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Actor James Spader became a household name in the early 2000s thanks to his performance as Alan Shore in Boston Legal. However, Spader later reinvented himself on the small screen with his critically acclaimed run on the crime-drama series The Blacklist, which lasted for an impressive ten seasons.

Despite being a part of the MCU, Spader’s performance as the enigmatic Raymond “Red” Reddington in the series makes him suitable for one DC villain role. With The Batman 2 yet to start production, it might be worth looking at Spader for this DC character, who would easily fit into Matt Reeves’ Gotham. Here is why James Spader is perfect for one DC villain.

The Blacklist star James Spader is perfect for DC villain Calendar Man

James Spader is synonymous with the role of Raymond “Red” Reddington in The Blacklist. In the series, Spader played the former criminal turned FBI informant...

Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's 2002 "Batman" story arc "Hush" is in the hall of canonical Batman stories, so it was only a matter of time before it got a movie — and it did, in 2019, via the animated "Batman: Hush." But not every Bat-fan out there appreciated the changes the movie made.

One reason "Hush" has stayed popular is because it's self-contained, accessible, and includes lots of important faces. Chapters Four and Five even detour to Metropolis so Batman can meet up with, and fight, Superman. This makes "Hush" a great first "Batman" comic to recommend to new readers. The memories for "Hush" are so fond that DC has even roped Loeb and Lee back in for a "Hush" sequel, which is ongoing in "Batman" right now.

"Hush" has the same structure as Loeb's even more acclaimed "Batman: The Long Halloween" (drawn by the late Tim Sale) — an episodic...

Jared Padalecki played the role of Sam Winchester, one of the two main characters in Supernatural. He appeared in all fifteen seasons of the series while its quality fluctuated over the years.

Despite having appeared in one of the longest-running TV shows of all time, Padalecki has one of the worst Rotten Tomatoes ratings records when it comes to his film appearances. The younger Winchester brother’s movie ratings record isn’t one to be envied.

Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles in Supernatural (Credit: Warner Bros).

However, the older brother, Dean Winchester, played by Jensen Ackles, also does not fare much better. As a result, the Supernatural co-stars have arguably some of the worst-received movies in their filmography, and here is everything you need to know about their poor record.

Supernatural star Jared Padalecki has one of the worst TV-to-movie records

After appearing as Dean Forester in the comedy-drama series Gilmore Girls,...

The comic book medium has existed for decades at this point. Within that relatively small time frame, there have been characters and storylines of such magnitude that they catapult the medium to unimaginable heights. However, because of its vast history, it can be tough for new readers to come into comics with character(s) with so much history and backstory that it would take a lifelong fan more lifetimes to read it and understand it all than I could count, but don't worry! Bam Smack Pow is here to help.

Today, we're going to look at the essential comics for beginners from the big two comic companies, Marvel and DC! This list takes a look at comics that are classic in their own right and selections from the writer's personal favorites. So come with us true believers on a trip through Comicdom's best!

1. Batman: The Long Halloween

I've mentioned this...

Spoilers for "Captain America: Brave New World" follow.

I'm not the first critic to say "Captain America: Brave New World" feels more like a Hulk-less Hulk movie. Well, actually, not quite Hulk-less because this picture has got a Red Hulk. That's right, thanks to the diabolical Leader (Tim Blake Nelson in a too-overdue reprisal from "The Incredible Hulk"), President Thaddeus Ross becomes the Red Hulk. Formerly played by the late William Hurt, Ross now wears the face of Harrison Ford, joining the Marvel universe to ride the superhero movie wave.

Indeed, the marketing for "Brave New World" has progressively leaned less on the draw of Ford himself and more on the sight of his Hulked-out self fighting Captain America (Anthony Mackie).

Marvel Studios

But should Marvel fans be geeking out about this? More power to you if you are, but I've been dreading this film in part because of the Red Hulk.

The last few years have been great for the sci-fi horror comedy genre, with films like M3GAN and Five Nights at Freddy's becoming huge hits. 2025 brought a new addition to the genre, and it's already a huge hit.

Jack Quaid, famous for the role of Hughie in the satirical superhero genre The Boys, is now starring in the latest hit, Companion. The sci-fi horror comedy film was released in the U.S. on Jan. 31, and it's already a major hit with the critics and the audience. Companion debuted with stellar reviews, and it now boasts the two coveted Rotten Tomatoes badges for its stellar ratings of over 90% approval.

RelatedGuillermo del Toro's 10-Year-Old Gothic Horror Film Featuring Charlie Hunnam Is Now on Peacock

Guillermo del Toro's gothic romance film starring Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston and Charlie Hunnam is now streaming on Peacock.

The critics awarded the sci-fi horror 94% approval score and the Certified Badge score.

The Equalizer may soon be getting a spinoff series. Following reports in late 2024 that a spinoff of the hit CBS series was being eyed by the network, the potential show has found its two lead stars.

Per Deadline, Titus Welliver and Juani Feliz are on board to guest star in an upcoming episode of the Queen Latifah-led series. The two will specifically appear in the 16th episode of the show's current fifth season. They have reportedly signed on to potentially star in a spinoff as series regulars if the new show moves forward, but it hasn't been officially greenlit by CBS just yet. The episode was written by Joseph C. Wilson, who will be executive producing the spinoff if CBS moves forward with the show.

Related Why Chris Noth's William Bishop Left The Equalizer

Chris Noth's William Bishop was a fan-favorite character in The Equalizer, but after two seasons,...

Since it was unveiled that The Batman sequel was delayed by another year, many were startled, as the film was initially set to debut later this year. Although some felt the multiple delays might’ve something to do with the alleged brewing tension between Reeves’ The Batman Epic Crime Saga and James Gunn’s Dcu, things seem a lot simpler.

Barry Keoghan as Joker | Credit: Warner Bros.

Reeves, who has been penning the story for quite some time, cleared the air surrounding the change in plans, and it seems, we might be in for an adaptation of one revered storyline.

Matt Reeves hints towards The Long Halloween‘s adaptation Batman: The Long Halloween | Credit: DC Comics

The Long Halloween‘s impact on the caped crusader can’t be overstated, as it highlighted Batman’s detective skills and massively inspired the groundwork for Christopher Nolan‘s The Dark Knight trilogy. Walking in Nolan’s footsteps,...

Warning: Spoilers for Batman: The Long Halloween - The Last Halloween #3Dc is teasing the death of a major Batman villain, as a preview for Batman: The Long Halloween - The Last Halloween #3 sets up the Riddler meeting his ultimate fate. The sequel to the all-time classics The Long Halloween and Dark Victory - both by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale - sets up another lengthy mystery for Batman to solve, but this time its not a series of murders, but rather the kidnapping of Commissioner Gordons son.

Coming from the creative team of Loeb, Mark Chiarello, and Richard Starkings, The Last Halloween #3 continues the story of the kidnapping of James Gordon, Jr. With no ransom note or contact with the kidnapper, Batman is at a loss for what to do, which leads him to seeking out the Riddler for help.

As seen in the preview, things arent looking good for Mr.

Earlier this year, DC Comics debuted a new manga-inspired line called DC Compact Comics, which prints iconic stories in a more affordable format the size of a typical manga volume. These accessible paperback editions have flown off the shelves, and the line will now be expanding in 2025 with new releases and reprints for the high-selling first wave.

Following the success of the collection's launch, the DC Compact Comics line will be receiving a new wave of comics, with fifteen exciting titles set to release throughout 2025, all listed on DC.com. These include fan-favorite series like Batman: The Long Halloween, DC: The New Frontier, and many more - in addition to second and third printings for comics such as All-Star Superman and Far Sector.

With a new wave of DC Compact Comics on the horizon, longtime fans of classic stories and manga readers seeking a jumping-on point into American superhero comics...

HBO's runaway hit show The Penguin added new depth to Matt Reeves' Gotham and simultaneously pulled Sofia Falcone, daughter of the crime lord Carmine Falcone, into the spotlight. Sofia skyrocketed to fan-favorite status, and luckily for her growing legion of admirers, she plays a pivotal role in one of the most highly praised Batman comics of all time. For those who want more Sofia, Batman: The Long Halloween is the answer.

Sofia Falcone kept all eyes on her during The Penguin's eight episodes, thanks in no small part to Cristin Milloti's captivating performance, but the character's history in DC Comics is as rich as the show's portrayal. Sofia Falcone Gigante makes her first appearance in Batman: The Long Halloween #6 by Jeph Loeb, Tim Sale, Gregory Wright, and Richard Starkings and hits the ground running amid Gotham's organized crime.

The Long Halloween hits the notes of family drama, death, mayhem,...

The Penguin showrunner Lauren LeFranc addressed the fans positive reaction towards Cristin Miliotis character Sofia Falcone. In the HBO series, Sofia was introduced as Carmine Falcons daughter who was imprisoned at Arkham Asylum, after she was accused of being a serial killer.

During a recent interview with Deadline, LeFranc was asked if it was their intention to make viewers sympathize more with Sofia than the titular villain. She admitted that fans were able to connect more with Sofia since the creative team developed the character as someone whos "the closest thing" to a hero. This was integral to the story in order to prevent fans from siding with Oz at the end. "With Sofia, I do view her as the closest thing we have to a hero on our show, even though, of course, shes not," LeFranc explained. "It was really important for me that we align ourselves with Sofia as well,...

While she is perhaps currently best known for playing Bo-Katan Kryze in The Mandalorian, actor Katee Sackhoff has a long and storied history of iconic roles in her repertoire. Not only did she originate the role of Bo-Katan in Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 4, in a rare example of voice acting carrying over to live-action, but she also made waves in the sci-fi genre as Starbuck in Ron D. Moore's acclaimed Battlestar Galactica remake. Since then, she's traversed genres and mediums, whether it be the world of superheroes (Amunet Black in CW's The Flash and Poison Ivy in various DC animated movies) or crime dramas like Longmire.

More recently, Sackhoff has dipped her toe in another art form entirely: podcasts. With The Sackhoff Show, Katee Sackhoff is sharing her honest and open personality with the world, inviting listeners (or viewers on YouTube) to join her in casual conversations with representatives across the industry.

One of the bedrock notions of Batman's traditional origins story is the disposition of Gotham City's organized crime syndicates in the first years of his operation. As he successfully shuts down various traditional mobsters, his efforts give rise to the more outlandish villains of his rogues' gallery. With the Carmine Falcones and Sal Maronis behind bars, Two-Face, The Joker and the rest of Gotham's classic super-baddies rise to fill the vacuum. The prospect has fueled several classic storylines from the comics, as well as multiple live-action adaptations. Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight hinges on that transition, as does the Gotham TV series. Tim Burton's groundbreaking Batman takes the idea literally, with high-ranking mob lieutenant Jack Napier transformed into The Joker, and wiping out his former associates.

Matt Reeves' The Batman does much the same, though it takes place earlier in the cycle than others. His version of...

Quick Links Exploring Sofia Falcone and Her Comic Book Origins Is Sofia Falcone The Hangman in DC Comics? The Name Change From Falcone to Gigante is Rooted in Comic Book Lore Sofia Falcone's Most Notorious Comic Book Crimes Understanding Sofia Falcone Makes for A Better Viewing Experience

The following contains spoilers for The Penguin Season 1

HBO's The Penguin has been a delight for Batman diehards. With its innovative, refreshing takes on classic characters from the DC mythos, the series keeps things unpredictable, even for the most seasoned Gotham City historiansmost notably with Sofia Falcone. The series pits its title character, expertly played by an unrecognizable Colin Farrell, against Cristin Miliotis Sofiaor, as she'd prefer to be called, Sofia Gigantein a battle for the vacant seat of Gothams next power player.

Though The Penguin successfully paints Sofia as a complicated, albeit insidious figure with a tortured past, her comic book counterpart...

Jensen Ackles is best known for playing Dean Winchester on the iconic television series called Supernatural. During his time on the set of the Primetime Emmy Award-nominated show, Ackles developed a deep bond with his co-stars, especially Jared Padalecki, who played Sam Winchester, the former’s on-screen brother.

Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles in Supernatural | Credits: The CW

Considering that the show lasted for 15 incredible seasons, the actors and their co-stars probably shared a lot of time together on set, possibly even more than they did with their actual families. There are several stories about Padalecki and Ackles pranking everybody on set, but it turns out the younger Winchester brother always tried to take his practical jokes up a notch.

Jared Padalecki pulled the worst kind of prank on co-star Misha Collins Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester in Supernatural | Credits: The CW

Jared Padalecki was a much bigger jokester than...

The following contains spoilers for The Penguin Episode 4, "Cent'Anni," now streaming on Max.

In The Penguin, Sofia Falcone is a force to be reckoned with, and not just due to her reputation. Carving out power for herself amid Gotham's underworld, her ruthlessness fits someone who -- as far as the rest of the world is concerned -- was once the serial killer known as the Hangman. The truth behind this identity is revealed in the series' fourth episode, "Cent'Anni," but this fact was actually revealed in the first entry of the "ReevesVerse."

In 2022's The Batman, Carmine Falcone has a violent penchant for dealing with women who get in his way. This signature form of retaliation extends to his own flesh and blood, who almost becomes one of his latest victims. Given this precedent, fans should have seen the truth about the Hangman coming, though the revelation makes everything...

The following contains spoilers for The Penguin Season 1, Episode 5, "Homecoming," which debuted Sunday, Oct. 20 on HBO.

The Penguin has shown HBO viewers a Gotham City left vulnerable after The Riddler's deadly assault. Gotham's most powerful crime families have been looking for ways to increase their power -- namely by controlling the highly profitable Drops operation. Oswald "Oz" Cobb is manipulating the Maroni and Falcone crime families into eliminating each other. Though this makes Oz similar to Game of Thrones' Littlefinger, he has a much bigger threat to his plans: Sofia Falcone.

As Carmine Falcone's daughter and former heir to the family's empire, Sofia reclaimed the throne that's rightfully hers after her own relatives betrayed her. She also still wants revenge for the death of her brother, Alberto. After Sofia murdered her entire family for their role in framing her for the Hangman murders, she's initiating her plan to rebuild...

Warning: Spoilers for Detective Comics #1090Just about every comic reader is familiar with Batman's iconic no-kill rule. No matter how dark or dangerous a villain becomes, Batman will not tolerate the use of lethal force. Batman not only holds himself to this rule, but everyone else in the Bat-Family as well. But the origin of this rule might have some fans questioning its validity.

While most fans likely believe that Batman's no-kill rule originated from the trauma of witnessing his parents' deaths, it's possible that it originated even earlier, as suggested by a scene in the preview for Detective Comics #1090 by Tom Taylor and Mikel Janin, which shows Thomas Wayne during his tenure at Gotham Hospital. In his professional work, Thomas had to grapple with his very own version of a no-kill rule.

After a major car accident, a woman is brought into the hospital with her boyfriend. While...

Sci-fi fans will certainly know the name of Katee Sackhoff, a very popular television actress who has appeared in numerous roles in sci-fi series, both in live-action and animated formats.

Most recently, fans could see her as Bo-Katan Kryze in The Mandalorian, a hit series that is a spin-off from the Star Wars franchise.

But, her roles are numerous. Older fans will probably remember her from Battlestar Galactica, where she played Lieutenant Kara “Starbuck” Thrace, and she has also appeared in numerous voice roles in DC’s projects, like Batman: The Long Halloween or Watchmen. She also appeared in The Flash, Futurama, Star Wars: Rebels, and others.

Yet, there is one major franchise Sackhoff still hasn’t appeared in – Star Trek – and in a recent interview, the actress was asked whether she would actually like to join the franchise in some capacity. If you want to know what the actress said about the proposal,...

This article contains Spoilers for The Penguin Episode 4, "Cent'Anni".

The Penguin kept audiences in the dark about Sofia Falcone's backstory until Episode 4, where she proved capable of running the family. Showrunner Lauren LeFranc confirmed Sofia's story arc is based on a real-life (and prominent) personality.

Sofia Falcone's arc finally reached its breaking point in The Penguin Episode 4; Cristin Milioti's riveting performance fleshed out a sympathetic and nuanced villain fans can root for. This was established in the episode's flashback scenes, depicting Sofia's admission to Arkham Asylum and her ordeal within its walls. Juxtaposed with her present-day storyline, Sofia's backstory painted her as a victim of conspiracy and circumstance, but that all changed when she came to her own and took control. Series creator Lauren LeFranc told IndieWire she rewrote Sofia's arc to break Batman canon. She also revealed that President John F. Kennedy's older sister Rosemary inspired Sofia's story.

The Penguin significantly changed the comic book origins of a Batman villain, and it's all the better for it. Four episodes in, The Penguin is proving to be one of the best superhero shows on TV. While it doesn't feature the Caped Crusader, it has the same crime thriller intrigue that made The Batman so captivating. The criminal underworld of Gotham is fascinating, and Oz is proving himself a worthwhile DC villain. However, the most surprising aspect of The Penguin is the focus on Sofia Falcone and her transformation into the most frightening antagonist in Gotham.

The Penguin episode 4 focused on Sofia, exploring her tragic backstory and the reasoning behind her goals to take control of her family and Gotham. While Cristin Milioti delivers a captivating performance that makes Sofia even more intriguing, the excellent writing makes audiences root for her, despite her violent actions. Sofia does have a history in Batman comics,...

The long awaited sequel to Batman: The Long Halloween has begun, and I already know who the killer is. Batman: The Long Halloween - The Last Halloween #1 by Jeph Loeb and Eduardo Risso concludes the tale started by Loeb and Tim Sale in Batman: The Long Halloween and followed by Batman: Dark Victory and Catwoman: When in Rome. As this story reaches its conclusion, I believe that the copycat version of the Holiday Killer is secretly Mario Falcone, Carmine Falcones only surviving son.

Batman: The Long Halloween - The Last Halloween features the return of Mario Falcone to Gotham - after he burned his own home down in Batman: Dark Victory - and depicts him talking with Catwoman while she robs Carmine Falcones old penthouse. When Catwoman asks why Mario has returned to Gotham, he only answers that Catwoman, as well as Gotham, will know in due time. Shortly after,...

Quick Links How The Penguin Brilliantly Subverted Sofia Falcone's Comic Story Sofia Falcone Was Released from Arkham, but She Remained a Prisoner What Sofia Falcone Hopes to Gain by Murdering Her Family How Does the Penguin Fit Into the Falcone Family Slaughter?

The following contains spoilers from The Penguin, Episode 4, 'Cent'Anni' now streaming on Max.

The titular character of The Penguin on HBO has been around for eight decades. The series' other central character, Sofia Falcone, has only been around for 28 years. Primarily, this means the DC Comics character also known as the Hangman hasn't been adapted nearly as much. The Penguin made a big change to its breakout villain's comic story, none greater than Sofia killing the rest of the Falcone family.

In Jeph Loeb's and Tim Sale's Batman: The Long Halloween sequel, Sofia Falcone becomes the serial killer known as the Hangman to get revenge on Harvey Dent and Two-Face.

In the fourth episode of The Penguin, Sofia Falcone reminisces about her past, when she uncovered a dark secret about her father, Carmine, who, in order to hide his own crimes, framed his daughter for the mysterious murders of more than seven women in Gotham City. For those who have read (or watched) Batman: The Long Halloween, you might remember that it was none other than Sofia’s brother, Alberto, who was the suspected serial killer, and in order to protect him, his father sent him to Arkham Asylum to save him from an arrest. Now, before moving forward, I would really like to mention that the entire flashback sequence that we saw in episode 4 is from Sofia’s perspective. And she could be one of the most unreliable narrators. So, no one really knows if it was her father all along or if it was her brother, but whoever it was,...

Quick Links The Penguin Episode 4 Delves Into Oz Cobbs & Sofia Falcones Relationship The Penguin Episode 4 Changed the Identity of the Hangman for the Better The Penguin Episode 4 Explored Oz Cobbs Betrayal & His Guilty Conscience The Penguin Episode 4 Unleashes Cristin Milioti

The following contains brief descriptions of self-harm and spoilers for The Penguin, Episode 4, "Cent'Anni."

Given the titular villain's eight-decade-long connection to Batman and DC Comics' lore as a whole, The Penguin is inextricably bound to the voluminous mythology around Oswald Cobb, or Oswald Cobblepot in the comics. Even Sofia Falcone existed in the comics for about 30 years, and isn't someone made exclusively for this critically-acclaimed The Batman spin-off series. While The Penguin Episode 4, "Cent'Anni," features a few DC Comics Easter Eggs, the episode makes a major change to the identity of the Hangman serial killer from Batman lore.

Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale first introduced Sofia Falcone in 1996. Their sequel to Batman: The Long Halloween,...

Warning: Contains Mentions of Childhood Abuse and Suicide

HBOs The Penguin is bringing a brand new addition to the world of Matt Reevess The Batman, and is already a hit with old and new fans of the titular character. While the TV show is taking some original departures, its star is one of Batmans oldest villains and, after over eighty years of comics, hes helped to tell dozens of stories. Some of which have clearly informed this new direction with Colin Farrell in the leading role.

In HBOs The Penguin, the gangster has found an opportunity to seize control over the Falcone crime syndicate in the wake of The Batman, beginning a tale derawing on the comics darkest and most depraved inspirations (while still honoring the campy tone the character is synonymous with). With a whole new audience poised to meet The Penguin, we've curated the perfect list of comics...

Thanks to the movies, superheroes are a cultural force. That glut hasn't exactly come with critical respect for the genre, though. On one hand, it's because these are innately simple stories for children. The other reason, I feel, is because the people who make these movies are embarrassed by that fact. Sometimes that manifests like in the "X-Men" films, where the movies run as far away from the comics as possible to "elevate" the story. Then there's the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which undercuts all its weirdness with "self-aware" humor about how none of its own world makes sense. Some rare filmmakers take superheroes seriously enough without trying to make them into something they're not (e.g. Sam Raimi) but it's rare.

The latest example of this is "The Penguin" showrunner Lauren LeFranc downplaying the series' Batman roots. No, this is a serious crime drama, hence why Oz (Colin Farrell) can't...

To earn a spot in Arkham Asylum, you have to do something pretty bad in Gotham. And, given the way people react to Sofia Falcone’s return in “The Penguin,” she definitely did something bad — something that earned her the nickname of “The Hangman.”

So, who and/or what exactly is The Hangman? Well, the character does have comic roots. She’s first introduced in the 1996–97 comic book limited series “Batman: The Long Halloween” by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale. And indeed, her real name is Sofia Falcone.

But, she doesn’t actually become The Hangman until the continuation series, “Batman: Dark Victory.” In that story, she takes on the alias and begins a year-long killing spree, targeting Gotham City Police Department employees — more specifically, she goes after those who were associated with Harvey Dent, better known as Two-Face (he killed Sofia’s father in the comics).

The name Hangman is fairly self-explanatory,...

Whether it’s because of the character’s bat-inspired get-up or his eerie rogue’s gallery comprised of killer clowns and mutant madmen, it’s only natural that horror fans tend to gravitate towards the Caped Crusader when it comes to choosing a favorite super-hero.

This genre influence extends to big-screen adaptations as well, with even Christopher Nolan’s hyper-realistic re-imagining of Batman featuring its fair share of horrific moments (especially in the first entry of the Dark Knight trilogy). However, I’d argue that one of the darkest and most entertaining Batman adaptations isn’t even in live action. Naturally, I’m referring to 2021’s two-part animated epic, Batman: The Long Halloween – a surprisingly gloomy super-hero story that I think will especially appeal to horror fans.

Despite their polarizing big screen adaptations, DC has quite the impressive track record when it comes to animated films based on their characters.

Warning! Potential spoilers ahead for Batman: The Long Halloween The Last Halloween #1Batman: The Long Halloween is getting a sequel, and the preview for the first issue reveals a rather gut-churning twist to the Dark Knights classic lore. The Last Halloween aims to close out the story begun in The Long Halloween for good, all in tribute to the original artist, the late Tim Sale.

Coming from the creative team of Jeph Loeb, Eduardo Risso, Dave Stewart and Richard Starkings, a preview for Batman: The Long Halloween The Last Halloween #1 opens with a brief look at Harvey and Gilda Dent, before switching over to a scene of the Gordon family getting ready for Halloween.

There is a lot for the new series to catch up on, as The Long Halloween Special released in 2021 also set several balls in motion, such as the reuniting of Harvey Dent/Two-Face with his wife Gilda,...

Earlier this year, DC Comics announced plans to release Batman The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween. Now, with just a couple of days to go before the first issue hits stands, we have a sneak peek inside the opening chapter of the sequel series.

In 1996, writer Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale created the original Batman The Long Halloween, an award-winning 13-chapter saga that spawned multiple sequels and stands among the most influential Batman stories of its time.

Sale sadly passed away in 2022, but Loeb will be joined by an all-star lineup of talent, with Eduardo Risso (100 Bullets) providing artwork for Batman: The Last Halloween #1. Future issues will see Klaus Janson, Mark Chiarello, and more join the series.

As you'll see below, the comic opens with Two-Face in hiding alongside his wife Gilda Dent. Jim Gordon, meanwhile, is trick-or-treating with his family but is left reeling when his son, James, disappears.

Naming the best comic books of all time is no easy task, with each new decade delivering an instant-classic from Marvel, DC Comics, Image, Dark Horse, and many more. But a handful of famous comic books and graphic novels stand out above all the rest.

The medium has been growing exponentially since its early days in the 20th century. Gradually evolving mainstream culture and artistic approaches changed how comics and their characters are written, with each passing decade seeing more great comic stories published. DC and Marvel have unsurprisingly created some of the most famous comics ever, but the likes of Dark Horse, Image, and more have all earned their spots among the greatest comic books of all time.

Batman: The Long Halloween (1996) Created by Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale (DC Comics)

Even a cursory look into the most acclaimed stories starring Batman will reveal that Batman: The Long Halloween from...

In the comic books, Alberto Falcone is revealed to be the Holiday Killer in the pages of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's classic Batman: The Long Halloween.

However, The Penguin sees Oz Cobb gun Carmine Falcone's son down about 15 minutes into the premiere! The door is now presumably closed on that iconic storyline being adapted by Matt Reeves, but according to director and executive producer Craig Zobel, Alberto's death was always the plan.

"It was always the plan for Alberto to die," he told Screen Rant. "It was an addition, I would say, to Colin's Penguin. With Oz in the movie, you don't see this as much just because there's not as much time, but here we get to see him in a [new] scenario."

"In my mind, the thing that's interesting is that Oz is a guy who, in order to try to win people over and do things,...

This post contains spoilers for "The Penguin."

Matt Reeves' "The Batman" ends on a note of tentative hope for our caped crusader, but the aftermath of the Gotham seawall bombing is a dire one. Gotham has always been a cesspool for crime, but the death of Carmine Falcone creates a power vacuum like never before. The post-bombing flood mostly affects the poor, leading to overcrowded settlements, and a rise in looting, supply of illegal drugs, and petty crimes. Well, what better opportunity for someone like Oswald Cobb/The Penguin (Colin Farrell) to quickly climb up the ranks of the criminal underworld, while Gotham is in such a singular state of disarray? Episode 1 of "The Penguin" miniseries plunges us into the heart of chaos, with the events taking place a week after the devastating explosion in Gotham Square.

Of course, the Falcone family does not lack heirs or successors, as the young,...

Spoilers for "The Penguin" episode one follow.

"The Penguin" has officially landed (read /Film's mixed review here). Picking up a week after "The Batman," Gotham kingpin Carmine Falcone is freshly dead. Our lead (not hero) Oz/The Penguin (Colin Farrell), once Falcone's right hand, is in a power struggle with his boss' heirs for their father's underworld empire.

Oz's main rival is Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti), but her brother Alberto was announced to be in the series as well. Would the Penguin be facing a Falcone sibling alliance? Nope, Oz takes Alberto off the board before Sofia even enters the game.

After a news montage recapping where "The Batman" left Gotham City, "The Penguin" picks up with Oz waddling into the Iceberg Lounge. He digs into Falcone's safe for his blackmail documents, only to be ambushed by Alberto holding a gun. Oz plays the part of a good soldier, handing over the files,...

The world of DC Comics has long been defined by the never-ending war between good and evi. Throughout the company's nine-decade existence, generations of creators have added a long list of evildoers to the universe. These villains have ranged in power and motivation, from bumbling pranksters to the very embodiment of chaos and malevolence.

DC's villains are often created to represent themes and fears relevant to their heroes, with each bad guy required to have some edge over their heroic enemy. While some characters have always been fairly campy and non-threatening, others have been defined by their ability to drive fear into the hearts of others. In fact, some of the best stories in the company's history were written to focus on the idea of fear itself, including horrors that brought the best heroes to their knees.

The Joker Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

The Joker made his...

Oz Cobb (Colin Farrell) isn't the only iconic DC Comics villain to star in the upcoming HBO series The Penguin, as Cobb is set to face off with Cristin Milioti's Sofia "The Hangman" Falcone. Set a week after the events of The Batman, which saw crime lord Carmine Falcone murdered and half of Gotham City flooded, Gotham's criminal underbelly has been left without a de facto leader. Several players are fighting for control of the chaotic city, including Carmine's own daughter, Sofia, fresh out of the ominous Arkham Asylum.

Speaking to TotalFilm, Cristin Milioti discussed her role in The Penguin, and revealed how she got into character. Playing a key player in Gotham's most notorious crime family means Milioti had to go to some dark places to portray Sofia. Add in a lengthy incarceration at Arkham, and Milioti's performance required specificity to balance out Sofia's tempered and unhinged sides.

The Penguin: Take a Look Into the Multiple Gangs and Criminal Underbelly of Gotham - Main Image

The Penguin’s rise to power may have been teased by the end of The Batman, but the spinoff series is going to show audiences exactly how Oz Cobb claws his way to the very top of the mobster pile.

The Penguin is expected to release on Max later this month, and a new featurette has been released giving fans a good look at the themes of the series as well as Gotham’s criminal underbelly—including what remains of the Falcone crime family.

The Penguin: A Dark American Dream

The Batman had made it clear that despite Bruce’s noble intentions as the Dark Knight, there is still a part of the city that he has somehow undermined—and that’s where The Penguin is going to be placing its focus.

The Suicide Squad was a worthy sequel filmed with James Gunn's definitive style. That movie introduced a handful of new DC villains, including an unhinged version of Polka-Dot Man; actor David Dastmalchian revealed a unique arc for his character's return.

2021's The Suicide Squad rekindled hope for the DC Extended Universe, with James Gunn helming an installment. Many considered his sequel a huge improvement over David Ayer's version, which suffered from inconsistent tone and underdeveloped characters. The Suicide Squad's first act confirmed the premise had real stakes, killing characters fans expected (or hoped) would survive. What was left of Amanda Waller's Task Force X was a band of largely unknown villains, but Gunn made sure audiences empathized with their arcs. In an interview with ComicBook, David Dastmalchian revealed if his Suicide Squad character would ever appear in an upcoming Dcu film; the actor also pitched a...

The Long Halloween is an iconic Batman comic that introduces his rogues and supporting cast in a digestible format. It shows the fall of organized crime in Gotham, leading to the rise of supervillains like Two-Face. It seamlessly leads into the sequel, Dark Victory, introducing important characters like Dick Grayson as Robin.

I've read a lot of Batman comics over the years, and I've helped a lot of friends get into Batman, so I truly believe that Batman: The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale is one of the best ways to get into the Gotham mythos. While it's important to read Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's iconic Batman: Year One, The Long Halloween is required reading right after, and I'll explain why.

The Long Halloween is an iconic comic that takes place early in Batman's career, making it a perfect place to start for new readers.

Katee Sackhoff returns to DC animation in Watchmen Chapter 1, taking over the iconic role of Laurie Juspeczyk Aka Silk Spectre. It's another massive line on her already impressive genre resume, which also includes The Mandalorian, The Flash and of course, Battlestar Galactica. But stepping into the grim world of Watchmen is its own separate beast.

In an interview with Cbr, Sackhoff discussed her reaction to landing the role of Silk Spectre. She also discussed the one quality she felt was important when bringing Laurie to life. Plus, how does working in DC animation compare to the voice work that she's done for Lucasfilm and Disney in their Star Wars universe?

Cbr: You previously worked for DC providing the voice of Pamela Isley Aka Poison ivy in both Batman: The Long Halloween and Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part Three. What did it mean to you to get to...

Titus Welliver was elated to play Rorschach in Watchmen Chapter 1. The veteran actor has portrayed some iconic characters over his career, including DC Comics supervillain Lex Luthor and Harry Bosch in the critically acclaimed Prime Video crime drama Bosch. But getting to take on one of the most distinct comic book characters was a thrill on a whole other level.

In an interview with Cbr, Welliver shared how he found out that he'd landed the part of Rorschach. He also explained the way he created the character's voice -- and the toll that it took on him during the recording process. Plus, learn how he compares his work to the performance that Jackie Earle Haley gave as Rorschach in Zack Snyder's 2009 movie.

Cbr: You've already portrayed some major names in the DC universe -- you were Lex Luthor in Titans and then voiced Carmine Falcone in Batman: The Long Halloween.

Battlestar Galactica star Katee Sackhoff, who voices Silk Spectre/Laurie Juspeczyk in the new animated adaptation of the beloved graphic novel, Watchmen, has declared the appreciation and love she feels for 2009 film by director Zack Snyder. In an interview with ComicBook.com, Sackhoff said that her adoration for Snyder's adaptation is, at least in part, why she wanted to be a part of the new animated feature. She calls Snyder's adaptation "phenomenal," before adding that this latest interpretation feels authentic to the original comic book. And she thinks that fans will love it. She explained:

"I loved it. I loved it. It's part of why I wanted to do this, because it inspired me and it made me start to... my imagination starts to... the wheels start to go. I think that for fans of the book, this, this feels important, this feels true to the storytelling. That's what, I think,...

Watchmen Chapter 1 is the latest film adaptation of the characters created by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. Before the first installment of the two-part animated movie, director Zack Snyder released a live-action version in 2009.

While Snyder's film received a mixed response from viewers, Katee Sackhoff, who voices Laurie Juspeczyk/Silk Spectre II in Watchmen Chapter 1, said the live-action adaptation prompted her to join the animated feature. "Zack Snyder's was a phenomenal interpretation," the actor told ComicBook. "I loved it. I loved it. It's part of why I wanted to do this, because it inspired me. I think that for fans of the book, this, this feels important, this feels true to the storytelling. That's what, I think, people will love about it. I think they'll really enjoy this."

Related Why This Great Watchmen Character Had to Die, Explained

The dark and cynical story Watchmen ends on a Pyrrhic victory,...

Ackles has gained recognition for voicing Batman in DC animated films, showcasing a range of performances in the Tomorrowverse. Expect a limited Batman presence in "Legion of Super-Heroes," where Ackles takes on a more background role focusing on Supergirl's story. Ackles shines in "Batman: The Long Halloween" as his best Batman performance, showing emotional depth and strength in the DC universe.

Jensen Ackles has become quite the prolific Batman actor, bringing the Caped Crusader to life in multiple films with performances that vary in quality. Originally, Ackles was best known for the role of Dean Winchester in the hit monster-of-the-week paranormal investigation series Supernatural. In more recent years, Ackles has enjoyed a pop culture resurgence thanks to his role in the American superhero drama The Boys on Amazon Prime, in which he plays the zealous patriot "hero" Soldier Boy.

That being said, The Boys is far from the actor's first...

Step into the world of Batman: Caped Crusader with these 10 noir-inspired comics, including iconic tales like The Long Halloween. Dive into Gotham's criminal underworld with Catwoman in these stylish and gritty heist stories that capture a 1940s noir vibe. Explore the psychological depths of Gotham with Gotham Central, a gripping series that delves into the lives of cops in a city plagued by supervillains.

Recently released by Amazon, Batman: Caped Crusader is a verified hit, dropping Batman into a 1940s Noir setting with grim themes and an ensemble cast of Gothamites, each committed to justice in a different way. However, with only 10 episodes currently in existence, many fans are craving more of this compelling take on Gotham's protector - and comics are the answer.

Here are the 10 best series to read to capture the same magic as the show, placing high priority on a Noirish tone, grounded villains, and...

Watchmen Chapter 1 Might Have this Summer's Most Underrated Cast - Main Image

It's a shame that a lot of Watchmen fans seemingly aren't giving the upcoming animated DC flick a chance, especially considering how underrated the voice cast of Watchmen: Chapter 1 is.

Without further ado, check out the stellar cast and meet the voices behind the animated outlaw vigilantes that brought them to life!

Rorschach aka Walter Kovacs

Set in 1985, outlaw superhero Rorschach was the first of the bunch to discover the death of one of their former members and began his investigation as to who could be conspiring behind their deaths.

Rorschach aka Walter Kovacs is voiced by Titus Welliver, who previously lent his voice to both Marvel and DC: Agent Felix Blake in Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Carmine Falcone in Batman: The Long Halloween Parts One and Two.

Laurie...

Fan-made Dcu trailer casts Jensen Ackles as The Brave and the Bold's Batman fulfilling many fans' dreams of seeing the Supernatural star playing the Dark Knight in live-action. Jensen Ackles' experience playing Dean Winchester in Supernatural and Soldier Boy in The Boys makes him a strong candidate for The Brave and the Bold's protagonist. Ackles has also voiced Batman in several animated projects, including Batman: The Long Halloween and the Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths animated trilogy.

A fan-made Dcu trailer for The Brave and the Bold fulfills a popular Batman fan casting with Supernatural and The Boys star Jensen Ackles playing the Dark Knight. As the Dcu's Gods and Monsters chapter begins to take shape with Creature Commandos and Superman, more updates about the rest of the franchise provide valuable information to fans. Yet, information about the Dcu's The Brave and the Bold movie remains scarce, and...

Batman: The Long Halloween sequel honors Tim Sale with stunning covers featuring iconic Gotham villains in the final chapter. The art style in the final four issues pays homage to Sale as Batman navigates a new mystery with classic rogues causing trouble. Long Halloween fans can expect to see beloved villains tested in the final chapter, with each issue spotlighting a different rogue.

Batman's most famous rogues are on display in Tim Sale's cover art for the long-awaited sequel to Batman: The Long Halloween. No Batman story quite affected Gotham as much as the detective mystery by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, published more than 25 years ago. In 2024, however, Long Halloween fans will be treated to another sequel: Batman: The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween, which is the final entry into Batman's Halloween saga.

Now, Aipt has shared the covers for the final four issues of the 10-part miniseries. Batman:...