Batman: The Making of The Killing Joke
[SOEE #38] Grab hold of a copy of the Killing Joke in book form and if you don’t have one to hand, follow this nifty link to an online copy. We’re going to take you through page by page, panel by panel and discuss what it took to turn this into an audio drama and then a motion comic. Joining me I have Matt Ramsey of the Do Try This at Home podcast; AKA Commissioner Jim Gordon and Alfred Pennyworth. Matt’s partner in crime Sharon Shaw who played Jeannie and Street Girl. And for the first time on Gonzo, newcomer Laureta Sela who played Barbara Gordon. We’ll be talking about the complex character of The Joker as depicted here, voices, casting, music, sound FX, the process of directing remotely and my plans for future audio dramas. The next will be an adaptation of the epic Batman story: Hush, which is at least four times the size of Killing Joke. The following roles are yet to be filled… Poison Ivy Killer Croc Superman Lois Lane Huntress Ra’s Al Ghul Talia Al Ghul Nightwing Riddler Scarecrow Lady Shiva Plus brief appearances by Amanda Waller and Lex Luthor and dozens of parts for cops, agents, superstitious, cowardly criminals, henchmen and other Gothamites. My intention is to get as much as possible of the recording done in conference calls so that I can help with direction and the cast can bounce off one another for emotional beats and find a unified tone for every scene. It’s going to be hard work, but you’ve already seen that the outcome is worth all the effort. Spoilers for Batman: Breakdown throughout so listen to that (rather good) show first if you haven’t already. http://schoolofmovies.podbean.com/mf/play/wsqxb3/141_The_Killing_Joke_Directors_Commentary.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
![Batman: The Killing Joke [Audio Drama]](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/140-600-144360_240x240.jpg)
Batman: The Killing Joke [Audio Drama]
[SOEE #37] This is an audio drama adaptation of The Killing Joke: written by Alan Moore, and originally illustrated by Brian Bolland for DC comics in 1988. In the YouTube video below I have added comic panels from the 2008 Deluxe Edition to make the experience as cinematic as possible. This show is dedicated to Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy, two of my all-time heroes. Their inspirational work is a key reason why I love Batman so much, and their immense talent as voice-over artists is what made me want to produce performance pieces like this. I hold out hope that one day we will get to hear them perform Killing Joke as an official radio play or better yet, a DC animated film. All credit to Alan Moore for his excellent writing. The few minor changes I made were to facilitate the audio format. Also artist Brian Bolland whose striking imagery I am proud to convey here. If you have any other questions please contact me at [email protected] If you enjoyed this, do please check out Batman: Breakdown, which is an original story written by myself and rendered into an accompanying audio drama. You can find it on YouTube or along with hundreds of my movie, video gaming and comic book podcasts over at Gonzo Planet dot com. As a bonus for newcomers I’ve included the first six minutes of Breakdown to act as a taster at the close of this production. A huge thank you to my cast, without whom, this would be a considerably less vibrant production. Cast (in order of appearance) JOKER/JACK – Alex Shaw KILLER CROC/TWO-FACE – Alex Shaw BATMAN – Alex Shaw FRIGHTENED INMATE #2 – Matt Whetter JIM GORDON – Matt Ramsey GUARD BILL – Jerome McIntosh BOB BONUS – Daniel Floyd JEANNIE – Sharon Shaw BATCOMPUTER – Tara Nelson ALFRED PENNYWORTH – Matt Ramsey BARBARA GORDON – Lauretta Sela GANGSTER JOE – Lorin Grieve GANGSTER JAKE – Alex Spencer DOCTOR – Joshua Garrity HARVEY BULLOCK – Daniel Floyd CIRCUS FREAKS – Matt Whetter DETECTIVE MOORE – James Batchelor OFICER BOLLAND – Nama Chibitty DON SENIOR – Matt Whetter ROB SENIOR – Andres Rodriguez GAMBOL – Aquila Edwards OSWALD COBBLEPOT – Matt Whetter STREET GIRL – Sharon Shaw SECURITY GUARD JUDD – James Batchelor SECURITY GUARD MURPHEY – Nama Chibbitty CREDITS – Giles Thomas http://schoolofmovies.podbean.com/mf/play/vy7jwe/140_The_Killing_Joke_Audio_Drama.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Batman: A Graphic Novel History
[SOEE #36] This episode we present you with Batman’s full comic book career as a chronological reading list. We begin with Frank Miller’s seminal Year One and work all the way up to the current run on New 52. This has been angled to allow newcomers to get an understanding of Batman on the printed page and give you a little after-school reading to do. Joining me once again are David Hartrick and Matt Ramsey. This show has an ending I didn’t expect and couldn’t have planned for. Batman’s History Through Graphic Novels. 1. Year One (Frank Miller 1987) 2. The Man Who Laughs (Ed Brubaker 2005) 3. The Long Halloween (Jeph Loeb 1996) 4. Dark Victory (Jeph Loeb 1999) 5. The Killing Joke (Alan Moore 1988) 6. The Cult (Jim Starlin 1988) 7. A Death in the Family (Jim Starlin 1988) 8. A Lonely Place of Dying (Marv Wolfman 1989) 9. Arkham Asylum (Grant Morrison 1989) 10. Knightfall (Chuck Dixon / Dennis O’Neil 1993) 11. No Man’s Land (Greg Rucka / Chuck Dixon 1999) 12. Mad Love (Paul Dini / Bruce Timm 1994) 13. Hush (Jeph Loeb 2002) 14. Gotham Central (Greg Rucka / Ed Brubaker 2003) 15. Under the Hood (Judd Winick 2005) 16. Batman and Son (Grant Morrison 2006) 17. Batman R.I.P (Grant Morrison 2008) 18. Battle for the Cowl (Tony Daniel 2009) 19. The Black Mirror (Scott Snyder 2011) 20. A Court of Owls/Night of the Owls (Scott Snyder 2011) 21. The Dark Knight Returns (Frank Miller 1986) Justice League Graphic Novels 1. Kingdom Come (Mark Waid 1996) 2. Superman / Batman: Public Enemies (Jeph Loeb 2003) 3. Identity Crisis (Brad Meltzer 2004) Elseworlds and other Books 1. Flashpoint (Geoff Johns 2011) 2. Gotham by Gaslight (Bryan Augustyn 1989) 3. Legends of the Dark Knight: Faces (1993 James D. Hudnall) 4. Legends of the Dark Knight: Blades (1994 James Robinson) 5. Legends of the Dark Knight: Images (1995 Dennis O’Neil) 6. Earth to Earth Swamp Thing Vol. 5 (Alan Moore 2002) http://schoolofmovies.podbean.com/mf/play/arfmnp/139_Batman_-_A_Graphic_Novel_History.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
[SOM #70] Returning to the seemingly never ending stream of Batman movies ripe for Gonzo review, we’re back to cover the two-part animated adaptation of one of the most celebrated and important graphic novels of all time. The movies are way better than the book and we’ll tell you why throughout this podcast. These are available on DVD and Blu Ray and the second part is better than the first. Don’t wait for the box set. These are worth seeing right now. Joining me are Matt Ramsey of the Do Try This at Home podcast and Batman expert David Hartrick. David writes for major Football websites In Bed with Maradona and 500 Reasons to Love Football. His book on the world’s favourite sport; 50 Teams that Mattered is available from Ockley Books. Spoilers and foul language run throughout. We’ll be back in a few days time with another podcast covering the second half of this conversation; a comprehensive guide to the very best Batman graphic novels, framed as a history of the Dark Knight’s career. After that will be the long awaited follow up to last year’s Batman: Breakdown audio drama, a full-cast adaptation of Alan Moore’s The Killing Joke. Listen out for an Easter Egg in this very show. This is our twelfth Batman review show for Gonzo. The others include… 1. Batman: The Movie (1966) 2. Batman (1989) 3. Batman Returns 4. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm / The Animated Series 5. Batman Forever / Batman & Robin 6. Batman: Hush 7. Batman: Year One / Under the Red Hood / Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker 8. Batman: Arkham Asylum / Arkham City 9. Batman Begins 10. The Dark Knight 11. The Dark Knight Rises 12. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns And of course if you haven’t yet had the pleasure of listening to Breakdown, it’s probably the best work I’ve ever done, so make sure all your friends know and check out the two-part making of show, to discover the depth of secrets and detail found within. http://schoolofmovies.podbean.com/mf/play/hxsc5a/138_Batman_-_The_Dark_Knight_Returns.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
The Making of Batman: Breakdown
[SOEE #40] This is a two part epic investigation into the making of Batman: Breakdown. There’s so much detail, so many hidden references and so much forethought behind the writing and production that this ended up needing two shows to contain it. I am joined by Daniel Floyd of Extra Credits who played Robin, Neil Taylor of KDS 2.0 who played Nightwing and Sharon Shaw of Gonzo Planet who played Doctor Jennifer Whitman. There is also an extensive discussion between myself and story editor David Hartrick of the wildly popular football website In Bed with Maradona. Between us we deconstruct the many complex, continuity-accurate and psychologically sound aspects of this dramatic, emotional, disturbing story of The Dark Knight. I’ve spent a long time layering in audio to give context to the dialogue and make this an entertaining, enlightening document of what might be the best single piece of work I’ve ever put out there. Also outtakes. Those are great too. In the second half we deconstruct the story elements and discuss how said elements were constructed to make this feel like a real part of the Batman story. Discussed here are the later scenes and the climax. At the very end there is a special treat in the shape of EPIC OUTTAKES. As well as this the tantalizing prospect of further installments to this new continuity. Once again a huge thank you to everyone involved in making this, Sassy, Tara, Matt Ramsey and Matt Whetter, James and Leah, David Hartrick on Story and my guests Sharon, Neil and Dan. http://schoolofmovies.podbean.com/mf/play/ijuzyf/94TheMakingofBatmanBreakdown.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
The Dark Knight Rises
[SOM #53] We come to it at last. The final review in the Gonzo Batman series. The epic conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s game-changing Dark Knight Trilogy. It’s definitely not as straightforward as film two in the series because many people hate this film already, and an equal amount adore every inch of it. It’s a tricky balancing act since so much of the most well-crafted and exceptional elements have already been discussed over three and a half hours reviewing Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. Neither did I want this turning into a hail of disproportionate vitriol over perceived flaws. Fortunately James Carter of Cane and Rinse standing in for Josh this week brings all kinds of insight into aspects a lot of us hadn’t grasped on viewing. Joining James and myself are Sharon Shaw, Jerome McIntosh, Paul Gibson and Aquila Edwards of Gonzo Planet and Neil Taylor of GameBurst, KDS 2.0 and Desert Island Gonzo. In a few days time I am putting out a special episode full of footage recorded at our first community gathering, GPLEX 2012. Next week join me with Daniel Floyd, Sharon Shaw and David Hartrick, all of whom played key roles in Batman: Breakdown. We will be going into the creative process and hidden meanings in my very first Making Of. http://schoolofmovies.podbean.com/mf/play/fgryc3/92_The_Dark_Knight_Rises.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
The Dark Knight
[SOM #52] The tenth of eleven Batman reviews for Gonzo Planet is part two of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy. Following the powerful set-up of Batman Begins, the production team pulled out all the stops to deliver an epic crime thriller in the style of Michael Mann’s Heat. This is a story of a city in turmoil and a police force struggling to keep order, up against the ruthless mob. At the center are Batman and The Joker, forces of nature representing order and chaos. The only hope for Gotham may in fact be the White Knight, district attorney Harvey Dent. But you all know this, because everybody and his dog saw this movie back in 2008. I just wanted to set the scene a little. Much is discussed, especially Heath Ledger’s extraordinary performance, but not forgetting the brilliant turns from Aaron Eckhart and Maggie Gyllenhaal and the possible career-high score from Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard. Back with me for more super-serious analysis are Joshua Garrity of Cane and Rinse, Neil Taylor of GameBurst and KDS 2.0 and from Gonzo Planet; Sharon Shaw, Jerome McIntosh, Paul Gibson and Aquila Edwards. If you haven’t heard it yet, download Batman: Breakdown, my first audio drama. It’s been universally applauded by all who’ve commented so far and I want to thank everyone for your kind words. The Gonzo Planetary Expo 2012, GPLEX is this Saturday and we’re going to try for a live stream. Whether that works or not, you can stay updated on Twitter by following @Digital_Gonzo and most importantly, if you wish to join in the mass fundraising we’re doing for GamesAid, which is a UK-based charity concern, centered around the video gaming industry and focused on improving the lives of children, you can donate by following the link on the Gonzo Planet website homepage. A huge thank you to longtime Digital Cowboys and Digital Gonzo charity specialist Giles Thomas for setting this up. Next Week: The Dark Knight Rises http://schoolofmovies.podbean.com/mf/play/23rk79/91_The_Dark_Knight.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
![Batman: Breakdown [Audio Drama]](/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Breakdown-600-41955_240x240.jpg)
Batman: Breakdown [Audio Drama]
[SOEE #39] This is my first full-length audio drama. It was designed to be enjoyed by comic fans but also to people who are only familiar with the Nolan films the Arkham video games or the Animated Series. I wanted to write something significant, honest and authentic about the Batman legend and with a lot of help from long-time serious Bat-fan, David Hartrick, I was able to shape a series of ideas into a hopefully coherent story. None of the cast, including myself are professional actors, but we all worked very hard to capture the essence of the characters we portrayed. The writing, organisation and editing all of this together took dozens of hours, but it’s been equal parts exhausting and rewarding. I’d of course ideally love to see this adapted into a comic mini-series or animated movie someday (hint, hint, DC). Oh and for Batman enthusiasts, take note, this is an Elseworlds tale that takes place after the 2005 storyline Under the Hood, but before the 2006 storyline Infinite Crisis. Script: Alex Shaw Story: Alex Shaw & David Hartrick Editing: Alex Shaw Cast Bruce Wayne/Batman: Alex Shaw Barbara Gordon/Oracle: Leah Haydu Dick Grayson/Nightwing: Neil Taylor Tim Drake/Robin: Daniel Floyd Clark Kent/Superman: James Batchelor Diana Prince/Wonder Woman: Tara Nelson Selina Kyle/Catwoman: Cassandra Corgard Alfred Pennyworth: Matthew Ramsey Doctor Jennifer Whitman: Sharon Shaw Cops: Matt Whetter/Sharon Shaw/Alex Shaw Thieves: Neil Taylor/Matt Whetter/Alex Shaw Bank Clerk: Cassandra Corgard Estelle: Tara Nelson David Hartrick writes for In Bed With Maradona, the award-winning home of World Football, http://inbedwithmaradona.com/ Also the website 500 Reasons to Love Football. http://500reasonstolovefootball.blogspot.co.uk/ You can buy his books on football at Ockley Books. http://ockleybooks.co.uk/ You can see Daniel Floyd’s fantastic animated lectures on the video game industry over at Extra Credits http://extra-credits.net/ Cassandra Corgard and Tara Nelson produced a geek and gaming podcast; The Most popular Girls on the Internet. Neil Taylor co-hosts a podcast named GameBurst (which also previously featured James Batchelor) http://www.gameburst.co.uk/ If you like this production and you believe, like we do, that as many people as possible should hear this then please suggest it to everyone you know who likes a good Batman story. Tweet about it, make a big deal on FaceBook, post YouTube comments, leave an iTunes review, get this thing heard. UPDATE FOR 2015 I’ve been supremely hard at work on my original audio drama series New Century for the past year. If you like this production you’ll love hearing where I go with what I learned. However I think I’m done with Batman audio drama for the time being. It’s very unlikely I’ll do Hush and Breakdown is almost...
Batman Begins
[SOM #51] Finally we get to Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy. After eight years away from cinema screens, and multiple stalled attempts at relaunching the franchise, Warner Bros knocked the Bat out of the park with the best film so far and arguably the most compelling and mature adaptation of Bruce Wayne and his alter-ego. With me for this super-serious analysis are Joshua Garrity of Cane and Rinse, Neil Taylor of GameBurst and KDS 2.0 and from Gonzo Planet; Sharon Shaw, Jerome McIntosh, Paul Gibson and a new voice for this series, Aquila Edwards. Many aspects are discussed and deconstructed including Christian Bale’s intense portrayal, ace cinematographer Wally Pfister’s erotic endeavours and why Hollywood on paper is a senile, avaricious old psychopath. At the end there is a rather important announcement about the imminent release of my most ambitious project to date, Batman: Breakdown. Next Week: The Dark Knight http://schoolofmovies.podbean.com/mf/play/ks3yi9/89_Batman_Begins.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Batman: Arkham Asylum / Arkham City
[SOEE #33] Two of the finest games focused on a comic book hero, Batman: Arkham Asylum and Arkham City are the subject of this week’s show. This is 50+ hours of content to cram into 123 minutes but my team of assembled guests are once again entirely dedicated to their art. They’re enormous and filled with secrets and we endeavour to uncover and explore some of the more intriguing aspects. We look at these cocktails of Batman history, character representation and citing the responses of FilmCritHulk the knotty situation of gender issues inherent in a small but significant percentage of one of these titles. In the Batcave; Neil Taylor of GameBurst, KDS 2.0 and Desert Island Gonzo and Jerome McIntosh and Paul Gibson of Gonzo Planet. Next week: Batman Begins http://schoolofmovies.podbean.com/mf/play/67q93p/88_Batman_-_Arkham.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
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