In this episode of The Batman Universe Podcast, hosts Scott and BJ talk about their favorite Batman moments from 2024, as well as new Bat-related books and media to look forward to in 2025.

It’s a celebration of the best of Batman, along with a few nods to other comic books and video games that came out this past year. Along with the annual recap, the two discuss the announcement of the new Mike Flanagan-helmed Clayface movie, which you can read more about here. They also make mention of the Athena Finger-helmed campaign to get Bill Finger’s name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Further Listening

In one segment, Scott mentions our sister site, TheComicBookSpot.com. Site editor Theo interviewed Space Ghost comic book scribe David Pepose, which you can listen to here. Theo also interviewed Jeremy Adams, writer of the current Flash Gordon comic from Mad Cave Studios. That interview is forthcoming.

For our Bat-Family: What were some of your favorite Bat-moments from 2024?

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. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! 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 269: Best of Batman in 2024 (And More) appeared first on The Batman Universe.

In episode 268 of The Batman Universe Podcast, hosts Scott and BJ wrap up their discussion of The Penguin series on HBO Max. This episode covers a discussion on the following The Penguin episodes:

• The Penguin Episode 5: Homecoming
• The Penguin Episode 6: Gold Summit
• The Penguin Episode 7: Top Hat
• The Penguin Episode 8: Great or Little Thing

Scott and BJ talk about character arcs, favorite moments, least favorite moments, unexpected surprises, heartbreaking deaths (spoiler!), and whether or not they enjoyed the series as a whole. Did it need to be 8 hours, or would it have been better as a leaner, meaner two-hour film? Also, what did our dynamic hosts think the ending means for both the future of Oswald Cobb as a character as well as the upcoming The Batman Part II?

Listeners who are catching up on the series can listen to past TBU discussions on the show (Episode 264: ‘The Penguin’ Series Episodes 1 & 2 and Episode 266: ‘The Penguin’ Series Episodes 3 & 4).

Also, for those who need a refresher on a history of the character, Scott and BJ did a deep dive into Oswald Cobblepot a few months back. Check out Episode 253: All About The Penguin, which offers a timeline of the character’s evolution throughout each comic book age, as well as beloved Penguin-centric stories from the hosts.

Other Topics Covered in Episode 268

• Post-Thanksgiving catch-up
• Creature Commandos is NOW STREAMING on MAX, giving viewers their first glimpse of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DCU.

For our Bat-Family: Did you enjoy the finale to 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 268: What Did We Think of ‘The Penguin’ Finale? appeared first on The Batman Universe.

In episode 267 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Scott is joined by Rob from Comic Book Chronicles. With the absolute smash success of Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s Absolute Batman, the two give their thoughts on Absolute Batman #1, as well as other Batman Elseworld tales.

For those who haven’t picked up the first or second issue of Absolute Batman, it’s part of DC’s new Absolute Universe, which includes Absolute Superman and Absolute Wonder Woman in the lineup. Scott and Rob talk about the highlights (and low points) of the issues, analyzing parallels to Marvel’s reboot of the Ultimate Universe. Before listening to this episode, it’s a good idea to listen to Rob’s review of Absolute Batman #1 on Comic Book Chronicles. Listeners can also find Comic Book Chronicles at:

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

Other topics covered in this episode include Frank Miller’s Batman work, including The Dark Knight Returns (BJ and Scott previously revisited this in TBU Episode 259)and All-Star Batman & Robin. They also talk about the Batman & Dracula Trilogy, which includes Batman & Dracula: Red Rain, Bloodstorm and Crimson Mist, as well as John Ridley’s The Next Batman, which was born out of DC’s Future State event from a few years back.

What’s your favorite Batman Elseworld Tale? Tell us about it. 

Join our Discord, and tell us about your favorite Elseworlds 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. You’ll be a caped crusader to us if you do.

The post Episode 267: ‘Absolute Batman’ & Favorite Batman Elseworlds appeared first on The Batman Universe.

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.