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.

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.

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

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES - TOTAL FILM Magazine Special Movie Issue

Just a quick reminder: Hey, while you're near a Barnes and Noble Store ( or Borders, do they still exist? ) you might wanna pop-in and grab the latest issue of TOTAL FILM Magazine. Why? Because it's a Special Movie Issue with Exclusive Coverage of THE DARK KNIGHT RISES! Also, speaking of that, BATMAN ( Christian Bale ) is on the cover!

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.

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!

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!

HOLY COW, BATMAN! New DC Super-Pets Book Out Now!

The next new DC Super-Pets book, titled BARNYARD BRAINWASH, is on sale now! The Mad Catter is brainwashing all the livestock in Gotham City and it's up to the BATCOW to put an end to this udder madness! Illustrated by the amazing Art Baltazar and written by John Sazaklis. Little Kids totally love these!

New BATMAN BATMOBILE BOOK Coming Out From Running Press

Hey, This is just a quick post to share some news about an upcoming book that a lot of Batman Fans will be interested in getting, mainly because it comes with a BATMOBILE Toy, ha! I don't have much news right now ( I'm working on it ) but a Publishing Company named "Running Press" will publish a small book next year that will be sold in a gift box that comes with a small Batmobile. I have absolutely NO info on this yet other than the prototype photo shown here. But stay tuned to the BAT-BLOG.COM and as soon as we get more info we'll let you know!

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!

BATMAN'S BIGGEST SECRET

"Batman's Biggest Secret is NOT Bruce Wayne...", reads the front of this brand-new Promo T-Shirt. The back says, "Put Your Finger on it, July 2012, NOBLEMANIA". OK, This post is sort of mysterious but here's the deal. There's a Book Author named Marc Tyler Nobleman who is in the very very early stages of promoting his next book ( The actual release date is almost a year from now, July 1st, 2012 ). You might know him as the guy who wrote "Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman". Well, his next major book will be all about the uncredited Batman Co-Creator, Bill Finger. Serious Batman Fans know who this guy is because his story of how he never got any credit for helping create the greatest comic book superhero in history is legendary. But the unusual thing is that he was so "hidden" that even serious Fans don't know much about him. Well, hopefully that's gonna change after the book comes out. Basically it's going to be a very serious Biography about Mr. Finger & his contributions to the Comic Book genre, especially the Dark Knight character. I've been following the creation of this book for awhile now & the attention to details, & the interviews with other Artists/Writers, is extremely meticulous. I'm predicting it's gonna be a really great book.



OK, to get back to the T-Shirt. The shirt you see up above was created as a promotional Tool for the next 2011 Comic Con. Marc is set-up to do a lecture & panel discussion at that event for the "Bill Finger" Book. We're hoping a few people buy the shirt & wear it to the event. It's designed in such a way that it's sort of "vague", & then if somebody asks what the shirt is about then you can get into a dialogue about the "Finger Book". So, if you wanna support this great project then please be sure to visit SKREENED where you can buy this shirt.



Now, please keep in mind that the shirt is sold in TWO ways: 1. You can get a shirt that is screened with both designs on the front & back, Or 2. You can get a shirt that has JUST the "front" design with nothing on the back. Either way it's a great item! Seriously, all your friends will be super-jealous, JEALOUS!