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Taskmaster Series 7 – Studio Visit

First I must start by saying there are 2 types of people in the world. Those that love Taskmaster and those that don’t have a clue what it is.

If you are one of the latter here is a quick explanation.

Taskmaster is a comedy panel show that sees Alex Horne set a selection of 5 comedians mad/silly or just plain stupid tasks to see who can perform them best / quickest. These tasks are prerecorded on location and the panellists have no idea how each other have performed until they are shown to the giant Greg Davies (the TASKMASTER himself) and are judged in front of a live studio audience.

Taskmaster just showed the final of series 6 before immediately showing the series 7 line up and started the studio recordings within a couple of weeks. Scifind.com had been invited to see the recording of the first episode of Taskmaster series 7.

Taskmaster Series 7 Lineup.

Taskmaster Series 7 Line Up
Left to right – JAMES ACASTER, JESSICA KNAPPETT, KERRY GODLIMAN, PHIL WANG, RHOD GILBERT

So in addition to the TASKMASTER himself (Greg Davies) and Little Alex Horne (Alex Horne) those being tasked for series 7 are  James Acaster (Standup who has been on Mock The Week etc), comedy writer and actress Jessica Knappett (E4’s Drifters, The Inbetweeners Movie), actress and stand-up Kerry Godliman (again many episodes of Mock The Week), internationally acclaimed comedian Phil Wang (BBC Two’s Live At The Apollo, Dave’s Unspun with Matt Forde), and renowned Welsh comic Rhod Gilbert (BBC Two’s The Apprentice: You’re Fired).

Scifind Roadtrip

So yesterday, Thursday 19th July 2018, we set off to the world class movie (and TV) studios at Pinewood. Pinewood Studios is a destination in itself, being the home to many a James Bond, Star Wars and many more.

It was a fantastic feeling to pass through those gates that have been used by cast and crew of so many great movies in the past.

There were loads of curious and helpful security staff who aided us in finding our way, but who wouldn’t have loved the opportunity to wonder around and poke their nose in the hundreds of buildings and rooms on site.

The next bit is a little note to self. When you know that you are going to anywhere that is likely to have metal detectors and security searches clear your pockets first. In addition to about £13 in change (seriously who has that much coinage on then, in a pocket, EVER) here is a quick snap of SOME of the contents. (Do I get geek points for the Boba Fett wallet and the dice?).

Seriously I kept emptying my pockets and still kept setting off the metal detector. It took three or four rounds until I was cleared and could sheepishly refill  my pockets.

So what should you expect from Taskmaster Series 7?

Boxes, Beans and the Bear.

Well I am not really looking to make any spoilers, though I have made a small hint in the heading above. It is fair to say the show’s format has not changed. Again if you are not familiar with the show you can catch up on all previous series on UKTV Play.

It is always a joy seeing what you would presume to be fairly stable people losing their mind over what could be quite simple tasks. With the solutions running from over thinking, to complete breakdown. These ‘simple’ challenges do really stress out the competitive contestants.

The mix of comedians is great and I am sure that we will see the dynamic pick up as the series progresses. Thought there are glimpses of how things will progress. For example James Acaster being the baby of the piece and a bit of a ‘love hate’ thing going between Phil Wang and Rhod Gilbert.

With regards to the actual content of this first episode, I am sure that there is a LOT that we sat through in hysterics that will never make the actual TV show, but this is the same for any. Maybe DAVE should release a Too Hot For TV late night special!

As a side note, if you haven’t already, it might be worth watching Greg Davies live show You Magnificent Beast (currently available on Netflix). Not only is it a fantastic show in itself, but it will give you a big insight to an element of this first show of Taskmaster Series 7.

 

Big Thank you to all of UKTV, especially Gem.

 

Taskmaster Series 7 should be broadcast on DAVE TV Channel from November 2018.

Taskmaster Links

Twitter – https://twitter.com/taskmaster

Taskmaster On DAVE – https://dave.uktv.co.uk/shows/taskmaster/

Watch Taskmaster Online

Greg Davies and Little Alex Horn
BANTER
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Aquaman – Official Teaser Poster

Aquaman Teaser Poster

Ahead of the film’s trailer debut this weekend at San Diego Comic-Con, Warner Bros. is pleased to reveal the official teaser one-sheet for AQUAMAN.

Directed by James Wan (“The Conjuring” films, “Furious 7”) and starring Jason Momoa in the title role, AQUAMAN also stars Amber Heard (“Justice League,” “Magic Mike XXL”) as Mera; Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe (“Platoon,” “Spider-Man 2”) as Vulko; Temuera Morrison (“Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” “Green Lantern”) as Tom Curry; Dolph Lundgren (“The Expendables” films) as Nereus; Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (“Baywatch,” Netflix’s “The Get Down”) as Black Manta; with Patrick Wilson (“The Conjuring” films, “Watchmen”) as Orm/Ocean Master; and Oscar winner Nicole Kidman (“The Hours,” “Lion”) as Atlanna.

AQUAMAN will release in UK cinemas on December 14.

Aquaman Teaser Poster
Aquaman Teaser Poster
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Warcraft Director Duncan Jones to Make Rogue Trooper Movie

Rogue Trooper Movie

Acclaimed filmmaker Duncan Jones is to bring Rogue Trooper, a character from the legendary award-winning British comic book 2000 AD, to the big screen.

And if you are thinking 2000AD – That’s Judge Dredd right, What is this Rogue Trooper? Please see the intro video below:

 

 

It will see the critically-lauded director of Moon, Source Code, Warcraft and Mute write and direct the as-yet-unnamed picture.

Jones confirmed the new joint venture between Liberty Films and Rebellion, the Oxford-based games publishers and owners of 2000 AD, on his Twitter account today.

“For years now, I have felt a sting as Marvel and DC have poured out their entire comic roster into film. Wonderful for their fans, but every new release I silently scream “Where’s all the 2000 AD?!” I’m so excited to finally be able to right that wrong and bring Finley-Day and Gibbons’ Rogue Trooper, a seminal British spun war yarn, to the big screen!” said Jones.

Jason Kingsley, CEO and Creative Director of Rebellion, said:

“Rogue Trooper has always been one of my favourite old school thrills from 2000 AD. I’m very happy to be working closely with Duncan and Stuart on this project and look forward to seeing the results on the silver screen.”

Chris Kingsley, Co-founder and CTO of Rebellion, said: “The first time I met Duncan he had a Mohawk – I’m tickled pink to see he’s now brought it back with a full-on Nu blue. It shows his unique level of commitment and passion for Rogue Trooper, and that’s why we’re so excited to be working with him and his legions.”

The deal was negotiated by producer Stuart Fenegan and Rebellion’s Jason Kingsley. Fenegan will produce the film under his and Jones’ Liberty Films banner, Jason Kingsley and Chris Kingsley will Executive Produce.

Fenegan said: “Eat leaden death Nort scum!”

Rogue Trooper is one of the greatest characters to come out of 2000 AD, which also publishes characters such as Judge Dredd, Nemesis the Warlock, and Strontium Dog. Created by Gerry Finley-Day and Dave Gibbons, Rogue Trooper is a genetically-engineered soldier bred to fight on Nu-Earth, a hellish planet consumed by an endless war between the Norts and the Southers. The sole survivor of a massacre that claimed his fellow GIs, Rogue sets out on a mission to find the traitor who betrayed them – the personalities of three dead comrades plugged into his helmet, backpack, and rifle.

Jones is one of a generation of leading British film directors who have been inspired by the satirical, anti-establishment and hyper-violent comic strips in 2000 AD. First published in 1977, 2000 AD has been at the cutting edge of British culture for four decades and continues to publish ground-breaking science fiction, fantasy, and horror comics.

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Jackie Chan’s City Hunter New UK Blu Ray Edition.

Jackie Chan City Hunter DVD Blu Ray

Jackie Chan stars as the girl-chasing private detective Ryo Saeba in this hilarious live-action adaptation of the popular Japanese manga series, City Hunter, presented from a stunning new 2K restoration!

Hired to track down Shizuko Imamura, the runaway daughter of a publishing tycoon, Ryo initially turns the job down… until he sees a picture of the missing woman! Ryo eventually finds her aboard a luxury cruise ship, but much to the annoyance of his exasperated assistant Carrie (Joey Wang, A Chinese Ghost Story), Ryo seems more interested in catching Shizuko’s attention than returning her safely to her father. When terrorists hijack the ship, Ryo must put his romantic feelings aside and swing into action to dispatch the bad guys and save the day.

Packed with inventive action sequences coordinated by an at his peak Chan, City Hunter is one of the most visually creative films of Jackie’s career – with a vibrant cinematography and a quirky sense of humour. Eureka Classics is proud to present the film for the first time in the UK on Blu-ray.

CITY HUNTER (Eureka Classics) New & Exclusive Trailer 

Available to order from:
Amazon Here
Zavvi here

BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES

• Limited edition slipcase (First print run only)
• Stunning 1080p presentation from a brand new 2K restoration
• Original Cantonese mono audio track (also available in 5.1 presentation)
• Optional English and Mandarin audio tracks
• Interviews with Jackie Chan
• Interview with director Wong Jing
• Interview with stuntman and long-time member of Jackie Chan’s stunt team, Rocky Lai
• The Jackie Chan Experience – an interview with Richard Norton
• Evolution of a Fighter – an interview with Gary Daniels
• Outtake montage
• A Collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film (First print run only)

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Sam Stone Concludes Her Jinx Trilogy

Jinx Bound Sam Stone

Sam Stone, author of The Vampire Gene series and Zombies At Tiffany’s concludes here series of Jinx novels, following Jinx Town and Jinx Magic with Jinx Bound.

The Jinx series is quoted as being War of the Worlds meets Lord of the Rings via Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. So you know there is a lot going on.

One-time secondary school teacher Jasmine Regis is now Empress of the alien Jinx – but her husband, the powerfully erotic Emperor Arven, is trapped on the Eleventh Moon and unable to return to their home planet Emin, while in his absence a group of ruthless conspirators plot to usurp his throne.

With the help of the Jinx mage Kale, Jas must somehow find a way to rescue her husband, thwart the conspirators and help her human friends to escape the dying Earth, which has fallen into the grip of a vile military tyranny.

Jinx Bound is a powerful tale of alien magic, military corruption, human nature and the will to survive.

The final book in an acclaimed trilogy of high-impact science-fiction horror novels. With a cover image by award-winning science-fiction and fantasy artist Jim Burns.

 

Jinx Bound is available to order direct from the publisher Telos

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New Pathfinder RPG Audio Soundscape

PATHFINDER What grows within SoundPack

HAUNTING HORRORS AND COSMIC ENCOUNTERS FILL SYRINSCAPE’S NEW WHAT GROWS WITHIN SOUNDPACK FOR THE PATHFINDER RPG,
OUT NOW

Chapter Five in the Strange Aeons Adventure Path Gets Custom Sound Suite for the Syrinscape App.

PATHFINDER What grows within SoundPackGrows Within, the 5th SoundPack chapter for the Strange Aeons Adventure Path, custom-created for the Syrinscape app to accompany the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. The What Grows Within SoundPack has already been unlocked for Syrinscape subscribers, or can be purchased separately on Syrinscape.

The What Grows Within SoundPack features all of the sounds gamers need to immerse themselves in the adventure at the push of a button. As adventurers mount an expedition into the vast and deadly desert region, they must track their treacherous former employer, recover a vile tome, activate the city’s Star Stelae, perform a powerful ritual and take care not to wake the Great Old One. Included with the What Grows Within SoundPack are a haunted cityscape, a swarm encounter, an epic battle with a juggernaut, an anti-gravity room with reverse heartbeat, flying polyps, massive caves, a Naga, a Devourer, a black-winged Hunting Horror, Ash Giants and much more.

Syrinscape’s Benjamin Loomes takes a look at the What Grows Within SoundSet and offers pro-tips for incorporating it into your game:

Syrinscape’s Fantasy Player, Sci-Fi Player and Board Game Player apps are free to download, come with free SoundSets and are compatible with nearly any mobile device or computer. Syrinscape can also be completely unlocked for free for 30 days at Syrinscape.com/freetrial. For $10 a month, SuperSyrin Subscribers gain full access to Syrinscape’s library, permanent ownership of new sounds released while subscribing, access to Syrinscape’s SoundSet Creator and Syrinscape Online Play tools and more.

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New TV Channel Klaxon – PARAMOUNT NETWORK is here.

Agent Carter

Paramount Network, the brand new free-to-air UK destination offering premium scripted drama, high quality comedy and movies featuring some of the brightest stars.

Launching on 4th July, it’s the channel with big stories and big characters for adults of all ages with strong appeal to Generation X, Millennials and fans of cinematic storytelling, iconic moments and non-stop action. 

Paramount Network is the home of various free-to-air premieres, including the seventh season of SUITS, the critically-acclaimed US drama from creator/executive producer Aaron Korsh and starring Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, Rick Hoffman, Sarah Rafferty and Meghan Markle. Earlier seasons of SUITS will also air on the Paramount Network, allowing fans to catch the series from the very beginning.

The biggest news for us at Scifind.com is that Marvel’s Agent Carter is featuring heavily in the launch.

Marvel’s Agent Carter starts on Paramount Network on launch night at 8pm, then airing weekly Thursdays at 9pm.

There is a lot more to expect from this channel though:

Confirmed to premiere on the channel is brand new Kiefer Sutherland drama DESIGNATED SURVIVOR and US comedy series THE MICK starring Kaitlin Olsen (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), both joining the slate later in the year.
 
Ben Frow, Director of Programming, Channel 5, overseeing the UK launch of Paramount Network said: “Paramount Network is set to deliver high end Hollywood entertainment with blockbuster movies, scripted drama and critically acclaimed comedy featuring some of the biggest names on the planet. Supported by Channel 5’s creative scheduling and audience insight and underpinned by Viacom’s brand-building expertise, Paramount Network is a popular premium content destination in a free-to-air world.”

Jill Offman, EVP Comedy Central and Paramount Network International said: “Launching on TV screens in the UK is another critical milestone for the Paramount Network brand, which we’re convinced will resonate strongly with British viewers given Paramount’s distinguished and successful history of epic, cinematic story-telling for global audiences. Delivering free-to-air content to millions of UK households, underlines our belief that, despite the growing popularity of on-demand, viewers continue to value highly TV channels that offer an intelligently scheduled linear line up of quality entertainment.”

Paramount Network is home to box-office smashes; from WAR OF THE WORLDS, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN and DANCES WITH WOLVES to critically acclaimed and cult classics THE SHINING, THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY and JACKIE BROWN to much loved titles including PRINCE OF TIDES, GROUNDHOG DAY and ROXANNE.

The channel also plays host to the premiere of LIP SYNC BATTLE US including the huge Michael Jackson special from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.  The network’s slate also includes action drama SIX, fantasy drama HEROES REBORN, and the Emmy® Award-winning comedy WILL & GRACE.

The UK becomes the third Paramount Network after the US and Spain, and there are separately 11 locally scheduled versions of Paramount Channel internationally.  Paramount is one of Viacom’s flagship global brands including Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon and its fastest growing international entertainment brand.

Paramount Network will launch in the UK on Freeview (57), Sky (159), BT (57) and TalkTalk (57) platforms.

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Catch Up With Warlord Games’ Doctor Who Miniatures Game

 

We have just managed to catch up with our friends at Warlord Games about their Doctor Who Miniatures Game range, EXTERMINATE (Available from Element Games).

Their latest 2 boxes are looking really good, we have managed to snatch some fantastic images really showing off the potential of these miniatures that are aimed both at collectors and gamers.

We start with the Mire, which are available now, then push on to the Fires Of Pompeii set due August 2018.

The Mire

The Mire are a race under the leaddership of Odin in the Peter Capaldi episode of Doctor Who, The Girl Who Died.

The Warlord Games Mire Box contains 3 miniatures, 3 Mire (one without helmet) and Odin plus Exterminate Game Cards needed for use of the miniatures in the Exterminate Game.

Lead by Odin the Mire hunt down other warrior races, turning their strongest warriors into liquid, which they then drink as their ‘nectar’, feeding on their adrenaline and testosterone. In reality the Mire choose weak opponents deliberately so they can easily defeat them and thus cultivate their fearsome reputation.

The Mire Miniatures Images

Fires Of Pompeii

From Peter Capaldi’s first appearance in new Who, though he was not the title role for this one, Fires Of Pompeii saw David Tennant’s Doctor challenged by the Sibylline Sisterhood and the Pyrovile.

We are waiting on full details of these, but in the meantime check out these images of painted miniatures.

Fires Of Pompeii Images

 

You can find out more about these and all Warlord Game’s Doctor Who ranges on their Into The Time Vortex website.

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Silent Option Miniseries

GI Joe Comic Cover Silent Option

GI Joe Comic Cover Silent OptionIDW Publishing is proud to launch G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Silent Option, a four-part miniseries that spotlights the breakout character of their “Dawn of the Arashikage” story arc: Dawn Moreno, the all-new Snake Eyes! The first monthly issue is slated for release this coming September.

Each oversized issue of Silent Option features? a full story by the superstar creative team of longtime G.I. Joe scribe Larry Hama and artist Netho Diaz (Aquaman), plus a four-page backup story entitled “Codename: Helix” by Ryan Ferrier (G.I. Joe vs. Six Million Dollar Man) and Kenneth Loh (KISS).

In Silent Option, Dawn Moreno – the G.I. Joe team’s newest member, fulfilling the legacy of the legendary Snake Eyes – embarks on her first (un)official mission. But her debut mission may be her last, as she crosses paths with the deadly covert operations officer, Agent Helix!

While focusing on the recently-introduced Dawn Moreno serves as a great entry point for new readers, longtime fans will be rewarded with the introduction of Agent Helix to ARAH canon – a character whose previous appearances were in non-ARAH continuity.

Editor Tom Waltz says, “Following the huge success of the ‘Dawn of the Arashikage’ story arc, we wanted to keep the fantastic action and drama that Larry and Netho created together rolling forward. A standalone miniseries within canon gives us the chance to resume fan-favorite character Dawn Moreno’s adventures as a new team member, while at the same time introducing enigmatic character Agent Helix to the mix. So, working alongside the great folks at Hasbro, Silent Option was born!”

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Star Trek Vs Transformers!

Star Trek vs. Transformers Comic Book Crossover

Star Trek vs. Transformers Comic Book CrossoverThe starship Enterprise finds there’s more to the final frontier when Kirk and his crew come face-to-face with the strangest life forms of all: the shape-changing robots of Cybertron! Prepare to beam up and roll out this September with Star Trek vs. Transformers, a four-issue comic book crossover that is more than meets the eye and is inspired by the continuities of two iconic cartoon shows: Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973) and The Transformers (1984).

Two of the most prolific Transformers and Star Trek comic book writers — John Barber and Mike Johnson — team with artist Philip Murphy and colorist Leonardo Ito to tell the story that fans have demanded for decades. At the edge of Klingon space, the Enterprise? answers a distress call, discovering a dilithium mine under siege by jets and helicopters of vintage 20th Century design. When a red, flat-nosed truck rolls in to save the day, the no-holds barred Saturday morning mash-up truly begins!

Co-writer Mike Johnson, whose vast Star Trek comic book credits include the acclaimed Countdown and Star Trek / Green Lantern storylines, says, “This is a crossover several decades in the making, and we could not be more thrilled to bring it to fans! John and I are having a blast writing the first meeting of Starfleet and Cybertronians, and Phil is the perfect artist to bring these two franchises together on the page.”

Star Trek Vs Transformers Comic Crossover“The funny thing is, even though I’m the Transformers guy on this comic (I’ve written a lot of Transformers comics, after all), I’ve always been a huge Star Trek fan, ever since I was a kid,” says John Barber, co-writer and IDW’s newly-minted Editor-in-Chief. “When I was in fifth grade, I remember my teacher joking at the end of the year that maybe someday I’d wind up writing Star Trek… and it’s a thrill to finally get to!”

Philip Murphy, whose IDW credits include The Powerpuff Girls and Star Wars Adventures, says, “This is definitely a dream-come-true project for me. It’s my first time getting to draw Transformers and Star Trek. Not only am I a huge Trek fan, but I was born in the ’80s so I grew up in the golden era of Saturday morning cartoons – and The Transformers was definitely on the top of my list! This comic really means something special to me.”

Chase Marotz, associate editor, says, “Star Trek vs. Transformers is finally giving us the chance to combine two of our most prominent licenses in a style that will delight both fans of the original animated series and new readers. David Mariotte and I are having a great time editing it and we can’t wait until the fans get to see it for themselves.”

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Batman Ninja Feature

Batman Ninja Bluray

Prepare to witness the Dark Knight, alongside many of his most famed allies and infamous foes, in an eye-popping anime display like you’ve never seen before.

Batman Ninja takes a journey across the ages as Gorilla Grodd’s time displacement machine transports many of Batman’s worst enemies to feudal Japan – along with the Dark Knight and a few of his allies. The villains take over the forms of the feudal lords that rule the divided land, with the Joker taking the lead among the warring factions. As his traditional high-tech weaponry is exhausted almost immediately, Batman must rely on his intellect and his allies – including Catwoman and the extended Bat-family – to restore order to the land, and return to present-day Gotham City.

The visually stunning Batman Ninja is the creative result of a trio of anime’s finest filmmakers – director Jumpei Mizusaki (Opening Animation of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure), writer Kazuki Nakashima (Gurren Lagann), and character designer Takashi Okazaki (Afro Samurai) produced the original movie with Warner Bros. Japan. The script was then reinterpreted and rewritten for English-language distribution by award-winning screenwriters Leo Chu and Eric Garcia (Supah Ninjas, Afro Samurai). Benjamin Melniker and Michael Uslan are Executive Producers.

Roger Craig Smith (Batman: Arkham Origins) and Tony Hale (Veep, Arrested Development) lead an impressive cast as the voices of Batman and the Joker, respectively. Grey Griffin (Scooby-Doo franchise) and Tara Strong (Batman: The Killing Joke) supply the voices of the antagonist & protagonist’s closest allies – Catwoman and Harley Quinn, respectively – while Fred Tatasciore (Family Guy) provides the gruff-yet-sophisticated tones of Gorilla Grodd, a villain who must team with Batman to achieve his own personal agenda. Other voice actors include Bat-family members Yuri Lowenthal (Ben 10: Omniverse) as Robin, Adam Croasdell (Reign) as Nightwing and Alfred, and Will Friedle (Boy Meets World) as Red Robin, and the Rogue’s gallery also features Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants) as Penguin and Eric Bauza (The Adventures of Puss in Boots) as Two-Face. Doing double duty is Tatasciore as Deathstroke, Strong as Poison Ivy, and Friedle as Red Hood.

“Batman Ninja is an absolute feast for the senses, a stunning spectacle of anime wrapped around a thrill ride of a Batman story,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Vice President, Family & Animation Marketing. “Our partners at Warner Bros. Japan have conjured an impressive addition to the Dark Knight’s canon of entertainment, taking Batman and his friends and foes in an altogether new direction. We can’t wait for fans to see this film.”

BATMAN NINJA ENHANCED CONTENT

Blu-ray™ Steelbook, Blu-ray™ and Digital

“East / West Batman” (Featurette) – Batman meets the anime medium, as this documentary looks into some of the Western tropes and archetypes, meshed into the world of feudal Japan. East meets West, swords, samurai and giant robots, all playing into the clash between Batman and his Rogues gallery.

“Batman: Made in Japan” (Featurette) – To make a special film about Batman requires just the right artist to bring the mix of style and energy that is unmistakably anime. The filmmakers discuss the Japanese character models, influences and design create a fusion experience into this hyper real world.

“New York Comic Con Presents Batman Ninja” – Meet the talented filmmakers behind Batman Ninja as they discuss their inspirations and challenges in bringing an anime version of Batman to life during a panel discussion unveiling Batman Ninja during New York Comic Con 2017.

BATMAN NINJA, out now on Digital and available on Blu-ray™ Steelbook, Blu-ray™ and DVD May 14.