Explore the dark history of Batman’s city in Gates of Gotham

Batman to me is more of a warden in a city-sized prison than a detective or superhero. His enemies are madmen and monsters, stalking the streets only to be halted by the dark avenger of the night who seems to always be where he is needed. He never kills, only captures his enemies and hands them over to the police who in turn place the criminals in Arkham Asylum… only to break out and strike again. Nothing escapes his vigilance, he haunts the crooks and everyday citizens alike, a living gargoyle of flesh and blood. For fans of the monthly comic book, animated series and feature films, the twisted and ancient towering cityscape of Gotham City is just as iconic as the Batman’s cape and cowl.

In the live action Tim Burton Batman movies, Gotham City took on a unique character thanks to the design work of Anton Furst. Like art deco mixed with Bauhaus and a dash of paranoid claustrophobia, the city of the big screen made a big impact on the comic, resulting in a Legends of the Dark Knight story called Destroyer.

A new six part mini-series Batman: Gates of Gotham by Trevor McCarthy, Scott Snyder and Kyle Higgins will take a deeper look into the dark history of Gotham City.

Via Newsarama:

Newsarama: Scott and Kyle, we hear people say so often that “Gotham is a character” in Batman stories. What do you think that means? And is that what you’re exploring in this story?

Kyle Higgins: I think when people refer to Gotham as a character, what they’re reacting to is the mood it creates, the shadow that the city casts. In our story, we’re really exploring the make-up of the city, and trying to take that concept of Gotham as a character to another level.

Scott Snyder: Kyle and I have talked a tremendous amount about the idea of Gotham as a character, and it’s definitely the central theme of what I’m trying to do in Detective. I’m exploring the idea that Gotham changes with the face of whoever is under the cowl. It changes to be a twisted funhouse mirror for anyone who’s trying to do good in Gotham, and it challenges in these ferocious and potent ways. So that’s part of this story as well.

Nrama: It fits into the idea of Gotham changing as Dick Grayson takes on the job of Batman?

Snyder: It’s part of the story. It’s about Dick Grayson as Batman coming to terms in some ways with this notion that he as Batman is part of Gotham’s past, and that even though his family might not be as lodged there in the city’s story, like the Waynes or some of the other families.

You can’t be a part of Gotham’s present without being part of its past as well. Its past is always living right there beneath the surface.

Higgins: Dick Grayson is working a case that explores the history of the city. And he’s not a part of that history.

Snyder: He’s not a part in a way that he realizes yet.

Nrama: So this is rich with history?

Snyder: Definitely. But there’s a lot more to it. It’s history, and it’s also architecture. We look at the building of Gotham and some of the stories that are really woven into the stones and the buildings themselves, into the landscape of Gotham.

Higgins: In our story, we go back to the early days of the city and the building of the modern city as we know it now. The plot surrounds a mystery that happened back then, and it’s one of Gotham’s great secrets. A lot of the buildings we see now, there’s a story behind them and why they are the way they are, and why the buildings are in specific places.

Snyder: We’ll also be exploring the history some of Gotham’s famous families. We’re interested in how those families and those figures that we know in present Gotham stretch back all the way.

Nrama: Can you tell us anything about the mystery that leads Dick Grayson toward exploring Gotham’s history?

Snyder: It’s one of our favorite things about the story, because I think some of the best stories about Gotham are those that are grounded on mysteries of Gotham. My favorite Batman stories are the ones that feel like they could be happening now, because they have that sort of gritty realism to them.

The mystery we’re going to be dealing with in the past, and in the present, is a big, dark, heavy sort of story with a lot of action to it.

(read the entire interview here)

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Is an All Star Superman sequel in the works?

The cult comic book writer Grant Morrison gained new followers with his critically acclaimed All Star Superman series in 2005. An homage to the Silver Age Superman comics from the early 1960′s, the comic also featured the stylish artwork of Frank Quitely (of New X-Men fame).

The animated version of Morrison’s series is released this week, but already Morrison is thinking of a follow up.

Via DigitalSpy

Grant Morrison has discussed the possibility of future All Star Superman stories.

The Batman Inc writer told CBR that the conclusion of his acclaimed Superman limited series could naturally run into a ‘Son of Superman’ sequel.

“Superman is a great character, and Superman, honestly, I could write for that character eternally,” said Morrison. “So, yeah, given the chance I’d love to do those stories one day.

“There’s a whole bunch of them. I keep coming up with new ones, that’s the problem. A new Superman story just comes up. Part of one of the things I wanted to do with the whole ‘Son of Superman’ thing was to take that whole thing with the old ‘Super Sons’ stories and update that, make it modern and have the son of Superman and Batman.

“The first page would be Superman and Batman shaking hands and saying, ‘Congratulations old friend. We’ve stopped all crime.’ One day, I might get to them, or some version of it.

“There’s a little bit of that in the Multiversity series that I’m doing. Some of these stories always come back in some form. But yeah, I’m getting close, within a couple years, of wrapping up Batman. So, the notion of doing some more Superman stuff is becoming quite interesting again.”

Multiversity is the long-awaited follow-up to Morrison’s Final Crisis.

Warner Bros’ animated adaptation of All Star Superman goes on sale this week in the US.

Buy the animated film at Amazon.com by clicking on the image below:

Forthcoming DC Animation projects include a sequel to the animated Green Lantern film entitled Emerald Knights set to coincide with the Ryan Reynolds live action movie and an adaptation of Batman: Year One by Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli including an animated Catwoman short feature (rumored for a September 2011 street date).

Hal Jordan and Arisia join forces in Green Lantern: Emerald Knights

Bruce Timm is apparently interested in a solo Catwoman feature and has hopes to explore full-length animated features showcasing Aquaman and Green Arrow.

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/brdec

This week at your comic shop- 2/23/11

For the complete list of this week’s comics, click here.

Not sure where your local comic shop is? Try comicshoplocator.com!

(note: all information including ad copy is from the publisher)

If you can’t make it to the shop, just click on any of the images below to be taken to an online retailer. I don’t get any referrals for these sales, I’m just doing my bit to spread the word on some neat products.
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Thor Hamburst Blk Zip-up Hoodie

Thor Hamburst Blk Zip-up Hoodie
Feel the power of Thor’s hammer’s strike with this black hoodie!
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John Carter of Mars: Warlord of Mars TPB

John Carter of Mars: Warlord of Mars TPB
By: Marv Wolfman, Chris Claremont, Gil Kane, Walt Simonson, Frank Miller, Sal Buscema
The greatest hero of two worlds, spacefaring adventurer John Carter of Mars, returns! Marvel at these classic tales of danger and daring as John Carter battles deadly opponents, warring civilizations, and a host of Barsoomian beasts, and see for yourself why Edgar Rice Burroughs’ John Carter has been one of fandom’s favorite sci-fi characters for nine decades!

* Featuring comics legends Marv Wolfman, Chris Claremont, Gil Kane, Frank Miller, and many more.

* This volume includes all twenty-eight issues of John Carter: Warlord of Mars plus all three annuals, collected for the first time!

* Featuring an introduction by Michael Chabon-screenwriter of the upcoming John Carter of Mars motion picture!
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Fantastic Four #588

Fantastic Four #588
By: Jonathan Hickman, Nick Dragotta, Alan Davis
Following the death of XXXXXXXX, we spend a month?seeing how the remaining members of the Fantastic Four, the extended family, other heroes, and prominent villains react to the loss of this legendary hero. It’s the epilogue to THREE: A Month of Mourning.

PLUS: The Amazing Spider-Man consoles Franklin Richards in a second all-new tale!
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Avengers Defending Earth Charcoal T-Shirt

Avengers Defending Earth Charcoal T-Shirt
Thor and Captain America are a potent force for defending the Earth on this charcoal grey t-shirt!
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X-Men Legacy #245

X-Men Legacy #245
By: Mike Carey, Clay Mann, Leinil Yu
In a world where the X-Men never existed and mutantkind has been hunted to extinction, the few remaining mutants band together to make their last stand. Who are they? And just how far will they go to survive? The AGE OF X starts here!
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JLA Trophy Room Sinestro Battery Prop Replica

JLA Trophy Room Sinestro Battery Prop Replica
In blackest day, in brightest night, Beware your fears made into light. Let those who try to stop what’s right, Burn like my power… Sinestro’s might!

The latest addition to the JLA TROPHY ROOM is the must-have replica for any Green Lantern fan! As a companion piece to other DC Direct Green Lantern Power Batteries – and in light of the events of Blackest Night – the Sinestro Power Battery is sure to add a little fear into the heart of any hero.

The Sinestro Power Battery Prop Replica is 11.5″ high x 7.25″ wide x 10″ deep is made of resin and comes with a ring.

Packaged in a 4-color box, with a 4-color Certificate of Authenticity. Limited Edition.
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Showcase Presents Justice League Of America TPB Vol. 05

Showcase Presents Justice League Of America TPB Vol. 05
In this value-priced volume collecting stories from issues #84-106, The JLA battles BLACKEST NIGHT villain Solomon Grundy, meets Deadman, faces a cosmic vampire, and teams up with both The Justice Society of America and The Seven Soldiers of Victory.

This title collects
Justice League Of America #84-106

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Punisher Plain Jane Blk T-Shirt XL

Punisher Plain Jane Blk T-Shirt XL
The criminal underworld will quake in its boots when you wear this black t-shirt emblazoned with the Punisher skull icon!
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Who Is Jake Ellis #2

Who Is Jake Ellis #2
By: Nathan Edmondson, Tonci Zonjic
To every action, a reaction. The botched op in Barcelona has exposed Jon, and he is on the run-but from whom, he can’t exactly say. As the game of cat and mouse plays out, Jon discovers something about Jake that threatens all of Jon’s assumptions about the only man who can protect him from what’s coming.
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Black Terror #14

Black Terror #14
Written by ALEX ROSS & PHIL HESTER
Art by WAGNER REIS
Cover by ALEX ROSS
The mind blowing conclusion to Inhuman Remains is here.

The Black Terror battles his greatest foe when he comes face to face with Bob Benson, his own alter ego. To make matters worse, The Black Baron assembles a cadre of super villains to destroy both The Black Terror and Benson. But will any of them be spared the incalculable wrath of the goddess Pandora?
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Uncanny X-Men #533

Uncanny X-Men #533
By: Matt Fraction & Kieron Gillen, Greg Land
‘QUARANTINE’ Part 4 (of 5)-The public gets what the public wants – and the public wants ‘X-Men.’ The Sublime Corporation is here to provide, at a cost. Both financially and for the safety of the entire world.

It’s the gala product launch that everyone will be talking about. If only the actual X-Men weren’t dying of the power-sapping flu on Utopia so they could stop this.
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Godland #34

Godland #34
By: Joe Casey, Tom Scioli
BOOK THIRTY-FOUR: THE WORKS Imagine the most mind-blowing epic of our times… then double it! Now cram that into a solicitation that compels you to pre-order multiple copies! You have just experienced an Iboga-sized event. You know what we’re dealing here: It’s cosmic crack for your comic-addled brains! GØDLAND RØCKS! ALL OTHER COSMIC SUPERHERO EPICS CAN SUCK IT!
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Thor Loki Costume Green T-Shirt XL

Thor Loki Costume Green T-Shirt XL
Make mischief as Thor’s half-brother Loki with this green t-shirt!
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Amazing Spider-Man #655

Amazing Spider-Man #655
By: Dan Slott, Marcos Martin
‘Awakening’

February may be the shortest month of the year, but this time it’s the BIGGEST month for AMAZING SPIDER-MAN! We can’t tell you what’s in this issue without spoiling the end of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #654. But we can say this: Marcos Martin returns to AMAZING SPIDER-MAN in a full-length 30 page story that will haunt you.

As the fallout of recent events continues to rock Peter Parker’s world, he makes a choice–a promise–that even he might not be able to fulfill…
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Incredible Hulks #623

Incredible Hulks #623
By: Greg Pak, Dale Eagleham
The Hulk has never been welcome in the civilized world. What better place for the savage Hulks than the Savage Land? Get ready for PLANET SAVAGE as Hulk and Skaar invade the prehistoric paradise of Ka-Zar, Lord of the Hidden Jungle.

Featuring the showstopping pencils of superstar Dale Eaglesham and the return of a deadly frenemy the Hulk should never have forgotten.
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Invincible Iron Man #501

Invincible Iron Man #501
By: Matt Fraction, Salvador Larroca, Marko Djurdjevic
Why should Tony Stark be the one to benefit from all of his technology? What right does Stark have to keep his miracles to himself?

A familiar threat in other corners of the Marvel Universe comes demanding answers- — and salvation — from Iron Man. And because it’s not enough to remake the world with free and limitless energy, Stark Resilient goes after the challenge of remaking another world: ASGARD.

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X-Men #8 (Bachalo Variant Cover Edition)

X-Men #8 (Bachalo Variant Cover Edition)
By: Victor Gischler, Chris Bachalo
After braving the lizard-creature infested sewers beneath?Manhattan, Spider-Man reveals to the X-Men just exactly who they are up against. But this doesn’t explain the rash of disappearances of outcast teenagers. Why have they vanished, and what do these kids have in common?

The X-Men must use their best detective skills to discover the secret, but nothing prepares them-or Spider-Man-for the surprise villain who is pulling all the strings.
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Captain America #615

Captain America #615
By: Ed Brubaker, Butch Guice, Marko Djurdjevic
The shocking finale of THE TRIAL OF CAPTAIN AMERICA! Did we mention nothing would ever be the same again? Because seriously, it won’t.
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Scarlet Speedster II T-Shirt XL

Scarlet Speedster II T-Shirt XL
Enjoy a double-dose of everyone’s favorite speedster this month with two great new designs.

Central City Crime Lab T-Shirt features the CC Police crest imprinted on the left chest with ‘CC Crime Lab’ on back of a black 100% cotton shirt. Scarlet Speedster II provides a retro-look Flash imprinted in color on a white with red 100% cotton ringer tee.
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Avengers #10

Avengers #10
By: Brian Michael Bendis, John Romita Jr
The Infinity Gauntlet is back! And no power on the Earth can stop it! It is sentences like these that made Stan Lee invent the phrase: ‘Nuff Said!! Another pulse-pounding, Earth-shattering chapter from Marvel’s blockbuster superteam of Bendis and Romita Jr!

Plus: Another illustrated chapter of the oral history of the Avengers!
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Iron Man 2.0 #1

Iron Man 2.0 #1
By: Nick Spencer, Barry Kitson, Salvador Larroca
Spinning directly out of INVINCIBLE IRON MAN!

New mission! New armor! New Iron Man! Lt. Col. James Rhodes is War Machine…the single most advanced one-man weapon of conventional combat. But wars aren’t fought the way they used to be – and when Rhodey has to face a mysterious enemy he can’t shoot, can’t bomb, can’t even see, he’s going to be forced to evolve…or die.

Find out why War Machine becomes Iron Man 2.0 in the 3-part launch arc of this all-new ongoing series!

By breakout sensation Nick Spencer (Morning Glories, Action Comics) and the legendary Barry Kitson (INCREDIBLE HULKS, THE ORDER)!
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Daredevil Bullseye Costume Blk T-Shirt XL

Daredevil Bullseye Costume Blk T-Shirt XL
Dress as high-priced assassin Bullseye with this black t-shirt!
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Secret Avengers #10

Secret Avengers #10
By: Ed Brubaker, Mike Deodato Jr

The action-packed conclusion of our Secret Avengers second secret mission! Steve Rogers face-to-face with an old friend turned enemy! A Secret Avenger in the hands of the Shadow Council! This story may be over, but things are just heating up!
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Power Man And Iron Fist #2 (of 5)

Power Man And Iron Fist #2 (of 5)
By: Fred Van Lente, Wellinton Alves, Mike Perkins
Charging from the pages of SHADOWLAND comes the collector’s item first ever POWER MAN & IRON FIST #1!

When Danny Rand transformed his multinational corporation into a non-profit foundation, he thought he had left fighting behind – but with so many innocents wrongly convicted, the battle never ends!

Their first case is Luke Cage and Danny Rand’s former secretary Jennie Royce, imprisoned for a murder she didn’t commitÖ or did she? And Iron Fist isn’t fighting alone – he’s got a new partner with him: Victor Alvarez, the all-new Power Man, he of the exploding punches – and exploding temper!

Can Danny train his new charge well enough to face returning foil El Aguila as well as new threats Don Pagliacci, the Commedia Dell’Morte, and the beautiful, deadly Noir?

That’s right, Marvel’s original mismatched action duo begins a new era of greatness right here!
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Thor #620

Thor #620
By: Matt Fraction, Pasqual Ferry
The World Eaters are marauding across Earth on an?unstoppable rampage towards Asgard. The only thing that stands between them and our utter annihilation is Odin… and the Asgardian Blood Legion… and with them comes colossal combat the likes of which the world has never seen.

The Marvel Universe expands (in miniature) at the 2011 NY Toy Fair

At this year’s Toy Fair in New York City, the Marvel Universe line is in full effect! The 3.75″ line of action figures steadily adapting the entirety of heroes and villains from the House of Ideas has become my favorite toy line next to Kenner’s Star Wars and Character Options’ Classic Doctor Who. The sheer variety and volume is staggering, from the obscure Constrictor to the staggering Goliath and Galactus. At first glance of the line’s debut, I had a long wish list of characters I yearned to be adapted into miniature plastic format. Now I’d be hard pressed to come up with a hero or villain that has not been released or rumored to be in production.

Aside from the new Spider-Man, Captain America, Thor and Iron Man figures, the Marvel Universe proper is proceeding in two new waves. The chase figure is Cable along with baby Hope strapped to his chest in his post-apocalyptic carrier. Skaar, First Appearance Wolverine, the Scarlet Spider, Darkawk and more are pictured below. Additionally, special sets of figures based on the Fantastic Four (sadly, no Johnny Storm, but finally his sister Susan is here), the new Uncanny X-Force and the first line-up of the classic Avengers were on display.

(select images from Mania.com, visit the link for lots more!)

(info below from Marvelousnews.com, the finest source of Marvel Comics action figure news)

MARVEL UNIVERSE 3.75” Action Figures
(Approximate Retail Price: $7.99; Ages 4 & up; Available: Now)
The MARVEL UNIVERSE 3.75” ACTION FIGURE line is continuing in 2011 with its exceptional articulation, poseability, and spot-on design. This year’s lineup of great classic characters from the MARVEL COMICS universe features heroes and villains from various comic book storylines, including WORLD WAR HULK, SPIDER-MAN 2099, WOLVERINE and CABLE. Fans can update their collections with the latest and greatest from Hasbro! Each figure sold separately.

MARVEL UNIVERSE 3.75” MULTI PACKS
(Approximate Retail Price: $22.99; Ages 4 & up; Available Fall 2011)
The MARVEL UNIVERSE 3.75” MULTI PACKS assemble your favorite SUPER HERO teams from the MARVEL COMICS universe. In 2011, Hasbro is introducing these new figure 3 packs, including THE CLASSIC AVENGERS, and THE UNCANNY X-FORCE. Packs sold separately.

MARVEL UNIVERSE COMIC 2-PACKS
(Approximate Retail Price: $14.99; Ages 4 & up; Available: Now)
Each MARVEL UNIVERSE COMIC 2-PACK includes a reprint of an iconic MARVEL COMIC and two unique MARVEL UNIVERSE 3.75” Action Figures specific to that story. Look for SPIDER-MAN WITH CAPTAIN BRITAIN and POWER MAN WITH IRON FIST, new in Spring 2011! Each pack sold separately.

MARVEL HANDFUL OF HEROES ASSORTMENT
(Approximate Retail Price: $4.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Now)
The ultimate battle of good and evil are right in the palm of your hand! This set of micro-sized molded figures comes with eight heroes and one super secret figure that will be a mystery until you tear open the package!

MARVEL UNIVERSE – MASTERWORKS SENTINEL WITH WOLVERINE
(Approximate Retail Price: $49.99; Ages 4 & up; Available: Fall 2011)
This lumbering giant means business! One of the biggest, baddest villains in the MARVEL UNIVERSE is here and he’s ready to take out the X-Men! THE SENTINEL measures a monstrous 16 inches tall and is packed with electronic features including a huge bank of battle sounds. Also includes a 3.75” WOLVERINE figure so that you can stage the 1st battle as soon as you open the box! Requires three “AAA” batteries, included.

The frustrating part of the new Marvel Universe line has been the lack of distribution nation wide. These action figures are so scarce that any variants or chase figures are usually only available online at scalpers’ greedy prices. But if you happen to find these little guys, pick them up. They are beautifully crafted, incredibly detailed and a sheer delight for collectors.