J. Torres, popular among the fan community for his work on the late comic series Teen Titans Go!, became the regular writer on Legion of Super Heroes In The 31st Century during the title’s first year. Much like his work on Teen Titans Go!, Torres has made the comic an integral part of the series’ continuity. Torres will be wrapping his run on the book with issue #19, the end of the current three-part “Flight Ring” storyline, and the series itself will be ending with issue #20.
The World’s Finest: Your current arc on Legion of Super Heroes In The 31st Century is a three-issue storyline called “Flight Ring.” What themes will you be exploring as your wrap up your run with these three issues?
J. Torres: Trust, leadership, team work. The types of things that hold the Legion together.
WF: Looking back at the series, do you have any particular favorite issue or moment that stands out for you?
JT: I’d say it’s a toss up between #6 (“Attack of the Green Lantern Corps”) and #12 (“Back in Metropolis”). #6 because it not only had a lot of Legionnaires in it, but the Green Lantern Corps, and Starro to boot. Plus, we introduced Jordana Gardner and Gen’Ma the Panda, both of which got terrific fan response. And #12 because I got to play with Lois and Clark and introduce Lex Luthor to the series.
WF: Fans appreciated your faithful run on Teen Titans Go! because it paid tribute to the characters and stayed faithful to the animated series. On Legion of Super Heroes In The 31st Century, your run has the series has been doing the same. With the series coming to an end, is there anything you wish you could’ve done on the series?
JT: Well, I would’ve liked to write another two dozen issues or so! *Smiles*
WF: Did you have any specific plans to follow-up on the many plot threads left dangling from the end of the second season of Legion of Super Heroes?
JT: We had lots of plans! We wanted to bring Alexis Luthor, the LSV, and some more Phantom Zone escapees in from the animated series. We wanted to do more with Garth and his siblings. Also, Phantom Girl and her mother. Oh, and Cosmic Boy and RJ Brande. Most importantly, we wanted to show where Brainy went after the end of season two and how he made his way back to the Legion, but that was contingent on what happened with the show. Unfortunately, we never got the chance. While we were waiting to hear the fate of the show, we basically just “skipped ahead” and started writing stories as if we were in a third season, and that’s why #17-19 have Brainy back on the team and back to his old self more or less.
WF: Fans sometime turn to the comic book spin-offs to see some of their favorite characters pair up in a romantic context. Legion of Super Heroes had a unique relationship that many fans were hoping to see expanded upon – Brainiac 5 and Superman. Any thoughts on why fans took to that pairing, could have it been explored in any further context, or could it have been done realistically at all? Do you have any thoughts on that relationship, or one you were looking to explore?
JT: I definitely wanted to explore Brainy’s “man crush” on Superman more. I also wanted to add Supergirl into the mix at one point and do some fun stuff with that “love triangle.” I don’t know if Brainy’s love for Superman was of the romantic type, but then again, he has a 12th level intellect and his concept of platonic love versus romantic love is probably more complex than we could understand. I don’t think we could accurately define it with our 21st century labels, nor would I necessarily want to in the context of this comic book.
WF: Any last thoughts on your run on the series as you wrap up your run on Legion of Super Heroes In The 31st Century? Any final comments?
JT: It was a blast while it lasted! I want to thank all the readers out there who supported this series, especially the bloggers and fansite/forum adminstrators/moderators like yourself for trying to give us some exposure and get the word out. I hope you continue to follow the careers and other work of the creators who contributed to the book.
WF: Now, since I’m a fan of the The Family Dynamic DC Comic series, this question is more of a shameless shout-out to the series. Do you and Tim Levins have plans for the characters beyond the current mini-series? What was your reaction when DC Comics announced the series would be a three-issue mini-series instead of a six-issue series? What can we expect from the series in the coming months?
JT: Naturally, we were disappointed to hear about the low sales. But we’re trying not to cry over spilled milk or play the blame game and just move forward as best we can with this. The reaction to The Family Dynamic thus far has been very encouraging, so we’re looking into trying to continue the series somehow. I can’t really say anything on that just yet, but of course our first attempt is to keep it at DC somehow. Hopefully, I’ll have some kind of good news to report before long. In the meantime, please keep an eye on my blog for more information, previews, and other goodies!
WF: Care to fill us in on what projects you’re currently working on and your plans for the future? Where can we expect to see you next?
JT: I recently turned in the script for a graphic novel called Lola: A Ghost Story, which will be published by Oni Press early next year. I’m currently writing another graphic novel for them called Dead Goombas, which is a comedy about gangsters and zombies. Other than that, I’m waiting for the phone to ring. I’m hoping DC will call soon with more work for me. I was also asked by another company to pitch for a couple of movie/cartoon-related properties that I’m pretty excited about, so I really hope that at least one of those pans out. In the meantime, as of this writing, I’ve still got one issue of the Legion of Super Heroes In The 31st Century book to come, and two issues of The Family Dynamic on their way out – so please check them out!
WF: Thanks for stopping by, J.!
Legion of Super Heroes In The 31st Century #18 is currently on stands now, and click here to check out J. Torres’ blog!
Stay tuned for further updates, including an interview with Christopher Jones from The Batman Strikes!
Click here to discuss the interview!
The World’s Finest: A Comprehensive Guide to the DCAU & Beyond!
Peaty Discusses Writing The Final Issue Of “The Batman Strikes,” And More
Comics, DC Animated Series, DC Comics, Interviews, The Batman
James Peaty: Well, right off the bat (see, the puns have started already!) Im British and I live and work in London. Ive been writing comics professionally since 2003 when I started working for the UK based Warhammer Monthly comic. Over the next couple of years I did a number of strips for that title until it ceased publication. Since 2005 Ive been writing in the US on books such as Green Arrow, JSA: Classified, Justice League Unlimited, Supergirl, X-Men Unlimited, The Escapist and of course! The Batman Strikes!. Ive also done a fair bit of comics work for the DC licensing department for projects such as the recent The Dark Knight movie. Sofairly varied!
WF: Now, care to fill us in on The Batman Strikes! #50, the final issue of the The Batman Strikes! comic series?
JP: The issue is called “Night of the Demon,” is set at Halloween and features Etrigan, the Demon (with a nice cameo by The Riddler) coming to Gotham to enlist the help of Batman and Robin in his search for a dangerous magical item stolen from Jason Bloods occult collection. But as the uneasy allies move closer to finding the missing artefact the truth is revealedand all of Gotham may have to pay the price!
And if you want to find out the restbuy the issue!
WF: This isn’t your first time working on The Batman Strikes!. How did you come to write for the comic series, and what did you enjoy about the characters from the series?
JP: I came to write for the series through knowing the (then) editor Nachie Castro through the other editors Ive worked with at DC over the past couple of years. Having done some Justice League Unlimited scripts I asked if itd be possible to pitch for The Batman Strikes! and Nachie was kind enough to say “yes.” I think I pitched two ideas, one of which Nachie liked and became “Grounded,” the story in issue 43 of The Batman Strikes!.
As for what I enjoyed most about writing the characters in the series well, Id have to say the lack of continuity and the sense of fun. I mean, I really love Batman as a character full stop – I have since I was 3 years old – but writing the book gave me a chance to write Robin — and Dick Grayson to boot — for the first time and that was a huge thrill.
Its really unusual in modern comics to be able to write a pure, unadulterated and unfiltered Batman and Robin story and thats really what these two issues are an attempt to do. Its my love letter to those early 1940s Batman & Robin comics that I read as re-prints as a tiny kid and which made such a big impression on me. Those stories are why I wanted to write comics when I grew up. Its all Ive ever wanted to do. So its been a nice way of saying “thanks guys!”
JP: Hmmmthats tricky. I think a Green Arrow team up was something I seriously thought about and lets be honest — who wouldnt want to write a Superman/Batman team up at some point?
Mulling it over now, I think a “Mr Freeze at Christmas” story would have been a nice one to do next. The idea of the visuals that a story like that could conjure upas well as the notion of Freeze being a cold, logical character. Yeah, I think that would have been fun!
Actually, Id love to have written Animal Man. Hes my favourite superhero other than Batman and Superman and I wrote a really good (if I say do say so myself) issue of Justice League Unlimited featuring him that never came out cos the book got cancelled! But hes the hero Id have loved to have used simply cos he has absolutely nothing in common with Batman and the challenge would be to make that work.
WF: Any final thoughts on your tenure on the title as you wrap things up?
JP: Does two issues constitute a tenure? If so, it was a great run. Never a bad issue! But seriously, it was great fun, a blast to write and Im really sorry to see the book disappear.
WF: So, one last time, what should fans expect in The Batman Strikes! #50 and, well, why should they pick the issue up?
JP: Fans should expect a fun, exciting, slightly spooky, fast paced and ballsy read with more rhyming dialogue from Etrigan than you can shake your fist at! If you dont usually like “kids” books then Id say youre missing a (trick or) treat (I told you the puns would get worse)!
WF: Care to fill us in one what we can expect from you in the future? Anything you care to share?
JP: Well, plans always change but at the moment Im writing some short strips for a new UK based Marvel anthology called Marvel Heroes. So far Ive written both X-Men and Iron Man strips for that and am about to start on a Hulk story this week. Beyond that, today Ive just finished scripting something for Vertigo and am talking about maybe doing some other stuff with a couple of the DCU editors. Exciting times
WF: Thanks for your time, James!
The Batman Strikes! #50, the final issue of the series, hits shelves October 1st, 2008.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Click here to discuss the interview!
YTV Schedules “Legion of Super Heroes” Marathon In October 2008
DC Animated Series, Legion of Super-Heroes, Schedule
YTV will be airing six episodes of Legion of Super Heroes on October 5th, 2008, as part of the network’s “Superhero Sunday” theme event. The episodes, comprising of six installments from the acclaimed second season of the series, will air as follows.
12:00pm (ET) – “Message in a Bottle”
12:30pm (ET) – “In the Beginning”
1:00pm (ET) – “Trials”
1:30pm (ET) – “In Your Dreams
2:00pm (ET) – “Dark Victory, Part 1”
2:30pm (ET) – “Dark Victory, Part 2”
The network will also air the live-action Superman: The Movie and Superman Returns feature films that day, as well.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Click here to discuss the story!
Jetix Slates Two “Superman: The Animated Series” Mini-Marathons For October 2008
DC Animated Universe, Schedule, Superman: The Animated Series
The first mini-marathon is scheduled to air on Jetix at 11am (ET) on Friday, October 3rd, 2008, and will feature the episodes, “Absolute Power,” “In Brightest Day,” and “Little Big Head Man.” A second Superman: The Animated Series mini-marathon is scheduled for 8am (ET) on Monday, October 6th, 2008, featuring the episodes, “Superman’s Pal,” “Legacy, Part One, “”Legacy, Part 2.”
According to the programming schedule, Superman: The Animated Series regularly airs every Saturday and Sunday at 6pm (ET) on the Jetix block on Toon Disney.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Click here to discuss the story!
Matt Wayne Slated To Write Upcoming “Batman: The Brave And The Bold” Comic
Batman: The Brave and The Bold, Comics, DC Animated Series, DC Comics
The World’s Finest has confirmed that Matt Wayne, writer of both the Justice League Unlimited animated series and comic book, will scribe the upcoming Batman: The Brave and The Bold comic series. The comic series is based on the upcoming animated series.
The first issue of the Batman: The Brave and The Bold comic book will hit shelves in January 2009.
Click here to discuss the story!
Artist Christopher Jones Discusses Wrapping Up “The Batman Strikes”
Comics, DC Animated Series, DC Comics, Interviews, The Batman
Click on the image below to check out the interview! Please note the interview contains exclusive images that are not to be removed without permission.
The Batman Strikes #50, the final issue of the series, will hit shelves October 1st, 2008. To discuss the interview, and see further images and responses to fan questions from Jones, click on the link below. Stay tuned for further updates.
Click here to discuss the story!
Cartoon Network Slated To Air “Batman: Gotham Knight” In October 2008
Batman: Gotham Knight, Cartoon Network, DC Universe Animated Original Movie, Schedule
The feature, comprised of six different short stories, is scheduled to air Saturday, October 4th, 2008 at 9pm (ET). The official description of the feature is seen below.
Batman: Gotham Knight
Acclaimed screenwriters, including David Goyer (Batman Begins), Josh Olson (A History of Violence), and Alan Burnett (Batman: The Animated Series) join forces with revered animation filmmakers on six spellbinding chapters chronicling Batman’s transition from novice crimefighter to The Dark Knight. These globe-spanning adventures pit Batman against the fearsome Scarecrow, the freakish Killer Croc and the unerring marksman Deadshot. Froms ome of the world’s most visionary animators comes a thrilling depiction of Batman as man, myth and legend.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Click here to discuss the story!
New “Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm” Special Edition DVD Release Being Considered
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, Batman: The Animated Series, Blu-ray/DVD/Digital, DC Animated Universe
Fans have been clamoring for a new DVD release of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm for some time now. Released during the emergence of the DVD format, the current Batman: Mask of the Phantasm DVD features only the theatrical trailer as a bonus feature. The release is also a flip-disc, featuring a matted widescreen transfer on one side, and a full screen transfer on the other. An upgraded release of the film has been buzzed about for years as the DVD format became the dominant home video media. That same disc has been re-released multiple times, copying exactly the content and quality of the original Batman: Mask of the Phantasm DVD release.
Warner Home Video has stated that Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is currently under consideration for a new DVD and Blu-ray release. With fan demand for this release rising, and given the popularity of the character of Batman right now, chances are favorable for a new Batman: Mask of the Phantasm release in the near future. To reiterate, a new DVD and Blu-ray release of is not in the works, but is only being considered at this time. A definitive update on the status of a new release for Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is expected in the near future.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Click here to discuss the story!
“Batman: The Animated Series” Mini-Marathon On Toon Disney This Weekend
Batman: The Animated Series, DC Animated Universe, Schedule
The mini-marathon is scheduled for 8am (ET) on Saturday, September 20th and will feature the episodes, “Tyger, Tyger,” “Moon of the Wolf,” and “Day of the Samurai.” According to the programming schedule, Batman: The Animated Series currently does not have a regular timeslot on the programming block.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Click here to discuss the story!
Torres Discusses His Run On “Legion of Super Heroes In The 31st Century”
Comics, DC Animated Series, DC Comics, Interviews, Legion of Super-Heroes
J. Torres, popular among the fan community for his work on the late comic series Teen Titans Go!, became the regular writer on Legion of Super Heroes In The 31st Century during the title’s first year. Much like his work on Teen Titans Go!, Torres has made the comic an integral part of the series’ continuity. Torres will be wrapping his run on the book with issue #19, the end of the current three-part “Flight Ring” storyline, and the series itself will be ending with issue #20.
J. Torres: Trust, leadership, team work. The types of things that hold the Legion together.
WF: Looking back at the series, do you have any particular favorite issue or moment that stands out for you?
JT: I’d say it’s a toss up between #6 (“Attack of the Green Lantern Corps”) and #12 (“Back in Metropolis”). #6 because it not only had a lot of Legionnaires in it, but the Green Lantern Corps, and Starro to boot. Plus, we introduced Jordana Gardner and Gen’Ma the Panda, both of which got terrific fan response. And #12 because I got to play with Lois and Clark and introduce Lex Luthor to the series.
WF: Fans appreciated your faithful run on Teen Titans Go! because it paid tribute to the characters and stayed faithful to the animated series. On Legion of Super Heroes In The 31st Century, your run has the series has been doing the same. With the series coming to an end, is there anything you wish you could’ve done on the series?
JT: Well, I would’ve liked to write another two dozen issues or so! *Smiles*
JT: We had lots of plans! We wanted to bring Alexis Luthor, the LSV, and some more Phantom Zone escapees in from the animated series. We wanted to do more with Garth and his siblings. Also, Phantom Girl and her mother. Oh, and Cosmic Boy and RJ Brande. Most importantly, we wanted to show where Brainy went after the end of season two and how he made his way back to the Legion, but that was contingent on what happened with the show. Unfortunately, we never got the chance. While we were waiting to hear the fate of the show, we basically just “skipped ahead” and started writing stories as if we were in a third season, and that’s why #17-19 have Brainy back on the team and back to his old self more or less.
WF: Fans sometime turn to the comic book spin-offs to see some of their favorite characters pair up in a romantic context. Legion of Super Heroes had a unique relationship that many fans were hoping to see expanded upon – Brainiac 5 and Superman. Any thoughts on why fans took to that pairing, could have it been explored in any further context, or could it have been done realistically at all? Do you have any thoughts on that relationship, or one you were looking to explore?
JT: I definitely wanted to explore Brainy’s “man crush” on Superman more. I also wanted to add Supergirl into the mix at one point and do some fun stuff with that “love triangle.” I don’t know if Brainy’s love for Superman was of the romantic type, but then again, he has a 12th level intellect and his concept of platonic love versus romantic love is probably more complex than we could understand. I don’t think we could accurately define it with our 21st century labels, nor would I necessarily want to in the context of this comic book.
JT: It was a blast while it lasted! I want to thank all the readers out there who supported this series, especially the bloggers and fansite/forum adminstrators/moderators like yourself for trying to give us some exposure and get the word out. I hope you continue to follow the careers and other work of the creators who contributed to the book.
WF: Now, since I’m a fan of the The Family Dynamic DC Comic series, this question is more of a shameless shout-out to the series. Do you and Tim Levins have plans for the characters beyond the current mini-series? What was your reaction when DC Comics announced the series would be a three-issue mini-series instead of a six-issue series? What can we expect from the series in the coming months?
JT: Naturally, we were disappointed to hear about the low sales. But we’re trying not to cry over spilled milk or play the blame game and just move forward as best we can with this. The reaction to The Family Dynamic thus far has been very encouraging, so we’re looking into trying to continue the series somehow. I can’t really say anything on that just yet, but of course our first attempt is to keep it at DC somehow. Hopefully, I’ll have some kind of good news to report before long. In the meantime, please keep an eye on my blog for more information, previews, and other goodies!
WF: Care to fill us in on what projects you’re currently working on and your plans for the future? Where can we expect to see you next?
JT: I recently turned in the script for a graphic novel called Lola: A Ghost Story, which will be published by Oni Press early next year. I’m currently writing another graphic novel for them called Dead Goombas, which is a comedy about gangsters and zombies. Other than that, I’m waiting for the phone to ring. I’m hoping DC will call soon with more work for me. I was also asked by another company to pitch for a couple of movie/cartoon-related properties that I’m pretty excited about, so I really hope that at least one of those pans out. In the meantime, as of this writing, I’ve still got one issue of the Legion of Super Heroes In The 31st Century book to come, and two issues of The Family Dynamic on their way out – so please check them out!
WF: Thanks for stopping by, J.!
Legion of Super Heroes In The 31st Century #18 is currently on stands now, and click here to check out J. Torres’ blog!
Stay tuned for further updates, including an interview with Christopher Jones from The Batman Strikes!
Click here to discuss the interview!
“The Zeta Project” On DVD In 2009, “Batman: The Animated Series” Blu-rays Considered
Blu-ray/DVD/Digital, DC Animated Universe, Static Shock, Superman: The Animated Series, The Zeta Project
Toward the end of the chat, Warner Home Video revealed that The Zeta Project would see a 2009 release on DVD. Many more DC cartoon releases were mentioned, including other DCAU titles. A complete series collection for Superman: The Animated Series is also being considered, as is a special edition for Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, something fans have been asking for for over two years. Warner Home Video is also seriously considering releasing Batman: The Animated Series on the Blu-ray format. No mention was made of a new possible Static Shock DVD release. For now, the only confirmed release of the above-mentioned titles is The Zeta Project. Complete DVD releases of Static Shock and The Zeta Project have been requested year after year by fans eager to have a complete library of DCAU animation. During the chat, Warner Home Video stated their goal is to release the entire DC Comics animation library onto DVD.
Stay tuned for further updates, including specific information on the upcoming The Zeta Project DVD release.
Click here to discuss the story!
Note: More information on “The Zeta Project” can be found here.
World’s Finest Online: A Comprehensive Guide to the DCAU
Origins and Evolution of World’s Finest Online
Dcanimated.com began as a fan-driven project dedicated to documenting the DCAU. The site has grown significantly, offering comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the DC Animated Universe. It features detailed episode guides, character biographies, and behind-the-scenes insights, making it an invaluable resource for fans.
Extensive Coverage of DCAU Series and Movies
World’s Finest Online provides in-depth information on all major DCAU series, including classics like Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, and Justice League. Each series is explored thoroughly, with episode summaries, reviews, and notable quotes. The site also covers DCAU movies, such as Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and Justice League: The New Frontier, offering detailed analyses and production notes.
Staying current with the latest developments in the DCAU is easy with World’s Finest Online. The site regularly updates its news section with announcements about new releases, upcoming projects, and special events. Fans can stay informed about voice cast reunions, special edition releases, and convention appearances related to the DCAU.
Exclusive Interviews and Insights
World’s Finest Online features exclusive interviews with key figures behind the DCAU. Creators like Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and Alan Burnett share their insights and experiences, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making of these iconic shows and movies. These interviews provide valuable context and deepen the appreciation for the creative efforts that brought the DCAU to life.
World’s Finest Online Community Engagement and Fan Contributions
The site fosters a vibrant community of DCAU fans. Visitors can participate in forums, share fan art, and contribute to discussions about their favorite shows and characters. World’s Finest Online also highlights fan projects and provides a platform for fans to showcase their creativity and passion for the DCAU.
Comprehensive Episode Guides and Character Biographies
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.
World’s Finest Online boasts a rich collection of archival content, including video clips, image galleries, and soundtracks from various DCAU series and movies. The site also features special sections dedicated to unique aspects of the DCAU, such as iconic moments, crossover episodes, and thematic explorations.
Where to Watch the DCAU
World’s Finest Online provides information on where fans can watch their favorite DCAU series and movies. The site includes links to streaming platforms like HBO Max and details about physical media releases. This makes it easy for fans to enjoy the DCAU’s extensive content library.
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.