Wayne Manor Memoirs

Joe & Kendall return, after an unexpected hiatus, to discuss the single appearances of Bookworm, False Face, and Zelda the Great in Season 1 of Batman ‘66. Plus, they're joined by Megan! Can the Terrific Trio remember how to record a podcast? Not really. Can Joe successfully edit the episode? No (Sorry Bat-Fanatics, this one is a little rough!). Is the episode chock full of Bat-goodness and fun? Definitely. So listen away, Bat-Fanatics, as we discuss such lurid topics as: would polar repulsion actually break a clocktower? Should Robin be more concerned about Asbestos book covers? Is False Face scary under different contexts? Is Zelda really even a villain? FOR WHOM DOES THE BELL TOLL, BAT-FANATICS?! IT TOLLS FOR THEE!

We're back, Bat-Fanatics, and rapidly (for us) approaching the culmination of Season 3! This time Joe and Kendall pull a fast one by picking a comic so recent it was only collected in trade a month ago, Batman: The Imposter. Those of you who loved The Batman will find several similarities within this book. He is a Bruce Wayne imagined in the real world. He battles crime with simplistic gadgets, minimal support infrastructure, and near suicidal tendencies. What happens when someone poses as Batman and begins killing criminals? Gorgeously illustrated by Andrea Sorrentino, Mattson Tomlin's script is clearly influenced by his time working on The Batman's script. There are definitely some great ideas here. The real question Bat-Fanatics must ask themselves is: which Batman do you prefer, one rooted in realism or one rooted in traditional comic book storytelling? We can't answer that for you, but we sure give you our opinions! Plot Pandemonium: Batman: The Imposter #1-3

Something seems off here, Bat-Fanatics, . . . apparently shenanigans are afoot on Earth-11! This time “Joe & Kendall” (really Megan & Chloe) meet-up to discuss Harleen, Stjepan Sejic's retelling of Harley Quinn's origin. This book has everything: sexy Harleen, sexy Joker, sexy nightmare sequences, sexy Hugo Strange (. . . I'm sensing a theme . . .). Harleen served as one of the tent poles of DC's Black Label launch and is (generally) considered one of the best titles in the brand to date. So prepare for a romance story of epic proportions where Harleen >>> Harley, where the Joker has abs upon his abs, and where Batman (and Two-Face?) are almost inconsequential!   Plot Pandemonium: Harleen #1-3

Holy Tom King, Bat-Fanatic. As often as we worship at the altar of Tom King, this particular series has been largely overlooked by Joe & Kendall (mostly Kendall). Joe read the first volume a few years ago, but Kendall had never read any of it! As the title implies, Dick Grayson leaves the life of vigilantism behind to take a role as a (sexy) spy for Spyral. This series is co-written by King & Tim Seeley with art by Mikal Janin. Needless to say, this Dick looks great! Can Dick keep his ethos intact in the life of espionage? Can Helena Bertinelli REALLY be a compelling love interest when Babs is still on the table? Is the Midnighter actually cool? These are some of the topics we delve into as we cover the first part of Grayson! Prep your ID concealing hypnos, track down the latest super-power granting organ, and settle in to learn the secrets of supers across the globe!   Plot Pandemonium: Grayson vol. 1 #1-6 + Annual 1

The Bat-Radar returns! This time Joe & Kendall dedicate an hour to a bevy of topics, including: new jobs, their most interesting reads from Feb 2022, and some killer TV. If that weren't enough, they also do their best to review every Bat-Book they are currently reading. Do they get them all? No. Do they try really hard? Maybe. So sit down and listen to more unscripted nonsense from J&K and they talk comics, television, and video games.   Content: Spider-Man, Jeff Lemire's Moon Knight, classic Cloak & Dagger, One-Star Squadron, Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries, Superman: Up in the Sky, Human Target, Peacemaker Bat-Book Roundup: Batman, Detective Comics, Nightwing, Robin, Batman/Catwoman, The Joker, Catwoman: Lonely City, Action Comics

The Devil, Watergate, Molemen, and MORE!!! Joe & Kendall return for their seasonal coverage of Jack Kirby's Kamandi: The Last Boy on Earth! And as usual, they have a blast experiencing these banana pants stories. This time Kamandi must compete in a deadly Kentucky Derby, find the missing Watergate Tapes, learn the secrets that possibly elevated animals to human intellect, meet the molemen, and KO a killer giant worm. Seriously, Bat-Fanatic, what more could you possibly be looking for in your comic entertainment?! So, prepare your giant cricket for battle, do your best impression of a retired linebacker in a blonde wig, crank your emotions up to 11, and get ready for more gorilla violence than you can shake a banana at. THIS…IS…KAMANDI!   Plot Pandemonium: Kamandi Vol. 1 #13 - 18

It's been a long time Bat-Fanatics, how have you been? Joe and Kendall have switched jobs, fought plagues, enjoyed holidays, and generally taken an unexpected break from podcasting. One month later, they release an episode recorded before CHRISTMAS. Ah well, that's quality right? We continue to show zero viability for a Patreon. Anyway! This time Joe and Kendall hit you with the “hidden” Batman: Year X story by looking at Marv Wolfman's Batman: Year Three. Never heard of it? Never read it? Well, they didn't collect it until 2019! You can read it on DCUI though… Year Three focuses on Robin's origin and history with notorious gangster Tony Zucco while simultaneously dealing with the fallout of Jason Todd's death in the present. It's a book overloaded with potential, that unfortunately fails to deliver. It's not all bad though! Get ready for helicopter gang slayings, a Batman on the brink that is still more tame than modern Batman, some delightful Dick zingers, and SO MANY opportunities for “PHRASING!”. Plus, at the rate we're going, who knows when you'll get another episode!   Plot Pandemonium: Batman Vol. 1 #436 - 439

Happy Holidays, Bat-Fanatics! You know, as we always say on this podcast, there is nothing that prepares you for this festive season more than taking a closer look at another psychopathic member of Batman's rogues gallery. This holiday season, the Calendar Man has stuffed your proverbial stocking with bits and pieces of Lord Death Man. But don't fret! He's gonna be fine! He survived a volcano! That might be getting ahead of ourselves, though… Joe & Kendall put the menace of Bat-Manga under the microscope to find out just how Lord Death Man… lords…over… death? That's right, Bat-Fanatics. Joe read manga. FOR YOU! And he even liked it. What is the world coming to?   So don your dramatic capes, pull out that skeleton Halloween costume from a few years ago, prepare your best Han Solo in carbonite impression, and get ready to contemplate the harsh realities of insanity and immortality as we cover ALMOST EVERY SINGLE APPEARANCE OF LORD DEATH MAN EVER. That's right. Almost all of them. Watch out for the volcano.   Infinite Origins: Batman vol. 1 #180, Bat-Manga #1-3   Continuity Crisis: Batman Inc vol. 1 #1-2, Batman Inc: Leviathan Strikes! #1, Batman Inc vol. 2 #13, Talon vol.1 #16-17, Batman Eternal vol. 1 #46, Harley Quinn vol. 3 #48-49, Batman: Gotham Nights #16

Welcome back to another OUTRAGEOUS episode of "Being Brave & Staying Bold," a bonus show from Wayne Manor Memoirs! Joe & Kendall have arrived at the end of season 1! It's time for the final showdown with Equinox! Can Batman & his allies defeat a man in perfect balance between order and chaos? Season 2 says yes. Plus, we pick our highs and lows for Season 1. This episode covers season 1, episodes 26: The Fate of Equinox! 

Welcome back Bat-Fanatics for an episode of particularly weird proclivities! This time Joe & Kendall discuss the unofficial DC/Marvel Meta Crossover from the early 70s. This crossover, orchestrated by Steve Englehart, Len Wein, and Gerry Conway, takes place during the Rutland, Vermont annual Halloween Parade and features said writers (plus Glynis Oliver) as characters within their comics interacting with comic characters. Oh yeah. It's one of THOSE. So buckle-up because we're about to cover our first Marvel comics EVER on this podcast! Find answers to all of life's questions: does Marvel pay Steve Englehart? Who is Tom Fagan and how many rooms does his mansion have? How many hamburgers can Len eat? What keeps happening to Glynis? And (most importantly) why is Steve Engleharts car so crappy?    Oh! And your emails. So many emails!   Plot Pandemonium: Amazing Adventures vol. 2 #16, Justice League vol. 1 #103, Thor vol. 1 #207

Our Quadrology is over, which means it's time to return to our regularly scheduled, seemingly random, programming. This time Joe & Kendall take a crack at Superman: The Animated Series (STAS)! Turns out, this was another (unintentional) blind spot for Joe. Of course this is a Batman podcast (at least we say it is…), so we'll be discussing their first team up in the Timm-verse, World's Finest! This TV movie, with a meager runtime of ~66 minutes, is incredible. Joker/Lex “team up?” Check. Hamfisted but surprisingly satisfying romance between Bruce and Lois? Check. A sense of growth within our titular characters from working with each other? Check. If you've never watched this, Bat-Fanatics, stop reading and go do it. Seriously. We'll wait. Back? Great! Let's talk Batman & Superman!   Episode Extravaganza: Superman the Animated Series S2: E16, 17, & 18 - World's Finest

We welcome back beloved Batman fan, and fan-favorite guest, Chris Schrader (Rogue's Gallery, Hey Do You Remember?, Strange Case of Lucy Chandler) to the podcast for the show stopping finale of the Hugo Strange Quadrology! It only took us 4 to 72 months to finish four REAL episodes of the podcast. That's quality, right? What are we discussing? Why Steve Englehart and Marshall Rogers of course! Didn't we kinda do that last time? Sure, but this time we've invited a guest and given ourselves some REAL breathing room to discuss their creative works in detail. What else did they work on? What are the highlights of their careers? Is there anything else you should look at? ABSOLUTELY!    So dive in, Bat-Fanatics! Joe and Kendall are great fun, but Chris always gets them thinking outside their comfort zone!    Background Bat-File: Steve Englehart & Marshall Rogers

We're back for another B-Side! This time we take a left turn (or several left turns?) to discuss a film that offers some really high highs and some really low lows. Hot on the heels of The Suicide Squad, Joe & Kendall decided to discuss 2016's Suicide Squad. Part of the early attempt to establish a DC Cinematic Universe, Suicide Squad suffers from myriad problems: trying to be Guardians of the Galaxy, WB meddling, and a bizarre script to name a few. However, it's not all bad! We are introduced to Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn and Viola Davis' TERRIFYING Amanda Waller.  Listen in Bat-Fanatics as we dissect why Joe likes this movie, why it disappoints Kendall, and whatever the hell Jared Leto was doing here.

After much delay, Wayne Manor Memoirs brings you the flagship episode of our Hugo Strange Quadrology: Strange Apparitions. This run of comics, largely written by Steve Englehart with pencils by Marshall Rogers, spans Detective Comics #469 - 479 and includes: the introduction of Silver St. Cloud & Rupert Thorne, a reimagining of Deadshot, the return of Hugo Strange, and one of the most iconic Joker stories ever told. This story arc heavily influenced Batman ‘89 and several episodes of Batman: The Animated Series.    Are you enticed yet, Bat-Fanatics? If that weren't enough, Joe and Kendall read this for the FIRST TIME in preparation for this episode. Look at your little Bat-Hosts growing up. So join them as they discuss this quintessential run on Batman with only a token attempt to contextualize the status of Batman in 70s comics. Gotta love hindsight!   Oh! And Chris Schrader (Hey Do You Remember?, Rogue's Gallery, Strange Case of Lucy Chandler) joins us next time to help discuss the impact of Strange Apparitions on the Bat-Mythos overall!   Plot Pandemonium: Detective Comics vol. 1 #469 - 479 Chris Sims: https://comicsalliance.com/ask-chris-277-where-does-strange-apparitions-sit-in-the-batman-canon/

Welcome back to our second B-Side, Bat-Fanatics! What is the B-Side? This is the comics opinion show from Wayne Manor Memoirs for topics that: A) we don't really want to cover for the main show, B) come from way outside the Bat-Mythos (like maybe other companies), C) deserve more time than a Bat-Radar can offer, or D) are justified with “because we said so!” This time we cover Brubaker & Phillip's self contained story, PULP! Westerns, Nazis, heists, and (of course) Pulps! We hope you enjoy, Bat-Fanatics! Content - Pulp Mentions - Ruthless, Fatale, Mr. Miracle, Watchmen, Omega Men, Stray Bullets

The Hugo Strange quadrology continues with Matt Wagner's Batman and the Monster Men! Can you really take 12 pages of Golden age content and transform it into a 6 issue mini-series? Joe and Kendall aim to find out. Set in the "modern" origin of Batman, this story falls between Year One and The Man Who Laughs and features an updated version of Professor Hugo Strange. This Strange is the pinnacle of diminutive physique and aspires to perfect human genes. Too bad he ends up with Monster Men . . . again.   So prepare yourself for a story of monsters, mad science, loan sharks, gambling dens, obligatory romance, and vigilante justice as Joe and Kendall continue their adventure through the multiverse!   Plot Pandemonium: Batman and the Monster Men #1-6

Welcome Bat-Fanatics to the second episode of Bat-Radar. Those of you familiar with the show are used to the episodic musings of Joe & Kendall, but here is a full hour dedicated to their most interesting reads from June 2021. If that weren't enough, they also do their best to catalogue and review every Bat-Book currently on the market. Do they get them all? No. Do they try really hard? Maybe. So sit down and listen to more unscripted nonsense from J&K and they talk comics, television, and video games.   Content: Boom's Whendon-Verse, God of War, Omega Men, Teen Titan's Rebirth, Invincible, Checkmate, Vagabond   Bat-Book Roundup: Batman, Detective Comics, Nightwing, Robin, Batman: Urban Legends, Batman/Catwoman, The Joker, Legends of the Dark Knight, Batman: Reptilian, Future State: Gotham

Welcome Bat-Fanatics to the first part of our Hugo Strange Quadrology! This episode will focus on the Golden Age origins of Dr. Hugo Strange. We'll follow this with a modern retelling of one of these classic tales then dive into the fan-lauded Englehart & Marshall run on Detective Comics from the 70s. We'll finish by talking specifically about Englehart & Marshall's impact on the Bat-Mythos.   Seriously though, Kendall jokes that Joe might be Hugo's doppelganger. Let's check. Bald? Yep. Round glasses? Usually. Thick chinstrap beard? Yep. Evil scientist bent on dominating the will of the weak? Definitely. They're the same person! What's even crazier? Hugo Strange is the first recurring villain in the Bat-Mythos. That's right. Before Joker! What's even more wild? We're going to cover Batman #1 and talk about the LEAST popular story in the whole issue! That's how we do things here Bat-Fanatics. Enjoy some classic Golden Age stories from the earliest year of the Batman!   Infinite Origins: Detective Comics Vol. 1 #36; Batman vol. 1 #1; Detective Comics Vol. 1 #46

Welcome Bat-Fanatics to our inaugural episode of Bat-Radar. Those of you familiar with the show are used to the episodic musings of Joe & Kendall, but here is a full hour dedicated to their most interesting reads from May 2021. If that weren't enough, they also do their best to catalogue and review every Bat-Book currently on the market. Do they get them all? No. Do they try really hard? Maybe. So sit down and listen to more unscripted nonsense from J&K and they talk comics and enjoy beer during a thunderstorm. Content: Reckless, Fatale, Heroes Reborn (2021), Brubaker Captain America, Coates Captain America, DCeased Bat-Book Roundup: Batman, Detective Comics, Batman: The Detective, Nightwing, Robin, Batman: Urban Legends, Batman/Catwoman, Catwoman, The Joker, Batman: Black & White, Superman/Batman

It’s time for another installment of Talkin’ Tom King! I mean… Wayne Manor Memoirs. This time Joe and Kendall revisit some of the one-shot (single issue) stories from Tom King’s run on Batman. There are some great books in this selection, including two of their FAVORITE COMICS from King. Why? How?! What is the role of a one-shot in an ongoing story arc? Why are these single issues so effective when they are essentially comic book short stories? Joe & Kendall do their best to answer these questions while expounding on the virtues of character driven storytelling. If that wasn’t enough, we get the best team-ups that NO ONE asked for… Batman & Elmer Fudd. Take back that eye roll Bat-Fanatics, this book is SHOCKINGLY good. So give a “Hell Yeah” as you strap on your body-kite, make sure your butler/father has the best equipment for cleaning up swamp detritus, and prepare for bountiful (possibly biased) praise to be heaped upon Tom King. Plot Pandemonium - Batman vol. 3 #23, 24, 38, 54, Annuals 2 & 4; Batman/Elmer Fudd Special

After 4 months in editing Hell, Joe and Kendall finally release the inaugural episode of the B-Side! What is the B-Side? Well, Bat-Fanatics, this is the comics opinion show from Wayne Manor Memoirs for topics that: A) we don’t really want to cover for the main show, B) come from way outside the Bat-Mythos (like maybe other companies), C) deserve more time than a Bat-Radar can offer, or D) are justified with “because we said so.” This episode we’re covering James Tynion IV’s pre-Future State run on Batman… with a major emphasis on the Joker War storyline. We hope you enjoy, Bat-Fanatics! Content - Batman vol. 2 #86 - 105 Mentions - Batman: Gotham City Chronicles Board Game, Batman: War Games

What the shock? More Batman Beyond content? Oh yeah, Bat-Fanatics. We’ll keep serving it as long as you keep eating it up. This time Joe & Kendall look at the direct to home video Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker. This was another blind spot for Joe and it did NOT disappoint. I mean, the inclusion of Mark Hamill makes everything better. Originally released after Season 1, Return of the Joker aimed to bridge the gap between Batman:The Animated Series and the rest of the Batman Beyond Universe. Boy, does this get dark! So dark that the original film was edited for initial release and eventually restored a few years later. Chief among them? The ultimate fate of the Joker. So prep a bag of popcorn, don your futuristic bat-suit, and discover why no-one in Batman Beyond really likes any of their former friends! ** This episode was recorded before Batman ‘66 volume 2, so the ongoing “plot” of Season 3 will be slightly out of order. Don’t let your back get Bane’d! It’s bad for podcast continuity ** Plot Pandemonium: Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker Inside the Panel: Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker Vol 1 #1

We hope you’re ready for some ‘66 shenanigans Bat-Fanatics! This week Joe & Kendal are joined by special guest Megan to delve into the second volume of the Batman ‘66 comic series. They covered the first volume way back in episode 29!    The second volume focuses on many of the one-arc villains from the series, plus two VERY unexpected returns: Eggbert & Lisa Carson (Lisa was part of our King Tut discussion in Episode 46). Do these stories hold up to the first volume? Do they still capture the “vibe” of Batman ‘66? More importantly… will Bookworm discover the secret identity of Batman? How many women will try to marry Batman/Bruce Wayne? How do identical cousins work? Listen in and find out!   ** This episode was recorded after Return of the Joker, so the ongoing “plot” of Season 3 will be slightly out of order. Don’t let your back get Bane’d! It’s bad for podcast continuity **   Plot Pandemonium - Batman ‘66 vol. 2: Physical Issues #6 - 10, Digital Issues #16 - 30

Look, Bat-Fanatics! It's our first character episode of Season 3 and we choose… Dr. Trap? You know, the guy with the metal jaw who tried to kill Harley, Ivy, Selina, and Kite-Man in that one episode of the second season of the Harley Quinn TV show? THAT guy? Oh yeah, Bat-Fanatics. That guy. This is easily the weirdest character progression Joe and Kendall have seen to date. In fact, Dr. Trap doesn’t appear as a “real” character until almost 3 years after his original design. That design? A methodical serial killer of supers, both heroic and villainous. Great premise right?! So join us as we read, perhaps, the most eclectic batch of DC comics that we’ve ever read to figure out where this mysterious metal-mouthed menace starts, and where he ends up! Infinite Origins: Chase vol. 1 #3 & #6Continuity Crisis: Martian Manhunter vol. 2 #20 & #36, Harley Quinn vol. 1 #23, Manhunter vol. 1 #26-30, Batwoman vol. 2 #19Outside the Panel: Harley Quinn S2 E3 - Catwoman

Well, Bat-Fanatics, it isn’t Batman, but he does make an appearance . . . so it counts! This time Joe and Kendall dedicate a whole episode to a Wonder Woman comic, specifically Wonder Woman: Dead Earth. Daniel Warren Johnson is both writer and artist on this wild, monster-filled ride. BEWARE! Spoilers abound if you haven’t read this, and man, you should read it! Wonder Woman in the post apocalypse? Check. Survival of humanity pushed to the brink? Check. Shocking appearances from the other members of the Trinity? Abso-freakin-lutely. This is a strange but extremely satisfying take on Wonder Woman, Bat-Fanatics! So strap on your Amazonian utility belt, turn your lasso of truth into a weapon of war, and prepare to battle your way through the apocalypse Wonder Woman style! Plot Pandemonium: Wonder Woman: Dead Earth 1-4

We return to 1980 to discuss the much beloved Untold Legends of the Batman! An adamant favorite amongst some of our more vocal Bat-Fanatics, this summary of Batman’s Pre-Crisis origin has never been seen by Joe & Kendall . . . until now! What an amazing time capsule this book is! Written by Len Wein with art by John Byrne (Issue 1) and Jim Aparo (Issues 2 & 3), this book served as a much needed jumping on point for new readers. It also happens to be the 2nd mini series ever published by DC. Joe & Kendall even include a “reader’s guide” for folks looking to find the original stories references within. So dust off your dad’s Batman Halloween costume, seek your long desired vengeance against Joe Chill, and join us in this defunct but wildly entertaining Batman origin.   Plot Pandemonium: The Untold Legend of the Batman #1-3Crisis of Infinite Interpretations: ULotB Reader’s Guide YouTube Recordings of the Audio Cassettes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K92KciDNWoY&ab_channel=DarthPaul83 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCsOzSR6hn8&ab_channel=DarthPaul83 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49rP-NVtNaU&ab_channel=DarthPaul83

What the shock?! Yes, Bat-Fanatics, we return to the fan beloved animated series: Batman Beyond. This time Joe and Kendall review episodes 5-8, including the final fate of Mr. Freeze in the DCAU. These episodes really rip! And if the Bat-Fanatics need a reminder, while this is a delightful nostalgia trip for Kendall, Joe has NEVER seen these episodes before. Holy new Bat-Mythos! Within these 4 episodes are: the birth of Blight, the emergence of Shriek, the first DCAU Royal Flush Gang appearance, and an episode chocked full of Marvel homage. If that’s not enough, Joe and Kendall discuss the rumors surrounding a possible Batman Beyond Movie involving Michael Keaton! Episode Extravaganza: Batman Beyond S1: E5 - Meltdown, E6 - Heroes, E7 - Shriek, & E8 - Dead Man’s Hand

Welcome, Bat-Fanatics, to 1961, a transitionary period where the morality of the 50s is beginning to mingle with the sexual revolution. This is the setting of Howard Chaykin & Dan Brereton’s Batgirl & Robin: Thrillkiller,  a noir tale of corruption and murder in the dark heart of Gotham City. In the middle of it all is detective Bruce Wayne. Holy Twisted Continuity! Joe and Kendall dive into this Elseworld’s story lauded for its art and atmosphere to find out what happens when Barbra becomes the only bat-game in town and the Joker becomes… a woman?! So carefully manicure your 5 o’clock shadow, seductively unbutton your blouse until you’ve made everyone uncomfortable, and earn your reputation as a madcap heiress because this one had some potential, Bat-Fanatics, but boy does it fall apart quick! Plot Pandemonium: Batgirl and Robin: Thrillkiller #1-3

Happy New Year Bat-Fanatics! Welcome to another OUTRAGEOUS (and long overdue) episode of "Being Brave & Staying Bold," a bonus show from Wayne Manor Memoirs! It's finally time for Joe and Kendall to discuss the musical masterpiece that is Mayhem of the Music Meister! Neil Patrick Harris joins as the Music Meister with Grey DeLisle as the Black Canary. Joe even added samples of all of the songs. Holy production value Bat-Fanatics! We hope you enjoy. Next up? The final episode of Season 1 and our Season 1 Wrap-Up

Bat-Fanatics, and welcome to the inaugural episode of Season 3! Another 50 episodes of Batman (or Batman adjacent) content is heading your way. And to start it off? A divisive Batman film for Joe & Kendall: Batman Returns! OF COURSE Joe and Kendall disagree about this film. Besides, they were agreeing too much anyway. This sort of deep emotional conflict really sells premium podcasts, so, you know, we gotta ape that every once in a while.  Anyway, it’s time to shine the bat-flashlight on this corner of the Bat-Mythos to discover its monstrous penguins, vinyl clad catwomen, and pinstriped evil businessmen. Oh boy, do your hosts have A LOT to say about this holiday themed film, plus a smattering of critical reviews and a utility belt full of comparisons to Batman ‘66. So spew some gross black bile, install new batteries in your remote control batarang, and load those penguin missile launchers for we stand on a great threshold… of Season 3! Plot Pandemonium: Batman Returns

Rocking a major rogue can only mean one thing Bat-Fanatics! The end of Season 2 has arrived. This time we shine our light on the prince of the puzzlers, the king of conundrums: The Riddler! After Kendall’s frigid fight with Mr. Freeze (formerly Mr. Zero) in Season 1, it’s Joe’s turn to resist the Riddler’s ruse. We explore the 2 golden age issues of the Riddler before he disappears for 17 years only to reappear right before the release of Batman 66. Once Bat-Mania takes hold, we get rapid-fire appearances throughout the rest of the 60s. Does Frank Gorshin play a major role in the Riddler’s revival? Even within these 8 issues we see the Riddler rise as a master of deceit and cunning only to crumble into a corny criminal with a compulsion for riddles. So much squandered potential! So settle in Bat-Fanatics and prepare to have the following dastardly riddles answered for you!   Why is a honeysuckle like the letter A? Which city never runs out of food? Where do you find a heavy wagon and a furnace?   Infinite Origins: Detective Comics vol. 1 #140 & #142 Silver Age Shenanigans: Batman vol.1 #171 and #179; Detective Comics vol.1 #362, #364, #373, & #377 Outside The Panel: Batman ‘66 (S1 Ep 1-2, 11-12, 23-24, 31-32; S2 Ep 45-46; S3 Ep 2); Batman: The Movie

Welcome to the penultimate episode of Season 2, Bat-Fanatics, and thank you for hanging out with us for another rotation around the sun. To celebrate our galactic trek, Joe & Kendall dive into one of the oddest crossovers in comic history: Batman vs Predator. Penned by Dave Gibbons (of Watchmen art fame) and pencilled by Andy Kubert, Batman vs Predator proves to be a shockingly competent crossover. Not interested in the simple cash grab of combining two properties, Gibbons has taken the time to craft a story that feels true to the Bat-Mythos and the lineage of Predator 1 & 2. Even better, the dichotomy of humans vs predator makes it easy to root for Batman while still enjoying the Predator’s rule of cool. Buckle-in, Bat-Fanatics, for some beautifully illustrated boxing, the Predator’s own war on Gotham crime, and a special Bat-suit only the 90s could love in this crossover that’s well worth the read. Plot Pandemonium: Batman vs. Predator vol.1  #1 - 3

Welcome Bat-Fanatics to our first attempt at covering an influential Batman creator, and what a creator we’ve chosen! Back in one of our very first emails, Jose mentioned that Jim Aparo was his Batman artist. So, Joe and Kendall hit the books to learn all they could about Mr. Aparo! Turns out, there is a lot to learn. From the origins of a newspaper ad designer, to starting comics at Charlton, to finally an entire career at DC drawing a myriad of characters: Aparo is an artistic pillar from an era largely unknown to your hosts. And how do they capitalize on this opportunity? By using it to cover Aparo’s self-admitted favorite book, the Brave and the Bold. That’s right, we’re talking more Bat team-ups than you can shake a batarang at! So prepare to hear some of the zaniest Batman stories we’ve ever talked about, drawn with some of the most engaging and dramatic art we’ve never seen. And best yet? The Origami Man! Background Bat-File: Jim AparoInside the Panel: The Brave & the Bold vol. 1 #98, 111, 120, 124, 178, 200

Welcome back to another OUTRAGEOUS episode of "Being Brave & Staying Bold," a bonus show from Wayne Manor Memoirs! As Joe & Kendall approach the end of season 1, we cover the final Kirby-esque episode of season 1, When OMAC Attacks! Then we follow it with some Batman Inception as Psycho Pirate feeds on the emotions of the captured Outsiders in Inside the Outsiders! Next up? A whole episode dedicated to the Mayhem of the Music Meister! This episode covers season 1, episodes 23 & 25: When OMAC Attacks! & Insider the Outsiders!

Welcome, Bat-Fanatics, to another Booster-ific episode of the Booster Gold Gazette! I mean . . . uh . . . Wayne Manor Memoirs. This time Joe and Kendall delve into the (definitely not corporately sponsored) exploits of Booster Gold, the greatest hero you’ve never heard of! Oh, you’ve heard of him? Well . . . you aren’t supposed to. His incompetence is merely a mask for foes to underestimate him, for Booster Gold is the one true protector of the timesteam and multiverse! No, really . . . he is! This episode focuses specifically on Booster Gold’s time as champion of the time stream in the late 2000s. So prepare yourself for paradoxical shenanigans, sassy security robots, and the return of Ted Kord Blue Beetle (kind of) as we go back to the past to talk about DC’s future!? Background Bat-File: Michael Jon CarterInfinite Origins: Booster Gold vol. 1 #1Continuity Crisis: Booster Gold vol. 2 #1-6

Once again the delightful Megan joins Joe & Kendall to delve into Batman ‘66. Our focus? Victor Buono & his portrayal of King Tut! Easily the most successful of the “made for TV villains,” King Tut is the only villain outside the Big Four to appear in every season of the show. In fact, King Tut might be a shining ray of outstanding in the otherwise mediocre Season 3. We discuss Buono and his career, then give you a quick overview of ALL of Tut’s appearances in Batman ‘66… except “pretend Tut” in Dr. Cassandra. Those villains don’t count… If that wasn’t enough, we also cover all of Tut’s in-continuity comic appearances to date. And holy surprise quality, they turn out to be really enjoyable reads! So, Bat-Fanatics, get your royal apothecary to prepare some abu raubu simbu tu, ask Ms. Cleo Patrick for your daily lazy-susan of vitamins, and convince Batman to do some outrageous dancing for you as we delve into the majesty of Victor Buono.  Background Bat-File: King Tut; Victor BuonoOutside the Panel: Batman ‘66 (S1 Ep 27-28; S2 Ep 7-8,53-54; S3 Ep 6 & 23); Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders, Batman vs. Two-Face; Batman:The Brave & the BoldInside the Panel: Batman Confidential vol. 1 #26-28; Harley Quinn vol. 3 #38-39; Year of the Villain: The Riddler; Batman ‘66 vol. 1 + Tie-Ins  

Welcome Bat-Fanatics to the inaugural episode of Meetings at the Manor, our interview show! Each episode we invite a creator from nerd culture to Stately Wayne Manor to discuss their projects, career, and... anything else! This episode welcomes Sophie Campbell, current writer and artist on IDW's ongoing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic. We discuss her creator owned series (Wet Moon & Shadoweyes), her career, her time at Image, her experience with the turtles, and finally how the comics industry might become more inclusive. Thank you Sophie for being our first guest! Since this was our first attempt, the audio quality is a little rough but hopefully it will improve with practice!  You can find Sophie Campbell's work: Twitter - https://twitter.com/mooncalfe1 Deviant Art - https://www.deviantart.com/mooncalfe Shadoweyes Tumblr - https://shadoweyescomic.tumblr.com/

In light of recent events, Joe and Kendall pull an audible to discuss Superman Smashes the Klan. This started as a 16-episode story in the 1946 Adventures of Superman radio show titled “Clan of the Fiery Cross.” The radio show used the story to bring the KKK’s behavior out into the open and showcase them as anti-democratic and un-American. And it worked!   Superman Smashes the Klan is the first time that story has been adapted into a comic book--nearly 75 years later--and is designed for a younger audience. Even more surprising is how infuriatingly relevant this story still is. Join us, Bat-Fanatics, as we follow the Lees' experience with racism in Metropolis, get a little humanitarian, and (best of all) watch Superman man-handle some hooded racists.  Plus?! A contest for YOU to win a copy of Superman Smashes the Klan. Plot Pandemonium: Superman Smashes the Klan 1-3

Time to go bananas Bat-Fanatics! Spinning out of our Harley Quinn: Angry Bird episode, Joe and Kendall keep their promise and cover the Gorilla Gang. Buckle in folks, theirs is a long and storied history mired in complexity and depth. Just kidding. They’ve made two appearances and those appearances were about 50 years apart. So prepare for lots of low ape/monkey/banana jokes, full body Gorilla costumes, the almost death of Harley Quinn, and a surprisingly good footnote in the Bat-Mythos!   Infinite Origins: Batman vol. 1 #156 and #185 Continuity Crisis: Harley Quinn vol. 3 #38

Holy historically relevant comic Batman! Joe and Kendall are back to talk about Denny O’Neil’s & Neal Adams’ Batman #251: The Joker’s Five-Way Revenge. The early 70s saw many attempts by Batman comics to distance themselves from Batman ‘66. This included omitting many of Batman’s costumed criminals in favor of foes rooted in reality or the supernatural. Batman #251 marked the return of the Joker after a nearly 4-year hiatus from comics. Wow! This newly returned Joker casts off the mantle of irritating prankster and reclaims his role as jovial murderer. In addition to his darker tone, Adams gives the Joker a redesign that will influence his appearance for the next 20 years. If that wasn’t enough, this comic opened the floodgates for the return of darker versions of Batman’s other rogues. Does this comic successfully distance itself from Batman ‘66? How dark is this comic in the light of the modern era? Can Joe and Kendall successfully evaluate the impact of this comic without historical context? How much nitroglycerin is needed to have an exploding cigar take out an apartment? Tune in, Bat-Fanatics, and find out! Plot Pandemonium: Batman vol.1 # 251

Welcome back to another OUTRAGEOUS episode of "Being Brave & Staying Bold," a bonus show from Wayne Manor Memoirs! As Joe & Kendall approach the end of season 1, we get to some of the most Kirby influenced episodes of Batman: The Brave and the Bold. This time we visit a Mongul's Fourth World influenced  War World with Jonah Hex. Then, we take a trip to post-Great Disaster to experience the world of Kamandi! Yes! Finally! This episode covers season 1, episodes 21 & 22: Duel of the Double Crossers! & The Last Bat on Earth!

Welcome to the club, Bat-Fanatics. Why don’t you come on in and take a seat while Joe and Kendall play you a tune of dark knights, heroin, hallucinogens, and jazz. That’s right, this episode we’re looking at Batman: Jazz. Originally a special edition of Legends of the Dark Knight, Batman: Jazz is another attempt to mingle the Dark Knight and music. This story has us tracking down the Brothers of the Bop after they try to murder Blue Byrd, a presumed dead legend of the Gotham jazz scene. What follows is a trippy tale showcasing that people project what they want their heroes to be. Can this story, written by two white guys, actually showcase an African American experience in Gotham? Can Joe and Kendall (also two white guys) successfully discuss it? Probably not, but we try our darndest! So polish your saxophones, prepare your hallucinogenic gas, and get ready to discuss the “wonders” of 90s comics as we  tackle Batman & music… again. Plot Pandemonium: Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight - Jazz 1-3

We know you’ve seen Batman ‘89, Bat-Fanatics, but fear not because Joe and Kendall barely focus on the plot! Instead they dive into the film’s pop culture significance. Did you know this movie spawned one of the greatest cartoon series of all time? Of course. But did you know it also single handedly created the comic industry boon that might have also been the reason for its bust? Yeah, this movie was that influential. So, attach your grapple gun to your utility belt and prepare to get nuts as we ascend through the smoke into the most jarring third act in Bat-History! Plot Pandemonium: Batman (1989)

Welcome back to another OUTRAGEOUS episode of "Being Brave & Staying Bold," a bonus show from Wayne Manor Memoirs! Joe & Kendall continue to move through season 1 of their favorite Batman animated show, Batman: The Brave and the Bold. This time we're introduced to the 5th dimensional imp, Bat-Mite! That can only mean 5th dimensional shenanigans coupled with meta commentary. Then Red Tornado makes the ultimate mistake by trying to create a robot son. Do we like these episodes? Kinda. Listen and learn, Bat-Fanatics! This episode covers season 1, episodes 19 & 20: Legends of the Dark Mite! & Hail the Tornado Tyrant!

It’s time for a word-class education, Bat-Fanatics. This time Joe and Kendall delve deep into the origins of Joe’s favorite character: the Question. Born from the mind of Spider-Man artist Steve Ditko, the Question takes all of Ditko’s Objectivism and splays him across the back-matter comic book pages of Charlton Comics’ Blue Beetle vol. 5. Do you think sycophants are the leeches of a capitalist society? Do you think that only those capable of critical and independent thought are worthy of idolatry? Are you “on the fence” about saving the lives of criminals? Do you think modern art is abhorrent to the sensibilities of a well adjusted society?  Well, this version of the Question might just be the perfect hero for you. So chemically bond your pseudoderm face, alter the colors of your clothes, and clearly expound the ideals of your philosophy as we discuss a character most only recognize through Rorschach! Infinite Origins: Blue Beetle vol. 5 #1-5, Mysterious Suspense vol. 1 #1, Charlton Bullseye vol. 1 #5, Charlton Bullseye vol. 2 #1Outside the Panel: JLU: Fearful Symmetry, Question Authority, Double Date, and Grudge Match; Batman: The Brave and the Bold: Mystery in Space!, The Knights of Tomorrow!, Darkseid Descending!; Scooby-Doo! & Batman: The Brave and the Bold; Lego Batman 3

Gather close Bat-Fanatics while Uncles Joe & Kendall share with you a story of death, rebirth, judgement, and… penises. That’s right, this time we delve into the unreasonably infamous Batman: Damned. Written as a loose sequel to Azzarello & Bermejo’s Joker, this title was the flagship that launched DC’s Black Label imprint. It asked a simple question: What would happen if Batman killed the Joker? The imprint was supposed to open up flagship DC characters to stranger, darker, more mature themes. Then you show Batman’s penis and the whole thing goes into a tailspin. Does this story deserve infamy? Probably not, but it did deserve a whole new segment: Cataclysmic Controversy! Is it good? We don’t know, but we certainly give you our opinions. Is the art phenomenal? Oh yeah. So dive into a supernatural mystery of life and death, rap-battle with the demonic J-Blood, and get judged by vagrant Spectre! Bat-RadarPlot Pandemonium: Batman: Damned #1-3A.C.E. Chemical ReactionsCataclysmic ControversyCrisis of Infinite Interpretations

Thanks to our listener Thomas Egan for being the single needed request to bring back Kamandi. Honestly, what’s not to love?! Joe and Kendall continue their surprising investment in this comic by covering the next six issues. Remember the audio issues from the first part? Gone. Remember the over the top insanity of the stories? Still here! The absolute unabashed fun of the series? Still here! The requited love of Joe and Kendall? Bigger and better than ever. Did you get that we like this series? If COVID-19 has you feeling down and looking for something to do, Joe and Kendall cannot recommend this book more: fun, wacky, and generally light. Maybe even a good candidate for the kiddos. Bat-Fanatics set your cyclo-hearts to fission, prepare for the menace of the Misfit, and hope that Sacker’s still has some toilet paper left as we return to a post-apocalyptic future in our seeming apocalyptic world. Plot Pandemonium: Kamandi: the Last Boy on Earth #7-12

Welcome back to another OUTRAGEOUS episode of "Being Brave & Staying Bold" a bonus show from Wayne Manor Memoirs! Joe & Kendall continue to move through season 1 of their favorite Batman animated show, Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Prepare for a blast from the future with the introduction of Booster Gold, then follow that up with a near perfect episode showcasing the future of the Batman '66 show. The result? You get an incredible set up for a podcast! This episode covers season 1, episodes 17 & 18: The Conqueror Caveman! & The Color of Revenge!

Ever wonder what would happen if the Caped Crusader were as fast as a speeding bullet and could leap tall buildings in a single bound? No? Well, too bad because we are answering those questions this week! Joe and Kendall are joined by special guest Megan to review and discuss how the dark knight handles having actual super powers in Superman: Speeding Bullets and Superman/Batman: Super-Bat. To be fair, being insanely rich is a super power in its own right, but not nearly as visually exciting as heat vision or flying. Can the Bat carry the burden of the Boy Scout in Blue or will the Dark Knight deviate from his devotion to justice? We try to answer these quandaries and more while Joe does his best to keep Kendall and Megan focused. Plot Pandemonium: Superman: Speeding Bullets & Superman/Batman vol. 1: #53-56

Welcome, Bat-Fanatics, to another episode where Joe & Kendall pretend to be a video game podcast! This time they continue their discussion of the highly influential Arkham series. If Arkham Asylum revolutionized what a Batman game could be, Arkham City refined it to near perfection. Add in a compelling, slightly convoluted, RISKY story and you get, arguably, the best game in the Arkham series to date. This game even showcases some of the BEST versions of Batman’s Rogues Gallery (We’re looking at you cockney Penguin! We see you modern Harley Quinn!) So, plug in those bat-earbuds and learn why Joe and Kendall think this might be the most compelling Bat-Verse of the modern era! Plot Pandemonium: Batman: Arkham CityOutside the Panel: Batman: Arkham City #1 - 5

Well, we said we’d cover all the crevasses of the Bat-Mythos...looks like we found the deepest, darkest, slightly damp, yet crusty corner of the Batcave. This time Joe and Kendall delve into Batman: Fortunate Son, widely considered one of the worst Batman stories ever written. Does it live up to the hype? Yes. Listen, painfully, as Batman and Robin argue about the corrupting influence of rock music. Feel nothing as Batman reveals that every time he’s listened to rock music, people have died. Watch the downward spiral of a rock artist confronted with the ghost of a blonde Elvis. And, if that’s not enough, wait for one of the strangest plot motivations to ever grace the panelled page. This is a wild ride, Bat-Fanatics, and not in a good way! So prepare for a battle of the generations 30 years too late, a lesson in speed reading music, and all the music puns you can shake a guitar at. Bat-God help us all... Plot Pandemonium: Batman: Fortunate SonA.C.E Chemical ReactionsCrisis of Infinite Interpretations