Laugh At Rejected 'Judge Dredd' Costume by Gianni Versace

Back in 1995, when they were developing the first Judge Dredd movie starring Sylvester Stallone, fashion designer Gianni Versace sent some sketches to the film production. Prop Bay put the scans online.

Prop Bay doesn't give a history, but gives these notes: "This concept was discarded and not used. On the back of one of the drawings is Versace stamp. This is one of the few non-fashion lines Versace did."

It's easy to look back in hindsight and laugh. So, I will.

Click on the jump to see the images and click to enlarge.

Here's what the final costume did look like:

It's not hugely different, but they just look goofier for some reason.

Synopsis:

In a dystopian future, Dredd, the most famous judge (a cop with instant field judiciary powers) is convicted for a crime he did not commit while his murderous counterpart escapes. Director: Danny Cannon Writers: John Wagner (characters), Carlos Ezquerra (characters). Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Armand Assante and Rob Schneider

via Giant Freakin Robot

What do you think of the illustrations? Would the movie have hit with Versace's designs?

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES - THE BAT VEHICLE Laser-Etched Glass Cube

OK, This is one of those glass cubes you usually see at Truck Stops and Flea Markets where it's a glass cube with some mysterious 3D artwork that is inside. It always amazes me, "How do they do that?" Apparently they use lasers... it's a total mystery but a very cool effect. Anyway, around December, 2012, DC Direct will be releasing a special one that features "THE BAT", Batman's Flying Vehicle from THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Movie. It's gonna measure about 4" high x 4" wide x 4" deep and will have a retail price of $29.95.

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES CATWOMAN PIN-UP ART By Cameron Stewart

DC Comics' BATMAN AND ROBIN Comic Book Artist, Cameron Stewart, was recently very inspired by Anne Hathaway's performance as Catwoman in the recent DARK KNIGHT RISES Batman Movie ( who wasn't? ) and after seeing the film he created this awesome pin-up art! Hey, if you're a big fan of Cameron's artwork then check out his website, CLICK HERE!

VIDEO - Robot Chicken DC Comics Special Trailer

The totally hilarious ROBOT CHICKEN tackles Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and so much more, in a new DC COMICS inspired TV special that will air on September 9th, 2012.

BATMAN TRANSPORTATION - Funny Humor Photos

 

In the world of Blogging we call this an "Image Dump". It's when you do a post where you don't really write anything but just share a bunch of photos. Yes, I'm feeling quite lazy today, I'm also very tired, ha! But hey, all of these pics are pretty funny and I noticed a weird thing where they are all sort of related to "Transportation".

Film Sketchr Talks To 'Grimm' Concept Artist Jerad S Marantz

Grimm (2011) "Billy" by Jerad S. Marantz

Mike said, "His work always stood out to me before I really knew who created it, because of the striking silhouettes and the unique designs of classic creatures." Jerad S. Marantz creates striking visuals. His creatures are always very distinct.

Jerad S. Marantz (I Am Legend, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Amazing Spider-Man) has worked on some of the biggest movies in Hollywood as a creature designer. He also teaches at the Gnomon School of Visual FX, and the Concept Design Academy.

I talked to him about working on the hit TV show Grimm and what its like to be a concept artist, even when you're working on a bad movie.

As always, click on the images to enlarge.


Q: What's It Like When You Look Up At The Screen And See Your Designs Come To Life, And They're Mostly Yours?
It’s incredible. It’s why every concept artist does it. It’s what you hope happens throughout the entire process. Of course it’s a team effort and we're all working towards the same goal which is to get something on the screen that makes everyone happy. But, it's an added plus if what’s up on that screen is yours.

Q: American Horror Story Is Nominated For An Emmy. You Worked On The Show. Tell Us About It.
American Horror Story is created by Ryan Murphy. It’s really well written with amazing story arcs. Last season I designed the Frankenstein baby (Infantata), burnt man and the twins.

American Horror Story "Burnt Man" (2011) by Jerad S. Merantz

Q: Every Movie Can’t Be A Blockbuster. What’s It Like Working On A Bad Movie?
That’s a tough question. There are ways around working on a movie that you think isn't going to be good. As a concept artist I think the guys that last the longest are the ones who are just in love with the process. If the film is great it's an added benefit. I've designed for quite a few films that haven't done well, but I've had so much fun working on them.

Dragonball: Evolution (2009) "Picallo" by Jerad S. Marantz

Dragonball: Evolution (2009) "Assassins" by Jerad S. Marantz

Q: Grimm Came Out This Week And You're One Of The Concept Artists On The Film. What's The Biggest Challenge Of Working On Grimm?
Grimm is a great show and I love working on it. I’m so happy it’s doing well. As a child I loved watching the X-Files and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It’s always been an ambition of mine to work on a TV show that introduces a new monster every week and it’s about time creatures made their way back to network television.

I get my assignments from Steve Oster (producer). I really like working with him. As a designer you want a client that gives solid feedback and propels the design process forward.

It's a fun challenge in every episode to capture what animal each creature is based on while maintaining the actor’s character in a subtle balance. I’m fortunate to be designing these creatures with my good friend Constantine Sekeris. We compare notes on the show all the time and we are motivated by each other’s work. Constantine has been designing in the industry for a long time and it’s truly inspiring working with him. 

Grimm (2011) "Rhino" by Jerad S. Marantz

Q: When You're Working On A Design For Grimm, Do You Take Into Account The Fact That It Might Be CGI Or Practical?
I’m never sure how the creature design will be executed on screen. At this point I just have to make sure the design can work as a practical makeup and as a visual effect. It’s always exciting to see how they end up using the designs. Either way we have great artists that bring these designs to life.

Grimm (2011) "Gator Man" by Jerad S. Marantz

Barney Burman at B2FX has done the majority of the makeups for season 1 and the work’s been incredible. Every now and then I’ll be in touch with Barney and he’ll tell me how the makeups are going. For the first episode of season 2 I designed a Saber-tooth Tiger man. I was talking to Barney about it and was so excited he was able to flock the makeup and get those teeth top work practically.

Edward Irastorza is the shows Visual FX supervisor. Ed’s in charge of making sure the creatures look their best in CG. He’s done a great job on the show. Grimm is incredibly ambitious with regards to visual FX. I think if people really knew how much work goes into the transformations of these creatures it would blow their minds. Ed was the guy that recommended me for the show and I’ll always be grateful to him for that.

Q: What Led You to Become A teacher?
I teach because I was very fortunate to have teachers myself. Many have been very gerous with imparting knowledge, like Constantine Sekeris, who nutured younger artists and wasn't afraid to share their tricks. They like me, recognize that concept artists are part of a group working to achieve the same goal. Plus, teaching helps keep my skills sharp. It allows an artists to hold onto techniques that they may not otherwise use. A director may say, "I want a sketch" and it keeps my skills sharp in these areas.

I always get very excited when I come across an artist that I think may have a real shot at making it in the industry.

Here are some more concept designs from the television show Grimm.

See more of Jerad S. Marantz' portfolio at jeradsmarantz.blogspot.com.

Make sure you tune in for Grimm on NBC on Mondays and check out the official site http://www.nbc.com/grimm.

What do you think of his illustrations? Did you learn anything from the interview? Can you name which episode each comes from?
 
@ Copyright 2011 GK Productions, Hazy Mills Productions, Universal TV, Jerad S. Merantz. All rights reserved 

BATMAN and THE HUNTRESS - Wacky Wallpaper Wednesday!

Just in the nick of time I realized that today is Wednesday and you know what that means, Wacky Wallpaper Wednesday!! OK, if you will please indulge me I thought I would post a few that kind of promote this website, BAT-BLOG.COM.

The first one features artwork, a new TV promo shot, from the BEWARE THE BATMAN animated series that will come out later. It's a very cool graphic & I can't wait till this things hits the air. 

Next, is a Wallpaper made from a photo of the next DC Comics Statue from everybody's favorite Comic Book Statue & Toy Company, Kotobukiya of Japan. It's THE HUNTRESS!!

Plug Into 'The Matrix Revolutions' Concept Art By Simon Murton

My interview with Jerad S. Marantz has been postponed for a day or two, but I wanted to share some astounding artwork by an artist named Simon Murton for The Matrix Revolutions (2003).

He's worked on tons of films like Judge Dredd, Stargate and King Kong Lives, but some of my favorite work is from The Matrix. Murton really captures the gritty feel of the hovercraft.

Check them out after the jump. Click on the images to enlarge them.

The Matrix Revolutions (2003) "Interior Gun Control" - Simon Murton

The Matrix Revolutions (2003) "Tube Tunnel" - Simon Murton

The Matrix Revolutions (2003) "Cockpit" - Simon Murton

You could spend hours looking at all the details in these illustrations.

Official Synopsis:
Shot back-to-back with The Matrix Reloaded, the third and final installment of Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski's sci-fi action saga picks up where the second film left off. Neo (Keanu Reeves) remains unconscious in the real world, caught in a mysterious subway station that lies between the machine world and the Matrix, and Bane (Ian Bliss) is still a conduit for Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving), who continues to grow out of control, threatening to destroy both worlds. Meanwhile, as the sentinels get closer and closer to Zion, the citizens of the earth's last inhabited city prepare for the inevitable onslaught. By bargaining with The Merovingian (Lambert Wilson), Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) are able to free Neo who, after meeting with The Oracle (Mary Alice stepping in for the late Gloria Foster), decides that he must leave Zion and head for the machine mainframe. As Neo and Trinity venture into the dangerous machine world, with hopes of stopping both the machines and Agent Smith, their comrades in Zion attempt to fight off the attacking sentinels with the odds stacked greatly against them. Other cast members returning include Monica Bellucci, Ngai Sing, and Harold Perrineau Jr.

See more of Simon Murton's portfolio at SimonMurton.com

What do you think of the illustrations? How would you like to pilot one of these ships?
 
@ Copyright 2003 Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures, NPV Entertainment, Simon Murton. All rights reserved. Used with permission of the artist.

New DC COMICS COVER GIRLS - POISON IVY Batman Statue

SCULPTED BY SAM GREENWELL

Straight from the pages of DC Comics' THE NEW 52, Poison Ivy joins ranks with covert-ops team, Birds of Prey! It appears to be a brand new day for POISON IVY as she reverses her Villain status and becomes a Superhero. What? Has Pamela Isley turned a new leaf? Here's a brand-new DC Direct DC Cover Girls Statue that measures a little bit over 10 inches tall and will retail for around $99.95. Oh yeah, be sure to look for it around December of 2012.

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES - BATMAN VS. BANE 1:6 Scale ICON STATUE

After watching your favorite scenes in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES movie you will probably want this brand-new DC Direct BATMAN VS BANE Statue! This hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain statue will be packaged in a 4-color box.It measures approximately 16" tall and was sculpted by Dave Cortes and Paul Harding. Look for it to hit retail stores around November, 2012. It will also have a Suggested Retail Price of $324.95.

PHOTOS - Frank's Vintage BATMAN Toy and Memorabilia Collection!

Here at the BAT-BLOG we totally love it when Dark Knight Fans share pics of their amazing Batman Toy and Memorabilia Collections. It's always fun to see what other people have! Here are some photos sent in to us by a Serious Toy Collector named Frank. He has a nice mixture of both modern and vintage items. I especially love the 1966 Batman Charm Bracelet, that thing is pretty hard to find! 

Oh yeah, one more thing. This very last photo is the original name tag owned by Adam West. Frank got it at a recent Wizard Con from Adam directly. What a cool idea! ( Thanks Frank, You ROCK, Sir! )

BATMAN Music Video - BAT ROMANCE - The Dark Knight Parody

BAT ROMANCE! Gotham City's Sexy Vixens Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn compete for Batman's Love in this music video parody of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance".

JOE KUBERT TRIBUTE - The Greatest Comic Book Artist Ever!

OK, I'm gonna try to get through this post without crying and I'm being completely serious. Yesterday, while goofing around on Facebook, I came across the tragic news that a personal childhood hero of mine, the legendary Comic Book Artist Joe Kubert, passed away. He was 85 years old. Mr. Kubert had a very long career working in comics and all of his artwork has become totally iconic. Once you see it you can never forget it. He is mainly known for his work on Tarzan & Sgt. Rock but my personal favorites were when he drew Batman. He just had an incredible style.

I never had the privilege of meeting him but about 2 months ago our friend in New Jersey, BatDave, went to a signing at a popular Comic Book Store in New York City. Dave said that Joe Kubert was one of the nicest guys he had ever met. He also said he was kinda shocked that Mr. Kubert was not even charging for Autographs, a rare thing in today's greedy marketplace. But this doesn't surprise me as I have always been told by other friends who have met him that he was always very down to earth & super friendly. Another thing I know is that his art will live on forever. In fact, it's hard for me to even think about any other Artist even drawing Sgt. Rock. His style was so much a part of that character. He will be missed. My condolences go out to his friend and family. Please find peace & know that he will live on forever in the hearts of Comic Book Fans all over the world.

R.I.P. JOE KUBERT 1926 - 2012

Kuan's Amazing VINTAGE BATMAN TOY COLLECTION Photos!!

OK, I guess these photos were sent to me as a form of torture! ( Ha Ha! Just kidding! ) Actually these pics were shared by a friend of ours named Kuan who lives in Singapore. He was kind enough to share a part of his Vintage BATMAN Toy Collection with us and there is some amazing stuff here! Oh man, just look at all the Tin Toy Battery-Operated (Japan) Batmobiles... SO COOL! 

He also likes to collect action figures and there are some really nice ones here. I should also add that he likes to create Custom Figures ( or maybe he just buys them already made, I forgot to ask ). Stuff like, "Ernie and Bert as Batman and Robin" or "Simpsons Characters in Bat-Suits", how fun!! Thank you Kuan, you have some super great stuff here and I really appreciate you taking the time to take these wonderful pics. yeah, I'm gonna go cry now.

GOTHAM CITY BATMAN TATTOO - Inspired by Jim Lee's Art in HUSH Book

I received a nice email the other night from a Bat-Blog Fan named David who said he recently got some bat-ink done. The cool thing was he shared these excellent pics with us. He explained that the artwork was inspired by the art of Jim Lee that you can see in a panel from the BATMAN: HUSH Graphic Novel. It's main focus is the skyline of Gotham City with a Batman Bat-Symbol Logo under it, very interesting choice & well done! Also, it has some of the GCPD Blimps in it too! ( Thanks David )