In episode 266 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Scott and BJ get back to talking about HBO’s hit new series, The Penguin! If you haven’t listened to their take on the first two episodes, you can check out The Penguin Episodes 1 &2.

For those who listened to the previous TBU podcast episode on The Penguin, they may remember that BJ and Scott disagreed.  Whereas BJ was more favorable of The Penguin, Scott was middle-of-the-road on it. Does that trend continue, now that we’ve seen more of Sofia Falcone’s backstory, as well as Mark Strong’s turn as Carmine Falcone? Do the two continue to disagree, or did one of the next two episodes finally win Scott over?

You’ll have to tune in to find out!

Other Topics Covered This Episode:

• Joker: Folie a Deux on streaming (plus Quentin Tarantino’s bizarre ramblings about his love for this Joker follow-up).
• New Lanterns casting!
• Plus, are more HBO shows set in The Matt Reeves’ Bat-Verse on the horizon?

Question of Episode 266: Are You Still Enjoying The Penguin?

Join our Discord, and share your thoughts on The Penguin. Prefer email? No problem. Drop us a line at [email protected].  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!

Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here. For more from your hosts, you can find Scott on Threads (@Writer_Scott) or at ScottWaldynWrites.com and BJ on Twitter (@BJShea33).

The post Episode 266: ‘The Penguin’ Series Parts 3 & 4 appeared first on The Batman Universe.

In episode 265 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Scott is joined by Eisner & Ringo-nominated Letterer Clayton Cowles, whose creativity has graced the pages of Batman, Absolute Batman, Penguin, X-Men, The Amazing Spider-Man, and literally thousands of other comic books.

The two talk about Clayton Cowles’ career, his journey toward comics, and what it means to be a letterer in the industry today. It’s an insightful and informative conversation, one that offers behind-the-scenes details of what goes into making everyone’s favorite comics. Whether you’re a comic newbie or a seasoned reader, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this conversation, and afterward, you may even look at your favorite books a little bit differently.

Following Clayton Cowles

For more from Clayton Cowles, you can follow him on his Instagram: @ClaytonCowles.

Question For Our Listeners: Which Comic Has Some of Your Favorite Lettering?

Join our Discord, and share your thoughts. Prefer email? No problem. Drop us a line at [email protected].  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!

The post Episode 265: Interview With Clayton Cowles, Eisner-Nominated Letterer appeared first on The Batman Universe.

In episode 264 of The Batman Universe Podcast, hosts Scott and BJ dive into the first two episodes of HBO MAX’s hit new series inspired by Matt Reeves’ 2022 film, The Batman. Featuring Colin Farrell’s breakout role of the Penguin (Oswald Cobb) as the titular lead, The Penguin series expands upon the criminal underbelly of Gotham City almost immediately after the end of The Batman film. Carmine Falcone is dead, half of Gotham has been destroyed by the Riddler, and mobsters fight for power.

Did Scott and BJ Like the First Two Episodes of The Penguin?

You’ll have to tune in to find out! Their discussion goes through all of the new major characters introduced, such as Cristin Milioti’s portrayal of Sofia Falcone, Clancy Brown as Salvatore Maroni, and more. They also skirt around major plot points, trying to keep the episode as spoiler-free as possible, while still discussing their overall thoughts and impressions on the show.

Other topics covered this episode include:

• Early Joker: Folie à Deux reviews ahead of its October 4, 2024 release date. 
• The Batman: Resurrection novel by John Jackson Miller due out on bookshelves on October 15, 2024. We have word of a secret new villain reveal!
• The Dynamic Duo animated feature film announced from James Gunn!

Pop your earbuds in, and get your umbrellas ready because it’s going to be a rainy day in Gotham City!

Question of Episode 264: Are You Enjoying The Penguin?

Join our Discord, and share your thoughts on The Penguin. Prefer email? No problem. Drop us a line at [email protected].  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!

Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here. For more from your hosts, you can find Scott on Threads (@Writer_Scott) or at ScottWaldynWrites.com and BJ on Twitter (@BJShea33).

The post Episode 264: ‘The Penguin’ MAX Series Episodes 1 & 2 appeared first on The Batman Universe.

In episode 263 of The Batman Universe Podcast, hosts Scott and BJ return to wrap up their discussion on Batman: Caped Crusader. Just like their coverage of the first half of Batman: Caped Crusader season 1 in TBU episode 261, the discussion starts with a spoiler-free overview of the season as a whole.

After their overview, Scott and BJ move into spoiler territory, diving into the themes, plots, characterizations, and ideas behind each of the remaining 5 episodes. Topics range from a mutual love of lesser-known Bat-villains Onomatopoeia (voiced by Reid Scott) and Gentleman Ghost (Toby Stephens) to an examination of Harvey Dent’s transformation into Two-Face (both voiced by Diedrich Bader) and Batman’s (Hamish Linklater) softening into a more compassionate vigilante.

This episode also includes a discussion on that recent revelation that Penguin, who stars in his own MAX crime drama and was played expertly by Colin Farrell, will go by “Oz Cobb” and not “Oswald Cobblepot” in the Matt Reeves-helmed Bat-verse.

Batman: Caped Crusader Episodes Covered:

• Episode #6: Night Ride
• Episode #7: Moving Target
• Episode #8: Nocturne
• Episode #9:  The Killer Inside Me
• Episode #10: Savage Night

Question: Did You Enjoy Batman: Caped Crusader?

Join our Discord, and share your thoughts on Batman: Caped Crusade. Prefer email? No problem. Drop us a line at [email protected].  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!

Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here. For more from your hosts, you can find Scott on Threads (@Writer_Scott) or at ScottWaldynWrites.com and BJ on Twitter (@BJShea33).

The post Ep. 263: Batman: Caped Crusader Episodes 6 – 10 appeared first on The Batman Universe.

In episode 262 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Scott interviews Pitof, director of the Halle Berry-led Catwoman film. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the iconic 2004 film, and this episode looks back at how the film’s reception has changed and evolved over the last 20 years. When it was originally released, the Catwoman movie was among the early films in the post-00s superhero film boom. At the time, it was critically panned, but as the superhero film market has expanded and a new audience has grown up with this genre of films, has the audience response changed? The answer is yes.

Listen in as Scott and Pitof discuss the changing landscape of superhero cinema, as well as hit on the distinctive style and original characterization (switching out Selina Kyle for Patience Phillips) that make the Catwoman movie a unique experience. It’s a great conversation, offering insights into the film-making, technique, and thought process behind a cat-centric action romp that takes our favorite jewel thief and anti-heroine out of Gotham and on an adventure of her own.

Rent or purchase the Catwoman movie on Amazon Prime, or pick up a copy on BluRay or DVD.

Want to join the conversation on the Catwoman movie and more?

Join our Discord, and share your thoughts on Catwoman and all things Batman-related! Prefer email? No problem. Drop us a line at [email protected].  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!

Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here. For more from your host, you can find Scott on Threads (@Writer_Scott) or at ScottWaldynWrites.com.

The post Episode 262: Interview with Pitof, Director of ‘Catwoman’ (2004) appeared first on The Batman Universe.

In episode 261 of The Batman Universe Podcast, your bat-tastic hosts Scott and BJ talk Batman: Caped Crusader, which dropped on Prime on August 1st, 2024. The episode starts with an overall impression of the show as Scott and BJ share their spoiler-free thoughts about the characterization, art style, and story so far.

For those who have already seen the first 5 episodes, Scott and BJ dive deep into each episode’s storyline, discussing characterizations of the cold and calculating Penguin (voiced by Minnie Driver), from riches-to-rags Catwoman (voiced by Christina Ricci), the macabre Clayface (Dan Donohue), the eat-the-rich Harley Quinn (Jamie Chung), “creepy and weird” Batman (Hamish Linklater), Mr. Ends Justifying the Means Harvey Dent (Diedrich Bader), and other characters. They hit on favorite moments, dislikes, and interesting references to Batman: The Animated Series and other elements of the Batman universe.

Get your detective equipment ready because like the world’s greatest detective, your hosts put their sleuthing skills to work and connect themes and interesting ideas that run throughout the series so far.

Batman: Caped Crusader Episodes Covered:

• Episode #1: Treacherous Waters
• Episode #2: And Be A Villain
• Episode #3: Kiss of the Catwoman
• Episode #4: Night of the Hunters
• Episode #5: The Stress of Her Regard

Question: Are You Enjoying Batman: Caped Crusader?

Join our Discord, and share your thoughts on Batman: Caped Crusade. Prefer email? No problem. Drop us a line at [email protected].  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!

Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here. For more from your hosts, you can find Scott on Threads (@Writer_Scott) or at ScottWaldynWrites.com and BJ on Twitter (@BJShea33).

The post Episode 261: Batman: Caped Crusader Episodes 1 – 5 appeared first on The Batman Universe.

In episode 260 of The Batman Universe Podcast, hosts Scott and BJ revisit the 1966 phenomenon that was Batman: The Movie, starring Adam West, Burt Ward, Burgess Meredith, Lee Meriwether, Frank Gorshin, Caesar Romero, and Alan Napier. The two have fun talking about their favorite moments, the strange, sometimes subversive humor, the only ending where Batman kinda, sorta loses, and more.

The two also talk about YET ANOTHER trailer for The Penguin starring Colin Farrell, Clancy Brown, and Cristin Milioti. Luckily, we have a release date of Thursday, September 19th. Watch the trailer here:

Lastly, Scott and BJ cover the Batman: Caped Crusader news that came out of a panel at San Diego Comic Con. In an exciting surprise, Minnie Driver is playing Oswalda Cobblepot, The Penguin, in the show, and she’s a cabaret-singer-turned-mob-boss. Early reviews are also in, and they are mostly positive.

Looking for BJ’s latest TBU Five Things? Check out TBU Five Things: Badass Batman Moments.

Question: Are You Excited for Batman: Caped Crusader?

Join our Discord, and share your thoughts on Batman: Caped Crusader, which debuts on Thursday, August 1st, or any other topic in this Batman Universe Podcast episode. Prefer email? No problem. Drop us a line at [email protected].  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!

Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here. For more from your hosts, you can find Scott on Threads (@Writer_Scott) or at ScottWaldynWrites.com and BJ on Twitter (@BJShea33).

The post Episode 260: Batman: The Movie (1966) & SDCC ’24 Updates appeared first on The Batman Universe.

In this episode of The Batman Universe Podcast, hosts Scott and BJ revisit The Dark Knight Returns, the 4-issue miniseries that changed comics forever.  The two cover some background information about the book, of how characters like the Carrie Kelly Robin came to be, as well as analyze some of the more memorable moments in the work. From the return of Two-Face and the Joker to the Mutant Gang and that final battle with Superman, The Dark Knight Returns is iconic, groundbreaking, and one of those stories that changed the Batman landscape, both in print and on the silver screen.

They don’t talk about Bruno though. No, no.

What is your favorite moment in The Dark Knight Returns?

Join our Discord, and share your thoughts and memories on The Dark Knight Returns or any other Batman story in our TBU Bat-fans channel. Prefer email? No problem. Drop us a line at [email protected].  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference.

The post Episode 259: Revisiting ‘The Dark Knight Returns’ Comic & Adaptation appeared first on The Batman Universe.

In this episode of The Batman Universe Podcast, hosts Scott and BJ look back at Batman (1989) and its legacy, graphic novel adaptation, and subsequent Bat-mania that, arguably, made Batman more popular than ever before. Tune in as they talk about favorite film moments, the casting, that iconic Prince soundtrack, and more.

• For more Batman (1989) goodness, check out some of our previous episodes, including an interview with Batman Movement Double Carl Newman and interview with Executive Producer Michael Uslan.
• Never read the Batman (1989) graphic novel by Denny O’Neill and Jerry Ordway? Get your copy here.
• Want to read an in-depth breakdown of Batman‘s opening sequence? Scott compiled a shot list and breaks down the themes, motifs, and ideas that make the opening sequence so iconic. Read Analyzing an Opening: Fear and Myth in Batman (1989).

Other Batman Topics Covered this Episode

Check out the latest trailer for The Penguin, which debuts in September. BJ and Scott couldn’t be more excited for this very mob-heavy show to drop.

Did you miss the Batman: Caped Crusader season 1 trailer? We’ve got you covered:

How did you celebrate the 35th anniversary of Batman? Tell us about it. 

Join our Discord, and share your feelings about Batman (1989) or any other Batman story in our TBU Bat-fans channel. Prefer email? No problem. Drop us a line at [email protected].  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference.

The post Episode 258: Batman (1989) 35th Anniversary Special appeared first on The Batman Universe.

In episode #257 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Scott has the pleasure of chatting about Warner Bros animation with Lila Martinez, whose career boasts work on celebrated prime time series and movies such as The Simpsons, American Dad, Harley Quinn, Mortal Kombat Legends: Cage Match, and much more. Most recently, Lila has served as director on several episodes of the critically acclaimed Batwheels show currently airing on MAX and Cartoon Network.

Tune in as Scott and Lila discuss what goes into the making an animated episodes, as well as what differences and challenges animators face when crafting a show for adults, like Harley Quinn, versus a show for much younger audiences, like Batwheels. It’s a fun, insightful glimpse behind the curtain of recent Batman-related animation, giving listeners a taste of the process of making an episode.

To learn more about Lila Martinez’s work in animation as a director and a storyboard artist, please check out her website (https://www.lilastory.com/site/) or follow her Instagram: @lilastory.

In the course of their discussion, Lila and Scott hit on favorite Batman incarnations, as well as a mutual appreciation and love for Batgirl.

Question for our listeners: Is it time for Batgirl to get her own stand-alone work of animation? Tell us about it. 

Join our Discord, and hit us with your thoughts on why Batgirl deserves (or doesn’t deserve) her own stand-alone series in our TBU Bat-fans channel. Prefer email? No problem. Drop us a line at [email protected]. As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe. Thank you for being a hero.

The post Episode 257: Animating Batman w/ Lila Martinez, Director of Batwheels appeared first on The Batman Universe.

In this episode of The Batman Universe Podcast, Scott is joined by Rob from Comic Book Chronicles. The two talk about the Comic Book Chronicles channel, how Rob got into comics, favorite incarnations of Batman, the current Chip Zdarsky and Jorge Jimenez Batman run, and DC’s “Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors of Batman.”

Listeners can watch Comic Book Chronicles’ reviews across the following social media platforms:

• TikTok: @comicbookchronicles
• Instagram: @comicbookchroniclesrob
• YouTube: @ComicBookChroniclesRob
• Threads: @comicbookchroniclesrob

Rob and Scott also talk about The Killing Joke. If you missed our last episode, we took a deep dive into the seminal graphic novel from Alan Moore and Brian Bolland. Listen to our Killing Joke podcast episode here.

Who is your definitive Batman? Tell us about it. 

Join our Discord, and tell us about your favorite incarnation of The Dark Knight in our TBU Bat-fans channel. Prefer email? No problem. Drop us a line at [email protected]. As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe. You’ll be a caped crusader to us if you do.

The post Episode 256: A Batman For Everyone w/Comic Book Chronicles appeared first on The Batman Universe.