The Dark Knight Blog and Journals

Manga Book Review: Bat-manga

By Chip Kidd, Geoff Spear, and Saul Ferris

Manga Stories/Artwork by Jiro Kuwata

Reviewed by Howard Lee Tomatovision TV

 

It seems like Batman is every where these days. We see the Dark Knight at the movies making over $1 billion dollars world wide and the Batman TV show is being aired some where in the world (We get reruns here in Chicago) and now the anime version of Batman with the release of Gotham Knights. It's this part of the Batman legend that writers have explored in their new book Batmanga. It's a look at Batman's influence on manga during the 60's. That brings us back to the Batman TV series of the 60's. I was one of those youngsters who watched Batman and got caught up in Bat mania a condition I still have today little did I know that in Japan Bat mania was just as strong.

Now thanks to writers they have discovered Batman manga from the 60's that has not been seen in Japan or the U.S. in over 40 years they have put together new material that adds to the Batman lore. Batmanga is a retelling of three Batman stories from the late 50's and early 60's from Batman and Detective comics plus one new story never before seen in the U.S. they are all drawn in the manga style by Jiro Kuwata who is the creator of 8th Man.  In the Japanese style reading from left to right there are six stores featured in Batmanga the first of these stories Batman fights the second Clay face Matt Hagen renamed Ferris. Just as in the U.S. story Ferris escapes from prison and discovers a mysterious pool that gives him shape shifting powers. He uses to steal jewels and paintings and just like the U.S. story he is captured by Batman and Robin and sent back to prison.

 In the second story Lord Death has no counterpart in the U.S. that I know of its totally original. This story focuses more on Bruce Wayne then Batman. Lord Death is a criminal that is killed by Batman during a robbery and is buried. So the case should be over right? Wrong Lord Death begins to haunt the dreams of Bruce Wayne to the point of madness. Then Lord Death returns from the dead and begins his reign of crime all over again. Just as before Batman sees Lord Death killed but again he rises from the dead. What is his secret of how he can return from the dead Batman must find out soon to save his own sanity?  This story alone is well worth getting the Batmanga book.In the third story Batman must fight the villain called Weather Wizard Go-Go who has the power with his weather rod. He is intent on destroying all of Gotham City. But mainly Batman and another hero known as the Magician he does this by freezing him to death.

Fans of the Flash comics will not doubt think Weather Wizard from the Flash and how tried to use the weather to kill him. Same thing happens in this story Batman defeats Weather Wizard Go-Go by using the weather against him. In the fourth story Batman must battle with the evil scientist Dr. Denton who lost his face due to an accident of his making. Now he is going after Batman to destroy Batman face. This put both men on a course that can only leads to the destruction of one. Like the Lord Death story I have not seen any U.S. counterpart for this story.

 In the fifth story revolves around an experiment gone wrong. A scientist accidentally switched his brain with a gorilla. The gorilla has a hatred of mankind now with the intelligence of the scientist he goes on a reign of terror through the city. Batman must stop but only by going through the same procedure the scientist when through to defeat the gorilla. Many old school DC fans will see this story as a cross between Grood and Congorilla.   In the final story is about a government official that is undergoing a change that makes him evolves into a future version of man. He is afraid that his future self might see mankind as weak and inferior so he ask a group of scientist to shoot him into space if this happens. As the official continues to evolve his fears come to light he become a threat. Now it up to Batman and Robin to stop him, but can Batman break his code against killing to save the world? There is another part to this story the official has a daughter with the same gene will a risky operation save her from the same fate as her father? You will have to read Batmanga to find out.

 The stories in Batmanga are taken from the time when Batman fought strange villains when to outer space and travel to strange dimensions to fight crime. Granted they are not the stories Batman fans are used to now but they are a lot of fun to read.  Batmanga has another special surprise for Batman collectors. In between the stories are full color photos of Batman toys, books and games that came out in Japan in the 60's.  I was thrilled to see many of the Batman robots, planes, and of course Bat mobiles that were produced in Japan. As a toy collector for over 30 years and a Batman fan for over 40 years this section alone was worth the price of the book. But for every up there is a down my only complaint or observation is the artwork the artist is the creator of 8^th man wait before you say "Howard  8^th man is a manga and anime classic character" I know I like 8^th man I have him as one of my avatars.  But that's the point Jiro Kuwata drew Batman alter ego Bruce Wayne to look like 8^th man so sometimes I thought I was reading 8^th man instead of Batman. Other than that Batmanga should definitely be added to any collector of Batman, manga, and toys. Batmanga spreads its wings over all three.

  Personal Notes:

Reading Batmanga brings back memories of another Batman book called "Batmania in the Netherlands" by Klaus Dejirker in the 80's I did research on that book that like Batmanga took a look at Batman's effects on the Netherlands in the 60's. Two things we founded out was that the Batman movie in the 60's was so popular that kids would not go to school but to the movie so the Batman movie would not play until after school was out.  Another was the beer company Amstel had an unusual promotion the Batman beer mask that could only be gotten if you sent in 5 Amstel beer labels. I could just see some parent being ask by his child "Dad drink more beer so I can get my Batman mask". That's wild unfortunately the Batmania book never made it to the U.S. that's a shame. Who knows one day some one will write a book called "Batmania around the World"

 For more information about or to join Tomatovision TV visit our website  at <a href="http://www.tomatovision.bravehost.com">Tomatovision TV</a> or email us at tomatovisiontv@yahoo.com

To purchase a copy of Batmanga that come in a soft and hard cover versions you can go to <a rel="nofollow" xhref=http://www.rightstuf.com/catalog/browse/link/t=item,c=right-stuf,v=right-stuf,a=tomatovision-tv,i= 9780375714849>RightStuf for $29.95 Soft cover</a>

 The deluxe, expanded, and limited hardcover edition has a distinctly different cover, full-color printed endpapers, and an extra adventure written by Jiro Kuwata (not included in the paperback), about a band of rogue alien robot art thieves at large in Gotham City. Guess who gets called in to save the day.

 <a rel="nofollow" xhref=http://www.rightstuf.com/catalog/browse/link/t=item,c=right-stuf,v=right-stuf,a=tomatovision-tv,i= 9780375425455

>RightStuf for $60.00 Hard cover</a>

 <a rel="nofollow" xhref=http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=65322&u=138292&m=8908&urllink=&afftrack=

>TFAW</a>

Hard cover Version

Pantheon Books; October 29, 2008

$60.00  $48.00
You save 20%

edited by Chip Kidd; translated by Anne Ishii In 1966, during the height of the first Batman craze, a weekly Japanese manga anthology for boys, Shonen King, licensed the rights to commission its own Batman and Robin stories. A year later, the stories stopped. Now, in this gorgeously produced book, hundreds of pages of...

 

Soft cover Version

Pantheon Books; October 29, 2008

$29.95  $26.95
You save 10%

edited by Chip Kidd; translated by Anne Ishii In 1966, during the height of the first Batman craze, a weekly Japanese manga anthology for boys, Shonen King, licensed the rights to commission its own Batman and Robin stories. A year later, the stories stopped. Now, in this gorgeously produced book, hundreds of pages of...

 

Im a Golden God!! (Almost Famous)
Cameron Crowe's masterpiece killed me.  Yep with one lame scene. Old Russell Hammond standing on the rooftop terribly drunk and doped screaming to amusement of the morons watching him.  Frankly I dont know why I like this scene.  This guy friend of mine used to imatitate this scene for his fun and my entertainment.  Maybe we're one of those stupid people clapping down at the pool.


Anyway this is how close to a Golden God Billy Crudup could be.


Someday We'll Know- A Walk to Remember
Yep.  Its the part that jerked my tears. When they played out that song with Jaimie and Landon having the time of each other even though they knew she's going to die.  Oh its just too much hell of emotions even without dialogues and all.



Luke I'm your father- Empire Strikes Back
Probably the most famous Star Wars line ever.  People cant forget it because nobody expected it.



Kissing Under the Rain-The Notebook
Voted as one of the most romantic movie kisses of all time thats just about it, sheer romanticism.



I'll Be There For You-A Lot Like Love
Suckers for chick flicks considers this as a major aww moment.  Imagine the guy crossing the boundaries of embarassment just to show his sincerity.  Though movies made them look cute.


Super Super Slow Mo Arrow-Fellowship of the Ring
Well this split second scene summarized the cinematic greatness of Lord of the rings.  It took the viewers breath, short but a lasting amazement.
(unfortunately I cant find a video)

Tonite We Dine in Hell-300
For the sheer epicness of it.  Man was Jonathan Davis, Kurt Cobain and Axl Rose proud of King Leonidas.  Hands down to Gerald Butlers killer abs.



Opening Scene-Sound of Music
It was classic.  It was highly recognizable and also had been parodied couple of times.


Yep.  When Cameron Poe(then sexy Nic Cage) picked up the bunny it made a lump on my throat.  When Casey Poe said "I had a picture of you" tears are already streaming down my face.



Final Scene-  Saving Private Ryan
It makes you loathe war even more. 



Why So Serious?-The Dark Knight
The three words that earned an Academy Award.  How he said is was haunting.

It's January 1st, and i'm thinking what a great year 2008 was. I found shit loads of new music, books and movies. I can't wait to see what 2009 has in store. Here's my Top 5 of 2008.

1. All Time Low

"Jack likes thrust". Seriously, these guys are hilarious. I can only imagine what they were like in high school. The best bit: they don't take themselves too seriously. Their music speaks for itself: fun, energetic and carefree. I kicked myself too many times when I missed the chance to see them at Soundwave in Australia. This year, i'm looking forward to their new album, videos and possisbly another tour. They made my year.

 

2. The Maine

These guys are something. I've had the pleasure and privilage of following them since way back when. They've made me feel like a mother: immensely proud and overwhelmed. They are not too commercial, yet they have the potential for so much more. I can only see a bright future ahead. They are, as John says "Down to party".

 

3. Buzznet

Buzznet.com. Really, I feel more at home here than in my own house. I'm so grateful that I signed up, there's so many amazing people on here. It's the best site i've come across. It's not complicated like Myspace, and you can do so much more than Bebo. I'll stay with Buzznet until the very last nano second.

4.The Dark Knight

I really shouldn't have to explain. Only idiots haven't seen it. People who say that this movie wasn't a reson to love 2008 are mentally retarded.

 

 

5.Twilight

This gave me the most laughs. This is the reason why 12 year old girls are in love with homeless people. Honestly, Twilight, gave me the best workout ever. Bless Twihards souls. The movie was hilarious. Anyone who actually thought this was a good movie is stupid. It has a $2 budget. I mean really, did they find Robert Pattinson and the homeless shelter? And Kristen Stewart at a rehab center?

 

So there is 2008. These are in fact my opinions. So don't take offense.

 

 

 

 

 

 

   The Dark Knight...  I think Heath Ledger was amazing. His best role ever. But I agree with the voice changing of Christian Bale being annoyingly unnecessary. I understand he was trying to disguise his voice so people wouldn't figure out his true identity, but was it really necessary??? NO.  I think they should make another movie but not replace Ledger. They should have Charlize Theron or Angelina Jolie as Catwoman and someone cool to play Bane. WHY HAVEN'T THEY DEBUTED BANE!?!?!?!  >.<  Arnold should of played Bane...   ...not Mr. Freeze. BLAH! 

  Also, what about Holly (AKA Harlequin)?  Why wasn't she in The Dark Knight?  I think if by some creepy chance they replace Ledger, they should bring on Holly, and cast Brittany Murphy. 

 

coughmichaelkeatonplayedthebestdarkknightever(sofar)cough       XD

 

I heard rumors of another movie with possibly:  Johnny Depp as The Riddler, Angelina Jolie as Catwoman, and Phillip Seymor Hoffman as Penguin.

 

Oh!  What about Ron Perlman as Bane!?!??!?!!?!?  Yeah!!!!!   ^_^

 

EDIT: 

Bane appears in the live-action movie Batman and Robin (1997).

 

 They should have him as a main villian and played by someone cool. :

First of all, let me just inform you how much fun 2008 was. My 14th year of life was one of my best, and I'm going to tell you about the 'best of's for a while. These are all things that blew me away this year, and things I miss. Starting Highschool... meeting new people, but most of all finding myself, and who I really am. Hmm, where to start. How about the meaning of my life: MUSIC!

Music!

Best Album:

This album is 100% pure genius, and was the most unique, and musically-oriented album put out this year. From the middle of summer, to a mountain in the middle of the cabins, this album covers all of my favorite bases. Folk, Psychedelic, indie, and cuteness. Just a warning, this band will win most of the favorites awards from moi.

Best Band:

hmm, I wonder why. This one could have been closer... wait, no it couldn't have. This, and 2006, were my years of Panic. (This one probably meaning more, and being more mature). These boys are amazing, talented, and so damn cute. What would I do without them?

 

Best Song:

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that my favorite song of 2008 was About A Girl by The Academy Is... It's one of those songs that makes your heart swell even though it's about break-up and sadness. I love it, I love the guitar, I love the Beckett. Even though this song was a name stealer, it's still amazing.

 

Best Artist that randomly jumped into my life:

Okay, so even though I would chew off my own arm to have Chris back, The Hush Sound is still amazing. I loved meeting them, and discovering their music and personalities. They're all very talented, and amazing, and I can't wait to see what's coming from them! (even if it's without mr. Faller... :[ )

Best Concert:

Honda Civic Tour, June 3rd 2008, 7:00. This truly was the best show I've ever seen put on by anyone. Not only Panic, though. Phantom Planet was amazing, The Hush Sound were unbelievably amazing, Motion City made me happy, and, well... my boys :] Probably one of the happiest days of my life, and the best show I've ever seen. Can't wait for spring.

 

Movies!

Best movie:

 

This movie is pretty much unbeatable. Period. Nothing can beat it. Don't argue. It was masterfully done, clever, and creepy. Heath's proformance of the joker was pure genius, and he deserves a posthumous oscar.

update:

other best movie of 2008:

saw it last night... wo---wow. -blown away- GO SEE IT!

 

 

Best blooming actor:

Michael Cera. Now, this guy kept me laughing through 08. He's such a cute little... innocent actor. His proformance in Juno is gold. pure. gold.

 

Favorite actor over all:

Jim Srurgess. 21 was amazing... almost as good as ATU, which will remain, forever, the greatest movie of all time. I adore him greatly, and I cannot wait for Heartless.

 

Boys!

Biggest crush of 2008:

-drumroll please-

Brendon Boyd Urie. Most talented, amazing, GORGEOUS human being in the world. I swear it. side note: he also has a perfect body. ;]

 

The Runner Up:

Ryan Ross from last year!! Yayyy!

 

Honorable Mention:

I did love this man a lot this year, so he deserves this place. :]

 

Now, I've talked about a lot of the 'best ofs' so, now I'm going to talk about what I'm looking forward to in 2009!

Album:

since there are no pictures yet of any of these up and coming albums, I will just list them off in order and explain a bit why. I did a bit of research! :D

1. Panic At The Disco

they changed SO much from Fever to Pretty. Odd. so I just can't wait to see which direction they decide to take next. Hopefully not 80's glam, haha.

2. Green Day

I've been waiting for this goddamn album since 05. They were my first love, and they'll always have a special place in my heart. Billie says this album is filled with a lot more love, and politically fueled songs, and is influenced by The Beatles and other 60's artists. sweeeeeet.

3. AFI

Wowza, this next album will be amazing. :] Especially because I have a chance of being on it. :D

4. My Chemical Romance

"Full of hate" says Gerard. Good enough reason for me to be excited.

5. Cobra Starship

No clue this album even existed until I got a thing with my Live In Chicago book that said "New Cobra Starship album in early 2009!" wtf. I can't wait!

6. U2

They need to make a comeback. Brandon Flowers can't say shit like that and get away with it!

Conerts:

Panic [again]

Green Day

AFI

Warped

MCR [again, possibly?]

 

Movie:

even though I might not be able to see it -_-

alright I know these lists are so cliche but I'll make mine very short and sweet... here are my personal favorites of the year and the things that defined my year.
music:
Lydia- Illuminate
Forgive Durden- Razia's Shadow
Panic at the Disco- Pretty. Odd.
Fall Out Boy- Folie A Deux
Jack's Mannequin- The Glass Passenger
wow this makes me feel like I have a really pathetic taste in music...
but I just downloaded Kanye and Conor Oberst's cds so maybe my taste will become a little more diverse...

gossip/celebs events
Spice Girls reuinion (I didn't attend but I was a big fan back in the day and I love nastalgic shit like this)
Lindsay Lohan/ Samantha Ronson romance (where the fuck did that come from? One minute she's sucking every dick in Hollywood the next she's with some mediocre DJ- it had everything hilarity, love, and entertainment)
Harry Potter getting pushed back (never has LOLJK been so applicable)
Joe Jonas breaks up with Taytay swift over a phone call and she gets sweet sweet revenge (ahahhaa so predictable, but still what a DOUCHE)
Miley's almost noodies (homegirl bra and panties pics gave Paris' sidekick leak marijuana and coke pictures a run for their money)
the unlimited amount of preggie ladies, cellulite, divorces, and get togethers (I MISS YOU MCGOSLING)

movies
Milk- my godd it was worth all the hype and it was simply amazing, I'm sure I wrote about it in a past entry, but I don't remember
Slumdog Millionaire- even though it's becoming borderline over-hyped I still really loved it when I saw it and it definitely deserves an oscar nom at LEAST
Dark Knight- OF COURSE, I would be ridiculous not to include this beauty on my list, it's on my xmas list also
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas- Wow, when I saw this movie I had no idea what I was in for but I was glad I did. Never before have I had so many emotions during a movie.
Twilight- brought unlimited LOLZ into my life

I was really cultured in movies this year THANKS PHILLY, I normally don't have the opportunity to see so many awesome indie flicks.

I'd include pictures but I'm extremely lazy

And as soon as I leave college I am going to get it because I want to see it so bad! I mean the crappy internet feed does it no justice!

"Sometimes, loyalty gets in the way of what you want to do. Sometimes, it’s not your secret to tell."

The boys next door are fucking ridiculous, and I mean that in the bad way. They blast the WORST music full volume, and it's right next to my bedroom, so my walls are shaking and I can hear every fucking word of it. One of these days I'm seriously going to get some nice speakers up here, and blast death metal when I know they're all in there. Maybe then they'll shut the fuck up.

"Last spring break, I’d been hunted by a vampire, too. I hoped this wasn’t some kind of tradition forming."

At any rate, it's Saturday. I saw some of my friends from home- Shannon & Meaghan- on Thursday after I bought my bus ticket home for Thanksgiving.  It was really nice, and I'm so looking forward to going home. I have so many things I need to do! I need to get my eyes checked, I need to go Black Friday shopping with mom, I need to go to an h&m-- I haven't been to one in MONTHS! There isn't one up here, which is a horrible, terrible thing.

"Leave it to you, Bella. Anyone else would be better off when the vampires left town. But you have to start hanging out with the first monsters you can find."

I went to see a screening of The Dark Knight sponsored by my school last night. It's such a good movie, and I was really excited to see it again, before it's released on DVD. I went with Amanda & Lauren, my roommate, and it was good to do something with just them.

"How strongly are you opposed to grand theft auto?"

After the movie, I ended up going down to Ben's room and hanging out with Brendan and Ryan while he was playing World of Warcraft. I really don't see what the appeal to that game is, other than it looking really pretty on his external monitor.

"In summary, she did jump off a cliff, but she wasn’t trying to kill herself. Bella’s all about the extreme sports these days."

Anyway, since Dana and Brendan are both not here today- Brendan left at 5:30 for a hockey tournament and Dana went home yesterday afternoon- I think I'm going to wake Bennett up and go get food or something.

"It was heaven—right smack in the middle of hell."

Six new Watchmen Posters have hit the internet.


Look, Twilight, both of our movies are being incredibly hyped.  You've got complaints about how they cast your film, we've got a squidless film. You've got Paramore on your soundtrack, we've got My Chemical Romance.  And neither movie will live up to The Dark Knight.  The end.