The 10-episode Sandman series is now available on Netflix thanks to a contract negotiated by Neil Gaiman, David S. Goyer (Foundation), and showrunner Allan Heinberg (Wonder Woman). The show ended up being well worth the wait. Of course, though, certain people will never be happy. This is undoubtedly one of the best small-screen comic adaptations ever created. For that, we can thank clever acting, solid writing, and breathtakingly creepy noir-meets-horror production design that makes judicious use of digital effects.

What’s the story of Sandman about?

Dream (a touchingly vulnerable Tom Sturridge, most recently seen in HBO’s Irma Vep) is introduced to us in both the comic books and the television series on what must be the worst day of his everlasting life. In order to capture Death in an orb and make her follow their commands, members of an occult organization assembled in an English manor in 1916. Dream is the Endless they arrest instead because he has entered the waking world in search of a “rogue nightmare”. The nightmare is Corinthian (Boyd Holbrook), who amuses himself by wreaking havoc among humanity. So, Dream endures a torturous century in his cell. He is unable to give gifts to his captor for his release.

You threatened, cajoled and pleaded for gifts are neither mankind’s to receive nor mine to give. You had no thought for the harm you have brought to your world…

Lord, what fools these mortals be.

All of this basically serves as a prelude to Dream’s escape and return to his collapsing kingdom. He must reclaim three looted items which will help him reconstruct it. His aids are the most devoted deputy, dream librarian Lucienne (Vivienne Acheampong), and chirpy raven sidekick Matthew (voiced by Patton Oswalt). The first six episodes, which largely follow Preludes and Nocturnes, the first book of the comics, will literally take him through the gates of hell and back to Earth.

What this adaptation of Sandman has done right?

Casting!!!

This project has always required excellent casting, and Netflix’s The Sandman does not disappoint. Finding actors that resemble comic book characters the most isn’t always the best option. David Bowie’s big-haired, late-’60s folk singer phase was famously depicted to resemble Lucifer Morningstar, the mythical fallen angel who rules over hell. Here, the role is filled by the statuesque Gwendoline Christie of Game of Thrones, who, despite being a woman, perfectly captures Lucifer’s charming smugness. A very knowledgeable and peaceful interpretation of Death, who consoles the recently deceased and leads them on a route to the hereafter, is provided by Kirby Howell-Baptiste.

Bonus points go to whoever had the brilliant idea to portray John Cameron Mitchell, the creator of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, as the proprietor of a drag cabaret in Florida. In the midst of all the strangeness, Dream serves as something of a straight guy, yet Sturridge has just the right amount of baby face and scowl. It makes sense that he got the role above 200 other performers for the part.

Also, we must not forget Charles Dance (Tywin in GOT) once again plays the role of a ruthless father.

Masters of CGI

Theoretically, it should be simpler than ever to make a CGI-heavy genre program seem nice. However, even studios with enormous pockets of Marvel have had repeated failures in this area. Gary Steele, the production designer for Outlander, uses visual effects far more skillfully in The Sandman. In Dream’s realm, hell, and other supernatural locations, there are numerous landscapes that are obviously computer-created. For the most part, these parts appear purposefully animated, like incredibly detailed renditions of comic book art. While the waking world resembles our planet quite closely. This includes a greater density of bars, fast-food restaurants, and gloomy alleys.

Closing thoughts about the Sandman Netflix show

This first season has done everything that was expected of it. Clever writing, faithfulness to the original content, amazing CGI, and wonderful casting have all led to people being delighted with watching the show. Hopefully, in its progress, Sandman will only get better and better.

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Possible plot points of The Batman sequel

The Batman (2022) only scratched the surface of the immense corruption that takes place in Gotham city. Therefore it’s safe to assume that we will see an even deeper side to the corruption that Batman has to face. This is a lot different from the other crime-fighting scenarios. Instead of simply defeating the next “bad guy” the hero is met with, he has to fight the messed-up system. Robert Pattinson’s Batman definitely tackles a lot more politics than the other Batmen’s. People don’t seem to hate it as it’s already the highest-grossing movie in 2022.

That being said, surely we’ll see more of the Penguin in the sequel. You would imagine that the sequel would be based around the Joker and the Riddler as the ending of The Batman clearly hinted at it. Sadly, director Matt Reeves announced that the Joker and the Riddler will be explored deeper in the upcoming HBO Max show based on the Arkham-Asylum.

Possible characters

Obviously, Robert Pattinson will be playing Batman in the sequel (hopefully, otherwise it would make it quite strange). More excitingly, it may not be a reach to say that we can hope to see Robin on the screen once again. How else would DC make this Batman stand out from the others? Most other plausible answers are less likely and this type of corruption-fighting requires a trusty sidekick. It’s not confirmed but it seems very possible, maybe DC is finally willing to use their trump card to try and keep up with the previous Batmen sagas.

Closing thoughts

We don’t know any definite facts about the sequel to The Batman (2022). However, we also know some things are more possible than others. Director Reeves said that the sequel will definitely come out in the next 5 years. This may seem like a long time but they promised other content surrounding Gotham. For example, the Arkham-Asylum-based HBO Max TV show.

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Batman as a human

“What if he was real?” was the premise behind this under-explored part of Batman’s past. He is, after all, a man. It looks deeply into how Bruce Wayne’s past led to the existence of the Bat and paints it more realistically as a mental health issue (acting out unresolved traumas) as opposed to the romanticized heroic story.

A mental health issue created Batman. The tale kicks off with a wounded Batman crashing into Dr. Leslie Tompkins’ office. As she pulls off the vigilante’s mask, she discovers his true identity. This leaves her with two options, reveal Bruce Wayne to be the masked vigilante who’s garnered a lot of enemies in the year he’s been active, or treat a wounded patient?

Batman and therapy

Either way, both choices would have made for an interesting story, but she opts for the latter of the two. On condition that the man behind the mask, Bruce Wayne attends nightly therapy sessions or she calls the authorities. Being a fan himself, writer Tomlin is quite aware that deeply rooted Batman’s persona is a childhood trauma that is integral to his character. It defines him.

He bravely casts a spotlight on the dark way Batman depends on the psychological damage the trauma did to Bruce Wayne to exist. It depicts a rather precarious beginning for the Dark Knight, as Bruce battles to come to terms with his past, the Batman persona spawns a murderous persona who goes after some of the Bat’s enemies, likely to frame him.

In the past, while Andrea Sorrentino and Jordie Bellaire deliver the gritty art and colorwork.

“As a lifelong Batman fan, putting my spin on Gotham City has been a dream come true,” commented Tomlin “Taking the question of ‘What if Batman was real?’ as far as narratively possible conjured incredible potential that hasn’t recently been explored in the comics. Batman: The Imposter treats Bruce Wayne and the people around him as tragically flawed and vividly real, with the obstacles Batman faces coming from a reality show that closely mirrors our own.” – Mattson Tomlin, the writer behind Batman: The Imposter.ž

Closing

Exploring the part of Batman’s past, which we know so well, is never explored from this site is he and the direction that Tomlinson, and the team, have taken. It is quite an interesting read, one that connects fans, more deeply, to the Dark Knight, as they get to know Bruce Wayne as more than just the man behind the Batman persona.

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Though DC and rivals Marvel dominate the comic book space, the hottest new title releases, in recent times, have not come from either of the comic stables. In fact, many have come from smaller, independent brands, while others have come from companies that could rival Marvel or DC.

The Truth Department

In light of recent global socio-political events,  the global Covid-19 economic crisis, the QAnon nuts, flat Earthers, and what-have-you – the public appetite for conspiracy theories is high. which is probably why Image Comics’ The Department of Truth doesn’t seem too out of place in these harrowing times.

The tale follows a conspiracy nut who comes to the discovery that every conspiracy theory ever existed – from the JFK (John F Kennedy) assassination to the Easter Bunny. The organization responsible for concealing the truth from all of society is the Truth Department.

Hellboy

A fan favorite that even got an excellent film adaptation, Hellboy is one of the most recognizable non-Marvel, nor DC, superheroes. Hell of, as his name suggests, is one of the most unique heroes one could ever come across in the world of comics. Neither human, not alien, Hellboy is a demon raised by humanity.

Hellboy and his squad of – equally unique – characters go about protecting the world from paranormal phenomena that threaten the people who fear and hate him. Mike Mignola’s take on the superhero genre was rather fresh, with the creation of this character, as it subverts the stereotypical take on heroes, putting a band of misfits together, and having them go against impossible odds for the greater good – protecting people who hate them.

Stillwater

Small towns, for all their peaceful, away-from-everything appeal, usually harbor stories and mysteries you couldn’t discover without spending some time there and interacting with the locals. Stillwater, the fictional town that the comic is based on, holds a bizarre set of cards close to its chest.

No one seems to die in Stillwater, as though the grim reaper has no idea the place exists. As the world grows more technological, the risk of discovery grows by the day. Eisner award-winning comic book writer Chip Zdarsky’s latest work can be gripping, as one reads on and discovers what other secrets this town holds.

Spawn

One of the most iconic, and highlight-grossing-DC, non-Marvel heroes in the comic book world, Spawn has been a fan-favorite for years now. Though waning in popularity in recent years, there was a time one couldn’t list favorite outright Superheroes without dropping Spawn into the conversation.

Spawn is a grim reaper of sorts, given power by the devil himself to exact revenge on those who had wronged him. He has, since, grown to the point where he at one point even overthrew the god of his universe.

Home Sick Pilots

Homesick Pilots is a strange one, and that’s what makes it so great. Touted as a cross between Power Rangers and The Shining, the story involves a haunted house. A pop singer is trapped inside a house by a ghostly spirit. This tale ensues that is like nothing else out there, though it borrows some familiar elements from other tales, it throws them together in a completely different way.

Man Goat and Bunny Man

Like urban legends? Well, this one is based on them. The title characters, Man Goat and Bunny Man are inspired by urban legends that sprung up on the internet a few years ago. The duo goes around doing bloody battles with other urban legends, in a satisfyingly gruesome fashion.

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Badly conceptualized, that is. These villains are so ridiculously disastrous that one could not be faulted for wondering why they didn’t join a circus Instead of taking to villainy. I mean absolutely disastrous characters who, most times, prove to be little more than an annoyance (pun intended) as opposed to being anything close to a worthy foe to the superheroes they accost.

Asbestos Lady

This character probably made a lot of sense in the context of the time that she came into, so to speak, existence (circa 1947). It was a more gung-ho time of discovery and asbestos was a bot commodity, owing to its heat-resistant properties.

So Asbestos Lady, as well as her minions, wore an asbestos-lined bodysuit to avoid being burned to a crisp by superhero heat blast. She ran about carrying fire weapons of her own, all to satiate her expensive tastes.

She died of cancer in the early ’90s though.’90s comic books were stable books to deliver a cautionary tale regarding the dangers of asbestos use (also newly discovered.)

Codpiece

This is a character in a power suit that has a crotch appendage that extends and fires a beam. Innuendos aside, I don’t think we need to say more. The corniness alone means this overcompensating baddy gets no nod of approval from us.

Stilt-Man

You read it right, stilts. Perhaps DareDevil’s adversaries built their arsenal trying to outdo an anomalously skilled blind dude, but some of them can be quite ridiculous. Take Stilt-Man, for instance, he uses a power suit with extending legs to commit crimes in high-rise buildings. You defeat the guy by knocking him down…no real challenge there.

Critical Mass

An explosive mate of Peter Parker’s, Arnie Gunderson grew up and developed explosive powers of his own. Aside from new powers, he also developed quite the gut. Except he didn’t use any of his power and bulk for any good except his own. Arnie went villain.

He’s a villain who can fire explosive energy from his body and has the brains of a high school bully. Need we say more?

White Rabbit

So white rabbit grew up a spoiled little girl who read too much Alice In Wonderland. She grew up and married a rich, older man, but because of the entitlement issues, she developed as a result of her coddled upbringing, she killed him.

Following that she uses the funds she’s inherited from dear old hubby, to purchase a ton of high-tech gadgetry and goes on a crime spree to act out her weird Alice fantasy/obsession. Mental health people! Keep tabs on it!

50% Chad and Cellphone Sylvia

We searched far and wide and could not find any, more fitting, characters for the number one spot than these two. Hopelessly awful, they belong in the WTF category, on anyone’s list. They are Cellphone Sylvia, and, not quite complete, 50% Chad.

Cellphone Sylvia is a member of the League of Annoyance (which probably explains a lot.) Not an actual villain, not by comic book standards anyway, has a cellphone that has a projector on it, which teleports people to the Phantom Zone. Where Zod, and his Kryptonian gang, were once imprisoned. That’s it.

DC seems to try to explore every angle of the existential question. At least that’s what they appear to have been doing by creating a villain who is no more than a pair of zombie legs attached to an equally undead waist. 50% of Chad’s special ability is knocking people out with the stench that half a corpse ought to have. Imagine that.

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From Darkseid to Superman, to the mischievous Mr. MXYZPTLK to the Czarnian Bastich himself, The Main Man, Lobo! The DC universe is crammed with beings who possess god-like powers, heck some of them actually are gods.

This is a subject we are revisiting, as we have examined it in a tad more detail in a previous article. However, this time around, we will be concentrating our focus on the DC character who came out top of this list of the 6 most powerful beings in the DC cosmos.

While others are veritable gods, he is the god. The reason the DC Universe exists in the first place, apart from the artists and writers of course Mr. Let There Be Light himself, The Presence (known, on this side of existence, as God.)

Origins of The Presence

According to the DC narrative, The Presence is the all-powerful being who began it all. Modeled after The God of the Abrahamic religions, reigning over a hodgepodge of pantheons derived from various religions, and mythologies, The Presence, also known as The Voice, first made appearance on DC pages in 1940 in the original The Spectre comic.

However, according to the DC narrative (which borrows heavily from the Christian Bible), in the beginning, was The Presence and only The Presence. As The Voice, he created the word, along with the DC Multiverse which contained heaven and Earth.

He then created the first order of beings, The Celestials. Among whom was The First Of The Fallen (Satan) who was meant to embody The Presence’s consciousness. After which, he created other beings, deities, and demons who would go on to rule their own sections of the multiverse.

Plans Go Awry

That didn’t happen, as his creations had wills of their own. The First Of The Fallen goes and decides that God is mad, and is banished to Hell. A Guardian that The Presence had created, Kronus, then went rogue, and looked back in time and witnessed something he probably shouldn’t have. A). A secret manifestation of The Presence, known as The Hand, who shaped the Multiverse, and B). The creation of a female who was a companion to Adam She rebelled against The Presence and found herself being banished to hell.

Rebellion against The Presence

The Presence then took the form of The Presence, speaking to his creation, only in voice, which led many to doubt his judgment. Samael then decided that all of creation should write their own destiny, and not follow God’s plan. He then leads a rebellion against The Presence.

The Archangel, Michael, and his cohorts eventually defeat Samael. He and his fellow rebels are thrown into hell. The Presence, believing that Samael would do better being away from him, gives him command of hell (knowing what that would lead to.) Samael assumes the name Lucifer and goes on to ruin humanity’s relationship with The Presence.

Ultimately, the fall of humanity was also part of The Presence’s plan, as he desired all of creation to write their own destinies. To choose for themselves, what is right, and what is wrong. The story that plays out throughout all the comics in the DC Universe is The Presence’s plan, in motion. If that isn’t power, we don’t know what is.

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Fans often compare two characters who are of similar ability. Comparisons between Superman and Goku have been made, even villains have been pitted against one another, with Marvel’s Thanos being set head-to-head against DC’s super menace, Darkseid.

Screw Attack’s Death Battle is pitting characters of similar ability from different universes against one another. There are various comparisons between characters being bandied about on the internet, though the chiefest who-beats-who debate has raged around the subject of Superman vs Goku.

With that having been settled twice the victor of that debate seems to, nowadays, seems to be getting ready for his next match-up. The Man of Steel, being the ultimate hero that he is, seems to have internet forums buzzing about whether or not he could hold his own against the severely underwhelmed Saitama.

Similarities between Saitama and Superman

It is almost no surprise that the pair of superheroes would have the world rally behind either one in a deathmatch. They are both the most powerful beings in their respective universes and there are few who can equal them in strength.

Superman has super strength, immeasurable speed, as well as unnatural durability. Saitama boasts the same abilities, but that is the end of their similarity. The two characters are both very different.

Differences

Both Superman, and Saitama’s strength, speed, and durability come from different sources. While Superman derives his power from a yellow sun, Saitama, on the other hand, claims to have gained his speed through a regular training regime; 100 pushups, 100 situps, 100 squats, and a 10km run a day.

While there are things that suggest that Saitama’s abilities could come from a different source, it is yet unconfirmed. In terms of character, The Man of Steel appears to carry the air of a Messianic figure. One who dutifully rises to the occasion, whatever the cost. Always striving to be an example for those who idolized him, he is usually depicted with an intense look on his face, complete with a furrowed brow.

Saitama, you could say, is the complete opposite of the Superman character. Saitama exists in a comedic world, so he was designed to poke fun at the typical superhero character. The fellow is often depicted in a very unserious stance, almost slouching, with his shoulders drawn slightly forward and back bent. Quite couch potato-esque.

The look on Saitama’s face, very telling of his frustration at his full abilities going unchallenged, show’s a state of perpetual boredom. He is less interested in his public image than Superman is, and finds the opinions of others quite bothersome.

So Who Wins?

Well that requires some discussing. Superman’s physiology is very different to the rest of humanity, as he is born of Krypton. Though Saitama may be strong, fast, and pretty-damn tough, he is, for the most part, still human.

That means he doesn’t have many of the powers that Superman comes packed with, which could give him an advantage. Though Saitama has stood up to blasts that would obliterate an ordinary human, Superman has survived the destruction of planets, and has gone into the Sun and come out in one piece.

So on paper, Superman would probably beat Saitama if they were to go at it. That conclusion stands until the true source, or a full measure, of Saitama’s power is revealed.

*Feature Image Courtesy of AntonTheBatman via DeviantArt.com

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The joker’s true identity has been a mystery since the character existed. It has come to form part of the Clown Prince of Crime’s appeal as, due to his anonymity, his obsession with The Bat also remains a puzzle. 30 years after Batman: The Killing Joke first explored the possibility of discovering the purple clad ne’er do wells true identity, Three Jokers picks up where that story arc left off. 

Johns, and Fabok teamed up once again, since Justice League’s DarkSeid War. This time, they come closer to resolving the mysteries that underpin the years-long dance between Batman and the Joker. Three Jokers, draws  Batman’s from copping a squat on the Möbius Chair, in DarkSeid War revealed about the Joker’s identity, there are three of the buggers. 

Meet The Jokers

The first book, in to three book miniseries hits the ground running, with the Jokers simultaneously running around Gotham, causing havoc. This means the team of Batman, Bad-Girl, & Red Hood (formerly, Robin) have their hands full, dealing with Joker related ghosts. The Joker’s, who now seem quite intent on making their existence known to the Bat, are three very distinct characters. 

The Comedian is a version of the Joker, who is more a prankster who has taken a liking to Batman. His main objective is to bug the Bat, till one of the dies. Nothing more

The Criminal is a more brooding Joker, he presents the image of an incredibly serious mobster, with a slightly psychotic bent. This is the Joker that masterminds an operation to create the perfect Joker. One that will really mess with the Batman’s psyche.

The Clown is an all-out nut, sadistic. The Joker character has been reinvented repeatedly throughout the life of the Batman story, but he seems to be the Joker from  Death In The Family. Violent, and twisted.

All three Jokers represent different era’s in the character’s life, with the Comedian being the original Joker from The Killing Joke, while the Criminal appears to be the brooding Joker who appears in the standalone Joker series. 

The Story 

We find our heroes still licking their wounds, after all these years, from their respective close encounters with the Joker.  Jason Todd, or Red Hood, actually bit the dust at the hands of one of the Jokers in Batman: Death In The Family. He’s out for revenge this time, so the Bat must restrain Todd, while dealing with the three Jokers, suddenly making themselves very known. 

The Jokers soon reveal their plan to create a perfect Joker, one that will keep the Bat extremely busy – or drive him mad. Their recent spate of killings – it is revealed – have been geared towards that end, all candidates have just not been good enough, up to this point. So the Jokers break into prison to kidnap someone linked to the childhood trauma that led to the existence of the Batman persona in the first place. 

The protagonists’ emotions run high as the story unfolds, bickering among themselves –  there are some heated exchanges between Red Hood and Batman – as they come to grips with the Joker’s role in their pain. There are some – long overdue – resolutions to some of these ghosts, especially on the part of the Bat, which may set the scene for a different kind of Batman, going forward. At least, one who isn’t so haunted by his past. 

The brief romance between Red Hood, and Bat-Girl – on the other hand – takes a different turn. Red Hood, however, ends up on the path towards healing from his tragedy. Expect behavioral changes on that front as well. 

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The Dark Nights Death Metal crossover event was one that saw the Dark Knight take on many of the characteristics, and appearances, of some of the DC universe’s best known characters. Taking an unorthodox – and surprising –  approach to the  DC comics canon, the crossover event gained critical acclaim for all the interesting iterations of Batman it presented copy-after-copy. However, it went – full throttle – into the wild side when, in this 5th installment, the Bat was fuzed with the Main Man.

Creative duo, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo, introduced the unapologetically boisterous last Czarnian, Lobo into the Dark Nights Narrative in a fashion, fitting for a character such as the Bastich. The Intergalactic bounty hunter finds himself pitted against a Bruce Wayne who has injected himself with Czarnian DNA, in order to meet Lobo on an equal footing. This introduction led to a three part spin-off, starring Lobo, Dark Nights Death Metal Infinite Hour Exxxteme.

“Pull up a chair, ya bastiches-it’s time for Uncle Lobo’s Infinite Hour! It’s your chance to let the Main Man Lobo-tomize you with familiar yet freaky stories of the DC Universe, exactly as he remembers them: with blood and guts and exxxtreme gratuitous violence! Tell yer comics guy to put you down for alllll the copies!” – Lobo

Lobo had featured, rather briefly, earlier in the Dark Nights crossover event, before being sent on a mysterious assignment – across the university – by employer, Lex Luther.  Dark Night Death Metal Infinite Hour Exxxtreme ties in the happenings that took place during the Main Man’s trip across the universe, in three parts. Each book in the tie-in  is done by a different creative team, but the overall feel remains  in keeping with the overall spirit of the narrative.

While minding his Bastich business, Lobo is accosted by a part-Czarnian Batman – who resembles Lobo in appearance, and attitude – who refers to himself as The Batman who Frags. This character takes on the role of antagonist, to Lobo’s anti-hero.

This special is a full throttle, from-start-to-finish, brutality extravaganza that fans of the parodical antihero’s antics. In the first book, Becky Cloonan sets the stage for some developments that ripple into the main crossover narrative. While, in the last book, Humphries tails a set of light hearted – but still very Lobo – tails, that give new-comers a glimpse into the psyche of the Main Man.

Tyler Kirkman’s pencil work is given vivid, and fitting, life by colorist Arif Prianto. The two work to patch together the most thrilling action sequences of the spin-off, while Lobo contends with the Batman who Frags. Rags Morales, & Andrew Dalhouse, on the other hand, lend experience with the introduction of a character that Morales has a history with, while Cowan, Sotomayor,  and Sienkiewicz deliver a telling of iconic DC events, from the Main Man’s perspective.

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The news was first teased by veteran Batman/Catwoman comic writer, Tom King, in a tweeted image depicting the two oddly-matched lovers – one is a crime fighter, and the other is a criminal – standing on a gargoyle while holding each other in a warm embrace. It was later revealed, that the Catwoman is pregnant.

The tweet was the harbinger of a new comic series, spinning off from an 85 issue run, Batman series. In the new book, King and fellow artist Clay Mann explore the couple’s five decade long fling on a deeper level than ever before, featuring more tender moments between the Bat and Catwoman, also known as Selina Kyle.

Catwoman, after finding that she’s pregnant, has a harder time accepting the new reality than her partner Batman does. He seems thrilled at the news, and immediately switches to doting father mode. Catwoman goes through a denial phase, while the father of her unborn child displays an uncharacteristic degree of concern.

The surprise pregnancy is meant to be the culmination of a 50 year long, on-again-off-again romance that has seen its fair share of rough patches. What better way than to have the two move on to a more committed position in their relationship? We always thought it would end with one of them dead.

The two have had the hots for each other since 1940, with the release of the first Batman comic, Batman No.1, where the attraction between the two is immediately obvious. A 1977 Comic, DC Super-Stars No. 17, depicts an alternate reality where the Cat – as she was originally called – gives up her life of crime, marries Bruce Wayne, and goes on to have a daughter named Helena. It is not yet clear if this narrative will be revisited by King and Mann, as they’ve kind of led with the bun.

The relationship has not been without its rocky moments, as Catwoman once – in a fit of jealous rage – tried to slash the Bat’s thoat. Over the years, the two have switched roles, become pirate king and queen, broken up, comforted and mourned each other.

In the new series -as the few pages that have been released suggest – the Bat and Cat, are presented with the very unconventional challenge of being a parent with a secret identity. These are two people, who are set in their ways, having to deal with a reality neither had planned for. Catwoman even sarcastically jokes about becoming a housecat.

Mann will be doing all the drawing for the new series, as he has done with many other Batman/Catwoman titles. The comic’s release has been delayed, due to the creative forces behind the work wanting to deliver a stand-alone Dark Knight Returns-like narrative. While the series is set for release sometime later in the year, fans are offered a glimpse of the new narrative in a short story featured in Catwoman 80th Anniversary commemorative release.

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