DC Universe Online's Iconic Battle Suit Upgrades are Kick A$$ & Bad A$$

Sony Online Entertainment released this week another series of videos in advance of DC Universe Online, the massively multiplayer role-playing game based on the superheroes of DC Comics. The latest clip previews "Iconic Battle Suits," described as the ultimate reward for players. After enough points are accumulated, players can receive from Wonder Woman or Black Adam a themed battle suit.

Both Wonder Woman and Black Adam's battlesuits are rooted in the more mythological side of the DCUO spectrum, with their combined pieces reflecting the might of their respective Greek and Egyptian mythologies. Wonder Woman's armor, Hera's Strength, assembles the might of the gods of Mt. Olympus, while Black Adam's Anubis Shroud wards off the forces of its deathly namesake. From the gameplay shown, both outfits seem to pack the kind of power their names imply.

More tech-based armors gifted from heroes like Batman and villains like the Joker are set to join these mythical suits down the line, meaning players should have plenty of in-game costume advancements to look forward to.

Check out the video below for a first look at these bad a$$ add-ons:

via: SOE & Comics Alliance

Jim Lee & Brian Azzarello Launch BATMAN: EUROPA Miniseries in 2011

Normally, I am the first to jump on the "too many batman title" bandwagon, but I am going to make an exception for this little miniseries.  The reasons why?  It's a miniseries and Jim Lee, Brian Azzarello, and many other top-notch writers and artists are involved on the project.   

From DC's The Source:

Coming in January BATMAN: EUROPA, a four-issue mini-series written to gritty perfection by FIRST WAVE’s Brian Azzarello and Matteo Casali with an all-star cast of artists, including Giuseppe Camuncoli (who is handling layouts for the entire series!), Diego Latorre and Jock. With a first issue painted over Cammo’s layouts by none other than superstar artist and DC Comics Co-Publisher Jim Lee, who as you know, is no stranger to Batman. And if it involves Jim, you can guarantee it’s a major Batman tale.

In the pages of BATMAN: EUROPA, the impossible has happened – the Batman is on the brink of defeat, at the hands of a virus with no cure. Surely there’s someone that can help him? Well, there is – the Joker. Who infected Batman with the virus? What does the Joker have to do to save him? And how can it all happen before the Dark Knight collapses? Together, the unlikely teammates and arch-foes travel through Europe cobbling together clues while the clock ticks down.

Here is the first cover from the series, by Jim Lee, and it is beautiful.  I cannot wait to read this tale. 

Which Cover to SUPERMAN #9 do You Like Best?

One of Gfest's favorite sites is covered, a website where artist reinterpret comic book covers.  Daniel Garber did a very creative alternative cover to John Byrne's Superman #9 featuring the Joker.  I love his rendition.  What do you think?

The Sinestro Corps Joins "DC Universe Online"

How sweet is this game going to be when it is finally available?  Everything you know, read or seen in a DC Comic book looks to be available in this game.  Jim Lee and the team at Blur Studio should be commended for their effort in putting this game together.  The attention to detail regarding every aspect of the DCU is so very wonderful that words do not seem to describe it's greatness. 

Now we find-out that we can play along with Sinestro and the Yellow Lantern Corp.  Awesome!  Now, please, please give me the Red Lantern Corp with Atrocitus and Dex-Starr and Agent Orange, Larfleeze.

'World's Finest' Hoodies are Definetly no 'Joker!'

I've never been a HUGE hoodie fan. I don't dislike them or the folks that wear them but just not my cup-o- tea.  I'm a Junk Food/Homage t-shirt guy that likes a good pullover.

I think today that all might have changed with the announcement of these ultra cool DC hoodies in the form bearing both left and right profiles of Batman, Superman and the Joker.

You can purchase these hoodies via the Big Bad Toy Store for $40. You'll be the envy of everyone at the comic shop each Wednesday afternoon.

via: Comics Alliance & Big Bad Toy Store

How to Make Your Money Extra Cool by Adding Geek Art

Aren't you tired of walking around with plain old cash currency?  The only potential surprise is figuring out what miniscule amounts of drugs you get with that dollar bill. 

But now you can surprise the world by adding Batman, Superman, Darth Vader or any of the other following inspirations to make your dollar bill extra geeky. 

Batman Falls on Hard Times

Poor Batman, regulated to a freakin Best Western.  The days of the Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, W, etc. are long gone.  Dick Grayson and Damien Wayne probably pissed away the fortune while Bruce has been gone trapped in in time.  Poor Tim doesn't know about it since he has been out actually doing something productive with his time, like looking for Bruce.

Although, on the other-hand, it's probably a good hideout because even the Joker wouldn't stay at this dump.

Holy Fallout Batman! Would The Joker Ever Use a Nuclear Bomb?

In the DC Comics/Dark Horse Comics crossover Joker-Mask, while vandalizing a museum exhibit, the Joker finds and wears The Mask, which was made famous in the Jim Carrey movie.

Having no desires or personality traits that are hidden, the Joker essentially is himself but with near invulnerability, super speed, strength and other abilities. Using the Mask, Joker is actually able to defeat Batman and become unstoppable. He takes over the Gotham television waves and broadcasts 24/7 destruction.

Becoming bored with this, the Joker commandeers a nuclear bomb to destroy Gotham City. Batman confronts Joker/Mask, and his insistence that the Mask isn't funny forces the Joker to emerge and remove The Mask, then realizing that The Mask had been in control of the Joker ever since he put it on.

Its not a bad book, but having the Joker threaten to deploy a nuclear bomb didn't sit well with me.  Look, the Joker is clearly an insane maniac, but he has alway killed with some flair and drama.  He kills in such a way that people can appreciate his "artform" if you will. 

Does a nuclear bomb fit into the Joker's bag of tricks?  I think not. 

PREVIEW: BATMAN & ROBIN #14 (and why it's a good series)

I have changed my tune on Grant Morrison's BATMAN AND ROBIN.  Admittedly, I was filled with sour grapes when Morrison and Didiot "killed-off" Bruce Wayne and started the run with Dick as Batman and Damien as Robin.  I was upset and did not give this book a chance.  Now, that I have come around and am current on this title, I have been impressed with the book, especially the Tim, Damien, Dick, and Alfred relationship.  Now, I do admit that current plot line of hunting down Bruce, history of the Wayne family, Batman RIP tie-in, Joker, etc. was a very big reason for my turn around but nonetheless I give the Scottish Alan Moore his due.

Well this month BATMAN & ROBIN #14 hits the shelves and DC has given us a preview. 

Grant Morrison and artist Frazer Irving continue their epic BATMAN AND ROBIN tale, as one of our heroes lies near death. Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne enter the ultimate, blood-soaked battle against two foes who almost destroyed the original Batman. But are they up for the challenge? And if they can’t make it as a team, have they sealed their fates?

Comic Book University Looks Hilarious and Awesome

Caldwell Tanner has come up with a hilarious set of cartoons imagining what life on campus would look like with superhero co-eds.  Gfest happens to think it looks awesome, hilarious and a lot of fun.  We particularly love Batman running pledge week.  I also think its strange that Superman apparently wears boxers underneath his briefs.

Super and Batman Fight EVERYONE and I'm Bored

If this cover is any indication, Superman and Batman will be facing the mother of all fights in Superman/Batman #78 coming out in November. 

Putting together teams of bad guys to take down the superheroes of the DC Universe is hardly a novel concept, especially in this comic book.  But this is one heck of a team of bad guys that has joined forces.

Superman fights Brainiac, Solomon Grundy, Parasite, Doomsday, Mongul, Lex Luthor, Bizarro and an amry from Apokolips sent by Darkseid. 

While Batman only has to fight the Joker, Scarecrow and Clayface?  This must be the Dick Grayson version of Batman, because Bruce Wayne could take down those three in a heartbeat. 

In all seriousness, I despise these kind of stories.  Each one of these villains is supposedly powerful enough to give Superman or Batman a serious run for their money.  Doomsday actually killed Superman for heaven's sake, and that was after the entire Justice League also took their best shot at him.  Yet now I'm supposed to believe that Superman could beat Doomsday along with every other member of his rouges gallery? 

That's lazy, sloppy storytelling in my book, and I don't care for it.  A five year old can think of the concept of "have them fight everyone."  I expect better from my comic books. 

Having said that, I do really like that cover. 

Frank Quietly Cover to SUPERMAN/BATMAN #75

I love SUPERMAN /BATMAN.  It has always been one of my favorite books.  I love the dichotomy of the two characters within this book.  I love the yin and the yang.  Batman and Superman play off each so very well.  So different but yet so much mutual respect for one another.  The part I like most of all is that deep down underneath the tights and cowl, they're best friends.  So I am very excited to read SUPERMAN/BATMAN #75.

To celebrate this historic issue we have this beautiful cover by the great Frank Quietly and the the lead story is by Paul Levitz, who finally gets to team the Legion of Super-Heroes with Batman as well as Superman and Superboy, all lusciously illustrated by Jerry Ordway, no stranger to Strange Visitors. But this is just the beginning.

What follows is a special section featuring 2-page strips. My homage to WEDNESDAY COMICS.  It starts with Steve Seagle and Teddy Kristiansen doing the only sequel they ever will to IT’S A BIRD… with “It’s A Bat, ” a story of how an editor tries to get a special section like this going. It continues with Billy Tucci and Peter Tomasi with Gene Ha each playing up the grand adventures of our heroes, while Adam Hughes, David Finch, J.T. Krul, Francis Manapul, Duncan Rouleau, Jill Thompson, Michael Green with Mike Johnson and Rafael Albuquerque and Shane Davis all show us how the Superman and Batman families have been inspired by these two icons. From Supergirls to super-pets, and a wild take on a Lex Luthor and Joker teaming by Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo, it has it all, but don’t just listen to me. Go check it out!

Source: DC the Source

Batman Mini Funko Toys are Funkolicious

How sweet are these mini figures?  The new Mini Funko's are refined Blammoids with a touch of cool.  The upcoming line features Batman, Batgirl, Robin, the Joker and the Penguin in all Funko Force's trademark chibi glory, with each piece standing roughly 3.75" tall. You can preorder for $8.00 a piece these new Funko's at and should have them in your hands by September to October.

Like these?  As an avid action figure collector, I don't normally purchase the "non traditional" action figures but I do like their style. Tell us what you think.

Source comic alliance

Robin Williams Wants to be Riddler in Next Batman Movie

Robin Williams wants a job in the next "Batman" film. The actor who adores the comic film franchise has admitted that he would love to play one of Batman's enemies, The Riddler. "I would do Batman in a second, playing anyone. I'd play The Riddler in the next one," he tells Empire magazine.

The 58-year-old admits that "it would be hard to top Heath as the villain and I'm a little hairy for tights," he adds.

Williams additionally reveals that he was offered parts in two of the previous "Batman" films, but the roles were eventually given to other stars. He says, "The Batman films have screwed me twice before: years ago they offered my The Joker and then gave it to Jack Nicholson, then they offered me The Riddler and gave it to Jim Carrey. I'd be like, 'OK, is this a real offer? If it is, then the answer's yes. Don't pump me again motherf**kers'."

Batman and Robin Find a Citizen in Need of Help

Enjoy this Dan Piraro cartoon.  Most people think Batman is always busy fighting huge threats to Gotham like the Joker and the Penguin.  But Batman is always on the lookout fro trouble, no matter how big or small.

New Batman Fan Film City of Scars is Visually Stunning

A really well done fan made superhero film can be a thing of beauty.  Just pure fans making movie magic without studio suits coming in to ruin their vision or force a love interest into the script.  Aaron Schoenke’s offeres the latest entry in the genre with his Batman film City of Scars.

The film was shot over 21 days with a budget of $27,000.  That seems like a pretty high price tag for a fan film, but then again we've never made one. 


The plot of the 30-minute film, which debuted today at Daily Motion, is summarized here:

When the Joker escapes from Arkham and murders the parents of a young boy, Batman recalls the pain of losing his own parents as a child. He is pushed past his limits to the point where his focus becomes revenge on all who stand in his way, including many of Gotham’s underworld. Finally, Batman is forced to look at the psychological profile of his own mind and accept the consequences of his life to find resolve.

It's a new Batman film.  Who are you kidding?  You know you want to watch it. 

Preview: Joker's Asylum: Harley Quinn #1

Top creators lend their talents to a new installment of The Joker's Asylum – a special month-long, weekly series of one-shots starring the greatest villains in Batman's rogues gallery.

Each issue is narrated by The Joker and tells a special stand-alone story that gives readers an inside look into the insane lives of The Dark Knight's greatest adversaries! This batch of tense tales spotlights The Riddler, Harley Quinn, Mad Hatter, Clayface and Killer Croc! Can you stand the madness?!

Typically, Gfest is skeptical of these type of single issue books because they're normally not very good, but we love Harley Quinn so we're crossing our fingers.  

Here is a special sneak peak of Joker's Asylum: Harley Quinn #1 courtesy of CBR.  Click Read More to see all six pages of the preview.

Takes a Brave Man to Pull a Joke on the Joker

Jack Nickolson is not exactlly known for being the kind of guy who can take a joke.  In fact he's usually kind of a dick about it.

Jack, who played the Joker in the 1989 Batman Movie was reportedly furious that he wasn't consulted by either Heath Ledger or Chris Nolan about how to play the Joker in The Dark Knight, as if he's some sort of expert on the subject.

Regardless, you know that Jack probably thought Heath Ledger was a punk ass bitch.

That's what makes this picture so hilarious.  Because you can just see in Jack's eyes that he is considering the thought of murdering the person who put that picture of the Heath Ledger version of the Joker in front of him to sign.

Christopher Nolan Says NO Joker in Batman 3

Director Christopher Nolan has said that the Joker will not be returning in Batman 3 or any other subsequent bat-films as long as he's helming the franchise. From the latest issue of Empire Magazine:

"'No,' says Nolan emphatically and unhesitatingly. He resists elaborating simply because, quite understandably, he says, 'I just don't feel comfortable talking about it.'"

Gfest is very happy that the Joker will not return in Batman 3. Heath Ledger did a wonderful job and it would have been disastrous to recast the Joker.  Kudos to you Christopher Nolan.

Let the debate begin.  Who will be the next Batman villain?
Image via (ign.com)

Unique and Stunning Comic Book Art and Illustrations

The only thing Gfest loves better than cool comic book inspired t-shirts is unique and beautiful comic art.

Gfest was fortunate to come across the website of Christopher Uminga an artist from New Haven, CT.  His unique style of art puts a twist on various comic book heroes we have known throughout our lifetime.  These paintings are simply superb.

As an avid collector of comic art, Gfest can honestly say, we have nothing like it in our collection.  Gfest will definitely change this error very soon.

Head on over to Christopher Uminga site or his deviantArt page to view and purchase this extraordinarily original art.  To see more of Christopher's incredible paintings click o read more.