At this year’s CinemaCon, Warner Bros. went all out teasing some of its upcoming feature films. Surprising many, we got a few footage descriptions and teases on what’s to come. Not just that but also the confirmation of The Batman sequel, which John and Joe dive right into with their speculation.
Tag: DC
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‘Gotham Central’ Co-Writer Greg Rucka Joins ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’
A while back, it was announced that Matt Reeves would continue working in the world of Batman, but be jumping to a whole new medium, working alongside Bruce Timm and JJ Abrams on a new Batman animated series titled Batman: Caped Crusader. Timm would serve as showrunner while Reeves and Abrams would join the project as executive producers. Last month, it was announced fan-favorite comic book writer Ed Brubaker would be joining the series as head writer, and it seems like he brought a friend.
In a recent newsletter, Brubaker revealed that he’s been working on the Batman animated series, but he hasn’t been working alone, confirming Greg Rucka has joined the animated series as a writer.
“So, back on topic… what have I got for you this time? The past month or so I’ve done several podcasts or zoom interviews… I’ve been writing Friday and the 5th Reckless book while working on the Batman show with Bruce Timm. And also starting to adapt one of our books that I’ve got a star attached to, but more on that in the next few months, hopefully. On the Batman front, we only freelanced a few episodes in this first season, but I still managed to bring in a few great writers, one of who (whom?) used to work on Batman-related stuff with me back in the old days. I can’t tell you who it is, but his name rhymes with Craig Stucka and it was a lot of fun to work with him again. “
Ed BrubakerBoth Rucka and Brubaker are known for their work together on Gotham Central, a comic book series that followed characters within the Gotham City police department and for which Rucka won an Eisner Award in 2004. In addition to his work on Gotham Central, Rucka also had a lengthy run on Detective Comics and also worked on the screenplay for the 2008 animated anthology, Batman: Gotham Knight. The team behind this animated is pretty great and the series is surely going to be something special with that much talent on this project.
SOURCE: Ed Brubaker
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The DCEU Should Develop ‘The Secret Six’
Over the past few years, the DC Extended Universe has gone through a bit of a development period with a few leadership changes and course corrections. It took a while, but things in the DCEU finally feel consistent and projects that are announced are happening, resulting in the shared universe finally finding its groove. In the past year, we’ve seen the DCEU march into mature content, led by James Gunn projects The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, opening a window of opportunity for another niche team from DC Comics.
Back in 2005, comic book writer Gail Simone took over The Secret Six, an off-beat team introduced all the way back in 1968, and reinvented them, making them instantly more interesting than before. The difference between the two incarnations is that Simone’s was comprised of mostly villains and mercenaries who took on jobs of questionable morality. She introduced this new team in the villain crossover event Villains United, where the new Six would be comprised of Catman, Scandal Savage, Cheshire, Deadshot, Ragdoll, and a Parademon, all villains who refused to join Luthor’s society of supervillains.
In the few years, the DCEU has done something the MCU has yet to attempt: making R-rated projects for mature audiences. With this shift came a willingness to explore more mature content with their characters and they’ve seen resounding success. WhileThe Suicide Squad didn’t do gangbusters at the box office, it soared on streaming, quickly becoming the highest viewed DC film on the service, topping Zack Snyder’s Justice League and Wonder Woman: 1984. Following the success of The Suicide Squad, its spinoff, Peacemaker, followed probably the most disliked character from the film and crushed it on HBO Max.
With success like this DC and WB should be gazing through their gallery of characters to find their next big thing, and should look no further than The Secret Six. Consisting of a colorful cast of characters with a few revolving chairs, the Six are one of DC Comics’ hidden gems and could be perfect for another trip down the R-rated avenue the DCEU has been visiting. The comics feature a much more mature, violent, and at times vulgar tone than many other comics and the series would work quite well as a streaming series on HBO Max.
The current path of the DCEU seems as promising as ever and should continue to pull from the obscure regions of their universe to make some new household names. Characters like Catman, Ragdoll, Scandal Savage, Jeanette, and Black Alice could quickly become fan favorites. The series could also feature the return of Will Smith’s Floyd Lawton, as well as King Shark, and even introduce new heavy hitters like Bane. Never did we think someone like Peacemaker would make his way to screens around the world but here we are. Let’s give The Secret Six a chance.
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REVIEW: ‘Batman’ is a Love Story for the Ages
The Batman‘s release is just around the corner, and it seemed fitting to take a look back at the many films that defined the character on the silver screen. So, welcome to our latest review-a-thon revisiting the Caped Crusader’s cinematic history. To kick it off, you can’t really talk about the franchise without mentioning Tim Burton‘s 1989 film simply titled Batman. Even back then, people doubted Michael Keaton in the titular role, but he would go on to define not only his career but also comic book history by bringing the character to life. Later this year, he’ll even return in the role for a new generation to meet THE Batman that defined many people’s childhood. Yet, after over 30 years, does the film still hold up, or is it hiding behind a Gothic mask?
After rewatching it, I’ve remembered that most of the main plotlines of this story surround Vicky Vale. Not only is Bruce Wayne strangely obsessed with her, but even the Joker has a liking to the young reporter. He ends up ditching his romantic interest, who he uses for questionable experiments, as soon as she catches his eyes. Wait, that’s not even it, as her reporting partner, Alexander Knox, seemingly you – guessed it – has a crush on her. This rhombus of a love triangle permeates throughout the entire film, it makes you wonder why they didn’t have Bob join in just for the hell of it. Though that’s the same guy who thought a dude in a rubber bat suit had a wallet on him somewhere; he probably has other worries at the time.
But you can’t forget that Bruce Wayne, the moment he sees Jack Napier return as the Joker, just wanders around starring at him. While I know Jack Nicholson‘s performance is mesmerizing throughout the film’s runtime, he already saw the guy earlier when he threw him into the vat of whatever can turn a man into the human equivalent of an eggshell. So, either he just really loves clowns, or it was love at first sight. He is the greatest detective after all. So, he must’ve known that quietly following a murderer – in broad daylight mind you – won’t get him killed but a flirty wave goodbye. The moment Vicky steps in, he just bolts without a word. If you ask me, that’s suspicious.
The more I think about it, was the line “let’s get nuts” bit more a test. I mean, Joker goes on to pull off the line “never rub another man’s rhubarb” and the whole room really thinks there’s no sexual undertone at play here? I think not! The more you think about it, everything the Clown Prince of Crime does is to get Batman’s attention. Yes, he claims it’s about being more famous than the bat-themed Power Ranger, but he can’t lie. He knows the guy is going to show up if he makes enough people smile to death. The guy walks around with a gun in his pants that screams “compensating for something” and definitely trying to show off. Batman is no exception with his “Batmobile” that can’t take a turn even if its life depended on it.
Before he turned into a mad clown, he was a calculating gangster. Just because he is selling make-up that puts permanent death grins on its victims, and starts obsessing about a woman’s photos of dead people – by the way, what the hell was up with that, Vicky? – that doesn’t mean there’s a plan at play here. If you ignore the dramatic implications of Joker turning out as the murderer of Bruce’s parents, you start to realize where the inspiration of their relationship in The LEGO Batman Movie came from. It was in our faces since 1989, but we were just too focused on the fun superhero action and a great story to really look a little deeper.
Let’s be honest, the Vicky Vale romance may have been hiding the true love story all along, as two different worlds collide and are desperate for each other’s attention. Even during the finale, he’s just waiting for his prince in plastic rubber. Dancing with Vale in his arms, while Batsy is desperately trying to get close. If he really was as obsessed with her as the film is implying, they would’ve been gone a long time. Hell, he could’ve taken out Batman if he wanted to. Even as they are hanging, the one to fall is Vicky and not the Caped Crusader. He’s obsessed with the man that just manages to put a smile on his face, a permanent one.
There’s just something about the romantic setting of Burton‘s Gotham and the slower pace that lets you take it all in. We’ve really been enjoying a superhero epic that was hiding an unlikely love story for so long. Vicky Vale is in the middle of a story that may not actually be about her. The true reason Batman wasn’t there to meet her wasn’t because of the Bat symbol, but the memory it holds for what was lost during the final confrontation. Perhaps he really did want to dance with the devil in the pale moonlight.
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The ‘Peacemaker’ Finale and Peace In Our Time
The long lingering shot at the end of the season finale of Peacemaker felt appropriate. Christopher Smith had found what felt like a modicum of peace. He had Eagly by his side and the relationship he built with Goff (the last living butterfly) felt like an agree-to-disagree but closing with friendly terms. In watching that moment, there was an ease in Smith as he came to grips with who he is and is ready to move on. It was short lived however, as his father reappeared as a ghost. There can be speculation about what that means for season 2, but there’s something that James Gunn nailed in this moment. Sometimes we are left to carry our trauma as if a butterfly was sitting in our heads.The closing montage to the season found Peacemaker and his crew dealing with new realities. Adebayo outing her mother Amanda Waller; Harcourt recovering and rehabbing her injuries in battle; and Economos right back to Belle Reve. Vigilante gets to be Vigilante so at least there’s that, but the point is the fight doesn’t just end. There’s more. Peacemaker, as it seems, doesn’t get to move forward. Even though he killed his father, that part of it doesn’t end in his death.
In a lot of ways, whether intentionally or not, Gunn’s writing reflects the time we’ve spent since 2020 sitting and wading in our collective trauma. As the global pandemic has affected everyone in different ways, it’s illuminated the weight we carry. Like Peacemaker, we all have had to keep moving despite those effects. Whether mental, emotional, physical, or spiritual it feels like a price has been paid. As Economos is baring his soul to a butterfly just to attempt to stay alive, you can’t help but feel the weight of that. These are the words we’ve all held onto because life doesn’t wait for us to recover.
Adebayo speaks poignantly to Peacemaker at the beginning of the episode, referring to the accidental death of his brother: ”Don’t forgive me that’s fine, but don’t let that shit define who you are.” It feels like great advice, in fact it is. However, like all things in life, these are easier problems to think about than the act of forgiveness. The familiarity of trauma for Peacemaker allows him to stay in it because its the easy thing to do. It’s a hard truth for many of us in life to just move on instead of dwell.
The beautiful thing, whilst heartbreaking, is these characters continue to fight. Adebayo battles Amanda Waller’s influence and voice to become something more. Harcourt grows to understand that while the job is the job, there is room for others in her life. Economos, much so the same, finding friends in the midst of trouble.
Christopher Smith has been through a great deal, and that last shot of the episode felt like what peace could potentially look like. He can forgive himself for his brother’s death, and feel like there’s a chance for redemption. He can find and cultivate friendships, meaningful ones, that grow through honesty. There was a feeling of accomplishment in that shot. Seeing Auggie again was a reminder of the passengers we carry. It was sad, yet so identifiable. In ways that we can all understand, this is peace in our time.
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Ivory Aquino Confirmed as Alysia Yeoh in ‘Batgirl’
Even as cameras are rolling on the upcoming Batgirl solo film in Glasgow, thw cast continues to grow. A ton of set photos have made their way online recently, giving us countless new looks at the set and Batgirl herself. Photos last week revealed that actress Ivory Aquino looked to be a part of the film, as she was seen in many scenes with Leslie Grace. We first reported on these photos and speculated that Aquino could be playing the role of Alysia Yeoh.
Variety has confirmed that Aquino is indeed playing the role of Yeoh, Barbara Gordon’s best friend and roommate. The character was created by Gail Simone and Adrian Syaf, first appearing in Batgirl Volume 4 issue #1. It was first speculated that Yeoh could be playing a role in the film when the project was casting an Asain transgender actress under the name of “Alanna”. It seems like the project could be setting up a strong friendship between the two.
Aquino is best known for her work in When We Rise and Tales of the City. This will be her first role in a comic book film and will also be the first transgender character in the DC Extended Universe.
Batgirl currently has no set release date but is slated to release sometime in 2022.
SOURCE: Variety
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Hall of Murphy: Episode 13 – ‘Peacemaker’ 101 – 103
Joe and John are back for a new year to talk about DC’s latest show, Peacemaker. They take a closer look at the HBO Max series and if James Gunn continued his momentum from The Suicide Squad.
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Hall of Murphy: Episode 12 – ‘Doom Patrol’ 305 – 310 (w/ Mary Maerz)
John and Joe return to finally wrap up their thoughts on the final episodes of Doom Patrol, and they aren’t alone. Mary returns once again for them to discuss if the series continues to be a hit or falters in the last few episodes.
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THE GAME AWARDS: First Gameplay of ‘Suicide Squad Kills the Justice League’
We’ve been teased quite a bit about Rocksteady’s return to the DC universe and it looks like we finally got our first look at gameplay for Suicide Squad Kills the Justice League. The group of four Arkham inmates is about to take on the most troublesome mission they’ve ever had, as Brainiac took over the minds of our favorite heroes. Harley Quinn, Killer Shark, Captain Boomeragin, and Deadshot take on a horde of enemies in this new gameplay trailer.
Source: Twitter
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Murphy’s Team-Up, Volume 9: Favorite Comic Book Adaptation of 2021
John Sabato
My favorite comic book property this year had to be Netflix’s Sweet Tooth. Jeff Lemire’s original comic is one of my very favorites and was such an interesting read. The series mostly stays true to it’s source material but isn’t afraid to make creative changes that let it stand apart from the comic. It’s a sweet and wholesome story that sees a young hybrid boy and a grizzled survivor of the plague travel what’s left of the world to find the answers to what came first: the plague or the hybrids?
Anthony Canton III
There’s something to be said for a show that continues to get better over each of its three seasons. Doom Patrol does that in spades. There’s a level of self awareness, humor, and introspection that makes it the best live-action comic book adaptation I’ve seen. The casts performances particularly this season have been extraordinary. Nuanced, tragic, and some even angry. Brendan Fraser in particular has been a standout in bringing such a broken character like Robotman to the screen. We’ve had a lot of good to great entries in comic book tv and film this year, but no property quite understands it’s assignment like Doom Patrol.
Nathan Miller
My favorite comic book project of the year is Eternals. I loved how the film made me feel. Through the performances, direction and soundtrack, I felt the weight of human history, the joy of friendships and found family, the terrifying vastness of space, and the drive of needing to pull together to tackle environmental problems. Intellectually I think the film points toward the future of storytelling, in leaving behind The Hero’s Journey and embodying a more collective journey beyond binary perspectives. It’s a shame more people didn’t initially appreciate the film’s complexity, but hopefully that will change over the next few years, as the Marvel Cinematic Universe enriches its appreciation retrospectively. I’m looking forward to Chloe Zhao’s sequel and the Eternals themselves eventually appearing alongside other established MCU characters.
João Pinto
This wasn’t my first choice, but someone with impeccable taste got to that one first (thank you to my friend, JJ!). But in a sense, this show deserves to take the top spot. WandaVision was a pop culture phenomenon. Due to many production delays that affected several projects, it ended up becoming the first Marvel Studios project to be released after the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic and to say audiences were hungry for content is an obvious understatement. The weeks the show was on were some of the best ever to be a comic book fan. The theories ran wild as the show lent itself to the sort of online discourse that drove everyone insane by the sheer magnitude of some of the hot takes. Covering it was a blast as well. I must say that the Murphy’s Multiverse team covered that show as well as any other site, big or small, did. It showed us how much fun we could have while doing something that hopefully everyone enjoyed, and in a way, it became the stepping stone for the work we’ve been doing covering every show ever since. By the enjoyment I got from covering it to following it as a fan it deserves its spot on my favorite comic book adaptations of 2021 list.
Joseph Aberl
I think my favorite comic book adaptation of the year must be Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. I have no prior knowledge or history with the character. So, I went in pretty open about the adaptation. I was hoping for at least some fun kung-fu actions inspired by classics from the genre. Yet, the film went above and beyond as I ended up with an incredibly heartfelt story that also manages to open up the MCU in a creative way. I cannot wait to see Simu Liu’s future with the character and what a sequel might offer.
Charles Murphy
This will probably come as a shock to absolutely everyone, most of all JJ, but my favorite comic book-based project of 2021 was not a Marvel property. James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad takes the top spot for me and it’s not a particularly close race. While I certainly loved Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings, The Suicide Squad feels like the most complete story. While the casts of WandaVision, Loki and Black Widow were lights out, the cast of The Suicide Squad was all but perfect. And finally, while Marvel Studios did a great job bringing some less-than-popular characters this past year, Idris Elba’s Bloodsport stands as not only the best reinvention of a little known comic book character in the past year, but also arguably of all time. After a year in which the comic book-based entertainment we all love was painfully absent, we had plenty in 2021 but none of them quite matched the quality of The Suicide Squad.
Hunter Radesi
I’m as surprised as anyone to be writing this, but I think the quirky magic of Loki was my favorite experience with a comic adaptation this year. I was firmly against the idea of this project from the start, and you can probably find old tweets of mine stating the show would be a waste of resources on a character whose story I felt was already over. I couldn’t have been proven more wrong. Michael Waldron and Kate Herron managed to craft a fresh, unique spin on the genre that left me wanting more every week. Absolutely charming performances from every member of the cast, genuinely joyous twists and turns throughout, and constantly beautiful set pieces that begged you to keep your eyes on the screen. I think I finally understand why my friends love Dr. Who so much. Can’t wait for the next season.
