Batman v. Superman spread by James Raiz

James Raiz, known as The Box Office Artist in social network communities, came up with this amazing spread in anticipation of Batman v. Superman. This artwork was traditionally drawn and was  colored digitally. This glorious depiction of the greatest gladiator match in the history of the world culminates the excitement for DC fanboys here in the Philippines. Just as we have thought that our excitement reached plateau, James releases this image.

For those who would want to watch James' time-lapse video drawing, click here to direct you to his Youtube page. Also, please don't forget to click the subscribe button. James has a lot of awesome videos and we're pretty sure there will be more! But for the convenience of everyone, here's an embedded video of his work. Enjoy! :)

Hey, James, thanks for the special mention :)

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.

Countdown to BvS: 9 Licensed Merchandise to Collect

It's quite amusing that its not just the geek community who's excited for Batman v. Superman. For the past few weeks, we've been seeing local corporations jumping into the hype with the release of their BvS licensed products. Every new advertisement surely made us more excited for the movie release. From radio stations to billboards along highways, it is evident that everyone is all in with BvS. It is to no surprise that these local corporations (or locally operated corporations) are giving us the merchandises that the fandom deserves. So without further a do, here are some of things you can buy to help the local economy (well... not really hehe but its still a good way to support these corporations who made us smile with their promotions).

1. Honey Star cereals BvS Family Game

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. These Honey Star cereals from Nestle will surely instill family values to the kid and at the same time, you enjoy a great cup of cereal in the morning. Start your day right, get your Honey Stars!

  

2. Petron Gadget Collection

Before going to the mall, make sure to gas up at Petron stations. For every P500 worth of gas purchase, you can get any of the gadget collection for P200. You have 4 toys to choose from. The armored Batman is a night lamp, Batffleck is a USB hub, Superman a digital clock, and Wonder Woman a multi-charger. These are probably the most famous local merchandise among fans.

3. KFC Bucket Meal BvS Tumblers

For only P620 you get the Batman-Superman face-off bucket. And if you just add P35, you get the limited edition BvS tumbler. The bucket meal comes with 8 pieces of chicken, 4 rice, 4 drinks, 2 spaghetti, and a big bowl of the good ol' gravy! If you ask me, the food alone is worth that money. The BvS merchandise is the consolation prize (or is it the other way around?).

4. B'lue flavored water

These bottles are awesome to collect. Probably after eating in KFC, you'd like to drink some flavored water, then B'lue is probably for you. Their BvS line comes with 3 flavors: Calamansi, Lychee, and Orange. The flavors are in no way describes the characters but for P25, not only do you feel fully alive, you will also feel like a hero.

5. SM Cinema hexagon toy collection

Remember to buy your movie tickets at SM cinema houses. You can purchase these hexagon toys when you purchase a snack-merchandise combo meal. Heck, you're probably still full from your lunch, but you probably wouldn't mind eating that hotdog for these babies.

6. Filbar's BvS shirts

While you're already at the mall, you probably would want to check these BvS shirts from Filbar's. And yes, these are licensed materials. Also, make sure to ask the sales ladies regarding their other BvS related toys and comics. They have tons of awesome merchandise.

7. SM Teen's shirts

Also drop by SM Department store. They have licensed BvS shirts which were designed by the team of Yanna Tan (the girlfriend of Peejay Catacutan, one of our favorite local artists).

8. Penshoppe shirts

This is probably one of the best collaborations for BvS. Their wide variety of style makes these BvS shirts amazing. From flipflops to Jackets, they have it!

9. Axis watches

These watches are a good alternative to the expensive BvS Police watches. For P4995, you can get any of these awesome timepiece from Axis! This watch is probably for you! Get them and start your own countdown to BvS!