Countdown to BvS: 6 iconic covers of Batman and Superman

From the golden age to the modern age of comics, Batman and Superman has shared the limelight on the covers of our favorite titles. To hype it up for all of you, we’re 6 days away from the worldwide theatrical release of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and the boys of The Dark Knight Ph have gathered 6 of the most iconic comic book covers featuring our favorite Boy Scout and Caped Crusader.

Note: We did not include the BvS variants.

6. Dark Knight III: The Master Race #1 (Midtown Comics Variant by Greg Capullo)

Right in the face! This cover is a remake of one of the most legendary fights in comic book history. As you may all know, the basis for this piece came from the fight scene in The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller. The unforgettable dialogue of Batman, while kicking Superman’s butt, is truly one of those moments that would run a tingle down your spine. Greg Capullo did not disappoint with his own version of “the boot to the face.” This was released last November 2015, released exclusively by Midtown Comics. Look ma, Superman bleeds.

5. Batman/Superman #1 by Jae Lee (New 52)

Talk about Dawn of Justice right here, man! This cover has a bit of Gothic into it, perfect for the setting of Gotham City, and the towering Supes on top with the blue sky background complimented the, otherwise, dark and gritty Batman and his posse of robotic heads. The story shows how Batman and Superman first met….again. Jae Lee impressed all of us with his interior art on this issue. You have to get it to see. ;) This was released last June 2013.

4. Batman #612 by Jim Lee

“Deep down, Clark is essentially a good person…and deep down, I’m not.” –Batman

This infamous cover by the one and only Jim Lee, shows a mind controlled Superman tripping on Batman. Haha! Coming from Part 5 of the revolutionary “Hush” storyline, this cover is among the ones that show Batman is still a man, or rather, a speck in Superman’s godliness. God vs Man, Day vs Night, blah blah blah! This was first published on February 2003.

3. Batman #608b and Superman #204 by Jim Lee

This is another one from Jim Lee. One of the best connecting covers there is, sort. These covers are 2 years apart. Batman 608b (For those who asks what the “b” stands for, this is the second cover of this issue. A variant, if you will), is the first part of the Hush storyline; Superman 204 is part one of the “For Tomorrow” storyline. Day vs Night anyone?

Batman 608b was first published on October 2002; Superman 204 was on June 2004.

2. Superman #76 by Curt Swan

From the year 1952 comes the first ever team-up of Batman and Superman. Can you believe it? People from that era are probably going nuts seeing these 2 heroes share a story in a comic book. This was the first of many stories featuring our favorite heroes. Fun Fact: In this story, Batman and Superman uncover each others secret identity, and the rest, as they say, is history. First published on May 1952. (64 years later, they will share the silver screen, oh glory days!)

1.The Dark Knight Returns #4: The Dark Knight Falls by Frank Miller

Of course, our list wouldn’t be complete without this iconic cover from one of the most important Batman story in history, The Dark Knight Returns #4. From the man himself, Frank Miller, we get to see an armored Batman taking on Superman. Need I say more on why this made the top list? The hype is real, ladies and gents! Batman vs Superman is happening!

It’s finally happening. What was once just a comic book cover of Batman and Superman fighting is now a reality for all fanboys out there! On March 26, 2016, see history unfold and bask in the glory of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice!

Hit the comments for your favorite covers featuring Batman and Superman.

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.