Additional Crew Details, Images From “Young Justice” Special Event Premiere
Additional crew details for the new special one-hour Young Justice episode event on Cartoon Network are now available. The two-part episode event is scheduled to debut tonight, Friday, November 26th, 2010 at 7:00pm (ET). The two-part episode special airing, entitled “Independence Day,” will offer a first look at the upcoming highly-anticipated animated series. The additional crew details, available below with the previously-released synopsis, are straight from the official credits for the Young Justice special premiere.
Casting and Voice Direction – Jamie Thomason
Animation Timing Director – James Tim Walker
Music By – Kristopher Carter, Michael McCuiston, Lolita Ritmanis
Lead Character Design – Phil Bourassa
Character Design – Dusty Abell, Jerome Moore
Line Producer – Dave Wilcox
Editor – Jhoanne Reyes
Animation Services – MOI Animation, Inc
Production Supervisor – Bobbie Page
Executive in Charge of Production – Jay Bastian
YOUNG JUSTICE
“Independence Day”
Special One-Hour Movie Event Airs
Friday, November 26 at 7:00 p.m. on Cartoon Network
Synopsis:
In Young Justice, being a teenager means proving yourself over and over to peers, parents, teachers, mentors and, ultimately, to yourself. But what if you’re not just a normal teenager? What if you’re a teenage super hero? How much harder will it be to prove yourself in a world of super powers, super villains and super secrets? Are you ready to come of age in such a world? Are you ready for life or death rites of passage? Are you ready to join the ranks of the great heroes and prove you’re worthy of the Justice League? That’s exactly what the members of Young Justice Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Superboy, Miss Martian and Artemis will found out whether they have what it takes to be a proven hero.
In the premiere episode, Robin, Speedy, Aqualad and Kid Flash are finally granted access to the headquarters of the Justice League. But when that access turns out to be little more than a glorified backstage pass, Speedy walks, and the other three sidekicks go on a mission of their ownto Project Cadmus, where they make a startling discovery
The two-part Young Justice episode event “Independence Day” is scheduled to debut tonight, Friday, November 26th, 2010 at 7:00pm (ET). Following this special airing, Young Justice is then slated to become a regular fixture to the Cartoon Network Friday-night programming block beginning in early 2011. Three additional images from the Young Justice one-hour special event are also included below.
Click here to read a review of the Young Justice “Independence Day” special event published here at The World’s Finest, with additional images and video available to view here. Stay tuned for further Young Justice updates here soon at The World’s Finest, including exclusive content and much more.
Discuss this in The DC Animation Forum!
Soft Debut For “DC Showcase Animated Original Shorts” Home Video Release
According to various home media retailing outlets and independent research, the recent DC Showcase Animated Original Shorts collection, anchored by the exclusive Superman/Shazam!: The Return Of Black Adam animated short, was unable to crack 100,000 units sold in its first week available on the home video market. The release moved an estimated 70,000 DVD copies in its first week, along with an additional 24,500 units in Blu-ray editions in the same timeframe, resulting in an estimated 94,500 home video units sold during its first week of sales, the weekend ending November 14th, 2010. The DC Showcase Animated Original Shorts collection debuted in the top 20 for DVD sales for its first week, and in the top 10 for Blu-ray. Note the sales numbers above do not take into account rental numbers, OnDemand numbers, or legal download numbers.
Above is the cover art for all standard definition DVD and high-definition Blu-ray home video releases for the DC Showcase Animated Original Shorts collection. Click on the links below to discuss both the recent Superman/Shazam!: The Return Of Black Adam animated short, exclusive to this new collection, along with the home video release and accompanied additional animated shorts.
–Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam Animated Short Talkback (Spoilers)
–Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam Blu-ray/DVD Talkback (Spoilers)
–DC Showcase: Green Arrow Animated Short Talkback (Spoilers)
–DC Showcase: Jonah Hex Animated Short Talkback (Spoilers)
–DC Showcase: The Spectre Animated Short Talkback (Spoilers)
Stay tuned for further updates here soon on The World’s Finest, including further coverage on the Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam animated short and additional home video updates.
Cartoon Network Schedules “Batman: The Brave And The Bold” Mini-Marathon
Three recent episodes of the acclaimed animated series Batman: The Brave and The Bold are scheduled to air this Friday, November 26th, 2010 on Cartoon Network as part of their holiday weekend programming. Cartoon Network is scheduled to air special blocks of mini-marathons for most of their programs throughout the day, leading to the debut of the Young Justice animated special “Independence Day.” Episode specific details are available below, provided by Cartoon Network.
Friday, November 26th, 2010 at 9:00am (ET) – “The Siege of Starro! Part One”
Led by Faceless Hunter, the Starro Invasion comes on full swing. Only Batman and a handful of unlikely heroes remain uninfected to thwart the alien parasites and their mind-controlled hosts before all of Earth is sucked dry.
Friday, November 26th, 2010 at 9:30am (ET) – “The Siege of Starro! Part Two”
Star Conqueror may be defeated, but Faceless Hunter is not! The alien warrior manipulates B’Wana Beast, forcing him to combine the tiny starros into one massive beast he plans to use to destroy the planet! But Batman has his own back-up — the Metal Men!
Friday, November 26th, 2010 at 10:00am (ET) – “Requiem for a Scarlet Speedster!”
The Silver Age Flash is dead, and his Rogues Gallery has come to take over Central City. Batman teams up with the Flash’s predecessor and successor to defend the city, but a villainous speedster plans to defeat them all.
The next new episode of Batman: The Brave and The Bold, “Darkseid Descending!,” is scheduled to debut Friday, December 3rd, 2010 on Cartoon Network. Stay tuned for further Batman: The Brave and The Bold update, including exclusive content, here soon at The World’s Finest.
In related news, The World’s Finest has published a review for the upcoming Young Justice “Independence Day” special event. Click on the image below for more.
The one-hour Young Justice “Independence Day” premiere is scheduled to air Friday, November 26th, 2010 at 7:00pm (ET) on Cartoon Network, with the series returning in January 2011 as a regular fixture of the network’s Friday-night line-up. Click here to view the complete library of hi-res images and Quicktime-format video clip from the Young Justice animated event.
Stay tuned for further updates here soon at The World’s Finest.
Discuss this in The DC Animation Forum!
“Batman Beyond: The Complete Series” Home Video Collection Now Available
Batman Beyond: The Complete Series, the new DVD home video release from Warner Home Video collecting the entire run of the acclaimed animated series, is now available to own. The nine-disc set also includes new bonus features, an exclusive booklet, and collectible packaging. Click on the images below to view an assortment of images from the new release, now available at all major retail outlets.
Click here for more images!
A review for the Batman Beyond: The Complete Series home video collection release can be found at The World’s Finest Batman Beyond subsite, with additional to exclusive images and content also available to view. Further details on the Batman Beyond animated series are also available at the aforementioned links. Click on the link below to discuss this new release.
–Batman Beyond: The Complete Series DVD Talkback (Spoilers)
Batman Beyond: The Complete Series is now available to own on DVD from Warner Home Video. Stay tuned for continued updates here soon at The World’s Finest, including exclusive content and much more.
Actor Will Friedle Discusses Classic “Batman Beyond” Series In New Interview
The World’s Finest presents an all-new studio-conducted interview, provided by Warner Home Video, for the Batman Beyond: The Complete Series DVD collection release, available to own on Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010 for a limited time. Continue reading below for an interview featuring Will Friedle, the voice of Batman in the acclaimed Batman Beyond animated series.
Batman Beyond: The Complete Series on DVD Tuesday, November 23
Will Friedle took a futuristic Dark Knight in altogether new directions as the voice of Terry McGinnis in Warner Bros. Animations breakthrough 1999 series Batman Beyond.
The popular voiceover actor took time last week to speak about his days as the new Caped Crusader in preparation for the Tuesday, November 23 release of Batman Beyond: The Complete Series, a nine-disc limited edition DVD set that presents nearly 20 hours of animated action spread over 52 episodes, as well as including all-new bonus featurettes and a 24-page, 8x 12 collectible booklet.
Batman Beyond: The Complete Series centers on Terry McGinnis, an ordinary teenager … until his father is mysteriously murdered. Suspecting foul play at his father’s company, Wayne/Powers Corporation, Terry meets Bruce Wayne and learns of a secret identity hidden for decades. Now too old to don the cape and cowl as Batman, Wayne refuses to help so Terry does what any brash young kid would do: steal the Bat-suit and take matters into his own hands! Vowing to avenge his father’s death, Terry dons the high-tech suit tricked out with jetpacks, a supersensitive microphone and even camouflage capabilities in search of his father’s assassin.
The all-star production team was headed by executive producer Jean MacCurdy and producers Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Glen Murakami and Paul Dini. Writers on the series included Burnett and Dini, as well as Stan Berkowitz, Bob Goodman, Rich Fogel, Hilary Bader and John McCann.
Friedle made his mark in live-action television and film from the time he turned 10, starring in hit series like Boy Meets World and Dont Just Sit There. He gradually shifted his attention to voiceover work, taking the lead in Batman Beyond and co-starring in Disneys Kim Possible to name but a few. Today, he primarily stays behind the microphone, voicing such notable roles as Doyle on The Secret Saturdays and Blue Beetle on Batman: The Brave and the Bold.
Heres a brief Q&A with Mr. Friedle
QUESTION: When you think back on all those Batman Beyond sessions, what are your favorite memories of recording the series?
WILL FRIEDLE: This sounds like a cheesy answer, but working with Andrea (Romano) is just the greatest experience. Every week you go in and its amazing and fun. You just never knew who the guest cast would be. My favorite was recording Return of the Joker. Sitting between Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill for five days was pretty incredible. I learned more about being a voiceover actor in those five days than I did in the five months before that. Just watching the two of them work how Mark got so into the character, completely losing himself in that role. And then theres Kevin with that deep, booming voice, always sitting with his back straight and working perfectly with the microphone. It was an education.
QUESTION: Do you have a favorite Batman Beyond episode?
WILL FRIEDLE: There was an episode called Out of the Past where its Bruce Waynes birthday and as a birthday present Terry takes Bruce to see a new play, Batman: The Musical. So theres Bruce sitting in the audience, watching these people in costume jumping on stage, singing about the Dark Knight, and Terrys right behind him humming the songs. And Bruce just hates it. Seeing Bruce Wayne watching Batman: The Musical was pretty funny.
QUESTION: Were you a fan of Batman: The Animated Series before you were cast for Batman Beyond?
WILL FRIEDLE: I have been an animation fan my whole life. Love cartoons, always have. But I thought Batman: The Animated Series changed the whole ballgame. Every generation thinks they grew up with the best cartoons I had Thundercats and Transformers, shows like that. Very bright, and the acting was very big. But then Batman came out and there was nothing cartoony about it. The acting was very real and the overall feel of the show was dark. It was like nothing youd seen before, and I was a huge fan of the show. This was pre-Tivo, so this was one of those shows where you had to see it every day. You didnt want to miss an episode. So when I got a call to be the voice of a new Batman, and the series was being made with the entire team that did Batman: The Animated Series, well, that was huge.
QUESTION: You spent a lot of time with Kevin Conroy over the course of the series. What was that experience like for you?
WILL FRIEDLE: First of all, Kevin is a classically trained actor. Hes very professional. Ive had the good fortune of working with several characters like that, but Id never done an animated series before, and I was kind of slumped in my chair saying my lines. And Kevin started giving me tips. Simple things, but things that really make a difference. For example, he had me sit up straight, and showed me how that helps open your diaphragm naturally. Little things you look for in an actor of his caliber like the right ways to play to the page, the right ways to not pop your Ps. He was nice enough to take me under his wing and teach me, and Ill never forget him for that.
QUESTION: What set Batman Beyond apart?
WILL FRIEDLE: To me, it always goes back to the writing. Batman Beyond was so strong that you couldnt wait to get the script for the next week. The character development was outstanding from the new villains theyd invent to the way they brought back the old villains. And the way they treated Terry and Bruce, and their relationship. The casting was phenomenal, but even the greatest actors cant make bad writing good so it all comes down to what was on the page, and thats where Batman Beyond became a great show.
QUESTION: How important are super heroes to you?
WILL FRIEDLE: I love super heroes, and Batman was always my favorite. I was never a huge Superman fan. I like the idea that Batman was just a man. He doesnt have super powers. As youre reading comics or watching animated series, I think you normally gravitate toward one or the other. But for me, it came down to this: Superman had to come from another planet to save us. Batman said Look what we can do for ourselves with our heart and mind and soul, we can save each other.
QUESTION: Why are super heroes important to society?
WILL FRIEDLE: I love to read. Im a voracious reader. I think the super hero genre is really our modern day Greek mythology, These are our gods; this is Homer writing the Iliad. Weve got super heroes; they had gods. From a literary standpoint, this is the next generation of mythology. From a fan standpoint, with authors like Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson and even the Harry Potter series, a great fantasy book just takes you away. You can disappear into an entire world where you can forget what is going on in your world. For kids, I think it teaches a sense of right and wrong. For the most part, these stories are tales of good vs. evil. Thats important for kids to see what is good and bad, and how it can be fought without violence. And just for the fun of it all, who doesnt want to get lost in a great book or series?
QUESTION: So now youre back in the super hero realm and Batmans universe on Batman: The Brave and The Bold. How do you like your role as Blue Beetle?
WILL FRIEDLE: Blue Beetle is a ton of fun to play. I wasnt totally familiar with the character, but I studied up for the role quickly. Its been tricky because we wanted to make sure that we played to Jaime Reyes heritage as he is the first real Latino super hero but we didnt want to do a cartoony Latino voice. But at the same time, you also have to make him Hispanic. So there was more riding on this role. Terry could be created in any way, shape or form. Jaime had already been established. Its not a heavy character, but theres more of a history. So to step into a world thats already established was more difficult than creating a character from the beginning.
QUESTION: Youve been solely focused on voiceover roles for several years. Are you no longer interested in on-camera acting?
WILL FRIEDLE: I retired from on-camera work at 30. Plain and simple. I started acting on camera when I was 10, so it had been 20 years. I really enjoyed it, but the on-camera side of the industry isnt as fun anymore its definitely not the same as when I started. Im now more established in the voiceover world, and I get to do it in a far more fun, more fulfilling way. I think I went out on a high note. I was still doing films and television series and I thought Id rather walk away when it was my choice. I know youre never supposed to say never, but I can pretty much say never to on-camera again.
QUESTION: Whats the best thing about playing a super hero?
WILL FRIEDLE: At the time we were doing Batman Beyond, I thought the coolest thing was telling my nephews I was Batman and not being lying to them. One time, my oldest nephew Huck came out from Brooklyn. He pulled me aside and said Look uncle Will, I want you to know Im six now. I think Im old enough to see the Batcave. He actually thought I was Batman, which is very cool. It cant get much better for an uncle.
A review for the upcoming Batman Beyond: The Complete Series home video collection release can be found at The World’s Finest Batman Beyond subsite, with additional to exclusive images and content also available to view. Further details on the Batman Beyond animated series are also available at the aforementioned links.
Stay tuned for continued updates here soon at The World’s Finest.
Discuss this in The DC Animation Forum!
Beechen Talks “Batman Beyond” Mini-Series Conclusion, Upcoming Ongoing
The World’s Finest caught up with writer Adam Beechen to talk about the conclusion of the current Batman Beyond six-issue mini-series from DC Comics in addition to the forthcoming Batman Beyond ongoing series, set for a January 2011 launch. Beechen was able to spend a few moments answering questions about the characters who inhabit the world of Batman Beyond, his favorite episodes, and how the cartoon’s continuity will find its way into the forthcoming comic adventures.
The World’s Finest: Before we jump into the new ongoing series, the final issue of the current Batman Beyond series streets this week. What can we expect from it?
Adam Beechen: You think Im going to give the whole thing away?! You gotta work harder than that to get info like that from me. Suffice to say, its the end of Batmans conflict with this killer the medias been calling Hush, and theres lots of bang-up action, high stakes, cool gadgets and drama.
WF: How and where does the new Batman Beyond ongoing pick up from the mini-series?
AB: The ongoing picks up just a few weeks after the mini-series. To say anything else really would be giving away stuff.
WF: Can we expect to see more homages and references to the original animated series as you move Terry McGinnis into the mainstream DC Universe?
AB: Absolutely. Our series is very much set in the world of the animated series, so those references will always be there. Because were not fully tying Batman Beyond to established DCU continuity, at least not yet, the homages ad references will show up more on that end.
WF: As a semi-follow-up to the previous question, you mentioned in previous interviews that you have been reviewing the Batman Beyond animated series in preparation for your role as writer for the series. Did you come out of that with any favorite episodes? Any moments jump out at you?
AB: Not so much moments as an overwhelming sense of the amount of creativity that was poured into that show. The best fiction transports you into the world of its creation, and Batman Beyond certainly does that. In watching the entire series, I got a definite idea of the size and scope of the sandbox weve been handed to play in, and its extremely exciting as a writer.
WF: How do you see Batman Beyonds role in the DC Universe? Is this where Batman is heading in comics, or is this a possibility on how things could go? Given the different interpretations of the future of the DC Universe, do you consider yours the definitive future for the current-day Batman comics, or a possible one? Does that make it any less valid?
AB: I think the world of Batman Beyond remains a possible, rather than definitive, future, but events in the current DCU seem to draw the Batman Beyond future closer as a likelihood. But even if that connection doesnt happen, as long as the stories are entertaining, theyre valid, in my opinion.
WF: Have you been paying attention to fan feedback on the mini-series, both positive and negative? Will you be taking any suggestions or feedback to heart as you move ahead with the new series?
AB: My understanding is that the feedback has generally positive, and I think the fact that the book has become a monthly bears that out. Fans Ive met personally have certainly been positive. Ive been told there has been some wondering among fans as to whether or not Terrys supporting cast will play much of a role in the ongoing, and the answer to that is yes, and right away. Because we wanted to focus the mini-series in such a way that it introduced Terry and Bruce and their dynamic to a new audience, while bringing the fans of the animated series an introduction to a new villain, we didnt have a lot of space to focus on Terrys mom, brother, girlfriend Dana or best friend Max. Now that were up and running, readers can expect them to become a large part of the series. That said, we always keep in mind the concerns of fans Theyre who the book is for, after all.
WF: What are your plans, long-term and short-term, for the new Batman Beyond ongoing?
AB: Just to keep telling fun and interesting stories that shed light on corners of this world that we havent seen yet, or further explore the ones we have. The structure is going to be very friendly for new readers to jump in at almost any point Were going to do three-issue story arcs, punctuated by stand-alone stories after every arc. Were going to see all-new characters, reimagined or updated versions of characters from the current DCU, and old favorites from the animated series, and try to weave them all into a larger tapestry than even the animated series had, because we have the history of the DCU at our disposal, to some extent.
WF: Finally, can you tell us why we should rush out to pick up Batman Beyond #6 (of 6) this week and then come back for Batman Beyond (ongoing) #1 in January? Convince us!
AB: Because youve been waiting on the edge of your seat to see how Batmans battle with this new killer everyone calls Hush is going to play out, and because youve enjoyed this ride so much, you know what Im talking about when I say weve got stories planned beyond this that will blow your mind. The first year of the book is pretty well plotted out and in good shape, the entire creative team is coming back, and were excited to build on what we feel is a great start!
The World’s Finest would like to thank Adam Beechen for his participation!
Batman Beyond #6 (of 6), written by Beechen with art by Ryan Benjamin, hits shelves on Wednesday, November 24th, 2010. The new ongoing Batman Beyond comic title, spinning out of the current mini-series, begins January 2011 from DC Comics.
Additionally, also available this week is the new DVD collection Batman Beyond: The Complete Series from Warner Home Video. More details on this new home video release can be found here at The World’s Finest Batman Beyond subsite. Stay tuned for other updates here soon at The World’s Finest.
Video, Images And More From Upcoming “Young Justice” Special Presentation
Cartoon Network has passed along the episode synopsis, a video clip, and a collection of images from the upcoming Young Justice programming event, a special airing of the two-part series opener “Independence Day.” The one-hour Young Justice “Independence Day” premiere is scheduled to air Friday, November 26th, 2010 at 7:00pm (ET) on Cartoon Network. Click on the thumbnails below to view the complete library of hi-res images and Quicktime-format video clip. Please note the first thumbnail links to the aforementioned video clip. The official description is also provided.
Images:
YOUNG JUSTICE
“Independence Day”
Special One-Hour Movie Event Airs
Friday, November 26 at 7:00 p.m. on Cartoon Network
Synopsis:
In Young Justice, being a teenager means proving yourself over and over to peers, parents, teachers, mentors and, ultimately, to yourself. But what if you’re not just a normal teenager? What if you’re a teenage super hero? How much harder will it be to prove yourself in a world of super powers, super villains and super secrets? Are you ready to come of age in such a world? Are you ready for life or death rites of passage? Are you ready to join the ranks of the great heroes and prove you’re worthy of the Justice League? That’s exactly what the members of Young Justice Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Superboy, Miss Martian and Artemis will found out whether they have what it takes to be a proven hero.
In the premiere episode, Robin, Speedy, Aqualad and Kid Flash are finally granted access to the headquarters of the Justice League. But when that access turns out to be little more than a glorified backstage pass, Speedy walks, and the other three sidekicks go on a mission of their ownto Project Cadmus, where they make a startling discovery
Photo credit – Young Justice Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Young Justice and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and DC Comics.
The two-part Young Justice episode event “Independence Day” is scheduled for Friday, November 26th, 2010 at 7:00pm (ET). Following this special airing, Young Justice is then slated to become a regular fixture to the Cartoon Network Friday-night programming block beginning in January 2011. Please note that Batman: The Brave and The Bold, a regular Friday night fixture on Cartoon Network, will be pre-empted on Friday, November 26th, 2010 due to this special programming event.
Young Justice is produced by Warner Bros. Animation and based upon characters from DC Comics. Sam Register (Teen Titans, Ben 10, Batman: The Brave and the Bold) is the executive producer. Brandon Vietti (Batman: Under the Red Hood, Superman Doomsday, The Batman) and Greg Weisman (Gargoyles, The Spectacular Spider-Man, W.I.T.C.H.) are the producers. Voice cast includes Jesse McCartney, Khary Payton, Jason Spisak, Nolan North, Danica McKellar and Stephanie Lemelin.
Stay tuned for further Young Justice updates here soon at The World’s Finest, including exclusive content and much more.
Discuss this in The DC Animation Forum!
In further news, The World’s Finest and WaterTower Music have teamed up to give fans the opportunity to receive a free copy of the The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection CD release from WaterTower Music. Until the end of the day today, November 19th, 2010, The World’s Finest will be giving away ten copies in total of the The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection Soundtrack CD release to ten lucky recipients, courtesy of WaterTower Music.
The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection is now available on Amazon, iTunes and other digital music retailers. The soundtrack is available as both a digital download (Click here for iTunes!) and an Amazon-exclusive compact disc release (Click here to purchase!).
To enter, simply send an email to bbeyond@yahoo.com – including your full name, full mailing address and phone number – by Friday, November 19th, 2010. Please label the email “The Music of DC Comics CD Contest.” Only one entry per person, per household will be accepted. From there, ten entries will be randomly selected to receive a free copy of the The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection CD release from WaterTower Music. Please note this special giveaway is only available to residents of the United States of America. Only those randomly chosen to receive a copy of the CD release will be notified via email shortly after the closure of the contest. Please note the terms and conditions of this special giveaway are subject to change without notice.
Official details for the The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection CD release from WaterTower Music are available here. The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection is now available on iTunes, Amazon and other digital music retailers as both a compact disc release and a digital download.
Closer Look At “Batman Beyond: The Complete Series” Home Video Collection
A collection of package images and menu screens from the upcoming Batman Beyond: The Complete Series DVD collection release are available to view below, exclusive to The World’s Finest. Please click on the thumbnails below for a closer look at select images from the forthcoming release, with further images featured at The World’s Finest Batman Beyond subsite. The Batman Beyond: The Complete Series DVD collection arrives on shelves November 23rd, 2010 from Warner Home Video.
Click here for more images!
A review for the upcoming Batman Beyond: The Complete Series home video collection release, an addition to more exclusive images, can be found at The World’s Finest Batman Beyond subsite. Further details on the Batman Beyond animated series are also available at the aforementioned link.
Discuss this in The DC Animation Forum!
In additional home video news, The World’s Finest has a collection of images showcasing the package, disc art and DVD menu screens from the recent Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam Blu-ray Combo Disc home video release. Please click on the thumbnail images below for a closer look at each.
A co-production of Warner Premiere, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation, the DC Showcase Animated Original Shorts home video release is now available to own on DVD and Blu-ray disc from Warner Home Video. Stay tuned for further updates here soon at The Worlds Finest. Click on the links below to discuss both the new Superman/Shazam!: The Return Of Black Adam animated short, exclusive to this new collection, along with the home video release and accompanied additional animated shorts.
–Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam Animated Short Talkback (Spoilers)
–Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam Blu-ray/DVD Talkback (Spoilers)
–DC Showcase: Green Arrow Animated Short Talkback (Spoilers)
–DC Showcase: Jonah Hex Animated Short Talkback (Spoilers)
–DC Showcase: The Spectre Animated Short Talkback (Spoilers)
Stay tuned for further coverage, including details on upcoming home video releases, here soon at The World’s Finest.
In further news, The World’s Finest and WaterTower Music have teamed up to give fans the opportunity to receive a free copy of the The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection CD release from WaterTower Music. Until the end of the day today, November 19th, 2010, The World’s Finest will be giving away ten copies in total of the The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection Soundtrack CD release to ten lucky recipients, courtesy of WaterTower Music.
The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection is now available on Amazon, iTunes and other digital music retailers. The soundtrack is available as both a digital download (Click here for iTunes!) and an Amazon-exclusive compact disc release (Click here to purchase!).
To enter, simply send an email to bbeyond@yahoo.com – including your full name, full mailing address and phone number – by Friday, November 19th, 2010. Please label the email “The Music of DC Comics CD Contest.” Only one entry per person, per household will be accepted. From there, ten entries will be randomly selected to receive a free copy of the The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection CD release from WaterTower Music. Please note this special giveaway is only available to residents of the United States of America. Only those randomly chosen to receive a copy of the CD release will be notified via email shortly after the closure of the contest. Please note the terms and conditions of this special giveaway are subject to change without notice.
Official details for the The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection CD release from WaterTower Music are available here. The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection is now available on iTunes, Amazon and other digital music retailers as both a compact disc release and a digital download.
Complete Cast And Crew Details For “Young Justice” Special Event Premiere
Complete cast and crew details for the upcoming special one-hour Young Justice episode event on Cartoon Network are now available. The two-part episode event is scheduled for Friday, November 26th, 2010 at 7:00pm (ET). The two-part episode event, entitled “Independence Day,” will offer a first look at the upcoming highly-anticipated animated series. Official cast and crew details, provided by Cartoon Network, are available below.
Cast:
Jesse McCartney – Robin
Danica McKellar – Miss Martian
Nolan North – Superboy, Superman, Zatara
Khary Peyton – Aqualad
Jason Spisak – Kid Flash
Rene Auberjonois – Mark Desmond
George Eads – Flash
Miguel Ferrer – L-1
Crispin Freeman – Speedy, Guardian
Bruce Greenwood – Batman
Phil LaMarr – Aquaman, Dubbilex
Stephanie Lemelin – Computer
Yuri Lowenthanl – Icicle Jr.
Kevin Michael Richardson – Martian Manhunter
Mark Rolston – L-3
Keith Szarabajka – Mr. Freeze
Alan Tudyk – Green Arrow
A new brief synopsis for two-part opener has been released:
Teenage superheroes Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Superboy, Miss Martian and Artemis test their true potential as heroes in the pilot episode of this animated series based on characters from the DC Comics universe.
“Independence Day, Parts 1 and 2” are both written by producer Greg Weisman, with Jay Oliva directing Part One and Sam Liu directing Part Two. Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network initially released the following synopsis for the special Young Justice premiere event, as seen below.
Young Justice – “Independence Day, Parts 1 – 2”
7:00pm (ET) on Friday, November 26th, 2010
“In Young Justice, being a teenager means proving yourself over and over — to peers, parents, teachers, mentors and, ultimately, to yourself. But what if you’re not just a normal teenager? What if you’re a teenage super hero? Are you ready to join the ranks of the great heroes and prove you’re worthy of the Justice League? Thats exactly what the members of Young Justice Robin (aka Dick Grayson), Aqualad (aka Kaldur’ahm), Kid Flash (aka Wally West), Superboy (aka Conner Kent), Miss Martian (aka M’gann M’orzz) and Artemis will find out, whether they have what it takes to be a proven hero.”
The two-part Young Justice episode event “Independence Day” is scheduled for Friday, November 26th, 2010 at 7:00pm (ET). Following this special airing, Young Justice is then slated to become a regular fixture to the Cartoon Network Friday-night programming block beginning in January 2011. Please note that Batman: The Brave and The Bold, a regular Friday night fixture on Cartoon Network, will be pre-empted on Friday, November 26th, 2010 due to this special programming event.
Young Justice is produced by Warner Bros. Animation and based upon characters from DC Comics. Sam Register (Teen Titans, Ben 10, Batman: The Brave and the Bold) is the executive producer. Brandon Vietti (Batman: Under the Red Hood, Superman Doomsday, The Batman) and Greg Weisman (Gargoyles, The Spectacular Spider-Man, W.I.T.C.H.) are the producers. Voice cast includes Jesse McCartney, Khary Payton, Jason Spisak, Nolan North, Danica McKellar and Stephanie Lemelin.
Stay tuned for further Young Justice updates here soon at The World’s Finest, including exclusive content and much more.
Discuss this in The DC Animation Forum!
In further news, The World’s Finest and WaterTower Music have teamed up to give fans the opportunity to receive a free copy of the The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection CD release from WaterTower Music. Running until November 19th, 2010, The World’s Finest will be giving away ten copies in total of the The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection Soundtrack CD release to ten lucky recipients, courtesy of WaterTower Music.
The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection is now available on Amazon, iTunes and other digital music retailers. The soundtrack is available as both a digital download (Click here for iTunes!) and an Amazon-exclusive compact disc release (Click here to purchase!).
To enter, simply send an email to bbeyond@yahoo.com – including your full name, full mailing address and phone number – by Friday, November 19th, 2010. Please label the email “The Music of DC Comics CD Contest.” Only one entry per person, per household will be accepted. From there, ten entries will be randomly selected to receive a free copy of the The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection CD release from WaterTower Music. Please note this special giveaway is only available to residents of the United States of America. Only those randomly chosen to receive a copy of the CD release will be notified via email shortly after the closure of the contest. Please note the terms and conditions of this special giveaway are subject to change without notice.
Official details for the The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection CD release from WaterTower Music are available here. The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection is now available on iTunes, Amazon and other digital music retailers as both a compact disc release and a digital download.
“Batman: The Brave And The Bold” Producer James Tucker Exclusive Interview
In this exclusive interview, Tucker discusses the remaining second season episodes of Batman: The Brave and The Bold, whats coming for the third and final season, thoughts on censorship, the video game, and much more. Please continue below to read this Q & A interview, exclusive to The Worlds Finest. New Batman: The Brave and The Bold promotional images are also included.
Please note that some of these questions were asked before the September 2010 premiere of the two-part The Seige of Starro Batman: The Brave and The Bold episode.
The Worlds Finest: Does The Siege of Starro set-up future stories for the series? What can we expect in the coming weeks on Batman: The Brave and The Bold?
James Tucker: After the Starro story is done, we get back to our usual anything goes type of stories. We have a great Flash family story coming up that explores the idea of legacy heroes, which is one of the aspects of DC characters that I love. On other shows, wed shy away from saying there was more than one version of any of the characters, but on Batman: The Brave and The Bold, I love the idea that were embracing the whole geeky DC universe of multiple characters with sharing the same name! The Flash story was a lot of fun and will feature an Outsiders teaser where theyll finally appear in the traditional costumes comic fans know and love.
After that, we do our take on The Doom Patrol. It will be a treat for Doom Patrol fans because almost every scene has some bit of Doom Patrol trivia in it. We were really pleased with how it turned out. Also, the teaser features none other than Batgirl (Babs) and her first encounter with the Caped Crusader.
Im not exactly sure of the order of the shows that follow since theyve been finished for quite a while now, but they will include our adaptation – and I use that term very loosely – of Emperor Joker. It doesnt have anything much in common with the comic book story other than Joker gets magical powers, but it features the return of Batmite to Batman: The Brave and The Bold. And, yes, The Joker sings!
Our version of the Birds of Prey debuts in an episode titled The Mask of Matches Malone. The teaser has a character whos a personal favorite of mine: Black Orchid. I always thought she was really cool visually, so it was a blast to bring her to animation. And, yes, there is a song in this episode as well.
WF: It has been stated that Batman: The Brave and The Bold is about to get very weird and very strange, with some very wacky episodes coming this season and next. Beyond the set of new episodes set to air this fall on Cartoon Network, any hints on what we can expect beyond that? Care to expand?
JT: I think wacky was too strong a word. Hi-concept would be the word Id prefer. The episode that most typifies that will no doubt be Batmite Presents: Batmans Strangest Cases since its a huge departure from a show that makes taking huge departures the norm. Basically, Batmite hosts an episode and screens his favorite lost gems of Batman lore. So we start with an adaptation of the famous Mad Magazine Batman parody Batboy and Rubin. We basically translated the story panel for panel and its a lot of fun. Non-comic fans may not get it at all, but we did it anyway.
The next segment features a Batman done in the style of the 60s Batman manga produced by Jiro Kuwata. Basically, we did a What if this Bat-manga had been made into an anime series in the mid 60s? We tried our best to recreate that look of a 60s anime show.
Finally, one of my more early memories of Batman on television was the Scooby-Doo Mysteries that featured Batman and Robin. So, after I got tired of Michael Jelenics constant nagging to do a Scooby-Doo appearance on Batman: The Brave and The Bold, we decided to create our own version of classic Scooby-Doo featuring the Dynamic Duo. We even added another very special guest star that I wont name right now. This episode took almost as much work as Mayhem of the Music Meister but I think the finished show was worth it.
WF: With a set number of episodes remaining, meaning you know how many episodes you and your crew have to play with, does that change how youre going to approach them? Can you now set-up a specific final episode of the Batman: The Brave and The Bold, for example? Perhaps youll make sure certain episodes are told? Any you can share?
JT: I have mixed feelings about series finales. Shows with locked down endings can limit their timelessness with viewers whereas a show that doesnt have a definite end can be almost immortal in the minds of the public. When we knew we probably werent going beyond Season 3, we knew there were certain stories we wanted to tell before we ran out of time, such as a Superman-themed episode as well as a Trinity episode [with Wonder Woman and Superman], and even though were close to recording our final episode, I still get ideas for episodes that I wish we had more time to do. But I never say never, so who knows? I may still get a chance to do them down the line.
WF: The first 52 issues are wrapping up on Cartoon Network, with only a handful remaining to air over the next few weeks. What can fans expect in episode #52, and what is the episode title?
JT: Im not sure what episode will actually air, but the last one in the production order was The Malicious Mr. Mind. Obviously, its Marvel family themed episode. Its a fun, action-packed episode befitting the featured characters and feature the introduction of The Monster Society of Evil. Originally I wanted to call it Meet the Marvels, but thought better of it given that theyre DC characters!
WF: Cartoon Network recently pulled the episode “The Mask of Matches Malone” due to re-editing the ‘Bird of Prey’ song sequence for content, and is slated to air said episode at a later date. Is this the first time this has happened on the series? What is your train of thought when you learn that an episode has to be re-edited to get it past BS&P? Will we ever see the ‘uncut’ version of this episode?
JT: After the song premiered in Australia and was so heavily commented via the message boards online, I assumed there would be some changes to it before it aired here. As it stands now, only one shot was altered and I really think its an improvement. When Michael Jelenic wrote the song for the episode, our intention was to do a Cole Porter-type song, fun, sophisticated and with clever wordplay. So I see anything that adds to the wit of the song as an improvement. The new shot is just better across the board and I wish I had storyboarded it that way to begin with. When I think about the re-edit that had to be done on the first version of the Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker DTV based due to censorship, I dont consider this a big deal. As far as if well ever see the uncut version? Well, I have my copy.
WF: Would you consider doing a direct-to-video Batman: The Brave and The Bold animated feature? If so, what type of story do you think would be the best for it?
JT: I would love to do a direct-to-video for Batman: The Brave and The Bold! In fact, I really wont consider the series really finished until weve done one. I feel theres still a good deal of juice left in the show and that theres definitely room for a DTV. At the end of second season Michael Jelenic and I were talking about what wed do if asked. At the time we were thinking using Superman and Wonder Woman for a direct-to-video but since then the rights have cleared, thanks to DCs Legal department, and theyre are appearing in Season 3. We even toyed with the idea of doing another full-scale musical. At the longer running time, that would be fun. Mayhem of the Music Meister was just the warm up. And of course, Id want to cram as many guest stars in it as possible. But as of today we have not been approached about doing a DTV. If the sales of the series volumes do well perhaps we will. Fingers crossed!
WF: Heading into the final 13 episodes, episodes #53 – 65, how far into production are you on them? When can we start to see them and do you have any specific goals in mind for these last Batman: The Brave and The Bold stories?
JT: I just finished editing our second episode yesterday, on November 3rd, 2010, so the post production process is just beginning. I have no idea when they ultimately will see air. Thats Cartoon Networks call. As far as any specific goals, we didnt go into this season with an agenda. There isnt a season arc, per se. With only 13 episodes to go, we just wanted each episode to be totally unexpected and different from the one that came before it. So expect the unexpected!
WF: To step off-topic for a sec, and to plug the new (and awesome) Batman: The Brave and The Bold The Videogame, who from your creative team worked on the videogame? Did it eat into the shows production? What type of hand did you have in the game? Andhave you had the chance to give it a spin?
JT: Well, I wasnt involved with the game at all. I really was too busy producing the series. But we met with great team who produced the game at Warner Brothers Interactive and I knew it was in good hands. They totally understood the tone of the show from the start, so I totally stayed out of the production of the game. I know that Michael Jelenic wrote and Ben Jones and Mike Goguen, our directors, directed and storyboarded the online trailer for the game and it was hilarious. I love looking at it! And yes, I actually went out and bought a Wii, just so I could see for myself what kind of job they did and I was blown away. Absolutely loved it, and Im not much of a video game guy, so thats saying a lot. They totally nailed the feel of the show and in fact it felt like I was playing an episode of the series. I hope that even if we arent going to have a fourth season, that someone decides to continue making more of the games based on the show.
WF: To keep off-topic for a second, is it too early to ask for hints on the next Batman CGI animated series you are working on?
James: Way too early!
WF: To wrap things up, can you give us one last plug for Batman: The Brave and The Bold? Why should we tune in on Fridays for it?
JT: Tune into Batman: The Brave and The Bold because its good, clean, unpretentious, All-American (and the rest of the world and known galaxy) fun!
The World’s Finest would like to thank James Tucker for his participation in this interview.
The next new Batman: The Brave and The Bold episode, titled “Knights of Tomorrow!,” is scheduled to air Friday, November 19th, 2010 at 7:00pm (ET) on Cartoon Network. Video clips and other episode content for Batman: The Brave and The Bold “Knights of Tomorrow!” are available to view here at our Batman: The Brave and The Bold subsite.
In additional Batman: The Brave and The Bold news, DC Comics is releasing a new trade collection of the spin-off Batman: The Brave and The Bold comic title to hobby and retail shops today, November 17th, 2010. The collection features stories based on the Batman: The Brave and The Bold animated series. Details on this new trade paperback release are available below.
Batman: The Brave and The Bold – The Fearsome Fang Strikes Again
Written by: Landry Q. Walker, J. Torres
Art by: Eric Jones, Carlo Barberi and others
The Story: Batman battles evil in these adventures from Batman: The Brave and The Bold #7-12, with the help of heroes including Green Arrow, Catman, the Doom Patrol, The Atom, Adam Strange and more, along with appearances by Two-Face, The Joker and more! Cover price is $12.99US.
New episodes of Batman: The Brave and The Bold air Fridays at 7:00pm (ET) on Cartoon Network, and Fridays at 7:00pm (ET) on the Canadian network Teletoon. Stay tuned for further Batman: The Brave and The Bold updates here soon at The World’s Finest, including exclusive content and much more.
Discuss this in The DC Animation Forum!
In further news, The World’s Finest and WaterTower Music have teamed up to give fans the opportunity to receive a free copy of the The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection CD release from WaterTower Music. Running until November 19th, 2010, The World’s Finest will be giving away ten copies in total of the The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection Soundtrack CD release to ten lucky recipients, courtesy of WaterTower Music.
The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection is now available on Amazon, iTunes and other digital music retailers. The soundtrack is available as both a digital download (Click here for iTunes!) and an Amazon-exclusive compact disc release (Click here to purchase!).
To enter, simply send an email to bbeyond@yahoo.com – including your full name, full mailing address and phone number – by Friday, November 19th, 2010. Please label the email “The Music of DC Comics CD Contest.” Only one entry per person, per household will be accepted. From there, ten entries will be randomly selected to receive a free copy of the The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection CD release from WaterTower Music. Please note this special giveaway is only available to residents of the United States of America. Only those randomly chosen to receive a copy of the CD release will be notified via email shortly after the closure of the contest. Please note the terms and conditions of this special giveaway are subject to change without notice.
Official details for the The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection CD release from WaterTower Music are available here. The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection is now available on iTunes, Amazon and other digital music retailers as both a compact disc release and a digital download.
World’s Finest Online: A Comprehensive Guide to the DCAU
World’s Finest Online, a premier resource for fans of the DC Animated Universe (DCAU), is a site that truly understands and values your passion. We offer a wealth of information, news, and updates about the beloved animated series and movies based on DC Comics’ iconic characters. Since its inception, World’s Finest Online has been dedicated to providing detailed content about the DCAU, making it a destination for enthusiasts like you.
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One of the standout features of dcanimated.com is its extensive episode guides. Each episode of the DCAU series is meticulously cataloged, with summaries, key moments, and notable quotes. Additionally, the site offers detailed biographies of major and minor characters, providing background information and character development insights.
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World’s Finest Online is an essential resource for any fan of the DC Animated Universe. With its comprehensive coverage, exclusive content, and active community, the site continues to celebrate and preserve the legacy of the DCAU. Fans can rely on World’s Finest Online for accurate information, engaging content, and the latest updates in DC animated storytelling.
About the World’s Finest Online Creators
World’s Finest Online was created by dedicated fans of the DCAU. Their passion and commitment have made the site a trusted source of news and information. By providing detailed and engaging content, they have ensured that the DCAU’s legacy continues to thrive.