With 80 years under his utility belt, Batman has risen from a comic book crimefighter to a billion dollar brand known and loved the world over. And to celebrate the anniversary, every year of Bruce Wayne’s historic career is being revisited in the deluxe volume Batman: The Definitive History of The Dark Knight in Comics, Film, and Beyond arriving on October 29th from Insight Editions.
From his 1939 introduction in the pages of Detective Comics, through countless reboots, re-imaginings, and revolutionary graphic novels, TV shows, and movies right up to the present day, Batman: The Definitive History looks to chronicle every step along the way. From writers Andrew Farago and Gina McIntyre, with foreword by the iconic Batman himself Michael Keaton, a preface by legendary comic writer Dennis O’Neil, and introduction by the undisputed voice of Batman Kevin Conroy, this collection is looking like the perfect trip down memory lane for Batman fans of any age. And we’re pleased to offer an exclusive look at the book’s spotlighting of the movie Batmen of Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder.
In addition to a comprehensive timeline (and exclusive inserts and collectibles), Batman: The Definitive History features exclusive commentary from the key creatives who have been instrumental in building the Dark Knight’s ongoing legacy, including Neal Adams, Tim Burton, Paul Dini, Steve Englehart, Mark Hamill, Grant Morrison, Julie Newmar, Christopher Nolan, Denny O’Neil, Joel Schumacher, Scott Snyder and Zack Snyder. Take a look at our exclusive preview pages below:
The book promises to offer “incomparable access to the DC and Warner Bros. archives to deliver an avalanche of never-before-seen visual treasures that are guaranteed to blow the minds of Batman fans everywhere.“Filled with exclusive insert items, Batman: The Definitive History of the Dark Knight in Comics, Film, and Beyond is the ultimate exploration of a true legend whose impact on our culture has no limits. This book contains new writing and never-before-seen content, such as:
- A foreword by Michael Keaton, who played the Caped Crusader in Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992). A preface from Dennis O’Neil, a legendary Batman comic book writer and editor. An introduction by Kevin Conroy, the voice of Batman in Batman: The Animated Series, and countless other Batman properties including the Arkham Asylum video games. Interviews with Christopher Nolan and the other key creatives behind The Dark Knight Trilogy. Never-before-seen photography and concept art from the Tim Burton films Batman and Batman Returns Sketches, animation cels and storyboards from Batman: The Animated Series and other Batman animated shows, including The Batman and Brave and the Bold.
The most unique prize of the book may be what the publisher calls “a lost gem of Batman lore”: a rejected 40-page film treatment for “The Return of Batman” written by Bob Kane, Batman’s co-creator in 1986. Comprehensive, compelling and filled with previously unseen treasures, Batman: The Definitive History of the Dark Knight in Comics, Film, and Beyond is the ultimate guide to our most legendary superhero. It’s available from Insight Editions starting October 29th, 2019, and can be pre-ordered today.
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