FILMFAX #159: A NEW FIVE-OUNCE TON OF INTELLIGENT FUN

 

Holy Cheesecake, Batman! Filmfax #159 is a Bat-tastic one, highlighted by a Yvonne Craig/Batgirl salute, featuring a racy rundown of the actress' stand-out episodes and all the melodramatic ups and downs that go along with her classic role. 

And get this! Issue #159 even presents the first part of an interview with Brett Halsey, star of such fan favorites as Return of the Fly; Twice Told Tales; the Atomic Submarine; Revenge of the Creature; Demonia; and High School Hellcats; plus there's an overview of reviews for Bela Lugosi's Dracula: the Play; unearthed Ed Wood fiction; Buck Rogers in print; Cold War scares; and the third chapter of Son of Kong's construction, including Willis O'Brien's woeful trials and tribulations, buffered by the movie's amazing, comic-strip publicity. 

Lots of bonus additives round out the issue, establishing Filmfax #159 as another grand, nostalgic gem. 

Purchase #159 at your nearby book shop, comic store or online hub. You're guaranteed a rapturous time!

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: THE BATMAN FAMILY

Collection Recommendation: Birds of Prey (the WB Series)

During the early stages of "Smallville" and long before "Gotham", an adaptation of DC's "Birds of Prey" visited television screens, thanks to the WB. 

Developed and co-produced by Laeta "Pathfinder" Kalogridis, "Birds of Prey" (2002-03) consists of a mere thirteen episodes, but that doesn't make it any less influential than other acclaimed, short-term series (e.g. "Fantastic Journey", "Logan's Run", "Planet of the Apes"..."Space Rangers"). In fact, "Birds of Prey'"s cultish wings continue to spread.

Like "Smallville", which never committed to the full, Kal-El concept until its final days, "Birds of Prey" skirts around its founding legends. Yes, Batman, Catwoman, Batgirl, the Joker and even the crafty Clayface have roamed the city, but in the scheme of New Gotham, their presence is perceived more in line with Bigfoot and the Jersey Devil: Many claim to have met them, but where's the proof?

The proof exists in Barbara Gordon (Dina "Dragonheart" Meyer)'s diligent and (thanks to the Clown Prince of Crime) disabled persona, Oracle. Proof also stems from Bruce Wayne and Selena Kyle's offspring, Helena, aka Huntress (Ashley "Walking Tall" Scott) and Dinah Redmond/Lance, aka Black Canary Jr. (Rachel "Lost Girl" Skarsten). Dr. Harleen Quinzel (Mia "Legend" Sara) keeps the old evil alive as she progresses into Harley Quinn, while others join our heroines to thwart her, even if they, too, aren't so quick to link the shrink's odious influence.  

Alfred Pennyworth (Ian "Army of Darkness" Abercrombe) and Detective Jesse Reese (Shemar "Death of Superman" Moore) are two such supporting players, encouraging and assisting our crusaders at every turn: the latter peeking-more-from-the-outskirts when it comes to New Gotham's multiplying metahumans.

In fact, Huntress is a metahuman, which means her parents shared the prodigious strand (or at least, one or the other did), but despite the implication, the idea remains an allusion. 

Again, that's the series' one, big drawback: a hesitation to acknowledge its origins head-on.  However, when the show hits the mark, it hits hard and often, with each episode rolling with shapely stamina and fearsome flair. 

I believe my favorite installment is "Split", where the callous Creeper (Brian "Dragonheart" Thompson) and daring Darkstrike (Kristoffer "Devil's Knot" Polaha) engage in a Jekyll/Hyde joust: nothing novel, but well played for its empathetic torment. "Lady Shiva" is memorable for pitting Meyer's spot-on, throwback Batgirl against the smokin', aforementioned vixen (Sung-Hi "Richard III" Lee ). "Gladiatrix" hits a physical high for Dinah's martial-arts prowess, supplemented by an "Amok Time", fight-club bout, promoted by Cyclopian kingpin, Malcolm Lagg (Donovan "The Blob" Leitch Jr.). "Devil's Eyes", the series' captivating conclusion, is the most comic-bookish, phasing Quinzel from wily mesmerist to full-blown, kick-ass loon. 

The vigorous material exceeds most of today's fodder, giving one a notion of how impressive certain classic, Batman characters could have looked on the silver screen a couple decades back, if only amplified by big budgets.  

Even more so, "Birds of Prey" is just plain sexy as hell, often grazing an Eric Stanton fringe. (Huntress' snug attire is worth the admission alone, despite it drifting from its comic-book design.) The show also sprinkles its stories with worthy DC references (even if its primary protagonists stay spectral), rivaling any CW show, though without all that fallacious, political pomp that stains the new stuff. 

One can watch "Birds of Prey" per the DC Universe subscription service, though the DVD box set is accessible through any number of affordable sources. The set includes an alternate cut of the pilot, where Sherilyn "Twin Peaks" Fenn plays Quinzel. (Fenn departed due to a scheduling conflict.) In addition, the collection contains all thirteen episodes of the animated web series, "Gotham Girls".

With a new "Birds of Prey" adaptation in production (where Margot Robbie reprises her "Suicide Squad"/Quinn role, no less), renewed interest in the WB series is unavoidable. Why not get a jump-start on its (re)discovery? There's never a dull moment throughout, with enough gumshoe undertone and searing eye candy to keep viewers hooked for an elating binge.

Collection Recommendation #11: Batman '66 Meets Wonder Woman '77

An on-screen teaming of Adam West's Batman, Burt Ward's Robin and Lynda Carter's Wonder Woman wouldn't have been so far-fetched a few decades back. A couple of Justice League/DC video-taped team-ups featuring West and Ward had become a reality in the '70s (remember Hanna-Barbera's "Legend of  the Superheroes"?); and "Wonder Woman", like West/Ward's classic series, was known to invite big-name stars to the show and sprinkle it with good-spirited camp. Of course, if the crossover had occurred, it would have likely taken place in "Wonder Woman'"s third (Disco Era) season, though a crafty flashback could have connected the earlier periods. 

For what it's worth, such a crossover has reached fruition, and it even features an intriguing, time-linking prelude. "Batman '66 Meets Wonder Woman '77" is a 6-issue collection now available in one, easy-to-grab, affordable (hardback) volume, but to the chagrin of some, the content may prove as peculiar as it's fulfilling.

In this instance, writers Marc "Bruce Wayne: the Road Home" Andreyko and Jeff "Batman '66 Meets the Man from U.N.C.L.E." Parker give us the more recent Dark Knight adversary, Ra's al Ghul, who rejuvenates himself within the legendary Lazarus Pit to resume his post as League of Shadows guru. Along the way, he faces Bruce Wayne, whom he first met during the crime fighter's youth: circa WWII, when Diana Prince/Wonder Woman just happened to be on hand to rescue the youngster. (BTW: the latter initiates a surprising, new genesis for the Caped Crusader.)

Yes, an interesting concept, which does click for the most part, except the look and texture feels post '90s even when we're in the '40s, '60s and '70s, with characters sometimes appearing in tune with their original stations, yet at other times stepping from out molds that are far too extrapolated.

For example, though Ward's Boy Wonder consumes most of the plot, he's replaced (er, that is, becomes) Nightwing in the story's final phase. Whether Ward is, in fact, supposed to be playing the "matured" crime fighter is anybody's guess, since the depicted costume and height variance thwarts a precise impression. One's imagination is left to decide the matter, though for most of us, the idea of recasting would seem illogical, if not undignified. Clarity (via physical emulation or prevailing verbiage) would have helped. 

Also, though West's Bruce Wayne/Batman is represented by an apt likeness, Carter's Diana Prince/Wonder Woman does seem to fluctuate throughout the adventure (as she does in DC/Dynamite's "Wonder Woman '77 Meets the Bionic Woman": soon to be reviewed). At the same time, there's no mistaking the actress' enchanting glow, even when her physicality is blurred. In fact, the mighty Amazon's placement among the panels becomes the team-up's predominate highlight. 

On the whole, therefore, the artwork of David Hahn (as assisted by Karl Kesel; Bill Williams; Wes Abbot; Alex Ross; and "Madpencil") wavers in its execution, though when it counts, never fails to give the exploits a movie-serial vivacity, no matter what the decade. Fans will also appreciate the parade of supplemental characters who visit the panels: some in significant supporting roles and others relegated to cameos.

On the side of virtue, we find Batgirl (an implied, older Yvonne Craig) and Catwoman (okay, her virtue is debatable): at first represented by a villainous Eartha Kitt, who's then replaced by a Julie Newmar/Lee Meredith variant, acting at one point as the Dynamic Duo's for-appearance-only escort to Paradise Island. There's also a sprightly visit from Deborah Winger's Wonder Girl. 

Alas, as a missed-opportunity, Lyle Waggoner's Steve Trevor comes and goes, with any resemblance to the actor being at best minor. A definitive take would have made the performer's inclusion more ironic, since Waggoner was, after all, West's main competitor to portray Batman.

On the henchmen side, we're offered Ra's Al Ghul's daughter, Talia (both in adult and child form); Cesar Romero's Joker; Frank Gorshin's Riddler; and nondescript (though highly detailed) versions of Mr. Freeze; Killer Croc; Clayface; Copperhead; and Cheetah: a grand group for sure, though again, the modern manifestations often distract from the nostalgic feel. In other words, their appearances within their particular landscapes are welcome, but still present an uncanny-valley awkwardness.

In a similar fashion, the story's sprawling backdrops and intricate interludes seize one's attention with their mythological monsters, assailing warriors and CinemaScope maze, but are otherwise a bit much, contradicting what the original shows could have afforded during their runs. (On second thought, such ingredients could have been featured way-back-when, but would have been nowhere near as lustrous as they're drawn and pigmented within this parallel track.)

Again, such see-sawing forces "Batman Meets Wonder Woman" to stand as something other than its intent, which becomes further punctuated by its slick '70s segment. On the other hand, compared to most current, published superhero sojourns (whether DC or Marvel), the adventure avoids becoming condescending or politically highbrow. In that respect, even if the conceptualization seems more a thing of its own, in heart and soul, it does capture the originals' moral sensibilities: an honorable asset. 

On the whole, there's enough good (even well-crafted cleverness) in "Batman Meets Wonder Woman" to pave the way for more DC/Dynamite decades-hopping experimentation. The ending sure implies a Justice League emergence; so why not tinker with the various crossover potentials? It's always nice, too, to see our old favorites interacting again, if not on the television screen, then at least on the printed page, where (no matter the outcome) an imaginative seed can always take root. 

Collectible Time #83: Moebius Yvonne Craig/Batgirl and Suicide Squad Batmobile Model Kits

My friends at Z&Z Hobbies, Harvey and Mike, received a back-order on the resin release of Moebius' Yvonne Craig Batgirl kit. 

When assembled (see above images), the 1:5 scale costumed Barbara Gordon stands an awesome 17", with base. The kit was sculpted by the masterful Jeff Yagher and comes in a large, heavy-duty box, with cool-blue graphics, which of course, feature the fetching Craig. 

Moebius has been releasing styrene versions of the Batman '66 characters, which I've featured in several previous posts, like "Collectible Time #71": Oct '16. The figure featured here is a more expensive, deluxe entry, which though probably out of my price range, nonetheless satisfied my urge to get a Craig Batgirl for my collection. The kit goes between $125 - $150 through most hobby sources. (Z&Z gave me a loyal-customer discount, I'm pleased to report.)

Also through Z&Z, I obtained a Moebius "Suicide Squad" limited-edition, Ben Affleck Batmobile. The company actually released a version of this model last year (see "Collectible Time #56, April '16) to coincide with "Batman v Superman", so it's the crimson-backdrop packaging that primarily distinguishes this (re)release. Also, if one doesn't add the front guns, the Batmobile can better reflect the style featured in the villain-rally hit.

The Batmobile is an impressive 1:25 (12") scale, so no matter which release one goes for, one will get a decent chunk of plastic with which to tinker for about $30-$40, at the present price range.

Anyway, it was sure fun to get a couple Batman collectibles that span both the new and old cinematic realms.

Collectible Time #68: Nate "the Animal" Gonzalez's Holy Trinity and Batgirl Bombshell Tributes

Nate "the Animal" Gonzalez has hit the bullseye once again with more colorful, DC superhero tributes!!!

First up is a fabulous trio which he calls "The Holy Trinity". It's a combo of previous portraits, featuring Adam West's Batman (see "Collectible Time #50": Jan '16), Linda Carter's Wonder Woman and Christopher Reeve's Superman. 

Gonzalez's 11" x 17" arrangement is impeccable, giving his spot-on representations of the thespians and their characterizations a divine sweep--holy, indeed!!!

In addition to the above print, I gained two 11" x 17" versions of Gonzalez's  most recent masterpiece, "Batgirl Bombshell".

What's neat about the initial (above) variation is its bright, throwback panache. This color implies a stained-glass quality, but even more so, it could act as convincing, WWII nose art: sexy and when need be, lethal.

The antiquated version (below) is equally fascinating, with a creased, golden, weather-worn aura: for all intents and purposes, a long-lost treasure from decades past. Its distinct hue and texture also represents that good, ol' Americana, folk-art flair. 

These three are marvelous prints to add to one's collection; so feel free to touch base with Nate at his Facebook page (aptly named, Nate "the Animal" Gonzalez) for prices and availability.

I saw the Killing Joke...

Before I saw "The Killing Joke" (dished up now as an apparent "Suicide Squad" warm-up), I read it: that is, I purchased Alan Moore and Brian Bolland's '88 graphic novel. At the time, the publication was all the DC rage: a mere year before Tim Burton's "Batman", which incorporated the novel's concept of how the Joker biochemically came to be. 

The novel is considered a classic. As such, it seems strange that it's taken this long for an adaptation (animated or otherwise) to reach film.

Nonetheless, the time has finally arrived, and as with the "Dark Knight Returns" two-part animated adaptation, the big question is, does "Killing Joke", the movie, live up to its comic-book foundation? I'm happy to report--heck, yes!!!

That the film, directed by Sam Liu and adapted by Brian Azzarello, adheres to the original source is to its advantage, though it also offers an affluence of additional footage: a sort of mini-film within itself, but that's all right. Once the story gets rolling (and alas, it does take a spell), it successfully sways between terror and poignancy, just as the original story does. 

Beyond the spirited (and unique-to-the-film) Batgirl, prologue, we're finally introduced to the Joker, who's presented as an aspiring comedian, struggling to provide for his family, but turns to crime (of the Red Hood sort) to compensate for his monetary failures. However, just prior to his first, big job, he learns that his wife and unborn child were killed in a home mishap. Their deaths lead to his complete, mental breakdown and to supplement his psychological alteration, he falls into some toxic goo, and well, you know the skin-bleaching rest.

As in the novel, the movie focuses on Batman's intent to unravel his foe's origins. He visits Arkham to get the nitty-gritty (and to prevent the strong chance that one will likely kill the other someday). However, he finds a decoy in the Joker's place. Yes, the Clown Prince of Crime has escaped once again, with mayhem naturally ensuing, this time with Commissioner Gordon and his daughter, Barbara (Batgirl, of course) becoming casualties of his spree: the latter shot and the former placed in a carnival "arena", where the Joker intends to prove (primarily to Batman) how fast madness can consume one. 

The novel concludes on a demented, but gleeful note, and the film mirrors this celebrated turn. The movie's style, however, is more in tune with the '90s Batman animated series: not religiously so, but close enough to appeal to those who've yearned for a return to that style of cartoonery. Also, from the '90s series, Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill are back as Batman and Joker respectively, which solidifies the tense, sentimental feel. (Ray Wise and Tara Strong also do a swell job vocalizing the Gordons.)

Gordon's sideshow-based torture is undoubtedly what earned "Killing Joke" a R-rating. Personally, though, I didn't find the intensity anymore over-the-top than in other "adult" oriented, DC animated features, but perhaps the extended, insinuated nudity is what confirmed this one's designation. All the same, sissified kids won't handle any of it very well, but I don't see it proposing a problem for those youngsters whose parents actually discuss such in-depth content with them. Heck, as hard-hitting as "Killing Joke" may be, it's still a worthy morality tale: more good for the soul than bad. 

It's also a damn good character study and an appeasing escape after those "Son of Batman" in-fighting offerings. Sure, it's grim and borderline sadistic, but it's still traditional Batman, with the conflict flowing just the way it should for this particular hero and villain. No matter how one slices it, whether on the printed page or on the screen,"Killing Joke" hits the maniacal mark. 

RIP YVONNE CRAIG...

GOODBYE MS. CRAIG...You truly meant the world to me. 

You'll be missed more than mere words could ever convey. 

Collectible Time #30: Mattel Batgirl '66 Yvonne Craig figure

Just special-ordered an advance release of the latest 6" entry in the Mattel Batman '66 action-figure line...Yvonne Craig's Batgirl!!! (It's offered via "Toys"R"Us, in honor of the San Diego 2015 Comic Convention celebration.)

I have all the prior Batman '66 figure releases in this series and do intend to go down the line with any additional ones that are produced. So pleased that Ms. Craig was chosen to kick off a new spree: nothing short of a dream come true!!!