BOOK REVIEW - Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight by Travis Langley

OK, My life has been pretty hectic lately but I have set aside the time to read this brand-new BATMAN Book and I think you should too. I'm talking about "Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight" by Travis Langley. Now, you're probably thinking this is one of those horrible pop-psychology books that seem to be a new trend in book publishing. This is NOT one of those books! You know what I'm talking about. There's a glut of new books where they mash-up something popular ( Twilight, Dr. Who, etc..) with "Philosophy or Economics" or something that sounds interesting. This is not the case here. This is a serious book done by a true Batman Fan who also understands the real-life theories of Psychology. I mean, this guy teaches Psychology at a major University!

The basic premise of the book is he takes the Dark Knight and his list of Villains and then creates "File Cases" on each character. Along the way he not only deals with Comic Book ( and TV/Movie ) History but also critically analyzes each person. I mean, he treats them as real patients & tries to break down what mental illness they might have that makes them who they are. It's pretty interesting, because if you love the Batman Universe then it's kinda fun. Also, if you have an interest in learning about real psychological analysis then those things are explained in great detail. I found the book to be both very entertaining AND educational.

Another bonus to the book is that there is a Foreword written by Michael Uslan ( Executive Producer of all the recent Batman Films ) and an Introduction by Dennis O'Neil ( Legendary Batman Writer & Comic Book Editor ). On a personal note, I'm a huge "Denny" Fan so that was a real treat.

THE DARK KNIGHT MANUAL Book Signing at NYC Midtown Comics on July 26th

On July 26th, 2012 ( as of this writing, tomorrow! ) Midtown Comics in New York City will have a Book Signing for THE DARK KNIGHT MANUAL with the author, Brandon T. Snider. For more info please CLICK HERE!

Thursday, July 26th
6:00 to 7 PM
Midtown Comics
64 Fulton Street
NYC, NY.

Batman Book Publisher INSIGHT EDITIONS Announces Appearance at 2012 San Diego Comic Con

OK, if you have plans to go to the 2012 Comic-Con International this weekend at the San Diego Convention Center ( July 12th to July 15th ) then you need to be sure to visit Booth #1035 because the Publisher INSIGHT EDITIONS will be there! They are the company who came out with 2 recent "Batman History" Books that everybody is raving about: "The Dark Knight Manual" and  "Batmobile: The Complete History".

Also, appearing at the Insight Editions booth for book signings will be:
 

Artist and illustrator Scott Campbell, Amazing Everything: The Art of Scott C.,Thursday, July 12th at 2 PM.
 

Writers Micky Neilson, Flint Dille, Matt Burns, Book of Cain, Friday, July 13th at 10:00 AM.
 

Game creators Chris Metzen, Sam Didier, The Art of Blizzard, Friday, July 13th at 4 PM.

Cartoon Historian and Creator of Cartoonbrew.com Jerry Beck, The Hanna-Barbera Treasury and 100 

Greatest Looney Tunes Cartoons, Saturday, July 14th at 12 PM.
 

Award-winning illustrator and concept artist Iain McCaig, Shadowline: The Art of Iain McCaig, Saturday, July 14th at 3 PM.

Chip Kidd's BATMAN DEATH BY DESIGN Graphic Novel Makes THE NEW YORK TIMES Best Sellers List!

OK, We could not be more proud or incredibly super-happy right now because it has just been announced that the new BATMAN: DEATH BY DESIGN Graphic Novel ( DC Comics ) by Chip Kidd and Dave Taylor is listed as #2 in the “Hardcover Graphic Books” Section of THE NEW YORK TIMES Best Sellers List!! Wow! It’s almost to good to be true and, on a serious note, a very distinct honor for Chip who can now brag ( ha ha ) about being "a New York Times Best Selling Author". Congrats Mr. Kidd!! Congrats also to Dave Taylor as well because his artwork for this book was amazing!!

Oh yeah, you can order this book now by clicking the TFAW Button down below an save 10% OFF!

Noblemania's “Bill the Boy Wonder” Book Contest Giveaway!

Over at the official Website for Author Marc Tyler Nobleman he is having a Book-Giveaway Contest where he is giving away 3 signed copies of his new Bill Finger Biography Book ( Batman Co-Creator ). It's titled, "BILL THE BOY WONDER". You enter by leaving a comment about Bill Finger, in six words ONLY, on his blog ( His site, NOT here at the Bat-Blog! ). The deadline is June 30th, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Winners will be announced on his site on July 1st.

For more info, and to enter, CLICK HERE!

New BATMAN Book - THE DARK KNIGHT MANUAL

SAN RAFAEL, CA, June 2012:



Following Christopher Nolan's award-winning film "The Dark Knight", the Director will return to Batman's legend with "The Dark Knight Rises", the final installment of The Dark Knight trilogy in theaters on July 20, 2012. Just in time for this epic conclusion, Bruce Wayne divulges key sketches, diagrams, observations, and other classified documents about the process of becoming Batman in THE DARK KNIGHT MANUAL from Insight Editions.



For the first time, the Dark Knight's secrets are revealed in THE DARK KNIGHT MANUAL, which details all of Bruce Wayne's cutting-edge collaborations with Lucius Fox at Wayne Enterprises. The Manual gives readers unprecedented access to Batman's amazing arsenal featuring numerous documents and items including: designs and upgrades for the Batsuit, the specifications of the Utility Belt, blueprints for the Batcave, detailed dossiers on foes and allies, plans for the Dark Knight's latest vehicles, and much, much more. All these, and a plethora of never-before-published materials, shine a light on how the mysterious Bruce Wayne operates as Gotham City's greatest protector.



Hardcover, $40.00, Release Date: June 2012

112 pages, More than 35 removable insert items and dossiers

ISBN-13: 978-1-60887-104-9

New BATMAN Book - BATMOBILE: THE COMPLETE HISTORY

SAN RAFAEL, CA, June 2012:

Since 1939, the Batmobile has been immortalized in nearly every imaginable entertainment medium. Tearing through the streets of Gotham City in pursuit of criminals for more than seven decades, it has remained an iconic crime-fighting vehicle for generations of Batman fans. In Christopher Nolan's extraordinary film trilogy, it was given breathtaking new life-and incredible capabilities-as the "Tumbler". Now, in anticipation of The Dark Knight Rises, the epic conclusion to The Dark Knight trilogy,the entire history of the Batman's trademark ride is captured for the first time in "BATMOBILE: The Complete History" from Insight Editions.



BATMOBILE: THE COMPLETE HISTORY

is the story of the distinct, sophisticated, incomparable car. From its evolution in the pages of Detective Comics, to its unforgettable appearances on the big screen, this book explores each incarnation of the Batmobile with the detail such an extraordinary automobile warrants.

Author Mark Cotta Vaz uncovers insights and stories from creators and conceptualists that reveal the nuts and bolts of putting these dream machines together and explains the philosophies behind each design. With stunning gatefolds, including a large-scale panorama of the Batmobile Cars featured in film and television-and detailed specs, blueprints, and historical comparisons.



Mark Cotta Vaz is a New York Times bestselling author with more than 25 published books, including the critically acclaimed Living Dangerously: The Adventures of Merian C. Cooper, Creator of King Kong, a TLA finalist selection. His "making of" books have documented TV's Lost and such feature film productions as The Spirit and the Twilight saga.



Paul Levitz is an award-winning writer, comics editor, and executive (publisher of DC Comics for two decades; President & Publisher from 2002-2009). He recently wrote 75 Years of DC Comics (Taschen) and teaches at Columbia, Pace, and Manhattanville. He lives in New York City.  



Nathan Crowley is the twice Academy Award® -nominated Production Designer behind Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight trilogy. Crowley's credits include Insomnia, The Prestige, and Public Enemies, among many others. The Dark Knight Rises marks his fifth collaboration with Nolan.



Hardcover, $35.00, Release Date: June 2012

148 pages, More than 100 full color photographs and illustrations

ISBN-13: 978-1-60887-104-9

BATMAN DEATH BY DESIGN - Chip Kidd Book Signing at Midtown Comics in NYC!

Mark Your Calendars! Chip Kidd will be making an appearance at the MIDTOWN COMICS Downtown Location in NYC on Thursday, June 7th, 2012. The Book Signing starts at 6:30pm and runs till 8:00pm. This Event is to celebrate the release the New Graphic Novel, BATMAN: DEATH BY DESIGN! 

Yes, this is your chance to get your copy autographed by the Author. For more details, click HERE!

Midtown Comics Downtown
64 Fulton Street NYC, NY
Date: Thursday, June 7th, 2012.
Time: 6:30pm until 8:00pm in EDT

New UK Book - HOLY FRANCHISE, BATMAN! By Gary Collinson

I just got some news about a brand-new "Batman Movie & TV History" Book titled, "Holy Franchise, Batman!", which was written by Gary Collinson. The book covers the ENTIRE film and television history of the character. We're talking from the 1940's Serials to Tim Burton, Joel Schumacher, Christopher Nolan, and all of the animated TV cartoons. It even has a full episode guide for the 1966 Adam West and Burt Ward TV Series. 

One thing though, I think this book will only be available in the UK & I'm guessing it will be available on UK Amazon? Sorry, Publisher didn't share many details. But one thing I do know is that the release date is June 29th, 2012. Also, sorry my description is kinda vague but the Publisher never sent me a Review Copy either. So, I can't really review it or anything. But it sounds like a fun book, especially for fans of the bat-films.

New BATMAN DEATH BY DESIGN DELUXE EDITION Graphic Novel by Chip Kidd & Dave Taylor on Sale Tomorrow!

Oh man, Everyone here at the BAT-BLOG is so excited about tomorrow, May 30th, because it's the release date for the brand-new BATMAN: DEATH BY DESIGN Deluxe Edition Graphic Novel!! Now of course we're talking about the new book written by Chip Kidd & illustrated by Dave Taylor. Just check out some of the artwork up above, it looks totally amazing! Please be sure to click on them for larger versions. Also, the book is available RIGHT HERE or at your local Bookstore/Comic Book Shop.

NEW BATMAN MOVIE BOOK - Christopher Nolan's Batman - The Art and Making of the Dark Knight Trilogy

Around July 28th, 2012, Abrams is set to release "Christopher Nolan's Batman: The Art and Making of the Dark Knight Trilogy". This book tells the complete behind-the-scenes story of, what will be at the time this book is released, three monumental films. 

The book will be based on in-depth interviews with Director Christopher Nolan and all of the films’ Key Cast and Crew, including Co-Writers David S. Goyer and Jonathan Nolan, Cinematographer Wally Pfister, and more! The book reveals the creative process behind the epic Dark Knight Trilogy, supported by lavish art and never-before-seen photography.



One cool side note is that the foreword will be written by Christopher Nolan and Michael Caine will write the Introduction ( Love him, and besides being a great Actor, he's actually a very talented Writer so it should be very cool ). We can't wait!



Oh yeah, one last thing, you're seeing the COVER ART right here as a "Bat-Blog.Com Exclusive" way before anyone else! Also, if you click the TFAW Button down below, you can pre-order this book for 20% off the regular retail price.

BILL THE BOY WONDER! - New BATMAN History / Biography Book

WOW! Here's a brand-new book that every serious Batman Fan and Comic Book Historian is going to want to read. It's titled "BILL THE BOY WONDER! The Secret Co-Creator of Batman". Basically, it's a very well researched Biography on Bob Kane's Ghost Writer, Bill Finger. It was written by Marc Tyler Nobleman, Author of  "Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman", and Illustrated by Ty Templeton, a fan-favorite Batman Comic Book Artist. 

Please check out the BOOK TRAILER up above for an idea on what this book is about. Also, It's being published by Charles Bridge and you can get more details by clicking HERE!

BATMAN WALLPAPERS - Alex Ross Painting and Harley Quinn Kotobukiya Statue

Yesterday was "Wacky Wallpaper Wednesday" here at the BAT-BLOG but since I was wayyyy too busy to post anything I'm gonna share some BATMAN WALLPAPERS today. They both sort of celebrate 2 brand-new Bat-Products. So, here we go! The 1st one is a mock-up that uses the graphics of ALEX ROSS' cover art to the brand-new soft-cover edition of "ROUGH JUSTICE, The DC Comics Sketches of Alex Ross" edited by Chip Kidd. Then, here's a nice close-up photo of HARLEY QUINN from the new DC Comics Bishoujo Statue by Kotobukiya ( Japan ).

ROUGH JUSTICE - The DC Comics Sketches of ALEX ROSS - Now in Paperback!

OK, is it called "Paperback" or "Soft Cover"? I'm confused, ha! But anyways, you might remember a post here awhile back reporting about a new book titled, "ROUGH JUSTICE The DC Comics Sketches of ALEX ROSS".  It's an amazing book with tons and tons of great color photos of the beautiful Artwork and Paintings done by Alex Ross. The book's main focus is work he did for DC Comics and there is a lot of great Batman stuff there. Plus, the book was designed by Chip Kidd so you know it's great. Well, this post is to announce that it's been issued again but this time in paperback, or soft cover, you know what I mean! Also, to change the book up a little bit, because it's a new format, they put BATMAN on the cover!! In fact, click on the photo up above for more detail. ( The Hardback featured Superman on the front ). Also, please be sure to ask for it at your favorite book store.

New BATMAN BATMOBILE and BAT-SIGNAL Gift Books

Here's an update to a previous post here on the BAT-BLOG.COM. Awhile back we reported about a new series of "Gift Books" from a Publisher named "Running Press". So far they have TWO Batman-related items ready, the BATMOBILE and BAT-SIGNAL stories. Now, I say "Gift Books" because the books are very very small and come boxed with a special prize. These are available in stores and online right now so keep an eye out. Also, I totally LOVE the retro-style of that Batmobile car, very Vintage 1980's!! It kind of reminds me of the Kenner Superpowers Action Figure vehicle, nice!

NEW BAT BOOK - Christopher Nolan's Batman - The Art and Making of the Dark Knight Trilogy

OK, Cool! Here's some news I came across the other day that Christopher Nolan Fans are gonna love. Around July 28th, 2012, Abrams will be releasing a brand-new BATMAN MOVIE History Book titled, "Christopher Nolan's Batman: The Art and Making of the Dark Knight Trilogy". It will be written by Jody Duncan Jesser, Janine Pourroy, and designed by Chip Kidd. It's also gonna be a 304 page Hardback!



Here's their Press Release Info:

In 2005, director Christopher Nolan redefined the Batman legend with Batman Begins, starring Christian Bale as the Caped Crusader. A fresh, dynamic reboot of the franchise, Batman Begins explored the comic book hero’s origins and his evolution from billionaire Bruce Wayne to dark avenger who fights crime and corruption in Gotham City. A 2008 sequel, The Dark Knight, took those compelling, character-driven foundations and raised the stakes, pitting Batman against a deranged master criminal, the Joker, in an all-out war for Gotham’s soul. Now, the final film of Nolan’s trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises, is 2012’s most anticipated film release. Christopher Nolan’s Batman: The Art and Making of The Dark Knight Trilogy tells the complete behind-the-scenes story of these three monumental films. Based on in-depth interviews with Nolan and all of the films’ key cast and crew—including cowriters David S. Goyer and Jonathan Nolan, cinematographer Wally Pfister, and more—the book reveals the creative process behind the epic Dark Knight Trilogy, supported by lavish art and never-before-seen photography.

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES - Book Publishing News

OK, it looks like Book Publishers are gonna go totally crazy pumping out THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Movie-related books this time around. Here are just a few examples that have popped-up recently on Amazon and other retail sites, there will be many many more! Please keep in mind also that these are books marketed more toward younger readers ( weird ), but there will also be some very serious books too. I really like some of the graphics used here and it's neat to see more pics of Bane & Catwoman. Oh yeah, the merchandising for this film is gonna be crazy! Remember, if YOU, the Bat-Blog Reader, see ANY brand-new Bat-Products out there ( even if it's not "movie-related" ) then please be sure to let us know, thanks!

New NEAL ADAMS EXCLUSIVE SKETCHBOOK - Comic Art Book!

Over at Artist NEAL ADAMS Website ( NealAdams.Com ) they now have an EXCLUSIVE Sketchbook that you can only get there! I'm serious, they will not be selling this special book at Retail Stores or Comic Book Conventions! It's very limited to only 500 copies & once they're gone that's it! The book will also be signed and numbered. Plus, something cool is the price is pretty decent too, only $20.00. Now, I've been told that only 4 pages will be BATMAN related but there is also plenty of other great artworks to enjoy. The photo we show here, of the classic "Train Wreck" scene from BATMAN: ODYSSEY, is in there! This book ships around February 10th, 2012. So, this is a Pre-Order Only at this time. Grab your low number now. Oh yeah, it has 32 Black & White Pages and a Color Cover.

For more info check out NEALADAMS.COM

MURDER AT WAYNE MANOR - Batman Book Hits the Bargain Bin

OK, Many BAT-BLOG Fans might remember the BATMAN: MURDER AT WAYNE MANOR Interactive Book that came out a few years ago ( 2008 ), it was really cool! Well, some friends up in New Jersey told us their friend recently found it in the Bargain Bin at Barnes and Noble for $6.95! Yes, Around Seven Bucks! The original Retail Price was about $25 so this is a great deal. On a side-note: I just checked Amazon and it's on sale there for $10 but they also have used copies from Book Dealers for around 3 dollars. But hey, you gotta pay postage on that so it looks like the B&N thing is still the better deal! Plus, you get it right away, ha! Thanks to BatDave & BatChick for sharing this fun info. By the way, that's "BatChick" in the photo up above, hiding behind the book!

NEW BATMAN PRODUCTS - Fisher Price BATMOBILE Toys and BAT-SIGNAL BOOK Coming Out Later!

Our Buddy Batmobilly sent us some wonderful pics of two brand-new Fisher-Price Toys to keep an eye out for later in the year. The 1st one is a "DC Super Friends Batmobile Light". Basically, it's a large toy car and when you pop-open the front hood it reveals a hidden flashlight inside. It's funny, I was recently at Target and saw that they already came out with some of these of generic vehicles ( like Police car and Fire Truck ) and thought, "Hey, they need to make a Batmobile", ha! Next up is another version of their "Little People DC Super Friends" Batmobile. This is made for the play sets. It's so gosh darn cute, goo goo!


Then, we have a "BAT-SIGNAL" BOOK by Running Press. This company is also gonna have a "Batmobile Book" that we featured here at the BAT-BLOG.COM before. They are very small little Gift Books sold in a Display Box with a special little toy/figure inside. You can usually find these in a Bookstore around the cash register area. So, look for these later and if you see any new Bat-Products in retail shops then please let us know.