Dan Slott Talks 'New Batman Adventures' Comic

[James Harvey]

Guess what folks? I just got a plethora of news from our pal Dan Slott about the new upcoming animated Batman comic book, picking up in 2002. To read about it - HERE!

[Patrick Bateman]

Only 17 pages of story? That sucks. I could care less about the little mini-stories at the end. I'll wait for them to come out in TPB form. I refuse to pay $2.50 for 17 pages.

[James Harvey]

Originally posted by Batman Year One
Only 17 pages of story?

Yes, but these 17 pg. stories will add up after the story arc is concluded to about 60 pages or so. That sounds alright to me!

[Patrick Bateman]

True, but I think I'll spend my money on "Nightwing" or "JLA" instead.

[Dan Slott]

BatmanYearOne,
All I'm asking is TRY the first issue. Bruce Timm cover. Ty Templeton penned lead story. Ty Templeton drawn back-up. And I like to think (from my JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES issues) that I'm no slouch either. Come on! You can't beat this with a stick.

[Jor-El]

Batman Year One,

In its current state, I promise you that JLA is not worth checking out. Just go get this new Batman series. If Dan Slott is behind it with Ty Templeton, I will gladly try it. 17 pages, yes, but at least it's longer arcs. I NEED longer arcs to stories and I need them to have a grand scale, and I NEED a consistent creative team! This sounds like everything I've been asking for

[Patrick Bateman]

I know, I was never worried about the quality of the stories. It's just that I want to be sure I'm getting my money's worth in quantity, as well as quality.

But, it would be wrong for me to brush it off without giving it a fair chance. So, I'll take your advise and pick up the first issue. I can't promise I'll like the new format, but I owe it to you guys to give it a chance.

[The Electric Knight]

Great news, indeed. I guess overall I would prefer a 22-page story as opposed to 17, but the fact that the stories will be multi-issue makes up for that. Heh, anyway DC can be conned into making it 22 pages with an 8 page backup, like with 'TEC?

The back-up stories will be a nice feature I think, giving little stories for other characters like Nightwing and the like, that'd be good to see. Will these be multi-part as well? (here's hoping)

I'm very excited. It will be great to see new bat-villains enter the world!! And heroes for that matter. Spoiler, Huntress, Black Mask, Oracle (I can only dream ) - hope to see them all, and more. I'm hoping for a lot of development on existing characters too - I am still waiting for an Ivy issue which explores her initial love for plants, and why she has such an unhealthy relationship and obsession with a city that has next to none of them. I've written a fic about Ivy's initial love for plants, actually...it's very dark and mature though, but I think something similar would be nice...Here's a link , I warn people that it is mature in nature and has some language and disturbing scenes though...

I'd also love to see Harley go "Over the Edge" post-Jokers death, becoming a new Joker Actually that's the biggest question I have - when will this comic be set? Will it be fixed, or will it jump?

The only thing I'm concerned about is this going the way of Justice League Adventures, with thousands of guest stars littering the pages. I don't mind team-ups, or multi-villain arcs, or guest-stars at all, but when they are all crammed in together it makes stories messy and rather silly. Justice League Adventures #6 may have awed some long-time DCU villain fans, but for me, it was way too excessive, as have many other issues since been (#12 is another example).

And what's with that Canadian law? Talk about crazy...

All in all I am very excited, and I will be there buying each and every issue, multiple copies some months even! Great to see how dedicated you are Mr Slott and I have faith that Ty and yourself will do some fantastic work. I just have that one concern, but given the nature of Justice League and how different that is to Batman I don't think it will be a problem.

TEK

[Trent Lane]

This sounds fantastic. It's like a throw back to the Batman Adventures days. And a creative team WILL work, I'm sure of it. I'm looking forward to seeing which artists will be aboard for the Ty written issues...

[BLACKHEART]

17 pages or 32 pages, I don't care as long as the story is powerful and worth reading. I perfer quality and not quanity. I look foward to the new animated book.

[Barb Gordon]

I can't wait! Looks like a fantasic pair up of guys. Quality over quantity is what I prefer, but if there happens to be more of the latter, then schway! I'm just anxious to check this out when it finally starts hitting the stands.

~Barb

[DKstormyknight]

Great news, the creative team sounds awesome! I wonder who the artists on Tys work will be, I guess I'll just have to wait and see. Anyway, it's cool that Bruce Timm is doing the covers for the first arc. I can't wait for this book!

[Divv]

This sounds awesome! Dan, can you tell us anything about the character designs yet? Will Bats, be presented with the JL look, what about Robin is he going to be older? Does he use the 'Static' or the 'Titans' look? What about the time frame? Will the events of ROTJ be taken into account, or is this set before the flashback. Thanks, can't wait to get my hands on this!

[justicefan61]

Yes , I too am excited by the new Bat series.. I also want to know if Batman is to be drawn in the style of Justice League ,it seems natural to do it that way since the old style is not on the air and it was the style of the last series..plus ,we could see robin, nightwing, and the whole cast drawn in a slightly up-dated style to go with Batman. maybe a cross over with the Justice League is down the road ,since it's the same Batman. ( and a new Batman series or made for DVD movie could come of it later )

[Green-Ghost]

Can't wait for the serie.
I think Ty and Dan will be a great team.
It would be cool if they get Rick Burchett or Tim Levins as drawers.
It is great that Bruce Timm draws the covers of the first issues.
And some questions to Dan:
Are the 5 pages storys an extra like the Balck & White storys in Batman:Gotham Knights?
Will they be drawn by the same artist who draws the 17 pages or by a other one?
And a question you don't can/want to answere me but maybe you can give a hint
Is something planned with a beautiful plant lady?

[James Harvey]

I don't mind the 17pg format. Why? Mainly becuase the stories being done today could be done in 6 pages! I think it'll work. So we'll have some extra panels on a page - which I actually prefer over just 2 - 4 panels per page. Plus the back-ups have great potentials to be characetr studies and short fun stories - maybe even some 'Gotham Girls' themed shorts!

[Dan Slott]

Electric Knight-- The back ups will be stand alones. Sometimes they'll play off the lead feature, the previous issue, or set the stage for next month.

Divv and justicefan61-- Yes. CURRENT plans have Batman updating to his JL Adv. look.

Green-Ghost-- Your favorite character will appear soon.

Jim-- Gotham Girls shorts? Yup.

[Green-Ghost]

Originally posted by Dan Slott
Green-Ghost,
Yup. Your favorite character will appear (along with others) in #1. And she will be the star of her own 5pgr. in #3.
TTYL
Dan

Thank you Dan!
That are great news for me

I am curious what costume she will wear in the series.
Hopefully the new one from B:GA #53

[jm5150bc]

This all sounds like GREAT news to me... I can't wait !!!

[DisneyBoy]

Holy Moley!!!



(Deep breath)

Firstly, let me say how thrilled I am that Ty is back!!! The new format will certainly draw in new and old readers alike, and probably create a ton of buzz in the comic world. This was definately a huge move on the part of DC, and as a devoted fan, I couldn't feel better. It's nice to know they care about us, and that you guys do too!!

I will admit, however, that I'm majorly bummed about the conflict with Ty's writing and artwork. He is my favorite artist in the entire DC universe, and frankly, no one else even comes close. So now, I nervously wonder who on earth will draw the first issue...Don't hate me for saying this, but no one besides Ty or Timm can cut the mustard for me. Could Paul Dini step in for the writing chores and let Ty illustrate a masterpiece for us? Art is just as important to me as a good story, if not more so. And it's really going to be annoying not getting to see Ty draw an entire arc. Thanks to this idiotic rule, we're going to get two issues with Templeton's art and two issues of someone else's art. At least before, two-parters had the same artist. I'm sad. Very happy, mind you, but sad... ...and worried. Dan, any word on the artist for the first issue lead story?

My other concern goes to you, Dan, and your obvious love for DC's pantheon of mainstream characters. Please don't take this as a condescending comment, but I sincerely hope you don't introduce a ton of characters that don't belong in the animated continuity. Frankly, there are enough characters right now that haven't really been explored. JLA #6 was great, but I'll just die if it becomes the standard for this new Batman series. I know Huntress will pop by, but other than her, let's keep things simple.

Speaking of simple, the animated continuity has become really complicated as of late, with ROTJ, JL, Static and now Teen Titains. I really hope this new series doesn't get bogged down by acting as the glue which keeps all these shows together. Do only what works. Altering Batman's look to suit JL works. Depending on how Teen Titains goes, I wouldn't necessarily adjust Tim Drake's life. And as for the whole ROTJ thing, let's consider it a possible future and leave it open, however losing the TNBA Joker design would be wise. Take care of yourselves, though, or you guys may give yourselves heart-attacks trying to tie-into every else - and we wouldn't want that!!!

I trust that you'll do an amazing job, though, since you certainly sound more pumped than I've ever heard you before (Even though that's hard to imagine! ) Enjoy every moment and work your buns off! YOU GET TO WRITE FOR THE ULTIMATE VERSION OF BATMAN!!! Has the shock worn off yet? I think I'd fall into a coma if given your job! I'm really happy for you, and I know with Ty by your side, that this series will surpass my expectations (and hopefully calm my fragile nerves and fears as well )

Also THANK YOU for the scoop, Dan and Jim. I really didn't believe the news about a new series when I first read it. I still don't completely believe it, but once I see a cover or a panel of art, it'll sink in And don't you dare give away any secrets...no matter how much we beg!!!

If you're taking requests and questions, Dan, check out my contribution to the "What would you like the new Batman series to have" thread. I think I've already planned out the first 100 issues LOL. Any of those artists would do very nicely. And I have one really big request, if you and Ty wouldn't mind:

*Please give Selina back her long blonde locks, and suit her up in that new outfit Bruce Timm planned for her solo series...eventually*

With four issue arcs and tie-in backups, I sense a real continuity being cemented. A major step in Batman history is being made. You've made my Christmas!

GOOD BYE PETERSON AND LEVINS!!!

HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN, BABY!!!