The Comedian Theory: His Second appearance in the DC Universe

DC Universe #1 came out big! It had a lot of twists that made comicbook fans wet themselves. The biggest reveal is probably the presence of The Watchmen in the DC Universe. Although the original series was published by DC Comics, fans accepted the fact that The Justice League and The Watchmen lived in different universes (or multiverses--oh wait, is it microverses now?).

To make things more clear, let me explain the DC Universe #1 narrative (or at least the significant parts in connection with The Watchmen). Without picking up any Watchmen books, it is safe to conclude that the threat to the DC Universe is The Watchmen; or at least the universe where The Watchmen came from.

The biggest question most fans were asking is: The Comedian? No doubt, thats his badge. But isn't he dead? Hmm.. now thats a good entry point of a good effing story! But please read until the end of this article. I promise not to make it long, but I assure you that you'll shit bricks. Just let me connect the dots for you.

Wally West was trapped in the Speed Force after the advent of Flashpoint. Since then he narrates that something was stolen from the DC Universe. He goes on and tries to find that lightning rod to make his come back. His first target was Batman. Let me remind you of this scene...

Lets address the big elephant in the room. See that "TNK" sound at the lower right hand of the photo? What do you think it they deliberately made that sound? If you check the other panels, no sound effect was made by Wally's speed force thunder thing.

Ow wait... Batman, the detective that he is, was also curious as to the sound it made. Go check this out.

When I first read DC Universe Rebirth #1, I thought to myself, "hey, whats that yellow shinny thing? Why did Batman randomly used his pick to take off something on the wall?" The next page was the killer. It showed that we're in Watchmen territory now. But if you go back to the beginning, Wally was right all along. He did say that he saw the new threat from the speed force. Wally also used the speed force to reach out to Batman. In effect, maybe the "Watchmen" were watching and threw The Comedian's badge for the greatest detective to decipher.

But that leads us to the next question: are the Watchmen new to the DC Universe? Hmm... with all the theories circulating around the web stating that The Watchmen are already part of the DC Universe, its hard not to adhere to something as logical as that.

But you know, theories are just theories until we see them on paper.

But then again... let me remind you of these panels from Superman/Batman World's Finest by Dave Gibbons (which predates DC Universe Rebirth #1 by almost a decade). And a little trivia, Dave Gibbons was the illustrator for the original Watchmen. dun dun dunnnn.

Hey, thats a cute lapel pin... ow wait. SHIT!

Are we looking at some weird coincidence here? Or is The Comedian the Joker in the DC Universe? Well... as the old saying goes...

**photos from reddit user JLAsuperdude

SDCC 2016 PREVIEWS Exclusives Batman and more!!!

PREVIEWS, under the Diamond Comics Distributors, will offer exclusive merchandises in this year's San Diego Comic Con. These items will be showcased at the PREVIEWS booth and will be sold at the specific retailer booths during the con.

Here are the Batman and Batman related exclusives that you can only get at SDCC 2016.

SDCC 2016 LUMBERJANES/GOTHAM ACADEMY #1

(W) Chynna Clugston-Flores (A) Rosemary Valero-O'Connell (CA) Mingjue Helen Chen

What's to Love: We adore DC's Gotham Academy and it's been on our wish list to have them somehow meet the Lumberjanes. From the great characters to the fun stories, we saw a world in which these two groups could coexist. Fast forward and here we are-the crossover event we've dreamed about and can't wait to bring to you!

What It Is: Something sinister is happening at a mysterious building deep in the woods, drawing the Lumberjanes and the Gotham Academy kids separately to investigate. Is it a weird cabin? An abandoned asylum? The two groups band together to find out what exactly is going on. (MAR168662) Limited to 3,000 copies.

SDCC 2016 BATMAN ANIMATED SERIES BATMAN LOGO BUST

Batman returns in this all-new exclusive 6” resin bust inspired by the famous logo of Batman: The Animated Series! Drawing his cape around him, the Dark Knight lurks in the shadows while posing atop a pedestal inspired by the iconic show’s art-deco architecture. Packaged in a full-color box with a certificate of authenticity. Sculpted by Varner Studios! (FEB168433) Limited to 1,000 pieces.

SDCC 2016 ARKHAM CITY HARLEY QUINN PX STATUE

You just can’t keep a good villain down … but a good villain can keep your papers down, and so Icon Heroes is proud to announce the SDCC Exclusive Batman: Arkham Knight Harley Quinn statue paperweight! Made of high quality polystone resin and expertly painted, this 8” statue paperweight  is ready to take over your desk, just like she plans to take over Gotham! (DEC158553) Limited to 2,500 pieces.

SDCC 2016 DC GALLERY BATMAN TAS B&W ALMOST GOT EM BATMAN FIGURE

He is vengeance! He is the night! He is Batman! Based on his appearance in Batman: The Animated Series episode “Almost Got ‘Im,” this exclusive 9-inch scale PVC figure of Batman captures him in a monochromatic color scheme, alighting on a rooftop with a Batarang at the ready. Sculpted with a high level of detail and featuring exacting paint applications, Batman is in scale to all Femme Fatales and Gallery PVC figures. Packaged in a full-color window box. Sculpted by Varner Studios! (FEB168429) Limited to 2,000 pieces.

SDCC 2016 THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS: BATMAN PREVIEWS EXCLUSIVE BUST BANK (BLOODY VERSION)

A PREVIEWS Exclusive! Frank Miller's powerful depiction of Batman from his seminal graphic novel Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is sculpted for this new bust bank from Monogram! Made of vinyl, the bank stands roughly 6" tall and approximately 9" wide. This piece can serve as a decoration in your office or home, or you can use it to store your loose change! (MAY158329) Limited to 2,000 pieces.

SDCC 2016 DC BOMBSHELLS: CATWOMAN 7” NOIR EDITION VINYL

Based on the pinup-style artwork of Ant Lucia, designed by Pedro Astudillo and sculpted by Anders Ehrenborg, this black-&-white “noir” styled Catwoman stands approximately 7.6" tall and comes packaged in a display-worthy window box. (JAN168777) Limited to 3,000 pieces.

SDCC 2016 SUICIDE SQUAD JOKER TATTOO PX 10-INCH PLUSH

This stylized 10” plush based on The Joker’s latest big-screen appearance in Warner Bros.’ Suicide Squad is just what you need if you need to (Affectionately) squeeze out your aggression after a long day. (JAN168392) Limited to 2,500 pieces.

TDKPH Book of the Week -- DC Universe Rebirth #1 by Sebastian Soriano

DC Universe Rebirth #1 Review:

This will be a spoiler-free review because this book is an experience that can only be enjoyed properly if you go through it yourself.

When I first heard about Rebirth, I was stoked and excited for the sole reason that they were rebooting back to #1. I did not know what to expect material-wise and honestly, I’m a very young comic reader so I didn’t really know what I SHOULD expect. Sure, I’ve read a few classics like Watchmen, Dark Knight Returns, most of the New 52 Batman run, and a few others, but by no means am I a comic expert who’s read decades worth of DC comics with the knowledge of the previous continuities to boot. I got into comics, DC Comics in particular, in probably the same and the most clichéd way most people in my generation did: I watched The Dark Knight trilogy. I tell you this so that you have an idea of the type of comic book reader you are dealing with as you read this. I am a new comic book reader with a very true love for it and with that being said, this book was phenomenal. I was not yet a reader when the New 52 started and definitely not one when the pre-new 52 comics came out so I don’t really know in complete detail what happened in those previous continuities, but Rebirth definitely brings newer readers, like me, up to speed.

The first few pages caught me off guard because it starts with characters I haven’t really read about and was very nervous because I was not previously familiar with said characters. How could I give an effective review if I never really knew about the lore of characters like Wally West? But you know what? Every single question I had, all my why's, what's, and how's were all answered with every turn of the page.

Comic books, as I’ve always known them to be, is a medium that blends both visual and literary story telling into one piece and never in my time of being a lover of this art form have I seen such a perfect blend of the two. This book is divided into 4 chapters and each one has it’s own distinctive tone thanks to the superstar artists artists in this book, namely: Ethan Van Sciver, Gary Frank, Phil Jimenez, and Ivan Reis, who’s art works seamlessly with Geoff Johns’ writing. Johns, I should state, is the new co-chief for all of DC’s upcoming movies and writer of several of DC’s best storylines such as Blackest Night, Brightest Day, The Flashpoint Paradox, and Batman: Earth One. So if you want an idea of how DC’s movies are going to feel like, I highly recommend you pick this book up.

The DC Universe is getting more expansive, but it definitely doesn’t feel crowded. The quality of the work is all there in this one. None of it feels rushed and no parts feel shoehorned. No cheap tricks or gimmicks. Just great storytelling. Older fans will probably feel a very deep sense of nostalgia and if you’re a new fan, will feel very welcomed. This book is not elitist or intimidating in any way. It was obviously written so that old and new fans alike can come and enjoy these new set of stories that DC's coming up with. Rebirth is definitely up to a good start.

Well done, Geoff Johns. Well done, DC. This book is definitely a 10 out of 10 for. A must read for any comic book fan!

Say NO to Drugs

"It would be so easy -- and it would almost certainly save his life. Then he remembers... what he became. Nothing is worth that. Not even life itself."

                                - Legends of the Dark Knight #20

There was a time when Batman decided to take drugs. Yes guys, it happens to the best of us. After all, we all susceptible to the concept of invincibility.

In Legends of the Dark Knight 16 - 20, Batman relied on "Venom" to obtain superior strength, to become faster, and to become more alert in saving lives. He ended up in this path because he failed to save an innocent woman from drowning. He was a man obsessed; he thought that if he took Venom, he can easily save the people around him. He was lured with the temporary power that the pill brought. He thought that in reaching his physical peak, he can save more lives but little did he know, the pill was already killing him from the inside. Before he knew it, the pill already consumed him. The pill made him into a different person.

At the end of Batman: Venom, Batman had to make a choice--it was either take the drugs so he can beat the villain, or turn it down and prepare for a beating. Like any hero in the comicbook, Batman said no and made the right choice.

Of course, there will be times (and we hope it doesn't happen to anyone) when innocent people will unknowingly take drugs. This is one of those moments where we can't do anything about it. All we can do is to spread the word and encourage everyone to say "no".

Say NO to drugs!

The Dark Knight Ph cup: Battle for the Cowl

Battle for the Cowl is the first basketball tournament in the Philippine geek community. The event will be held on June 19 and 26, Sundays 3pm-7pm at the Pasay Sports Complex.

In line with our AL.F.R.E.D. Initiative, this is a fund raising event for the benefit of Eloisa Manalaysay who's battling with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, a blood disorder. 

Batman is gone, who will be the heir to the cowl?

This tournament is composed of the four prominent geek groups in the Philippines -- Comics Club Philippines, The Comic Brook, Statues and Collectibles Alliance Ph, and Komiks Weekend. These teams will represent the four heirs of Batman, namely: Nightwing, Red Hood, Red Robin, and Robin (Damian Wayne).

MVP of the league will win a mystery Funko Pop customized by our very own Freak and Geek Custom. 

 

 

WIP

Here are the MVP candidates:

Dex Agabin #TeamCCP

Tim Fuentebella #TeamCCP

Kieffer Lagnada #TeamTCB

JR Tuano #TeamTCB

Gino Bailon #TeamSCAPH/TDKPH

Patrick Dabi #TeamSCAPH/TDKPH

Jamil Simbulan #TeamKomiks

Rayh Rabor #TeamKomiks

As the saying goes, "defense wins championships." Rebounds, Blocks, and Steals give a huge boost to a team. Here are the nominees for the Defensive Player of the League:

Nice Deacosta #TeamCCP

Joseph Delos Santos #TeamTCB

David Gregory #TeamSCAPH/TDKPH

Macoy Coching #TeamKomiks

VOTE FOR MOST VALUABLE PLAYER and DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE LEAGUE

The event is sponsored by Comic Odyssey and DK Collectibles. Both are two of the top Local Comicbook Stores here in the Philippines. They provided the trophies and consolation prizes for the event.

Here's the feature we got from CNN Philippines.

To join this charity event, please fill out this FORM (click).

Shout out to our brother Garry Reyala for helping us organize this event! Mabuhay ka!

4.8 Magnitude Trembled Quezon Province

 
A 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit Burdeos, Quezon at 7:14pm Saturday. The center of the quake was at 15 kilometers northwest of Burdeos and had a depth of 34 kilometers.

After an earthquake:

1. Expect aftershocks hours, days, or weeks after the main quake. Aftershocks can cause building damage and falling debris that could injure you.
2. Avoid open flames in damaged buildings. Earthquakes can damage gas lines, so don’t use lighters or matches.
3. If you live near the coast, stay away from the beach. Earthquakes can cause dangerous tsunamis and flooding.
4. Drive carefully and plan alternative routes. Structural damage and traffic light outages may make it difficult to get to your destination.

 

 Source (Inquirer)

HOPE for Life: Baby Johann Battles with Biliary Atresia

Hi Batman fans! We're The Dark Knight Ph--the premier Batman group in the Philippines. Just last year, we launched our AL.F.R.E.D. Initiative. Its an abbreviation for ALliance For Reaching Everyone's Dream. Basically its a foundation formed by our group to help those in the geek community in times of need.

And here's a photo of what AL.F.R.E.D. Initiative is all about...

AL.F.R.E.D. Initiative... is our strong message to the community saying, "You've never been alone." We're always here to help you.

Here's Baby Johann Urminita...

He was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia, a rare life threatening  disease  of the Liver. He is in urgent need to undergo a Liver Transplant Operation that has an estimate cost of  P4,000,000 in order to survive. Without the operation, babies with Biliary Atresia are less likely to live beyond  2 years old.

He is doing his best to fight the disease, but he cannot do it alone. He is in need of a Batman. Will you wear the cowl for Baby Johann?

For every P10 donation, The Dark Knight Ph will give you an exclusive postcard by Del Perry Nayra. Just show us the deposit slip and we'll give you the postcard for free.

You can deposit your donations to:

BDO Account number: 005540225350
Name: Joan F. Urminita

You can also check his Go Fund Me account
‪

It's time to be Batman for Baby Johann!

Happy Batman Day? errr.. I Think I Got the Date Right

Here in the Philippines, May 1 is Labor day. Well actually, this is a holiday in every country. During Labor day, we are reminded of the hard working people by giving them the recognition that they deserve.

For many Batman fans, May 1 is also a day of celebration and appreciation. This is the day Detective Comics #27 became available in newsstands.

Its a bit different for the past two years. DC Entertainment declared that June 26 is Batman Day. However, as regards to its celebration, DC Entertainment moved it on every third week of September.

Confused as to when Batman Day should be? Yeah, its a bit confusing to be honest. But here are the boys of The Dark Knight Philippines to clarify it for you.

Detective Comics #27 marks the debut of the Dark Knight. The cover date for this book is May 1, 1939. So shouldn't that be the date for Batman Day? Well, actually, DC#27 already became available in-stores as early as April 18, 1939. How is that possible? 

Back in the days, people get their comics from retailers and from newsstands. Based from our research, we found out that retailers receive the comics at an earlier date as opposed to the newstand sellers. The delayed cover date is for the benefit  of the newsstand sellers. So that when they display the comics, it wouldn't look like they're selling old copies of comicbooks.

Technically, Batman Day should be celebrated on April 18--the original date for Batman's debut. But he consensus among fans, the cover date marks the debut of Batman thus May 1 is Batman Day.

But is it the teal Batman Day? No, we don't think so and neither does DC Comics. We share the same opinion that May 1 is not Batman Day. Rather, May 1 is the debut of The Batman. Batman Day should be celebrated on the birth date of Batman. 

Some fans think that Batman was born the moment Bruce donned the cowl for the first time. DC Comics and TDKPH is of the same opinion that Batman was born the moment Bruce's parents died. 

It is a psychological interpretation of Bruce's traumatic experience. The death of the Waynes triggered Bruce's depression. And it is that depression where he found Batman. The birth of Batman should not be confused with the birth of Bruce Wayne. Bruce was never born as Batman. It was circumstances that gave birth to the Caped Crusader.

So the question is: when was the Dark Knight born? For decades, DC Comics didn't give a specific date for the death if the Waynes. It was only the year 1984 when they finally decided to give it a specific date.

It all started with Detective Comics #457 - There is no hope in Crime Alley. In this issue, Batman takes his yearly night off and visits Crime Alley. Alfred, after admitting that he's the closest person to Bruce, is baffled why Batman goes to Crime Alley during the same date yearly.

It is later found out that Batman visits Crime Alley to be reminded of his purpose. Leslie Thompkins would say, "I've been expecting you Batman -- You always come to visit on this day." Then Batman replies, "Call it a memorial... a reminder of who I am!... of my beginning and my probable end!"

 
Detective Comics #457 proved that Batman's birth is the day Bruce's parents died. Not only that, but #457 also indicates that Batman goes to Crime Alley every year to visit the place where his parents died. Ow and before we leave #457 behind, bear in mind this page from the same issue:

For the longest time, people never bothered to know the exact date of Batman's visit to Crime Alley. It was until Batman Special #1 where they finally revealed the date of the Waynes' death. Batman Special #1 is an amazing book. It introduces a new villain to the Batman mythos. His name is Wrath, and he's another story for another day.

At the end of this issue, Batman bumps into Leslie Thompkins in Crime Alley. She asks Batman to tell her the reason of his visits in Crime Alley during the same date. And again, Batman replies, "Call it a memorial... a reminder of my beginning..."

A little rewind. Lets go back to Detective Comics #457. Check out this panel:

 Then lets look at the last page for Batman Special #1

Thompkins is reminded of the day she became Bruce's surrogate mother. Ow, and look at that--June 26th. June 26 is the day Batman was born. It is no wonder that DC Comics is of the opinion that June 26 is the legitimate Batman Day.

Mystery solved. May 1 is not Batman day. Rather, it is the date of Batman's debut. The real Batman Day is on June 26--also the anniversary of The Dark Knight Ph.

So what is May 1 all about? Well even if it is not the real Batman Day, it does not mean that we cant celebrate Batman Day today. In any case, Happy advance Batman Day everyone! Hope you enjoyed this article as much as we enjoyed writing this.

Ow and just a quick trivia. Bruce's parents died at 10:47PM. Batman uses this time as his pass code through the grandfather clock.