1992 Batman Returns Trading Cards

For some reason, I've been holding onto these Batman Returns film tie-in trading cards since they were released in 1992. I used to have quite a lot of these but the main collection is long gone and I assume these were some doubles that I had stashed away somewhere. If I recall correctly, I tried to get my mother to cash in my 'Gotham City Dollars' but she never did. If she had, maybe I'd be posting the entire collection and not just the crappy doubles. *sigh*

Sick Day

I'm taking the day off work today because I'm feeling sick. Nothing serious, just a bad case of the sniffles.

Whenever I feel like this, I think of Batman villain, Maxie Zeus.

To be more precise, this particular panel of Maxie:

While I'm not really a big fan of Maxie Zeus, I think it's fair to say I have an affinity with his delusions of grandeur.

And how did I get sick? Well, the same way as him, actually: mucking about in the rain:

From 'Of Gods and Men', Batman, Issue 470, October 1991. Script by Alan Grant, pencils by Norm Breyfogle, inked by Rick Burchett, colours by Adrienne Roy, letters by Todd Klein.

I Know You Are, But What Am I?

I visited the Tim Burton Exhibition at ACMI in Melbourne today, and I can't believe it didn't occur to me earlier:

The perfect Riddler?

Paul Reubens, of course!!!

Hollywood, I hope you're listening!

Batman - Dark Knight, Dark City - The Riddler

A few weeks ago, I posted about my favourite Riddler/Batman story, and neglected to put up any decent pictures of The Riddler!

I've always been a little annoyed that Riddler and Joker had to share the green/purple colour scheme. But, dang, it does look good on both of them. And if it's part of a natty three-piece suit, all the better.

I mentioned previously that the rumours regarding Christopher Nolan's third Batman film are already flying, including that The Riddler will be one of the villains, and that he'd be played by Joseph Gordon Levitt.

There's no doubting that Levitt certainly has the acting chops and wirey physique necessary to portray Edward Nigma, but I think there are a few other actors who might be worthy of consideration:

Steve Buscemi - I'd love to see an older Riddler, especially one that could be as endearing and sinister in equal measures. I'm thinking particularly of Buscemi's turn in Con Air.

Michael Emerson - Possibly most familiar as being 'Ben' from 'Lost', Emerson was suggested to me by my significant other, and I can see where she's coming from. I'm not a Lost fan (nor am I a hater, I just haven't really gotten into it), but what I've seen of Emerson, he can portray devious enigma with aplomb. And he really does have The Riddler's face.

Frank Gorshin - I know, I know, the wonderful Mr Gorshin is no longer with us, but seriously, his version of The Riddler in the 60s TV show is so enduring and burnt into the popular consciousness that the idea of him returning as a rebooted Riddler gives me goosebumps. In a good way.

(since when do guns go 'BBMM'??)

Batman - Dark Knight, Dark City

I recently got a shout-out in one of my favourite blogs - Is That Cool? - and I'm proud as punch! And while I may never have read much Heavy Metal in my youth, I certainly read a lot of Batman comics.

This particular storyline (Batman, issues 452-454) has been a favourite of mine over the years, and with the burgeoning rumours regarding Christopher Nolan's third Batman film, I felt it time to share my thoughts, particularly regarding the rumour that the Riddler wil be making an appearance.

A lot of people say the Riddler is one-note, a mere shade of the Joker. Those people never read 'Dark Knight, Dark City', which saw the Riddler take a very very vicious turn (and deliver some very very nifty riddles!). I admit, there's definitely something endearing about Joker's out-and-out chaos, the Riddler's modus operandi always appealed to me. Couple that with Frank Gorshin's unforgettable portrayal in the TV series (and that laugh!), and you're onto a winner.

Without trying to spoil too much of the plot, DKDC finds the Riddler attempting to re-enact an occult ritual, originally partaken in by early Gotham residents, including future US president Thomas Jefferson.

Story by Peter Milligan, ink by Kieron Dwyer, lettering by Dennis Janke, covers by Mike Mignola.

All frames taken from issue 452.

'Sploding babies!!! WTF??? (or are they?)

Zombies!!! WTF??? (or are they?)