What Now? The Dark Knight Rises
That was pretty awesome, right? You just watched/read/heard/experienced something you absolutely loved, and you can’t wait to get your hands on more things like it…if only you knew what those things were. Times like these, you’ve got no choice but to ask What Now?
Well PoP!ulation, for better or worse, you’ve just witnessed the end of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. How ’bout that Catwoman, huh? And damn, Tom Hardy is a BEAST. Overall, these three films have given us one of the greatest adaptations of everyone’s favorite pointy-eared crime fighter, which actually causes a bit of a problem: how are you supposed to get your Batman fix? Let’s break down a few of your options.
The Long Halloween
There’s a serial killer who murders his victims on holidays running loose in Gotham! However, fans of the Nolan movies may find that their favorite part of this Eisner Award-winning Batman story is the focus on a younger Batman as he works with Jim Gordon and Harvey Dent to take down the Falcone mob family. Sound familiar? With appearances by many members of the Dark Knight’s rogues gallery, the best writing of Jeph Loeb’s career, and gorgeous art by the uber talented Tim Sale, these comics are a must-read for any fan of the Batman. You won’t be disappointed.
The KnightSaga
Back in the 90′s, as comics were going through a period of ultra violence, pouches, and enormous muscles, Bruce Wayne had his back broken by Bane. While he healed, it was necessary to bring in a replacement – who quickly became a grittier, more aggressive Batman. Made up of three arcs – Knightfall, Knightquest, and KnightsEnd – this saga follows many of the same plot threads as The Dark Knight Rises, including Bruce’s return from his injury. Spoiler alert: he’s not fixed with a quick slap on the back this time. You can collect these issues here.
Gotham Central
One of the best parts of The Dark Knight Rises was the focus on the ordinary police officers that make up Gotham’s finest. Remember that scene with the cops charging Bane’s army? In Gotham Central, crime writers extraordinaire Greg Rucka and Ed Brubaker shift the focus towards the normal men and women who have to patrol the streets of Gotham. Whether stumbling upon Mr. Freeze or combating sniper attacks by the Joker, this series delivers interesting storylines filled with strong character development, and is highly, highly recommended. Pick up the digital issues here.
Catwoman: Selina’s Big Score
Written and illustrated by the fantastic Darwyn Cooke, Selina’s Big Score tells the tale of a down on her luck Selina Kyle looking to land some quick and easy cash. As a plan formulates to rob the Falcone family, Selina finds that this score may not be as simple as she expected. With a recomendation from the biggest Catwoman fan you’ll ever meet, fans looking for more from their favorite feline femme fatale will love this. You can grab a copy for your collection right here.
Secret Six
If you have a friend who has read Secret Six, you undoubtedly know it. It seems that no one who has read Secret Six is capable of having a conversation without somehow working in just how fantastic this series is. Following a team of the DC Universe’s villains – including Bane – Secret Six delivers action, comedy, and drama in a way that few comics are able. You can get in on the ground floor of this fan-favorite by picking up the mini-series that started it all here, and continue reading of their adventures here.
The Court of Owls
The most recent Batman event, the Court of Owls introduces a shadowy threat to both Batman and the city of Gotham. When Batman fights back against the Court’s master assassin, Talon, he quickly learns that he faces an enemy far beyond what he expected. This story provides an unknown history for both Bruce Wayne and his one time protege Dick Grayson, expanding their backstory while pitting them against an army of assassins. You can pick up digital copies here.
Batman: The Animated Series
Another amazing interpretation of Batman that defined the character for a generation. One of the best episodes has to be “Over the Edge”. It’s too insane for words at times, but in this episode, written by Paul Dini himself, Batman finds himself hunted by the Gotham City PD after the accidental death of Batgirl. Forced into hiding, Batman faces off against both Bane and his former friends. The episode even features an appearance from the Scarecrow! You can find it as part of this collection.
11th Hour Radio
Every Tuesday night, before the PanelsOnPages.com PoP!-Cast, PoP!Stars Jason Knize and Jose Guzman broadcast 11th Hour Radio. Last week’s episode focused on the music of Batman, who has been lucky enough to have more than one amazing scores in his time on screen. If you enjoy the musical themes running through the Nolan trilogy, or the classic 1960s theme song, you’ll love this episode of 11th Hour Radio, available on iTunes.
Give blood
Early Friday morning, as many of us gathered in theaters to watch the movie we’ve waited years to see, a maniac murdered innocent people at a showing in Colorado. With many injured, now is the perfect time to make an appointment at your local Red Cross (or similar) office to give blood. You may never be Batman, but you might still save a life.
Special thanks to PrincessCast host Spazzy for her help with this article!
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANKS MAHONEY!