Trailer Time: Batman - The Telltale Series, Episode Two: Children of Arkham

Today we can unveil the gripping new trailer for BATMAN - The Telltale Series - Episode 2: Children of Arkham. With Gotham City's first family mired in corruption, and an old friend now a dangerous adversary, the life of the Dark Knight is turned upside down. What was Thomas Wayne entangled in, and why was he killed? Determined to learn the truth about his father, Bruce sets out to question those involved in Gotham's criminal past. But which mask will he wear - The billionaire, or the bat? Huge decisions will forever change the Batman and the lives of those around him, as he meets the Children of Arkham.

The second of five episodes in the season, Episode 2: 'Children of Arkham' will be available digitally worldwide starting Tuesday September 20th on PC from the Telltale Online Store, Steam, and other digital distribution services, on the PlayStation®Network for PlayStation 4, and on the Xbox Games Store for Xbox One®. Release dates for additional platforms will be announced later in September.The series is also available to purchase at retailers in North America now as a special Season Pass Disc, which includes the first of five episodes in the season, and will grant access to the subsequent four episodes as they become available for download via online updates. The series will also be available to purchase at retailers across Europe on September 16th.

The series is also available to purchase at retailers in North America now as a special Season Pass Disc, which includes the first of five episodes in the season, and will grant access to the subsequent four episodes as they become available for download via online updates. The series will also be available to purchase at retailers across Europe on September 16th.Rendered to look like a living, breathing comic book, Telltale's vision of Batman features an award-winning cast of talent, including Troy Baker in the role of Bruce Wayne, Travis Willingham as Harvey Dent, Erin Yvette as Vicki Vale, Enn Reitel as Alfred Pennyworth, Murphy Guyer as Lieutenant James Gordon, Richard McGonagle as Carmine Falcone, Jason Spisak as Oswald Cobblepot, and Laura Bailey as Selina Kyle. Additional cast and characters will be revealed as the season progresses.

Rendered to look like a living, breathing comic book, Telltale's vision of Batman features an award-winning cast of talent, including Troy Baker in the role of Bruce Wayne, Travis Willingham as Harvey Dent, Erin Yvette as Vicki Vale, Enn Reitel as Alfred Pennyworth, Murphy Guyer as Lieutenant James Gordon, Richard McGonagle as Carmine Falcone, Jason Spisak as Oswald Cobblepot, and Laura Bailey as Selina Kyle. Additional cast and characters will be revealed as the season progresses.BATMAN - The Telltale Series Episode 2: Children of Arkham is rated M (Mature) for Violence, Blood, and Drug References by the ESRB. Future content in the season is yet to be rated by the ESRB. The series is published by Telltale Games in partnership with Warner Bros.

BATMAN - The Telltale Series Episode 2: Children of Arkham is rated M (Mature) for Violence, Blood, and Drug References by the ESRB. Future content in the season is yet to be rated by the ESRB. The series is published by Telltale Games in partnership with Warner Bros.

Two Reviews: Suicide Squad (2 of 2)

Suicide Squad enters the third installment of the DC Extended Universe. It tells the story of a group of criminals forced together to save the world from an ancient threat. By now, most people have heard a lot from both sides on the film quality, so here’s the next drop in the ocean. My take away from this film is, while there are pacing and editing issues present, they aren’t nearly as glaring as they were with Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice. What I’m beginning to think is that these problems are going to be consistent across the board until we get to a point where there are less visions flashbacks. These tend to be the more jarring points of the film, but Suicide Squad worked them in as best as they could and each one worked and served a purpose.

DC has been called out on what many would call “questionable” casting choices. Jared Leto and Will Smith received a good bit of criticism; however, Smith delivered as Deadshot. The unofficial leader of the Squad was given the lions’ share of development, but it was certainly earned, as Smith's character provided a good bit of the humor many claim the DCEU sorely needs.

Not to be outdone, Leto’s first outing as the Clown Prince of Crime, while contained to a subplot, has done the job of making me interested in his character and literally left me wanting more. Funny, flamboyant, and daring, if this was any indication, Gotham City will be quite the fun place to visit come The Batman.

Unfortunately, some will be a bit disappointed in this portrayal of Harley Quinn, as she seems quite enamored with The Joker. Flashes of brilliance are there, and Margot Robbie looks keen to play the character for years to come, so seeing a more independent Harley isn’t totally out of the question, but there’s no room for that going solely off of Suicide Squad.

Surprisingly enough, El Diablo was arguably the fan favorite of the film, by the end of it. A character many would dismiss as a stereotype was given quite the development near the film's third act and had a truly astounding finale to his arc.

Unfortunately, but realistically, it left me wanting more from some of the other Squad members. Captain Boomerang, Katana, Killer Croc, Slipknot, and even Flagg to an extent kind of missed the character development train, but for most of them, the chance to show up elsewhere in the DCEU (in Batman, The Flash, and potentially Green Arrow) eases the pain a bit.

The story of the film is solid, and a bit of a twist just going from the trailers. The actual story, was pretty classic comic stuff, and as Flagg said in the trailers, fits the Squad MO. Go somewhere dangerous, that’ll get you killed. It worked in a lot of ways, with the twists and turns that really highlighted the characters personalities.

I liked the twist that was played throughout the film that, instead of having the characters revealed as better people than they think they are, they went in the opposite direction—showing our “heroes” aren’t as good as they think they are.

The visuals during most action scenes were amazing. Though, I think, as many have suggested, the DCEU could do with more fights going on during the day. It just makes things easier to see, and when you do it in 3D like I did, being able to see things more clearly is a huge bonus. The effects though, were top-notch. The work on the “magic” elements was so impressive.

Lastly, some claimed the villain was “weak.” (Spoiler Alert!) However, I have to disagree. Their motivation was classic: revenge. Nothing breathtaking, but works. Enchantress clearly outclassed everyone and was a real, global threat. Strong actor portrayal, though admittedly I don’t know Enchantress well enough from the comics to compare, but simply as a character, the performance was enjoyable.

Overall, this was what the DCEU needed. It showed depth and added to the world in positive ways, and hopefully some of the techniques that went into this will be used down the line. People wanted humor? You got Joker, Harley, Deadshot, and Boomerang. You wanted color? This film is pretty stylized in shades of purple and green. There’s red, blue, and all that. Oh, and the soundtrack? Top notch, for sure. Even got Sucker for Pain on my phone.

So that’s my critique, but I’m not critic. I’m just a fan. A DC Comics fan. I liked BvS and Man of Steel too. In my opinion it goes Man of Steel > Suicide Squad > Batman V. Superman. The film is not without fault, but that goes for any film. It’s strong suit is where it’s such a self-contained story, that it doesn’t give any real buildup to anything so everything is focused. Helping translate that into more of the films will help a lot. At this point though, I think it’s just the DCEU way, and maybe for the best.

You really want to know if you’ll like Suicide Squad? Just go see the movie and make your own assertion. It’s really the best way to know if you’ll like it or not.

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Suicide Sqaud

Director: David Ayer

Writers: David Ayer

Studio: DC/WB

Run Time: 123 minutes

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Symbolism of the Sword, Shield, & Wonder Woman in the DCEU

To say people in attendance and on the internet were hyped upon viewing the Wonder Woman trailer at Comic Con this year would be quite the understatement. Considering many viewed the character, portrayed by Gal Gadot, a standout in Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, it comes as no surprise the trailer would be welcomed with a large amount of adoration. But you’re here because you read comics, and as a fellow comic fan, I can tell you, pleasing comic fans is no easy feat. That’s especially true when dealing with a character as iconic as Wonder Woman, who celebrates her 75^th anniversary this year. Many takes on Diana both in the long and short-run have graced media, and as such there are various interpretations of the character that can be seen as the “true Wonder Woman,” depending on who asks.

The DCEU, headed by the likes of Zack Snyder & Geoff Johns, has already come under some criticism for the take on Diana that looks to be taking center stage in both her upcoming film and as a member of the Justice League. Particularly, some are questioning the use of Diana's Sword and Shield along with/in lieu of her more traditional bracelets and Lasso of Truth.

The concerns stem from the idea that it strays far from the roots of Wonder Woman, making her more like Xena than her own character. This can be seen as a valid grievance, especially for older fans. Diana's Golden Lasso of Truth and Bracelets of Submission have been with Diana since the early days of the character and were created by Wonder Woman’s creator, William Marston as representations of the charms and emotional faculties inherent to what would be considered the premiere woman.

Typically seen as more tools of war and as more offensive weapons the sword and shield, to many, aren’t the kind of equipment Wonder Woman should be using often. However, while this feeling has merit it’s also important to realize that many are only just now learning of Wonder Woman. Some, from the more recent interpretations of the character. For some people, their Wonder Woman has always used a sword, such as the very recent Post-Flashpoint version of the character. (SPOILER ALERT) Which if you follow Rebirth, is more an evolution of the post-Crisis version. (SPOILER END)

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Putting the “more modern/current” argument aside, I also believe that the character of Wonder Woman lends itself to the use of a sword and shield for both practical reasons and also an argument that I think gives credit to the idea of a sword as part of both what can bring elements of both her roots and present to the forefront.

Many will recall the iconic image of seeing Wonder Woman block bullets with her bracelets, from the days of Linda Carter’s time as the television take on the character. This ability makes one question the need for a shield. While, I can see the merit in this argument, it falters with the simple fact that a shield simply offers more protection easier than her bracelets do. Not having to use both hands blocking bullets or attacks also gives her more options, with her free hand.

As far as Wonder Woman’s use of the sword, ignoring the times it has come in handy in her more recent adventures; it appears as though people consider the sword to be simply a weapon for destruction. From a storytelling standpoint, a sword can be more than that, and like the Lasso and Bracelets, apply to the innate ability of a woman.

An example can be found in Part 1 of the Naruto manga. Kakashi Hatake refers to his Chidori/Lightning Blade as a blade to protect friends and loved ones. The character Kenshin Himura of the series Rurouni Kenshin carried a sword nearly incapable of killing, but still capable of doing damage, though the character only did so to protect those closest to him, having vowed not to kill again. The sword known as Tenseiga, wielded by Lord Sesshomaru from the manga InuYasha, was incapable of harming humans, but could kill beings not of the natural world, allowing it to heal rather than hurt a person.

These and other examples use the imagery of the blade not as just a tool to kill. The mere fact of a character like Wonder Woman having a sword and shield do not necessarily detract from a character like her, as long as the person doing the interpretation knows the character and what they stand for.

I understand, as a comic fan, change can be difficult to grasp, especially on a grand stage like big budget movies. When you care about a character, you want to see them represented in the best, truest way possible. Fans want the iconic elements of her character, and in a sense, women everywhere to be present and presented well, and a sword and shield can add to that imagery.

Women can be fiercely loyal and protective. That’s apparent now, more than ever, as we see women standing up and fighting—loudly for the things they hold important to them, and not even just for themselves. I have seen women of all kinds of backgrounds stand up for the rights and dignity of people different from them. I have seen women fiercely stand up for and defend people of color, Bisexual men, Transgendered individuals, Non-Binary individuals, Indigenous Peoples, and among others.

So why can’t we let that be the new symbols we attach to Wonder Woman's equipment? People like to throw out the phrase “It’s 2016” when they want to show they’re shocked about how something is happening now. Well it’s 2016. Feminine charm and love aren’t the only things women have at their disposal like they did when Diana was first created and first got her iconic Lasso and Bracelets. I’m not saying they aren’t effective, but there is more. Wonder Woman is more than what she was envisioned as and that’s not a bad thing.

If you’re a fan of Wonder Woman, you want the iconic ideals and traits of her character to be presented, and that’s fair. It’s also fair to ask you to take a step back, and try look at Wonder Woman and her chosen tools of the trade in the same way William Marston looked at her Golden Lasso and Bracelets of Submission.

Like I said, it’s 2016 and women are fighting fights everywhere in the world. Let’s embrace the idea that Wonder Woman can show that fight not with a sword swung in fury or rage, but with Athena guiding her strokes so that she might protect and aid those in need. For a modern take on Wonder Woman, isn’t that in line with her roots?