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Post by All Star Batman on Jul 27, 2008 17:23:05 GMT -5
SDCC '08 - More on Gaiman-Batman with Dan DiDio
By Matt Brady
posted: 27 July 2008 04:27 pm ETBuzz up! del.icio.us
As announced in the “DC Nation: One Weekend Later” panel on Sunday at San Diego Comic-Con, and exclusively on video at Newsarama right here , Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert will team in January of 2009 for a Batman story entitled, “Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?”
The slide announcing the project and team was met with loud applause at the panel, and while seeing Gaiman return to comics is a big deal, for DC fans, the announcement is something of a bigger deal.
Why? The title – it’s an obvious homage/reference to 1986’s “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?” written by Alan Moore, with art by Curt Swan, George Perez and Kurt Schaffenberger. The two issue story, which spanned Superman and Action Comics was a loving tribute by Moore to Superman, and is easily among Superman fans top five all time Superman stories.
Essentially, Moore’s story closed the chapter on an entire age of Superman, ending the character’s Silver Age continuity in preparation for the reboot helmed by John Byrne. Is history going to repeat itself in Gotham City?
Newsarama caught up with Dan DiDio just after the DC Nation panel for a few quick questions.
Newsarama: Dan, obviously the title is a reference to Alan Moore’s Superman story, “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?” Are there parallels between this story and that one?
Dan DiDio: There are a number of parallels to that. There’s a very particular reason why we call it that, and that information will be coming out later on, but with this, we wanted to get someone of that particular stature to tell this story, a story that will really define the years of Batman’s life.
NRAMA: How did you get Neil to sign on for this project? With his novels and film careers going full tilt, he has pulled back on his comic work a lot lately...
DD: Neil and I have been talking for several years, and I’ve been trying to find something for him in the DC Universe, and as you said, he’s been rather busy lately, but we always kept the conversation going. I kept on pitching him projects and ideas with the hope that one would really just electrify him and pull him in, and I believe this is the one, and he is really bringing it all to the story.
NRAMA: And it’s also a re-teaming of Andy Kubert with Neil for the first time since 1602 at Marvel...
DD: Right. One of the first things that Andy wanted to do when he came to DC was to work with Neil again. We’ve been talking about different things for a while now, and I’m really happy we were able to put them on something like this together. I think it’s going to bring out the best from both of them,
NRAMA: What format will the project take?
DD: Two issues in January – one issue of Batman and one of Detective Comics. Both slightly oversized.
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Post by arkhaminmate on Jul 29, 2008 3:00:29 GMT -5
I'm really looking forward to it, Neil's my favorite novelist, & one of my fave comic book writers. But I'm incredibly scared about what's happening with Batman. I think restarting the series is a terrible idea, I don't want to see that happen. If Grant does anything of that sort he had better wipe the entire DC slate clean, I think it's just rediculous.
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Post by jlavaia on Jul 29, 2008 8:15:13 GMT -5
I'm really looking forward to it, Neil's my favorite novelist, & one of my fave comic book writers. But I'm incredibly scared about what's happening with Batman. I think restarting the series is a terrible idea, I don't want to see that happen. If Grant does anything of that sort he had better wipe the entire DC slate clean, I think it's just rediculous. there's a few characters that have stories like this coming. i too, hope that this doesnt mean a reboot for any of them, especially Batman. also, this isnt a Morrison project or idea, this was Dan Didio's idea. Morrison has nothing to do with this story. he's not an editor for Batman, just a writer that's writing the title and he's not even writing these 2 issues. |
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Post by All Star Batman on Jul 29, 2008 12:41:38 GMT -5
I'm really looking forward to it, Neil's my favorite novelist, & one of my fave comic book writers. But I'm incredibly scared about what's happening with Batman. I think restarting the series is a terrible idea, I don't want to see that happen. If Grant does anything of that sort he had better wipe the entire DC slate clean, I think it's just rediculous. Batman and Detective are two of the longest running titles DC has, and I don't see them rebooting them with new #1s. I mean, Detective is very close to issue 1000! |
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Post by jlavaia on Jul 29, 2008 13:28:09 GMT -5
I'm really looking forward to it, Neil's my favorite novelist, & one of my fave comic book writers. But I'm incredibly scared about what's happening with Batman. I think restarting the series is a terrible idea, I don't want to see that happen. If Grant does anything of that sort he had better wipe the entire DC slate clean, I think it's just rediculous. Batman and Detective are two of the longest running titles DC has, and I don't see them rebooting them with new #1s. I mean, Detective is very close to issue 1000! they can reboot a series without going back to issue 1. remember when they rebooted Superman after Crisis on Infinite Earths the issue counts remained the same and didnt skip a beat, they just added a new title. Action Comics remained at the number it was at and is still going. speaking of issue 1000s, i wonder if they'll put Detective Comics out twice a month for a few months to catch it up to Action Comics and have both hit 1000 in the same month. they're only about 20 issues apart. |
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Post by IamI on Jul 29, 2008 16:40:34 GMT -5
speaking of issue 1000s, i wonder if they'll put Detective Comics out twice a month for a few months to catch it up to Action Comics and have both hit 1000 in the same month. they're only about 20 issues apart. That's a good point. It seems lately the Batman titles have been sporadic as opposed to coming out the same week month after month. Or maybe its me? |
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Post by All Star Batman on Aug 5, 2008 14:23:07 GMT -5
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Post by IamI on Aug 5, 2008 17:12:27 GMT -5
Ugh! Hasn't DiDio heard of Knightfall & Prodigal? Been there, done that. At least I will be saving some money in the near future.
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Post by jlavaia on Aug 5, 2008 17:30:39 GMT -5
well if that happens then we can definitely say that R.I.P. is not in continuity or it takes place well before Final Crisis. it was stated that R.I.P. takes place before Final Crisis. Bruce Wayne is Batman in Final Crisis. so something is off. i'm thinking Didio is just letting Morrison write whatever he wants and already has a writer lined up to write the retcon. it seems to be Morrison's MO. he starts a run off great, but ends it horribly and with a very controversial ending that ends up being changed b/c he doesnt he respect the other writers who write the characters in seperate book and who did it first and better and will do it after him better as well. X-Men is the perfect example. Chris Claremont (who is a god when it comes to the X-Men) tells Morrison not to kill Magneto as he was using him in Excaliber. Morrison decides, screw the greatest writer to ever write these characters, and kills Magneto off anyway. what happens, Chuck Austen comes in after Morrison and has to undo what Morrison did. he did, and Morrison left Marvel. i cant see it being true if R.I.P. is in continuity.
the only way they can pull this off, is if it's only for those 2 issues. and if that's the case then it's like IamI said, been there, done that. and it was done a whole lot better in those 2 arcs.
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Post by dhunter333 on Aug 6, 2008 15:40:37 GMT -5
did i read that correctly
nightwing becomes batman and red hood becomes red robin
you can mess with bruce wayne as batman.....BUT NOT PERMANENTLY!
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Post by anthonywayne on Aug 13, 2008 10:57:24 GMT -5
A reboot might be a great idea - that way, we can get back to the basics (at least for a while).
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Post by All Star Batman on Sept 15, 2008 16:24:04 GMT -5
Though not the actual story itself, but I think this one sets it up:  DETECTIVE COMICS #851 Written by Dennis O’Neil Art by Guillem March Cover by Guillem March Variant cover by Tony Daniel “Last Days of Gotham” part 1 of 2! Longtime BATMAN writer and editor Dennis O’Neil returns to The Dark Knight for this special two-part tale. Joined by artistic rising star Guillem March (JOKER’S ASYLUM: POISON IVY), O’Neil’s “Last Days of Gotham” dives into the soul of a city that has lost its most famous citizen, its favorite son, its beloved protector. How will Gotham City react in the wake of the horrible tragedy that has befallen The Caped Crusader? Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 10 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Alex Ross), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Tony Daniel). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information. On sale December 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US BATMAN #684 Written by Dennis O’Neil Art by Guillem March Cover by Alex Ross Variant cover by Tony Daniel “Last Days of Gotham” part 2 of 2! In a world without a Batman, what happens when Commissioner Gordon lights the Bat-signal, in desperate need of assistance against the growing tide of crime sweeping his city? What does Nightwing do when his longtime partner fails to aid him in yet another of Two-Face’s villainous assaults against Gotham? Without The Dark Knight to protect its walls, Gotham City may be facing its final days! Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 10 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Alex Ross), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Tony Daniel). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information. On sale December 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US |
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Post by electri on Sept 20, 2008 12:38:27 GMT -5
batman is no more then?
(cuz bruce is then gone if what i'm hearing is true)
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Doomsday
Legions of Gotham Police Officer
Y'wanna know how I got these scars?
Posts: 234
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Post by Doomsday on Sept 20, 2008 15:22:32 GMT -5
So Batmans gone and Nightwing becomes Batman? I dont understand what happened to Bruce though.
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Post by jlavaia on Sept 20, 2008 20:39:00 GMT -5
these issues come out in December, so the previews must be vague as to not spoil the issues that have yet to come out.
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Post by All Star Batman on Oct 20, 2008 16:33:31 GMT -5
 DETECTIVE COMICS #852 Written by Paul Dini Art by Dustin Nguyen & Derek Fridolfs Cover by Andrew Robinson A “Faces of Evil” issue starring Hush! Following the events of "Heart of Hush," this two-part story starts here and ends in the pages of this month’s BATMAN #685. Catwoman has a score to settle with Hush after their most recent encounter, but Hush isn't likely to take any attacks quietly. Will anyone be able to temper Selina's rage, or will she become a face of evil again? And be sure to check out part two of this story on page 72! On sale January 7 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US  BATMAN #685 Written by Paul Dini Art by Dustin Nguyen & Derek Fridolfs Cover by Alex Ross A “Faces of Evil” issue starring Catwoman! Continuing from this month’s DETECTIVE COMICS #852, Selina Kyle’s path of vengeance against Hush knows no bounds! After confronting the man responsible for nearly destroying her life, Selina’s wrath propels her into a downward spiral. With Tommy Elliot almost certain to suffer dire consequences, could Catwoman’s humanity be next to perish? And be sure to check out part one of this story on page 77! On sale January 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US |
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Post by havedunter74 on Nov 13, 2008 8:03:59 GMT -5
I find it an interesting idea, i think there is a time when a character needs freshening up but to "kill" off Batman then a month later there he is fighting crime at the start of his career seems a bit odd.
maybe im getting a bit confused. aslong as Bruce stays Batman i couldnt care less.
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Post by beserkerclaw on Nov 13, 2008 17:11:15 GMT -5
the way i under stand it is that nothing changes bruce wayne as batman in r.i.p. just that he is 'different according to Grant. But after Final Crisis he will no longer be Batman. so the order is r.i.p. "Batman 682-683 then Final Crisis followed by Last Days of Gotham and the Hush Selina story and Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader. I do not think there is a reboot just that One of the people from March's Battle for the Cowl will become the new Batman i guess and hope is Dick Grayson
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Post by jlavaia on Nov 13, 2008 19:35:33 GMT -5
"last days of Gotham" takes place before Final Crisis. Battle for the Cowl might as well, not 100% on where that will fit yet.
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Post by beserkerclaw on Nov 14, 2008 2:02:22 GMT -5
no last days of gotham is after final crisis the solititations say as much saying batman is gone which happens in Final Crisis. Grant said it is r.i.p. then Last rites(682-683) Then Final Crisis which will be followed by Last Days
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Post by havedunter74 on Nov 14, 2008 7:37:03 GMT -5
What a way to go and f**k up quite possibly the greatest comic book hero ever created.
i hope DC sort their s**t out
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Post by All Star Batman on Nov 18, 2008 17:48:18 GMT -5
  BATMAN #686 Written by Neil Gaiman Art by Andy Kubert & Scott Williams Covers by Andy Kubert and Alex Ross Variant sketch cover by Andy Kubert “Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?” part 1 of 2! Best-selling author Neil Gaiman (THE SANDMAN) and superstar artist Andy Kubert (BATMAN, Marvel 1602) join forces for a special 2-part BATMAN event! “Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader” is a captivating and mysterious tale the likes of which Batman and friends have never experienced before. Delving into the realms of life, death and the afterlife, Gaiman leaves no stone unturned as he explores every facet and era of Bruce Wayne’s life. Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers by Andy Kubert and Alex Ross that will ship in approximately 50/50 ratio. For every 50 copies of the Standard Editions, retailers may order one copy of the Variant Sketch Edition (with a cover by Andy Kubert). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information. On sale February 11 • 48 pg, FC, $3.99 US  DETECTIVE COMICS #853 Written by Neil Gaiman Art by Andy Kubert & Scott Williams Cover by Andy Kubert Variant sketch cover by Andy Kubert “Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?” part 2 of 2! This second part of Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert’s special collaboration is sure to be a BATMAN story for the ages. This extraordinary tale, told as only Gaiman and Kubert can, explores the intricate relationships between Bruce Wayne and his friends and adversaries and builds toward an exciting and unexpected climax. It’s a classic in the making! Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 50 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Andy Kubert), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Sketch Edition (with a cover by Andy Kubert). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information. On sale February 25 • 48 pg, FC, $3.99 US |
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Post by All Star Batman on Apr 30, 2009 21:10:05 GMT -5
Finally got part two today. Overall, this story is a very enjoyable read. Neil Gaiman is a fantastic writer, and the same can be said about Kubert as an artist. And it's true. No matter what, Batman is Batman he will not stop until he dies, but he will live on forever. If you like Batman in anyway, you'll love this story. Some people may complain that Batman may not get anything special for his 70th anniversary this year, but actually, this is it people. Gaiman and Kubert pay tribute to the rich 70 years Batman has had in an amazing story that I highly recommend any Batfan out there.
9.5/10
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Post by All Star Batman on May 20, 2009 12:22:41 GMT -5
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