazing exhibit composed of comics, toys, and statues. Here are some of the photos i took.

Try to catch them. Their photobooth will be there until this Tuesday. In anticipation of Batman v. Superman, this is one thing you shouldn't miss out on! Thank you PLDT Home DSL for this great advertising.

Countdown to BvS: 7 Batman v Superman must-have toys

One cannot deny the impact of having toy lines that intertwine with a movie’s imminent release. As far as Batman v Superman is concerned, toy companies did not hesitate to acquire rights to release their own versions of the 2 iconic heroes.

We are 7 days away from the release of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. So, The Dark Knight Ph gives you the TOP 7 Batman v Superman Toys you must have:

7. Funko Pop Movies: Batman v Superman

The Funko craze is real and DC Comics is caught in it. This Batman v Superman 2-pack Funko Pop was released at the San Diego Comic Con 2015. Lucky fans were able to bag this beauty for only $25 at the con. However, having only released a limited number of these bad boys as a SDCC 2015 Exclusive, at the same day of its release the price skyrocketed (and literally, at that) to around $150-$200 (that’s roughly about Php7,500 – Php10,000). Luckily, Toys R’ Us released their own version of the 2-pack exclusive with a Metallic Variant, then later Funko Pop released the whole BvS line in single boxes for their original SRP $10 (Php450 – Php550).

6. Multiverse Batman

Mattel has been releasing a Multiverse line for DC Comics in recent years and Batman v Superman is no exception. Releasing these 6” figures of our favorite Trinity in the upcoming movie. Batman has 2 versions of this figure, a normal Batsuit and the Armored Batman. Amazon will be releasing an exclusive wherein the Armored Batman has glow-in-the-dark chest, right hand and eyes (Kryptonite, anyone?). The Amazon Exclusive would coust around $30 + shipping (Roughly, Php1500 + shipping) and the normal variants would cost around $15 (Php800).

5. Lego Batman v Superman sets

In December 2015, Lego announced 3 new sets for their Batman v Superman line. 

The first set, The Sky-High Battle, features the Batwing, Lex Luthor’s LexCorp helicopter, along with Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. The 516-piece set will cost $49.99. 

 *photo from Wall Street Journal

The Clash of the Heroes set includes Superman, Batman, a Kryptonite bazooka, and a rotating, exploding Bat-Signal. The 90-piece set will cost $12.99. 

                                                    *photo from Wall Street Journal

The Kryptonite Interception set features Batman, two LexCorp henchmen, a forklift for Kryptonite, and the Batmobile. The 300-piece set will cost $29.99.

 *photo from Wall Street Journal

4. Cosbaby Figures Batman v Superman

Coming from the infamous toy line from our neighbors in Hong Kong comes this new babies (see what I did there?) that packs a punch almost as hard as their 1/6 scale counterparts….the COSBABY Figurines have arrived! These cute little collectibles stands at 3.75”, has no articulation at all, but who cares? They’re compact, they’re cute, and they’re babies doing Cosplay. What more can you ask for? These babies comes in a number of variants, as well. They will also release an Angry Red Eyed Superman, a Grimacing Armored Batman and an Armored Batman that lights up.

The Cosbaby BvS line comprises of a total of 6 figures: Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Batman, Armored Batman and Knightmare Batman. Priced at around $100 per set (Php5,000, more or less).

3. Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots

If you’re feeling nostalgic, then this classic from Mattel might do the job. Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Batman v Superman may just be one of those underhyped toys in the market right now. The premise of the toy is simple, press the buttons until one of them gets knocked off the platform. Play best out of 3 and find out #WhoWillWin.

Priced at Php1,300 – Php1,500.

2. Air Hogs Batmobile

Your dreams of driving a Batmobile is now within reach. Well, sort of. Air Hogs, the leading company that brings your remote controlled cars, has just released their first ever Batmobile, with none other than the Batmobile from Batman v Superman. The metal brush finish on this bad boy brings an authentic look to it, like it just burst out of the screen, with LED head lights and tail lights that fire up every time you throttle. One of the best features of this Batmobile would be its USB rechargeable feature, so say bye bye to buying separate batteries. It comes with a simple remote that makes “driving” easier. Priced at $60 (Php2,600 – Php3,000).

1.Hot Toys BvS Line

Hot Toys has been on the lead for a quite number of years now. Their take on the authentic and realistic look of their collection would, without a doubt, put it on anyone’s top list of BvS toys. From the smallest detail to the costume and articulation, Hot Toys has really perfected and changed the landscape of toy collecting everywhere. So far, we’ve seen photos of Armored Batman, Superman, Batman, Knightmare Batman and Wonder Woman in 1/6 scales.

Priced at around $250 - $350, these are just speculation as there’s no announcement from Hot Toys about the price for this series.

Special Mentions:

Jada Metals Batman v Superman (Batmobile and 4-pack)

We just couldn’t get enough of this new Batmobile. Jada Metals released a BvS line of their own. The Batmobile Model Die Cast Kit is really impressive when it comes to details. Some assembly is required, but that just adds to the fun of owning this brilliant piece. Jada Metals also released 4-inch die cast figures of Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Knightmare Batman, Unmasked Batman and a Batman with removable Armor.

Batman Voice Changer Helmet

Another one from Mattel would be this Batman helmet from his Armor that actually changes your voice! Need I say more?! IT’S A FREAKIN’ BATMAN HELMET WITH VOICE CHANGER! You could say “Do you bleed?” on days on end without tiring of this, man. Seriously! Price at around Php900 - Php1,100.