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.

Chuck's DENVER COMIC CON 2012 Batman Adventure!

Here are some really fun photos sent in to us by a very loyal BAT-BLOG.COM Reader named Chuck. He was pretty excited to share some news with us because he said he had just got back from his very first Comic Con that he ever attended! This is always a great thing to experience because they're just so fun. Plus, this was the 1st ever DENVER COMIC CON so it was very unique. As a side note I should say that I have heard from some other people who went and everyone said it was great. So, we're glad that Chuck got to go.

Now, here are some of his pics. The 1st one is guaranteed to completely torture all of our Readers, ha! This is a Cosplay Girl who was there as Catwoman. I totally LOVE her vinyl cat-suit, MEOW! Next up are a few other Cosplayers with equally cool costumes. We have Harley Quinn ( Arkham City version ) and The Joker, probably the best couple there. We also get to see the Riddler, Animated Series Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, and another great Joker.

Chcuk got to meet a few of his personal heroes: the Legendary Comic Book Artist Neal Adams and Michael Uslan, Executive Producer of all the BATMAN Movies. Uslan was there promoting his new Biography Book, "The Boy Who loved Batman". Also, the very last photo is of some homemade Superhero Art/Crafts Toys that are pretty cool! WOW! It seriously looks like this is an event I would have loved to attend. Before I sign-out here I wanna say THANK YOU to Chuck for sharing his experience, I appreciate it.

Desmond's 2012 DENVER COMIC CON Adventure!

Last weekend was the very 1st Annual DENVER COMIC CON ( Colorado ) and it was a complete success. But, the most important thing was our Little Buddy Desmond got to go and this was his very 1st Superhero event like this. Of course he wore his BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD Costume. Which wasn't that far of a stretch because he practically lives in it anyway, ha ha! But, can you imagine his surprise when he got there and saw that there were many other Cosplay Batman Fans all dressed-up just like he was! 



Yes, he had a great time & even got his face painted like Batman too. Oh yeah check this out, his Dad, our Friend Seth, got to meet Michael Uslan who we all know as the Executive Producer for the Batman Movies. He was there promoting THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Film. Now before I go I wanna thank Melissa  for sharing these wonderful photos. I ALWAYS love seeing the Desmond!

LEGENDS OF THE KNIGHT - Filmmaker Focuses on the Fans of Batman in New Documentary

While Batman fans await the summer blockbuster “The Dark Knight Rises,” filmmaker Brett Culp is turning the camera on them. His documentary film “Legends of the Knight” will tell the stories of people who have been inspired by the legacy and tales of Batman.



Not only will this film focus on the fans of Batman, its creation is dependent on the support of the fans via the crowdfunding campaign that began April 12, 2012 ( www.indiegogo.com/batmanfilm ). The campaign raised $5,775 in its first day.



“Batman has become contemporary mythology,” Culp said. “Our goal with this film is to show how enduring stories like this shape us. As all great stories have the power to do, Batman has been a symbol that has inspired real people to achieve amazing things. The purpose of ‘Legends of the Knight’ is to show that heroic stories have the power to lift us up, and we need more of them.”



Culp is a life-long Batman fan. He and his team are capturing stories from around the U.S. and across the globe. They are filming with individuals whose love of the Dark Knight has inspired them to overcome devastating obstacles, to motivate and encourage young people, and to contribute to their communities.



Well-known Batfans who have confirmed their participation in this project include:



Michael Uslan - executive producer of "Batman", "Batman Begins", "The    Dark Knight", and "The Dark Knight Rises".

 

Denny O'Neil - legendary Batman writer

 

Rabbi Cary Friedman - author, "Wisdom from the Batcave"

 

Dr. Travis Langley - author, "Batman and Psychology"; teacher of university course in psychology called "Batman"

 

Gotham Chopra - co-author, "Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes"; son of best-selling author Deepak Chopra



“Human beings have always been stirred to greatness by the tales of heroes,” Culp said. “We connect with Batman because he is the super hero with no super powers. Just as he has committed himself to making the world better, we can dedicate ourselves to a noble cause and make a difference. This type of inspiration is a core function of storytelling in society.”



The Release Date will be about early 2013 so look for it then. Also, click HERE for the Official Website and more info.

THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN - Michael Uslan Book Signing in NYC

Meet The Author of THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN, Michael Uslan, and get your copy of the book autographed on Tuesday, October 18th, 2011 at 7:00 PM at the Greenwich Village Barnes and Noble Bookstore in NYC!



Michael Uslan is a film producer & Author. He has been the Executive Producer of all of the Batman movies from 1989 BATMAN to THE DARK KNIGHT RISES.



Barnes & Noble – Greenwich Village

396 Ave of the Americas at 8th Street

New York City, NY 10011

( 212 )674-8780

VIDEO - MICHAEL USLAN'S BATMAN BOOK SIGNING PARTY

Here's a fan-made mini-documentary we're pretty proud of. It was made by our friends BatDave and Dennis Pellicano and they did a really great job on it.



Michael Uslan, a New Jersey native and executive producer of the Batman motion pictures, celebrates the release of his brand new book, a memoir, titled, "THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN". This enjoyable all-day event took place on the historic Boardwalk of Asbury Park, NJ on August 20th, 2011. This nine minute movie was filmed in one take, edited and assembled in 4 hours, and cost only 90 bucks to produce. Please be sure to check it out because it's pretty cool!

Michael Uslan's NJ Book Signing Party for "THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN"

Last Saturday, August 20th, was a special day for Batman Fans. Well, ones who live near New Jersey anyway, ha! Michael Uslan, the Author of "The Boy Who Loved Batman", had a Book Signing Party at the Ashbury Park Convention Hall on the Boardwalk in NJ. Our Bat-Reporter Buddy "BatDave" was there and got some incredible photos! He also said that the event was a total blast & Mr. Uslan was a lot of fun to be around. He also said he was a very gracious person, that's cool.








The first photo shows the Author Michael Uslan in a 1966 TV Batmobile Replica Car. In fact, there were a few different Batmobiles made available for the event & tomorrow we're gonna post a special "Wallpaper Background" that's a really great pic of the 1989 Movie and 1966 TV Show Batmobile... TOGETHER! So, stay tuned for that.




Now, up next are 2 photos that feature a Costumed Batman Fan getting his book signed & the 3rd pic shows our Buddy "BatDave" ( he's the guy on the far-right ). Last, but not least, I wanna remind everybody about the book. I recently received a copy & will be doing a major "Bat-Book Review". Please look for that soon. Also, Thanks to BatDave for sharing this wonderful experience. I wish I could been there, arrgghh!

THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN Book Signing Event on August 20th with Michael Uslan

This Saturday, on August 20th, Michael Uslan will be holding a BATMAN Event at Ashbury Park, the Famous Boardwalk in New Jersey, to promote his new memoir book, "THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN". Of course we're talking about the Executive Producer of all the recent Batman Films so this should be pretty cool! There will be a Book Signing, Lectures, Drinks, & they'll show the original 1989 BATMAN Movie on the Beach! Plus, the entire thing will be free! Well, you might have to pay for your own drinks, ha! But there is no admission cost.



Plus, There will also be five original Batmobile Cars from Gotham City Supercars sprinkled all over the Boardwalk. Down below is the basic schedule for the event. Then, there's a photo of our good friend, Bat-Chick, she's standing next to an original promo poster she spotted on the Boardwalk in NJ.

The schedule includes:

Noon - 1:30PM: The day starts off at 12 PM at The Sundry Times, Asbury's Beach Shop and News Stand, where fans will have their first opportunity to meet Michael Uslan LIVE and in person to purchase their own copy of "The Boy Who Loved Batman" and have it signed.



2:00PM - 4:00PM: Located at the top of the First Avenue Pavilion on the AP Boardwalk, Watermark is an upscale lounge where there will be a very special discussion and Q & A. There, Michael takes questions in this intimate insider look behind this amazing career.



6:00PM - 8:00PM: The next stop is The Beach Bar, located off of the 5th Avenue Boardwalk on the Oceanside deck adjacent to the world famous Convention Hall. Here, you can take a small break & enjoy specialty beverages while you take in the unbelievable view.



8:30PM - 10:30PM: Finally, you will finish this amazing day with a very special screening of the Classic 1989 BATMAN Movie on the Beach with a special introduction from Michael. Yes, Re-live all of the thrilling action and adventure in this epic film experience... like you never have before!

Book Promo Video - THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN by Michael Uslan

The Publisher, Chronicle Books, has just released this cool new BOOK PROMO VIDEO to start early hype for "THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN". This book was written by Michael Uslan who has been the Executive Producer for all the recent Batman Movies. We're talking "1989 BATMAN" all the way up to the next Bat-Film, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. But, besides working in Hollywood, Michael Uslan is an extremely serious Batman Fan, and has been since early childhood, this is his story.

Video - Michael Uslan BATMAN The Dark Knight Phenomenon

Here's an interesting video shot at New York Comic Con of an almost 1-hour speech by Michael Uslan, the Producer of the Batman Movies. This is part one ( 10 minutes ) & there are 5 total, that you can enjoy at YouTube. Basically, he shares his stories about being a HUGE Comic Book Fan & going to early Comic Book Conventions. In fact, he went to the VERY FIRST Comic Con in NYC back in the 1960's. Now the reason I'm posting this video is because he talks about Batman, a lot!

New Book - THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN By Michael Uslan

THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN, The True Story of How a Comics-Obsessed Kid Conquered Hollywood to Bring the Dark Knight to the Silver Screen. This is the new memoir written by Michael Uslan that will be coming out later ( No exact release date has been issued yet. But please stay tuned to the Bat-Blog because, "we're on it!" ). Now, some of you might think, "Hey, I recognize that name". Well, Michael Uslan has been the Movie Producer of all the BATMAN Movies. Yes, this is the guy responsible for bringing the Dark Knight to the big screen! In this new biography he shares the story of growing-up in the 1950's & totally being obsessed with comic books, especially Batman ones. He also shares his 10 year fight to get Batman to film. It sounds like a great story! Once we get more information we'll keep ya updated.



Important Side-Note:

A friend on Facebook just told me the release date will be around August 8th ( Thanks Torsten )

Michael Uslan ( Batman Movie Producer ) To Speak at Ball State University

On March 21st, 2011, Michael Uslan will be a Special Guest Speaker at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. The event is FREE & if you're a film buff ( or Batman Fan ) you need to go! Of course Michael Uslan is the Executive Movie Producer responsible for bringing us the 1989 Tim Burton BATMAN movie & 2008's The Dark Knight. His speech will mainly be about his journey of creating his career to bringing Batman successfully to the big screen. He shares the principles that allowed him to persevere despite repeated rejection and encourages people to reach for their dreams and believe in themselves. It should be pretty interesting. Now, shown here is a Promo Video made by some College Students for the event.

Podcast: Bob Andelman Interviews Michael Uslan, Producer of the Batman Movies

I came across a podcast today that I knew I had to share here because it is "Batman-related" & extremely interesting. Bob Andelman, know as "Mr. Media", interviews Michael Uslan. This is the guy who has produced all the Batman movies we all love, from Batman 1989 to The Dark Knight. Currently, he's working on bringing Shazam & The Shadow to the big screen. So, if you're a fan of the Batman Films then be sure to listen to this fun interview.