Batman Collectables

The first ever book on Batman collectables.

BATMAN together with his ultimate archenemy, the JOKER! Includes special edition guide book and TWO collectible 5.5" VINYL FIGURINES! Explore the twisted and tangled relationship between Batman and the Joker through character profiles, tales from Gotham City, examine their greatest stories and the publishing history of these best-of-enemies through 75 years of history - from the Golden Age of comics to the Modern Age. Included with this set are two masterfully sculpted 1:14 scale vinyl figurines of the Dark Knight and the Joker! Batman and The Joker - two eternal opposites, the savior of Gotham City and its tormentor. One seeks to protect the innocent, the other wants to prove to them that life is all one sick joke. This guide celebrates the greatest tales from over 75 years of conflict, including the stories of Grant Morrison and Scott Snyder. Spectacular visuals include the work of Frank Miller and Greg Capullo. This essential companion also takes you behind- the-scenes to discover the secrets of Gotham City, from the Batcave to the Gotham City Police Department files on The Joker. Taking you right up to the present day, these pages will help you decide who really has the last laugh... A glimpse into the twisted and tangled relationship between Batman and the Joker, packaged with special vinyl figurines of Batman and The Joker.

A work of scholarship and a labor of love. "This is the definitive history of the Batman in all media: comics, film, television and the internet. The bookÆs combination of rigorous historical research and a witty, fluid writing style make it both vastly instructive and vastly entertaining."--Roberta Pearson, editor of The Many Lives of the Batman "Will appeal to avid students of pop culture and comics, and a gay cult audience...BrookerÆs impressive overview of BatmanÆs history reflects on the masked oneÆs origins, early arch rivals and the introduction of Robin, and concentrates on four periods: WWII, the mid 1950s, the Æ60s and the Æ90s. In 1954, child psychologist Fredric Wertham attacked the comic book industryànoting homoerotic undercurrents between Batman and Robin; BrookerÆs lengthy and fascinating Ægay readingÆ supports WerthamÆs claim, albeit with a positive, postmodern twist. After recalling the campy image of Batman spawned by ABCÆs 1960s TV show, the author takes a look at Batman writers, fans, fanzines and the Net, concluding with a hilarious chapter on how his research was ridiculed by the British media." -Publishers Weekly ôàBrookerÆs account is bolstered by his fan expertise. This book usefully expands uponàThe Many Lives of Batman. Recommendedàö--Library Journal"A historical, detailed, deep analysis of Batman as a cultural icon in America. This isn't a simple polemic or surface-shallow analysis. This is deep stuff-analyzing art styles, histories, individual panels, cultural concepts, and historical documentsà. plenty of startling revelations and analysesàThis is a stunningly well-done, intelligent book. It's proof that comics are not throwaway ephemera, but real, vital, analyzable parts of our culture. It's also a must-have for the hardcore Batman fan and comics fan-who doesn't mind some ideas being challenged."--www.super-heroes.netôBrooker cuts through the mumbo jumbo to deliver incisive analysis and very sharp reporting, particularly on the comic book's homoerotic subtext and on the 60's TV show's knowing self-mockery, as well as on how the 'official' 21st Century Batman nods to both.ö--Entertainment WeeklyOver the sixty years of his existence, Batman has encountered an impressive array of cultural icons and has gradually become one himself. This fascinating book examines what Batman means and has meant to the various audiences, groups and communities who have tried to control and interpret him over the decades. Brooker reveals the struggles over Batman's meaning by shining a light on the cultural issues of the day that impacted on the development of the character. They include: patriotic propaganda of the Second World War; the accusation that Batman was corrupting the youth of America by appearing to promote a homosexual lifestyle to the fans of his comics; Batman becoming a camp, pop culture icon through the ABC TV series of the sixties; fans' interpretation of Batman in response to the comics and the Warner Bros. franchise of films.

Jump in the Batmobile and get ready for a wild ride—this is a complete and in-depth look at the development of America's most popular super hero. From his vigilante days to his television stardom, from Dark Knight to mentor, this memorabilia- and anecdote-packed collection follows the masked man on his crime-fighting career, and charts the history of the comics and movies that bear his name. How can one man be at times so vengeful, compassionate, determined, inspirational, and a true hero when he doesn't possess special powers? Over the decades since his first appearance in the 1939, Batman and his alter-ego Bruce Wayne have thrilled readers with their adventures, close calls, dramatic storylines, and even death! Ultimately, the history of Batman is the history of America from the twentieth century to today. With removable artifacts and never-before-seen sketches, notes, and plans, The Batman Vault is the perfect gift for the genuine fan of all ages.

This three-volume set is a valuable resource for researching the history of American television. An encyclopedic range of information documents how television forever changed the face of media and continues to be a powerful influence on society. What are the reasons behind enduring popularity of television genres such as police crime dramas, soap operas, sitcoms, and "reality TV"? What impact has television had on the culture and morality of American life? Does television largely emulate and reflect real life and society, or vice versa? How does television's influence differ from that of other media such as newspapers and magazines, radio, movies, and the Internet? These are just a few of the questions explored in the three-volume encyclopedia TV in the USA: A History of Icons, Idols, and Ideas. This expansive set covers television from 1950 to the present day, addressing shows of all genres, well-known programs and short-lived series alike, broadcast on the traditional and cable networks. All three volumes lead off with a keynote essay regarding the technical and historical features of the decade(s) covered. Each entry on a specific show investigates the narrative, themes, and history of the program; provides comprehensive information about when the show started and ended, and why; and identifies the star players, directors, producers, and other key members of the crew of each television production. The set also features essays that explore how a particular program or type of show has influenced or reflected American society, and it includes numerous sidebars packed with interesting data, related information, and additional insights into the subject matter.

Alphabetical listings provide release dates, scales, articulations, accessories, first appearance notes, and photographs of more than 1,400 DC Comics action figures.

This is a complete reference work to the history of Batman big screen works, from the 1940s serials through the campy 1960s TV show and film, and up through the series of Warner Bros. summer blockbusters that climaxed with Christopher Nolan's 2012 film The Dark Knight Rises. Chapters on each Batman feature include extensive film and production credits, a production history, and a critical analysis of the movie relative to the storied history of the Batman character. The book also examines the Batman-related works and events that took place in the years between the character's film exploits.

Since 1939, the Batman mythology has shaped the American imagination. And from the 1940s onward, Batman's ever-growing popularity has spawned thousands of toys, gadgets and other collectibles - plastic figurines, nightlights, wristwatches, windup toys, clothing, food products, costumes and more. Chip Kidd, acclaimed book designer and passionate Batman collector, brings these objects to life in Batman Collected. Drawing on Kidd's own collection as well as the DC Comics archives, the book features works by Andy Warhol, Carmine Infantino, Bob Kane, Frank Miller, David Mazzucchelli and other notable artists. Batman Collected is a gallery of dramatic full-color photos of the rarest Batman memorabilia accompanied by Kidd's absorbing text detailing the mysterious fascination of Batman collecting.