Wikipedia - User contributions [en]

Tinker Bell (film)

2008-09-06T15:27:46Z

71.182.145.40:

{{future film}}
{{Infobox Film
| name = Tinker Bell
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| director = Bradley Raymond
| producer = Jeannine Roussel
| writer = Cheryl Abood Carter Crocker
| narrator =
| starring = [[Mae Whitman]] [[Raven-Symone]] [[America Ferrera]] [[Lucy Liu]] [[Kristin Chenoweth]]
| music = [[Joel McNeely]]
| cinematography =
| editing =
| distributor = [[DisneyToon Studios]]
| released = [[September 19]], [[2008 in film|2008]]<ref>[http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/el_capitan/ Disney Online]</ref>
| runtime =
| country = {{USA}}
| language = [[English language|English]]
| budget =
| gross =
| preceded_by =
| followed_by =
| website = http://www.disneyfairies.com/
| amg_id = 1:353383
| imdb_id = 0823671
}}
'''''Tinker Bell''''' is an upcoming 2008 [[computer animated film]] based on the ''[[Disney Fairies]]'' franchise being produced by [[DisneyToon Studios]]. It revolves around [[Tinker Bell]], a [[fairy]] character created by [[J. M. Barrie]] in his play ''[[Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up]]'', and featured in the 1953 [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] [[animated film]], ''[[Peter Pan (1953 film)|Peter Pan]]'' and its 2002 sequel ''[[Return to Never Land]]''. Unlike Disney's two Peter Pan films featuring the character, which were produced primarily using [[traditional animation]], ''Tinker Bell'' is being produced using digital 3D modeling. This film will be the first time that the Disney version of Tinker Bell will talk.

Tinker Bell was offically canceled by [[Disney]] after many death threats sent to Disney.

==Cast==
*[[Mae Whitman]] as Tinker Bell<ref name="IMDBcast" />
*[[Raven-Symoné]] as Iridessa<ref name="USA Today">[http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2008-05-27-tinker-bell_N.htm First Look: 'Tinker Bell' will fly solo, straight to DVD], [[USA Today]], May 28, 2008</ref>
*[[America Ferrera]] as Fawn<ref name="USA Today" />
*[[Lucy Liu]] as Silvermist<ref name="USA Today" />
*[[Kristin Chenoweth]] as Rosetta <ref name="Variety">[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117967400.html?categoryid=20&cs=1 "Variety.com"]</ref>
*[[Anjelica Huston]] as Queen Clarion <ref name="IMDBcast">[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0823671/fullcredits#cast IMDB]</ref>
*[[Jesse McCartney]] as Terrence <ref name="IMDBcast" />
*[[Pamela Adlon]] as Vidia <ref name="IMDBcast" />
*[[Kathy Najimy]] as the Minister of Summer
*[[Rob Paulsen]] as Bobble
*[[Jane Horrocks]] as Fairy Mary
*[[Steve Valentine]] as the Minister of Spring
*[[Jeff Bennett]] as Clank
*[[Richard Portnow]] as the Minister of Autumn
*[[America Young]] as Wendy Darling <ref name="Variety" />
*[[Emma Hunton]] as Victoria<ref name="Variety" />
*[[Gail Borges]] as the Minister of Winter
*[[Cameron Bowen]] <ref name="Variety" />
*[[Zach Shada]] <ref name="Variety" />
*[[Loreena McKennitt]] as the Narrator<ref name="Quinlan">[http://www.quinlanroad.com/newsandviews/currentupdates.asp?id=782 Loreena sings theme song and narrates Disney’s Tinker Bell - 5 July 2008]</ref>

== Crew ==
* Director - Bradley Raymond<ref name="Animated Views">[http://animated-views.com/2007/director-frank-nissen-on-cinderella-iii-a-twist-in-time/ "Director Frank Nissen on ''Cinderella III''"]. Animated-Views.com. January 23, 2007. Retrieved January 28, 2007.</ref>
* Writers - Cheryl Abood, Carter Crocker

==Production==

Orignally [[Brittany Murphy]] was up for the role of Tinkerbell but then later lost the role. The movie has experienced delays in connection with personnel changes in Disney management. According to a June 2007 article in ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'', Sharon Morrill, the head of DisneyToons direct-to-DVD division since 1994, was removed from this position due to problems with this film, including a budget that had expanded to almost $50 million, and "close to two dozen versions of the script and a dozen different directors." [[Pixar]] Animation executives [[John Lasseter]] and [[Ed Catmull]] were given leadership of [[Walt Disney Feature Animation]] after Disney purchased Pixar in early 2006, and although DisneyToons is not under their management, "they are said to have gotten increasingly involved in the unit's operations."<ref name="Variety" /> Lasseter reportedly said that the film was at that time "virtually unwatchable"<ref name="IMDB">[http://imdb.com/news/sb/2007-06-21/ IMDB news]</ref> and that it would hurt both Walt Disney Feature Animation as well as the [[Disney Consumer Products]] line it was meant to support. <ref>[http://www.o-meon.com/pages/news&features/n&f_2007/n&f_02-27-07.htm o-meon: Tinker Bell: Return of the Dark Fairy By C. W. Oberleitner]</ref> Morill was moved to "special projects" and the status of the movie was seriously in doubt.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tinkerbell Straight-To-DVD Release in Limbo|url=http://www.movieweb.com/dvd/news/77/20677.php}}</ref> Disney observer Jim Hill reported at the time that the complications surrounding this movie had resulted in a decision that Disney would no longer produce straight-to-DVD sequels to its feature films.<ref>[http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2007/06/21/say-so-long-to-direct-to-video-sequels-disneytoon-studios-tunes-out-sharon-morrill.aspx Jim Hill]</ref>

One of this film's working titles was ''Tinker Bell and the Ring of Belief''.

==Music==
The score to the film was composed by [[Joel McNeely]], who recorded the music with an 88-piece ensemble of the [[Hollywood Studio Symphony]] at the [[Sony Scoring Stage]].<ref name=scoring>{{cite news | author=Dan Goldwasser | url=http://www.scoringsessions.com/news/142 | title=Joel McNeely scores ''Tinker Bell'' | publisher=ScoringSessions.com | date=[[2008-07-09]] | accessdate=2008-07-09 }}</ref>

==Marketing==

The digitally animated character of Tinker Bell and other fairies appearing in the film were featured in Disney Channel bumpers in which they would draw the channel's logo with their wands. Rosetta's represents her webisode.

Frank Nissen, the director of ''[[Cinderella III: A Twist in Time]]'' directed a series of [[webisode]]s to promote the film <ref name="Animated Views" /> on the "Fairies" channel of the Disney XD web site. [http://www.disney.go.com/dxd] Except for a few vocal effects, only one contains dialogue.
*''Tink and the Bell'': Tinker Bell finds a silver jingle bell and makes funny faces on the surface and then gets stuck in it.
*''Tink and the Pepper Shaker'': Tinker Bell finds a pepper shaker and plays with it.
*''Fawn and the Log'': Fawn attempts to wake some sleepy [[squirrels]] in a log.
*''Fawn and the Butterfly'': Fawn attempts to get a [[caterpillar]] out of its [[chrysalis]] so that it could turn into a [[butterfly]].
*''Silvermist and the Fish'': Silvermist helps a baby fish get over a waterfall so that it can be with its family.
*''Iridessa and the Light Bugs'': With the help of Pixie Dust, Iridessa helps make light bugs glow.
*''Rosetta and the Flower'': Rosetta has some trouble in attempting to get a stubborn flower bud to open up. (This is the only webisode with two versions: one with dialogue and one without.)
*'' Tink and the Bird'': This one was shown once on ABC in their special airing of Walt Disney's Peter Pan.

==Release==
In April 2008, Disney announced that the film will be released on DVD and [[Blu-ray Disc]] on [[October 28]], [[2008]].<ref name="DisneyApril2008">http://corporate.disney.go.com/news/corporate/2008/2008_0408_animation_roll_out.html Disney Animation plans 2008-2012</ref> Contrary to the previous announcement of the suspension of direct-to-video sequels, they also announced three direct-to-DVD sequels to follow this film, also digitally animated:
*''Tinker Bell: North of Neverland'' (working title, summer 2009)
*''Tinker Bell: A Midsummer Storm'' (working title, summer 2010)
*''Tinker Bell: A Winter Story'' (working title, summer 2011)

The film will see an exclusive theatrical release at the [[El Capitan Theatre]] between September 19 and October 2nd.

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{bcdb title|id=86713|title=Tinker Bell}}
* {{imdb title|id=0823671|title=Tinker Bell}}
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAEjCwCHars ''Tinker Bell'' movie trailer]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcMnSwg52hg ''Tinker Bell'' movie sneak peek clip]
* [http://www.laughingplace.com/Latest.asp?I1=ID&I2=3126 Another sneak peek clip where Tink talks]
* [http://www.scoringsessions.com/sessions/26276 Scoring Session Photo Gallery at ScoringSessions.com]

{{Peter Pan}}
{{Disney direct-to-video animated features}}

[[Category:2008 films]]
[[Category:Disney direct-to-video films]]
[[Category:Disney animated films]]
[[Category:Computer-animated films]]
[[Category:Peter Pan films]]
[[Category:Direct-to-video films]]
[[Category:Upcoming films]]
[[Category:Animated films]]

[[fr:La Fée Clochette]]
[[pl:Tinker Bell]]
[[simple:Tinker Bell (movie)]]

Superhero film

2008-09-03T22:45:15Z

71.182.145.40: /* Upcoming projects */

{{for|the 2008 film|Superhero Movie}}
[[Image:ChristopherReeve Superman.jpg|thumb|right|200px||[[Christopher Reeve]] in ''[[Superman (film)|Superman]]''.]]
A '''Superhero film''' is an [[Action film|action]], [[fantasy film|fantasy]] or [[science fiction film|science fiction]] [[genre]] film that is focused on the actions of one or more [[superhero]]es, who are individuals who usually possess superhuman abilities relative to a normal person. These films are almost always action-oriented, and the first film of a particular character often includes a focus on the origin of the special powers including the first fight against the character's most famous [[supervillain]] enemy. The plot typically revolves the efforts of the superheroes to thwart some dire peril of significant consequence.

Although the majority of superhero movies are adapted from [[comic books]], there are a number of notable exceptions like ''[[RoboCop]]'', ''[[The Incredibles]]'' and ''[[Hancock (film)|Hancock]]''.

==History==
===Early years===
Almost immediately after superheroes rose to prominence in comic books, they were adapted into Saturday movie serials aimed at children, starting with ''[[The Adventures of Captain Marvel]]'' (1941). Serials such as ''[[The Phantom#The Phantom in the 40's & 50's|The Phantom]], [[Batman (serial)|Batman]], [[Superman (serial)|Superman]]'' and ''[[Captain America (serial)|Captain America]]'' followed.

In the coming decades, the decline of Saturday serials and [[Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Delinquency|turmoil in the comic book industry]] put an end to superhero motion pictures, with the exception of episodes of the [[television series]] ''[[Adventures of Superman (TV series)|Adventures of Superman]]'', starring [[George Reeves]], which had been compiled for theatrical release, and ''[[Batman (1966 movie)|Batman]]'' (1966) a big-screen extension of the [[Batman (TV series)|television series]] starring [[Adam West]].<ref name="Scarecrow">The Staff of Scarecrow, 2004, pg. 536</ref> Other superhero films released at this time include [[Mario Bava]]'s ''[[Danger: Diabolik]]'' (1968) based on the [[Italy|Italian]] [[supervillain]] character [[Diabolik]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=1:12142|title=allmovie (((Danger: Diabolik > Overview )))|date=Unknown|author=Pavlides, Dan|accessdate=2008-05-16|publisher=[[Allmovie]]}}</ref> Original superhero characters emerged in other more [[comedy film|comedy oriented films]] such as the [[French cinema|French]] [[political satire]] film ''[[Mister Freedom]]'' (1969) and the American [[b-movie]] ''[[Rat Pfink a Boo Boo]]'' (1966).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=1:102593|title=allmovie (((Mister Freedom > Overview )))|date=Unknown|author=Pavlides, Dan|accessdate=2008-05-16|publisher=[[Allmovie]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=1:65771~T1|title=allmovie (((Rat Pfink a Boo-Boo > Review )))|date=Unknown|author=Beldin, Fred|accessdate=2008-05-16|publisher=[[Allmovie]]}}</ref>

===Later years===
In 1978, [[Richard Donner]]'s ''[[Superman (film)|Superman]]'' was the only superhero film blockbuster of the decade, while the 1980s popular entries included Donner's ''[[Superman II]]'' (1980) and [[Tim Burton]]'s ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'' (1989), both films leading into their own multi-film franchises.<ref name="Litchenfeld286">Lichtenfeld, 2007, pg. 286</ref> Other superhero films were released during the 1980s and early 1990s to either less critical or audience acclaim including ''[[Supergirl (film)|Supergirl]]'' (1984), ''[[The Punisher (1989 film)|The Punisher]]'' (1989), ''[[Dick Tracy (film)|Dick Tracy]]'' (1990), ''[[The Shadow (1994 film)|The Shadow]]'' (1994) and ''[[The Phantom (film)|The Phantom]]'' (1996).<ref name="Litchenfeld287">Lichtenfeld, 2007, pg. 287</ref> [[Wes Craven]]'s ''[[Swamp Thing (film)|Swamp Thing]]'' (1982) and the original low-budget ''[[The Toxic Avenger]]'' (1985) were also made in the 80s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=1:50627 |title=allmovie (((The Toxic Avenger > Overview ))) |accessdate=2008-06-15 |author= Mannikka, Eleanor |publisher=[[Allmovie]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=1:48050 |title=allmovie (((Swamp Thing > Overview ))) |accessdate=2008-06-15 |author= Betzold, Michael |publisher=[[Allmovie]]}}</ref> [[Marvel comics]]`s ''[[Captain America (1990 film)|Captain America]]'' (1991) didn't have a theatrical release. ''[[The Fantastic Four (film)|The Fantastic Four]]'' produced by [[Roger Corman]] was never released theatrically or on home video.<ref name="Litchenfeld287" /> In 1994, [[Alex Proyas]]' ''[[The Crow (film)|The Crow]]'' became the first [[Image Comics]] superhero film that established a franchise.<ref name="Litchenfeld287" /> As the last film in the first Batman franchise was critically panned for being too jokey and tongue-in-cheek,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1077027-batman_and_robin/ | title=Batman & Robin Movie Reviews, Pictures - Rotten Tomatoes | accessdate=2008-06-18 | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref> ''The Crow'' brought in a new realm of violence absent in previous popular superhero films targeted at younger audiences and bridging a gap to the more modern [[action film]].<ref name="Litchenfeld289">Lichtenfeld, 2007, pg. 289</ref>

===The new golden era===
[[Image:Spiderman movie.jpg|200px|left|thumb|[[Tobey Maguire]] in ''[[Spider-Man (film)|Spider-Man]]''.]]
The success of ''The Crow'' (1994) catalyzed the release of a film version of ''[[Spawn (film)|Spawn]]'' (1997), Image Comics' leading character. The success of the "darker" Image Comics characters shifted the direction of comic book movies. [[Marvel comics]] soon released the first film to become a franchise, ''[[Blade (film)|Blade]]'' (1998). ''Blade'' was also a mix of a more traditional action film as well as darker superhero film with the title character having superpowers as well as carrying an assault of weaponry.<ref name="Litchenfeld289" /> The next Marvel comic film was the surprise hit of [[Bryan Singer]]'s ''[[X-men (film)|X-Men]]'' (2000) that also became a franchise but with less violence than the ''Blade'' series.<ref name="Litchenfeld293">Lichtenfeld, 2007, pg. 293</ref><ref name="allmoviesuperhero">{{cite web |url=http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=24:D|||553 |title=Explore by.../Comic-Book Superhero Film|accessdate=2008-06-15 |author= |publisher=[[Allmovie]]}}</ref> In 2002, one of the largest blockbusters of all time was released with [[Sam Raimi]]'s ''[[Spider-Man (film)|Spider-Man]]'' (2002).<ref name="allmoviesuperhero"/> [[Image:krrish.jpg|thumb|right|200px||[[Hrithik Roshan]] in ''[[Krrish]]'', a non-Hollywood superhero film.]]With high ticket and DVD sales, several new superhero films were released every year in the 2000s, including ''[[Daredevil (film)|Daredevil]]'' (2003), ''[[The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (film)|The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen]]'' (2003), [[Ang Lee]]'s ''[[Hulk (film)|Hulk]]'' (2003), ''[[Catwoman (film)|Catwoman]]'' (2004), [[Guillermo del Toro]]'s ''[[Hellboy (film)|Hellboy]]'' (2004), ''[[The Punisher (2004 film)|The Punisher]]'' (2004), ''[[Batman Begins]]'' (2005), ''[[Fantastic Four (film)|Fantastic Four]]'' (2005), ''[[Ghost Rider (film)|Ghost Rider]]'' (2007) and ''[[Iron Man (film)|Iron Man]]'' (2008) which met with varying degrees of critical and commercial success.<ref name="allmoviesuperhero"/> Non-[[Hollywood]] superhero films also were released including the [[United States|American]]/[[Spain|Spanish]] production ''[[Faust: Love of the Damned]]'' (2001), [[Japan]]'s ''[[Ultraman (2004 film)|Ultraman]]'' (2004), [[Bollywood]]'s ''[[Krrish]]'' (2006) and [[Thailand]]'s ''[[Mercury Man (film)|Mercury Man]]'' (2006).

Several non-action film oriented superhero films were released in the 2000s with varying ranges of success.<ref name="allmoviesuperhero"/> [[M. Night Shyamalan]]'s ''[[Unbreakable (film)|Unbreakable]]'' (2000) is a thriller about a man who learns from a mysterious comic book dealer that he is destined to become a modern day superhero. [[Brad Bird]]'s ''[[The Incredibles]]'' (2004) for [[Pixar]] was a critically acclaimed [[Computer graphics|digitally-animated]] [[family film|family oriented]] superhero film.<ref name="rtincredibles">{{cite web |url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/incredibles/?page=2&critic=creamcrop&sortby=date&name_order=asc&view=#mo |title=The Incredibles Movie Reviews, Pictures - Rotten Tomatoes|accessdate=2008-06-15 |publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref> Other hybrids include ''[[Sky High (2005 film)|Sky High]]'' (2005) which was a fusion of the superhero and [[teen film]] genres and ''[[My Super Ex-Girlfriend]]'' (2006) a cominbation of superhero film and a [[romantic comedy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=1:313197 |title=allmovie (((Sky High > Overview )))|accessdate=2008-06-15 |author=Deming, Mark|publisher=[[Allmovie]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=1:331687 |title=allmovie (((My Super Ex-Girlfriend > Overview )))|accessdate=2008-06-15 |author=Seibert, Perry|publisher=[[Allmovie]]}}</ref>

By 2008, several superhero films featured sequels including ''[[Blade II]]'' (2002), ''[[X2: X-Men United]]'' (2003), ''[[Spider-Man 2]]'' (2004), ''[[X-Men: The Last Stand]]'' (2006), ''[[Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer]]'' (2007), and ''[[Spider-Man 3]]'' (2007). Some series from the current and previous decades were also re-released. A ''[[director's cut]]'' of ''[[Superman II]]'' (1980) ''[[Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut]]'' was released with ''[[Superman Returns]]'' (2006). Superman Returns is a reboot and a sequel to the first two ''[[Christopher Reeve]]'' Superman films.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=1:316298 (((Superman Returns > Overview )))|accessdate=2008-06-15 |author=Wheeler, Jeremy|publisher=[[Allmovie]]}}</ref> Other series discarded the continuities of previously released films and [[Reboot_(fiction)|started afresh]], such as ''[[Batman Begins]]'' (2005), which was later followed by ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]'' (2008), and ''[[The Incredible Hulk (film)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' (2008).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=1:289465~T1 (((Batman Begins > Overview )))|accessdate=2008-06-15 |author=Wheeler, Jeremy|publisher=[[Allmovie]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/hulknews.php?id=7258 The Incredible Hulk: A Smashing Sampling of Scenes - Superhero Hype!|accessdate=2008-06-15 |author=Huver, Scott|publisher=[[Superhero Hype!]]}}</ref> [[Will Smith]] also starred in the 2008 superhero film ''[[Hancock (film)|Hancock]]''. To date, [[Christopher Nolan]]'s ''[[The Dark Knight]]'' (2008) is the highest domestically grossing comic book film of all time.

==Upcoming projects==
Many superhero films are currently in development. 2008 releases include a new film about [[the Punisher]] titled ''[[Punisher: War Zone]]'', ignoring the two previous Punisher films. [[Drona (film)|''Drona'']] is another Bollywood superhero film, which will be released on [[October 2nd]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117969569.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 |title='Punisher' gets Lionsgate overhaul |accessdate=2008-06-15 |last=Fleming |first=Michael |date=[[August 1]], [[2007]] |publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> The film ''[[The Spirit (film)|The Spirit]]'', based on the [[newspaper]] [[comic strip]] by [[Will Eisner]], will be directed by [[Frank Miller]] for a 2008 release.<ref name="panel">{{cite news | author=Pamela McClintock | url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117985199.html?categoryId=13&cs=1&query=The+Spirit | title=Christmas gets Frank Miller's 'Spirit' | publisher=Variety | date=[[2008-05-06]] | accessdate=2008-05-14 }}</ref>

2009 holds a film adaptation of the classic [[Watchmen|graphic novel]], ''[[Watchmen (film)|Watchmen]]'', after decades of abortive development, directed by [[Zack Snyder]] and scheduled for released in 2009. A prequel to ''[[X-Men (film)|X-Men]]'' (2000) titled ''[[X-Men Origins: Wolverine]]'' focusing on the character [[Wolverine (comics)|Wolverine]] is also in development.<ref>{{cite news | author = [[Harry Knowles]] | title = Brian Cox to be CG Young-ified in ''Wolverine'' movie? | publisher = [[Ain't It Cool News]] | date = [[2007-02-02]] | url = http://www.aintitcool.com/node/31442 | accessdate = 2008-02-19}}</ref> A [[Superman (film series)|Superman Returns sequal]] was planned for 2009 but delayed and later scrapped in favor of a reboot.

Following the mentions of an ''"[[Avengers (comics)|Avenger inicitive]]"'' in ''[[Iron Man (film)|Iron Man]]'' and ''[[The Incredible Hulk (film)|The Incredible Hulk]]'', Marvel plans to release [[Thor (film)|Thor]] in May 2010 and [[The First Avenger: Captain America]] in May 2011 leading up to the July 2011 release of [[The Avengers (film)|The Avengers]]. A remake of the [[Green Hornet]] TV show is set of a 2010 release starring [[Seth Rogen]]. DC plans to reboot the [[Superman (film series)|Superman series]] with a new movie, as well as released [[Green Arrow in other media#Live-action|Green Arrow: Escape from Super Max]]. A fourth [[Spider-Man (film series)|Spider-Man]] film is in the works for a 2011 release, as well as a film about [[Spider-Man 3]] villian [[Venom (comics)|Venom]] for an unknown date. Other indended releases are [[X-Men Origins: Magneto]], [[Fantastic Four (film series)#Future|Silver Surfer]], [[Ant-Man (film)|Ant Man]], and movies regarding many DC Comics superheroes such as [[Wonder Woman]] and [[The Flash]].

==Parody==
As superhero films have increasingly become more prevalent in the film industry, they have become targets for [[parody]]. [[Kevin Smith]]'s 2001 film ''[[Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back]]'', parodies film companies' seemingly compulsive purchase of comic book film rights with ''[[Bluntman and Chronic]]''. In the film, the character [[Brodie Bruce]] describes the process: "After X-Men hit at the box office, the movie companies started buying out every comic property they could get their dirty little hands on". [[Mark Hamill]]'s 2004 parody ''[[Comic Book: The Movie]]'', about a comic book fan and a film adaptation of his favorite character, was released [[direct-to-video]] and achieved mild success, garnering a [[Cult film|cult following]] among comic book readers. [[Craig Mazin]] directed the more direct parody ''[[Superhero Movie]]'', which was released in 2008.

==Attractions of the genre==
Despite critics' and fans' complaints about Hollywood milking an idea dry, the comic book superhero has become a promising subject for blockbuster filmmaking. Even without highly expensive stars, the film is likely to get some level of attention with its distinctive visual style. Furthermore the serial nature of their source material makes story material for sequels easy to come by with major characters often having decades of stories to use for adaptations. The producers of the ''Daredevil'' and ''[[Sin City (film)|Sin City]]'' film adaptations took that source further and used the pages themselves as preliminary [[storyboard]]s to help establish the films' visuals and action.

==See also==
* [[List of Superhero films]]
* [[List of films based on comics]]
* [[List of films based on DC Comics]]
* [[List of films based on Marvel Comics]]
* [[Fantasy film]]
* [[Action film]]
* [[Science fiction film]]
* [[Superhero live-action television series]]

==Notes==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
*{{cite book
| last= Lichtenfeld
| first= Eric
| coauthors=
| title= Action Speaks Louder: Violence, Spectacle, and the American Action
|publisher= [[Wesleyan University Press]]
|year= 2007
|isbn= 0819568015
}}
*{{cite book
| last= The Staff and Friends of Scarecrow
| coauthors=
| title= The Scarecrow Video Movie Guide
|publisher= [[Sasquatch Books]]
|year= 2003
|isbn= 1570614156
}}

==External links==
* [http://www.comicbookmovie.com Comic Book Movie], a news website devoted to movies adapted from comics
* [http://www.superherohype.com Superhero Hype], a news website devoted to any media adapted from superheroes
* [http://agentdvdonline.com/agentdvd/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=441028 Agent DVD], Contains a discussion about superhero movies with comic book creators, and a poll to choose the best film.
* [http://www.superheroeslives.com Superheroes Lives], Live-action movies based on comics characters or just superheroes movies. The most complete database of every superhero film made in the whole world with a lot of screenshots
* [http://www.superheroeslives.com/indexinternationals.htm Superheroes Lives], Live action movies based on international
*[http://comicscreen.free.fr ComicScreen: Les super héros crèvent l'écran] superheroes movies database.
*[http://www.thestopbutton.com/emphases/comic-book-adaptations/ Reviews of Comic book adaptations at the Stop Button]

[[Category:Superhero films|*]]
[[Category:Action films by genre]]

[[it:Film di supereroi]]

Scarecrow (DC Comics)

2008-08-16T15:24:44Z

71.182.145.40: Mentioned below.

{{dablink|This article deals with the Scarecrow of DC Comics. For the [[Marvel Comics]] supervillain, see [[Scarecrow (Marvel Comics)]].}}
{{Superherobox| 
image=[[Image:Batman373.JPG|225px]]
|caption=The Scarecrow, from ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #373, July 1984. Art by [[Ed Hannigan]] and [[Dick Giordano]].
|comic_color=background:#8080ff
|character_name=The Scarecrow
|real_name=Jonathan Crane
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut=''[[World's Finest Comics]]'' #3 (Fall 1941)
|creators=[[Bill Finger]] [[Bob Kane]]
|alliance_color=background:#c0c0ff
|alliances=[[Injustice League]] [[Batman villains|Assorted Batman rogues]] [[Injustice Gang]] [[Secret Society of Super Villains]]
|aliases=
|powers= - Well-educated on the psychology of fear - Develops various tools which induce crippling [[fear]] - May transform under duress into the monstrous "Scarebeast", gaining superhuman strength, endurance, and a more potent hallucinogen. - Master of drunken boxing and crane-style kung-fu. |}}

'''The Scarecrow''' ('''Dr. Jonathan Crane''') is a [[DC Comics]] [[supervillain]], an enemy of [[Batman]]. Created by Batman creators [[Bill Finger]] and [[Bob Kane]], he first appeared in ''[[World's Finest Comics]]'' #3 (Fall 1941). His [[scarecrow]] costume, lanky appearance and surname were inspired by [[Ichabod Crane]] of the [[horror fiction|horror]] fable ''[[The Legend of Sleepy Hollow]]''.

The Scarecrow is an insane former psychiatrist who uses a variety of [[drug]]s and psychological tactics to exploit the fears and [[phobia]]s of his adversaries. He does not commit his crimes for wealth, but rather as a form of "research" to further study the effects of fear on humans, making the innocent citizens of [[Gotham City]] his unwilling [[Human experimentation|guinea pigs]]. While he will occasionally commit robbery or other types of larceny, he does so only to get the funding he needs to carry out his experiments. Like many of the Batman villains, he has become a much darker character over the years.

The Scarecrow made only two appearances in the 1940s.<ref>[http://www.dcindexes.com/database/character-details.php?storycharid=63&appearances Mike's Amazing World of DC Comics]: Scarecrow of Earth-2. Accessed July 31, 2008</ref> Revived during the [[Silver Age of Comic Books]] by writer [[Gardner Fox]] and artist [[Sheldon Moldoff]] in the pages of ''Batman'' #189 (Feb 1967), he has since become a staple Batman [[comic book]] villain.<ref>[http://www.dcindexes.com/database/story-details.php?storyid=8241 Mike's Amazing World of DC Comics]: "Fright of the Scarecrow," ''Batman'' #189 (Feb 1967). Accessed July 31, 2008</ref> He was featured several times in the cartoon ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'', where he was voiced by [[Henry Polic II]]. When the series was revamped and shown together with ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'', the character was voiced by [[Jeffrey Combs]]. In the 2005 film ''[[Batman Begins]]'', as well as the 2008 film ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]'', he was played by [[Cillian Murphy]].

==Biography==
===Golden Age===

Elements of the Scarecrow fear gas appeared in Batman publications prior to his first appearance. For instance, the idea of fear gas first appeared in Detective Comics #46 in December 1940, in a story featuring [[Hugo Strange]], in which Strange uses a special fear dust in order to scare the police and successfully rob a bank. Later Strange gets the idea to take over the [[US government]].

In his first appearance in ''World's Finest'' #3 during the [[Golden Age of Comic Books]], the Scarecrow is first introduced as '''Jonathan Crane''', a professor of [[psychology]], who turns to crime after he is fired; an expert in the psychology of fear, he had fired a gun in a classroom full of students to illustrate a point. The only thing revealed about his early life is that, as a child, he had liked to frighten birds. Ostracized by his fellow professors for his reclusiveness and very tall lanky appearance, he turns to crime to make himself part of the social elite. His [[modus operandi]] is to use his Scarecrow persona and threaten his victims into doing whatever he wants. In terms of his costume, he merely wears a ragged black hat, trenchcoat and mask, and wields a [[Tommy gun]].

His first crime involves a businessman named Frank Kendrick being sued by a former partner, Paul Harold. When Harold refuses to cooperate upon meeting and hearing his demands, the Scarecrow kills him and becomes a media sensation. Bruce Wayne, who happens to be a patron and trustee of the university, investigates the matter as Batman and discovers Crane's disturbing behavior and forced resignation, leading him to suspect the professor. Crane then approaches a store owner named Dodge with the offer to rob other establishments, in order to increase his sales. After Batman and [[Robin (comics)|Robin]] learn of the plan and question Dodge, Scarecrow attempts to kill him, but the Dynamic Duo capture him in the nick of time. He is then sent to Gotham State Penitentiary.

Two years later in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #73, he escapes from jail and forms a gang of criminals to do his bidding. While he struggles to rob a Chinese antique dealer, Batman and Robin foil the plan, and he and his cronies are sent back to prison. This version of the Scarecrow was much like other [[gimmick]] villains in that he based a lot of crimes around nursery rhymes and words that rhymed with "hat". The Golden Age Scarecrow does not appear again until ''[[The Brave and the Bold]]'' #197 when it is revealed that he developed a [[hallucinogenic]] chemical toxin that could be used to invoke deep phobias within those who breathe it in. When Batman tries to intervene, he is affected by the toxin and hallucinates that all of his allies have disappeared. Feeling he has no one else to turn to, he confides in an old enemy, [[Catwoman]], to help him stop Crane, and she is successful in helping stop the Scarecrow and getting Batman over his delusions. Exactly what happens to Crane is not revealed because of the revelation that the Golden Age [[fictional universe|universe]] is actually [[Earth-Two]], part of the [[Multiverse]].

===Silver Age===

From ''[[Batman (comic)|Batman]]'' #189 onwards, the Scarecrow is a recurring villain in the later [[Silver Age of Comic Books|Silver Age]] Batman stories. He is a frequent member of the [[Injustice Gang]]. Ironically, in this [[Earth-One]] incarnation, he has a pet [[magpie]] named Craw, while the post-Crisis Crane has a [[phobia]] of birds.

===Post-Crisis, Modern-Age Version===
Following the 1986 multi-title event ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]'' [[reboot (fiction)|reboot]], Crane's [[origin story]] was greatly expanded in the 1989 graphic novel ''Batman/Scarecrow'' #1, part of the ''[[Batman: Year One]]'' [[continuity (fiction)|continuity]]. In the novel, he becomes obsessed with fear and revenge from being [[bullying|bullied]] throughout his childhood and adolescence for his lanky frame and bookish nature, especially his resemblance to [[Ichabod Crane]] from [[Washington Irving]]'s ''[[The Legend of Sleepy Hollow]]''. He commits his first [[murder]] at the age of 18 by brandishing a gun in his high school parking lot during the senior prom. Dressed in the ghoulish [[scarecrow]] costume that would later become his [[trademark]], Crane causes the head bully, Bo Griggs, and his girlfriend, Sherry Squires (who had rejected Crane), to have an automobile accident which [[paralysis|paralyzes]] Griggs and kills Squires. From this, Crane discovers a savage delight in literally frightening people to death.

He grows up to become a professor of psychology at Gotham University, specializing in the psychology of fear. As in the original version, he loses his job after he fires a gun at his students to prove a point; in this version, he injures a student. After his dismissal, he kills the regents who fired him and becomes a career criminal. Following this, he transfers to [[Arkham Asylum]] and becomes a psychiatrist, where he performs cruel, fear-induced experiments on his patients. He takes the [[moniker]] "the Scarecrow", the favorite taunt of the hated bullies, as part of his revenge. The 2005 miniseries, ''Batman/Scarecrow: Year One'', expands upon the earlier origin story. The novels explains that Jonathan Crane is born out of wedlock and also suffers terrible [[child abuse|abuse]] from his fanatically religious great-grandmother. His father takes off before he is even born, and his mother does not show any love or affection towards her son. He develops a taste for fear and an affinity for crows when his grandmother locks him in a dilapidated church full of birds. The story also shows Crane murdering his grandmother, and learning that his mother gave birth to a baby girl.

During a ''[[Batman Confidential]]'' [[story arc]], he is shown out of costume at Arkham Asylum still working as a psychiatrist, while planning the renovation of Arkham, and he briefly comes face to face with the criminal who will one day become [[Joker (comics)|The Joker]].

In the ''[[Knightfall]]'' storyline, Scarecrow is one of the prisoners that escaped from Arkham after [[Bane (comics)|Bane]] blows it up. He first attacks one of The Joker's henchmen, who tells Scarecrow that his boss is after [[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner Gordon]]. Scarecrow goes to the Joker and decides to become partners in terrorizing the mayor. Soon they go to the sewers with the mayor, where Batman arrives. Scarecrow gasses him with fear toxin, but Batman responds with anger rather than fear. Panicked, Scarecrow floods the sewers with water. Batman escapes with the mayor but Joker and Scarecrow escape as well. Later, at Scarecrow and Joker's hideout, the Joker savagely beats Scarecrow with a chair after he tries to poison him. He is then sent to Arkham.

In the ''[[Shadow of the Bat]]'' storyline, Scarecrow escapes and brings together a small group of boys to terrorize the city while he enjoys the chaos. Soon, Batman's successor, [[Jean-Paul Valley]], and [[Anarky]] arrive and together they defeat the Scarecrow and save the boys.

In stories written by [[Jeph Loeb]], such as ''[[Batman: The Long Halloween]]'' and ''[[Batman: Hush]]'', Crane is shown to have an inclination to sing [[nursery rhyme]]s at times. In the [[Elseworlds]] story ''[[Batman: Crimson Mist]]'', Crane is shown to be singing a modified version of "Ding, Dong, The Witch Is Dead", from ''[[The Wizard of Oz (1939 film)|The Wizard of Oz]]''.

Crane undergoes a major change in the 2004 Batman story arc ''As The Crow Flies''. While working with [[Penguin (comics)|The Penguin]], he is [[mutation|mutated]] into a monster. He turns into this "Scarebeast" during times of great strain or when it is necessary to defend himself. More recently, the outworlders Desaad and Darkseid turned him into an even worse creature, Schrocken, powerful enough to engage Superman unaided. It took the joint efforts of Batman and Superman to return him to Earth and to human form.

Scarecrow rejoins the new [[Secret Society of Super Villains]], and is part of the assault on the [[Secret Six (comics)|Secret Six]] (''[[Villains United]]'' #6). He is caught in an explosion caused by [[Parademon]]. He is later seen in ''Villains United'' Special #1, alive and well. He is also seen in ''Detective Comics'' #820 as part of ''One Year Later'', where he is defeated by Batman and Robin. In this appearance he is depicted in a costume that appeared to be an amalgamation of his original costume and the costume seen in ''Batman Begins'' and ''The Dark Knight''.

Recently, the Scarecrow has decided to stop using his typical fear gas, as he feared that other Arkham inmates are right that he is nothing without them. Instead relying on his training as a psychologist, he drives two inmates to [[suicide]] using only his words, also apparently terrifying the rest of Arkham's inmates. After manipulating the guards to freeing him, Crane embarks upon a string of murders, terrifying Gotham without using his trademark gimmicks.

On ''Green Lantern'' vol. 4 #27, after Green Lantern [[Laira (comics)|Laira]] murdered [[Amon Sur]], the son of the deceased Green Lantern [[Abin Sur]] and a member of the [[Sinestro Corps]], his yellow power ring attempted to reach Crane as his successor in Arkham Asylum, but thwarted by two Green Lanterns [[Hal Jordan]] and [[John Stewart (comics)|John Stewart]].

On the cover of ''[[Justice League of America]]'' #13 (Vol.2), it shows Scarecrow as a member of the new [[Injustice League]].

In ''[[Gotham Underground]]'', Scarecrow has met with [[Hugo Strange]], [[Penguin (comics)|Penguin]], and [[Two-Face]] who had gathered together to assist him in escaping Gotham in light of the disappearance of other villains due to the Suicide Squad and Amanda Waller kidnapping and deporting villains offworld in Countdown to Final Crisis. During their meeting, however, the Suicide Squad breaks into the building and arrests them. Despite this, he wasn't seen in ''[[Salvation Run]]''.

The cover of ''DC Universe Special - Justice League of America'' shows Scarecrow as a member of [[Libra (DC Comics)|Libra's]] Secret Society of Super Villains.

===Company crossovers===
[[Image:scarecrow judgement.jpg|thumb|right|Scarecrow tags another victim in a scene from ''[[Judgement on Gotham]]''. Art by [[Simon Bisley]].]]
In the [[2000 AD (comic)|''2000 AD'']] Batman/[[Judge Dredd]] crossover comic ''[[Judgement on Gotham]]'', by writers [[Alan Grant (writer)|Alan Grant]] and [[John Wagner]], Scarecrow is shown breaking into a morgue along with his [[Igor (fictional character)|Igor]]-like henchman Benny, collecting various juices from [[Dead body|corpse]]s to include in his fear gas. He delights in scaring "a ghost" by creeping up on it and saying "boo". The ghost turns out to be the spirit of [[Judge Death]], whom he promptly allies himself with on the basis that the Judge can show him "a veritable feassst of fffear". After inhabiting a corpse, Judge Death dispatches Benny, but is treated to a whiff of fear gas, revealing his fear of losing his power to frighten. The Scarecrow ushers the Judge to a rock festival, where all carnage ensues (he records it on camera for "his private collection"). Scarecrow is apprehended when Judge Dredd's partner Anderson shoots his can of fear gas, dousing him with it and sending him into a terrified delusion that he is being attacked by birds. Judge Death is taken down by the combined efforts of Batman and Dredd.

The second Batman/[[Daredevil (Marvel Comics)|Daredevil]] crossover book features Scarecrow in [[New York]], apparently attempting to kill Wilson Fisk (aka the [[Kingpin (comics)|Kingpin]]) and take over his crime operation. In reality, this is merely a setup to draw attention from his true scheme: unleashing a massive dose of fear toxin into an incoming storm from atop the [[Statue of Liberty]]. This would spread the gas throughout [[New York City]], causing all its citizens to suffer like "[[Sodom and Gomorrah]]." In the end, he blasts Daredevil with a dose of fear toxin, but Daredevil lives up to his "Man Without Fear" trademark by quickly brushing off the effects of the gas and defeating Scarecrow.

===Other appearances===
The Scarecrow also makes a [[cameo appearance]] in ''[[The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes]]''. Specifically, he appears in ''Sandman'' #5: "Passengers" as a friend of [[Doctor Destiny]] at Arkham Asylum. He quotes [[Marlowe]] and attempts to dissuade Destiny from escaping, saying Arkham is a better home for their kind than the outside world. (See [[Characters of The Sandman#Minor mortals|Characters of ''The Sandman'' - Minor Mortals]])

Later, ''Sandman'' characters [[Cain and Abel (comics)|Cain And Abel]] make a guest appearance in one of Jonathan Crane's dreams in ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'', in which they briefly pretend to be prison administrators allocating him to a teaching job following his [[parole]]. However, though they resemble Cain And Abel physically, their personalities and habits are radically different - Cain makes no witticisms, while Abel repeats Cain's sentences rather than stutter - and both have small horns entangled in their hair.

In ''[[JSA: The Liberty Files]]'', an alternate version of the Scarecrow appears as a [[Nazi]] agent of [[Adolf Hitler]]. This version of the Scarecrow kills [[Doctor Mid-Nite|The Owl]] and is eventually killed by [[Mister Terrific (comics)|Mister Terrific]], the Batman and [[Hourman|The Clock]].

Crane also teams up with his [[Marvel Comics]] [[Scarecrow (Marvel Comics)|counterpart]] in ''[[DC vs. Marvel|Marvel vs. DC]]'', where the two teamed up to kidnap [[Lois Lane]], but were defeated by [[Ben Reilly]], who knocked both of them out with a single kick.

==Powers and abilities==
===Fear evocation===
Crane is a psychiatrist with a specialty in [[phobia]]s. Using a variety of [[toxin]]s that cause his victims to [[hallucination|hallucinate]] that their [[phobia]]s have come to life, the Scarecrow can instill fear in all who see him. However, recently he has displayed the ability to literally frighten people to death without relying in the chemical, suggesting a great ability to dominate the human [[psyche]] using fear as a weapon. In ''Batman Begins'', the fear toxin he uses is extracted from a mountaintop blue flower from [[Tibet]], and only works in vapour form. Crane uses his Scarecrow mask to enhance the effect of the hallucinogen as well as to avoid being poisoned by his own toxin.

===Unarmed combat===
When forced to fight, he has used a style called "violent dancing", which is based in partly off the [[Fujian White Crane|crane]] style of [[kung fu]] and [[drunken boxing]], which makes full use of his long arms and legs. Most storylines, however, have suggested he has no real means of hand-to-hand combat, presenting him as physically unintimidating.

===Scarebeast===
[[Image:Scarebeast.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Scarecrow is mutated into the terrifying Scarebeast. Art by Dustin Nguyen and Richard Friend.]]
During the "As the Crow Flies" [[story arc]] (commencing with ''Batman'' #627, [[July 2004]]), the Scarecrow is transformed into a murderous creature known as the Scarebeast by [[Penguin (comics)|the Penguin]] and his assistant Linda Friitawa (Fright) to kill off his disloyal colleagues. Through the intensely [[Psychological trauma|trauma]]tic [[mutation]], the Scarebeast possesses super strength, endurance, clawed hands and can release an even stronger hallucinogenic gas. After being defeated by Batman by injecting it with massive amounts of [[tranquilizer]]s, the Scarebeast reverts back into Jonathan Crane, who ends up in a critical [[coma]], from which he later awakens.

The Scarecrow has also transformed into the Scarebeast in the "War Games" story arc. However, the Scarebeast has yet to be seen again after this storyline, and his recent appearances in ''[[Villains United]] Special'' and ''Batman'' seem to indicate the Scarebeast may be gone.

==In other media==
===Animation===
====''The Batman/Superman Hour''====
The Scarecrow's first appearance outside the comics was the 1968 [[Filmation]] series ''[[The Batman/Superman Hour]]'', in an episode titled "The Great Scarecrow Scare". This series' portrayal of the character was tamer than others; he didn't use fear-based attacks, and merely wanted to rob the farmers' market. His voice was provided by [[Ted Knight]].

====''Super Friends''====
In the 1978 [[animated series]] ''[[Challenge of the SuperFriends]]'', the Scarecrow appears as a member of [[Lex Luthor]]'s [[Legion of Doom (comics)|Legion of Doom]]. In this series, he is voiced by [[Don Messick]]. This version speaks in a hissing voice.

The character's identity and motivation are expanded upon in an episode of ''[[The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians]]'' titled "The Fear". [[Andre Stojka]] voiced the Scarecrow in that episode.

====''Batman: The Animated Series''====
{{Unreferencedsection|date=July 2007}}

The '''Scarecrow''' is a recurring villain in ''[[Batman: the Animated Series]]''. He has appeared in three major roles, as well as having four cameo appearances. He is well-known for having variable character designs, changing drastically from time to time. He is voiced by [[Henry Polic II]].

[[Image:Scarecrow's Batman-TAS 2.jpg|thumb|200px|Scarecrow as he appeared for most of ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]''.]]
In his first appearance in the [[DC Animated Universe]], the third episode of ''Batman: the Animated Series'' entitled "[[Nothing to Fear (Batman: The Animated Series)|Nothing to Fear]]", the Scarecrow's past is revealed in a flashback. As in the comics that spawned the series, the Scarecrow's real name is Jonathan Crane, and his fascination with fear emerged as a young child. While growing up, Crane experimented with the effects of fear, eventually becoming a professor at Gotham State University where he worked on developing fear toxins, conducting experiments on human guinea pigs until the experiments became too dangerous. Shortly after creating a fear toxin that caused victims to see their greatest fear, Crane was fired by the head of the university. Crane then became the Scarecrow, and attempted to exact revenge upon the university.

While attempting to burn down the university, the Scarecrow hits Batman with a dart filled with fear toxin. Batman foils the [[arson]] attempt, but the toxins have a great effect on him; he begins to hallucinate that his [[Thomas Wayne|dead father]] is rejecting him as a failure. This is Batman's weak point in this battle, and when the Scarecrow attacks the university a second time, Batman has to struggle to ignore the images. He overcomes his fear, forcing himself to realize that the visions are not real and convincing himself that his father would be proud of him. Batman then defeats the Scarecrow's henchmen and arrests the villain. During this encounter, Scarecrow is exposed to his own fear gas and is revealed to suffer from a phobia of [[bat]]s called [[fear of bats|chiroptophobia]].

The Scarecrow makes his next appearance (in a more altered version of his costume) in the episode "[[Fear of Victory]]", in which he fixes sporting events by giving telegrams dusted with his powdered fear toxins to the players. Crane, having bet on the other team, wins large quantities of money, with which he buys the chemicals he uses in his research. In a confrontation at the end of the episode, [[Robin (comics)|Robin]], who was previously affected by the powder, overcomes his fears and prevents the Scarecrow from dropping a vial of fear toxins on the crowd below.

In his third and final appearance (his costume now more grotesque than the first two versions), in the episode "[[Dreams In Darkness]]", the Scarecrow plans to poison Gotham's water supply with his fear toxins to discover what would happen when a whole city went mad with fear. When Batman fights one of his henchmen, he once again gets a dose of fear gas, and experiences hallucinations of his parents' murder, his worst enemies triumphing over him, and his greatest friends turning against him. Batman fights his fear once again, and infects Scarecrow with his own gas then sends him back to Arkham, out of his mind with fear.

The Scarecrow makes no other major appearances in the original animated series, but does appear in a few [[cameo role|cameo]]s. He appeared playing [[chess]] with the [[Mad Hatter (comics)|Mad Hatter]] in "[[Joker's Wild (Batman: The Animated Series)|Joker's Wild]]", and was seen being arrested again in "[[Harley's Holiday]]". In the episode "[[Trial (The Adventures of Batman & Robin)|Trial]]", he is seen only escorting the prisoners and attempting to kill Batman with a scythe. In the episode "[[Lock-Up (Batman: The Animated Series episode)|Lock-Up]]", the Scarecrow is said to be the only prisoner to escape from [[Lyle Bolton]], a security guard who [[torture]]s the asylum's prisoners, but not to commit any crimes - only because he is terrified of him. Ultimately, after Bolton becomes a criminal and is imprisoned in Arkham, the Scarecrow is last seen, uncostumed, triumphantly promising to teach ''him'' new lessons in fear.

====''The New Batman Adventures''====
[[Image:ScarecrowTNBA Screenshot (OTE).jpg|thumb|180px|The appearance of the Scarecrow from ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'' episode "Over the Edge".]]
The Scarecrow also appears in the ''[[New Batman Adventures]]'', in the episode "[[Never Fear (New Batman Adventures)|Never Fear]]". Here, he has a different scheme; he infects his victims with a gas that removes fear, causing them to become reckless risk-takers. The Scarecrow infects Batman with this anti-fear gas, causing him to go berserk and try to kill his enemies. The Scarecrow holds the city ransom, demanding large sums of money in exchange for the antidote to the gas' effects. Batman tries to kill the Scarecrow, but Robin stops him at the last minute, and the Scarecrow is arrested.

In the episode "[[Over the Edge (The New Batman Adventures)|Over the Edge]]", the Scarecrow "kills" [[Batgirl]] by knocking her over the side of a building. The police blame Batman, discover his [[secret identity]], and attempt to arrest him. [[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner Gordon]], who discovers after Batgirl's death that she is his daughter [[Barbara Gordon|Barbara]], hires [[Bane]] to help him capture Batman, which results in Batman's death. However, at the end of the episode, this is revealed to be Batgirl's dream, caused by the Scarecrow's fear gas.

[[Bruce Timm]], the show's creator, writer, and part-time director, felt that the Scarecrow was supposed to be scary, and that so far he didn't look right and that none of the designs were working, as he said in one of the conversations on the DVD. When the ''New Batman Adventures'' came out, the designers completely redesigned the Scarecrow, giving him a twisted death mask with completely blank eyes and a noose around his neck, dressed all in black and looking more like a corpse than a Scarecrow. In this version, he is voiced by [[Jeffrey Combs]]. This version is never shown out of his costume. Timm actually commented that there may in fact not even be a person inside the costume of this version of the Scarecrow; The producers felt that creating an identity outside of the costume would detract from the fear element of the design.

====Other====
The Scarecrow never appears in ''[[Batman Beyond]]'', nor is he mentioned. However, in the animated movie, ''[[Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker]]'', there is a member of the [[Jokerz]] gang, Ghoul, whose design resembles the Scarecrow's, and his costume is possibly influenced by Batman's old enemy. The ''Batman Beyond'' villain [[Spellbinder (DC Comics)|Spellbinder]], like the Scarecrow, is also able to show people horrific illusions. However, in a series of comics that take place in the same [[continuity]] as ''Batman Beyond'', Scarecrow appears in a flashback when Commissioner Barbara Gordon starts to become haunted by the events of "[[Over the Edge]]".<ref>[http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/beyond/guides/comic/13.php The World's Finest - Batman Beyond]</ref>

As part of the original 13 members of the [[Legion of Doom (comics)|Legion of Doom]], the Scarecrow was originally slated to appear again in the [[DC Animated Universe]] in the third season of ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'', but apparently due to a "Bat-Embargo" enforced by [[Warner Bros.]], this did not occur.

The Scarecrow was set to appear in ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'', but was not included because he appeared in ''Batman Begins''. According to writer Joseph Kuhr, he had originally conceived the fourth season episode, "Strange New World", to introduce Scarecrow into the show, only to find the character was still off-limits to them.

===Film===
The Scarecrow was originally going to appear in two canceled Batman projects that would have taken place after ''[[Batman & Robin (film)|Batman & Robin]]''. In both projects, ''[[Batman Triumphant]]'' and ''[[Batman: DarKnight]]'' he was the main villain. However, due to ''Batman & Robin'''s poor [[box office]] performance, neither film came to fruition. [[Howard Stern]], [[Ewan McGregor]], [[Steve Buscemi]], [[Nicolas Cage]], [[Jeff Goldblum]] and [[Christopher Lloyd]] were considered for the role in ''Triumphant''{{Fact|date=August 2008}}.

====''Batman Begins''====
{{main|Batman Begins}}

[[Image:Scarecrow-bb.jpg|thumb|215px|left|[[Cillian Murphy]] portraying the Scarecrow in ''[[Batman Begins]]'']]
The Scarecrow appears in the 2005 movie ''[[Batman Begins]]'', where he is portrayed by [[Cillian Murphy]]. Similar to his comic counterpart, this version of the Scarecrow is Dr. Jonathan Crane, a corrupt, [[sadism|sadistic]] [[Psychiatry|psychiatrist]]. The film incarnation specializes in [[psychopharmacology]] at Arkham, and is secretly allied with [[Ra's al Ghul]] ([[Liam Neeson]]) and [[Carmine Falcone]] ([[Tom Wilkinson]]), smuggling the former's [[Psychoactive drug|hallucinogenic drugs]] into Gotham, and using this to create the fear gas he uses in his experiments. During his Arkham investigations, Batman overpowers Crane's henchmen and literally gives him a dose of his own medicine, destroying his remaining sanity. Crane is subsequently incarcerated in Arkham as an inmate, later escaping as part of the mass release prompted by Ra's al Ghul as part of his plot to destroy Gotham. Crane -- now calling himself "Scarecrow" -- pursues [[Rachel Dawes]] ([[Katie Holmes]]) and a young boy through an alleyway while on horseback. Rachel eludes Scarecrow by shocking him in the face with a [[taser]], but Crane is revealed to remain at large by [[James Gordon (comics)|Gordon]] in the film's final scene.

As the Scarecrow, Crane wears a mask seemingly created from a poorly-stitched [[burlap]] sack with a [[hangman's noose]] dangling around the neck. The mask has a built-in rebreather, doubling as a gas mask to protect Crane from the effects of his own toxin, while visually acting as a focus for his subject's hallucinations. Murphy explained that the relatively simple mask was done because "[He] wanted to avoid the [[Worzel Gummidge]] look. Because he's not a very physically imposing man, he's more interested in the manipulation of the mind and what that can do."<ref>{{cite news | author = Adam Smith | title = The Scarecrow | publisher = [[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] | date = July 2005 | pages = 77}}</ref>

====''Batman: Gotham Knight''====
{{main|Batman: Gotham Knight}}

Scarecrow appears as one of the villains in the "[[In Darkness Dwells (Batman: Gotham Knight)|In Darkness Dwells]]" segment of the [[direct-to-DVD]] animated production ''[[Batman: Gotham Knight]]'' (2008), whose six short features were designed to bridge the gap between ''Batman Begins'' and ''The Dark Knight''.<ref>[http://independentcomicssite.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=388&Itemid=1 ''The Independent Comics Site'': "Batman Anime," by Dominik B, February 14, 2008]. Accessed August 3, 2008</ref> The Scarecrow was voiced by [[Corey Burton]].

After the events of ''Batman Begins'', the Scarecrow and a gang of Arkham escapees including [[Killer Croc]] flee into the sewers of Gotham City. From his underground refuge, the Scarecrow was performing experiments with his fear toxin on members of Gotham's homeless community. Angered by Cardinal O'Fallon's work caring for the [[homeless]], Scarecrow orchestrates his kidnapping, hoping that his absence will facilitate more people to seek refuge underground and thus be available for experimentation. Batman, however, infiltrates the Scarecrow's lair and free the cardinal and flood the room, although the Scarecrow himself manages to escape.

The Scarecrow's appearance in this short is radically different from his portrayal in ''Batman Begins'' and ''The Dark Knight''. He retains the sack-like mask, but it's torn, leaving his mouth and lower face visible. He also wears a costume similar to that of his animated series counterpart, with a wide-brimmed hat and tattered clothes. What appear to be wooden struts are inserted into the shoulders of his costume, mimicking both the supports of an actual [[scarecrow]] and a pair of wings. He, along with his minions, carries a large [[scythe]], with which he intended to kill Cardinal O'Fallon.

====''The Dark Knight''====
{{main|The Dark Knight (film)}}

Murphy reprises his on-screen role in the ''Batman Begins'' sequel ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]'' (2008), appearing in a scene as Crane/Scarecrow. After the film's opening scenes, the Scarecrow is seen dealing his fear toxin to the Russian mobster 'The Chechen' ([[Ritchie Coster]]). Dr. Crane (Murphy) dismisses an apparent ambush by the Batman, who is swiftly revealed to be one of several copy-cat vigilantes merely ''dressed'' as Batman. The real Batman arrives and is recognized as real by the Scarecrow who immediately attempts to leave. Batman captures some of the Chechen's henchmen and the false Batmen, as well as stopping and capturing the fleeing Scarecrow by landing on the roof of the van he tried to escape in. All are left bound by Batman for the police to incarcerate.

===Video games===
[[Image:Lego freeze and scarecrow.jpg‎|thumb|215px|right|[[Mr. Freeze]] and The Scarecrow in ''[[Lego Batman: The Video Game]]'']] The Scarecrow appears in four [[video game]]s: [[Game Boy]]'s ''Batman: The Animated Series'', [[Super Nintendo]] and [[Sega Mega Drive|Genesis]]'s ''[[Adventures of Batman & Robin]]'', ''Batman Begins'' (a tie-in to the 2005 movie) and ''[[Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu]]''. His role in the movie tie-in game is almost the same as the movie and is one of the game's [[boss (video games)|boss]] fights. In the game, extra information is given about the Scarecrow's various quirks; he uses his patients as a form of personal army who frequently attack Batman in various levels. In ''Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu'', he is dressed in the same costume used in the new batman adventures and is the first major boss to fight in the game, spraying the player with fear gas. Also in the upcoming [[Traveller's Tales]] game ''[[Lego Batman: The Video Game]]'', Scarecrow will be featured as a playable character. To attack, he removes his hat and smashes it against his opponent or obstacle.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{wikiquote|Batman (comics)#The Scarecrow|The Scarecrow}}
* [http://www.dccomics.com/heroes_and_villains/?hv=origin_stories/scarecrow Scarecrow's origin @ dccomics.com]

{{Batman}}

[[Category:American comics characters]]
[[Category:DC Comics supervillains]]
[[Category:Fictional murderers]]
[[Category:Fictional professors]]
[[Category:Fictional psychologists]]
[[Category:Fictional scientists]]
[[Category:Golden Age supervillains]]
[[Category:Fictional arsonists]]

[[es:El Espantapájaros]]
[[fr:Épouvantail (Batman)]]
[[it:Spaventapasseri (fumetto)]]
[[nl:Scarecrow (Batman)]]
[[ja:スケアクロウ (バットマン)]]
[[pt:Espantalho (DC Comics)]]
[[fi:Linnunpelätin (DC Comics)]]
[[sv:Fågelskrämman]]
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Scarecrow (DC Comics)

2008-08-11T18:06:12Z

71.182.145.40: /* Film */

{{dablink|This article deals with the Scarecrow of DC Comics. For the [[Marvel Comics]] supervillain, see [[Scarecrow (Marvel Comics)]].}}
{{Superherobox| 
image=[[Image:Batman373.JPG|225px]]
|caption=The Scarecrow, from ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #373, July 1984. Art by [[Ed Hannigan]] and [[Dick Giordano]].
|comic_color=background:#8080ff
|character_name=The Scarecrow
|real_name=Jonathan Crane
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut=''[[World's Finest Comics]]'' #3 (Fall 1941)
|creators=[[Bill Finger]] [[Bob Kane]]
|alliance_color=background:#c0c0ff
|alliances=[[Injustice League]] [[Batman villains|Assorted Batman rogues]] [[Injustice Gang]] [[Secret Society of Super Villains]]
|aliases=
|powers= - Well-educated on the psychology of fear - Develops various tools which induce crippling [[fear]] - May transform under duress into the monstrous "Scarebeast", gaining superhuman strength, endurance, and a more potent hallucinogen. - Master of drunken boxing and crane-style kung-fu. |}}

'''The Scarecrow''' ('''Dr. Jonathan Crane''') is a [[DC Comics]] [[supervillain]], an enemy of [[Batman]]. Created by Batman creators [[Bill Finger]] and [[Bob Kane]], he first appeared in ''[[World's Finest Comics]]'' #3 (Fall 1941). His [[scarecrow]] costume, lanky appearance and surname were inspired by [[Ichabod Crane]] of the [[horror fiction|horror]] fable ''[[The Legend of Sleepy Hollow]]''.

The Scarecrow is an insane former psychiatrist who uses a variety of [[drug]]s and psychological tactics to exploit the fears and [[phobia]]s of his adversaries. He does not commit his crimes for wealth, but rather as a form of "research" to further study the effects of fear on humans, making the innocent citizens of [[Gotham City]] his unwilling [[Human experimentation|guinea pigs]]. While he will occasionally commit robbery or other types of larceny, he does so only to get the funding he needs to carry out his experiments. Like many of the Batman villains, he has become a much darker character over the years.

The Scarecrow made only two appearances in the 1940s.<ref>[http://www.dcindexes.com/database/character-details.php?storycharid=63&appearances Mike's Amazing World of DC Comics]: Scarecrow of Earth-2. Accessed July 31, 2008</ref> Revived during the [[Silver Age of Comic Books]] by writer [[Gardner Fox]] and artist [[Sheldon Moldoff]] in the pages of ''Batman'' #189 (Feb 1967), he has since become a staple Batman [[comic book]] villain.<ref>[http://www.dcindexes.com/database/story-details.php?storyid=8241 Mike's Amazing World of DC Comics]: "Fright of the Scarecrow," ''Batman'' #189 (Feb 1967). Accessed July 31, 2008</ref> He was featured several times in the cartoon ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'', where he was voiced by [[Henry Polic II]]. When the series was revamped and shown together with ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'', the character was voiced by [[Jeffrey Combs]]. In the 2005 film ''[[Batman Begins]]'', as well as the 2008 film ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]'', he was played by [[Cillian Murphy]].

==Biography==
===Golden Age===

Elements of the Scarecrow fear gas appeared in Batman publications prior to his first appearance. For instance, the idea of fear gas first appeared in Detective Comics #46 in December 1940, in a story featuring [[Hugo Strange]], in which Strange uses a special fear dust in order to scare the police and successfully rob a bank. Later Strange gets the idea to take over the [[US government]].

In his first appearance in ''World's Finest'' #3 during the [[Golden Age of Comic Books]], the Scarecrow is first introduced as '''Jonathan Crane''', a professor of [[psychology]], who turns to crime after he is fired; an expert in the psychology of fear, he had fired a gun in a classroom full of students to illustrate a point. The only thing revealed about his early life is that, as a child, he had liked to frighten birds. Ostracized by his fellow professors for his reclusiveness and very tall lanky appearance, he turns to crime to make himself part of the social elite. His [[modus operandi]] is to use his Scarecrow persona and threaten his victims into doing whatever he wants. In terms of his costume, he merely wears a ragged black hat, trenchcoat and mask, and wields a [[Tommy gun]].

His first crime involves a businessman named Frank Kendrick being sued by a former partner, Paul Harold. When Harold refuses to cooperate upon meeting and hearing his demands, the Scarecrow kills him and becomes a media sensation. Bruce Wayne, who happens to be a patron and trustee of the university, investigates the matter as Batman and discovers Crane's disturbing behavior and forced resignation, leading him to suspect the professor. Crane then approaches a store owner named Dodge with the offer to rob other establishments, in order to increase his sales. After Batman and [[Robin (comics)|Robin]] learn of the plan and question Dodge, Scarecrow attempts to kill him, but the Dynamic Duo capture him in the nick of time. He is then sent to Gotham State Penitentiary.

Two years later in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #73, he escapes from jail and forms a gang of criminals to do his bidding. While he struggles to rob a Chinese antique dealer, Batman and Robin foil the plan, and he and his cronies are sent back to prison. This version of the Scarecrow was much like other [[gimmick]] villains in that he based a lot of crimes around nursery rhymes and words that rhymed with "hat". He does not appear from 1943 to 1955, but it is revealed that he developed a [[hallucinogenic]] chemical toxin that could be used to invoke deep phobias within those who breathe it in. When Batman tries to intervene, he is affected by the toxin and hallucinates that all of his allies have disappeared. Feeling he has no one else to turn to, he confides in an old enemy, [[Catwoman]], to help him stop Crane, and she is successful in helping stop the Scarecrow and getting Batman over his delusions. Exactly what happens to Crane is not revealed because of the revelation that the Golden Age [[fictional universe|universe]] is actually [[Earth-Two]], part of the [[Multiverse]].

===Silver Age===

Throughout the 1960s [[Silver Age of Comic Books]], the Scarecrow was revived to be one of Batman's most recurring rivals. He is a frequent member of the [[Injustice Gang]]. Ironically, in this [[Earth-One]] incarnation, he has a pet magpie named Craw, even though Crane has a strange fear of birds.

===Post-Crisis, Modern-Age Version===
Following the 1986 multi-title event ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]'' [[reboot (fiction)|reboot]], Crane's [[origin story]] was greatly expanded in the 1989 graphic novel ''Batman/Scarecrow'' #1, part of the ''[[Batman: Year One]]'' [[continuity (fiction)|continuity]]. In the novel, he becomes obsessed with fear and revenge from being [[bullying|bullied]] throughout his childhood and adolescence for his lanky frame and bookish nature, especially his resemblance to [[Ichabod Crane]] from [[Washington Irving]]'s ''[[The Legend of Sleepy Hollow]]''. He commits his first [[murder]] at the age of 18 by brandishing a gun in his high school parking lot during the senior prom. Dressed in the ghoulish [[scarecrow]] costume that would later become his [[trademark]], Crane causes the head bully, Bo Griggs, and his girlfriend, Sherry Squires (who had rejected Crane), to have an automobile accident which [[paralysis|paralyzes]] Griggs and kills Squires. From this, Crane discovers a savage delight in literally frightening people to death.

He grows up to become a professor of psychology at Gotham University, specializing in the psychology of fear. As in the original version, he loses his job after he fires a gun at his students to prove a point; in this version, he injures a student. After his dismissal, he kills the regents who fired him and becomes a career criminal. Following this, he transfers to [[Arkham Asylum]] and becomes a psychiatrist, where he performs cruel, fear-induced experiments on his patients. He takes the [[moniker]] "the Scarecrow", the favorite taunt of the hated bullies, as part of his revenge. The 2005 miniseries, ''Batman/Scarecrow: Year One'', expands upon the earlier origin story. The novels explains that Jonathan Crane is born out of wedlock and also suffers terrible [[child abuse|abuse]] from his fanatically religious great-grandmother. His father takes off before he is even born, and his mother does not show any love or affection towards her son. He develops a taste for fear and an affinity for crows when his grandmother locks him in a dilapidated church full of birds. The story also shows Crane murdering his grandmother, and learning that his mother gave birth to a baby girl.

During a ''[[Batman Confidential]]'' [[story arc]], he is shown out of costume at Arkham Asylum still working as a psychiatrist, while planning the renovation of Arkham, and he briefly comes face to face with the criminal who will one day become [[Joker (comics)|The Joker]].

In the ''[[Knightfall]]'' storyline, Scarecrow is one of the prisoners that escaped from Arkham after [[Bane (comics)|Bane]] blows it up. He first attacks one of The Joker's henchmen, who tells Scarecrow that his boss is after [[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner Gordon]]. Scarecrow goes to the Joker and decides to become partners in terrorizing the mayor. Soon they go to the sewers with the mayor, where Batman arrives. Scarecrow gasses him with fear toxin, but Batman responds with anger rather than fear. Panicked, Scarecrow makes the water come into the sewers. Batman escapes with the mayor but Joker and Scarecrow escape as well. Later, at Scarecrow and Joker's hideout, the Joker savagely beats Scarecrow with a chair after he tries to poison him. He is then sent to Arkham.

In the ''[[Shadow of the Bat]]'' storyline, Scarecrow escapes and brings together a small group of boys to terrorize the city while he enjoys the chaos. Soon, Batman's successor, [[Jean-Paul Valley]], and [[Anarky]] arrive and together they defeat the Scarecrow and save the boys.

In stories written by [[Jeph Loeb]], such as ''[[Batman: The Long Halloween]]'' and ''[[Batman: Hush]]'', Crane is shown to have an inclination to sing [[nursery rhyme]]s at times. In the [[Elseworlds]] story ''[[Batman: Crimson Mist]]'', Crane is shown to be singing a modified version of "Ding, Dong, The Witch Is Dead", from ''[[The Wizard of Oz (1939 film)|The Wizard of Oz]]''.

Crane undergoes a major change in the 2004 Batman story arc ''As The Crow Flies''. While working with [[Penguin (comics)|The Penguin]], he is [[mutation|mutated]] into a monster. He turns into this "Scarebeast" during times of great strain or when it is necessary to defend himself. More recently, the outworlders Desaad and Darkseid turned him into an even worse creature, Schrocken, powerful enough to engage Superman unaided. It took the joint efforts of Batman and Superman to return him to Earth and to human form.

Scarecrow rejoins the new [[Secret Society of Super Villains]], and is part of the assault on the [[Secret Six (comics)|Secret Six]] (''[[Villains United]]'' #6). He is caught in an explosion caused by [[Parademon]]. He is later seen in ''Villains United'' Special #1, alive and well. He is also seen in ''Detective Comics'' #820 as part of ''One Year Later'', where he is defeated by Batman and Robin. In this appearance he is depicted in a costume that appeared to be an amalgamation of his original costume and the costume seen in ''Batman Begins'' and ''The Dark Knight''.

Recently, the Scarecrow has decided to stop using his typical fear gas, as he feared that other Arkham inmates are right that he is nothing without them. Instead relying on his training as a psychologist, he drives two inmates to [[suicide]] using only his words, also apparently terrifying the rest of Arkham's inmates. After manipulating the guards to freeing him, Crane embarks upon a string of murders, terrifying Gotham without using his trademark gimmicks.

On ''Green Lantern'' vol. 4 #27, after Green Lantern [[Laira (comics)|Laira]] murdered [[Amon Sur]], the son of the deceased Green Lantern [[Abin Sur]] and a member of the [[Sinestro Corps]], his yellow power ring attempted to reach Crane as his successor in Arkham Asylum, but thwarted by two Green Lanterns [[Hal Jordan]] and [[John Stewart (comics)|John Stewart]].

On the cover of ''[[Justice League of America]]'' #13 (Vol.2), it shows Scarecrow as a member of the new [[Injustice League]].

In ''[[Gotham Underground]]'', Scarecrow has met with [[Hugo Strange]], [[Penguin (comics)|Penguin]], and [[Two-Face]] who had gathered together to assist him in escaping Gotham in light of the disappearance of other villains due to the Suicide Squad and Amanda Waller kidnapping and deporting villains offworld in Countdown to Final Crisis. During their meeting, however, the Suicide Squad breaks into the building and arrests them. Despite this, he wasn't seen in ''[[Salvation Run]]''.

The cover of ''DC Universe Special - Justice League of America'' shows Scarecrow as a member of [[Libra (DC Comics)|Libra's]] Secret Society of Super Villains.

===Company crossovers===
[[Image:scarecrow judgement.jpg|thumb|right|Scarecrow tags another victim in a scene from ''[[Judgement on Gotham]]''. Art by [[Simon Bisley]].]]
In the [[2000 AD (comic)|''2000 AD'']] Batman/[[Judge Dredd]] crossover comic ''[[Judgement on Gotham]]'', by writers [[Alan Grant (writer)|Alan Grant]] and [[John Wagner]], Scarecrow is shown breaking into a morgue along with his [[Igor (fictional character)|Igor]]-like henchman Benny, collecting various juices from [[Dead body|corpse]]s to include in his fear gas. He delights in scaring "a ghost" by creeping up on it and saying "boo". The ghost turns out to be the spirit of [[Judge Death]], whom he promptly allies himself with on the basis that the Judge can show him "a veritable feassst of fffear". After inhabiting a corpse, Judge Death dispatches Benny, but is treated to a whiff of fear gas, revealing his fear of losing his power to frighten. The Scarecrow ushers the Judge to a rock festival, where all carnage ensues (he records it on camera for "his private collection"). Scarecrow is apprehended when Judge Dredd's partner Anderson shoots his can of fear gas, dousing him with it and sending him into a terrified delusion that he is being attacked by birds. Judge Death is taken down by the combined efforts of Batman and Dredd.

The second Batman/[[Daredevil (Marvel Comics)|Daredevil]] crossover book features Scarecrow in [[New York]], apparently attempting to kill Wilson Fisk (aka the [[Kingpin (comics)|Kingpin]]) and take over his crime operation. In reality, this is merely a setup to draw attention from his true scheme: unleashing a massive dose of fear toxin into an incoming storm from atop the [[Statue of Liberty]]. This would spread the gas throughout [[New York City]], causing all its citizens to suffer like "[[Sodom and Gomorrah]]." In the end, he blasts Daredevil with a dose of fear toxin, but Daredevil lives up to his "Man Without Fear" trademark by quickly brushing off the effects of the gas and defeating Scarecrow.

===Other appearances===
The Scarecrow also makes a [[cameo appearance]] in ''[[The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes]]''. Specifically, he appears in ''Sandman'' #5: "Passengers" as a friend of [[Doctor Destiny]] at Arkham Asylum. He quotes [[Marlowe]] and attempts to dissuade Destiny from escaping, saying Arkham is a better home for their kind than the outside world. (See [[Characters of The Sandman#Minor mortals|Characters of ''The Sandman'' - Minor Mortals]])

Later, ''Sandman'' characters [[Cain and Abel (comics)|Cain And Abel]] make a guest appearance in one of Jonathan Crane's dreams in ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'', in which they briefly pretend to be prison administrators allocating him to a teaching job following his [[parole]]. However, though they resemble Cain And Abel physically, their personalities and habits are radically different - Cain makes no witticisms, while Abel repeats Cain's sentences rather than stutter - and both have small horns entangled in their hair.

In ''[[JSA: The Liberty Files]]'', an alternate version of the Scarecrow appears as a [[Nazi]] agent of [[Adolf Hitler]]. This version of the Scarecrow kills [[Doctor Mid-Nite|The Owl]] and is eventually killed by [[Mister Terrific (comics)|Mister Terrific]], the Batman and [[Hourman|The Clock]].

Crane also teams up with his [[Marvel Comics]] [[Scarecrow (Marvel Comics)|counterpart]] in ''[[DC vs. Marvel|Marvel vs. DC]]'', where the two teamed up to kidnap [[Lois Lane]], but were defeated by [[Ben Reilly]], who knocked both of them out with a single kick.

==Powers and abilities==
===Fear evocation===
Crane is a psychiatrist with a specialty in [[phobia]]s. Using a variety of [[toxin]]s that cause his victims to [[hallucination|hallucinate]] that their [[phobia]]s have come to life, the Scarecrow can instill fear in all who see him. However, recently he has displayed the ability to literally frighten people to death without relying in the chemical, suggesting a great ability to dominate the human [[psyche]] using fear as a weapon. In ''Batman Begins'', the fear toxin he uses is extracted from a mountaintop blue flower from [[Tibet]], and only works in vapour form. Crane uses his Scarecrow mask to enhance the effect of the hallucinogen as well as to avoid being poisoned by his own toxin.

===Unarmed combat===
When forced to fight, he has used a style called "violent dancing", which is based in partly off the [[Fujian White Crane|crane]] style of [[kung fu]] and [[drunken boxing]], which makes full use of his long arms and legs. Most storylines, however, have suggested he has no real means of hand-to-hand combat, presenting him as physically unintimidating.

===Scarebeast===
[[Image:Scarebeast.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Scarecrow is mutated into the terrifying Scarebeast. Art by Dustin Nguyen and Richard Friend.]]
During the "As the Crow Flies" [[story arc]] (commencing with ''Batman'' #627, [[July 2004]]), the Scarecrow is transformed into a murderous creature known as the Scarebeast by [[Penguin (comics)|the Penguin]] and his assistant Linda Friitawa (Fright) to kill off his disloyal colleagues. Through the intensely [[Psychological trauma|trauma]]tic [[mutation]], the Scarebeast possesses super strength, endurance, clawed hands and can release an even stronger hallucinogenic gas. After being defeated by Batman by injecting it with massive amounts of [[tranquilizer]]s, the Scarebeast reverts back into Jonathan Crane, who ends up in a critical [[coma]], from which he later awakens.

The Scarecrow has also transformed into the Scarebeast in the "War Games" story arc. However, the Scarebeast has yet to be seen again after this storyline, and his recent appearances in ''[[Villains United]] Special'' and ''Batman'' seem to indicate the Scarebeast may be gone.

==In other media==
===Animation===
====''The Batman/Superman Hour''====
The Scarecrow's first appearance outside the comics was the 1968 [[Filmation]] series ''[[The Batman/Superman Hour]]'', in an episode titled "The Great Scarecrow Scare". This series' portrayal of the character was tamer than others; he didn't use fear-based attacks, and merely wanted to rob the farmers' market. His voice was provided by [[Ted Knight]].

====''Super Friends''====
In the 1978 [[animated series]] ''[[Challenge of the SuperFriends]]'', the Scarecrow appears as a member of [[Lex Luthor]]'s [[Legion of Doom (comics)|Legion of Doom]]. In this series, he is voiced by [[Don Messick]]. This version speaks in a hissing voice.

The character's identity and motivation are expanded upon in an episode of ''[[The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians]]'' titled "The Fear". [[Andre Stojka]] voiced the Scarecrow in that episode.

====''Batman: The Animated Series''====
{{Unreferencedsection|date=July 2007}}

The '''Scarecrow''' is a recurring villain in ''[[Batman: the Animated Series]]''. He has appeared in three major roles, as well as having four cameo appearances. He is well-known for having variable character designs, changing drastically from time to time. He is voiced by [[Henry Polic II]].

[[Image:Scarecrow's Batman-TAS 2.jpg|thumb|200px|Scarecrow as he appeared for most of ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]''.]]
In his first appearance in the [[DC Animated Universe]], the third episode of ''Batman: the Animated Series'' entitled "[[Nothing to Fear (Batman: The Animated Series)|Nothing to Fear]]", the Scarecrow's past is revealed in a flashback. As in the comics that spawned the series, the Scarecrow's real name is Jonathan Crane, and his fascination with fear emerged as a young child. While growing up, Crane experimented with the effects of fear, eventually becoming a professor at Gotham State University where he worked on developing fear toxins, conducting experiments on human guinea pigs until the experiments became too dangerous. Shortly after creating a fear toxin that caused victims to see their greatest fear, Crane was fired by the head of the university. Crane then became the Scarecrow, and attempted to exact revenge upon the university.

While attempting to burn down the university, the Scarecrow hits Batman with a dart filled with fear toxin. Batman foils the [[arson]] attempt, but the toxins have a great effect on him; he begins to hallucinate that his [[Thomas Wayne|dead father]] is rejecting him as a failure. This is Batman's weak point in this battle, and when the Scarecrow attacks the university a second time, Batman has to struggle to ignore the images. He overcomes his fear, forcing himself to realize that the visions are not real and convincing himself that his father would be proud of him. Batman then defeats the Scarecrow's henchmen and arrests the villain. During this encounter, Scarecrow is exposed to his own fear gas and is revealed to suffer from a phobia of [[bat]]s called [[fear of bats|chiroptophobia]].

The Scarecrow makes his next appearance (in a more altered version of his costume) in the episode "[[Fear of Victory]]", in which he fixes sporting events by giving telegrams dusted with his powdered fear toxins to the players. Crane, having bet on the other team, wins large quantities of money, with which he buys the chemicals he uses in his research. In a confrontation at the end of the episode, [[Robin (comics)|Robin]], who was previously affected by the powder, overcomes his fears and prevents the Scarecrow from dropping a vial of fear toxins on the crowd below.

In his third and final appearance (his costume now more grotesque than the first two versions), in the episode "[[Dreams In Darkness]]", the Scarecrow plans to poison Gotham's water supply with his fear toxins to discover what would happen when a whole city went mad with fear. When Batman fights one of his henchmen, he once again gets a dose of fear gas, and experiences hallucinations of his parents' murder, his worst enemies triumphing over him, and his greatest friends turning against him. Batman fights his fear once again, and infects Scarecrow with his own gas then sends him back to Arkham, out of his mind with fear.

The Scarecrow makes no other major appearances in the original animated series, but does appear in a few [[cameo role|cameo]]s. He appeared playing [[chess]] with the [[Mad Hatter (comics)|Mad Hatter]] in "[[Joker's Wild (Batman: The Animated Series)|Joker's Wild]]", and was seen being arrested again in "[[Harley's Holiday]]". In the episode "[[Trial (The Adventures of Batman & Robin)|Trial]]", he is seen only escorting the prisoners and attempting to kill Batman with a scythe. In the episode "[[Lock-Up (Batman: The Animated Series episode)|Lock-Up]]", the Scarecrow is said to be the only prisoner to escape from [[Lyle Bolton]], a security guard who [[torture]]s the asylum's prisoners, but not to commit any crimes - only because he is terrified of him. Ultimately, after Bolton becomes a criminal and is imprisoned in Arkham, the Scarecrow is last seen, uncostumed, triumphantly promising to teach ''him'' new lessons in fear.

====''The New Batman Adventures''====
[[Image:ScarecrowTNBA Screenshot (OTE).jpg|thumb|180px|The appearance of the Scarecrow from ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'' episode "Over the Edge".]]
The Scarecrow also appears in the ''[[New Batman Adventures]]'', in the episode "[[Never Fear (New Batman Adventures)|Never Fear]]". Here, he has a different scheme; he infects his victims with a gas that removes fear, causing them to become reckless risk-takers. The Scarecrow infects Batman with this anti-fear gas, causing him to go berserk and try to kill his enemies. The Scarecrow holds the city ransom, demanding large sums of money in exchange for the antidote to the gas' effects. Batman tries to kill the Scarecrow, but Robin stops him at the last minute, and the Scarecrow is arrested.

In the episode "[[Over the Edge (The New Batman Adventures)|Over the Edge]]", the Scarecrow "kills" [[Batgirl]] by knocking her over the side of a building. The police blame Batman, discover his [[secret identity]], and attempt to arrest him. [[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner Gordon]], who discovers after Batgirl's death that she is his daughter [[Barbara Gordon|Barbara]], hires [[Bane]] to help him capture Batman, which results in Batman's death. However, at the end of the episode, this is revealed to be Batgirl's dream, caused by the Scarecrow's fear gas.

[[Bruce Timm]], the show's creator, writer, and part-time director, felt that the Scarecrow was supposed to be scary, and that so far he didn't look right and that none of the designs were working, as he said in one of the conversations on the DVD. When the ''New Batman Adventures'' came out, the designers completely redesigned the Scarecrow, giving him a twisted death mask with completely blank eyes and a noose around his neck, dressed all in black and looking more like a corpse than a Scarecrow. In this version, he is voiced by [[Jeffrey Combs]]. This version is never shown out of his costume. Timm actually commented that there may in fact not even be a person inside the costume of this version of the Scarecrow; The producers felt that creating an identity outside of the costume would detract from the fear element of the design.

====Other====
The Scarecrow never appears in ''[[Batman Beyond]]'', nor is he mentioned. However, in the animated movie, ''[[Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker]]'', there is a member of the [[Jokerz]] gang, Ghoul, whose design resembles the Scarecrow's, and his costume is possibly influenced by Batman's old enemy. The ''Batman Beyond'' villain [[Spellbinder (DC Comics)|Spellbinder]], like the Scarecrow, is also able to show people horrific illusions. However, in a series of comics that take place in the same [[continuity]] as ''Batman Beyond'', Scarecrow appears in a flashback when Commissioner Barbara Gordon starts to become haunted by the events of "[[Over the Edge]]".<ref>[http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/beyond/guides/comic/13.php The World's Finest - Batman Beyond]</ref>

As part of the original 13 members of the [[Legion of Doom (comics)|Legion of Doom]], the Scarecrow was originally slated to appear again in the [[DC Animated Universe]] in the third season of ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'', but apparently due to a "Bat-Embargo" enforced by [[Warner Bros.]], this did not occur.

The Scarecrow was set to appear in ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'', but was not included because he appeared in ''Batman Begins''. According to writer Joseph Kuhr, he had originally conceived the fourth season episode, "Strange New World", to introduce Scarecrow into the show, only to find the character was still off-limits to them.

===Film===
The Scarecrow was originally going to appear in two canceled Batman projects that would have taken place after ''[[Batman & Robin (film)|Batman & Robin]]''. In both projects, ''[[Batman Triumphant]]'' and ''[[Batman: DarKnight]]'' he was the main villain. However, due to ''Batman & Robin'''s poor [[box office]] performance, neither film came to fruition. [[Howard Stern]], [[Ewan McGregor]], [[Steve Buscemi]], [[Nicolas Cage]], [[Jeff Goldblum]] and [[Christopher Lloyd]] were considered for the role in ''Triumphant''{{refneeded}}.

====''Batman Begins''====
{{main|Batman Begins}}

[[Image:Scarecrow-bb.jpg|thumb|215px|left|[[Cillian Murphy]] portraying the Scarecrow in ''[[Batman Begins]]'']]
The Scarecrow appears in the 2005 movie ''[[Batman Begins]]'', where he is portrayed by [[Cillian Murphy]]. Similar to his comic counterpart, this version of the Scarecrow is Dr. Jonathan Crane, a corrupt, [[sadism|sadistic]] [[Psychiatry|psychiatrist]]. The film incarnation specializes in [[psychopharmacology]] at Arkham, and is secretly allied with [[Ra's al Ghul]] ([[Liam Neeson]]) and [[Carmine Falcone]] ([[Tom Wilkinson]]), smuggling the former's [[Psychoactive drug|hallucinogenic drugs]] into Gotham, and using this to create the fear gas he uses in his experiments. During his Arkham investigations, Batman overpowers Crane's henchmen and literally gives him a dose of his own medicine, destroying his remaining sanity. Crane is subsequently incarcerated in Arkham as an inmate, later escaping as part of the mass release prompted by Ra's al Ghul as part of his plot to destroy Gotham. Crane -- now calling himself "Scarecrow" -- pursues [[Rachel Dawes]] ([[Katie Holmes]]) and a young boy through an alleyway while on horseback. Rachel eludes Scarecrow by shocking him in the face with a [[taser]], but Crane is revealed to remain at large by [[James Gordon (comics)|Gordon]] in the film's final scene.

As the Scarecrow, Crane wears a mask seemingly created from a poorly-stitched [[burlap]] sack with a [[hangman's noose]] dangling around the neck. The mask has a built-in rebreather, doubling as a gas mask to protect Crane from the effects of his own toxin, while visually acting as a focus for his subject's hallucinations. Murphy explained that the relatively simple mask was done because "[He] wanted to avoid the [[Worzel Gummidge]] look. Because he's not a very physically imposing man, he's more interested in the manipulation of the mind and what that can do."<ref>{{cite news | author = Adam Smith | title = The Scarecrow | publisher = [[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] | date = July 2005 | pages = 77}}</ref>

====''Batman: Gotham Knight''====
{{main|Batman: Gotham Knight}}

Scarecrow appears as one of the villains in the "[[In Darkness Dwells (Batman: Gotham Knight)|In Darkness Dwells]]" segment of the [[direct-to-DVD]] animated production ''[[Batman: Gotham Knight]]'' (2008), whose six short features were designed to bridge the gap between ''Batman Begins'' and ''The Dark Knight''.<ref>[http://independentcomicssite.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=388&Itemid=1 ''The Independent Comics Site'': "Batman Anime," by Dominik B, February 14, 2008]. Accessed August 3, 2008</ref> The Scarecrow was voiced by [[Corey Burton]].

After the events of ''Batman Begins'', the Scarecrow and a gang of Arkham escapees including [[Killer Croc]] flee into the sewers of Gotham City. From his underground refuge, the Scarecrow was performing experiments with his fear toxin on members of Gotham's homeless community. Angered by Cardinal O'Fallon's work caring for the [[homeless]], Scarecrow orchestrates his kidnapping, hoping that his absence will facilitate more people to seek refuge underground and thus be available for experimentation. Batman, however, infiltrates the Scarecrow's lair and free the cardinal and flood the room, although the Scarecrow himself manages to escape.

The Scarecrow's appearance in this short is radically different from his portrayal in ''Batman Begins'' and ''The Dark Knight''. He retains the sack-like mask, but it's torn, leaving his mouth and lower face visible. He also wears a costume similar to that of his animated series counterpart, with a wide-brimmed hat and tattered clothes. What appear to be wooden struts are inserted into the shoulders of his costume, mimicking both the supports of an actual [[scarecrow]] and a pair of wings. He, along with his minions, carries a large [[scythe]], with which he intended to kill Cardinal O'Fallon.

====''The Dark Knight''====
{{main|The Dark Knight (film)}}

Murphy reprises his on-screen role in the ''Batman Begins'' sequel ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]'' (2008), appearing in a couple of scenes as Crane/Scarecrow. After the film's opening scenes, the Scarecrow is seen dealing his fear toxin to the Russian mobster 'The Chechen' ([[Ritchie Coster]]). Dr. Crane (Murphy) dismisses an apparent ambush by the Batman, who is swiftly revealed to be one of several copy-cat vigilantes merely ''dressed'' as Batman. The real Batman arrives and is recognized as real by the Scarecrow who immediately attempts to leave. Batman captures some of the Chechen's henchmen and the false Batmen, as well as stopping and capturing the fleeing Scarecrow by landing on the roof of the van he tried to escape in. All are left bound by Batman for the police to incarcerate.

===Video games===
[[Image:Lego freeze and scarecrow.jpg‎|thumb|215px|right|[[Mr. Freeze]] and The Scarecrow in ''[[Lego Batman: The Video Game]]'']] The Scarecrow appears in four [[video game]]s: [[Game Boy]]'s ''Batman: The Animated Series'', [[Super Nintendo]] and [[Sega Mega Drive|Genesis]]'s ''[[Adventures of Batman & Robin]]'', ''Batman Begins'' (a tie-in to the 2005 movie) and ''[[Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu]]''. His role in the movie tie-in game is almost the same as the movie and is one of the game's [[boss (video games)|boss]] fights. In the game, extra information is given about the Scarecrow's various quirks; he uses his patients as a form of personal army who frequently attack Batman in various levels. In ''Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu'', he is dressed in the same costume used in the the new batman adventures and is the first major boss to fight in the game, spraying the player with fear gas. Also in the upcoming [[Traveller's Tales]] game ''[[Lego Batman: The Video Game]]'', Scarecrow will be featured as a playable character. To attack, he removes his hat and smashes it against his opponent or obstacle.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{wikiquote|Batman (comics)#The Scarecrow|The Scarecrow}}
* [http://www.dccomics.com/heroes_and_villains/?hv=origin_stories/scarecrow Scarecrow's origin @ dccomics.com]

{{Batman}}

[[Category:American comics characters]]
[[Category:DC Comics supervillains]]
[[Category:Fictional murderers]]
[[Category:Fictional professors]]
[[Category:Fictional psychologists]]
[[Category:Fictional scientists]]
[[Category:Golden Age supervillains]]
[[Category:Fictional arsonists]]

[[es:El Espantapájaros]]
[[fr:Épouvantail (Batman)]]
[[it:Spaventapasseri (fumetto)]]
[[nl:Scarecrow (Batman)]]
[[ja:スケアクロウ (バットマン)]]
[[pt:Espantalho (DC Comics)]]
[[fi:Linnunpelätin (DC Comics)]]
[[sv:Fågelskrämman]]
[[tl:Scarecrow (komiks)]]

Batman in film

2008-08-01T16:33:14Z

71.182.145.40: /* Future */

{{Infobox Film
| name = Batman film series
| image = Batman ver2.jpg
| caption = Poster for ''Batman'' (1989)
| director =
| producer =
| writer =
| starring =
| music =
| cinematography =
| editing =
| distributor = [[20th Century Fox]] (1966); [[Warner Bros.]] (1989-2008)
| released = 1966 – present
| runtime =
| country = {{USA}}
| awards =
| language = [[English language|English]]
| budget =
| gross = $2,095,756,939
| preceded_by =
| website =
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}}

The '''''[[Batman]]'' [[film series]]''' currently consists of seven [[superhero film]]s based on the fictional [[DC Comics]] [[Batman|character of the same name]], portrayed by [[Adam West]], [[Michael Keaton]], [[Val Kilmer]], [[George Clooney]] and [[Christian Bale]] respectively.

The [[Batman (1966 film)|first film]], known simply as ''Batman'' or ''Batman: The Movie'', directed by [[Leslie H. Martinson]] and produced by [[20th Century Fox]], was a theatrical [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] of the [[Batman (TV series)|TV series]], produced by [[William Dozier]], that was running at the time and was a quasi-comedy rather than a serious superhero movie. [[Warner Bros.]] hired [[Tim Burton]] to direct the [[Batman (1989 film)|1989 version]], which had no connection to the 1966 movie and is often considered the first "definitive" Batman movie. The series continued with ''[[Batman Returns]]'' ([[1992 in film|1992]]). [[Joel Schumacher]] was hired to direct ''[[Batman Forever]]'' ([[1995 in film|1995]]), and ''[[Batman & Robin (film)|Batman & Robin]]'' ([[1997 in film|1997]]), with various proposals for another installment being cancelled after the box-office failure of ''Batman & Robin''. [[Christopher Nolan]] rebooted the film series with ''[[Batman Begins]]'' ([[2005 in film|2005]]) and ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]'' ([[2008 in film|2008]]), completely starting over with a new series of films that have no connection to the previous installments. Throughout the films, Batman has fought with several of [[List of Batman Family enemies|his famous villains]].

==Development==

The first feature-length film based on Batman was developed by [[William Dozier]] and [[20th Century Fox]] out of the [[Batman (TV series)|television series]] that starred [[Adam West]] as Batman/Bruce Wayne and [[Burt Ward]] as Robin/Dick Greyson. Both West and Ward reprised their roles for the film. Produced between the first and second seasons, the film was just as campy as the series, with its comic relief. It was a moderate success at the box office. When the series ended, no other film based on the series was produced. However, the original ''Batman'' film has become a cult classic and has since been issued on DVD as the only incarnation of the television series to be so released.

The Warner Bros. films took a far different approach than Fox's original. [[Michael Uslan]] had recently gained fame for convincing the Dean of [[Indiana University]] to start a course on comic books. [[DC Comics]] was impressed enough with his work to invite him to their offices. Uslan, a fan of the [[Batman]] character, was able to acquire the film rights to the property in April 1979 through a newly formed partnership with Benjamin Melniker. [[CBS]] at that time was developing a ''Batman in Outer Space'' film, though DC had no intention of granting film rights for that concept. The prevailing perception of the character was still that of [[Batman (TV series)|the campy 1960s TV series]]. Uslan was always fascinated with [[Bill Finger]]'s and [[Bob Kane]]'s early stories from 1939, and wished instead to produce the film in that style. For his presentation to studios, Uslan wrote a short story titled ''Return of the Batman'' so as to show the studios what exactly he was aiming for. The treatment anticipated the tone that would later be taken in [[Frank Miller (comics)|Frank Miller]]'s ''[[Batman: The Dark Knight Returns]]''.<ref name=Uslan>{{cite news|author=Bill "Jett" Ramey|title=An Interview With Michael Uslan - Part 1| publisher=Batman-on-Film|date=[[2005-11-08]]|url= http://www.batman-on-film.com/interview_muslan_2.html| accessdate= 2007-11-22 }}</ref>

As Uslan and Melniker unsuccessfully pitched the film to many studios,<ref name=shadowbat>{{cite video | title = Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight| format = DVD | publisher = Warner Bros. | year = 2005}}</ref> Uslan started searching for writers. He felt ''[[Superman (film)|Superman]]'', ''[[James Bond (film series)|James Bond]]'', and ''[[Star Wars]]'' were the three most successful film franchises at the time. As such he approached [[Richard Maibaum]] to write the script, with [[Guy Hamilton]] to direct. Both were well known for the various Bond films they had collaborated on, though the two would eventually turn down the opportunity. [[Tom Mankiewicz]] was settled upon, who had recently co-written ''Superman'' and in the past was involved with three James Bond films. Mankiewicz started writing his script sometime in 1980,<ref name=Uslan/> and was able to finish in June 1983, going under the simple title of ''The Batman''.<ref name=manky>{{cite news|author=[[Tom Mankiewicz]]|title=The Batman: Revised First Draft Screenplay| publisher=ScifiScripts.com |date=[[1983-06-20]]|url=http://www.scifiscripts.com/scripts/batmanscript1.txt|accessdate=2007-11-23}}</ref>

The script showcased the origins of both Bruce Wayne and [[Dick Grayson]] and included [[The Joker (comics)|The Joker]] and [[Rupert Thorne]] as the main villains (with a brief cameo from [[The Penguin (comics)|The Penguin]]). [[Silver St. Cloud]] appeared as the love interest. Several elements from the script ended up appearing in future film installments, such as The Joker being responsible for Bruce's parents' murder (though [[Joe Chill]] was the hired gun), and Batman being framed for crimes he didn't commit (see ''[[Batman Returns]]''). Similarities for ''[[Batman Forever]]'' had Dick Grayson's origin being practically the same (as well as stumbling upon the [[Batcave]]), and Dick saving Bruce's life before becoming Robin.<ref name=manky/>

While Mankiewicz was writing the script, Uslan and Melniker were still seeking a deal with a studio. Uslan recounts many stories, "At [[Columbia Pictures|Columbia]], the head of production said to me, shaking his head after I pitched my heart out, "Come on, Batman will never be a success as a film because our movie ''[[Annie (film)|Annie]]'' didn’t do well." I looked at this guy dumbfounded. And I asked him what did the little red-headed girl who sang "Tomorrow" have to do with Batman!? And he said, "Michael, they are both out of the funny pages." At [[United Artists]], Uslan recounted a similar story. "An exec said to me that a film with Batman and Robin would never work as a film because ''[[Robin and Marian]]'' wasn’t successful. Now that was about an aging [[Robin Hood]] and [[Maid Marian]] with [[Sean Connery]]! I just picked up all my materials, didn’t say a word and walked out of the room."<ref name=Uslan2>{{cite news|author=Bill "Jett" Ramey|title=An Interview With Michael Uslan - Part 2| publisher=Batman-on-Film|date=[[2005-11-10]]|url=http://www.batman-on-film.com/interview_muslan_3.html| accessdate= 2007-11-23}}</ref>

It was in late 1981 that Uslan announced a 1983 release date, with a budget of $15 million, though the project continued to languish in [[development hell]], causing repeated delays.<ref name=production>{{cite news|author=Alan Jones|title=Batman in Production| publisher=[[Cinefantastique]]|date=November 1989|url= http://www.batmanmovieonline.com/behindthescenes/articles/batmanproduction.htm|accessdate=2007-11-23 }}</ref> Uslan and Melniker were finally able to team with [[Peter Guber]] and [[Jon Peters]] in 1982. The four [[film producer|producers]] were able to convince Warner Bros. to finance the film after [[Universal Studios]] declined the offer.<ref name=shadowbat/> Uslan then announced in 1983, the year Mankiewicz finally completed his script, that the film would be released in 1985 and have a budget of $20 million.<ref name=production/> [[Joe Dante]] and [[Ivan Reitman]] were briefly involved as directors though both would take on other projects instead (''[[Gremlins]]'' for Dante, while Reitman opted for ''[[Ghostbusters]]'').<ref name=shadowbat/> Uslan wanted a distinguished unknown actor as Batman, with [[William Holden]] as [[Commissioner Gordon]] and [[David Niven]] as [[Alfred Pennyworth]].<ref name=production/> Even at this stage, [[Jack Nicholson]] was the choice for the role of The Joker.<ref name=Uslan2/>

In the meantime, more scripts came about that included the basic premise of The Joker, Rupert Thorne, Silver St. Cloud, and Robin. All scripts were positioned as an adaptation of [[Steve Englehart]]'s ''Dark Detective'' series.<ref>{{cite news|author=Bill "Jett" Ramey|title=Interview: Steven Englehart|publisher=Batman-on-Film|date=[[2006-11-27]]|url= http://www.batman-on-film.com/interview_steveenglehart_jett_2006.html|accessdate=2007-11-25}}</ref> Warner Bros., however, began to push for the project again to center on the campy tone of the ''[[Batman (TV series)|Batman]]'' TV series from the 1960s, citing [[Bill Murray]] as Batman and [[Eddie Murphy]] as [[Dick Grayson|Robin]] as their primary casting choices, over Uslan's objections. After the success of Frank Miller's ''The Dark Knight Returns'', the studio reconsidered, and decided to depict the film the way Uslan had wanted to since the beginning, though still choosing a comedy director, after the surprising success of ''[[Pee-wee's Big Adventure]]'', Warner Bros. handed the director's position to [[Tim Burton]].<ref name=shadowbat/>

Burton took ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'' and ''[[Batman Returns]]'' as opportunities to pay homage to the classic [[German Expressionism|German Expressionist]] [[Horror film]] genre. Burton's influences included ''[[The Phantom of the Opera (1962 film)|The Phantom of the Opera]]'', ''[[The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari]]'', ''[[Dracula (1931 film)|Dracula]]'', ''[[The Bat (1926 film)|The Bat]]'', ''[[The Man Who Laughs (1928 film)|The Man Who Laughs]]'', ''[[Frankenstein (1931 film)|Frankenstein]]'', ''[[Bride of Frankenstein]]'', ''[[Nosferatu]]'', and ''[[The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923 film)|The Hunchback of Notre Dame]]''. <ref name=Commentary>{{cite video|title=Batman (1989) Audio Commentary by Director [[Tim Burton]]|format = DVD|publisher=Warner Bros.| year=2005}}</ref>
{{see|Batman (1989 film)#Production}}

==Burton/Schumacher series==

After this long development history, all of the Batman films were distributed by Warner Brothers. They were directed by [[Tim Burton]]. This does not count the animated film, ''[[Batman: Mask of the Phantasm]]'' (1993), released to theatres during this era--that film was based on the mythos of the [[Fox Broadcasting Company|FOX]] [[Batman: The Animated Series|animated series]], produced around this time.

===''Batman'' (1989)===
{{main|Batman (1989 film)}}
Millionaire philanthropist [[Bruce Wayne]] ([[Michael Keaton]]) begins his run as the shadowy vigilante knowns as "The [[Batman]]." [[Gotham City]] is in the grip of mob boss [[Carl Grissom]] ([[Jack Palance]]), and is only met with worse fears with a corrupt [[Gotham City Police Department|police department]]. Reporter [[Vicki Vale]] ([[Kim Basinger]]) investigates the mysterious Batman, and is eventually taken in by Wayne's charms. The situation becomes further worse when [[Jack Napier]] ([[Jack Nicholson]]), former right hand man of Grissom, hideously transforms into the psychopathic [[Joker (comics)|Joker]]. Bruce Wayne must confront tragic moments from the past as the homicidal maniac starts his deadly plans against the citizens of Gotham.

===''Batman Returns'' (1992)===
{{main|Batman Returns}}
A mysterious "[[Penguin (comics)|Penguin]]-like" man ([[Danny Devito]]) appears out of the sewers of Gotham and is intent on being accepted into Gotham society. Crooked businessman [[Max Shreck]] ([[Christopher Walken]]) is coerced into helping him become Mayor of Gotham and they both attempt to destroy the reputation of Batman ([[Michael Keaton]]) as a crime-fighter. However, the Penguin secretly schemes to kidnap the children of the wealthiest families of the City. Then, when Max's secretary [[Catwoman|Selina Kyle]] ([[Michelle Pfeiffer]]), is transformed into the mysterious and sensual [[Catwoman]] and allies herself with the Penguin, The Dark Knight must attempt to clear his name, save the children of Gotham and decide the fate of Selina/Catwoman.

===Changes in tone===
[[Tim Burton]] did preliminary work on a third installment but [[Warner Bros.]] threw out Burton's plans after they realized the tone of the film was to be similar to ''Batman Returns'', which, faced with criticism over the previous film's violence and dark themes they deemed too controversial and difficult to market. The studio decided the next film should be more "family-friendly". [[Michael Keaton]] was prepared to return for a third installment, even going so far as to show up for costume fitting. However, after Tim Burton was dropped by Warner Bros. (slated to co-produce in name only), Keaton left the series in July 1994, after being dissatisfied with the screenplay the new director, [[Joel Schumacher]], approved. Warner Bros. then offered him [[United States dollar|$]]35,000,000 (one of the highest salaries offered to an actor at the time), but Keaton steadfastly refused. Keaton was subsequently succeeded by [[Val Kilmer]] in ''[[Batman Forever]]''. In February 1996, Kilmer decided not to return for a sequel, feeling that Batman was being marginalized in favor of the villains. [[George Clooney]] was then cast as the new Batman in ''[[Batman & Robin (film)|Batman & Robin]]''.

===''Batman Forever'' (1995)===
{{main|Batman Forever}}
Former [[District Attorney]] [[Two-Face|Harvey Dent]] ([[Tommy Lee Jones]]) incorrectly believes [[Batman]] ([[Val Kilmer]]) caused the courtroom accident which left him disfigured on one side. As the psychotic '[[Two-Face]]', he then unleashes a reign of terror, and assisting him is [[Riddler|Edward Nygma]] ([[Jim Carrey]]), a former employee of [[Wayne Enterprises]] looking for revenge, who becomes [[Riddler|The Riddler]]. As The Riddler perfects a device for draining information from all the brains in Gotham, including Bruce Wayne's knowledge of his other identity, Batman must stop this fight for the good of mankind with the help of his new sidekick [[Dick Grayson|Robin]] ([[Chris O'Donnell]]) and psychologist [[Dr. Chase Meridian]] ([[Nicole Kidman]]).

===''Batman & Robin'' (1997)===
{{main|Batman & Robin (film)}}
[[Batman]] ([[George Clooney]]) and [[Dick Grayson|Robin]] ([[Chris O'Donnell]]) must protect [[Gotham City]] from the threat of [[Mr. Freeze]] ([[Arnold Schwarzenegger]]). Meanwhile, a young woman named Pamela Isley ([[Uma Thurman]]) witnesses illegal genetic tampering and is, apparently, killed. She is resurrected as [[Poison Ivy (comics)|Poison Ivy]], and takes her bosses first person to be tested on by his exsperiment as a bodyguard, [[Bane (comics)|Bane]] ([[Robert Swenson]]). They arrive at Gotham, and aid in Mr. Freeze's escape. Meanwhile, [[Alfred Pennyworth|Alfred]] ([[Michael Gough]]) is dying with the first stage of a disease that Mr. Freezes wife suffers from and Wayne must find a cure, while dealing with troubles with Robin, and receiving help from Alfreds niece [[Batgirl]] ([[Alicia Silverstone]]), a new hero of Gotham.

==Unsuccessful projects==
After the critical disaster of ''[[Batman & Robin (film)|Batman & Robin]]'', Warner Bros. was still intent on delivering yet another [[Batman]] film. Since ''Batman & Robin'' did poorly (financially and critically), the next Batman film was to have an atmosphere that veered in the opposite direction. It took roughly seven years to get the fifth Batman film greenlighted, over the course of various developing titles.

===''Batman Triumphant''===
Warner Bros. hired [[Mark Protosevich]] to write a script for the fifth [[Batman]] film, titled ''Batman Triumphant'', <ref name=proto>{{ cite news | first=Brian | last=Linder | url=http://movies.ign.com/articles/034/034018p1.html | title=Rumblings From Gotham | publisher=IGN | date[[2000-07-27]] | accessdate=2006-11-13 }}</ref> even before the theatrical release of ''Batman & Robin''. Joel Schumacher, George Clooney, and Chris O’Donnell were still contracted for another film. <ref>{{ cite news | first=Dave | last=Karger | url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,288644,00.html | title=Big Chill | publisher=Entertainment Weekly | date=[[1997-07-11]] | accessdate=2006-11-13 }}</ref> [[Scarecrow (comics)|The Scarecrow]] was to be the main villain and through the use of his fear gas, Scarecrow would cause [[Batman]] to confront his worst fear: the return of [[Joker (comics)|The Joker]]. [[Harley Quinn]] was in the script and shown as the daughter of Jack Napier. <ref name=proto/>

As of yet, the script hasn’t been leaked online and it is unknown whether or not [[Jack Nicholson]] would've reprised his role of the Joker. Due to poor results from ''Batman & Robin'', ''Triumphant'' was cancelled and Warner Bros. commissioned more scripts. <ref name=batV>{{ cite news | first=Bill "Jett" | last=Ramey| url=http://www.batman-on-film.com/opinion_jett_b5history.html | title=A History of BATMAN 5: What It Is and How It Came To Be | publisher=Batman-on-Film | date=[[2005-02-04]] | accessdate=2006-11-13 }}</ref>

===''Batman: DarKnight''===
In 1998, Lee Shapiro and Stephen Wise pitched the idea for a fifth Batman movie to Warner Bros. Vice President Tom Lassally. It was to be called ''Batman: DarKnight'' (not to be confused with ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]'') and included the [[Scarecrow (comics)|Scarecrow]] and [[Man-Bat]] as the new villains, with the studio being most impressed with the characterization of Man-Bat. <ref name=shap>{{ cite news | first=Bill "Jett" | last=Ramey| url=http://batman-on-film.com/interview_lshapiro.html | title=Interview: Lee Shapiro| publisher=Batman-on-Film | date=[[2005-07-28]] | accessdate=2006-11-13 }}</ref> Fear was to be the initial theme (much like the main one for ''[[Batman Begins]]'') and according to Shapiro, with Scarecrow being true to the source material. Within three months, Lee Shapiro and Stephen Wise sent their first draft to Warner Bros. Joel Schumacher was still signed to direct but dropped out only weeks after the first draft was completed. <ref name=shap>{{ cite news | first=Bill "Jett" | last=Ramey| url=http://batman-on-film.com/interview_lshapiro.html | title=Interview: Lee Shapiro| publisher=Batman-on-Film | date=[[2005-07-28]] | accessdate=2006-11-13 }}</ref> The story went as:

<blockquote>
Bruce Wayne is in self-imposed seclusion from life, because he feels he has lost his greatest weapons in the fight against crime: his mystique and his enemies' fear. Dick Grayson attends Gotham University, trying to discover who he is apart from his guardian and unwilling to return as Robin without him. Meanwhile, Dr. Jonathan Crane uses his position as professor of psychology at Gotham University and as resident psychiatrist at [[Arkham Asylum]] to conduct his experiments in fear. During a vengeful confrontation with a colleague, Dr. Kirk Langstrom, Crane unknowingly initiates Kirk's transformation into the creature known as Man-Bat. The unsuspecting denizens of Gotham scream for Batman's head, believing the Man-Bat's nightly hunts to be the Dark Knight's bloodthirsty return to action. Bruce dons cape and cowl once more to clear his name and solve the mystery behind these attacks. Eventually, Dick ends up in Arkham Asylum under Crane's unsympathetic watch, and Kirk struggles with his "man vs. monster" syndrome as he longs to both reunite with his wife and get revenge on Crane. <ref name=shap/>
</blockquote>

The script for ''Batman: DarKnight'' sat at Warner Bros. and languished in [[development hell]] up until late 2000. Shapiro stated that ''DarKnight'' was in the running the longest as the next Batman movie compared to the other Batman projects in development. <ref name=shap/>

===''Batman Beyond''===
In [[October 1999]], the website ''[[Ain't It Cool News]]'' reported that Warner Bros. was seriously considering a live action ''[[Batman Beyond]]'' movie, based on the animated series. In [[January 2000]], ''Ain't It Cool News'' reported that [[Paul Dini]] and [[Alan Burnett]] would be writing the script, both of whom are well known for their work on The DC Animated Universe. In [[August 2000]], it was confirmed that Dini, Burnett, [[Neal Stephenson]], and [[Boaz Yakin]] were to all write the script, with Yakin to direct. A script was written and turned into Warner Bros., though the project was canceled in favor of the ''[[Batman: Year One]]'' project. <ref>{{cite news | author = Rob M. Worley| title = Batman Beyond Live Action Movie (Archives)| publisher = Comics2Film| date = [[2001-10-18]] | url =http://www.comics2film.com/BatmanBeyondLAArch.shtml| accessdate=2007-09-13}}</ref>

===''Batman vs Superman''===
{{main|Superman (film series)#Batman vs. Superman}}
In August 2001,<ref>{{cite news|author=Brian Linder| title=More ''Batman'', ''Superman'' Insanity at WB|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=[[2001-08-09]]|url= http://movies.ign.com/articles/302/302177p1.html|accessdate=2008-02-04}}</ref> [[Andrew Kevin Walker]] pitched [[Warner Bros.]] an idea titled ''Batman vs Superman'', attaching Peterson as director. [[J. J. Abrams]]' ''Superman'' script was put on hold,<ref name=dynamic>{{cite news| author = Brian M. Raftery and Nancy Miller | title = Dynamic Duel | publisher= [[Entertainment Weekly]] |date = [[2002-07-22]] | url = http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,321972~1~0~holyfranchiseinsidebatman,00.html | accessdate=2007-10-30}}</ref> and for reasons unknown, [[Akiva Goldsman]] was hired to rewrite Walker's draft which was codenamed ''"Asylum"''.<ref>{{cite book|author=David Hughes|title=Tales From Development Hell|id=ISBN 180239914|publisher=[[Titan Books]]|pages=p.205|date=2003}}</ref>

Goldsman's draft (dated June 21, 2002), had the premise of [[Bruce Wayne]] trying to shake all of the demons in his life after his five year retirement of crime fighting. Meanwhile, [[Clark Kent]] is down on his luck and in despair. [[Dick Grayson]], [[Alfred Pennyworth]] and [[Commissioner Gordon]] are all dead, as Clark just recently had a divorce with [[Lois Lane]]. Clark serves as Bruce's best man at his wedding to the beautiful and lovely Elizabeth Miller. After Elizabeth is killed by the Joker at the honeymoon, Bruce is forced to don the [[Batsuit]] once more, tangling a plot which involves [[Lex Luthor]], while Clark sways a romance with [[Lana Lang]] in [[Smallville (DC Comics)|Smallville]].<ref>{{cite news|author=[[Akiva Goldsman]]|title=''Batman vs Superman'' 2nd Draft|publisher=Daily Scripts|url=http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/asylum.pdf|date=[[2002-06-21]]| accessdate=2007-10-11}}</ref>

Filming was to start in early 2003, with plans for a five to six month shoot. The release date was set for the summer of 2004.<ref>{{cite news|author= Brian Linder|title=''Batman vs. Superman'' in '04|publisher=[[IGN]]|url= http://movies.ign.com/articles/364/364349p1.html|date= [[2002-07-09]]| accessdate=2008-02-04}}</ref> ''Batman vs Superman'' was to relaunch both the ''Batman'' and ''Superman'' franchises respectively, with both sequels being [[Reboot (fiction)|reboots]].<ref name=dynamic>{{cite news| author = Brian M. Raftery and Nancy Miller | title = Dynamic Duel | publisher= [[Entertainment Weekly]] |date = [[2002-07-22]] | url = http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,321972~1~0~holyfranchiseinsidebatman,00.html | accessdate=2007-10-30}}</ref> Within a month of the studio green lighting the project, Petersen left in favor of ''[[Troy (film)|Troy]]'' (2004).<ref>Hughes, p.207</ref> Warner Bros. could have easily assigned a new director, but chose to cancel ''Batman vs Superman'' in favor of a recent script submitted by Abrams for ''Superman: Flyby''.<ref>Hughes, p.208</ref>

===''Batman: Year One''===
{{main|Batman: Year One#Film adaptation}}
'''''Batman: Year One''''' is a canceled film based on the graphic novel of the same name by [[Frank Miller (comics)|Frank Miller]]. It was to be directed by [[Darren Aronofsky]] and written by both Aronofsky and Miller. The project never received the greenlight by [[Warner Brothers]] because they found it to be too violent. Ultimately the project was something of a precursor to [[Christopher Nolan]]'s ''[[Batman Begins]]''. <ref name=hughes>{{cite book | author=David Hughes | title=Tales From Development Hell | id=ISBN 1-84023-691-4 | publisher=[[Titan Books]]|date=[[2003]]|authorlink=David Hughes}}</ref>

After the death of his parents young Bruce Wayne remains lost on the street and is taken in by Big Al, owner of an auto repair shop with his son Little Al. We are then introduced to detective [[James Gordon (comics)|James Gordon]] as he struggles with the corruption he finds endemic among Gotham City police officers of all ranks.<ref name=script>{{cite news | author = [[Frank Miller (comics)|Frank Miller]]| title = Batman: Year One Screenplay| publisher = ''Leon Scripts''| url =http://leonscripts.users5.50megs.com/scripts/BATMANYEARONEscript.htm| accessdate=2007-10-31}}</ref>

Bruce's first act as a vigilante is to confront a dirty cop named Campbell, but Campbell ends up dead and Bruce narrowly escapes being blamed. Realizing that he needs to operate with more methodology, he evolves his costume concept, acquires a variety of makeshift gadgets and weapons, and re-configures a black Lincoln Continental into a makeshift "bat-mobile." As "The Bat-Man," Bruce Wayne wages war on criminals from street level to the highest echelons, working his way up to Police Commissioner Loeb and Mayor Noone, even as the executors of the Wayne estate search for their missing heir. In the end, Bruce accepts his dual destiny as heir to the Wayne fortune and the city's savior, and Gordon comes to accept that, while he may not agree with "the Bat-Man"'s methods, he can't argue with the results.<ref name=script/>

No casting ever took place, though [[Val Kilmer]] (who had previously played Batman in [[Joel Schumacher]]'s ''[[Batman Forever]]'' from [[1995 in film|1995]]),<ref name=kilmer>{{cite news| author = Brian Linder | title = Rumblings From Gotham | publisher= ''[[IGN]]''|date = [[2000-07-27]] | url = http://movies.ign.com/articles/034/034018p1.html | accessdate=2007-10-31}}</ref> [[Ben Affleck]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Movie Preview: The Sum of All Fears| publisher=[[Entertainment Weekly]]| date=[[2002-04-18]]|url= http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,231910,00.html| accessdate=2007-10-22}}</ref>, [[Keanu Reeves]],<ref name=hughes/> and [[Christian Bale]]<ref name=bale>{{cite news|author = Michael Mason | title = Bale On Batman...vs. Superman, Year One | publisher = ''Comics2Film'' | date = [[2002-08-16]] |url = http://www.comics2film.com/index.php?a=story&b=1536| accessdate=2007-10-31}}</ref> all expressed interest for the role of Batman. Bale would end up being cast for the lead role in [[Christopher Nolan]]'s ''[[Batman Begins]]''.

==Nolan series ==
===''Batman Begins (2005)''===
{{main|Batman Begins}}
Bruce Wayne ([[Christian Bale]]), begins his alter ego as Batman to bring justice into the corrupted city. Meanwhile, [[Gotham City]], in the hands of crime boss [[Carmine Falcone]] ([[Tom Wilkinson]]), is in danger of being destroyed by the hallucinogenic gases in the water supply supplied by the [[Scarecrow (comics)|Scarecrow]] ([[Cillian Murphy]]). With the help of [[James Gordon (comics)|James Gordon]] ([[Gary Oldman]]) and his love interest [[Rachel Dawes]] ([[Katie Holmes]]), Batman fights off [[Ra's al Ghul]] ([[Liam Neeson]]) and saves Gotham City.

===''The Dark Knight (2008)''===
{{main|The Dark Knight (film)}}
The 2008 sequel to ''Batman Begins'' has Batman ([[Christian Bale]]), Lt. Jim Gordon ([[Gary Oldman]]), and District Attorney [[Two-Face|Harvey Dent]] ([[Aaron Eckhart]]) forming an alliance to take down the rise in organized crime in Gotham City brought about by [[Carmine Falcone]] being imprisoned in Arkham Asylum, as well as trying to battle the homicidal criminal mastermind known only as the [[Joker (comics)|Joker]] ([[Heath Ledger]]).

===Future===
Nolan is not committed to another sequel, explaining that he does not normally line up projects after completing a film. [[Gary Oldman]] is confident Nolan will return,<ref>{{cite news | author = Rob Allsletter | title = The Dark Knight's Future | publisher = Comics Continuum | date = 2008-06-30 | url = http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0806/30/index.htm | accessdate=2008-07-01}}</ref> and Bale said he would return if Nolan did.<ref>{{cite news | author = Charlene Chang | title = Christian Bale talks 'Dark Knight' follow-up and 'Terminator Salvation' | date = 2008-06-30 | url = http://ifmagazine.com/new.asp?article=6436 | accessdate=2008-07-01}}</ref> Oldman hinted in the third film Gordon would have to hunt down Batman.<ref>{{cite news|author=Stephanie Sanchez|title=Interview: Gary Oldman Talks THE DARK KNIGHT|work=IESB|date=2008-07-08|url=http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5175&Itemid=99|accessdate=2008-07-15}}</ref> He has also mentioned that the villain of the upcoming film may be [[The Riddler]]. <ref>{{cite news | title = Will Chris Nolan Recast the Joker for Batman 3 or Will the Riddler Take His Place? | publisher = MovieWeb | date = 2008-06-29 | url = http://www.movieweb.com/news/18/29618.php | accessdate=2008-07-01}}</ref> Nolan explained that as long as he is directing, he is not including [[Robin (comics)|Robin]] in the franchise because Bale is portraying a "young Batman", which meant "Robin's not for a few films". Nolan jokingly listed [[Frankie Muniz]] as a potential choice, if the studio forced him to cast.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/batmannews.php?id=3189 | title=Nolan on Robin in ''Batman'' Sequels | publisher=SuperHeroHype.com | date=[[2005-06-23]] | accessdate=2006-07-31 }}</ref> Bale joked "I'll be chaining myself up somewhere and refusing to go to work" if Robin is introduced.<ref>{{cite news | title = Batman Bale Says No To Robin | work = Starpulse.com | date = 2008-07-02 | url = http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2008/07/02/batman_bale_says_no_to_robin_ | accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref>

In addition, Nolan considered the [[Penguin (comics)|Penguin]] difficult to portray on film, explaining, "There are certain characters that are easier to mesh with the more real take on Batman we're doing. The Penguin would be tricky." Recently the Warner Bros execs wishes Philip Seymour Hoffman to take up the role."<ref>{{cite news | author=Matthew Belloni | title=Q+A: Christopher Nolan | publisher=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]] | url=http://www.esquire.com/features/qa/ESQ1106_qanolan_1 | date=November 2006 | accessdate=2006-10-13 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author=Bridget Daly | title=Q+A: Johnny Depp To Play The Riddler? | publisher=Hollyscope | url=http://movies.hollyscoop.com/johnny-depp/johnny-depp-to-play-the-riddler_846.aspx | date=July 30 2008 | accessdate=2008-08-01 }}</ref> [[Christina Ricci]], [[Angelina Jolie]], [[Sarah Michelle Gellar]] and [[Kate Beckinsale]] have shown interest in playing [[Catwoman]],<ref>{{cite news | author= Bob Gough | title= Sarah Michelle Gellar to join Batman | publisher= [[ComicBookMovie]] | date = [[2005-02-28]] | url = http://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/comments/?entryid=410911}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author = Jen Yamato | title = Beckinsale On Catwoman, Wonder Woman, And Her Bond Girl Offer | publisher = [[RottenTomatoes]] | date = [[2007-08-03]] | url = http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/comic_con_2007/news/1659804/}}</ref> while [[David Tennant]]
and Johnny Depp{{refneeded}} wish to play the Riddler.<ref>{{cite news | author = Ben Rawson-Jones | title = David Tennant craves 'Batman' villain role | publisher = [[Digital Spy]] | date = [[2007-09-26]] | url = http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/a76431/david-tennant-craves-batman-villain-role.html?rss | accessdate=2007-09-27}}</ref> Prior to the release of ''The Dark Knight'' in 2008, David Goyer ruled out using the Penguin or Catwoman as a villain in a future film, prefering to use antagonists from the comic that had not yet been portrayed on the big screen. <ref> However, the Joker became the villain for The Dark Knight, despite having already appeared in Burton's first Batman film. {{cite web|first=Erik|last= Amaya|title= Write The Dark Knight: The Writers|url= http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=17036|work= Comic Book Resources|date= [[2008-06-30]]|accessdate= 2008-07-10|quote= In the first film we used Ra's al Ghul and the Scarecrow, who had not been in the movies before and had not been in the '60s TV show. There are dozens, if not hundreds of other characters that [are possibilities.] Everyone says you have to use the Penguin or Catwoman.}}</ref> On July 23, 2008, Aaron Eckhart says he would return for a sequel of ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]'' if asked.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/news/ni0265713/|title=Eckhart Agrees To Third Batman Film|date=2008-07-23|publisher=[[IMDB]]}}</ref>

==Cast and characters==
{{main|List of Batman films cast members}}
{| class="wikitable" width=99% border="1"
! rowspan="2" | Character
! colspan="7" align="center" | Film
|-
! align="center" |''[[Batman (1966 film)|Batman: The Movie]]'' (1966)
! align="center" | ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'' (1989)
! align="center" | ''[[Batman Returns]]'' (1992)
! align="center" | ''[[Batman Forever]]'' (1995)
! align="center" | ''[[Batman & Robin (film)|Batman & Robin]]'' (1997)
! align="center" | ''[[Batman Begins]]'' (2005)
! align="center" | ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]'' (2008)
|-
! [[Batman]]
| align="center" | [[Adam West]]
| colspan="2" align="center" | [[Michael Keaton]]
| align="center" | [[Val Kilmer]]
| align="center" | [[George Clooney]]
| colspan="2" align="center" | [[Christian Bale]]
|-
! [[Alfred Pennyworth|Alfred]]
| align="center" | [[Alan Napier]]
| colspan="4" align="center"| [[Michael Gough]]
| colspan="2" align="center"| [[Michael Caine]]
|-
! [[James Gordon (comics)|Jim Gordon]]
| align="center" | [[Neil Hamilton]]
| colspan="4" align="center"| [[Pat Hingle]]
| colspan="2" align="center"| [[Gary Oldman]]
|-
! [[Lucius Fox]]
| colspan="5" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="2" align="center" | [[Morgan Freeman]]
|-
! [[Robin (comics)|Robin]]
| align="center" | [[Burt Ward]]
| colspan="2" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="2" align="center" | [[Chris O'Donnell]]
| colspan="2" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! [[Batgirl]]
| colspan="4" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="1" align="center" |[[Alicia Silverstone]]
| colspan="2" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! [[Vicki Vale]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="1" align="center" |[[Kim Basinger]]
| colspan="5" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! [[Rachel Dawes]]
| colspan="5" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="1" align="center" |[[Katie Holmes]]
| colspan="1" align="center" |[[Maggie Gyllenhaal]]
|-
! [[Joker (comics)|Joker]]
| align="center" | [[Cesar Romero]]
| colspan="1" align="center" | [[Jack Nicholson]]
| colspan="4" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="1" align="center" | [[Heath Ledger]]
|-
! [[Penguin (comics)|Penguin]]
| align="center" | [[Burgess Meredith]]
| colspan="1" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="1" align="center" | [[Danny DeVito]]
| colspan="4" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! [[Catwoman]]
| align="center" | [[Lee Meriwether]]
| colspan="1" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="1" align="center" | [[ Michelle Pfeiffer]]
| colspan="4" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! [[Harvey Dent|Two-Face]]
| align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="1" align="center" | [[Billy Dee Williams]] (as Harvey Dent)
| colspan="1" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="1" align="center" | [[Tommy Lee Jones]]
| colspan="2" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="1" align="center" | [[Aaron Eckhart]]
|-
! [[Riddler]]
| align="center" | [[Frank Gorshin]]
| colspan="2" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="1" align="center" | [[Jim Carrey]]
| colspan="3" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! [[Dr. Chase Meridian]]
| colspan="3" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="1" align="center" | [[Nicole Kidman]]
| colspan="3" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! [[Mr. Freeze]]
| colspan="4" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="1" align="center" | [[ Arnold Schwarzenegger]]
| colspan="2" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! [[Poison Ivy (comics)|Poison Ivy]]
| colspan="4" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="1" align="center" | [[ Uma Thurman]]
| colspan="2" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! [[Bane (comics)|Bane]]
| colspan="4" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="1" align="center" | [[Jeep Swenson]]
| colspan="2" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! [[Dr. Jason Woodrue]]
| colspan="4" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="1" align="center" | [[John Glover (actor) |John Glover]]
| colspan="2" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! [[Scarecrow (comics)| Scarecrow]]
| colspan="5" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="2" align="center" | [[ Cillian Murphy]]
|-
! [[Ra's al Ghul]]
| colspan="5" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="1" align="center" | [[Liam Neeson]]
| colspan="1" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! [[Victor Zsasz]]
| colspan="5" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="1" align="center" | [[Tim Booth]]
| colspan="1" align="center" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|}

==Reception==
===Box office performance===
{| class="wikitable" width=99% border="1"
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''Film'''
| colspan="2" align="center" | '''Release date'''
| colspan="3" align="center" | '''Box office revenue'''
| colspan="2" align="center" text="wrap" | '''Box office ranking'''
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''Reference'''
|-
| align="center" | '''United States'''
| align="center" | '''Worldwide'''
| align="center" | '''United States'''
| align="center" | '''Outside US'''
| align="center" | '''Worldwide'''
| align="center" | '''All time US'''
| align="center" | '''[[List of highest-grossing films|All time worldwide]]'''
|-
| ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]''
| June 23, 1989
| June 23, 1989
| $251,188,924
| $160,160,000
| $411,348,924
| align="center" | #44
| align="center" | #92
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=batman.htm | title=Batman (1989) | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Batman Returns]]''
| June 19, 1992
| June 19, 1992
| $162,831,698
| $104,000,000
| $266,831,698
| align="center" | #143
| align="center" | #224
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=batmanreturns.htm | title=Batman Returns (1992) | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Batman Forever]]''
| June 16, 1995
| June 16, 1995
| $184,031,112
| $152,500,000
| $336,531,112
| align="center" | #101
| align="center" | #150
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=batmanforever.htm | title=Batman Forever (1995) | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Batman & Robin (film)|Batman & Robin]]''
| June 20, 1997
| June 20, 1997
| $107,325,195
| $130,881,927
| $238,207,122
| align="center" | #340
| align="center" | #268
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=batmanrobin.htm | title=Batman and Robin (1997) | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Batman Begins]]''
| June 15, 2005
| June 15, 2005
| $205,343,774
| $166,510,009
| $371,853,783
| align="center" | #81
| align="center" | #111
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=batmanbegins.htm | title=Batman Begins (2005) | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]''
| July 18, 2008
| July 16, 2008
| $342,684,300
| $128,300,000
| $470,984,300
| align="center" | #13
| align="center" | #65
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=darkknight.htm | title=The Dark Knight (2008) | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | accessdate=2008-07-29 }}</ref>
|-
| ''Batman'' film series
|
|
| '''$1,253,405,003'''
| '''$842,351,936'''
| '''$2,095,756,939'''
|
|
|
|}

===Critical reaction===
{| class="wikitable" width=99% border="1"
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''Film'''
| colspan="2" align="center" | '''[[Rotten Tomatoes]]'''
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''[[Metacritic]]'''
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Movies]]'''
|-
| align="center" | '''Overall'''
| align="center" | '''Cream of the Crop'''
|-
| ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]''
| 69% (49 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1001781-batman/ | title=Batman | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
| 57% (7 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1001781-batman/?critic=creamcrop | title=Batman (Cream of the Crop) | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
| 66% (17 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/video/titles/batman | title=Batman (1989): Reviews | publisher=[[Metacritic]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
| B- (5 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1800340927/critic | title=Batman - Critics Reviews | publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Movies]] | accessdate=2007-05-17 }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Batman Returns]]''
| 79% (43 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/batman_returns/ | title=Batman Returns | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
| 57% (7 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/batman_returns/?critic=creamcrop| title=Batman Returns (Cream of the Crop) | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
|
| B (5 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1800174173/critic | title=Batman Returns - Critics Reviews | publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Movies]] | accessdate=2007-05-17 }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Batman Forever]]''
| 43% (49 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/batman_forever/ | title=Batman Forever | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
| 69% (13 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/batman_forever/?critic=creamcrop | title=Batman Forever (Cream of the Crop) | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
| 51% (23 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/video/titles/batmanforever | title=Batman Forever (1995): Reviews | publisher=[[Metacritic]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
| C+ (9 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1800238182/critic| title=Batman Forever - Critics Reviews | publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Movies]] | accessdate=2007-05-17 }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Batman & Robin (film)|Batman & Robin]]''
| 12% (58 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1077027-batman_and_robin/ | title=Batman & Robin | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
| 20% (15 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1077027-batman_and_robin/?critic=creamcrop | title=Batman & Robin (Cream of the Crop) | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
| 28% (21 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/video/titles/batmanandrobin | title=Batman & Robin (1997): Reviews | publisher=[[Metacritic]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
| C- (9 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1800283691/critic | title=Batman & Robin - Critics Reviews | publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Movies]] | accessdate=2007-05-17 }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Batman Begins]]''
| 84% (250 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/batman_begins/ | title=Batman Begins | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
| 63% (41 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/batman_begins/?critic=creamcrop | title=Batman Begins (Cream of the Crop) | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
| 70% (41 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/batmanbegins | title=Batman Begins (2005): Reviews | publisher=[[Metacritic]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
| B+ (15 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808490910/critic | title=Batman Begins - Critics Reviews | publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Movies]] | accessdate=2007-05-17 }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]''
| 94% (247 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_dark_knight/ | title=The Dark Knight | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
| 90% (40 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_dark_knight/?critic=creamcrop | title=The Dark Knight(Cream of the Crop) | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
| 82% (36 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/darkknight?q=the%20dark%20knight| title=The Dark Knight (2008): Reviews | publisher=[[Metacritic]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
| A- (14 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809271891/critic| title=The Dark Knight - Critics Reviews | publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Movies]] | accessdate=2008-07-18 }}</ref>
|
|}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://current.com/items/89113724_timeline_batman Humorous look at the history of Batman] by [[Current TV|Current TV's]] [[Infomania (TV Series)|infoMania]]
*[http://movies.ign.com/articles/036/036038p1.html Script review of ''The Batman''] at [[IGN]]
*[http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/asylum.pdf ''Batman vs. Superman'' script draft] by [[Akiva Goldsman]]

{{DC Comics films}}
{{1989-1997 Batman film series}}

[[Category:Batman films| ]]
[[Category:Action films by series]]

[[it:Batman (serie di film)]]
[[he:סרטי באטמן]]

Riddler

2008-07-27T01:39:46Z

71.182.145.40: /* Movies */ - He doesn't appear and isn't mentioned in diolouge, so it shouldn't get it's own section. Also, this is just a rumor, don't add it.

{{Superherobox|
image= [[Image:RiddlerGA.JPG|250px]]
|caption=Cover of ''Green Arrow'' vol. 3, #35 featuring the Riddler.
|character_name=Riddler
|real_name=Edward Nigma
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut=''[[Detective Comics]]'' #140 (October 1948)
|creators=[[Bill Finger]] [[Dick Sprang]]
|alliances=[[Enemies of Batman|Assorted Batman rogues]] [[Secret Society of Super Villains]]
|aliases=E. Nigma, Edward Nashton, Eddie Nashton
|powers= - Genius-level deductive reasoning - Vast esoteric knowledge
|}}

'''The Riddler''' ('''Edward Nashton''' or '''Edward Nigma''' or sometimes '''Nygma''') is a [[fictional character]], a [[DC Comics]] [[supervillain]], an enemy of [[Batman]], and, in the mid-2000s, a partial ally to Batman. Created by writer [[Bill Finger]] and artist [[Dick Sprang]], the character first appears in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #140 ([[1948#October|October 1948]]).

== Character overview ==
The Riddler is obsessed with [[riddle]]s, [[puzzle]]s and [[word game]]s. He delights in forewarning both Batman and the police of his capers by sending them complex clues. The character is often depicted as wearing a domino mask either with a green suit and bowler hat, or a green [[jumpsuit]]. His trademark is a green "?".

The Riddler is typically portrayed as a smooth-talking, yet quirky, victim of an intense [[obsessive compulsive disorder|obsessive compulsion]]. This was first introduced in the 1965 issue of ''Batman'' (titled, "The Remarkable Ruse of The Riddler") in which he tries to refrain from leaving a riddle, but fails. This compulsion has been a recurring theme, as shown in a 1999 issue of ''[[Batman Adventures|Gotham Adventures]]'', in which he tried to commit a crime without leaving a riddle, but fails: "You don't understand. .. I ''really'' didn't want to leave you any clues. I really planned ''never'' to go back to [[Arkham Asylum]]. But I left you a clue anyway. So I... I have to go back there. Because I might need help. I... I might actually be crazy."

The Riddler was popularized by [[Frank Gorshin]]’s over-the-top, [[Emmy]]-nominated portrayal in the 1960s ''[[Batman (TV series)|Batman]]'' television series. [[Jim Carrey]] played the Riddler in the 1995 film ''[[Batman Forever]]'' with Gorshin as his inspiration. The character was also featured in ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' and ''[[The Batman]]''.

== Fictional character biography ==
The Riddler's criminal ''[[modus operandi]]'' is so deeply ingrained into his personality that he is virtually powerless to stop himself from acting it out (as shown in his third comic book appearance). He cannot simply kill his opponents when he has the upper hand; he ''has to'' put them in a [[deathtrap (plot device)|deathtrap]] to see if he can devise a life and death intellectual challenge that the hero cannot solve and escape. However, unlike many of Batman's [[theme]]d enemies, Riddler's compulsion is quite flexible, allowing him to commit any crime as long as he can describe it in a riddle or puzzle. His name, Edward Nigma, is a pun of "enigma." (Edward Nigma: E. Nigma).

After a teacher announces that a contest over who can solve a puzzle the fastest will be held, a young Edward Nigma sets his sights on winning this, craving the glory and satisfaction that will come with the victory. He sneaks into the school one night, takes the puzzle out of the teacher's desk, and practices it until he is able to solve it in under a minute. As predicted, he wins the contest and is given a book about riddles as a prize. His cheating rewarded, Nigma embraced the mastery of puzzles of all kinds, eventually becoming a carnival employee who excelled at cheating his customers out of their money with his bizarre puzzles and mindgames. He soon finds himself longing for greater challenges and thrills, and dons the guise of the Riddler to challenge Batman, whom he believes could possibly be a worthy adversary for him.

Some writers have suggested that the Riddler's compulsion stems from parental abuse that he endured as a child. After scoring high on some important tests in school, his father, unable to grasp the fact that his son was brilliant, beat him out of envy. This, in theory, left him with a strong internal desire to tell the truth, and prove his innocence. This desire manifests itself in the form of his obsession with riddles. Other writers have suggested that his madness, as well as his descent into crime in general, have roots in a yearning to rise above the anonymity that he possessed as a youth.

In ''[[Batman: The Long Halloween]]'', the image of a smooth-talking egomaniac is thrown out in exchange for the embodiment of a minor supporting role, serving more as a source of information for Batman rather than an all-out serious threat. He first appears when [[Carmine Falcone|Carmine "The Roman" Falcone]] hires him to figure out who the Holiday Killer is. Despite giving several reasonable theories as to who is behind the killer's identity, the Roman eventually loses his patience, and orders his daughter, Sophia, to force the Riddler to leave. Upon exiting Falcone's office, the Riddler is attacked, but for some reason left alive, by Holiday. The attack was planned to coincide with the holiday of [[April Fool's]], and several items pertaining to it were left at the scene. He appeared again in the same chapter of the story that [[Harvey Dent]] gets disfigured in, when Batman comes to him for information about the attack.

He plays a slightly larger role in the story's sequel, ''[[Batman: Dark Victory]]'', in which Batman turns to him to figure out the significance of the lost games of hangman that are left at the scenes of the Hangman killer's crimes. He later showed up as a member of Two-Face's jury during the Hangman's trial.

In the one-shot "Riddler and the Riddle Factory", the Riddler becomes the host of an underground gameshow that focuses on digging up dirt on celebrities. Many of the famous people that he humiliates end up committing suicide shortly afterwards, suggesting that perhaps the Riddler did more than just inspire their deaths. In the end, his actions turn out to be a front for his attempts to find the hidden treasures of "Scarface" Scarelli, a [[Gotham City]] gangster who lived long before Batman's reign of crimefighting.

In the three-part ''[[Legends of the Dark Knight]]'' storyline "The Primal Riddle", the Riddler engineers what could possibly be called one of his greatest deathtraps: Batman is thrown into a narrow pit that is slowly filling up with water. The walls are electrically wired, and a set of bumpers are the only thing that prevents the water from touching the walls and causing Batman to die by electrocution. The only options Batman appears to have are death by electrocution and death by drowning, but as always, Batman manages to tamper with the traps design and develop a route of escape.

Riddler had a working relationship with [[Cluemaster|The Cluemaster]], although he initially resented the villain for seemingly copying his modus operandi. In their first encounter, he set his fellow rogue up with a bomb and sent Batman off chasing riddles that would lead to its defusal, as well as away from his real plan: to steal a vast amount of priceless [[baseball]] merchandise. The two teamed up on a few occasions afterwards, and were working together on a big scheme shortly before Cluemaster's apparent death in the pages of [[Suicide Squad|The Suicide Squad]].

He seems to be more rational and cautious than his fellow rogues. During the Batman crossover storyline ''[[No Man's Land (comics)|No Man's Land]]'', after Gotham City is ravaged by an earthquake and Arkham Asylum frees its inmates, Riddler elects to flee Gotham rather than stay behind in the lawless chaos that ensues.

It is during this period that he makes the poor choice of attacking [[Black Canary]] and [[Green Arrow]] in Star City, where he is easily defeated. This event helps lay the foundations for Riddler's future confrontations with Green Arrow (see below).

[[Image:Detective140.JPG|thumb|left|''[[Detective Comics]]'' #140 (October 1948), the first appearance of the Riddler. Cover by [[Win Mortimer]].]]

=== Hush ===
In the 12-part storyline ''[[Hush (comics)|Hush]]'', it is revealed that Riddler suffers from [[cancer]], which also afflicted [[Hush (comics)|Dr. Thomas Elliott]]'s mother. Riddler uses one of [[Ra's Al Ghul]]'s [[Lazarus Pit]]s to rid himself of the disease, and offers Elliot the chance to cure his mother as well, provided he pays a large sum of money. However, Elliott is in fact eager for his mother to die in order to inherit her fortune. Elliott, who goes on to secretly become the masked criminal Hush, explains he wants to get revenge on his childhood friend Bruce Wayne. The two of them agree to work together and the Riddler sets [[Killer Croc]], [[Poison Ivy (comics)|Poison Ivy]], [[Harley Quinn]], [[Joker (comics)|Joker]], [[Clayface]] and [[Scarecrow (comics)|Scarecrow]] out to destroy Batman, with Ra's and [[Talia Al Ghul]], [[Lady Shiva]] and [[Superman]] being temporarily drawn into the scheme as well.

During the [[psychosis|psychotic]] break that follows exposure to the Lazarus Pit, Riddler deduces Batman's [[secret identity]], and that the late [[Jason Todd]] was once Robin. He then tells Clayface to [[shapeshift]] into a replica of Jason in order to torment Batman, who is haunted by the former Robin's death. Batman first thinks that Riddler had stolen Jason's corpse and hid it outside of Gotham Cemetery, but it turns out that Jason is alive the whole time. When the Riddler threatens to expose Batman's secret identity, however, the Caped Crusader mockingly labels it an empty threat, pointing out that if Riddler revealed the answer to the riddle "who is Batman?", it would become worthless, something Riddler wouldn't be able to stand. In addition, Batman warns him that if he reveals the secret, it would give Ra's al Ghul a vital clue that he used a Lazarus Pit without his permission, and the [[League of Assassins]] would subsequently retaliate against him.

=== Aftermath ===
The fallout from Riddler's failed scheme is played out in ''[[Batman: Gotham Knights]]'' #50-53. In the story "Pushback," Hush reappears and beats Riddler senseless across a rooftop. Seeking refuge, Riddler goes to the Joker and [[Penguin (comics)|the Penguin]]. He offers to tell the Joker who had killed his [[pregnant]] wife, Jeannie, if the Clown Prince of Crime would protect him from Hush. The Joker immediately agrees, but eventually Hush, with the help of [[Prometheus (comics)|Prometheus]], defeats him, forcing the Riddler to flee for his life.

In ''Detective Comics'' #797-799, the Riddler faces a great humiliation at the hands of [[Poison Ivy (comics)|Poison Ivy]]. In this encounter, the Riddler seeks shelter from Ivy only to be humiliated. Riddler and Ivy then face off in a physical duel, which Ivy wins easily.

Riddler is stripped of his deductive powers and left to rot as a member of [[Gotham City]]'s vast and invisible [[homeless]] population. A chance encounter with an ex-[[NSA]] codebreaker gives him a positive environment in which to recover his mind. During that stay, he experiences an induced [[flashback (psychological phenomenon)|flashback]] that leads him to realize that his father had abused him many years ago. Envious of his sons academic achievements in school, and unable to understand his brilliance, his father believed he had cheated in his accomplishments, and beat him out of jealousy. Once Riddler discovers this, he also realizes that his compulsion is born out of a strong desire to tell the truth to prove his innocence of deception.

Having made this connection, the Riddler spends some of his vast fortune, acquired over many years of crime, to get minor [[plastic surgery]] and extensive [[tattoo]]ing, covering most of his torso with his trademark question insignia. He returns and kills the codebreaker- who had pieced together his identity but couldn't act on it- then promptly steals a priceless scroll out from under Batman's nose. Since then, the Riddler has spent most of his time either legally amassing a huge fortune or attacking various heroes in order to prove his newfound power.

After orchestrating a brutal series of assaults on [[Green Arrow]], as revenge against his defeat at his hands during the No Man's Land era, Riddler gravely injures and almost kills both [[Green Arrow]] and [[Roy Harper (comics)|Arsenal]]. He once again escapes before the [[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]] arrive to save them. Sometime between this incident and the events of [[Hush (comics)|Hush]], the Riddler was hired to steal artifacts imbued with mystical powers from one of Star City's museums, and then distract the authorities so that the related rituals could be commenced. He sends Team Arrow on a wild goose chase around the City, and then reveals that he has an atomic bomb housed in the stadium where the Star City Rockets play. However, as a side effect of the ritual performed with the artifacts, the city is plunged into complete darkness, and Green Arrow uses this to his advantage, moving in and apprehending the Riddler.

Riddler later shows up in ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'' #1, with a group of villains, which includes the [[Fisherman (comics)|Fisherman]] and [[Murmur (DC Comics)|Murmur]], attacking the [[Gotham City Police Department]]. He is next seen escaping [[Arkham Asylum]] during the world-wide supervillain breakout engineered by the [[Secret Society of Super Villains]] in ''[[Villains United]]: Infinite Crisis Special'' #1, which takes place only days after the prior supernatural disaster. Riddler re-appears as part of the Society's "Phase Three" [[Battle of Metropolis|attack on Metropolis]]. He is defeated by the [[Shining Knight]] and is struck in the head by the Knight's mace.

===Riddler Reformed===

In ''Detective Comics'' #822, The Riddler returns, having spent much of the [[52 (comic book)|previous year]] in a [[coma]] due to the one-sided fight against the Knight. He has seemingly reformed, and is now a private consultant on the murder of a wealthy socialite. Hired by the socialite's father, he proves that a photo of Bruce Wayne apparently implicating him in the crime depicts an impostor, and briefly works with Batman to investigate the crime. As a result of his coma, The Riddler has apparently lost his compulsion for riddles, but retains both his intellect and his mammoth [[ego]]. Furthermore, he suffered severe memory loss; upon emerging from his coma, he barely remembers his own name. He does not appear to remember that Bruce Wayne and Batman are one and the same, though he does harbor some suspicions of once knowing something about Bruce Wayne.

In ''Detective Comics'' #828, Riddler is a guest along with Bruce Wayne on board a ship during a party. During the party, an old friend of Bruce's falls overboard and is mauled to death by sharks. The Riddler appears to solve the case with the [[suicide]] of the apparent murderer, and quickly takes the credit. However, Batman finds evidence that the suicide was a setup to divert attention away from the real killer. Bruce suspects foul play, and eventually tracks down the killer, whom Riddler is also close to catching before Nigma is bludgeoned over the head by a shark-tooth club. The killer pushes Batman out the window, and is about to drop him to his death, when Nigma wraps his tie around an arrow, lights it on fire, and shoots it into the killer's back. As the assailant rolls around screaming, Nigma taunts him, refusing to douse the flames. Batman extinguishes the flame, and responds to Nigma's assertion that they're now allies with hostile dismissal.

In ''Detective Comics'' #837 Riddler is hired by Bruce Wayne to track down an experimental drug developed by Wayne Enterprises currently being tested for muscle stamina and cellular regeneration which has been stolen by a lab assistant named Lisa Newman. He discovers that Newman is staying at the same Athenian Women's Help Shelter as Harley Quinn. With Harley's help he defeats Newman and returns the drug to Wayne Enterprises, earning Batman's trust for the time being.

In ''[[Countdown to Final Crisis|Countdown]]'' #42, Riddler claims to [[Mary Marvel]] that he has gone straight and is now a detective. The two join forces to defeat Clayface, and after witnessing Mary's new malicious approach to crime fighting, suggests that she consider finding a mentor to help her control her powers. Or at the very least get some anger management.

As of the 2008 miniseries Gotham Underground, Riddler has yet to return to his villainous ways, and is investigating the [[Penguin (comics)|Penguin]]'s involvement with the events of [[Salvation Run]]. He saves [[Dick Grayson]], who was under cover during the Gotham Gang War between Penguin and [[Tobias Whale]] and deduces he is [[Nightwing]] but cannot uncover his secret identity. Recent solicitations for an upcoming issue of Detective Comics also mention Riddler will become involved in a murder investigation alongside both Batman and the Gotham City Police Department <ref>[http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=9502 DC Comics]</ref>.

==Powers and abilities==
The Riddler has no superhuman abilities, but is a criminal strategist of great cunning. He isn’t much of a hand-to-hand opponent so he often employs guns as he is an accomplished marksman. He sometimes employs weaponry disguised as puzzles, such as jigsaw pieces that explode, or pistols shaped like question marks.

He is shown to be skilled with engineering and technology, plaguing Batman and Robin with bizarre deathtraps that are often unique and elaborate in design. In his new occupation, he is shown to have supreme detective skills that may even rival those of the Dark Knight.

== Alternate versions ==

As one of Batman's most famed and popular adversaries, the Riddler has been featured in several comics which are not part of the official DC continuity.

* In the [[Elseworlds]] mini-series ''Thrillkiller'', Nygma is a [[psychiatrist]] who counsels [[Barbara Gordon]]. Doctor Edward Nygma, author of ''Riddle Me This — What do We Really Mean?'', keeps Barbara dosed with increasing amounts of [[valium]] and encourages her to mix with people she actually loathes. Nygma wears a green suit and the cushions of his couch bear the pattern of the Riddler's outfit. [[Alfred Pennyworth|Alfred]], her butler, takes the drugs away from her at the request of her father [[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner Gordon]] who regards Nygma as a quack.

* The Riddler has a heroic counterpart in the [[Qward|antimatter universe]] called the Quizmaster, who is a member of [[Lex Luthor]]'s Justice Underground (that Earth's version of the [[Secret Society of Super Villains]]) which opposes the evil [[Crime Syndicate#Crime Syndicate of Amerika|Crime Syndicate of Amerika]]. He first appeared in ''JLA Secret Files 2004'' #1. Similarly, on [[Earth-Three|Earth-3]], the Riddler's heroic counterpart (simply Riddler) is married to [[Two-Face|Three-Face (Evelyn Dent)]] and is the stepfather to [[Joker (comics)|the Jokester]]'s daughter, [[Duela Dent]].

* The character was featured in several issues of ''Batman and Robin Adventures''. In his first appearance, he holds an entire Christmas party hostage, convinced that Batman and Robin are amongst the crowd. This issue is also the debut of his two assistants, Query and Echo, in the DCAU continuity. In a later issue, he kidnaps Commissioner Gordon and threatens Gotham City with a deadly nerve gas. Since Batman and Robin fail to show up, Batgirl is forced to take on the Riddler alone and save her father.

* The Riddler was featured quite prominently in ''[[Batman: Gotham Adventures]]'', a spin-off of the TNBA series.

* In the ''[[Batman Adventures]]'' series, The Riddler makes yet another attempt to go straight in issue #2. Issue #11 shows that while reformed, The Riddler struggles to avoid the temptation of crime as well as planting riddles. To remedy that, Batman recruits The Riddler to answer a great riddle: How did [[The Penguin]] succeed in becoming mayor of Gotham City? In the process, he is heavily injured in #12 by The [[Clock King]]. At the end of the issue, he ends up in a coma. The series was canceled before The Riddler's fate could be resolved. The story planned for the Riddler would have him emerging from his coma stricken with amnesia, allowing him to solve the greatest riddle, "Who Am I?"<ref>[http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/batribute/thecomic/ty.php The World's Finest - Batman Adventures: Tribute - The Comic - Ty Templeton]</ref>

*An alternate version of the Riddler appears in the Emperor Joker storyline, in which is a member of the Joker's Justice League. After learning of the Joker's plans to destroy the Universe, he leads the League in an uprising against him. The Joker's vast and amazing powers cause the plan to fail, and the entire League is destroyed as a result.

*The Riddler also appeared three times in [[Justice League]], working alongside [[Parasite (comics)|Parasite]] to battle [[Superman]] in various bombing conspiracies, most likely to be led by the coalition of The Riddler and Parasite.

== Names and variations ==
Many adaptations of the Batman mythos have given the Riddler the real name Edward Nigma (or Nygma) or '''E. Nigma'''. Occasionally his full name has been given as '''Edward E. Nigma'''. Some have depicted this as a [[Pseudonym|false name]] and his real name as Edward Nashton, who legally changed his name to Edward Nygma. Most recently, his origin in ''Countdown'' states that Nashton is his original name.

In the [[France|French]] and [[Quebec]]ois translations of various ''Batman'' titles, his nom de plume has been translated to '''Le [[Sphinx]]''' referencing the riddle-posing monster of [[Greek mythology]] that [[Oedipus]] confronted. Sometimes, he's also known as '''[[L'Homme-Mystère]]''', which means "the Mystery Man" in French.

In [[Germany]], the villain has been called '''Mr. Sphinx''', as well as '''Der Rätselknacker''' (the riddle cracker).

In early [[Poland|Polish]] editions of ''Batman'' comics Riddler was translated as Zagadka (The Riddle); in [[Batman Forever]] Riddler was known as Człowiek-Zagadka (Riddleman)

In [[Italy]] he is called '''Enigmista''', the literal translation of "Riddler".

In [[Latin America]], the Riddler is known as '''El Acertijo''', which literally means "The Riddle". In [[Brazil]], the character is named '''Charada''', which also means "Riddle".

In [[Portugal]], the Riddler is known as '''Enigmático'''.

In [[Spain]], the Riddler is known as '''Enigma'''.

In [[Denmark]], the Riddler is known as '''Gækkeren''', which, loosely translated, is a person, who plays tricks on others, though not necessarily through the use of riddles.

In [[Sweden]], the Riddler has been known as '''Gåtan''', which is [[Swedish language|Swedish]] for "the riddle", and sometimes '''Gåtmannen''' (=Riddleman).

In [[Norway]], the Riddler is known as '''Gåten''', which is [[Norwegian language|Norwegian]] for "the riddle".

In [[Russia]], he is called '''Ребус''' (Russian for [[Rebus]]). In some translations, the Riddler is also called '''Человек-загадка''' (''Chelovek-zagadka''; literally, "the Mystery Man") or '''Человек-вопрос''' (''Chelovek-vopros'', "the Question Man").

In [[Finland]], the Riddler is known as '''Arvuuttaja'''. (Translates directly to "Riddler" or "Puzzler.")

==Other media==
===Television===
[[Image:Gorshinriddler.JPG|thumb|150px|[[Frank Gorshin]] as the Riddler, from the ''[[Batman (TV series)|Batman]]'' TV series.]]
====''Batman (TV series)''====
[[Frank Gorshin]] played the Riddler in the 1960s ''[[Batman (TV series)|Batman]]'' television series and [[Batman (1966 movie)|spin-off movie]], with [[John Astin]] substituting once on the series. The popular television series was inspired by the first [[Silver Age of comics|Silver Age]] appearance of the Riddler, with the premiere episode being an adaptation of this issue (Batman #171). Before the television series, the character was a minor villain with only three appearances in two decades, but the exposure of the series - especially with Gorshin's extremely popular interpretation - elevated the character in the comics to a major enemy. Riddler's real name was never mentioned in the TV show. Gorshin also portrayed the Riddler in ''[[Legends of the Superheroes]]'' in 1979.

====''The Batman/Superman Hour''====
The Riddler made his first appearance in animated form in the [[Filmation]] Batman installments first seen on ''CBS Saturday Morning'' in 1968 as part of ''[[The Batman/Superman Hour]]''. While he didn't appear in ''[[The New Adventures of Batman]]'' episodes, he is shown briefly in the opening theme, wearing a red costume, rather than his traditional green. He is also referenced in one episode.

====''Super Friends''====
[[Image:LoDriddler.jpg|left|thumb|150px|The Riddler as he appeared in ''[[Challenge of the Super Friends]]''.]]
He later appeared in [[Hanna-Barbera]]'s ''[[Challenge of the SuperFriends]]'' as a member of the [[Legion of Doom (comics)|Legion of Doom]]. Playing off the Gorshin model, this Riddler is a hyperactive lunatic whose contrived riddles baffle all but Batman and [[Robin (comics)|Robin]]. He was voiced by [[Michael Bell]].

He made his only solo appearance in a ''Super Friends'' short episode, "Around The World In 80 Riddles", where he sprays Superman, [[Wonder Woman]], Batman and Robin with a chemical to reduce their intelligence to that of two-year-olds.

====DC animated universe====
[[Image:Animated Riddler.jpg|thumb|150px|The Riddler from ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]''.]]
In ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'', [[John Glover (actor)|John Glover]] voiced the Riddler. For this version, the producers decided to play against the popular Gorshin image of a giggling trickster and have the character as a smooth intellectual, who presented genuinely challenging puzzles. In this more sympathetic incarnation, Nygma is a [[game design]]er fired by a greedy executive name Daniel Mockridge for suing after not getting royalties for a game he created called "Riddle of the Minotaur." He seeks revenge as the Riddler by kidnapping Daniel and placing him in an elaborate maze deathtrap. As a testament to his ingenuity, the Riddler is one of the few villains in the animated series who emerges victorious in his first appearance; while he does not kill his victim, the Riddler escapes Batman and has the satisfaction that Daniel Mockridge now lives in fear of his return. As with the other versions, this Riddler has a fondness for elaborate deathtraps that Batman often escapes from by "cheating," or finding flaws in the trap's design and exploiting them; for instance, Batman deliberately went after the flying Hand of Fate device, [[hotwiring|hotwire]]d it to his [[palmtop computer]] and flew towards the center of the maze. The Riddler then chastises that Batman is not allowed to tamper with the Hand of Fate, but Batman snorts he doesn't believe in fate.

In his second appearance on the show, he traps Commissioner Gordon inside a deadly virtual reality video game, which Batman is forced to enter in order to save him. While dodging the traps laid out in the construct and chasing clues, Batman discovers that he can change and mold his virtual body into forms that will better suit the tasks at hand, and he uses this newly-discovered ability to fool the Riddler into causing his program to overload. During the confusion, Batman escapes the construct with the Commissioner, and the Riddler's mind is briefly trapped inside the virtual reality device.

In the final episode the character appeared in, he has seemingly reformed, and a wealthy owner of a toy company hires him to produce a line of puzzles and games that are aimed at children. He deliberately hides clues in the company's advertisements that correspond to crimes that he will eventually commit. After a confrontation with Batman, the Riddler vows to rid himself of his enemy once and for all, and lures him into one last death trap. Batman manages to escape yet again, much to Nygma's chagrin. He is sent back to Arkham Asylum, smitten with rage. His only other appearance on the show was a small cameo in the episode "The Trial", but he has been referenced and alluded to in a few other episodes, as well.

The series' creators admit they didn't use him very much because his character often made story plots too long, too complex, or too bizarre.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} The writers described this problem with the Riddler in an article in Comics Scene #43, published by Starlog.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}.

The Riddler is only seen briefly in ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'' episodes: first [[Over the Edge (The New Batman Adventures)|in a dream sequence]], then [[Judgement Day (The New Batman Adventures)|in a rather short appearance]] where he is robbing a bank. Despite his lack of appearances in the series, he was prominently featured in ''Batman: Gotham Adventures'', its comic book continuation. He is featured in the episode, Judgement Day, where the Judge cuts the rope suspending a giant book in the air, sending it crushing down on the Riddler. Due to the previous nature of the Judge's attacks, this may have killed him.

He also appears in the ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'' episode "[[Knight Time]]", where he is in league with [[Bane (comics)|Bane]] and [[Mad Hatter (comics)|the Mad Hatter]]. A Riddler Drone, along with [[Two Face]] and [[Killer Croc]], fights Batman Beyond in the opening to "[[Terry's Friend Dates A Robot]]". The Riddler's appearance was modelled after [[Frank Gorshin]]'s portrayal in these episodes.

As part of the original 13 members of the [[Legion of Doom]], the Riddler was originally slated to appear again in the DC Animated Universe in the third season of ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'', but apparently due to a "[[Bat-Embargo]]" enforced by Warner Bros., this did not occur.

====''The Batman''====
[[Image:TheBatmanRiddler.jpg|thumb|The Riddler in ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]''.]]
In 2005, a new Riddler debuted in ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'' [[animated series]]. In this version, the Riddler returns with a [[gothic]] look, and is voiced by [[Robert Englund]]. He is also given a more detailed and sympathetic back story than previous incarnations.

In the fourth-season episode "Riddler's Revenge," he reveals that he was a scientist who, along with his beloved assistant Julie, developed a chip designed to augment the human brain, allowing those interfaced with it to achieve superhuman feats of memory and calculation. This device caught the eye of a predatory businessman named Chuck Gorman, who hounded him to sell the rights, but Nygma refused. The device then horrifically malfunctioned on its first demonstration, a demonstration apparently orchestrated by Gorman. Blaming him for his disgrace, Nygma set out to destroy both him and everything he held dear. He rigged the businessman's house with a series of intricate traps, only passable by solving riddles. Batman breaks the businessman out, much to Nygma's fury. It was only years later that both Nygma and Batman determined that it had been Julie, not the businessman, who had sabotaged the chip; having realized he was a lunatic, she took Nygma out of the way to have success herself, enjoying the fruits of his research until the truth was revealed and she was arrested along with Riddler. It was also revealed in this episode Nygma as a child was fascinated about puzzles, but his father didn't approve.

In his first appearance, the Riddler plants riddle bombs across the city and sends Batman and Detective [[Ellen Yin]] to stop them from detonating. It all turns out to be a diversion (the bombs contain lime gelatin instead of explosives) so the Riddler can work on his real scheme: to [[computer hacking|hack]] into the computer database at Gotham City Hall (the location of the very first "bomb") and steal valuable information. After capturing Batman and Yin, he attempts to play a game of 20 questions to guess Batman's identity, while Batman is connected to a [[lie detector]]. If Batman lies, Yin receives a progressively stronger electric shock until the voltage becomes fatal. Riddler comes extremely close and fails when Yin uses the Riddler's ego to trick him into stepping in front of his electrocuting machine by claiming to know who Batman is. Riddler also appeared in the episode "Night and the City," in which he makes a deal with the Joker and the Penguin that whoever discovers Batman's identity will have control of the city.

====Other appearances====
The ''[[Tiny Toon Adventures]]'' short ''Bat's All Folks'' parodied the character as 'Question Mark'.

Riddler appeared in the ''[[Robot Chicken]]'' episode "Endless Breadsticks" voiced by [[Patrick Warburton]]. When he gives a riddle at the dinner table, his wife tells him "Just ask for the salt."

In the ''[[Simpsons|The Simpsons]]'' episode ''[[Revenge is a Dish Best Served Three Times]]'', [[Ned Flanders]] appears as 'The Diddler'.

The Riddler appeared in [[Question (comics)|the Question's]] [[Vertigo Comics]] series, being convinced to become a "big-time villain" by a [[prostitute]] met on a bus. He hijacked it and began asking riddles, killing and robbing anyone that got them wrong. The Question quickly subdues him by asking him philosophical riddles in return. He is outwitted and has a nervous breakdown before being set free as a reward for getting one last riddle right.

Recently the name "Edward Nashton" appears as a person writing to the Gotham Times as part of the viral marketing campaign set up to promote the ''[[The Dark Knight]]''. [http://www.thegothamtimes.com/page2.htm]

===Movies===
====''Batman (1966)''====
{{main|Batman (1966 film)}}
Frank Gorshin reprised his role as the Riddler in the 1966 film Batman, alongside three other villains from the TV series. As in the series, Gorshin's Riddler is calm and calculating at one moment, then wild and unstable the next. He compulsively sends Batman and Robin clues, which in the film leads to some minor tensions with his fellow criminals.

====''Batman Forever''====
[[Image:Riddler-carrey.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Jim Carrey]] as the Riddler in the 1995 film "Batman Forever".]]

{{main|Batman Forever}}
While [[Tim Burton]] was slated to direct ''[[Batman Forever]]'', his intention was to have [[Michael Keaton]] return as the title character, and use the Riddler (Edward Nygma) as the main villain, who would be portrayed as a menacing [[psychopath]] with a question mark shaved into his hair. [[Robin Williams]] was the first choice for the role, but he turned it down. Burton went on to cast [[Micky Dolenz]], who screen tested for the role.<ref>[http://www.pennlive.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/entertainment/1164839111209370.xml PennLive.com's Printer-Friendly Page]</ref> Dolenz's involvement ended once [[Joel Schumacher]] was hired to direct. Schumacher instead decided to bank on [[Jim Carrey]] for the role. [[Michael Jackson]] approached Schumacher about the role but Schumacher felt that there was not a place for Jackson in the film.<ref>http://www.suntimes.com/output/entertainment/sho-sunday-joel30.html</ref> Carrey had stated that he was attracted to the "[[stalking|stalker]]" angle added to the character in the script. Nygma is shown to be obsessed with his idol Bruce Wayne, his turn to crime a result of Wayne's rejection of his mind-manipulation invention. Throughout the film, Nygma obsesses over Wayne, copying Wayne's appearance down to a facial mole, and he prevents [[Two-Face]] from killing him.

In [[Batman & Robin]], when [[Bane (comics)|Bane]] breaks into Arkham Asylum's storage room to get Mr. Freeze's cryogenic suit, both Two-Face and Riddler's costumes are visible in the foreground.

====Nolan series====
Director [[Christopher Nolan]] took the helm as director of the new [[Batman_%28film_series%29#Nolan_series|Batman franchise]] with the 2005 film ''[[Batman Begins]]''. In ''The Gotham Times'', a viral marketing website promoting the 2008 film ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]'', Edward Nashton, an alias of The Riddler, is credited for a [[letter to the editor]] titled "Dent Cannot Be Believed" in Issue 2 page 2. Although [[Anthony Michael Hall]] was rumored to be playing the Riddler, he actually played a reporter named Mike Engel. While doing press for ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]'', [[Gary Oldman]] alluded that the Riddler could be the villain in the proposed third film. [[Doctor Who]] actor [[David Tennant]] has recently expressed an interest in playing the role. <ref>[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/a76431/david-tennant-craves-batman-villain-role.html Cult - News - David Tennant craves 'Batman' villain role - Digital Spy]</ref>

===''Super Max ''===
According to Latinoreview, the Riddler is one of the villains locked up in [[Green_Arrow_in_other_media#Film|SuperMax]].{{Cn}}

===Video games===
The Riddler has also appeared in several video games based on Batman. He was a boss in ''Batman: The Animated Series'', ''[[Adventures of Batman & Robin|The Adventures of Batman & Robin]]'' for the [[SNES]], ''The Adventures of Batman & Robin'' for the [[Sega CD]] and various video game adaptations of ''[[Batman Forever (video game)|Batman Forever]]''. The SNES game had Riddler re-using the Riddle of the Minotaur Maze from "[[If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?]]" (but this time with the Gordons as hostages) and the chess board from "[[What Is Reality?]]". In the Sega CD game, which had fully-animated cut scenes, John Glover reprised his role as the Riddler.

In the PC game ''Toxic Chill'', Riddler teams up with Mr. Freeze, and leaves this riddle to Batman and Robin: "What gets hotter when it gets colder?" The majority of the game is spent gathering clues whilst battling Freeze, Riddler, and the Riddler's gang with help from Batgirl and Alfred. The answer turns out to be...[[Gotham City]]! It turns out that Freeze has been building a weather machine to cause a super-blizzard, and Riddler has been secretly been double-crossing him by dumping chemicals under the ground into lava tubes, shaping an enormous question mark upon spewing up from the ground, triggered by the cold winds. However, Batman and Robin manage to stop his chemicals from emptying into the bay. The Riddler then attempts to destroy a light house, finishing his symbol with a dot. Batman captures him and hauls him away to Arkham before he is able to do this final devious act. Nygma is forced to share a cell with Freeze, who presumably exacts revenge on Riddler for betraying and nearly killing him with the hot chemicals. The Riddler in here closely resembles the one in Batman: The Animated Series in the game, but his personality more closely resembles that of the version portrayed by Frank Gorshin.

He is mentioned by the JLA's Watchtower recorder in ''[[Justice League Heroes]]''. The message, sent to Batman, is "Just now, a toy sells death".

He is also seen in a trailer for the upcoming [[Lego Batman: The Video Game]]

===Action figures===
Riddler has made several appearances as an action figure as part of [[Kenner]]'s ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'', Legends of Batman and Batman: Knight Force Ninjas lines, [[Mattel]]'s ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'' line, and [[Art Asylum]]'s [[minimates]] line. He has also been produced as a [[Heroclix]]. Five different Riddler figures were produced for the 1995 [[Batman Forever]] line, including one version that says phrases from the film.

The Riddler is one of the rarest of Pacipa's Super Amigos line, the Argentinian version of Kenner's [[Super Powers Collection]]. He is a repainted [[Green Lantern]] figure that was only released in [[South America]].
He was also part of the line of action figures called the DC Comics SuperHeroes from [[Toy-Biz]].

Three versions of the Riddler have appeared in the DC Direct line, two based on his first appearance and one based on his look in the Hush storyline. The Japanese toy company Yamato has also produced a figure of him.

===Music===
A song based on the character entitled [[The Riddler (song)|The Riddler]] was performed by rapper, [[Method Man]] and was featured on the [[Batman Forever (soundtrack)|Batman Forever soundtrack]].

===Roller coasters===
[[Riddler's Revenge]], the world's second tallest and fastest stand-up roller coaster is themed after the Riddler. It is located in [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]] in Valencia, California.

|[[Mind Bender (Six Flags Over Georgia)|Mind Bender]], is a roller-coaster at [[Six Flags over Georgia]] outside Atlanta. The coaster was originally silver then later painted brown. In 1997 the park built Batman:The Ride next to MindBender. MindBender was then given a green paint scheme and its trains were painted black and covered with question marks. The ride is lightly themed to the Riddler character from the movie Batman Forever.

== See also ==
*[[Enigma (DC Comics)]]

== Notes and references ==
{{Unreferenced|date=August 2007}}

{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{wikiquote|Batman (comics)#The Riddler|The Riddler}}
* [[DCDatabase:Riddler|DCDP: Riddler]] - DC Database Project
* [http://riddler.batbad.com Edward Nygma's Puzzle Web Site] : puzzles, games and stories featuring the animated series Riddler.
* [http://www.dccomics.com/heroes_and_villains/?hv=origin_stories/riddler Riddler on DCComics.com]
* [http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0034280]

{{The Batman}}
[[Category:Fictional scientists]]
[[Category:American comics characters]]
[[Category:DC Comics supervillains]]
[[Category:Fictional detectives]]
[[Category:Fictional thieves]]
[[Category:Golden Age supervillains]]
[[Category:Fictional obsessive-compulsives]]
[[Category:Fictional murderers]]
[[Category:Fictional private investigators]]
[[Category:Fictional hackers]]
[[Category:Fictional inventors]]
[[de:Riddler]]
[[es:Riddler]]
[[fr:Sphinx (Batman)]]
[[it:Enigmista]]
[[he:איש החידות]]
[[nl:Riddler]]
[[ja:リドラー]]
[[pt:Charada]]
[[fi:Arvuuttaja]]
[[tr:Riddler]]

Talk:Sonic Rivals

2008-07-27T00:01:45Z

71.182.145.40: /* Plot */ new section

{{WikiProject Video games|class=B|importance=low|tf=Sega}}
{{playstationp|class=B}}
{{segaproject|class=B|importance=low}}
== www.sonicrivals.com? ==

www.sonicrivals.com is not an official site! It is just from someone trying to make money with the google banner. And it contains pictures taken/stolen from Gamespot.

==In time you will add...==
Yet another heads up...revealed from a game tester....add when the game comes out.

*The 5th character is Metal Sonic.
*Silver is searching for Cream and he doesn't know why.

Without a source, this info is unverified. [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 21:31, 11 October 2006 (UTC)
:http://www.gamespot.com/psp/driving/sonicrivals/screenindex.html?sid=6160074
:Oh shit...pwned again! XD[[User:Grandmastergalvatron|GrandMasterGalvatron]] 03:12, 19 October 2006 (UTC)

:Silver is search for Cream? Well, that blows my theory--I thought he was searching for Blaze. Well, this could be explained if Sonic Rivals takes place after Sonic Rush. Cream was a good friend of Blaze's. It's possible that his mind vaguely remembers Blaze after the ending of Sonic the Hedgehog (see the Sonic CulT spoilers for info), and after this point, somehow knows that Cream knew Blaze. --[[User:Ultima the Hedgehog|Ultima]] 12:51, 19 October 2006 (UTC)

Since I read those spoilers before, I'm sure that's a pretty good speculation, actually. But, is there a source/link that confirms his search for Cream? [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 20:45, 19 October 2006 (UTC)
:As of now, no link, so I'll note it out for the time being. [[User:Grandmastergalvatron|GrandMasterGalvatron]] 02:42, 20 October 2006 (UTC)

== Knuckles and Silver? ==

Where is the proof for knuckles?

u can see the proof if yougo to this page [http://sonicstadium.org/games/rivals/artwork/Promotional%20Images/promo_02.jpg]

Hokay, does anyone have proof for Silver? I thought it would be, but I'm suspicious until someone cites this. [[User:I.M.Fearless|I.M.Fearless]] 21:11, 11 May 2006 (UTC)
:I think this'll be the first console Sonic game to not have Tails, if this article is to be believed. [[User:Sonic3KMaster|'''Sonic''''''3K''''''Master''']] [[User talk:Sonic3KMaster|''(talk)'']] 06:30, 21 May 2006 (UTC)

Erm...Doesn't the Mega Drive count as a console?And the one that Knuckle's Chaotix was played on?Because Tails didn't appear in Sonic the Hedgehog or Knuckle's Chaotix.-[[Centurion_Ry]]

:Silver was confirmed a long time ago. At E3 he is seen on the promo art instead of Knuckles. A variation of the promo art has Silver appearing instead of Knuckles, but they are both in it. Tails will also be featured in the game, but not playable. Amy will, too. http://news.sonicstadium.org/story/195/

Hmm, don't forget Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine. In Sonic Spinball you see Tails but you don't play him. The same thing for Sonic CD, you see him but don't play him.
[[User:Axidous|Axidous]] 21, July 2006

==Cards and Characters==
*Okay, where has it been verified that Amy and Tails have been turned into cards?? Please verify this. And, while I'm on that note, has Amy OR Tails even been confirmed?? Please, again, someone verify this. If no one does by tommorow, I'll remove it. Or at least someone else should/will. [[User:UnDeRsCoRe|UnDeRsCoRe]] 00:12, 30 August 2006 (UTC)
:This has actually been officially confirmed by Sonic Team. I'll try and find a source if you wish, but it IS completely and totally 100% accurate. --[[User:Ultima the Hedgehog|Ultima]] 16:38, 31 August 2006 (UTC)
::Ah, I managed to figure out the site it came from, but I don't know the URL of it. It was from the SEGA Press Vault Site. [http://psp.ign.com/articles/711/711542p1.html IGN] (only has basic profiles) and [http://news.sonicstadium.org/story/195/ Sonic News] also reported some news on it. By the way, this has been widely known for a while now. --[[User:Ultima the Hedgehog|Ultima]] 16:51, 31 August 2006 (UTC)
:::Okay.[[User:UnDeRsCoRe|UnDeRsCoRe]] 19:24, 31 August 2006 (UTC)

==Layout==

*Thanks to the user that made a new layout for the page, incorporating a new picture and profile specs. Thanks again. [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 01:17, 11 July 2006 (UTC)

:Hynt!! I was testing out something to show Silver in the pictue. I don't know what way I licensed it so I'm wondering if it's still ok. ^^;
[[User:Axidous|Axidous]] 8, July 2006

::For the heck of it, I updated it a bit more. Now the story is basic, with a separate section called 'Characters' specifically for character info is up. There's ''Main Cast'' and ''Supporting Cast.'' Main is obviously for the main characters, while supporting is for the other characters--including Eggman, Tails, and Amy. --[[User:Ultima the Hedgehog|Ultima]] 15:06, 27 August 2006 (UTC)

==Spammedy Spammed up Spam...==
*Well, apparently this is suffering the same fate as the Sonic Riders article. Endless spam. Please, QUIT adding Elise, Rouge, Cream, and... anyone else, to the character roster. They are NOT in the game! ...at least, not yet. --[[User:Ultima the Hedgehog|Ultima]] 23:36, 28 August 2006 (UTC)
*It isn't spam, it's more like vandalism or people adding a bunch of information that isn't backed up by any (reliable) resource. [[User:UnDeRsCoRe|UnDeRsCoRe]] 22:18, 29 August 2006 (UTC)
::Well, that's essentially what I meant... yeah. --[[User:Ultima the Hedgehog|Ultima]] 16:34, 31 August 2006 (UTC)

==Quality Standards==
Apparently someone thinks that this page isn't meeting Wikipedia's quality standards. I don't know why that would be the case... </sarcasm> Anyway, how do you think we should go about fixing it up? I'm thinking of a number of ways myself. I figured I should post this here after seeing that notification. --[[User:Ultima the Hedgehog|Ultima]] 16:10, 26 September 2006 (UTC)

Story section needs to be fixed. There's only a sentences right now. :P [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 14:22, 30 September 2006 (UTC)

== Release date ==

Where is the release date from, and for which region(s)? There doesn't seem to be any Japanese release date available yet. In fact, it seems that a Japanese release hasn't been announced at all. [http://sega.jp/psp/home.html] [http://www.sonicteam.com/games/home.html] ([[User:Stefan2|Stefan2]] 08:45, 8 October 2006 (UTC))

The US release is tomorrow. I expect this article to be updated with all the goods mates :)
We're also on our own here as there is no strategy guide for the game [[User:Grandmastergalvatron|GrandMasterGalvatron]] 14:26, 13 November 2006 (UTC)

I'm planning on getting it (not necessarily tomorrow, but soon) as well. Hopefully, I'll be able to add stuff to the article, for sure, once I get it. [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 21:55, 13 November 2006 (UTC)

==Secret Character==

Just a thought but this source [http://www.sonic-cult.org/newsx/fullnews.php?id=116], near the bottom of the page, claims that there is a 99% chance Metal Sonic will be the unlockable character. Although maybe it shouldn't be added due to speculation possibilities, it's just something to keep in mind. [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 15:34, 15 October 2006 (UTC)
:Sonic Cult has actually discovered tons of info on the games, some proved true, some false. It's speculation either way. [[User:UnDeRsCoRe|UnDeRsCoRe]] 15:58, 15 October 2006 (UTC)
:'Eh, I'm not surprised it'd be Metal Sonic either way. However, can someone post the info right here (in the talk page) so I can read it myself? I can't ever access Sonic CulT's site. I also heard about a Cream card somewhere, but it's also on Sonic CulT. --[[User:Ultima the Hedgehog|Ultima]] 19:47, 15 October 2006 (UTC)
::Yeah, I added the Cream card alraedy. It's there in the same section, I believe. [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 01:14, 16 October 2006 (UTC)
:::It is Metal. The Sega tester confirmed this a while back [[User:Grandmastergalvatron|GrandMasterGalvatron]] 17:24, 16 October 2006 (UTC)
::::It did? I never saw Metal Sonic in the trailer. Can you screencap it for us? [[User:UnDeRsCoRe|UnDeRsCoRe]] 23:53, 16 October 2006 (UTC)
:::::GrandMaster, that "OneClassyBloke" fella on GHZ? Sources? [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 00:10, 17 October 2006 (UTC)
::::::Yes, it was him. Before he left SEGA, he did some work on Sonic Rivals. He doesn't know much, but he did state that Metal Sonic was the 5th character. Now there's another source saying it as well as the aformentioned link. Though it's already been added to the article, I suggest it should stay as if any of us were to go to said convention, we'd see it as well. After all, we first learned of said 5th character from a convention such as this. However, I will not object if you choose to remove it.[[User:Grandmastergalvatron|GrandMasterGalvatron]] 12:29, 17 October 2006 (UTC)
::::I think it should remain for the time being (not stating it as "definitely Metal Sonic" or something along those lines) but as of the moment, it appears to be missing from the page at all....:S [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 03:46, 18 October 2006 (UTC)
:::::Screens up! Go see for yourselves! [[User:Grandmastergalvatron|GrandMasterGalvatron]] 03:13, 19 October 2006 (UTC)
::::Saw 'em. Surprised GS revealed it... Anyway, at least now we know he IS in the game. [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 20:50, 19 October 2006 (UTC)

AH-HA!!! So Metal wasn't destroyed after all! I knew it!!! [[User:BlackEDGE MkII|BlackEDGE MkII]] 00:49, 3 November 2006 (UTC)

==Big the Cat/Cream the Rabbit==

So, anyone figure out how these two are involved in the story? Grandmastergalvatron, how about you? [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 14:38, 19 November 2006 (UTC)

Scratch that. They're not. Plain and simple. :P [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 20:53, 22 November 2006 (UTC)

==What Really goes on....==
Potentially...
{{spoilers}}
Well, I rented the game and can confidently say I have discerned a lot about the game. The first being that, thus far, Cream nor Big is in the story. I have gotten all S Ranks already (but make no mistake, it's not easy) and no reward has been given but there still may be a reward as I have yet to complete all the challenges (there's a lot).

Thanks to the user that added Eggman Nega to the page (assuming it was GMG) and, yeah, it is true. He appears in almost everyone's story. I can add blurbs about each person's story and how it progresses if it is notable. For instance, in Sonic's Story, I can talk about how he is introduced, the events that lead up to his confrontations with Eggman and when Tails and Amy are saved, how they help and how the rivals are involved in the story. Stuff like that.

Also, Rouge is found in Shadow's Story but is turned into a card by Eggman Nega as Dr.Eggman was. Shadow sets off to save Rouge near the middle once he finds out what happened.

I know a lot of cards now also. For instance:

17. Cheese - Artwork from Heroes (2003)
18. Cream & Cheese - Artwork from Heroes (03)
19. Sonic & Amy - Artwork from Sonic CD (93)
20. Amy Rose - Artwork/Sonic Channel (05)
146. Super Sonic - Artwork/Heroes (03)
147. Super Shadow - Artwork/Shadow the Hedgehog (05)

Also, Metal Sonic does not have his own story, he is just a character you can select in other modes. I'm curious to know if maybe the reward for S Ranks is ability to play as other characters that made cameos in Story.... but I doubt it. :(

Anything else, just ask. (Forgot to sign: knuckles_sonic8)

:Actually...I had already added all of those...and some others XD. Check out the article.
:Also, can you confirm that the chaos emerald cards are in heroes order?[[User:Grandmastergalvatron|GrandMasterGalvatron]] 21:02, 21 November 2006 (UTC)

Yeah I noticed but I was just saying. Ummm... regarding the Emerald Cards, I can check but I only have one so far :P. Be patient with me, although I don't have the game for very long (I rented it).

Also, got a question for you.... (already added spoilers tag above)...

Have you gotten all S Ranks? I'm wondering if it's just me that hasn't gotten any reward as of yet... Defeat all challenges yet? I tihnk there were claims of there being a "Last Story" potentially and maybe even a playable Super Sonic character. You aware of any of these? How far are you in the game? [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 20:53, 22 November 2006 (UTC)
:I'm not far at all as I don't have it. I am collecting data from people that ''do'' have it :P
:As for Super forms, perhaps if you get all of the Chaos Emerald cards they might be playable.[[User:Grandmastergalvatron|GrandMasterGalvatron]] 04:31, 23 November 2006 (UTC)

I got em all - Chaos Emeralds, that is. Nothing happens I guess....Or m/b all cards are required... dunno. I rented the game and it has to go back today and I have one card left!!! It's so frustrating. It's "Egg Breaker" I believe, acc. to the page. Am I wrong or are the card distributions random? Still wondering if other characters are unlockable or if there's a Last Story (doubt it though, even though at the end, everyone talks about gathering the remainder of the cards). [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 20:59, 24 November 2006 (UTC)

Oh, come on... all the major Sonic games since ''Sonic & Knuckles'' have had some sort of "Last Story" or "Extra Stage". You'd have to be daft to think that it wouldn't happen. Perhaps you need a specific combination of cards? --[[User:Luigifan|Luigifan]] 22:32, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

== Cards Images ==

I have attempted uploading the images of the cards but it comes out all wrong, should something be done about it or leave it until all images reveal themselves and make it look seemingly look better. Also other cards are revealed such as new 2D Silver, Blaze, etc. and the 2001 and 2002 Santa Sonic card images exist on Wikipedia (I uploaded them). [[User:SoundPound500000|SoundPound500000]] November 24, 2006 5:43 p.m.

Yeah, I've seen all but one card (again, so frustrating; couldn't get it and had to return game). You can try uploading the images but it's not of major priority. Only if you have the time, then sure. [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 21:28, 25 November 2006 (UTC)

== Cards section should become an seperate article ==

The card section of the article has taken a lot space, and all of them aren't even there! I say the card section should be an article of its own. 16:26, 25 November 2006 (UTC)

I'm inclined to agree. Anyone else up for it? [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 14:19, 26 November 2006 (UTC)

New article added. I gotta find out how to make it look the way it's supposed to on the article ("Main Article" format). [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 14:37, 26 November 2006 (UTC)

Never mind, got it. So, what do you think? [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 14:44, 26 November 2006 (UTC)

==Eggman Nega is enemies with Eggman??!??==
i thought they were freinds, where and how do you know their enemies????

Well, first of all, the fact that Nega turned Eggman into a card! :P [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 21:18, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Evil people have a tendency of turning on one another if the time calls for it. Plus, due to the timelines of Rush, 06, and Rivals, it's uncertain if Nega and Eggman even remember one another. [[User:DeathGodDragon EDGE|DeathGodDragon EDGE]] 07:10, 1 December 2006 (UTC)

Never considered that. I kinda assumed they already knew each other - personally, I think they do; otherwise, Nega would know who Eggman is since he acknowledges he's a "descendant" of him but Eggy probably would be clueless. [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 21:06, 1 December 2006 (UTC)

Maybe Eggman did something that ended up shaming his descendants, which is why although they worked together in Rush, Nega imprisoned Eggman in a card in Rivals. [[User:DeathGodDragon EDGE|DeathGodDragon EDGE]] 21:55, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

Maybe of all the times Eggman failed at world domination. :P [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 22:39, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

Lol. Eggman must have screwed up big time if his own descendant hates him. [[User:DeathGodDragon EDGE|DeathGodDragon EDGE]] 01:02, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

But seriously, let's drop this before this becomes forum-ish. [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 20:50, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

Gotcha. [[User:DeathGodDragon EDGE|DeathGodDragon EDGE]] 00:32, 8 December 2006 (UTC)

Maybe Eggman Nega was so mad at Eggman because of their failure in Sonic Rush.

== Blaze the Cat??? ==

The article states in the Casting section that Blaze is a character in. Beyond her cameo as a card, does she really make an appearance? —The preceding [[Wikipedia:Sign your posts on talk pages|unsigned]] comment was added by [[Special:Contributions/207.19.141.251|207.19.141.251]] ([[User talk:207.19.141.251|talk]]) 20:09, 12 December 2006 (UTC).

This is false. She doesn't make ANY appearance other than the card cameo. [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 21:45, 19 December 2006 (UTC)

== story ==

give me the story

Each character has a seperate storyline but they all come together in the end as they each face Dr. Eggman and save a/some card/cards. Respective storylines per character can be found on the front page and on other articles. [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 21:45, 19 December 2006 (UTC)

==Rivals PS3?==

I heared a rumor saying that if Sonic Rivals is a succses it will be released on PS3 like GTA Liberty City Storys. Is it true?[[User:Mt 1994|Mt 1994]] 18:15, 21 December 2006 (UTC)

Probably unfounded. Where'd you hear it? [[User:Knuckles sonic8|Knuckles sonic8]] 22:17, 21 December 2006 (UTC)

Not happening, especially on PS3. --[[User:Guess Who|Guess Who]] 03:10, 13 January 2007 (UTC)

== Plot? ==

Are we putting Plot details in yet?

== Eggman's appearance ==

I didn't play that game, I just want to know if Eggman looks like he is in Sonic The Hedgehog 2006 or if he looks like before. —The preceding [[Wikipedia:Sign your posts on talk pages|unsigned]] comment was added by [[Special:Contributions/207.162.68.54|207.162.68.54]] ([[User talk:207.162.68.54|talk]]) 16:18, 2 February 2007 (UTC).
:He appears as he did before [[User:80.126.32.62|80.126.32.62]] 12:30, 1 April 2007 (UTC)

== Final Story? ==

Even if I had the money, I wouldn't buy a Sony system. So yeah, I read the script on gamefaqs. The story seems unfinished after each story, just as it does in every game before you get the Final Story. Also, they hint at getting all the cards. Should we just wait until someone actually beats the game, or can someone get an Action Replay and hack out any secrets we haven't gotten on here yet? By the way, I know this is kind of stupid, but has anyone gotten all of the Sonic Battle cards yet? [[User:Jon166|Jon166]] 02:02, 12 March 2007 (UTC)

There is no final story to unlock. The endings actually wrap up each character's story quite well.[[User:Grandmastergalvatron|GrandMasterGalvatron]] 00:51, 14 August 2007 (UTC)

== Question ==

Why was Jet and Espio not playable their only apperence is their cards[[User:Sonicrules2|Sonicrules2]] 02:42, 27 May 2007 (UTC)Sonicrulse2

== Apart of the main series? ==

Should this game really be listed as apart of the MAIN series? To me, it seems more like a spin-off. [[User:Proto Dude|Proto Dude]] 14:41, 27 May 2007 (UTC)

As Sonic 06 retconned itself away, this game serves to introduce Silver to the main story. Also, it picks up from Rush with Eggman Nega's appearance.[[User:Grandmastergalvatron|GrandMasterGalvatron]] 00:52, 14 August 2007 (UTC)

== Plot ==

Doesn't this article need a plot section? [[Special:Contributions/71.182.145.40|71.182.145.40]] ([[User talk:71.182.145.40|talk]])

Sonic Spinball

2008-07-26T23:33:13Z

71.182.145.40:

{{Infobox VG| title = Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball
|image = [[Image:Sonic Spinball Box.jpeg|250px|European cover of Sonic Spinball]]
|developer = [[Polygames]], [[Sega Technical Institute]] (GEN/MD) 
[[Sega interActive]] (GG/SMS)
|publisher = [[Sega]]
|designer =
|engine =
|released = '''Mega Drive/Genesis''' {{flagicon|US}} [[November 23]], [[1993]] {{flagicon|Europe}} [[November 15]], [[1993]] {{flagicon|Japan}} [[December 10]], [[1993]] '''Game Gear''' {{flagicon|Europe}} August 1994 {{flagicon|US}} September 1994 '''Master System''' {{flagicon|Europe}} January 1995 {{flagicon|Brazil}} 1995
|genre = [[Action game|Action]], [[Pinball]]
|modes = [[Single-player]], [[Multiplayer game|multiplayer]]
|ratings = [[Videogame Rating Council|VRC]] General Audiences (GA)
|platforms = [[Sega Mega Drive|Genesis]], [[Sega Game Gear|Game Gear]], [[Sega Master System|Master System]], [[Virtual Console]], [[Playstation 2]] (on [[Sonic Mega Collection]]), [[Nintendo Gamecube]] (on [[Sonic Mega Collection]]), [[Xbox]] (on [[Sonic Mega Collection]], PC (on [[Sonic Mega Collection]]), [[Game Boy Advance]] on [[Sega Smash Pack]]
|media = 8-megabit [[Cartridge (electronics)|Cartridge]]
|requirements =
|input = [[Control pad]]
}}
'''''Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball''''' (also known as '''''Sonic Spinball''''') is an adventure [[pinball]] [[video game|game]] in the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (series)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' series. It was originally released for the [[Sega Mega Drive|Sega Mega Drive/Genesis]] in [[1993 in video gaming|1993]] and later [[porting|ported]] to the [[Sega Game Gear|Game Gear]] system.

It was also released in [[1995 in video gaming|1995]] on the [[Sega Master System|Master System]] in [[Europe]] by Sega Europe (which is one of the last games released in Europe for the system and is quite hard to find), and was later released in Brazil by TecToy and in Portugal by Ecofilmes. This version is a port of the Game Gear version.

The Mega Drive/Genesis version was released on the [[Wii]]'s [[Virtual Console]] on [[March 12]], [[2007 in video gaming|2007]] in [[North America]] and [[April 5]], [[2007 in video gaming|2007]] in Europe and also appears on the ''[[Sonic Mega Collection]]'' compilation for [[Nintendo GameCube]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox]] and [[Personal computer|PC]]. The Game Gear version also appears as an unlockable minigame in ''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]'' for the GameCube and PC, as well as [[Sonic Gems Collection]] for the Nintendo Gamecube.

The game title is a pun on pinball and Sonic's famous spin move. It is the only Sonic game to feature characters from the Saturday morning cartoon ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and ''[[Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', though only in cameos. The game's musical score was composed by [[Howard Drossin]].

==Storyline==
[[Image:Sonic Spinball Titlescreen.png|thumb|left|Title screen of ''Sonic Spinball''.]]
[[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Robotnik]] has assumed control of Mt. Mobius and turned it into a mechanical base. Utilizing energy produced by the [[magma]] flowing under the [[volcano]], this new monstrosity (the Veg-O-Fortress) has the power to transform helpless animals into [[robot]] [[slavery|slaves]] at an astounding rate. [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]] and [[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]] fly onto the scene to mount an aerial assault, but Sonic is knocked off the wings of Tails' airplane by a blast from the fortress. He falls into the water, but is rescued and taken to the subterranean levels of the Veg-O-Fortress. The fortress must be destroyed from the inside-out, and the only way to make that happen is to trigger an eruption in the volcano it's built on. Sonic knows this can be done by removing the [[Chaos Emeralds]] that keep the volcano stable. Robotnik, however, is also aware of the fragile relationship that exists between the Emeralds and the mountain, and he's set up an elaborate Pinball Defense System to make sure the precious jewels don't go anywhere.

==Gameplay==
''Sonic Spinball'' is essentially the logical continuation of a tradition of pinball themed levels that started with Spring Yard Zone on ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. The game features four large pinball 'tables' - a [[sewer]] level, a [[geothermal power]] station, a robot [[factory]], and a [[Launch pad|launchpad]] system. The player must guide Sonic through each of the four levels and collect all of the Chaos Emeralds, then fight Dr. Robotnik.

The main difference between this game and an actual pinball game is the ability to influence the "ball" (Sonic) directly by using the D-pad. The A, B and C buttons operate the flippers and can be assigned in the Options menu. Sometimes the player can control Sonic on foot, but for the majority of the time he is rolled into a ball controlled by the flippers. The traditional ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' platformer gameplay is kept to a very low minimum.

==Levels==
[[Image:Sonic Spinball Mega Drive Screenshot.png|thumb|left|Sonic in The Machine Zone.]]
===Zones===
*'''Toxic Caves''' (known as Toxic Pools on the 8-bit versions): Sonic is flushed into a stinky cavern full of toxic waste and mine carts, which just so happens to be the place where Robotnik dumps all of the industrial waste. There are 3 Chaos Emeralds to collect here that must be obtained by hitting multiple switches. In 8-bit versions, the design for this level has completely changed.

*'''Lava Powerhouse''': Sonic ascends to the next level, a power station of sorts that uses magma and steam energy to run various machines. There are 3 emeralds here.

*'''The Machine''': There are 5 emeralds here in this high-tech level. Sonic can also find a giant-sized animal prison in the very middle of this zone.

*'''Showdown''': Sonic has to find 5 Chaos Emeralds and reach the top of the Launch site to defeat Dr. Robotnik before he manages to escape.

===Special stages===
At the end of each of the first three stages, Sonic gets to play a [[bonus stage|bonus round]]. These bonus rounds are set up like real pinball machines, with Sonic at the controls. The player is given a task to complete and three balls to play with. Flipper controls are the same as in the normal game, but the ball cannot be controlled with the D-pad like Sonic. Pressing all the flipper buttons at once will make Sonic shake the machine, though repeated shakes will cause a [[Pinball#Nudging|tilt]] and lock the flippers.

Completing the bonus stages are optional and serves only to increase the player's score. The three bonus rounds, in corresponding order to the normal zones, are:
[[Image:GGSonicSpinball.png|thumb|right|The Game Gear version of Toxic Caves (renamed Toxic Pools in this version).]]
*'''Trapped Alive:''' The object is to destroy all the robot machines and free the helpless animals trapped inside them and then destroy Robotnik. Among the prisoners are Sonic's Freedom Fighter pals from the ''SatAM'' cartoon: Tails, [[Bunnie Rabbot]], [[Sally Acorn]], and [[Rotor Walrus]].
*'''Robo Smile:''' A grinning Robotnik face moves across the machine. The objective is to knock out all of Robotnik's teeth.
*'''The March:''' Similar to Trapped Alive, the object is to destroy the capsule and free the animals and Freedom Fighters within. The capsule is circled by a ring of [[Scratch and Grounder|Scratch]] robots.

Additionally, a hidden multi-ball bonus game, called The Clucker's Defense, can be played on any stage, but only if the player manages to collect every ring in the zone. Several star circles will appear in the stage, hidden at various points on the board. By leaping into them Sonic will be warped to this bonus round. The object is to destroy a crab Badnik who is protected by a pair of Cluckers.

==External links==
*{{moby game|id=/sonic-the-hedgehog-spinball}}
* [http://www.theghz.com/sonic/spinball/spinball.html ''Sonic Spinball''] page at ''The GHZ''

{{Sonic games (spin off)}}

[[Category:1993 video games]]
[[Category:Game Gear games]]
[[Category:Pinball video games]]
[[Category:Sega Master System games]]
[[Category:Sega Mega Drive games]]
[[Category:Sega Technical Institute games]]
[[Category:Sonic the Hedgehog games]]
[[Category:Tiger handheld games]]
[[Category:Virtual Console games]]

[[es:Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball]]
[[fr:Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball]]
[[nl:Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball]]
[[ja:ソニック・スピンボール]]
[[sv:Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball]]

List of emoticons

2008-07-24T20:12:57Z

71.182.145.40: /* Common examples */

{{unreferenced|date=January 2008}}
{{Essay-like|date=January 2008}}
{{IPA|}}This is a '''list of common [[emoticon]]s'''.

==Western style==
Traditionally, the emoticon in Western style is written from left to right, the way one reads and writes in most Western cultures. Thus, most commonly, one will see the eyes on the left, followed by the nose and mouth. To more easily recognise them, the reader should tilt their head toward their left shoulder (or occasionally toward their right shoulder if the "top" of the emoticon is toward the right).

===Common examples===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Icon
!Meaning
|-
| align="center" | :) ''or'' :-) ''or'' :^) ''or'' =) ''or'' B) ''or'' 8) ''or'' :]|| Example of eye / face variations of emoticons
|-
| align="center" | :) || [[Smiley]]
|-
| align="center" | ;) || Wink
|-
| align="center" | X( || Poutyface
|-
| align="center" | :( || Frown
|-
| align="center" | :D || Wide grin
|-
| align="center" | :P ''or'' :p|| Tongue sticking out, or [[blowing a raspberry]] (Less commonly- :Þ/:b)
|-
| align="center" | :O || Surprise/Shock
|-
| align="center" | :/ ''or'' :\ || Skeptical / Annoyed / Uneasy
|-
| align="center" | :| || Expressionless / Indifference
|-
| align="center" | xP ''or'' XP || Disgust / Dead / Straining / Mischievous
|-
| align="center" | xD ''or'' XD || Laughing hard
|-
| align="center" | :S ''or'' :s ''or'' ^o) || Confusion
|-
| align="center" | :] || Smirk
|-
| align="center" | :[ || Serious / Sad
|-
| align="center" | :3 || Mischievous / Cat-like Behavior
|-
| align="center" | :*) || Blushing
|-
| align="center" | S) ''or'' s) || Rolling eyes
|-
| align="center" | :X ''or'':#|| Sealed Lips / Embarrassment
|-
| align="center" | :* || Kiss
|-
| align="center" | >:O || Angry / Yelling
|-
| align="center" | >:( || Angry / Grumpy
|-
| align="center" | >B( || Grumpy Cool Dude
|-
| align="center" | >:) || Devious
|-
| align="center" | 0:) || Innocence / Halo / Angel
|-
| align="center" | D: || Dismay or distressed (read right to left)
|-
| align="center" | <3 || Heart / Love
|-
| align="center" | </3 || Broken heart
|-
| align="center" | :'( ''or'':,( ''or'' :_( ''or'' :*( ''or'' :…( ''or'' ;_; || Shedding a tear
|-
| align="center" | :-d ''or'' :-q || Trying to lick your nose
|-
| align="center" | 8^B || Feeling Nerdy
|-
| align="center" | :o3 || Dog or Puppy
|-
| align="center" | /.-( || Emo
|-
| align="center" | \m/(>.<)\m/ || Rock on / "Devil-Horn Salute"
|}

==East Asian style==
Users from [[East Asia]] popularized a style of emoticons that can be understood without turning one's head to the left.

These emoticons are usually found in a format similar to (*_*), where the [[asterisk]]s indicate the [[eye]]s, the central character, usually an [[underscore]], the mouth, and the parentheses, the outline of the face. A large number of different characters can be used to replace the eyes, which usually is where the emoticon derives its emotive aspect (contrasting the Western emoticons' emoting through the mouth). The emphasis on the eyes is reflected in the common usage of emoticons that use only the eyes, e.g. ^^. Characters like hyphens or periods can replace the underscore; the period is often used for a smaller, "cuter" mouth or to represent a nose, e.g. (^.^). Alternatively, the mouth/nose can be left out entirely, e.g. (^^). The parentheses also can often be replaced with [[Bracket#Curly brackets or braces|braces]], e.g. {^_^}. Many times, the parentheses are left out completely, e.g. ^^ or oO. A quotation mark ", apostrophe ', or semicolon ; can be added to the emoticon to imply apprehension or embarrassment, in the same way as the anime [[sweat drop]]. Many other characters can be appended to also indicate arms or hands, e.g. <(^_^)> or ⊂( ﾟヮﾟ)⊃.

===Simple examples===

{| class="wikitable"
| align="center" | d^_^b '''''or''''' d-_-b || listening to music
|-
| align="center" | )-0_0-( || astonishment
|-
| align="center" | (^_^) '''''or''''' (^-^) '''''or''''' (^ ^) '''''or''''' (^.^) || smiley
|-
| align="center" | (`_^) '''''or''''' (^_~) || wink (or alternatively quirked eyebrow in latter case)
|-
| align="center" | (>_<) '''''or''''' (>_>) || in pain, frustration
|-
| align="center" | (<_>) || sad
|-
| align="center" | (\_/) || evil, furious
|-
| align="center" | (-_-) || semi-angry, upset, sighing
|-
| align="center" | (H_H) || pervert (from Japanese "[[hentai]]")
|-
| align="center" | (^o^) || singing or laughing maniacally
|-
| align="center" | \(^o^)/ || very excited (raising hands)
|-
| align="center" | (-_-) '''''or''''' (~_~) '''''or''''' (~.~) '''''or''''' (=_=) || annoyance, scorn, or tired (eyes shut), grumpy
|-
| align="center" | (-_-;) '''''or''''' (^_^') '''''or''''' (^_^);; '''''or''''' ^_^" || nervousness, or [[sweatdrop]] embarrassed; (semicolon can be repeated)
|-
| align="center" | (-_-#) '''''or''''' (-_-¤) '''''or''''' (-_-") '''''or''''' (-_-+) || vein (used to show anger)
|-
| align="center" | (¬_¬) '''''or''''' ¬3¬ '''''or''''' ¬w¬ '''''or''''' ¬.¬ '''''or''''' ¬¬ '''''or''''' ¬_¬ || looking askance / rolling eyes, esp. when around dumb behavior
|-
| align="center" | (<_<) '''''or''''' (>_>) '''''or''''' (c_c) || disbelief, looking around shiftily [when alternating (>_>) and (<_<)]
|-
| align="center" | (>_~) '''''or''''' (~_<) || suspicious / accusatory glance
|-
| align="center" | (>.o) '''''or''''' (o.<) '''''or''''' >.o || after being smacked in the face
|-
| align="center" | (;_;) '''''or''''' (T_T) '''''or''''' (TT.TT) '''''or''''' (ToT) || crying
|-
| align="center" | (@_@) || addled, dazed, bemused
|-
| align="center" | `(•.°)~ || crazy, druggy, trippin'
|-
| align="center" | (o_O) '''''or''''' (o_0) || confused, surprised, disturbed
|-
| align="center" | (o_@) || extremely disturbed (more so than above)
|-
| align="center" | (o_#) || bruised
|-
| align="center" | (#_#) || clobbered
|-
| align="center" | (0_<) || flinch, nervous wink
|-
| align="center" | (O_O) '''''or''''' O.o '''''or''''' °_° || shocked
|-
| align="center" | (._.) '''''or''''' (,_,) || disappointed, underwhelmed
|-
| align="center" | (^3^) '''''or''''' (^ 3^) || kiss, mocking, mischievous
|-
| align="center" | ($_$) || money eyes; thinking about money (also sometimes changeable to other currency symbols such as (¥_¥) or (₩_₩) )
|-
| align="center" | (x_x) '''''or''''' (+_+) '''''or''''' (K_O) || dead, exhausted or knocked out; giving up, lost, confused
|-
| align="center" | (n_n) '''''or''''' (n.n) || happy, pleased
|-
| align="center" | (u_u) '''''or''''' (u.u) || annoyance, sarcasm, sometimes disappointment
|-
| align="center" | (v_v) '''''or''''' (v.v) || silent resignation
|-
| align="center" | (9_9) || gazing upward
|-
| align="center" | (e_e) || mischief, distrust, exasperation
|-
| align="center" | (e_o) '''''or''''' (o_e) || eye twitching
|-
| align="center" | (/_\) || profound dismay
|-
| align="center" | *-* '''''or''''' *_* '''''or''''' *.* '''''or''''' *0* '''''or''''' *o* '''''or''''' *w* '''''or''''' *x* '''''or''''' *¬* || star-struck
|-
| align="center" | (",) '''''or''''' (>_,>) '''''or''''' (<_,<) || smirk
|-
| align="center" | ("o) || side shocked
|-
| align="center" | (-.-)zzZ '''''or''''' -_-zzZ || sleeping
|-
| align="center" | (o)_(o) || alternative for tired; sometimes used to illustrate crazed
|-
| align="center" | ;o; '''''or''''' ;O; || crying loudly/shouting
|-
| align="center" | T~T '''''or''''' TT_TT '''''or''''' Y_Y '''''or''''' TToTT '''''or''''' T.T '''''or''''' T-T '''''or''''' T^T || weeping
|-
| align="center" | I_I || "What?", mellow
|-
| align="center" | owo '''''or''''' OwO '''''or''''' òwo || surprise
|-
| align="center" | nwn '''''or''''' nWn '''''or''''' ^w^ || Happy, kitty face
|-
| align="center" | n//n || Proud
|-
| align="center" | x.X '''''or''''' x.x '''''or''''' x_x || Dead
|-
| align="center" | :B || Nerd
|-
| align="center" | t(0.0t) '''''or''''' t(-_-t) '''''or''''' t(^^t) '''''or''''' ..|..('_') ..|.. || double [[Finger (gesture)|flipping the bird]]
|-
| align="center" | (-_\\\) '''''or''''' (o.\\) '''''or''''' (^\\) '''''or''''' -_\\ '''''or''''' //_- '''''or''''' (v_)/) '''''or''''' (Y_)/) '''''or''''' (T_)/) '''''or''''' (^_)/) || [[Emo]]
|-
| align="center" | (>'.')>=O____l_*__O=<('.'<) || Playing [[Ping-Pong]]
|-
| align="center" |(>'.')>\_/\_/____\*/\_/<('.'<) || Playing [[Beer Pong]]
|-
| align="center" | *0* || Surprised Gasp
|-
| align="center" | õ.O || Questioning Look, Confused, Weirded out
|-
| align="center" | <('.'<) (>'.')> || Kirby Dance
|-
| align="center" | (>^o(<O_o)> || Kirby Rape
|-
| align="center" | t('.'t) || Kirby "Middle Finger"
|-|}

===Complex examples===

{| class="wikitable"
| align="center" | \m/[(>.<)]\m/ || rocking out to headphones
|-
| align="center" | ..V,(^_^) || Peace!
|-
| align="center" | (ô ô) || boy (sometimes also used to indicate surprise)
|-
| align="center" | f(O_o)f || zombie attack!
|-
| align="center" | (ó.ò) || surprised, scared
|-
| align="center" | (ò.ó) || angry
|-
| align="center" | (ó.ô) || quizzical or "Indeed" (designed to mimic [[Star Trek]]'s [[Mr. Spock]])
|-
| align="center" | (╥_─) -_-; -_-' ¬_¬ || annoyed, hiding frustration, dread
|-
| align="center" | =^_^= || [[blush]]ing, or a cat face (mischievous)
|-
| align="center" | =' т '= || Lion/Cat
|-
| align="center" | ~<>"|| Mousey
|-
| align="center" | *^_^* or ^///^ || [[blush]]ing
|-
| align="center" | fO_o || scratching head
|-
| align="center" | ?_? || confused/curious/not comprehending
|-
| align="center" | ^n_n^ || [[catgirl]] or boy
|-
| align="center" | d-_-b || listening to music
|-
| align="center" | <nowiki>~~~~>_<~~~~</nowiki> || weeping horribly
|-
| align="center" | (9ò_ó)=@ || fighting, throwing a punch
|-
| align="center" | Q(^.^Q) || winner
|-
| align="center" | w-('u')-w || [[Kilroy was here]] (extensible)
|-
| align="center" | b(~_^)d, d-(^_^)-b, (b^_^)b, etc. || thumbs-up
|-
| align="center" | q(-_-)p || thumbs-down
|-
| align="center" | \,,/(^_^)\,,/ || happy rockin'
|-
| align="center" | (¬_¬)/¯ || "It's good... to go!"
|-
| align="center" | \0-0/ || wearing glasses (nerd)
|-
| align="center" | !_! ''or'' T_T || 2 eyes crying.
|-
| align="center" | (ρ_-)o || sleepy / rubbing eyes
|-
| align="center" | (>._.)ø ''or'' ø(._.<) || writing
|-
| align="center" |(>")> ||dancing
|-
| align="center" | ><((((º> || Something fishy.
|-
| align="center" | t(-_-t) '''''or''''' -_-*,,|, || Giving the middle finger / flipping off.
|-
| align="center" | (/.\) || Shouldn't have said that...
|-
| align="center" | >KO)-> || Frontways Cupid, alternately, USB dongle goblin.
|-
| align="center" | \m/ || Hand gesture - Rock'n'Roll ([[corna]]) or ("[[Hook 'em Horns]]")
|-
| align="center" | ~.~ || [[irfan]] [[*naf]]
|-
| align="center" | ~(O_O)~ or ~(O_o)~ || [[Flying Spaghetti Monster]].
|-
| align="center" | \(O.0)/ ''or'' \(0.O)/ || I dunno, lol.
|-
| align="center" | ಠ_ಠ || Staring eyes
|-
| align="center" | ಥ_ಥ || Sad eyes
|-
| align="center" | ()xxxx<nowiki>{</nowiki>======> || [[sword]]
|-
| align="center" | L7++(+-)&(-+)++L7 || Ball Joint robot with fists
|-
| align="center" | ¯\(©¿©)/¯ or ¯\(º o)/¯ (variant ¯\(°_0)/¯) || Shrug (the latter often accompanies the phrase "dunno, lol", as part of a meme)
|-
| align="center" | 3===つ O: || Oral Sex
|-
| align="center" | &_!)~ || Pimp
|-
| align="center" | d=(^_^)=b (>w<)b d(>w<) || Thumbs up
|-
| align="center" | q_q or Q_Q or QQ || Crying
|-
| align="center" | 8====D or 8=D || Penis
|}
===Western use of East Asian style===
English-language [[anime]] forums adopted those emoticons that could be used with the standard ASCII characters available on western keyboards. Because of this, they are often called "anime style" emoticons in the English-speaking Internet. They have since seen use in more mainstream venues, including online gaming, instant-messaging, and other non-anime related forums. Emoticons such as <(^_^)>, which include the parentheses, mouth or nose, and arms (especially those represented by the inequality signs < or >) also are often referred to as "Kirbies" in reference to their likeness to [[Nintendo]]'s [[video game]] character, [[Kirby (Nintendo)|Kirby]]. The parentheses are usually dropped when used in the English language context, and the underscore of the mouth may be extended as an intensifier, e.g. ^____^ for very happy.

Around 2007, a new wave of emoticons have appeared such as ( xD}<, :o|<, :D|<, ect.) which use "}" or "|" for arms and "<", ">" or "v" as legs. Currently they ware not as popular as most emoticons but due to high use on certain MMORPGs their use may spread in the future.

==2channel style==
The Japanese language is usually encoded using double-[[byte]] character codes. As a result there is a bigger variety of characters that can be used in emoticons, many of which cannot be reproduced in [[ASCII]]. Most kaomoji contain [[Cyrillic]] and other foreign letters to create even more complicated expressions analogous to [[ASCII art]]'s level of complexity. To type such emoticons, the input editor that is used to type Japanese on a user's system is equipped with a dictionary of emoticons, after which the user simply types the Japanese word (or something close to it) that represents the desired emoticon to convert the input into such complicated emoticons. Such expressions are known as [[Shift JIS art]].

Users of [[2channel]] in particular have developed a wide variety of unique emoticons using obscure characters. Some have taken on a life of their own and become characters in their own right, like [[Mona (ASCII art)|Mona]].

===Basic examples===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| align="center" | m9(^Д^) || supercilious attitude
|-
| align="center" | m(_ _)m || bowing
|-
| align="center" | （´・ω・｀） || deflated
|-
| align="center" | <｀∀´> || stereotypical Korean character
|-
| align="center" | （｀ハ´） || stereotypical Chinese character
|-
| align="center" | (`･ω･´) || feel perky
|-
| align="center" | (´；ω；`) || terribly sad
|-
| align="center" | ヽ(´ー｀)ﾉ || peace of mind
|-
| align="center" | ヽ(`Д´)ﾉ || be irritable
|-
| align="center" | (＃ﾟДﾟ) || angry
|-
| align="center" | （ ´Д｀） || yelling, or panting
|-
| align="center" | （　ﾟДﾟ） || surprised, or loudmouthed
|-
| align="center" | ┐('～`；)┌ || don't know the answer
|-
| align="center" | （´∀｀） || carefree
|-
| align="center" | （　´_ゝ`） || indifferent
|-
| align="center" | Σ(゜д゜;) || shocked
|-
| align="center" | ( ﾟヮﾟ) || happy, upbeat
|-
| align="center" | ｷﾀ━━━━━━(ﾟ∀ﾟ)━━━━━━!!!!!  || "It's here", a general expression of excitement that something has appeared or happened.
|-
| align="center" | ⊂二二二（　＾ω＾）二⊃|| "bu-n", or flying, soaring, being carefree and above
|-
| align="center" | (*´Д`)ﾊｧﾊｧ || Erotic stirring, ''haa haa''
|-
| align="center" | (((( ；ﾟДﾟ))) || Spook
|-
| align="center" | Σ(ﾟДﾟ) || Huge surprise
|-
| align="center" | ( ´∀｀)σ)∀`) || Jog someone's cheek
|-
| align="center" | ( ﾟдﾟ) || Amazed
|-
| align="center" | (´ー`)y-~~ || Smoking
|-
| align="center" | ;y=ｰ( ﾟдﾟ)･∵. || Gun suicide
|-
| align="center" | m9(・∀・) || Flash of intuition
|-
| align="center" | ('A`) || Character to poke fun at people without a relationship
|-
| align="center" | （ ´,_ゝ`) || Depressed, unsatisfied (based on indifferent)
|-
| align="center" | （´-`）.｡oO( ... ) || Thinking
|-
| align="center" | (ﾟДﾟ;≡;ﾟДﾟ) || Impatience
|-
| align="center" | ( ´д)ﾋｿ(´Д｀)ﾋｿ(Д｀ ) || Panting, gasping
|-
| align="center" | （･∀･)つ⑩ || Carrying money
|-
| align="center" | ⊂（ﾟДﾟ⊂⌒｀つ≡≡≡(´⌒;;;≡≡≡ || moving on belly, "whooaaa!!!"
|-
| align="center" | (ﾟдﾟ) || Unforeseen
|-
| align="center" | (ﾟ⊿ﾟ) || "I don't need it"
|-
| align="center" | щ(ﾟДﾟщ) || Come on
|-
| align="center" | （・∀・） || Mocking, "good"
|-
| align="center" | （・Ａ・） || "That's bad"
|-
| align="center" | (ﾟ∀ﾟ) || Discharged drug-in-brain, goofing around, "A-HYA!"
|-
| align="center" | （ ´Д⊂ヽ || Sad
|-
| align="center" | エェェ(´д｀)ェェエ || Not convincing
|-
| align="center" | (´・∀・`) || "Heh"
|-
| align="center" | (￣ー￣) || Simper, [[Snorlax]]
|-
| align="center" | ( ﾟ∀ﾟ)ｱﾊﾊ八八ﾉヽﾉヽﾉヽﾉ＼ / ＼/ ＼ || laughs evilly (ahahaha...)
|-
| align="center" | [ﾟдﾟ] || Deflagged
|-
| align="center" | ＼(^o^)／ || Become to lost life
|-
| align="center" | ♪┏(・o･)┛♪┗ ( ･o･) ┓♪┏ ( ) ┛♪┗ (･o･ ) ┓♪┏(･o･)┛♪ || Happy expressions
|-
| align="center" | ┌| ∵|┘└| ∵|┐┌| ∵|┘└| ∵|┐┌| ∵|┘└| ∵|┐ || Happy expressions
|-
| align="center" | d(*⌒▽⌒*)b || Happy expression
|-
| align="center" | STO '''''or''''' orz '''''or''''' OTZ || Despair. The "O" or "o" represents one's head on the ground, "T" or "r" forms the torso and "S" or "z" forms the legs.
|-
| align="center" | (´┏_┓｀) || Panda
|-
| align="center" | (╬ ಠ益ಠ) || Extreme Distaste, meant to appear as an exaggerated grimace.
|-
| align="center" | (≧ロ≦) || Shouting
|-
| align="center" | (●｀З´●) || Resistant
|-
| align="center" | (ΘεΘ;) || Pretending not to notice, asleep because of boredom
|-
| align="center" | お(^o^)や(^O^)す(^｡^)みぃ(^-^)ﾉﾞ || "Goodnight"
|-
| align="center" | (*ﾟﾉOﾟ)<ｵｵｵｵｫｫｫｫｫｫｫｰｰｰｰｰｲ! || Calling out, "Ooooi!"
|-
| align="center" | ＼| ￣ヘ￣|／＿＿＿＿＿＿＿θ☆( *o*)/ || Kick
|-
| align="center" | （‐＾▽＾‐）オーホッホ || Chuckle
|-
| align="center" | ε=ε=ε=┌(;*´Д`)ﾉ || Running
|-
| align="center" | ヽ(´▽`)/ || Happy
|}

==Graphic emoticons==

Graphic emoticons (small images that often automatically replace typed text) are commonly used instead of the older text variants, especially on [[Internet forum]]s and [[instant messenger]] programs. These are often heavily animated, some taking up to at least a full five seconds to fully loop, and sometimes (mostly on [[instant messenger]]s) with sound embedded, to bring it to full life.

The common tradeoff that results in relatively small graphic emoticons on forums is the height of the emoticon relative to the height of the text. Anything larger than the default size of the forum typeface (1 [[Em (typography)|em]]) increases the line spacing which decreases the comprehension of the post thus defeating the purpose of emoticon which is increasing the message value.

Usage of multiple emoticons in succession and "high" emoticons (relative to line height) is frowned upon among forum users who prefer higher [[signal to noise ratio]].

===Examples===
{|
|-
| align="center" | [[Image:SCongratulate.gif|19px]]|| congratulate
| align="center" | [[Image:SConfident.gif|19px]]|| confident
| align="center" | [[Image:confused-tpvgames.gif]]|| confused
| align="center" | [[Image:cry-tpvgames.gif]]|| crying
| align="center" | [[Image:SDeep trouble.gif|19px]]|| deep trouble
| align="center" | [[Image:SFriendly.gif|19px]]|| friendly
|-
| align="center" | [[Image:SShocked.gif|19px]]|| grossed out
| align="center" | [[Image:SHurt.gif|19px]]|| hurt
| align="center" | [[Image:SInnocent.gif|19px]]|| innocent
| align="center" | [[Image:SHysterical.gif|19px]]|| hysterical
| align="center" | [[Image:SIndifferent.gif|19px]]|| indifferent
| align="center" | [[Image:SMocking.gif|19px]]|| mocking
|-
| align="center" | [[Image:SNasty.gif|19px]]|| nasty
| align="center" | [[Image:misc-tpvgames.gif]]|| odd, crazy, ''etc.''
| align="center" | [[Image:sad-tpvgames.gif]]|| sad
| align="center" | [[Image:shocked-tpvgames.gif]]|| shocked
| align="center" | [[Image:SSceptical.gif|21px]]|| skeptical
|-
| align="center" | [[Image:smile-tpvgames.gif|21px]]|| smile
| align="center" | [[Image:SNive.gif|19px]]|| smirking
| align="center" | [[Image:SUpset.gif|19px]]|| upset
| align="center" | [[Image:Very sorry.gif|19px]]|| very sorry
| align="center" | [[Image:SYawning.gif|19px]]|| yawning
|} 

=== Animated examples ===
{|
|[[Image:Cordialgreetings1x pix.gif]]
|[[Image:Happy1x pix.gif]]
|[[Image:Iloveyou1x pix.gif]]
|[[Image:Hellowoman1x pix.gif]]
|[[Image:Hugsnkisses1x pix.gif]]
|[[Image:Nihao1x pix.gif]]
|}

==Emoticons in Unicode==
In Unicode, following code points contain emoticons: U+2639(☹), U+263A(☺), U+263B(☻).

==See also==
* [[Emoticon]]
==References==
<references />

[[Category:ASCII art]]
[[Category:Internet culture]]
[[Category:On-line chat]]
[[Category:Internet memes]]
[[Category:Internet forum terminology]]

Penguin (character)

2008-07-24T16:36:49Z

71.182.145.40: /* Nolan Series */

{{Superherobox|
image=[[Image:DetectiveComics824b.jpg|250px]]
|caption=The Penguin, as seen in Detective Comics #824 Art by [[Simone Bianchi (artist)|Simone Bianchi]]
|character_name=The Penguin
|real_name=Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut=''[[Detective Comics]]'' #58 (December 1941)
|creators=[[Bill Finger]] ([[Bob Kane]] credited by DC)
|alliances=[[Injustice League]] [[Suicide Squad]] [[Secret Society of Super Villains|The Society]]
|aliases=
|powers= - Criminal genius - Assorted bird-related paraphernalia - Deadly 'trick' umbrellas - Vast underworld connections - Skilled in organized leadership - Expert in [[judo]]
}}

The '''Penguin''' ('''Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot'''), is a [[DC Comics]] [[supervillain]] and an enemy of [[Batman]]. He was introduced by artist [[Bob Kane]] and writer [[Bill Finger]], making his debut in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #58 ([[1941#December|December 1941]]).

The Penguin is depicted as a short villanous man and is one of Batman's archenemies. He is known for his love of birds and his specialized high-tech umbrellas. A [[mobster]]-type criminal, he fancies himself a "gentleman of crime". Unlike most [[Enemies of Batman|Batman villains]], he does not theme his crimes around a psychotic obsession; his intelligence and aristocratic personality starkly contrasts with demented Batman villains such as the [[Joker (comics)|Joker]] or [[Two-Face]]. His nightclub business provides a cover for more low-key criminal activity, which Batman tolerates as a source of criminal underworld information.

Actor [[Burgess Meredith]] popularized the Penguin in the 1960s [[Batman (TV series)|''Batman'' television series]], partially because of his signature squawking laughter. [[Danny DeVito]] played a much darker version of the character in the 1992 film ''[[Batman Returns]]''. This version was not just an unattractive criminal but a [[Ectrodactyly|physically deformed]], sadistic, [[megalomaniac]]al monster. Subsequent ''Batman'' [[animated series]] have alternately featured the deformed Penguin and a more traditional version.

The deformed version of the character has also appeared in comics, most notably in the miniseries ''[[Batman: The Long Halloween]]'' and its sequel ''[[Batman: Dark Victory|Dark Victory]]''. He only appears for a minor cameo at the end of the ''Long Halloween'', and has no lines. He plays a slightly more notable role in ''Dark Victory'', when Batman goes to him for information. This incarnation also added elements of the 1966 TV series character, as he shouted the well-known "waugh waugh" while talking.

==Fictional character biography==
Born '''Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot''', the Penguin is [[bullying|bullied]] as a child for his short stature, [[obesity]], and beak-like nose. Several stories relate that he was forced as a child to always carry an umbrella by his over-protective mother, due to his father dying of [[pneumonia]] after being drenched in a downpour. These traits make him an outcast in his rich, [[socialite|high society]] family; their rejection drives him to become a criminal. In keeping with his family's tradition of wealth, the Penguin lives a life of crime, yet executes it with his own self-proclaimed class and style. In keeping with his pretensions of being a refined gentleman, he also prefers to wear [[formal wear]] such as a [[top hat]], [[monocle]], and [[tuxedo (clothing)|tuxedo]] during his jobs.

The Penguin received his alias from a childhood nickname, bestowed by his peers, who teased him because of his grotesque appearance and love of [[birds]]. (Retellings of his origin suggest he also suffered from some sort of hip ailment, which caused him to waddle when he walked. The Penguin shows no signs of suffering from this affliction today.) Some comics suggest that he tried to abandon the nickname, which he hates, but it has been permanently brought into popularity by his high-profile criminal career. He has cashed in on its popularity with his Iceberg Lounge [[nightclub]] in [[Gotham City]].

Unlike most of the Batman villains, the Penguin is a gentleman villain, in control of his own actions and perfectly [[sanity|sane]], features that serve to maintain a unique relationship with his archenemy, Batman. This has extended into the current situation with the Penguin ceasing his direct involvement in crime, instead running a nightclub that is popular with the underworld. As such, he is an excellent source of information on crime, so Batman grudgingly tolerates his operations. However, the entrepreneurial Penguin is often fencing stolen property or arranging early furloughs for incarcerated former criminal associates - for a hefty fee, of course - on the side. During the storyline "[[No Man's Land (comics)|No Man's Land]]", when [[Gotham City]] is nearly leveled by an [[earthquake]], he stays behind when the [[US government]] shuts down and blockades the city. He becomes one of the major players in the mostly-abandoned and lawless city, using his connections to profit. One of these connections is discovered to be [[Lex Luthor]] and his [[LexCorp|company]].

[[Image:Batman287.JPG|thumb|right|225px|The Penguin, as seen in ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #287 (May 1977). Art by [[Mike Grell]].]]

The Penguin keeps a presence in Gotham as it is rebuilt, mostly due to the efforts of Lex Luthor.

===Infinite Crisis===
The Penguin becomes swept up in the events of [[Infinite Crisis]]. In the limited series' seventh issue, he is briefly seen as part of the [[Battle of Metropolis]], a multi-character brawl started by the [[Secret Society of Super Villains]]. The Penguin, along with several other villains, are bowled over by the surprise appearance of [[Bart Allen]].

===[[One Year Later]]===

While the Penguin is away from Gotham City, the [[Great White (comics)|Great White]] and [[Tally Man]] kill many of the villains who worked for Penguin, and frame [[Harvey Dent]]. Great White had planned to take over Gotham's criminal syndicate and weaken all his competition - Penguin included. Upon his return to Gotham, the Penguin continues to claim that he has gone "straight" and reopens the Iceberg Lounge nightclub, selling overpriced penguin merchandise. He urges [[Riddler]] to avoid crime, as it's more lucrative in their current, non-criminal lifestyle.

=== Gotham Underground ===
The Penguin is also featured as a prominent figure in the new ''[[Gotham Underground]]'' tie-in to the series ''[[Countdown (comics)|Countdown]]''. He's "hired" by Batman as a snitch, using his criminal contacts to give Batman an edge over Gotham's criminals. He is also in a gang war with Tobias Whale and Intergang.

==Powers and abilities==
The Penguin is a master criminal strategist; he uses his considerable intellect to gain wealth and power through less than legal means. He usually plans crimes, but doesn't often commit them himself. Though he appears to be in poor physical condition, he is remarkably agile and has trained himself in hand-to-hand combat and judo.

The Penguin always carries an umbrella due to his Mother’s fanaticism. The umbrellas usually contain weapons such as guns, missiles, laser guns, flame-throwers and acid spraying devices. He usually carries an umbrella with the function to transform its top into a series of spinning blades. This can be used as a mini helicopter or as an offensive weapon.

==In other media==
===Television===
====''Batman'' (1960s TV series)====
[[Image:Penguin1BurgessMeredith.jpg|frame|left|[[Burgess Meredith]] as the Penguin. The purple top hat and tie are departures from the black top hat and white tie of the comics.]]
The Penguin was played by [[Burgess Meredith]] in the ''[[Batman (TV series)|Batman]]'' television series of the 1960s and the [[Batman (1966 movie)|spin-off movie]]. A largely [[camp (style)|campy]] interpretation because the series was essentially a [[sitcom|situation comedy]], Meredith's performance is perhaps best remembered through his signature laugh, meant to mimic the squawk of a penguin. One cause of the laugh was the smoke from the cigarettes the character always smoked, which irritated Meredith's throat and made him cough, as he had already quit smoking in real life. A notable scene involves Penguin having Batman and [[Robin (comics)|Robin]] dangled over a pit of acid while he runs to "get help" as both a ploy to remove his enemies and gain some positive press as a [[good Samaritan]]. Also of note: Either the writers of the show or, perhaps, Adam West himself took pains to demonstrate how the normally even-tempered Caped Crusader would lose his temper over the Penguin's antics; as if the "fowl fiend" got under his skin more than his other foes. In an episode where the Penguin stole the [[Batmobile]], Batman used a remote control to manipulate the car's steering and doors; taking great pleasure over the villain's frustration. On ''[[Late Night with Conan O'Brian|Late Night With Conan O'Brien]],'' [[Dick Cheney]] is often played in fake TV movies by Meredith's Penguin. [[Jon Stewart]], host of ''[[The Daily Show]],'' also frequently uses Meredith's Penguin laugh to imitate Cheney.

The only available information on his early life is that he was once an actor. One of his catchphrases was ''"Great Heavenly Icebergs."'' Although called a ''"Pompous waddling master of [[fowl]] play,"'' Penguin thinks of himself as an ''"Aristocrat of Crime."'' In one episode, when the Penguin tried to get himself taken back into prison by committing obvious crimes as part of a greater plan, he was furious when the Batman had him locked up in the city ''jail'' as a ''common criminal'' for violating a Gotham City ordinance. The Penguin's thugs wear black bowler hats, with dark clothing adorned with names of various animals of prey; these are either birds ("Hawk") or fishes ("Shark").

====''The Monkees'' ====
The Penguin, portrayed by Burgess Meredith, made a brief cameo appearance in the 1968 episode of ''[[The Monkees]]'' entitled "The Monkees Blow Their Minds."

====''Scooby-Doo''====
Along with the Joker, Penguin was one of the villains from the ''[[The New Scooby-Doo Movies]]'' episodes, "The Dynamic Scooby-Doo Affair" and "The Caped Crusader Caper" that were later combined on the "Scooby-Doo Meets Batman and Robin" DVD.

====''The New Adventures of Batman''====
In [[Filmation]]'s series ''[[The New Adventures of Batman]]'', Penguin is played by [[Lennie Weinrib]]. He frequently rolls his 'r's and laughs in a similar manner to Burgess Meredith's portrayal. He appears in four episodes: ''Reading, Writing and Wronging'', ''Birds of a Feather Fool Around Together'' and ''Have an Evil Day'' Parts 1 and 2.

====''The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians''====
The Penguin appeared in ''[[The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians]]'', where he gained [[Superman]]'s superpowers by accident when [[Felix Faust]] tried to get them for himself. Ironically, Batman was not featured in the episode. This version of the Penguin was voiced by [[Andre Stojka]].

====Batman: The Animated Series====
[[Image:Pengers.JPG|right|thumb|250px|The Penguin as he appeared in ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]''.]]
When ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' debuted in 1992, the Penguin was voiced by [[Paul Williams (songwriter)|Paul Williams]]. Due to the close relation in time between ''[[Batman Returns]]'' and the animated series, the freakish look of the film's version of the character remained, although somewhat toned down. While physically altered, The Penguin returned to the gentleman of crime of the comics, fancying himself a high society elite.

In the 1997 follow-up to the original animated series, ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'', the Penguin lost his deformed appearance,<ref>[http://www.moviepoopshoot.com/comics101/images/2004/mar24/penguin.jpg Movie Poop Shoot]</ref> regaining his five-fingered hands and losing his hunched back (although, like the other changes characters underwent, this was not a story point, but merely a new artistic interpretation of the character). His new appearance also saw him return to a role more similar to the one in the [[comic book]]s: a "legitimate" businessman and mob boss that ran a night club called the "Iceberg Lounge". (This was in deference to the character's re-imaging by comics writer [[Chuck Dixon]])

He also appeared in ''[[Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman]]'' as the main villain, this time voiced by [[David Ogden Stiers]].

====''The Batman''====
[[Image:Penguin TB.jpg|thumb|250px|left|The [[Kabuki Twins]], along with their "Master," the Penguin, on ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]].'']]
The character has also appeared on ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'', voiced by [[Tom Kenny]]. In this continuity, the Penguin is primarily concerned with reestablishing the Cobblepot family name in society by stealing from the citizens of Gotham to rebuild his wealth. His speech is often peppered with confused squawks. He does, however, possess a few of his key personality traits from the comics and earlier animated series, such as his enormous greed and his way of considering himself a high society elite (despite, in reality, being a wanted criminal).

He is sometimes aided by two henchwomen: a masked pair called the [[Kabuki Twins]]. (Although their names have never been mentioned in the show, the first The Batman comic book, which starred Penguin, Penguin reveals their names to be Gale and Peri.) In addition, it is clear that he also knows some form of [[martial arts]], and is athletic enough to engage in [[hand-to-hand combat]] with Batman, dodging and parrying with his various trick bumbershoots. He also seems to be in a rivalry with The [[Joker (comics)|Joker]] (and, to a lesser extent, the [[Riddler (comics)|Riddler]]) for the title of Gotham's most dangerous criminal. This Penguin also regards Bruce Wayne as a personal enemy and has held him hostage on multiple occasions (though he is unaware of Wayne's alter ego). In one episode, he even manages to infiltrate Wayne Manor, though does not discover the [[Batcave]]. He also has a grudge against Wayne's butler [[Alfred Pennyworth]], due to the Pennyworths having left the service of the Cobblepots generations ago.

In the episode "The Bat, The Cat, and the Very Ugly", he and [[Catwoman]] team up to retrieve two special statues of a cat and a bird. They team up after successfully retrieving the cat statue and go back to Penguin's new hideout. Later, they retrieve the cat statue, and Penguin betrays Catwoman and leaves her handcuffed to Batman with a special pair of handcuffs that only he has the key to. Batman and Catwoman later find out that Penguin is using these statues to attack the city and hold it for ransom, and they go after him. Batman then handcuffs him to Catwoman, but the two criminals get away on one of Penguin's jet umbrellas.

The episode "The Icy Depths", reveals that one of the Penguin's disgraced ancestors stole the [[Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom|British crown jewels]]. The complex map to their location was hidden in a trick umbrella, suggesting this gimmick is a family tradition. He, as well as Batman, Alfred and [[Mr. Freeze]], find the jewels, but then they are soon sunken underwater again.

In "Team Penguin", he assembles a team of Gotham's villains (after seeing a heist film), including [[Killer Croc]], [[Firefly (comics)|Firefly]], [[Rag Doll (comics)|Ragdoll]], and [[Killer Moth]], whom he dubs "Team Penguin", (Firefly suggests "Gotham Gangstas" and Ragdoll thought of "[[Villains United]]", to which Penguin angrily replies by saying that the name is not up for debate.) He plans on using [[Bane (comics)|Bane]], but after seeing his recorded failure with Batman, [[Batgirl]] and [[Robin (comics)|Robin]], he looks elswhere for hired help.

In the Season 5 episode "Ring Toss", he is accidentally given the [[Green Lantern]] [[Power Ring]] by [[Hal Jordan]] who intends it to go to Batman so it didn't get into the hands of his nemesis [[Sinestro]]. Penguin uses the ring to cause widespread mayhem throughout Gotham, stealing everything he sees. Batman, Robin and the [[Gotham City Police Department]] fail to stop him, until Green Lantern rams into him with a gas truck. Green Lantern eventually gets the ring back after Sinestro defeats the Penguin, and uses it to defeat Sinestro.

Penguin is one of several villains whose escape is aided by [[Wrath (comics)|Wrath]] in "The End of the Batman". Later Wrath calls on him, along with The Joker, [[Killer Croc]], and The [[Ventriloquist (comics)|Ventriloquist]], to come to a meeting to discuss doing away with Batman once and for all. Croc, still sore over the Team Penguin fiasco, sourly asks him if this was his idea, which Penguin denies. One of his throwaway lines is used for the episode's title.

Unused concept art from the show indicates that a more classic version of the Penguin was considered for the show. <ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20070521183602/http://www.legionsofgotham.org/BATMANbtsUnUsed.html The Batman Unused Character Designs - Behind the Scenes I Batwave News I Bring On The Batman | BringOnTheBatman.com | Jeff Matsuda The Batman I The Batman Cartoon I The Batman Kids WB Cartoon Network I New Batman Cartoon 2004 - The Official Legions of Gotham The Batman fansite! - Featuring Mattel The Batman toys - Mattel the Batman action figures]</ref>

====''Krypto the Superdog''====
In the animated cartoon series called [[Krypto the Superdog]], the Penguin's pet birds are recurring foes of [[Krypto]] and [[Ace the Bat-Hound]]. Although the Penguin is referenced in this series, he never makes an appearance in any episode.
====Non-Traditional Appearances====
* In a ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' skit called "Superman's Funeral", he attended Superman's funeral and made the same sound he made for laughing when he cried (which he explained when Batman and Robin told him to stop laughing).
* In the ''[[Tiny Toon Adventures]]'' short "Bat's All Folks", the character is parodied as 'The Puffin', while the ''[[Batman Returns]]'' version also makes a [[cameo appearance]].
* The Penguin appears in the ''[[Robot Chicken]]'' episode "Drippy Pony" voiced by [[Seth Green]]. In a segment that parodies ''[[March of the Penguins]]'', The Penguin's personal life is portrayed as living in a rundown apartment, making trips to the liquor store, and arranging assignations with fat, middle-aged women over [[JDate]].
* In the ''[[Family Guy]]'' episode "When You Wish Upon a Weinstein". The Penguin makes a small appearance jumping up, and down as the nuns enter the bus.

===Film===
====''Batman'' (1966)====
Burgess Meredeth reprised his role as the Penguin in the 1966 film ''[[Batman (1966 film)|Batman]]'' alongside several other villains from the television show.

====''Batman Returns''====
[[Image:batman returns ver5.jpg|thumb|right|Movie poster for ''Batman Returns'' (1992) featuring [[Danny DeVito]] as the Penguin.]]
In ''[[Batman Returns]]'', the Penguin was portrayed by [[Danny DeVito]]. Director [[Tim Burton]], inspired by the film ''[[The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari]]'', re-imagined the character not as an eloquent gentleman of crime, but a physically deformed sociopath with a homicidal grudge against Gotham City. While this Penguin retained a number of trademarks, such as a variety of trick umbrellas and the use of a [[monocle]], he was given a huge visual makeover. Where the comic version had varied between a full head of hair and varying degrees of thinning, this Penguin was bald at the top, with his remaining length of hair long and stringy. His hands were now flippers, with a thumb and index finger, and the remaining three fingers [[Syndactyly|fused together]]. An unidentified thick, dark green [[bile]]-like liquid sometimes trickled from his nose and mouth.

Instead of a tuxedo, he wore a more [[Gothic fashion|gothic]], [[Victorian fashion|Victorian]]-style outfit, with a [[Jabot (neckwear)|jabot]] as opposed to a bow tie. Other instances show him in black boots, a [[dickey (garment)|dickey]], and something akin to a child's blanket sleeper, or the old [[long john]]-style underwear of the 1800s. However, Burton's design maintained the top hat seen in the comics.

At the beginning of the film, the Penguin's origin story is told. When he is born disfigured, his wealthy parents throw their infant son into Gotham's sewers. The child survives, floating down Gotham's sewers and under the city zoo, where he is taken in by a group of penguins and, later joins a circus [[freak show]]. Batman reading newspaper articles while researching Penguin, speculates that during his time in the circus freak show, the Penguin was responsible for the disappearance of children.

Years later, the Penguin returns to Gotham, and develops both a partnership with corrupt millionaire [[Max Shreck (Batman Returns)|Max Shreck]] and unrequited lust for [[Catwoman]]. The Penguin becomes a hero to [[Gotham City]] when he rescues the Mayor's infant son from a member of the Red Triangle Gang (who, of course, is working for him.) He then runs for Mayor and frames Batman for murder. Batman eventually learns that the Penguin's run for mayor is a cover for his true intentions: to kidnap and murder every first-born child in Gotham City as a twisted act of revenge for being abandoned as a child.

Batman foils the Penguin's plans by recording one of his tirades against the city and playing it in front of a crowd. In a final, desperate act, the Penguin tries to destroy Gotham with missiles launched from the backs of penguins. Thwarted once again, Penguin attacks Batman, but crashes through a plate-glass window and falls back into the waters of his sewer home. In a later scene, Penguin rises from the water, fatally poisoned by [[toxic waste]] which had been dumped into it. In a final act of defiance, Penguin opens an umbrella he believes to contain a weapon, only to reveal it is designed for entertaining toddlers. Upon discovering the carousel-like device within the umbrella, he remarks, "Shit, I picked the cute one." He lets out a final gurgle and falls dead. Two lines of penguins, acting as a funeral parade, move his body down the slope and into the sewer river, where it sinks into the depths.

====Nolan Series====
In response to speculation that [[Philip Seymour Hoffman]] was approached for the role of the Penguin, as a [[British people|British]] arms dealer in ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]'', franchise director [[Christopher Nolan]] said he considered the character difficult to portray on film, explaining, "I'd be more excited to have Philip Seymour Hoffman in the film than to have the Penguin. There are certain characters that are easier to mesh with the more real take on Batman we're doing. The Penguin would be tricky."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.go.com/moviesproxy/tipster?id=854868|title=Tipster: Penguin Unlikely for Dark Knight|author=Kimberly Potts|accessdate=2007-10-14|date=October 16, 2006|publisher=Movies.com}}</ref> Recently, viral marketing for ''The Dark Knight'' included a Gotham Times newspaper, featuring a newspaper ad for the Iceberg Lounge, one of the Penguin's businesses.{{refneeded}} Prior to the release of ''The Dark Knight'' in 2008, David Goyer ruled out using the Penguin or Catwoman as a villain in a future film, preferring to use antagonists from the comic that had not yet been portrayed on the big screen.{{refneeded}}

===Other===
====Lego set====
[[Image:PenguinOrder.JPG|thumb|150px|The Lego version of Penguin orders his penguins to attack the [[Batboat]].]]
Danish building toy maker [[Lego]]'s [[Lego Batman]] line includes one particular set, 7783-The Batcave: The Penguin and [[Mr. Freeze|Mr. Freeze's]] Invasion, which features The Penguin. He appears as a [[minifigure]] in the set, with short, unbending legs, the classic top hat and monocle and a purple pin-stripe suit. The Penguin rides in a submarine reminiscent of the one in the 1960s TV series and is assisted by miniature penguin robots. The Lego also includes a depiction of the Batcave.

He also appears in the Batman Lego promotional video. He is the final crook to be caught (after Two-Face, Mr. Freeze and Joker).

===Video game appearances===
The Penguin has also appeared as a boss in several Batman [[video games]]. They are ''[[Batman: The Caped Crusader]]'', the various video game adaptations of the movie ''[[Batman Returns (video game)|Batman Returns]]'', ''Batman: The Animated Series'' and ''[[Adventures of Batman & Robin]]'' for the [[Super NES]].

At one point he was planned to appear as a boss in ''The Adventures of Batman & Robin'' for the [[Sega CD]], in which he would try to kidnap [[Summer Gleeson]]. The Penguin was cut from the game because it was tight on villains, but the storyboards for his animated cutscene are displayed in [[Paul Dini]]'s book, ''[[Batman Animated]]''.

He is the main enemy in the Batman the Cobblebot Caper. First he is in the bank attacking with his umbrella which fires an electrical rope. On Level 2 he blows up the lab but Batman eventually escapes the building. On Level 3 he orders the [[Kabuki Twins]] to rob the Gotham Steelworks and at the end of the game he is in a giant robot bird that can spit flame and shoot missiles.

More recently Penguin appears in [[Lego Batman: The Video Game]].

===Al Gore parody depiction===
{{Main|Al Gore's Penguin Army video controversy}}
In August of 2006, ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' found out that a [[United States Republican Party|Republican]]-led [[PR]] firm, [[DCI Group]], was behind a [[YouTube]] video making fun of [[Al Gore]]'s film ''[[An Inconvenient Truth]]''. The video portrayed Gore as the Penguin, apparently as depicted in ''Batman: The Animated Series'', using one of his trick umbrellas to [[hypnosis|hypnotize]] a flock of penguins into believing in the existence of [[global warming]]. <ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2299550,00.html Who is behind penguin spoof of Al Gore?].</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}
</div>

==External links==
* [http://dccomics.com/heroes_and_villains/?hv=origin_stories/penguin The Origin of the Penguin at DCComics.com]
{{wikiquote|Batman (comics)#The Penguin|The Penguin}}

{{The Batman}}

[[Category:American comics characters]]
[[Category:DC Comics supervillains]]
[[Category:Fictional businesspeople]]
[[Category:Fictional gangsters]]
[[Category:Fictional orphans]]
[[Category:Fictional socialites]]
[[Category:Fictional thieves]]
[[Category:Golden Age supervillains]]
[[Category:DC Comics martial artists]]

[[bg:Пингвина]]
[[de:Pinguin (Comicfigur)]]
[[es:El Pingüino]]
[[fr:Pingouin (Batman)]]
[[it:Pinguino (fumetto)]]
[[nl:The Penguin]]
[[ja:ペンギン (バットマン)]]
[[pt:Pingüim (DC Comics)]]
[[fi:Pingviini (sarjakuvahahmo)]]
[[sv:Pingvinen]]
[[tl:Penguin (komiks)]]

List of iCarly episodes

2008-07-21T17:33:50Z

71.182.145.40:

This is an episode list for ''[[iCarly]]'' listed by date of premiere. Every episode begins with a lower case ''i'' which represents the internet, as in "''i''Carly". The show is currently in it's first season, and the second season is currently filming. [[Nickelodeon (TV Channel)|Nickelodeon]] schedules and airs the show's episodes air out of chronological order, which may cause confusion between viewers, for example in [[iDream of Dance]], Sam's locker is next to Gibby's, but isn't in [[iLike Jake]]. The Series Premiere drew 13.0 million viewers.<ref name=buddytv>{{cite web |url=http://www.buddytv.com/articles/drake-and-josh/icarly-premiere-draws-13-milli-10782.aspx |title=iCarly Premiere Draws 13 Million Viewers |accessdate=2008-06-09 |publisher=buddytv.com |work= Research}}</ref>

Season one is almost finished airing new episodes. The final two episodes of season one will air on Friday August 1st as part of a speical called "''iCarly Double Date Night".

==Overview==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="2"|Season !! Episodes !! Originally aired !! DVD release date
|-
|bgcolor="FF3333" height="10px"|
|align="center"| '''[[#Season 1: 2007-2008|1]]'''
|align="center"| 25
|align="center"| [[2007 in television|2007]] - [[2008 in television|2008]]
|align="center"| [[September 23]], [[2008]] (Vol.1)
|-
|}

==Episodes==

===Season 1: [[2007]]-[[2008]]===
{| class="wikitable" style="background: White;"
|-
! # !! Title !! Director !! Writer !! Original Airdate !! Code
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 1
| Title= iPilot
| DirectedBy=[[Steve Hoefer]]
| WrittenBy=[[Dan Schneider]]
| OriginalAirDate= [[September 8]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 101
| ShortSummary= After Sam puts the head of her teacher, Ms. Briggs, on the body of a rhinoceros and makes Carly take the blame, she and Carly have to tape the auditions for the school talent show as punishment. But after Freddie accidentally uploads a clip of the girls making fun of Ms. Briggs's "crazy pointy boobs" that receives very positive reviews, the three create "iCarly."
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 2
| Title= iWant More Viewers
| DirectedBy=[[Adam Weissman]]
| WrittenBy=[[Steve Holland]] & [[Steven Molaro]]
| OriginalAirDate= [[September 8]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 103
| ShortSummary= When it is discovered that the same number of people watch iCarly every week, Carly decides to have a contest to get more viewers. Carly and Sam make a banner and try to hold it up in the rain on a popular TV show, while Freddie and Spencer put a flashing sign on the highway. Both attempts fail miserably, but their fans circulate the video to their friends as a result Freddie and Spencer's sign went too high in power. Before it said "PLEASE GO ONLINE TO iCARLY.COM" and then it changed to "PEE ON CARL" after the malfunction. Spencer is brought to the apartment by a police officer (who's name is Carl) for the traffic jam he caused.
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 3
| Title= iDream of Dance
| DirectedBy=Adam Weissman
| WrittenBy=Dan Schneider
| OriginalAirDate= [[September 16]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 113
| ShortSummary= After Ms. Briggs brings a Scottish dancer to class, Carly and her friends decide to have the "iCarly" fans send dance clips of themselves. Then late at night, after falling asleep watching the clips, the three (plus Spencer) end up having some very strange dance-themed dreams.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 4
| Title= iLike Jake
| DirectedBy=Steve Hoefer
| WrittenBy=Dan Schneider
| OriginalAirDate= [[September 22]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 102
| ShortSummary= Carly discovers that she has a huge crush on Jake Krandle. After finding out that he sings, Carly invite him to perform on iCarly. But Jake might not be as good as he sounds. Meanwhile, Spencer has his head incased in Plaster Cast to make a sculpture of himself.
'''Guest Star: [[Austin Butler]] as Jake Krandle.'''
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 5
| Title= iWanna Stay With Spencer
| DirectedBy= Adam Weissman
| WrittenBy= [[Arthur Gradstein]]
| OriginalAirDate= [[September 29]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 105
| ShortSummary= Carly's grandfather visits her and wants her to move to [[Yakima, Washington|Yakima]] with him, after deciding that Spencer is too irresponsible to be her guardian. In order to prevent this, Spencer tries to prove he is responsible enough.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 6
| Title= iNevel
| DirectedBy=Steve Hoefer
| WrittenBy=Steve Holland
| OriginalAirDate= [[October 6]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 104
| ShortSummary= "iCarly" is going to get reviewed by an eleven-year-old web critic named Nevel, but during his interview with Carly, he hits on her. She reacts negatively, and he gives iCarly a bad review. However Carly gets revenge by telling Nevel's mother about what he did. Meanwhile, Spencer tries to make a sculpture out of butter.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 7
| Title= iScream On Halloween
| DirectedBy=Steve Hoefer
| WrittenBy=[[Jake Farrow]]
| OriginalAirDate= [[October 20]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 114
| ShortSummary= Carly, Sam, and Freddie shoot their Halloween web cast from an apartment that is rumored to be haunted. When creepy things start happening, the friends worry that the ghost rumors just might be true. Meanwhile, Spencer forgets to buy Halloween candy, and angry children gang up on him.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 8
| Title= iSpy a Mean Teacher
| DirectedBy=Steve Hoefer
| WrittenBy=Steven Molaro
| OriginalAirDate= [[November 3]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 106
| ShortSummary= Filing a report for their newest webcast, Carly and Freddie decide to spy on Ms. Briggs for their next webcast. So Sam has to help them come out of the closet. But when they get caught, Ms. Briggs insists on preforming the bagpipes on iCarly.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 9
| Title= iWill Date Freddie
| DirectedBy=Adam Weissman
| WrittenBy=Steve Holland
| OriginalAirDate= [[November 10]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 108
| ShortSummary= While doing a blab cam bit on ''iCarly'', Freddie gets a date with a girl named Valerie. They start dating and soon she wants to do a webcast the same day as Carly's. Freddie quits iCarly and begins working with Valerie, though it turns out that she is using him. Everything works out in the end, and Freddie returns to iCarly.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 10
| Title= iWant a World Record
| DirectedBy=[[Roger Christiansen]]
| WrittenBy=Dan Schneider
| OriginalAirDate= [[November 17]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 107
| ShortSummary= Carly wants to break a world record for the longest webcast, which has to be longer than 24 hours and 8 minutes. However, a series of obstacles, including gas leaks, lack of energy and power failure, may stop the show from lasting. Meanwhile, Spencer builds a sculpture that breaks a record. But he lets Carly, Sam, and Freddie put on his drill so they are included in the fame to.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 11
| Title= iRue The Day
| DirectedBy=[[David Kendall]]
| WrittenBy=Dan Schneider
| OriginalAirDate= [[December 1]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 115
| ShortSummary= Carly, Sam, and Freddie find out [[the Plain White T's]] are going to perform on their web show after Spencer saves Tom Higgenson's life. However, they have to first save their webcast when it is put in jeopardy by Nevel's control when he hacks them because Carly refused to kiss him in the episode ''iNevel''.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 12
| Title= iPromise Not to Tell
| DirectedBy=Steve Hoefer
| WrittenBy=[[Dicky Murphy]]
| OriginalAirDate= [[January 12]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 118
| ShortSummary= After Carly got a B+ on her history paper (because she used three-holed papers which her strict, particular teacher doesn't like), Carly is a bit upset. After overhearing Principal Franklin's network password, Sam changes the grade to give Carly the straight A's she deserves. Carly promised Sam she would not tell but starts to realize how hard it is to keep that promise.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 13
| Title= iAm Your Biggest Fan
| DirectedBy=Steve Hoefer
| WrittenBy=Jake Farrow
| OriginalAirDate= [[January 19]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 110
| ShortSummary= iCarly's biggest fan, Mandy Valdez, becomes the show's one-kid live audience. However, she begins following the cast incessently and refuses to leave them alone. She is so obsessed that she made her aunt drive her all the way from [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]], and then made her get a motel room so she could spend the night at Carly's without asking. Eventually, she switches to Ridgeway Junior High! Meanwhile, Spencer becomes the drummer for a rock group, but later gets fired, similar to [[Pete Best]]'s story in the Beatles, who had booked the Beatles several shows and gigs (similar to Spencer booking his band on a show), but was later fired because of his poor drumming. Mandy then becomes obsessed with the band, but leaves Carly, Sam, and Freddie alone and follows the band around and even appeared on Seattle Beat with them.
'''Guest Star: [[Aria Wallace]] as Mandy Valdez.'''
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 14
| Title= iHeart Art
| DirectedBy=Adam Weissman
| WrittenBy=Arthur Gradstein
| OriginalAirDate= [[February 2]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 109
| ShortSummary= Spencer's art idol, Harry Joyner, gives him a horrible comments on his three sculptures. Spencer then gets a real job. Carly and her friends try to help him to get back to his old self. At the same time, Sam can't insult Freddie for a whole week, or else she will have to pay him $5 for each insult.
'''Guest Star: [[Oliver Muirhead]] as Harry Joyner.'''
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 15
| Title= iHate Sam's Boyfriend
| DirectedBy= Roger Christiansen
| WrittenBy= Dan Schneider
| OriginalAirDate= [[February 9]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 120
| ShortSummary= Sam begins going out with Freddie's friend, Jonah, and the two become inseperable. However, when the relationship begins to affect iCarly, Carly and Freddie decide that they have to do something. Meanwhile, Spencer makes a [[claymation]] film, but Jonah moves one of the figurines in the film. This causes Spencer to freak out because he must start over.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 16
| Title= iHatch Chicks
| DirectedBy= [[David Kendall]]
| WrittenBy= Steven Molaro
| OriginalAirDate= [[February 23]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 111
| ShortSummary= Carly and Sam take care of Baby Chicks for a science project. All the Baby Chicks get lost in the apartment when they are born, causing a mad search. While they search, Spencer gets stuck in a hole.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 17
| Title= iDon't Want to Fight
| DirectedBy= Roger Christiansen
| WrittenBy= Arthur Gradstein
| OriginalAirDate= [[March 1]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 112
| ShortSummary= Carly gives Sam a special T-shirt as a present on their celebration of their fifth year of being best friends. Sam then trades it for concert tickets for Carly and her, but it ends up becoming a fight. Meanwhile, Spencer attempts to remember to feed his fish.

Note: This episode was produced before [[iDream of Dance]]

| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 18
| Title= iPromote Techfoots
| DirectedBy= Adam Weissman
| WrittenBy= Arthur Gradstein
| OriginalAirDate= [[March 15]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 117
| ShortSummary= Carly is extremely excited when the popular shoe company Daka wants to promote their new shoe, the Techfoots, on iCarly. But when the shoes turn out to have numerous problems and are low-quality, iCarly begins losing viewers, leading Carly, Sam, and Freddie to attempt to find a way out of their contract. Meanwhile, Spencer tries new methods of transportation after falling asleep on a bus and ending up in Canada.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 19
| Title= iGot Detention
| DirectedBy= Steve Hoefer
| WrittenBy= [[Andrew Hill Newman]]
| OriginalAirDate= [[March 22]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 116
| ShortSummary= iCarly's 50th webcast spectacular is put in jeopardy when Sam gets a detention, so they try and do iCarly live from the detention classroom.<ref>http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=289614&more=ucepisodelist&episodeid=7672055</ref>
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 20
| Title= iStakeout
| DirectedBy=Steve Hoefer
| WrittenBy=Andrew Hill Newman
| OriginalAirDate= [[April 5]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 119
| ShortSummary= The police use the loft as a stakeout to track a clerk from selling [[Copyright infringement|pirated]] DVDs, and Spencer realizes one of the detectives is his childhood bully from camp. Meanwhile, Freddie loses a bet with Sam and must get a [[tattoo]] of Sam's face on his left arm , and now he tries to hide it from his mother.<ref>http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=289614&more=ucepisodelist&episodeid=7681299</ref>

| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 21
| Title= iMight Switch Schools
| DirectedBy= David Kendall
| WrittenBy= Dicky Murphy
| OriginalAirDate= [[April 26]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 122
| ShortSummary= Briarwood Prep offers Carly a full scholarship to their school, due to the fact she is smart and a famous webstar. When Freddie and Sam don't want her to leave, they try to sabotage her interview with the head mistress, Mrs. Peelof. Meanwhile, Spencer's mini-golf course is a big hit, and Carly's classmates comes to play at her and Spencer's apartment. 
'''Guest Star: [[Lise Simms]] as Mrs. Peelof'''
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 22
| Title= iFence
| DirectedBy=[[Russ Reinsel]]
| WrittenBy=Dan Schneider
| OriginalAirDate= [[May 10]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 121
| ShortSummary= Freddie joins Spencer to go fencing to have some guy time. When Spencer's rival, the amazing Doug Toder, sees how good Freddie is, Spencer puts Freddie up against him to a match of fencing. Meanwhile, Carly and Spencer's weird cousins, the Dorfmans, are coming for dinner, and Carly needs Spencer's help preparing dinner for them, but with Spencer Fencing, she might not get much Done. Meanwhile, Sam must read a book to win a bet between Freddie and her, and she suddenly becomes interested in books for the first time.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 23
| Title= iCarly Saves TV
| DirectedBy= Steve Hoefer
| WrittenBy= Jake Farrow
| OriginalAirDate= [[June 13]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 124
| ShortSummary= A big time producer wants to make iCarly in to a hit TV show. But Carly, Sam, and Freddie are soon upset to learn all of the changes the producer wishes to make, all of which destroy the quality of the show: They fire Sam because she is to "aggressive" when she hurts Zeebo (a dinosaur they put in to make the show more "attractive" but it turns out to ruin it MORE.) Meanwhile, with the kids at the TV studio rehearsing all the time, Mrs. Benson begins to act like a mother towards Spencer.
'''Guest Star: [[Leon G. Thomas III]] as Harper.'''
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 24
| Title= iWin a Date <ref>http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=289614&more=ucepisodelist&episodeid=8097993</ref>
| DirectedBy=
| WrittenBy=
| OriginalAirDate= [[July 25]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 125 | ShortSummary= In order to help a friend, Carly opens up a dating segment, but when contestants fail to appear, Carly steps in and she finds herself becoming the lucky sweetheart for her friend. | LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 25
| Title= iHave a Lovesick Teacher
| DirectedBy= Roger Christiansen
| WrittenBy= Ethan Banville
| OriginalAirDate= [[July 25]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 123
| ShortSummary= When Carly, Sam, & Freddie's history teacher Miss. Ackerman's boyfriend dumps her, she freaks out and becomes mean to the class. After Carly tries to stick up for Freddie, Miss. Ackerman sends her to the principal's office. When Spencer is called in for a conference, the two realize they like each other and start dating. It isn't long before Carly realizes how lovesick Mrs. Ackerman is getting. What will Carly do about it?
'''Guest Star: [[Jessica Makinson]] as Miss. Ackermen'''
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
|}

===Season 2: [[2008]] - [[2009]]===
It has been announced there is a second season of iCarly.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External Links==
*[[TV Guide]]'s [http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=289614&more=ucepisodelist iCarly episode list]
*[[TV.com]]'s [http://www.tv.com/icarly/show/71399/summary.html?q=iCarly&tag=search_results;title;1 iCarly episode guide]

{{iCarly}}
[[Category: Lists of television series episodes]]

[[nl:Lijst van afleveringen van iCarly]]

Catwoman

2008-07-18T19:07:57Z

71.182.145.40: Animation gets it own section...

{{Otheruses4|the comic book character}}
{{Superherobox| 
image=[[Image:Catwoman-ninelives-tpb.jpg|250px]]
|caption=Cover to ''Catwoman: Nine Lives of a Feline Fatale'' (June 2004). Art by [[Brian Bolland]].
|character_name=Catwoman
|alter_ego= Selina Kyle
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut=''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #1 (Spring 1940)
|creators=[[Bill Finger]] [[Bob Kane]]
|alliances=[[Batman supporting characters#Batman Family|Batman Family]] [[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]] [[Birds of Prey (comics)|Birds of Prey]] [[Secret Society of Super Villains]] [[Injustice League]]
|aliases=The Cat, Irena Dubrovna
|powers=
*Peak athlete
*Extremely skilled hand-to-hand combatant.
*Expert [[burglary|burglar]]
*Steel spring-loaded climbing [[piton]]s
*Razor-sharp retractable claws
*Wields an assortment of [[bullwhip]]s and [[cat o' nine tails]] as gymnastic equipment
|}}
'''Catwoman''' is a [[fictional character]] associated with [[DC Comics]]' [[Batman]] [[media franchise|franchise]]. She was created by [[Bill Finger]] and [[Bob Kane]].

The original and most widely known Catwoman, '''Selina Kyle''', first appeared in ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #1 (Spring 1940) in which she was known as '''The Cat'''. As an adversary of Batman, she was a [[whip]]-carrying [[burglary|burglar]] with a taste for high stake thefts. [[Modern Age of Comic Books|Modern]] writers have attributed her activities and costumed identity as a response to a history of abuse.

Since the 1990s, Catwoman has been featured in an eponymous series that cast her as an [[anti-hero]]ine rather than a [[supervillainess]]. The character has been one of Batman's most enduring love interests, and has occasionally been depicted as his one true love.

A popular figure, Catwoman has been featured in most [[Mass media|media]] adaptations related to Batman. Actresses [[Julie Newmar]], [[Lee Meriwether]], and [[Eartha Kitt]] introduced her to a large audience on the 1960s [[Batman (TV series)|''Batman'' television series]]. [[Michelle Pfeiffer]] portrayed the character in 1992's popular film ''[[Batman Returns]]''. [[Halle Berry]] starred in a stand-alone [[Catwoman (film)|''Catwoman'' film]] in 2004, although the film features a title character bearing little resemblance to the comic book character. Catwoman is #51 on [[Wizard (magazine)|''Wizard'' magazine]]'s "100 Greatest Villains of All Time" list.<ref>''Wizard'' #177 (July 2006), p. 88.</ref>

==Character and publication history==

There have been many versions of Catwoman's origins and backstory seen in the comic books over the decades.

===Golden and Silver Age versions===
[[Image:Catwoman-batman01.jpg|200px|Selina Kyle's first appearance as ''The Cat'' in ''Batman'' #1 (Spring 1940).|thumb|left]]
''Batman'' #62 revealed that Catwoman (after a blow to the head jogged her memory) is an [[amnesiac]] [[flight attendant]] who had turned to crime after suffering a prior blow to the head during a plane crash she survived (although in the final issue of ''[[The Brave and the Bold]]'', she admits that she made up the [[amnesia]] story because she wanted a way out of the past life of crime). She reforms for several years, helping out Batman in ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #65 and #69, until she decides to return to a life of crime in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #203. Selina appears again as a criminal in ''Batman'' #84 and ''Detective Comics'' #211, her final appearance for many years (until 1966).

In the 1970s comics, a series of stories taking place on [[Multiverse (DC Comics)#Earth-Two|Earth-Two]] (the parallel Earth that was retroactively declared as the home of DC's [[Golden Age of Comic Books|Golden Age]] characters) reveal that on that world, Selina reformed in the 1950s (after the events of ''Batman'' #69) and had married Bruce Wayne; soon afterwards, she gave birth to the couple's only child, Helena Wayne (the [[Huntress (comics)|Huntress]]). In ''[[The Brave and the Bold]]'' #197, the Golden Age origin of Catwoman given in ''Batman'' #62 is elaborated on, after Selina revealed that she never actually had amnesia. It was revealed that Selina Kyle had been the wife of an abusive man, and eventually decided to leave her husband. However, her husband had kept her jewelry in his private vault, and she had to break into it to retrieve the jewelry. Selina enjoyed this experience so much she decided to become a professional costumed [[burglary|cat burglar]], and thus began a career that would repeatedly lead to her encountering the Batman.

The Earth-Two/Golden Age Selina Kyle eventually dies in the late 1970s after being [[blackmail]]ed by a criminal into going into action again as Catwoman (as shown in ''DC Super-Stars'' #17).

Catwoman made her first Silver Age appearance in ''[[Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane]]'' #70 (November 1966); afterwards, she continued to make appearances across the various Batman comics.

Several stories in the 1970s featured Catwoman committing [[murder]], something that neither the Earth-One or Earth-Two versions of her would ever do; this version of Catwoman was assigned to the alternate world of [[Multiverse (DC Comics)#Earth-B|Earth-B]], an alternate Earth that included stories that couldn't be considered [[canon (fiction)|canonical]] on Earth-One or Earth-Two.<ref>Official Crisis on Infinite Earths Index (March, 1986)</ref><ref>Official Crisis on Infinite Earths Cross-Over Index (July, 1986)</ref>

===Modern Age version===
====Tangled origins====
A revision in Catwoman's [[origin story|origin]], and the introduction of the modern version of the character, came in 1986 when writer [[Frank Miller (comics)|Frank Miller]] and artist [[David Mazzucchelli]] published ''[[Batman: Year One]]'', a revision of Batman’s origin. In the course of the story, the origin of Catwoman was also re-envisioned. Selina Kyle is reintroduced as a cat-loving [[prostitution|prostitute]]/[[dominatrix]] who is inspired to become a costumed cat burglar when she sees Batman in action. In this story, [[Holly Robinson]] is introduced as a young runaway and prostitute Kyle has taken in.

The 1989 ''Catwoman'' limited series (collected in trade paperback form as ''Catwoman: Her Sister's Keeper'') by writer [[Mindy Newell]] and artist J.J. Birch expanded on Miller's ''Year One'' origin. ''Her Sister's Keeper'' explores Selina's early life as a prostitute and the start of her career as Catwoman. This is a dark and tragic period which culminates with Selina's former [[pimp]] Stan abducting and violently abusing her sister Maggie. Selina kills Stan to save her sister, and is able to do so with [[impunity]].

Catwoman also appears in the ''[[Batman: Knightfall|Knightfall]]'' saga, where she is approached by [[Bane (comics)|Bane]]'s henchmen while robbing a house. Bane asks her to work for him, but she refuses, as she is repulsed by the criminal who broke Batman. Later in the story, she boards a plane with Bruce Wayne to fly to Santa Prisca. She next appears in the ''[[Batman: Knightfall#Knightquest|Knightquest]]'' saga.

''[[Batman: Dark Victory]]'', the sequel to ''[[Batman: The Long Halloween|The Long Halloween]]'', implies that Catwoman suspects she is the long-lost illegitimate daughter of [[Mafia]] boss [[Carmine Falcone]], although she finds no definitive proof of this. Selina's connection to the Falcone family is further explored in the miniseries ''[[Catwoman: When in Rome]]''. Though more circumstantial evidence is added to the theory of Selina's Falcone heritage, no definitive proof is provided.

Portions of ''Her Sister's Keeper'' and the ''Year One'' origin conceived by Frank Miller remain [[canon (fiction)|canonical]] to Catwoman’s origin, while other portions have been dropped over the years. It has been implied that ''Her Sister's Keeper'' was rendered non-canonical by the events of ''Zero Hour'', and subsequent writers have rejected Miller's choice to make the post-''Crisis'' Catwoman a prostitute. In an attempt to harmonize the various versions, some writers have posited that Catwoman, early in her career, pretended to be a prostitute in order to scam lonely men and rob them. However, characters associated with Catwoman's past as a prostitute have remained a part of her supporting cast. Holly, from ''Batman: Year One,'' and her sister Maggie (from ''Her Sister's Keeper'') have appeared regularly in the ''Catwoman'' series.

Selina is the older of two sisters (Maggie being the younger) born to Brian and Maria Kyle. ''Catwoman'' v.1 #0, which provides details about Selina's childhood, neglects Maggie's existence. Maria Kyle was a distant parent who preferred to spend her time with cats, and committed [[suicide]] when Selina was very young. Brian Kyle, an [[alcoholism|alcoholic]], disliked Selina for resembling her mother, whom he resented for dying, and eventually drank himself to death.

Selina took to the streets for a time before being caught and sent first to an [[orphanage]], then Juvenile Hall (''Catwoman'' v.1 #0), "where Selina began to see how hard the world could really be" (''Catwoman Secret Files and Origins''). Maggie's fate at this point in the time-line is not alluded to. However, when [[Ed Brubaker]] reintroduced her into the comic, he implied that Maggie may have directly entered an orphanage and promptly been [[adoption|adopted]].

When she was 13, Selina discovered that the Hall's administrator was [[embezzlement|embezzling]] funds and confronted her. In an attempt to cover up the illegal activities, the administrator put Selina in a bag and dropped her in a river to drown (like a cat). Selina escaped (''Catwoman'' v.1 #0) and returned to the orphanage where she stole documents exposing the administrator's corruption and sent her to the authorities. She also took the opportunity to steal enough money to live on before going back to the streets.

When the money she stole from the corrupt orphanage administrator ran out, Selina found herself in "Alleytown - a network of cobblestone streets that form a small borough between the East End and Old Gotham" (''Catwoman'' v.2 #12). Selina was taken in by "Mama Fortuna", the elderly leader of a gang of young thieves, and was taught how to steal. Fortuna treated her students like [[slavery|slaves]], keeping their earnings for herself. Selina eventually ran away, accompanied by her friend Sylvia. However, the two had difficulty surviving on their own, and in desperation tried to support themselves by working as [[prostitution of children|child prostitute]]s. Sylvia attracted at least one client; Selina apparently never did. The two drifted apart afterwards, with Sylvia coming to resent Selina for not inquiring about what had happened to her at the hands of her abusive first client.

In the ''Catwoman: Year One'' story (''Catwoman Annual'' #2, 1998), Selina (now an adult) achieved some success as a thief. Following a disastrous burglary, however, she accepted an offer to "lay low" by posing as a dominatrix in the employ of a pimp named Stan. Their plan was to trick men into divulging information that might be used in future crimes. According to this storyline, Selina trained under the [[Armless Master]] of [[Gotham City]], receiving education in [[martial arts]] and culture. During this time, Catwoman was given her trademark cat-o-nine tails whip by a client, which Selina kept as a trophy of her time posing as a hooker.

====Catwoman, the series====
In 1993, following the success of ''[[Batman Returns]]'', Catwoman was given her first ongoing comic book series. This series, written by an assortment of writers but primarily penciled by [[Jim Balent]], generally depicted the character as an international thief (and occasional [[bounty hunter]]) with an ambiguous [[morality#moral codes|moral code]].

Storylines included her [[adoption]] of teenage [[runaway youth|runaway]], and erstwhile sidekick, Arizona; aiding the criminal [[Bane (comics)|Bane]] whom she later betrayed to [[Azrael (comics)|Azrael]]; and a stint as a reluctant government operative. The series also fleshed out more of her origin, revealing her beginnings as a young thief, her difficult period in juvenile incarceration, and the training she received from superhero [[Wildcat (comics)|Ted (Wildcat) Grant]].

Moving to [[New York]], Selina becomes corporate vice president then [[chief executive officer|CEO]] of Randolf Industries, a [[mafia]]-influenced company, through [[blackmail]]. Her plans to use this position to run for [[Mayor of New York City|mayor]] are ruined when the [[Trickster (comics)|Trickster]] inadvertently connects Kyle to her Catwoman [[alter ego]].

Selina then returns to Gotham City, which at this time is in the midst of the ''[[No Man's Land (comics)|No Man's Land]]'' storyline. As Catwoman, she assists Batman against [[Lex Luthor]] in the reconstruction of the city. After being arrested by [[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner Gordon]], she escapes from prison. Later that year during the ''Officer Down'' storyline in the Batman titles, Catwoman is initially the chief suspect. Although later cleared, she displays increasingly erratic behavior throughout the story. Soon afterwards she disappears and is believed to have been killed by the assassin [[Deathstroke|Deathstroke the Terminator]], ending her series at #94.

Catwoman then appears in a series of backup stories in ''Detective Comics'' #759 - #762. In a backup storyline ''Trail of the Catwoman'', by writer Ed Brubaker and artist Darwyn Cooke, private detective [[Slam Bradley]] attempts to find out what really happened to Selina Kyle. This storyline leads in to the newest ''Catwoman'' series in late 2001 (written by Brubaker initially with Cooke, later joined by artist [[Cameron Stewart]]). In this series, Selina Kyle, joined by new supporting cast members Holly and [[Slam Bradley]] (a character from the early Golden Age DC Comics), becomes protector of the residents of Gotham’s East End, while still carrying out an ambitious career as a cat burglar.

During the ''[[Batman: Hush|Hush]]'' storyline (''Batman'' #608-#619), Batman and Catwoman briefly work together and have a romantic relationship, during which he reveals his true identity to her. At the end, he breaks off their relationship when he suspects it has been manipulated by the [[Riddler]] and [[Hush (comics)|Hush]]. This was the second time that Batman's true identity was shown to be known to her. In an early 80's story line Selina and Bruce had developed a relationship. The concluding story featured a closing panel in which she refers to Batman as "Bruce." A change in editorial team at that point, however, brought a swift end to that story line and, apparently, all that transpired during the arc. When Catwoman appeared again, no mention whatsoever was ever made of the notion that she had apparently figured out who Batman actually is.

In the ''[[Justice League]]'' story arc ''Crisis of Conscience,'' Catwoman fights alongside Batman and the League against the old [[Secret Society of Super Villains|Secret Society]], of which she had once briefly been a member.

Catwoman appears in [[Gail Simone]]'s "Sensei and Student" story arc in ''[[Birds of Prey (comics)|''Birds of Prey'']]''. She is part of a group sent to rescue a U.S. senator from the [[Eurasia]]n assassin [[Cheshire (comics)|Cheshire]]; during the mission, she saves [[Lady Shiva]], who was bound and gagged in the trunk of a car wired with explosives by Chesire.

====Mindwiping revelations====

Catwoman appears to be completely reformed, and her love for Batman true (although brash and unpredictable). However, she has learned her reformation was the result of a mindwipe by [[Zatanna]], a procedure known to deeply affect and, in at least one case, physically incapacitate its victims. Zatanna gives no reason for her actions, but in a flashback it is shown that she had acted with the consent and aid of five of the seven JLA members who had helped her mindwipe [[Doctor Light (Arthur Light)|Dr. Light]] and Batman. Catwoman's response to this revelation is unequivocal: she duct-tapes Zatanna's mouth shut and pitches her out a window (Zatanna survives the fall). Afterwards, she is seen covering her bed with past versions of her Catwoman costume.

Still unbalanced and uncertain of herself in issue #52, Selina is forced to decide whether to kill a supervillain. The [[Black Mask (comics)|Black Mask]], in an attempt to "improve himself," threatens the most important people in Selina's life, from Slam Bradley to Holly. The villain had also previously [[torture]]d Selina's sister Maggie into a [[catatonia|catatonic]] state and murdered Maggie's husband, earning Catwoman's ire. Black Mask had learned Selina's identity through his earlier alliance with Selina's childhood friend Sylvia, who still harbored a grudge against Selina. Still thinking that Selina adheres to a strict no-kill rule, Black Mask is caught by surprise when Selina shoots him in the head. This action continues to haunt her throughout the "[[One Year Later]]" storyline, and it is suggested that this might have been the first time she had ever directly taken a life.

====One Year Later====
{{main|One Year Later}}
[[Image:Catwomanbaby.PNG|Selina Kyle with her child, Helena (2006). Pencils by David Lopez.|180px|thumb|left]]Following the events of ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'', the DC Universe jumps forward in time. "One Year Later" Selina Kyle is no longer Catwoman, has left the East End, and has given birth to a daughter named Helena (whose father is initially unknown). [[Holly Robinson]] takes over as the new Catwoman while Selina, living under the alias Irena Dubrovna, turns her attention to caring for her daughter (Selina's alias was inspired by the name of the main character in the 1942 film ''[[Cat People (1942 film)|Cat People]]'').

Though she takes her role as a new mother quite seriously, Selina dons the costume for a run through the East End some days after Helena's birth. Having understandably gained a few pounds, Selina finds that her costume is now a tighter fit. In addition, she is easily distracted by a common criminal. Although the situation is defused through Holly's opportune arrival, the sight of two Catwomen active simultaneously in the city is caught on video. Selina returns home from her adventure to find that the mysterious movie aficionado [[Film Freak]] has deduced her alias, joined with [[Angle Man]], and grabbed Helena.

After rescuing her daughter, Selina convinces [[Zatanna]] to mind-wipe [[Film Freak]] and [[Angle Man]] (whom she had bound and gagged with duct tape after beating them brutally) in order to preserve her secret identity. Following the procedure, Angle Man turns himself in to the authorities; Film Freak, however, embarks upon a murderous rampage. [[Wildcat (comics)|Ted Grant]] informs Selina that Holly has been arrested for the murder of Black Mask; Selina infiltrates the police station and frees Holly. Finally defeating Film Freak, Selina returns home to find that [[Slam Bradley]] has deduced that Helena is the daughter of his son Sam Bradley Jr., and therefore his granddaughter.

Batman asks Catwoman to infiltrate the violent tribe of [[Bana-Mighdall|Bana Amazons]] during the ''[[Amazons Attack!]]'' crossover. Posing as a criminal, Selina gains the Bana's trust and thwarts a terror attack aimed at causing mass casualties in Gotham City.

Selina questions whether she should be raising a daughter when her life as Catwoman has already proven to be such a danger to the child. After enlisting Batman's help in faking the death of both herself and her daughter, Selina puts Helena up for adoption. A month after Helena is placed with a new family, Catwoman asks Zatanna to erase her memories of Helena and change her mind back to a criminal mentality. Zatanna refuses, judging that such an act would be cruel to both mother and daughter. She tells Selina that she could never reverse Selina's mindset, since she was on the path to becoming a hero on her own. Believing she can no longer function as a criminal, Selina decided to become one of Batman's [[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]]. She quickly quit, however, and was replaced by [[Batgirl (Cassandra Cain)|Batgirl]].

In ''[[Salvation Run]]'' #2, Catwoman is sent to the Prison Planet. She allies herself with [[Lex Luthor]] in an attempt to return to [[Earth]], and mistakenly ends up on an [[alternate universe]]-Earth where Catwoman is a notorious villain. It is later revealed that this Earth is a creation of her own mind, and she has not left Prison Planet. When accused of being a traitor by Luthor, she reveals [[Martian Manhunter]] is posing as [[Blockbuster (comics)| Blockbuster]].

The current volume of ''Catwoman'' ends with August's #82.<ref>http://xrayspex.blogspot.com/2008/04/well-heh-heh-this-is-little.html</ref>
{{-}}

==Skills, resources, and abilities==
Selina is a gifted and accomplished athlete, with heightened acrobatic prowess. She was trained by the Armless Master in martial arts and by Wildcat in boxing and street-fighting. She is a clever and resourceful fighter, known for precise, agile attacks and speedy getaways. Her formidable [[hand to hand combat]] skills are augmented by her cat-like speed, reflexes, balance, and flexibility.

Fittingly, Catwoman is a master thief possessed of unsurpassed stealth and cunning. An expert at both low- and high-tech heists, she is Gotham City's finest cat-burglar.

===Costume===
Catwoman, in her first appearance, wore no costume or disguise at all, and it was not until her next appearance that she donned a mask, which was a theatrically face-covering cat-mask that had the appearance of a real cat, rather than a more stylized face mask seen in her later incarnations. Later, she wore a dress with a hood that came with ears, and still later, a [[bodysuit]] with attached boots and either a domino or glasses-mask. In the 1960s, Catwoman's bodysuit was green in color, which was typical of villains of that era. In the 1990s, she usually wore a skintight purple bodysuit, before switching to a black PVC outfit that recalls [[Michelle Pfeiffer]]'s costume in ''Batman Returns''.
In recent years, artists' depictions have usually alternated between these two costumes. Ed Brubaker, the writer behind the 2001 revamp of the character, has stated that Selina's current costume was inspired by [[Emma Peel]]'s iconic [[catsuit]] <ref>{{cite web
| title =The Man Behind The Cat - Exclusive Interview w/ Ed Brubaker
| url =http://www.geocities.com/selina_revamped/webpages/interview.html
| accessdate =}}2007-[[June 10|6-10]]</ref>. It has a more [[high tech]] look, with domino-shaped [[infrared]] goggles on her cowl.

Many of her costumes have been shown to incorporate retractable metal claws on the fingertips of her gloves and sometimes also the toes of her boots.

Holly currently uses the same costume Selina used prior to ''[[Infinite Crisis]]''.

===Weapons and equipment===
During the [[Silver Age of Comic Books|Silver Age]], Catwoman, like most Batman villains, used a variety of themed weapons, vehicles, and equipment, such as a custom cat-themed car called the "cat-illac". This usage also appeared in the 1960s ''Batman'' TV series. In her post-''Crisis'' appearances, Catwoman's favored weapon is a whip. She wields both a standard bullwhip and the cat-o-nine-tails with expert proficiency. In addition, Catwoman has been shown to have various items to restrain her victims (as she does not believe in killing), such as a set of plastic ties for binding hands and feet, and a roll of [[duct tape]] used to [[gag]] her targets, like she did with Angle Man, Film Freak, Zatanna, and various others during her robberies over the years.

===Powers===
Many artists have portrayed Catwoman as a villainess with no superpowers. However, several incarnations of her have given her a "Nine Lives" power. This power has been a minor plot detail in certain media, like the film [[Batman Returns]] as well as in her first appearance in the 1966 TV series. It wasn't fully revealed if it was a superpower or just a coincidence. With her nine lives power, Catwoman can survive eight fatal wounds inflicted by an enemy. Every time, no matter what type of wound, she will return to health almost instantly. It was also hinted she can't survive her ninth fatal wound. That is when her last life is used up and she dies. This is certainly a nod to a later Batman villan called "The Catman". A brief synopsis of Catman appears as follows:

Catman was originally Tom Blake, a world-famous trapper of jungle cats who turned to crime because he had grown bored with hunting and had squandered most of his fortune. He became a burglar who committed his crimes in a catsuit made out of an ancient African cloth he believed gave him a cat's nine lives. His costume was modeled after Catwoman's disguise. Catwoman was none too pleased to have her modus operandi copied, and initially helped Batman apprehend him. The two costumed criminals would have a competitive, love/hate relationship for many years afterward which included Selina Kyle (Catwoman) being wrongly implicated for Catman's crimes at least once. As with many Batman villains in their first appearances, Catman was originally a gimmicked villain who stole items along a "cat" theme, such as cat statues, "cat's eyes" emeralds, etc. His weapon of choice was (of course) a cat-o-nine-tails.

The first time that Catwoman appears to have "nine lives" is in her initial appearance on Batman the TV series in the episode entitled, "Better Luck Next Time", ( the second episode of two parts) from the first season. When Catwoman appears to fall to her doom. It's implied by Batman (Adam West) that it might not be the last time he lays his eyes on her (suggestive of "nine lives"). It's also apparent to those who have read the Batman comic-books by that time that the TV producers have merged the abilities of both Catman and Catwoman into one single entity.

==Alternate versions==
Selina Kyle appears as an aging and somewhat overweight [[madam]]e in Frank Miller's ''[[Batman: The Dark Knight Returns]]'' four times; all are brief. First, in a phone message to Bruce ("Selina. Bruce, I'm lonely"). Next, she is attacked by [[Joker (comics)|the Joker]], who uses a [[mind control]] drug to convince her to send one of her prostitutes to use the same substance on the Governor. The Joker then beats her, ties her up, gags her, and dresses her in a [[Wonder Woman]] outfit, leaving her for Batman to find. Selina's final appearance in the book is at Bruce Wayne's funeral (because in truth, Bruce Wayne died, not Batman), where she yells at [[Superman]], telling him that she knows who killed Bruce. She does not appear in ''[[Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again]]'', Miller's follow-up story, although she is referred to in the prologue written for the trade paperback version.

Two 1990s prose novels feature Catwoman: ''The Further Adventures of Batman: Volume 3, Featuring Catwoman'', a short story collection by various authors (publs. 1993, edited by Martin H. Greenberg), and ''Catwoman: Tiger Hunt'', by Lynn Abbey and Robert Asprin, publs. date 1992. Both novels portray a ''Batman: Year One''- influenced Catwoman who wears a gray cat costume and was once a prostitute.

Catwoman also made a small cameo in ''[[Kingdom Come (comic book)|Kingdom Come]]'', mostly accompanying the [[Riddler]]; she is predominantly seen, but not much heard in the series. She is not dressed in costume, but appears in the very dress she first wore in ''Batman'' #1 as 'The Cat'. According to the novelization by [[Elliot S! Maggin]], she ran a multibillion dollar cosmetics company.

In the all-digital graphic novel ''[[Batman: Digital Justice]]'', which is set some time in the future long after the original Batman has died, Sheila Romero, a.k.a. the hit [[pop music]] star '''Gata''' (the [[Spanish language|Spanish]] female [[noun]] for "cat") and daughter of the mayor of Gotham City, is jealous of the new Batman, James Gordon, because media coverage of his activities have been cutting into her airtime. Setting out to learn as much about Batman and his enemies as she can, Gata becomes the new Catwoman. Near the end of the story, Gata and her followers face off against Batman, but the two later fall in love, and Maria Romero, a.k.a. '''Madame X''', tells Sheila that she is really a [[cloning|clone]] of Maria. Maria confesses that she had planned to transfer her brain into Gata's body, but she couldn't bring herself to do it because she loved her "daughter" too much. Maria then dies in Sheila's arms.

In the ''[[Elseworlds]]'' title ''Catwoman: Guardian of Gotham'', Selina Kyle is the daughter of millionaires Thomas and Martha Kyle. Walking home after seeing the film ''Cat People'', Selina, a young girl, chases after an alley cat and watches in horror as her parents are gunned down by a robber. Selina learns that the crook has stolen a ring she found in a Crackerjack box and had given to her mother. Years later she becomes Catwoman, the defender of Gotham City, operating out of a Catcave beneath Kyle Manor, aided by a young maid named Brooks. Her major enemy is a [[psychopathy|psycopathic]] criminal named Batman, who murders her entire rogues gallery to get rid of the competition.

In [[Howard Chaykin]]'s ''Thrillkiller'', Selina Kyle is a stripper in a cat-themed strip club. She acts as an informant for [[Gotham City Police Department|GCPD]] Detective Bruce Wayne.

In [[Dean Motter]]'s ''[[Batman: Nine Lives]]'', Selina Kyle is a cat-loving [[African American]] night club owner. Her death sets in motion the events of the story.

In [[Howard Chaykin]]'s ''Dark Allegiances'', Selina Kyle becomes a film star under the stage name of Kitty Grimalkin. Prior to becoming a star, she was an alcoholic whose actions during one of her "blackouts" were recorded into an underground [[pornography|porn]] film. The stills from the film are used to blackmail her into stealing information from [[Wayne Enterprises]].

In ''[[Batman: Shadow of the Bat]]'' Annual #2, [[Vicki Vale|Vikki Vale]], a reporter for Wayne Media, is Catwoman. She is hired by [[Anarky]] to steal information, but she gets caught and is tortured by [[Scarecrow (comics)|Jonathan Crane]], whom she calls a "demented scarecrow".

In Frank Miller's ''[[All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder|All Star Batman and Robin]]'', Catwoman expresses an interest in the Joker's unrevealed plans. She also appears to be involved in prostitution, as she advises the Joker that "..even I don't play ''that'' rough".

Selina Kyle also appears in Darwyn Cooke's ''The New Frontier'' as Ted "Wildcat" Grant's date and is dressed similar to [[Cleopatra VII|Cleopatra]]. She seen sitting in-between Dinah Lance and Oliver Queen during the Boxing match and later at the party with [[Lois Lane]].

==In other media==
===1966 ''Batman'' series===

{{main|Batman (TV series)}}

[[Image:Jnewmarcat.jpg|thumb|180px|right|Julie Newmar as Catwoman in the ''Batman'' television series.]]

Catwoman was at various times portrayed by [[Julie Newmar]] and [[Eartha Kitt]] in the live-action ''Batman'' television series of the 1960s, her first other-media portrayal. [[Lee Meriwether]] was cast in the 1966 ''Batman'' motion picture based on the television series, after discovering Newmar was unavailable<ref>{{cite web
| last = Smith
| first = Ronald L.
| title = Julie Newmar::The Very Last How to Book::Biography
| date= 2004
| url =http://www.julienewmar.com/biography.html
| accessdate =2007-06-22 }}</ref>. An uncredited fourth actress played Catwoman as part of a villain team-up in "The Entrancing Dr. Cassandra," the penultimate episode of the series.

===Animation===
Catwoman has been a major character in almost all of Batman's animated series.

Her first animated appearance was with Batman in segments of the 1968 series ''[[The Batman/Superman Hour]]'' wearing her green costume of that time period. In this series, she was voiced by [[Jane Webb]]. She also appeared in four episodes of ''[[The New Adventures of Batman]]'' cartoon in the 1970s, in which she was voiced by [[Melendy Britt]].

====''Batman: The Animated Series''====
{{main|Batman: The Animated Series}}
[[Image:Catwoman BTAS.jpg‎|thumb|180px|left|Catwoman, and Isis, as seen in Batman: The Animated Series.]]
Catwoman appeared on ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' wearing an all gray outfit that has never been seen outside that series. Voiced by [[Adrienne Barbeau]] in both 1992's ''Batman: The Animated Series'', and its revamp in ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'' (as well as the 2000s online animated series ''[[Gotham Girls]]''), Catwoman is shown to be a socialite and [[animal rights]] activist, which attracts the attention of Bruce Wayne when he's not contending with her as Batman. Catwoman also flirts with [[Dick Grayson| Nightwing]] in "You Scratch My Back". However, at the end of the episode, it's revealed that she was just using Nightwing in order to steal an artifact. In many of the episodes featuring Selina, she is accoumpanied by her assistant named Maven, who aids both of Selina's identities. She also is shown to keep many cats, among those is her favorite cat Isis.

Initially Selina had blonde hair, coinciding with the release of ''Batman Returns'', in which she was portrayed by blonde actress [[Michelle Pfeiffer]]. In the revamp, she appears to have shorter black hair. Whether her hair was dyed or her natural color was never made clear in the series itself, however in the episode "Tyger, Tyger", Selina becomes a cat/woman [[parahuman|hybrid]] and her hair (or rather fur) is blonde. In the related comic book series, it is explained that after learning that her hair dye was tested on animals, she drops the brand and tries, unsuccessfully, to change the views of the manager of the company.<ref>Batman Gotham Adventures #4</ref>

In ''[[Batman Beyond]]'', Bruce mentions Selina to [[Batman (Terry McGinnis)|Terry McGinnis]] after his first encounter with [[Royal Flush Gang#Batman Beyond|Ten]] from the [[Royal Flush Gang]]. Terry also mentions her in "[[Epilogue (Justice League Unlimited)|Epilogue]]" when he tells Bruce that she loved him but he gave up on her, due to his persistent devotion to "the mission" rather than people.

There were plans for a second ''Batman Beyond'' [[DTV]] movie that would have featured Catwoman, but was rejected.<ref>[http://jl.toonzone.net/episode50/episode50.htm Epilogue]</ref>

Finally, in a seven-minute short film called ''[[Chase Me]]'' (written by [[Paul Dini]] and released with the ''[[Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman]]'' [[DVD]]), Batman catches her stealing from one of Bruce Wayne’s buildings and apprehends her.

Like all other characters, Catwoman would have a new design during ''The New Batman Adventures''. Her new in-costume animated appearance also changed when the show's animation style did, becoming more like the Michelle Pfeiffer version, with a black costume, slimmer build, and white face makeup. Details on her change are explored in ''Batman: Gotham Adventures'' #4.<ref>[http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/batman/tnba/guides/ga The World's Finest - The New Batman Adventures]</ref>/

In the comic series [[Batman Adventures]], Selina is featured in issue 10, in the back up story she breaks into a vault at the Wayne Manor during Bruce's New Year's Ball. After she has left the scene, Bruce states to Robin and Alfred that he felt betrayed by her for doing so; stating that after Selina was unmasked he was the only one of Gotham's high society not to shun her. But he is reassured of her friendship when he finds she has stolen nothing and has left him a card stating her New Year's resolution is to stay on the right side of the law. After Robin questions her sincerity, Bruce states that he believes she will keep her vow.

One addition to the mythos was giving Catwoman a personal black cat named [[Krypto the Superdog#Villains|Isis]], who appears in the first series and in ''The New Batman Adventures''. As Catwoman's cat, she fights the dogs of [[Krypto|Superman]] and [[Ace the Bat-Hound|Batman]] on ''[[Krypto the Superdog]]'', a cartoon made by the same people who made the DCAU.

==== ''The Batman'' ====
[[Image:TBCatwoman.gif|thumb|100px|right|Catwoman, as seen in [[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]].]]
Catwoman has also appeared on ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'', voiced by [[Gina Gershon]]. Her design is slightly altered, having large, almost mouse-like ears and large orange goggles that resemble cat's eyes. Another modification is her hood, which can be pulled up to hide the lower half of her face. Catwoman is also given exaggerated claws on her gloves. The rest of her suit is black, with the exception of her red "paws". She carries her whip around her waist that hangs like a tail. In her civilian identity of Selina Kyle, she has long black hair and blue eyes, instead of her more traditional green eyes. She flirts heavily with Batman, and in her first appearance stole his utility belt, accidentally gaining control of a giant bat-robot and wrecking the [[Batcave]]. Notable events involving her have been her team-up with the [[Penguin (comics)|Penguin]] (even flirting with him lightly), her fight against [[Rag Doll (comics)|Ragdoll]], and her attempt to help Batman against the Joker. She is later caught by [[List of The Batman villains#Rumor|Rumor]], but gets away.

===Film===

==== ''Batman Returns'' ====
{{main|Batman Returns}}
Catwoman was portrayed by [[Michelle Pfeiffer]] in the [[1992 in film|1992]] movie ''Batman Returns''. As recreated by [[Daniel Waters (writer)|Daniel Waters]] and [[Tim Burton]], Selina Kyle is depicted as a lonely, frustrated woman pushed over the edge into obsession and crime after her boss, tycoon [[Max Shreck]], tries to kill her to keep her from revealing his plot to build a power plant that would steal Gotham's electricity.

[[Image:Batmanreturnspostercatwoman.png|left|Movie poster for ''Batman Returns'' (1992) featuring [[Michelle Pfeiffer]] as Catwoman.|180px|thumb]]

Mysteriously revived by alley cats after Shreck pushes her out a window, Selina Kyle's repressed rage allows her to transform into Catwoman. As a masked figure operating under the guise of a theatrical public identity, Catwoman finds a reflection of herself in Batman. In the ballroom scene, to [[Siouxsie & the Banshees]]' "Face to Face," the two masked crimefighters, Batman and Catwoman, dressed as their alter-egos, Bruce and Selina, discover their dual personalities, thus exposing one of Burton's main themes — duality — in the film. In the film's [[climax (narrative)|climax]], she electrocutes Schreck by kissing him with a Taser in her mouth; Batman never finds her body. She is seen one last time at the end of the film, looking at the Batsignal in the sky.

When [[Tim Burton]] was set to direct [[Batman Forever]], his intention was to use The [[Riddler]] as the main villian and possibly have Catwoman return. As Burton was replaced, this never came to pass.

====''Catwoman''====
[[Image:Catwoman poster.jpg|180px|thumb|right|[[Halle Berry]] as Catwoman in the 2004 film.]]{{main|Catwoman (film)}}
In [[2004 in film|2004]], ''Catwoman'', a movie starring [[Halle Berry]], was released. This film's Catwoman bore little resemblance to the comic book version. Berry portrayed Patience Phillips, a woman who eventually became Catwoman after a near-death experience. Patience gained the powers from the Egyptian cat goddess [[Bastet (mythology)|Bastet]] through a gathering of cats led by an [[Egyptian Mau]]. The movie alludes to other women in the past who have been granted such cat-like abilities, particularly in a scene in which Phillips finds herself amongst a series of images of prior catwomen, including Pfeiffer's ''Batman Returns'' version of Selina Kyle. The film's story has nothing to do with Batman or Gotham City.

Berry won the 2005 [[Golden Raspberry Awards|Razzie]] award for worst actress in a film for her role as Catwoman, and accepted the prize in person. She was only the third Razzie winner (following director [[Paul Verhoeven]], director of ''[[Showgirls]]''; and [[Tom Green]], star of ''[[Freddy Got Fingered]]'') ever to do so. She brought her ''[[Monster's Ball]]'' [[Academy Award|Oscar]] with her for her acceptance speech.<ref>[http://www.razzies.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=355&PN=1&TPN=1Razzies]</ref>

====''Nolan series''====

Starting in 2005 with the release [[Batman Begins]], Christopher Nolan has rebooted the Batman movie franchise, having no ties towards the Burton/Schumacher films and being set around Batman's early era. It is uncertain if Catwoman were to appear in possible sequels. At Comic-Con 2007, [[Kate Beckinsale]] expressed interest in playing Catwoman in any future sequels to Batman Begins. Prior to the release of The Dark Knight in 2008, David Goyer ruled out using [[Penguin (comics)|The Penguin]] or Catwoman as a villain in a future film, prefering to use antagonists from the comics that have not yet been portrayed on the big screen. In the Dark Knight, Lucious Fox comments that the new suit should help protect bruce from any "cats". A subtle nod to catwoman.

===''Return to the Batcave''===

In the TV movie ''[[Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt]]'', [[Julia Rose]] appeared as Catwoman and the young [[Julie Newmar]]. Both Julie Newmar and [[Lee Meriwether]] appeared in the TV movie as well.<ref>{{cite news
| title =Holy reunion! West, Ward in 'Batman' film
| publisher =CNN.com
| date= 2003-03-04
| url =http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/News/03/04/apontv.backtobatcave.ap/index.html
| accessdate =2007-06-22 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| title =Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt (2003)
| date= 2005-06-10
| url =http://www.movie-gazette.com/cinereviews/1353
| accessdate =2007-06-22 }}</ref>

===''Birds of Prey''===
Selina Kyle appears, through flashbacks depicting her death, in the pilot episode of the 2002 television series ''[[Birds of Prey (TV series)|Birds of Prey]]''. The show featured Catwoman's daughter by Batman, the Huntress (aka Helena Kyle). Maggie Baird portrayed Catwoman; in contrast to the comic book version, she is a [[metahuman]]. It is also mentioned that her sudden death sent Batman into self-imposed isolation, and he is unaware of Helena's existence.

===''Batman Beyond''===
In the initial season of the [[United States|American]] [[List of animated television series|animated television series]], [[Batman Beyond]] (1999), which is also known as '''''Batman of the Future''''' in [[Europe]], [[Latin America]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], and [[India]], Selina Kyle is referenced as a great, conflicted love by [[Batman|Bruce Wayne]]. In Season 1, Epsiode 8, when Terry's love interest turns out to be a member of the Royal Flush Gang, Terry turns to Bruce at the end of the episode during her arrest and asks "This kind of thing ever happen to you?" At this point, Bruce smiles and says "Let me tell you about a woman named Selina Kyle".
===''Krypto the Superdog''===
In the animated cartoon series called [[Krypto the Superdog]], Catwoman's pet cat Isis is a recurring foe of [[Krypto]] and [[Ace the Bat-Hound]]. Although Catwoman is referenced in the series, she never made an appearance on the show.

===Video games===
Catwoman appears as a playable character in ''Catwoman'' for the [[Game Boy Color]] (1999) and in the video game adaptation of Halle Berry's ''[[Catwoman (video game)|Catwoman]]'' movie. Catwoman is also a boss in the video game adaptations of ''[[Batman Returns (video game)|Batman Returns]]'', ''[[Batman: The Animated Series (video game)|Batman: The Animated Series]],'' and ''[[The Adventures of Batman & Robin (video game)|The Adventures of Batman & Robin]]'' for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]]. A recent leaked screenshot has confirmed that Catwoman will be a playable character in the upcoming fighting game, ''[[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]]''<ref>In the first MKast (podcast detailing the production of this game), Shang Tsung and Catwoman were officially announced.<ref>http://worldscollide.com/podcasts/MKast_Ep01.mp3</ref>.

In September 2008, Catwoman will appear as a playable character in [[Lego Batman: The Video Game]].

===Toys===
In 1974, Mego issued a 12-inch Catwoman doll as part of their Super-Gals line.

In 1975, Mego came out with an 8-inch Catwoman bendie as part of their Super-Gals Bend n' Flex Heroes line.

Kenner's 1992 ''Batman Returns'' toyline included a figure of Catwoman, sporting her costume from the film. The toy came with a rubber whip, and a spring-action arm which would fly forward in a whipping motion.

Catwoman was also featured in the first wave of ''Batman: The Animated Series'' action figures. She came with the same rubber whip and spring-action arm as her ''Batman Returns'' counterpart, but also came with an over-sized claw that attached to her arm and a figure of Isis designed to rest upon her neck.

After a number of repaints of the original animated Catwoman figure, a new sculpt that truly reflected on the character's redesign appeared in a 2003 two-pack released by Mattel. This figure came with no accessories or special features, except for a whip.

The D.C. Direct line of action figures has included four incarnations of Catwoman over the years. These versions are her appearance in the Silver Age of D.C. Comics, the Batman "Knightfall" storyline, the Batman "Hush" storyline, and the Batman "Long Halloween" storyline.

Catwoman also made an appearance in the eighth (and final) wave of [[Mattel]]'s [[DC Superheroes (toy)|DCSH]] toy line. She was in her Darwyn Cooke-inspired costume, and featured a backpack, cat Isis, whip, stolen necklace, and diorama of a bank vault.

In 2006, Catwoman was featured in the first of four sets of building toys from the [[Lego Batman|Lego Group]]. The set was called The Batman Dragster: Catwoman Pursuit (7779). It retailed in the United States for $9.99. The dragster vehicle for Batman was not well-received by fans, but the low price of the set and the inclusion of the Catwoman character made this set very popular. Catwoman rides a purple motorcycle and has a whip at her side.<ref>[http://www.brickset.com/detail.aspx?Set=7779-1 7779: The Batman Dragster: Catwoman Pursuit], set listing and reviews at Brickset.com, access date; 2008-Jul-13.</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Catman (comics)|Catman]]
* [[Gotham Girls]]
* [[List of women warriors in literature and popular culture]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{wikiquote|Batman (comics)#Catwoman|Catwoman}}
* {{Dmoz|Arts/Comics/Titles/B/Batman/Catwoman/|Catwoman}}
* [http://www.batmantas.com/cmp/cat.htm ''BatmanTAS.com''] on the animated series version of Catwoman
* {{dcauw|Catwoman}}
* [http://www.ugo.com/channels/filmtv/features/catwoman/ninelives/ ''Catwoman's Nine Lives''] at UGO.com
* ''[http://www.tnt.tv/title/?oid=342634-3761 Girls With Gauntlets]'' - influence of ''Catwoman'' upon female action heroes of the 1990s
*[http://www.newkadia.com/?Covers=763 Pictures of all Catwoman comics covers]

{{The Batman}}
{{Catwoman}}

[[Category:American comics characters]]
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Catwoman

2008-07-17T03:48:19Z

71.182.145.40: /* Batman Returns */ - I think this is on the Batman Forever page.

{{Otheruses4|the comic book character}}
{{Superherobox| 
image=[[Image:Catwoman-ninelives-tpb.jpg|250px]]
|caption=Cover to ''Catwoman: Nine Lives of a Feline Fatale'' (June 2004). Art by [[Brian Bolland]].
|character_name=Catwoman
|alter_ego= Selina Kyle
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut=''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #1 (Spring 1940)
|creators=[[Bill Finger]] [[Bob Kane]]
|alliances=[[Batman supporting characters#Batman Family|Batman Family]] [[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]] [[Birds of Prey (comics)|Birds of Prey]] [[Secret Society of Super Villains]] [[Injustice League]]
|aliases=The Cat, Irena Dubrovna
|powers=
*Peak athlete
*Extremely skilled hand-to-hand combatant.
*Expert [[burglary|burglar]]
*Steel spring-loaded climbing [[piton]]s
*Razor-sharp retractable claws
*Wields an assortment of [[bullwhip]]s and [[cat o' nine tails]] as gymnastic equipment
|}}
'''Catwoman''' is a [[fictional character]] associated with [[DC Comics]]' [[Batman]] [[media franchise|franchise]]. She was created by [[Bill Finger]] and [[Bob Kane]].

The original and most widely known Catwoman, '''Selina Kyle''', first appeared in ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #1 (Spring 1940) in which she was known as '''The Cat'''. As an adversary of Batman, she was a [[whip]]-carrying [[burglary|burglar]] with a taste for high stake thefts. [[Modern Age of Comic Books|Modern]] writers have attributed her activities and costumed identity as a response to a history of abuse.

Since the 1990s, Catwoman has been featured in an eponymous series that cast her as an [[anti-hero]]ine rather than a [[supervillainess]]. The character has been one of Batman's most enduring love interests, and has occasionally been depicted as his one true love.

A popular figure, Catwoman has been featured in most [[Mass media|media]] adaptations related to Batman. Actresses [[Julie Newmar]], [[Lee Meriwether]], and [[Eartha Kitt]] introduced her to a large audience on the 1960s [[Batman (TV series)|''Batman'' television series]]. [[Michelle Pfeiffer]] portrayed the character in 1992's popular film ''[[Batman Returns]]''. [[Halle Berry]] starred in a stand-alone [[Catwoman (film)|''Catwoman'' film]] in 2004, although the film features a title character bearing little resemblance to the comic book character. Catwoman is #51 on [[Wizard (magazine)|''Wizard'' magazine]]'s "100 Greatest Villains of All Time" list.<ref>''Wizard'' #177 (July 2006), p. 88.</ref>

==Character and publication history==

There have been many versions of Catwoman's origins and backstory seen in the comic books over the decades.

===Golden and Silver Age versions===
[[Image:Catwoman-batman01.jpg|200px|Selina Kyle's first appearance as ''The Cat'' in ''Batman'' #1 (Spring 1940).|thumb|left]]
''Batman'' #62 revealed that Catwoman (after a blow to the head jogged her memory) is an [[amnesiac]] [[flight attendant]] who had turned to crime after suffering a prior blow to the head during a plane crash she survived (although in the final issue of ''[[The Brave and the Bold]]'', she admits that she made up the [[amnesia]] story because she wanted a way out of the past life of crime). She reforms for several years, helping out Batman in ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #65 and #69, until she decides to return to a life of crime in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #203. Selina appears again as a criminal in ''Batman'' #84 and ''Detective Comics'' #211, her final appearance for many years (until 1966).

In the 1970s comics, a series of stories taking place on [[Multiverse (DC Comics)#Earth-Two|Earth-Two]] (the parallel Earth that was retroactively declared as the home of DC's [[Golden Age of Comic Books|Golden Age]] characters) reveal that on that world, Selina reformed in the 1950s (after the events of ''Batman'' #69) and had married Bruce Wayne; soon afterwards, she gave birth to the couple's only child, Helena Wayne (the [[Huntress (comics)|Huntress]]). In ''[[The Brave and the Bold]]'' #197, the Golden Age origin of Catwoman given in ''Batman'' #62 is elaborated on, after Selina revealed that she never actually had amnesia. It was revealed that Selina Kyle had been the wife of an abusive man, and eventually decided to leave her husband. However, her husband had kept her jewelry in his private vault, and she had to break into it to retrieve the jewelry. Selina enjoyed this experience so much she decided to become a professional costumed [[burglary|cat burglar]], and thus began a career that would repeatedly lead to her encountering the Batman.

The Earth-Two/Golden Age Selina Kyle eventually dies in the late 1970s after being [[blackmail]]ed by a criminal into going into action again as Catwoman (as shown in ''DC Super-Stars'' #17).

Catwoman made her first Silver Age appearance in ''[[Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane]]'' #70 (November 1966); afterwards, she continued to make appearances across the various Batman comics.

Several stories in the 1970s featured Catwoman committing [[murder]], something that neither the Earth-One or Earth-Two versions of her would ever do; this version of Catwoman was assigned to the alternate world of [[Multiverse (DC Comics)#Earth-B|Earth-B]], an alternate Earth that included stories that couldn't be considered [[canon (fiction)|canonical]] on Earth-One or Earth-Two.<ref>Official Crisis on Infinite Earths Index (March, 1986)</ref><ref>Official Crisis on Infinite Earths Cross-Over Index (July, 1986)</ref>

===Modern Age version===
====Tangled origins====
A revision in Catwoman's [[origin story|origin]], and the introduction of the modern version of the character, came in 1986 when writer [[Frank Miller (comics)|Frank Miller]] and artist [[David Mazzucchelli]] published ''[[Batman: Year One]]'', a revision of Batman’s origin. In the course of the story, the origin of Catwoman was also re-envisioned. Selina Kyle is reintroduced as a cat-loving [[prostitution|prostitute]]/[[dominatrix]] who is inspired to become a costumed cat burglar when she sees Batman in action. In this story, [[Holly Robinson]] is introduced as a young runaway and prostitute Kyle has taken in.

The 1989 ''Catwoman'' limited series (collected in trade paperback form as ''Catwoman: Her Sister's Keeper'') by writer [[Mindy Newell]] and artist J.J. Birch expanded on Miller's ''Year One'' origin. ''Her Sister's Keeper'' explores Selina's early life as a prostitute and the start of her career as Catwoman. This is a dark and tragic period which culminates with Selina's former [[pimp]] Stan abducting and violently abusing her sister Maggie. Selina kills Stan to save her sister, and is able to do so with [[impunity]].

Catwoman also appears in the ''[[Batman: Knightfall|Knightfall]]'' saga, where she is approached by [[Bane (comics)|Bane]]'s henchmen while robbing a house. Bane asks her to work for him, but she refuses, as she is repulsed by the criminal who broke Batman. Later in the story, she boards a plane with Bruce Wayne to fly to Santa Prisca. She next appears in the ''[[Batman: Knightfall#Knightquest|Knightquest]]'' saga.

''[[Batman: Dark Victory]]'', the sequel to ''[[Batman: The Long Halloween|The Long Halloween]]'', implies that Catwoman suspects she is the long-lost illegitimate daughter of [[Mafia]] boss [[Carmine Falcone]], although she finds no definitive proof of this. Selina's connection to the Falcone family is further explored in the miniseries ''[[Catwoman: When in Rome]]''. Though more circumstantial evidence is added to the theory of Selina's Falcone heritage, no definitive proof is provided.

Portions of ''Her Sister's Keeper'' and the ''Year One'' origin conceived by Frank Miller remain [[canon (fiction)|canonical]] to Catwoman’s origin, while other portions have been dropped over the years. It has been implied that ''Her Sister's Keeper'' was rendered non-canonical by the events of ''Zero Hour'', and subsequent writers have rejected Miller's choice to make the post-''Crisis'' Catwoman a prostitute. In an attempt to harmonize the various versions, some writers have posited that Catwoman, early in her career, pretended to be a prostitute in order to scam lonely men and rob them. However, characters associated with Catwoman's past as a prostitute have remained a part of her supporting cast. Holly, from ''Batman: Year One,'' and her sister Maggie (from ''Her Sister's Keeper'') have appeared regularly in the ''Catwoman'' series.

Selina is the older of two sisters (Maggie being the younger) born to Brian and Maria Kyle. ''Catwoman'' v.1 #0, which provides details about Selina's childhood, neglects Maggie's existence. Maria Kyle was a distant parent who preferred to spend her time with cats, and committed [[suicide]] when Selina was very young. Brian Kyle, an [[alcoholism|alcoholic]], disliked Selina for resembling her mother, whom he resented for dying, and eventually drank himself to death.

Selina took to the streets for a time before being caught and sent first to an [[orphanage]], then Juvenile Hall (''Catwoman'' v.1 #0), "where Selina began to see how hard the world could really be" (''Catwoman Secret Files and Origins''). Maggie's fate at this point in the time-line is not alluded to. However, when [[Ed Brubaker]] reintroduced her into the comic, he implied that Maggie may have directly entered an orphanage and promptly been [[adoption|adopted]].

When she was 13, Selina discovered that the Hall's administrator was [[embezzlement|embezzling]] funds and confronted her. In an attempt to cover up the illegal activities, the administrator put Selina in a bag and dropped her in a river to drown (like a cat). Selina escaped (''Catwoman'' v.1 #0) and returned to the orphanage where she stole documents exposing the administrator's corruption and sent her to the authorities. She also took the opportunity to steal enough money to live on before going back to the streets.

When the money she stole from the corrupt orphanage administrator ran out, Selina found herself in "Alleytown - a network of cobblestone streets that form a small borough between the East End and Old Gotham" (''Catwoman'' v.2 #12). Selina was taken in by "Mama Fortuna", the elderly leader of a gang of young thieves, and was taught how to steal. Fortuna treated her students like [[slavery|slaves]], keeping their earnings for herself. Selina eventually ran away, accompanied by her friend Sylvia. However, the two had difficulty surviving on their own, and in desperation tried to support themselves by working as [[prostitution of children|child prostitute]]s. Sylvia attracted at least one client; Selina apparently never did. The two drifted apart afterwards, with Sylvia coming to resent Selina for not inquiring about what had happened to her at the hands of her abusive first client.

In the ''Catwoman: Year One'' story (''Catwoman Annual'' #2, 1998), Selina (now an adult) achieved some success as a thief. Following a disastrous burglary, however, she accepted an offer to "lay low" by posing as a dominatrix in the employ of a pimp named Stan. Their plan was to trick men into divulging information that might be used in future crimes. According to this storyline, Selina trained under the [[Armless Master]] of [[Gotham City]], receiving education in [[martial arts]] and culture. During this time, Catwoman was given her trademark cat-o-nine tails whip by a client, which Selina kept as a trophy of her time posing as a hooker.

====Catwoman, the series====
In 1993, following the success of ''[[Batman Returns]]'', Catwoman was given her first ongoing comic book series. This series, written by an assortment of writers but primarily penciled by [[Jim Balent]], generally depicted the character as an international thief (and occasional [[bounty hunter]]) with an ambiguous [[morality#moral codes|moral code]].

Storylines included her [[adoption]] of teenage [[runaway youth|runaway]], and erstwhile sidekick, Arizona; aiding the criminal [[Bane (comics)|Bane]] whom she later betrayed to [[Azrael (comics)|Azrael]]; and a stint as a reluctant government operative. The series also fleshed out more of her origin, revealing her beginnings as a young thief, her difficult period in juvenile incarceration, and the training she received from superhero [[Wildcat (comics)|Ted (Wildcat) Grant]].

Moving to [[New York]], Selina becomes corporate vice president then [[chief executive officer|CEO]] of Randolf Industries, a [[mafia]]-influenced company, through [[blackmail]]. Her plans to use this position to run for [[Mayor of New York City|mayor]] are ruined when the [[Trickster (comics)|Trickster]] inadvertently connects Kyle to her Catwoman [[alter ego]].

Selina then returns to Gotham City, which at this time is in the midst of the ''[[No Man's Land (comics)|No Man's Land]]'' storyline. As Catwoman, she assists Batman against [[Lex Luthor]] in the reconstruction of the city. After being arrested by [[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner Gordon]], she escapes from prison. Later that year during the ''Officer Down'' storyline in the Batman titles, Catwoman is initially the chief suspect. Although later cleared, she displays increasingly erratic behavior throughout the story. Soon afterwards she disappears and is believed to have been killed by the assassin [[Deathstroke|Deathstroke the Terminator]], ending her series at #94.

Catwoman then appears in a series of backup stories in ''Detective Comics'' #759 - #762. In a backup storyline ''Trail of the Catwoman'', by writer Ed Brubaker and artist Darwyn Cooke, private detective [[Slam Bradley]] attempts to find out what really happened to Selina Kyle. This storyline leads in to the newest ''Catwoman'' series in late 2001 (written by Brubaker initially with Cooke, later joined by artist [[Cameron Stewart]]). In this series, Selina Kyle, joined by new supporting cast members Holly and [[Slam Bradley]] (a character from the early Golden Age DC Comics), becomes protector of the residents of Gotham’s East End, while still carrying out an ambitious career as a cat burglar.

During the ''[[Batman: Hush|Hush]]'' storyline (''Batman'' #608-#619), Batman and Catwoman briefly work together and have a romantic relationship, during which he reveals his true identity to her. At the end, he breaks off their relationship when he suspects it has been manipulated by the [[Riddler]] and [[Hush (comics)|Hush]]. This was the second time that Batman's true identity was shown to be known to her. In an early 80's story line Selina and Bruce had developed a relationship. The concluding story featured a closing panel in which she refers to Batman as "Bruce." A change in editorial team at that point, however, brought a swift end to that story line and, apparently, all that transpired during the arc. When Catwoman appeared again, no mention whatsoever was ever made of the notion that she had apparently figured out who Batman actually is.

In the ''[[Justice League]]'' story arc ''Crisis of Conscience,'' Catwoman fights alongside Batman and the League against the old [[Secret Society of Super Villains|Secret Society]], of which she had once briefly been a member.

Catwoman appears in [[Gail Simone]]'s "Sensei and Student" story arc in ''[[Birds of Prey (comics)|''Birds of Prey'']]''. She is part of a group sent to rescue a U.S. senator from the [[Eurasia]]n assassin [[Cheshire (comics)|Cheshire]]; during the mission, she saves [[Lady Shiva]], who was bound and gagged in the trunk of a car wired with explosives by Chesire.

====Mindwiping revelations====

Catwoman appears to be completely reformed, and her love for Batman true (although brash and unpredictable). However, she has learned her reformation was the result of a mindwipe by [[Zatanna]], a procedure known to deeply affect and, in at least one case, physically incapacitate its victims. Zatanna gives no reason for her actions, but in a flashback it is shown that she had acted with the consent and aid of five of the seven JLA members who had helped her mindwipe [[Doctor Light (Arthur Light)|Dr. Light]] and Batman. Catwoman's response to this revelation is unequivocal: she duct-tapes Zatanna's mouth shut and pitches her out a window (Zatanna survives the fall). Afterwards, she is seen covering her bed with past versions of her Catwoman costume.

Still unbalanced and uncertain of herself in issue #52, Selina is forced to decide whether to kill a supervillain. The [[Black Mask (comics)|Black Mask]], in an attempt to "improve himself," threatens the most important people in Selina's life, from Slam Bradley to Holly. The villain had also previously [[torture]]d Selina's sister Maggie into a [[catatonia|catatonic]] state and murdered Maggie's husband, earning Catwoman's ire. Black Mask had learned Selina's identity through his earlier alliance with Selina's childhood friend Sylvia, who still harbored a grudge against Selina. Still thinking that Selina adheres to a strict no-kill rule, Black Mask is caught by surprise when Selina shoots him in the head. This action continues to haunt her throughout the "[[One Year Later]]" storyline, and it is suggested that this might have been the first time she had ever directly taken a life.

====One Year Later====
{{main|One Year Later}}
[[Image:Catwomanbaby.PNG|Selina Kyle with her child, Helena (2006). Pencils by David Lopez.|180px|thumb|left]]Following the events of ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'', the DC Universe jumps forward in time. "One Year Later" Selina Kyle is no longer Catwoman, has left the East End, and has given birth to a daughter named Helena (whose father is initially unknown). [[Holly Robinson]] takes over as the new Catwoman while Selina, living under the alias Irena Dubrovna, turns her attention to caring for her daughter (Selina's alias was inspired by the name of the main character in the 1942 film ''[[Cat People (1942 film)|Cat People]]'').

Though she takes her role as a new mother quite seriously, Selina dons the costume for a run through the East End some days after Helena's birth. Having understandably gained a few pounds, Selina finds that her costume is now a tighter fit. In addition, she is easily distracted by a common criminal. Although the situation is defused through Holly's opportune arrival, the sight of two Catwomen active simultaneously in the city is caught on video. Selina returns home from her adventure to find that the mysterious movie aficionado [[Film Freak]] has deduced her alias, joined with [[Angle Man]], and grabbed Helena.

After rescuing her daughter, Selina convinces [[Zatanna]] to mind-wipe [[Film Freak]] and [[Angle Man]] (whom she had bound and gagged with duct tape after beating them brutally) in order to preserve her secret identity. Following the procedure, Angle Man turns himself in to the authorities; Film Freak, however, embarks upon a murderous rampage. [[Wildcat (comics)|Ted Grant]] informs Selina that Holly has been arrested for the murder of Black Mask; Selina infiltrates the police station and frees Holly. Finally defeating Film Freak, Selina returns home to find that [[Slam Bradley]] has deduced that Helena is the daughter of his son Sam Bradley Jr., and therefore his granddaughter.

Batman asks Catwoman to infiltrate the violent tribe of [[Bana-Mighdall|Bana Amazons]] during the ''[[Amazons Attack!]]'' crossover. Posing as a criminal, Selina gains the Bana's trust and thwarts a terror attack aimed at causing mass casualties in Gotham City.

Selina questions whether she should be raising a daughter when her life as Catwoman has already proven to be such a danger to the child. After enlisting Batman's help in faking the death of both herself and her daughter, Selina puts Helena up for adoption. A month after Helena is placed with a new family, Catwoman asks Zatanna to erase her memories of Helena and change her mind back to a criminal mentality. Zatanna refuses, judging that such an act would be cruel to both mother and daughter. She tells Selina that she could never reverse Selina's mindset, since she was on the path to becoming a hero on her own. Believing she can no longer function as a criminal, Selina decided to become one of Batman's [[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]]. She quickly quit, however, and was replaced by [[Batgirl (Cassandra Cain)|Batgirl]].

In ''[[Salvation Run]]'' #2, Catwoman is sent to the Prison Planet. She allies herself with [[Lex Luthor]] in an attempt to return to [[Earth]], and mistakenly ends up on an [[alternate universe]]-Earth where Catwoman is a notorious villain. It is later revealed that this Earth is a creation of her own mind, and she has not left Prison Planet. When accused of being a traitor by Luthor, she reveals [[Martian Manhunter]] is posing as [[Blockbuster (comics)| Blockbuster]].

The current volume of ''Catwoman'' ends with August's #82.<ref>http://xrayspex.blogspot.com/2008/04/well-heh-heh-this-is-little.html</ref>
{{-}}

==Skills, resources, and abilities==
Selina is a gifted and accomplished athlete, with heightened acrobatic prowess. She was trained by the Armless Master in martial arts and by Wildcat in boxing and street-fighting. She is a clever and resourceful fighter, known for precise, agile attacks and speedy getaways. Her formidable [[hand to hand combat]] skills are augmented by her cat-like speed, reflexes, balance, and flexibility.

Fittingly, Catwoman is a master thief possessed of unsurpassed stealth and cunning. An expert at both low- and high-tech heists, she is Gotham City's finest cat-burglar.

===Costume===
Catwoman, in her first appearance, wore no costume or disguise at all, and it was not until her next appearance that she donned a mask, which was a theatrically face-covering cat-mask that had the appearance of a real cat, rather than a more stylized face mask seen in her later incarnations. Later, she wore a dress with a hood that came with ears, and still later, a [[bodysuit]] with attached boots and either a domino or glasses-mask. In the 1960s, Catwoman's bodysuit was green in color, which was typical of villains of that era. In the 1990s, she usually wore a skintight purple bodysuit, before switching to a black PVC outfit that recalls [[Michelle Pfeiffer]]'s costume in ''Batman Returns''.
In recent years, artists' depictions have usually alternated between these two costumes. Ed Brubaker, the writer behind the 2001 revamp of the character, has stated that Selina's current costume was inspired by [[Emma Peel]]'s iconic [[catsuit]] <ref>{{cite web
| title =The Man Behind The Cat - Exclusive Interview w/ Ed Brubaker
| url =http://www.geocities.com/selina_revamped/webpages/interview.html
| accessdate =}}2007-[[June 10|6-10]]</ref>. It has a more [[high tech]] look, with domino-shaped [[infrared]] goggles on her cowl.

Many of her costumes have been shown to incorporate retractable metal claws on the fingertips of her gloves and sometimes also the toes of her boots.

Holly currently uses the same costume Selina used prior to ''[[Infinite Crisis]]''.

===Weapons and equipment===
During the [[Silver Age of Comic Books|Silver Age]], Catwoman, like most Batman villains, used a variety of themed weapons, vehicles, and equipment, such as a custom cat-themed car called the "cat-illac". This usage also appeared in the 1960s ''Batman'' TV series. In her post-''Crisis'' appearances, Catwoman's favored weapon is a whip. She wields both a standard bullwhip and the cat-o-nine-tails with expert proficiency. In addition, Catwoman has been shown to have various items to restrain her victims (as she does not believe in killing), such as a set of plastic ties for binding hands and feet, and a roll of [[duct tape]] used to [[gag]] her targets, like she did with Angle Man, Film Freak, Zatanna, and various others during her robberies over the years.

===Powers===
Many artists have portrayed Catwoman as a villainess with no superpowers. However, several incarnations of her have given her a "Nine Lives" power. This power has been a minor plot detail in certain media, like the film [[Batman Returns]] as well as in her first appearance in the 1966 TV series. It wasn't fully revealed if it was a superpower or just a coincidence. With her nine lives power, Catwoman can survive eight fatal wounds inflicted by an enemy. Every time, no matter what type of wound, she will return to health almost instantly. It was also hinted she can't survive her ninth fatal wound. That is when her last life is used up and she dies. This is certainly a nod to a later Batman villan called "The Catman". A brief synopsis of Catman appears as follows:

Catman was originally Tom Blake, a world-famous trapper of jungle cats who turned to crime because he had grown bored with hunting and had squandered most of his fortune. He became a burglar who committed his crimes in a catsuit made out of an ancient African cloth he believed gave him a cat's nine lives. His costume was modeled after Catwoman's disguise. Catwoman was none too pleased to have her modus operandi copied, and initially helped Batman apprehend him. The two costumed criminals would have a competitive, love/hate relationship for many years afterward which included Selina Kyle (Catwoman) being wrongly implicated for Catman's crimes at least once. As with many Batman villains in their first appearances, Catman was originally a gimmicked villain who stole items along a "cat" theme, such as cat statues, "cat's eyes" emeralds, etc. His weapon of choice was (of course) a cat-o-nine-tails.

The first time that Catwoman appears to have "nine lives" is in her initial appearance on Batman the TV series in the episode entitled, "Better Luck Next Time", ( the second episode of two parts) from the first season. When Catwoman appears to fall to her doom. It's implied by Batman (Adam West) that it might not be the last time he lays his eyes on her (suggestive of "nine lives"). It's also apparent to those who have read the Batman comic-books by that time that the TV producers have merged the abilities of both Catman and Catwoman into one single entity.

==Alternate versions==
Selina Kyle appears as an aging and somewhat overweight [[madam]]e in Frank Miller's ''[[Batman: The Dark Knight Returns]]'' four times; all are brief. First, in a phone message to Bruce ("Selina. Bruce, I'm lonely"). Next, she is attacked by [[Joker (comics)|the Joker]], who uses a [[mind control]] drug to convince her to send one of her prostitutes to use the same substance on the Governor. The Joker then beats her, ties her up, gags her, and dresses her in a [[Wonder Woman]] outfit, leaving her for Batman to find. Selina's final appearance in the book is at Bruce Wayne's funeral (because in truth, Bruce Wayne died, not Batman), where she yells at [[Superman]], telling him that she knows who killed Bruce. She does not appear in ''[[Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again]]'', Miller's follow-up story, although she is referred to in the prologue written for the trade paperback version.

Two 1990s prose novels feature Catwoman: ''The Further Adventures of Batman: Volume 3, Featuring Catwoman'', a short story collection by various authors (publs. 1993, edited by Martin H. Greenberg), and ''Catwoman: Tiger Hunt'', by Lynn Abbey and Robert Asprin, publs. date 1992. Both novels portray a ''Batman: Year One''- influenced Catwoman who wears a gray cat costume and was once a prostitute.

Catwoman also made a small cameo in ''[[Kingdom Come (comic book)|Kingdom Come]]'', mostly accompanying the [[Riddler]]; she is predominantly seen, but not much heard in the series. She is not dressed in costume, but appears in the very dress she first wore in ''Batman'' #1 as 'The Cat'. According to the novelization by [[Elliot S! Maggin]], she ran a multibillion dollar cosmetics company.

In the all-digital graphic novel ''[[Batman: Digital Justice]]'', which is set some time in the future long after the original Batman has died, Sheila Romero, a.k.a. the hit [[pop music]] star '''Gata''' (the [[Spanish language|Spanish]] female [[noun]] for "cat") and daughter of the mayor of Gotham City, is jealous of the new Batman, James Gordon, because media coverage of his activities have been cutting into her airtime. Setting out to learn as much about Batman and his enemies as she can, Gata becomes the new Catwoman. Near the end of the story, Gata and her followers face off against Batman, but the two later fall in love, and Maria Romero, a.k.a. '''Madame X''', tells Sheila that she is really a [[cloning|clone]] of Maria. Maria confesses that she had planned to transfer her brain into Gata's body, but she couldn't bring herself to do it because she loved her "daughter" too much. Maria then dies in Sheila's arms.

In the ''[[Elseworlds]]'' title ''Catwoman: Guardian of Gotham'', Selina Kyle is the daughter of millionaires Thomas and Martha Kyle. Walking home after seeing the film ''Cat People'', Selina, a young girl, chases after an alley cat and watches in horror as her parents are gunned down by a robber. Selina learns that the crook has stolen a ring she found in a Crackerjack box and had given to her mother. Years later she becomes Catwoman, the defender of Gotham City, operating out of a Catcave beneath Kyle Manor, aided by a young maid named Brooks. Her major enemy is a [[psychopathy|psycopathic]] criminal named Batman, who murders her entire rogues gallery to get rid of the competition.

In [[Howard Chaykin]]'s ''Thrillkiller'', Selina Kyle is a stripper in a cat-themed strip club. She acts as an informant for [[Gotham City Police Department|GCPD]] Detective Bruce Wayne.

In [[Dean Motter]]'s ''[[Batman: Nine Lives]]'', Selina Kyle is a cat-loving [[African American]] night club owner. Her death sets in motion the events of the story.

In [[Howard Chaykin]]'s ''Dark Allegiances'', Selina Kyle becomes a film star under the stage name of Kitty Grimalkin. Prior to becoming a star, she was an alcoholic whose actions during one of her "blackouts" were recorded into an underground [[pornography|porn]] film. The stills from the film are used to blackmail her into stealing information from [[Wayne Enterprises]].

In ''[[Batman: Shadow of the Bat]]'' Annual #2, [[Vicki Vale|Vikki Vale]], a reporter for Wayne Media, is Catwoman. She is hired by [[Anarky]] to steal information, but she gets caught and is tortured by [[Scarecrow (comics)|Jonathan Crane]], whom she calls a "demented scarecrow".

In Frank Miller's ''[[All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder|All Star Batman and Robin]]'', Catwoman expresses an interest in the Joker's unrevealed plans. She also appears to be involved in prostitution, as she advises the Joker that "..even I don't play ''that'' rough".

Selina Kyle also appears in Darwyn Cooke's ''The New Frontier'' as Ted "Wildcat" Grant's date and is dressed similar to [[Cleopatra VII|Cleopatra]]. She seen sitting in-between Dinah Lance and Oliver Queen during the Boxing match and later at the party with [[Lois Lane]].

==In other media==
===1966 ''Batman'' series===

{{main|Batman (TV series)}}

[[Image:Jnewmarcat.jpg|thumb|180px|right|Julie Newmar as Catwoman in the ''Batman'' television series.]]

Catwoman was at various times portrayed by [[Julie Newmar]] and [[Eartha Kitt]] in the live-action ''Batman'' television series of the 1960s, her first other-media portrayal. [[Lee Meriwether]] was cast in the 1966 ''Batman'' motion picture based on the television series, after discovering Newmar was unavailable<ref>{{cite web
| last = Smith
| first = Ronald L.
| title = Julie Newmar::The Very Last How to Book::Biography
| date= 2004
| url =http://www.julienewmar.com/biography.html
| accessdate =2007-06-22 }}</ref>. An uncredited fourth actress played Catwoman as part of a villain team-up in "The Entrancing Dr. Cassandra," the penultimate episode of the series.

===Animation===
Catwoman has been a major character in almost all of Batman's animated series.

Her first animated appearance was with Batman in segments of the 1968 series ''[[The Batman/Superman Hour]]'' wearing her green costume of that time period. In this series, she was voiced by [[Jane Webb]]. She also appeared in four episodes of ''[[The New Adventures of Batman]]'' cartoon in the 1970s, in which she was voiced by [[Melendy Britt]].

====''Batman: The Animated Series''====
{{main|Batman: The Animated Series}}
[[Image:Catwoman BTAS.jpg‎|thumb|180px|left|Catwoman, and Isis, as seen in Batman: The Animated Series.]]
Catwoman appeared on ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' wearing an all gray outfit that has never been seen outside that series. Voiced by [[Adrienne Barbeau]] in both 1992's ''Batman: The Animated Series'', and its revamp in ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'' (as well as the 2000s online animated series ''[[Gotham Girls]]''), Catwoman is shown to be a socialite and [[animal rights]] activist, which attracts the attention of Bruce Wayne when he's not contending with her as Batman. Catwoman also flirts with [[Dick Grayson| Nightwing]] in "You Scratch My Back". However, at the end of the episode, it's revealed that she was just using Nightwing in order to steal an artifact. In many of the episodes featuring Selina, she is accoumpanied by her assistant named Maven, who aids both of Selina's identities. She also is shown to keep many cats, among those is her favorite cat Isis.

Initially Selina had blonde hair, coinciding with the release of ''Batman Returns'', in which she was portrayed by blonde actress [[Michelle Pfeiffer]]. In the revamp, she appears to have shorter black hair. Whether her hair was dyed or her natural color was never made clear in the series itself, however in the episode "Tyger, Tyger", Selina becomes a cat/woman [[parahuman|hybrid]] and her hair (or rather fur) is blonde. In the related comic book series, it is explained that after learning that her hair dye was tested on animals, she drops the brand and tries, unsuccessfully, to change the views of the manager of the company.<ref>Batman Gotham Adventures #4</ref>

In ''[[Batman Beyond]]'', Bruce mentions Selina to [[Batman (Terry McGinnis)|Terry McGinnis]] after his first encounter with [[Royal Flush Gang#Batman Beyond|Ten]] from the [[Royal Flush Gang]]. Terry also mentions her in "[[Epilogue (Justice League Unlimited)|Epilogue]]" when he tells Bruce that she loved him but he gave up on her, due to his persistent devotion to "the mission" rather than people.

There were plans for a second ''Batman Beyond'' [[DTV]] movie that would have featured Catwoman, but was rejected.<ref>[http://jl.toonzone.net/episode50/episode50.htm Epilogue]</ref>

Finally, in a seven-minute short film called ''[[Chase Me]]'' (written by [[Paul Dini]] and released with the ''[[Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman]]'' [[DVD]]), Batman catches her stealing from one of Bruce Wayne’s buildings and apprehends her.

Like all other characters, Catwoman would have a new design during ''The New Batman Adventures''. Her new in-costume animated appearance also changed when the show's animation style did, becoming more like the Michelle Pfeiffer version, with a black costume, slimmer build, and white face makeup. Details on her change are explored in ''Batman: Gotham Adventures'' #4.<ref>[http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/batman/tnba/guides/ga The World's Finest - The New Batman Adventures]</ref>/

In the comic series [[Batman Adventures]], Selina is featured in issue 10, in the back up story she breaks into a vault at the Wayne Manor during Bruce's New Year's Ball. After she has left the scene, Bruce states to Robin and Alfred that he felt betrayed by her for doing so; stating that after Selina was unmasked he was the only one of Gotham's high society not to shun her. But he is reassured of her friendship when he finds she has stolen nothing and has left him a card stating her New Year's resolution is to stay on the right side of the law. After Robin questions her sincerity, Bruce states that he believes she will keep her vow.

One addition to the mythos was giving Catwoman a personal black cat named [[Krypto the Superdog#Villains|Isis]], who appears in the first series and in ''The New Batman Adventures''. As Catwoman's cat, she fights the dogs of [[Krypto|Superman]] and [[Ace the Bat-Hound|Batman]] on ''[[Krypto the Superdog]]'', a cartoon made by the same people who made the DCAU.

==== ''The Batman'' ====
[[Image:TBCatwoman.gif|thumb|100px|right|Catwoman, as seen in [[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]].]]
Catwoman has also appeared on ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'', voiced by [[Gina Gershon]]. Her design is slightly altered, having large, almost mouse-like ears and large orange goggles that resemble cat's eyes. Another modification is her hood, which can be pulled up to hide the lower half of her face. Catwoman is also given exaggerated claws on her gloves. The rest of her suit is black, with the exception of her red "paws". She carries her whip around her waist that hangs like a tail. In her civilian identity of Selina Kyle, she has long black hair and blue eyes, instead of her more traditional green eyes. She flirts heavily with Batman, and in her first appearance stole his utility belt, accidentally gaining control of a giant bat-robot and wrecking the [[Batcave]]. Notable events involving her have been her team-up with the [[Penguin (comics)|Penguin]] (even flirting with him lightly), her fight against [[Rag Doll (comics)|Ragdoll]], and her attempt to help Batman against the Joker. She is later caught by [[List of The Batman villains#Rumor|Rumor]], but gets away.

=== ''Batman Returns'' ===
{{main|Batman Returns}}
Catwoman was portrayed by [[Michelle Pfeiffer]] in the [[1992 in film|1992]] movie ''Batman Returns''. As recreated by [[Daniel Waters (writer)|Daniel Waters]] and [[Tim Burton]], Selina Kyle is depicted as a lonely, frustrated woman pushed over the edge into obsession and crime after her boss, tycoon [[Max Shreck]], tries to kill her to keep her from revealing his plot to build a power plant that would steal Gotham's electricity.

[[Image:Batmanreturnspostercatwoman.png|left|Movie poster for ''Batman Returns'' (1992) featuring [[Michelle Pfeiffer]] as Catwoman.|180px|thumb]]

Mysteriously revived by alley cats after Shreck pushes her out a window, Selina Kyle's repressed rage allows her to transform into Catwoman. As a masked figure operating under the guise of a theatrical public identity, Catwoman finds a reflection of herself in Batman. In the ballroom scene, to [[Siouxsie & the Banshees]]' "Face to Face," the two masked crimefighters, Batman and Catwoman, dressed as their alter-egos, Bruce and Selina, discover their dual personalities, thus exposing one of Burton's main themes — duality — in the film. In the film's [[climax (narrative)|climax]], she electrocutes Schreck by kissing him with a Taser in her mouth; Batman never finds her body. She is seen one last time at the end of the film, looking at the Batsignal in the sky.

When [[Tim Burton]] was set to direct [[Batman Forever]], his intention was to use The [[Riddler]] as the main villian and possibly have Catwoman return. As Burton was replaced, this never came to pass.

===''Catwoman''===
[[Image:Catwoman poster.jpg|180px|thumb|right|[[Halle Berry]] as Catwoman in the 2004 film.]]{{main|Catwoman (film)}}
In [[2004 in film|2004]], ''Catwoman'', a movie starring [[Halle Berry]], was released. This film's Catwoman bore little resemblance to the comic book version. Berry portrayed Patience Phillips, a woman who eventually became Catwoman after a near-death experience. Patience gained the powers from the Egyptian cat goddess [[Bastet (mythology)|Bastet]] through a gathering of cats led by an [[Egyptian Mau]]. The movie alludes to other women in the past who have been granted such cat-like abilities, particularly in a scene in which Phillips finds herself amongst a series of images of prior catwomen, including Pfeiffer's ''Batman Returns'' version of Selina Kyle. The film's story has nothing to do with Batman or Gotham City.

Berry won the 2005 [[Golden Raspberry Awards|Razzie]] award for worst actress in a film for her role as Catwoman, and accepted the prize in person. She was only the third Razzie winner (following director [[Paul Verhoeven]], director of ''[[Showgirls]]''; and [[Tom Green]], star of ''[[Freddy Got Fingered]]'') ever to do so. She brought her ''[[Monster's Ball]]'' [[Academy Award|Oscar]] with her for her acceptance speech.<ref>[http://www.razzies.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=355&PN=1&TPN=1Razzies]</ref>

===''Nolan series''===

Starting in 2005 with the release [[Batman Begins]], Christopher Nolan has rebooted the Batman movie franchise, having no ties towards the Burton/Schumacher films and being set around Batman's early era. It is uncertain if Catwoman were to appear in possible sequels. At Comic-Con 2007, [[Kate Beckinsale]] expressed interest in playing Catwoman in any future sequels to Batman Begins. Prior to the release of The Dark Knight in 2008, David Goyer ruled out using [[Penguin (comics)|The Penguin]] or Catwoman as a villain in a future film, prefering to use antagonists from the comics that have not yet been portrayed on the big screen.

===''Return to the Batcave''===

In the TV movie ''[[Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt]]'', [[Julia Rose]] appeared as Catwoman and the young [[Julie Newmar]]. Both Julie Newmar and [[Lee Meriwether]] appeared in the TV movie as well.<ref>{{cite news
| title =Holy reunion! West, Ward in 'Batman' film
| publisher =CNN.com
| date= 2003-03-04
| url =http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/News/03/04/apontv.backtobatcave.ap/index.html
| accessdate =2007-06-22 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| title =Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt (2003)
| date= 2005-06-10
| url =http://www.movie-gazette.com/cinereviews/1353
| accessdate =2007-06-22 }}</ref>

===''Birds of Prey''===
Selina Kyle appears, through flashbacks depicting her death, in the pilot episode of the 2002 television series ''[[Birds of Prey (TV series)|Birds of Prey]]''. The show featured Catwoman's daughter by Batman, the Huntress (aka Helena Kyle). Maggie Baird portrayed Catwoman; in contrast to the comic book version, she is a [[metahuman]]. It is also mentioned that her sudden death sent Batman into self-imposed isolation, and he is unaware of Helena's existence.

===''Batman Beyond''===
In the initial season of the [[United States|American]] [[List of animated television series|animated television series]], [[Batman Beyond]] (1999), which is also known as '''''Batman of the Future''''' in [[Europe]], [[Latin America]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], and [[India]], Selina Kyle is referenced as a great, conflicted love by [[Batman|Bruce Wayne]]. In Season 1, Epsiode 8, when Terry's love interest turns out to be a member of the Royal Flush Gang, Terry turns to Bruce at the end of the episode during her arrest and asks "This kind of thing ever happen to you?" At this point, Bruce smiles and says "Let me tell you about a woman named Selina Kyle".
===''Krypto the Superdog''===
In the animated cartoon series called [[Krypto the Superdog]], Catwoman's pet cat Isis is a recurring foe of [[Krypto]] and [[Ace the Bat-Hound]]. Although Catwoman is referenced in the series, she never made an appearance on the show.

===Video games===
Catwoman appears as a playable character in ''Catwoman'' for the [[Game Boy Color]] (1999) and in the video game adaptation of Halle Berry's ''[[Catwoman (video game)|Catwoman]]'' movie. Catwoman is also a boss in the video game adaptations of ''[[Batman Returns (video game)|Batman Returns]]'', ''[[Batman: The Animated Series (video game)|Batman: The Animated Series]],'' and ''[[The Adventures of Batman & Robin (video game)|The Adventures of Batman & Robin]]'' for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]]. A recent leaked screenshot has confirmed that Catwoman will be a playable character in the upcoming fighting game, ''[[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]]''<ref>In the first MKast (podcast detailing the production of this game), Shang Tsung and Catwoman were officially announced.<ref>http://worldscollide.com/podcasts/MKast_Ep01.mp3</ref>.

In September 2008, Catwoman will appear as a playable character in [[Lego Batman: The Video Game]].

===Toys===
In 1974, Mego issued a 12-inch Catwoman doll as part of their Super-Gals line.

In 1975, Mego came out with an 8-inch Catwoman bendie as part of their Super-Gals Bend n' Flex Heroes line.

Kenner's 1992 ''Batman Returns'' toyline included a figure of Catwoman, sporting her costume from the film. The toy came with a rubber whip, and a spring-action arm which would fly forward in a whipping motion.

Catwoman was also featured in the first wave of ''Batman: The Animated Series'' action figures. She came with the same rubber whip and spring-action arm as her ''Batman Returns'' counterpart, but also came with an over-sized claw that attached to her arm and a figure of Isis designed to rest upon her neck.

After a number of repaints of the original animated Catwoman figure, a new sculpt that truly reflected on the character's redesign appeared in a 2003 two-pack released by Mattel. This figure came with no accessories or special features, except for a whip.

The D.C. Direct line of action figures has included four incarnations of Catwoman over the years. These versions are her appearance in the Silver Age of D.C. Comics, the Batman "Knightfall" storyline, the Batman "Hush" storyline, and the Batman "Long Halloween" storyline.

Catwoman also made an appearance in the eighth (and final) wave of [[Mattel]]'s [[DC Superheroes (toy)|DCSH]] toy line. She was in her Darwyn Cooke-inspired costume, and featured a backpack, cat Isis, whip, stolen necklace, and diorama of a bank vault.

In 2006, Catwoman was featured in the first of four sets of building toys from the [[Lego Batman|Lego Group]]. The set was called The Batman Dragster: Catwoman Pursuit (7779). It retailed in the United States for $9.99. The dragster vehicle for Batman was not well-received by fans, but the low price of the set and the inclusion of the Catwoman character made this set very popular. Catwoman rides a purple motorcycle and has a whip at her side.<ref>[http://www.brickset.com/detail.aspx?Set=7779-1 7779: The Batman Dragster: Catwoman Pursuit], set listing and reviews at Brickset.com, access date; 2008-Jul-13.</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Catman (comics)|Catman]]
* [[Gotham Girls]]
* [[List of women warriors in literature and popular culture]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{wikiquote|Batman (comics)#Catwoman|Catwoman}}
* {{Dmoz|Arts/Comics/Titles/B/Batman/Catwoman/|Catwoman}}
* [http://www.batmantas.com/cmp/cat.htm ''BatmanTAS.com''] on the animated series version of Catwoman
* {{dcauw|Catwoman}}
* [http://www.ugo.com/channels/filmtv/features/catwoman/ninelives/ ''Catwoman's Nine Lives''] at UGO.com
* ''[http://www.tnt.tv/title/?oid=342634-3761 Girls With Gauntlets]'' - influence of ''Catwoman'' upon female action heroes of the 1990s
*[http://www.newkadia.com/?Covers=763 Pictures of all Catwoman comics covers]

{{The Batman}}
{{Catwoman}}

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Catwoman

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71.182.145.40: /* Batman Begins series */ - Rewrote slighty and changed title to match up with the sections of the Riddler and Penguin pages.

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{{Superherobox| 
image=[[Image:Catwoman-ninelives-tpb.jpg|250px]]
|caption=Cover to ''Catwoman: Nine Lives of a Feline Fatale'' (June 2004). Art by [[Brian Bolland]].
|character_name=Catwoman
|alter_ego= Selina Kyle
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut=''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #1 (Spring 1940)
|creators=[[Bill Finger]] [[Bob Kane]]
|alliances=[[Batman supporting characters#Batman Family|Batman Family]] [[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]] [[Birds of Prey (comics)|Birds of Prey]] [[Secret Society of Super Villains]] [[Injustice League]]
|aliases=The Cat, Irena Dubrovna
|powers=
*Peak athlete
*Extremely skilled hand-to-hand combatant.
*Expert [[burglary|burglar]]
*Steel spring-loaded climbing [[piton]]s
*Razor-sharp retractable claws
*Wields an assortment of [[bullwhip]]s and [[cat o' nine tails]] as gymnastic equipment
|}}
'''Catwoman''' is a [[fictional character]] associated with [[DC Comics]]' [[Batman]] [[media franchise|franchise]]. She was created by [[Bill Finger]] and [[Bob Kane]].

The original and most widely known Catwoman, '''Selina Kyle''', first appeared in ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #1 (Spring 1940) in which she was known as '''The Cat'''. As an adversary of Batman, she was a [[whip]]-carrying [[burglary|burglar]] with a taste for high stake thefts. [[Modern Age of Comic Books|Modern]] writers have attributed her activities and costumed identity as a response to a history of abuse.

Since the 1990s, Catwoman has been featured in an eponymous series that cast her as an [[anti-hero]]ine rather than a [[supervillainess]]. The character has been one of Batman's most enduring love interests, and has occasionally been depicted as his one true love.

A popular figure, Catwoman has been featured in most [[Mass media|media]] adaptations related to Batman. Actresses [[Julie Newmar]], [[Lee Meriwether]], and [[Eartha Kitt]] introduced her to a large audience on the 1960s [[Batman (TV series)|''Batman'' television series]]. [[Michelle Pfeiffer]] portrayed the character in 1992's popular film ''[[Batman Returns]]''. [[Halle Berry]] starred in a stand-alone [[Catwoman (film)|''Catwoman'' film]] in 2004, although the film features a title character bearing little resemblance to the comic book character. Catwoman is #51 on [[Wizard (magazine)|''Wizard'' magazine]]'s "100 Greatest Villains of All Time" list.<ref>''Wizard'' #177 (July 2006), p. 88.</ref>

==Character and publication history==

There have been many versions of Catwoman's origins and backstory seen in the comic books over the decades.

===Golden and Silver Age versions===
[[Image:Catwoman-batman01.jpg|200px|Selina Kyle's first appearance as ''The Cat'' in ''Batman'' #1 (Spring 1940).|thumb|left]]
''Batman'' #62 revealed that Catwoman (after a blow to the head jogged her memory) is an [[amnesiac]] [[flight attendant]] who had turned to crime after suffering a prior blow to the head during a plane crash she survived (although in the final issue of ''[[The Brave and the Bold]]'', she admits that she made up the [[amnesia]] story because she wanted a way out of the past life of crime). She reforms for several years, helping out Batman in ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #65 and #69, until she decides to return to a life of crime in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #203. Selina appears again as a criminal in ''Batman'' #84 and ''Detective Comics'' #211, her final appearance for many years (until 1966).

In the 1970s comics, a series of stories taking place on [[Multiverse (DC Comics)#Earth-Two|Earth-Two]] (the parallel Earth that was retroactively declared as the home of DC's [[Golden Age of Comic Books|Golden Age]] characters) reveal that on that world, Selina reformed in the 1950s (after the events of ''Batman'' #69) and had married Bruce Wayne; soon afterwards, she gave birth to the couple's only child, Helena Wayne (the [[Huntress (comics)|Huntress]]). In ''[[The Brave and the Bold]]'' #197, the Golden Age origin of Catwoman given in ''Batman'' #62 is elaborated on, after Selina revealed that she never actually had amnesia. It was revealed that Selina Kyle had been the wife of an abusive man, and eventually decided to leave her husband. However, her husband had kept her jewelry in his private vault, and she had to break into it to retrieve the jewelry. Selina enjoyed this experience so much she decided to become a professional costumed [[burglary|cat burglar]], and thus began a career that would repeatedly lead to her encountering the Batman.

The Earth-Two/Golden Age Selina Kyle eventually dies in the late 1970s after being [[blackmail]]ed by a criminal into going into action again as Catwoman (as shown in ''DC Super-Stars'' #17).

Catwoman made her first Silver Age appearance in ''[[Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane]]'' #70 (November 1966); afterwards, she continued to make appearances across the various Batman comics.

Several stories in the 1970s featured Catwoman committing [[murder]], something that neither the Earth-One or Earth-Two versions of her would ever do; this version of Catwoman was assigned to the alternate world of [[Multiverse (DC Comics)#Earth-B|Earth-B]], an alternate Earth that included stories that couldn't be considered [[canon (fiction)|canonical]] on Earth-One or Earth-Two.<ref>Official Crisis on Infinite Earths Index (March, 1986)</ref><ref>Official Crisis on Infinite Earths Cross-Over Index (July, 1986)</ref>

===Modern Age version===
====Tangled origins====
A revision in Catwoman's [[origin story|origin]], and the introduction of the modern version of the character, came in 1986 when writer [[Frank Miller (comics)|Frank Miller]] and artist [[David Mazzucchelli]] published ''[[Batman: Year One]]'', a revision of Batman’s origin. In the course of the story, the origin of Catwoman was also re-envisioned. Selina Kyle is reintroduced as a cat-loving [[prostitution|prostitute]]/[[dominatrix]] who is inspired to become a costumed cat burglar when she sees Batman in action. In this story, [[Holly Robinson]] is introduced as a young runaway and prostitute Kyle has taken in.

The 1989 ''Catwoman'' limited series (collected in trade paperback form as ''Catwoman: Her Sister's Keeper'') by writer [[Mindy Newell]] and artist J.J. Birch expanded on Miller's ''Year One'' origin. ''Her Sister's Keeper'' explores Selina's early life as a prostitute and the start of her career as Catwoman. This is a dark and tragic period which culminates with Selina's former [[pimp]] Stan abducting and violently abusing her sister Maggie. Selina kills Stan to save her sister, and is able to do so with [[impunity]].

Catwoman also appears in the ''[[Batman: Knightfall|Knightfall]]'' saga, where she is approached by [[Bane (comics)|Bane]]'s henchmen while robbing a house. Bane asks her to work for him, but she refuses, as she is repulsed by the criminal who broke Batman. Later in the story, she boards a plane with Bruce Wayne to fly to Santa Prisca. She next appears in the ''[[Batman: Knightfall#Knightquest|Knightquest]]'' saga.

''[[Batman: Dark Victory]]'', the sequel to ''[[Batman: The Long Halloween|The Long Halloween]]'', implies that Catwoman suspects she is the long-lost illegitimate daughter of [[Mafia]] boss [[Carmine Falcone]], although she finds no definitive proof of this. Selina's connection to the Falcone family is further explored in the miniseries ''[[Catwoman: When in Rome]]''. Though more circumstantial evidence is added to the theory of Selina's Falcone heritage, no definitive proof is provided.

Portions of ''Her Sister's Keeper'' and the ''Year One'' origin conceived by Frank Miller remain [[canon (fiction)|canonical]] to Catwoman’s origin, while other portions have been dropped over the years. It has been implied that ''Her Sister's Keeper'' was rendered non-canonical by the events of ''Zero Hour'', and subsequent writers have rejected Miller's choice to make the post-''Crisis'' Catwoman a prostitute. In an attempt to harmonize the various versions, some writers have posited that Catwoman, early in her career, pretended to be a prostitute in order to scam lonely men and rob them. However, characters associated with Catwoman's past as a prostitute have remained a part of her supporting cast. Holly, from ''Batman: Year One,'' and her sister Maggie (from ''Her Sister's Keeper'') have appeared regularly in the ''Catwoman'' series.

Selina is the older of two sisters (Maggie being the younger) born to Brian and Maria Kyle. ''Catwoman'' v.1 #0, which provides details about Selina's childhood, neglects Maggie's existence. Maria Kyle was a distant parent who preferred to spend her time with cats, and committed [[suicide]] when Selina was very young. Brian Kyle, an [[alcoholism|alcoholic]], disliked Selina for resembling her mother, whom he resented for dying, and eventually drank himself to death.

Selina took to the streets for a time before being caught and sent first to an [[orphanage]], then Juvenile Hall (''Catwoman'' v.1 #0), "where Selina began to see how hard the world could really be" (''Catwoman Secret Files and Origins''). Maggie's fate at this point in the time-line is not alluded to. However, when [[Ed Brubaker]] reintroduced her into the comic, he implied that Maggie may have directly entered an orphanage and promptly been [[adoption|adopted]].

When she was 13, Selina discovered that the Hall's administrator was [[embezzlement|embezzling]] funds and confronted her. In an attempt to cover up the illegal activities, the administrator put Selina in a bag and dropped her in a river to drown (like a cat). Selina escaped (''Catwoman'' v.1 #0) and returned to the orphanage where she stole documents exposing the administrator's corruption and sent her to the authorities. She also took the opportunity to steal enough money to live on before going back to the streets.

When the money she stole from the corrupt orphanage administrator ran out, Selina found herself in "Alleytown - a network of cobblestone streets that form a small borough between the East End and Old Gotham" (''Catwoman'' v.2 #12). Selina was taken in by "Mama Fortuna", the elderly leader of a gang of young thieves, and was taught how to steal. Fortuna treated her students like [[slavery|slaves]], keeping their earnings for herself. Selina eventually ran away, accompanied by her friend Sylvia. However, the two had difficulty surviving on their own, and in desperation tried to support themselves by working as [[prostitution of children|child prostitute]]s. Sylvia attracted at least one client; Selina apparently never did. The two drifted apart afterwards, with Sylvia coming to resent Selina for not inquiring about what had happened to her at the hands of her abusive first client.

In the ''Catwoman: Year One'' story (''Catwoman Annual'' #2, 1998), Selina (now an adult) achieved some success as a thief. Following a disastrous burglary, however, she accepted an offer to "lay low" by posing as a dominatrix in the employ of a pimp named Stan. Their plan was to trick men into divulging information that might be used in future crimes. According to this storyline, Selina trained under the [[Armless Master]] of [[Gotham City]], receiving education in [[martial arts]] and culture. During this time, Catwoman was given her trademark cat-o-nine tails whip by a client, which Selina kept as a trophy of her time posing as a hooker.

====Catwoman, the series====
In 1993, following the success of ''[[Batman Returns]]'', Catwoman was given her first ongoing comic book series. This series, written by an assortment of writers but primarily penciled by [[Jim Balent]], generally depicted the character as an international thief (and occasional [[bounty hunter]]) with an ambiguous [[morality#moral codes|moral code]].

Storylines included her [[adoption]] of teenage [[runaway youth|runaway]], and erstwhile sidekick, Arizona; aiding the criminal [[Bane (comics)|Bane]] whom she later betrayed to [[Azrael (comics)|Azrael]]; and a stint as a reluctant government operative. The series also fleshed out more of her origin, revealing her beginnings as a young thief, her difficult period in juvenile incarceration, and the training she received from superhero [[Wildcat (comics)|Ted (Wildcat) Grant]].

Moving to [[New York]], Selina becomes corporate vice president then [[chief executive officer|CEO]] of Randolf Industries, a [[mafia]]-influenced company, through [[blackmail]]. Her plans to use this position to run for [[Mayor of New York City|mayor]] are ruined when the [[Trickster (comics)|Trickster]] inadvertently connects Kyle to her Catwoman [[alter ego]].

Selina then returns to Gotham City, which at this time is in the midst of the ''[[No Man's Land (comics)|No Man's Land]]'' storyline. As Catwoman, she assists Batman against [[Lex Luthor]] in the reconstruction of the city. After being arrested by [[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner Gordon]], she escapes from prison. Later that year during the ''Officer Down'' storyline in the Batman titles, Catwoman is initially the chief suspect. Although later cleared, she displays increasingly erratic behavior throughout the story. Soon afterwards she disappears and is believed to have been killed by the assassin [[Deathstroke|Deathstroke the Terminator]], ending her series at #94.

Catwoman then appears in a series of backup stories in ''Detective Comics'' #759 - #762. In a backup storyline ''Trail of the Catwoman'', by writer Ed Brubaker and artist Darwyn Cooke, private detective [[Slam Bradley]] attempts to find out what really happened to Selina Kyle. This storyline leads in to the newest ''Catwoman'' series in late 2001 (written by Brubaker initially with Cooke, later joined by artist [[Cameron Stewart]]). In this series, Selina Kyle, joined by new supporting cast members Holly and [[Slam Bradley]] (a character from the early Golden Age DC Comics), becomes protector of the residents of Gotham’s East End, while still carrying out an ambitious career as a cat burglar.

During the ''[[Batman: Hush|Hush]]'' storyline (''Batman'' #608-#619), Batman and Catwoman briefly work together and have a romantic relationship, during which he reveals his true identity to her. At the end, he breaks off their relationship when he suspects it has been manipulated by the [[Riddler]] and [[Hush (comics)|Hush]]. This was the second time that Batman's true identity was shown to be known to her. In an early 80's story line Selina and Bruce had developed a relationship. The concluding story featured a closing panel in which she refers to Batman as "Bruce." A change in editorial team at that point, however, brought a swift end to that story line and, apparently, all that transpired during the arc. When Catwoman appeared again, no mention whatsoever was ever made of the notion that she had apparently figured out who Batman actually is.

In the ''[[Justice League]]'' story arc ''Crisis of Conscience,'' Catwoman fights alongside Batman and the League against the old [[Secret Society of Super Villains|Secret Society]], of which she had once briefly been a member.

Catwoman appears in [[Gail Simone]]'s "Sensei and Student" story arc in ''[[Birds of Prey (comics)|''Birds of Prey'']]''. She is part of a group sent to rescue a U.S. senator from the [[Eurasia]]n assassin [[Cheshire (comics)|Cheshire]]; during the mission, she saves [[Lady Shiva]], who was bound and gagged in the trunk of a car wired with explosives by Chesire.

====Mindwiping revelations====

Catwoman appears to be completely reformed, and her love for Batman true (although brash and unpredictable). However, she has learned her reformation was the result of a mindwipe by [[Zatanna]], a procedure known to deeply affect and, in at least one case, physically incapacitate its victims. Zatanna gives no reason for her actions, but in a flashback it is shown that she had acted with the consent and aid of five of the seven JLA members who had helped her mindwipe [[Doctor Light (Arthur Light)|Dr. Light]] and Batman. Catwoman's response to this revelation is unequivocal: she duct-tapes Zatanna's mouth shut and pitches her out a window (Zatanna survives the fall). Afterwards, she is seen covering her bed with past versions of her Catwoman costume.

Still unbalanced and uncertain of herself in issue #52, Selina is forced to decide whether to kill a supervillain. The [[Black Mask (comics)|Black Mask]], in an attempt to "improve himself," threatens the most important people in Selina's life, from Slam Bradley to Holly. The villain had also previously [[torture]]d Selina's sister Maggie into a [[catatonia|catatonic]] state and murdered Maggie's husband, earning Catwoman's ire. Black Mask had learned Selina's identity through his earlier alliance with Selina's childhood friend Sylvia, who still harbored a grudge against Selina. Still thinking that Selina adheres to a strict no-kill rule, Black Mask is caught by surprise when Selina shoots him in the head. This action continues to haunt her throughout the "[[One Year Later]]" storyline, and it is suggested that this might have been the first time she had ever directly taken a life.

====One Year Later====
{{main|One Year Later}}
[[Image:Catwomanbaby.PNG|Selina Kyle with her child, Helena (2006). Pencils by David Lopez.|180px|thumb|left]]Following the events of ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'', the DC Universe jumps forward in time. "One Year Later" Selina Kyle is no longer Catwoman, has left the East End, and has given birth to a daughter named Helena (whose father is initially unknown). [[Holly Robinson]] takes over as the new Catwoman while Selina, living under the alias Irena Dubrovna, turns her attention to caring for her daughter (Selina's alias was inspired by the name of the main character in the 1942 film ''[[Cat People (1942 film)|Cat People]]'').

Though she takes her role as a new mother quite seriously, Selina dons the costume for a run through the East End some days after Helena's birth. Having understandably gained a few pounds, Selina finds that her costume is now a tighter fit. In addition, she is easily distracted by a common criminal. Although the situation is defused through Holly's opportune arrival, the sight of two Catwomen active simultaneously in the city is caught on video. Selina returns home from her adventure to find that the mysterious movie aficionado [[Film Freak]] has deduced her alias, joined with [[Angle Man]], and grabbed Helena.

After rescuing her daughter, Selina convinces [[Zatanna]] to mind-wipe [[Film Freak]] and [[Angle Man]] (whom she had bound and gagged with duct tape after beating them brutally) in order to preserve her secret identity. Following the procedure, Angle Man turns himself in to the authorities; Film Freak, however, embarks upon a murderous rampage. [[Wildcat (comics)|Ted Grant]] informs Selina that Holly has been arrested for the murder of Black Mask; Selina infiltrates the police station and frees Holly. Finally defeating Film Freak, Selina returns home to find that [[Slam Bradley]] has deduced that Helena is the daughter of his son Sam Bradley Jr., and therefore his granddaughter.

Batman asks Catwoman to infiltrate the violent tribe of [[Bana-Mighdall|Bana Amazons]] during the ''[[Amazons Attack!]]'' crossover. Posing as a criminal, Selina gains the Bana's trust and thwarts a terror attack aimed at causing mass casualties in Gotham City.

Selina questions whether she should be raising a daughter when her life as Catwoman has already proven to be such a danger to the child. After enlisting Batman's help in faking the death of both herself and her daughter, Selina puts Helena up for adoption. A month after Helena is placed with a new family, Catwoman asks Zatanna to erase her memories of Helena and change her mind back to a criminal mentality. Zatanna refuses, judging that such an act would be cruel to both mother and daughter. She tells Selina that she could never reverse Selina's mindset, since she was on the path to becoming a hero on her own. Believing she can no longer function as a criminal, Selina decided to become one of Batman's [[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]]. She quickly quit, however, and was replaced by [[Batgirl (Cassandra Cain)|Batgirl]].

In ''[[Salvation Run]]'' #2, Catwoman is sent to the Prison Planet. She allies herself with [[Lex Luthor]] in an attempt to return to [[Earth]], and mistakenly ends up on an [[alternate universe]]-Earth where Catwoman is a notorious villain. It is later revealed that this Earth is a creation of her own mind, and she has not left Prison Planet. When accused of being a traitor by Luthor, she reveals [[Martian Manhunter]] is posing as [[Blockbuster (comics)| Blockbuster]].

The current volume of ''Catwoman'' ends with August's #82.<ref>http://xrayspex.blogspot.com/2008/04/well-heh-heh-this-is-little.html</ref>
{{-}}

==Skills, resources, and abilities==
Selina is a gifted and accomplished athlete, with heightened acrobatic prowess. She was trained by the Armless Master in martial arts and by Wildcat in boxing and street-fighting. She is a clever and resourceful fighter, known for precise, agile attacks and speedy getaways. Her formidable [[hand to hand combat]] skills are augmented by her cat-like speed, reflexes, balance, and flexibility.

Fittingly, Catwoman is a master thief possessed of unsurpassed stealth and cunning. An expert at both low- and high-tech heists, she is Gotham City's finest cat-burglar.

===Costume===
Catwoman, in her first appearance, wore no costume or disguise at all, and it was not until her next appearance that she donned a mask, which was a theatrically face-covering cat-mask that had the appearance of a real cat, rather than a more stylized face mask seen in her later incarnations. Later, she wore a dress with a hood that came with ears, and still later, a [[bodysuit]] with attached boots and either a domino or glasses-mask. In the 1960s, Catwoman's bodysuit was green in color, which was typical of villains of that era. In the 1990s, she usually wore a skintight purple bodysuit, before switching to a black PVC outfit that recalls [[Michelle Pfeiffer]]'s costume in ''Batman Returns''.
In recent years, artists' depictions have usually alternated between these two costumes. Ed Brubaker, the writer behind the 2001 revamp of the character, has stated that Selina's current costume was inspired by [[Emma Peel]]'s iconic [[catsuit]] <ref>{{cite web
| title =The Man Behind The Cat - Exclusive Interview w/ Ed Brubaker
| url =http://www.geocities.com/selina_revamped/webpages/interview.html
| accessdate =}}2007-[[June 10|6-10]]</ref>. It has a more [[high tech]] look, with domino-shaped [[infrared]] goggles on her cowl.

Many of her costumes have been shown to incorporate retractable metal claws on the fingertips of her gloves and sometimes also the toes of her boots.

Holly currently uses the same costume Selina used prior to ''[[Infinite Crisis]]''.

===Weapons and equipment===
During the [[Silver Age of Comic Books|Silver Age]], Catwoman, like most Batman villains, used a variety of themed weapons, vehicles, and equipment, such as a custom cat-themed car called the "cat-illac". This usage also appeared in the 1960s ''Batman'' TV series. In her post-''Crisis'' appearances, Catwoman's favored weapon is a whip. She wields both a standard bullwhip and the cat-o-nine-tails with expert proficiency. In addition, Catwoman has been shown to have various items to restrain her victims (as she does not believe in killing), such as a set of plastic ties for binding hands and feet, and a roll of [[duct tape]] used to [[gag]] her targets, like she did with Angle Man, Film Freak, Zatanna, and various others during her robberies over the years.

===Powers===
Many artists have portrayed Catwoman as a villainess with no superpowers. However, several incarnations of her have given her a "Nine Lives" power. This power has been a minor plot detail in certain media, like the film [[Batman Returns]] as well as in her first appearance in the 1966 TV series. It wasn't fully revealed if it was a superpower or just a coincidence. With her nine lives power, Catwoman can survive eight fatal wounds inflicted by an enemy. Every time, no matter what type of wound, she will return to health almost instantly. It was also hinted she can't survive her ninth fatal wound. That is when her last life is used up and she dies. This is certainly a nod to a later Batman villan called "The Catman". A brief synopsis of Catman appears as follows:

Catman was originally Tom Blake, a world-famous trapper of jungle cats who turned to crime because he had grown bored with hunting and had squandered most of his fortune. He became a burglar who committed his crimes in a catsuit made out of an ancient African cloth he believed gave him a cat's nine lives. His costume was modeled after Catwoman's disguise. Catwoman was none too pleased to have her modus operandi copied, and initially helped Batman apprehend him. The two costumed criminals would have a competitive, love/hate relationship for many years afterward which included Selina Kyle (Catwoman) being wrongly implicated for Catman's crimes at least once. As with many Batman villains in their first appearances, Catman was originally a gimmicked villain who stole items along a "cat" theme, such as cat statues, "cat's eyes" emeralds, etc. His weapon of choice was (of course) a cat-o-nine-tails.

The first time that Catwoman appears to have "nine lives" is in her initial appearance on Batman the TV series in the episode entitled, "Better Luck Next Time", ( the second episode of two parts) from the first season. When Catwoman appears to fall to her doom. It's implied by Batman (Adam West) that it might not be the last time he lays his eyes on her (suggestive of "nine lives"). It's also apparent to those who have read the Batman comic-books by that time that the TV producers have merged the abilities of both Catman and Catwoman into one single entity.

==Alternate versions==
Selina Kyle appears as an aging and somewhat overweight [[madam]]e in Frank Miller's ''[[Batman: The Dark Knight Returns]]'' four times; all are brief. First, in a phone message to Bruce ("Selina. Bruce, I'm lonely"). Next, she is attacked by [[Joker (comics)|the Joker]], who uses a [[mind control]] drug to convince her to send one of her prostitutes to use the same substance on the Governor. The Joker then beats her, ties her up, gags her, and dresses her in a [[Wonder Woman]] outfit, leaving her for Batman to find. Selina's final appearance in the book is at Bruce Wayne's funeral (because in truth, Bruce Wayne died, not Batman), where she yells at [[Superman]], telling him that she knows who killed Bruce. She does not appear in ''[[Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again]]'', Miller's follow-up story, although she is referred to in the prologue written for the trade paperback version.

Two 1990s prose novels feature Catwoman: ''The Further Adventures of Batman: Volume 3, Featuring Catwoman'', a short story collection by various authors (publs. 1993, edited by Martin H. Greenberg), and ''Catwoman: Tiger Hunt'', by Lynn Abbey and Robert Asprin, publs. date 1992. Both novels portray a ''Batman: Year One''- influenced Catwoman who wears a gray cat costume and was once a prostitute.

Catwoman also made a small cameo in ''[[Kingdom Come (comic book)|Kingdom Come]]'', mostly accompanying the [[Riddler]]; she is predominantly seen, but not much heard in the series. She is not dressed in costume, but appears in the very dress she first wore in ''Batman'' #1 as 'The Cat'. According to the novelization by [[Elliot S! Maggin]], she ran a multibillion dollar cosmetics company.

In the all-digital graphic novel ''[[Batman: Digital Justice]]'', which is set some time in the future long after the original Batman has died, Sheila Romero, a.k.a. the hit [[pop music]] star '''Gata''' (the [[Spanish language|Spanish]] female [[noun]] for "cat") and daughter of the mayor of Gotham City, is jealous of the new Batman, James Gordon, because media coverage of his activities have been cutting into her airtime. Setting out to learn as much about Batman and his enemies as she can, Gata becomes the new Catwoman. Near the end of the story, Gata and her followers face off against Batman, but the two later fall in love, and Maria Romero, a.k.a. '''Madame X''', tells Sheila that she is really a [[cloning|clone]] of Maria. Maria confesses that she had planned to transfer her brain into Gata's body, but she couldn't bring herself to do it because she loved her "daughter" too much. Maria then dies in Sheila's arms.

In the ''[[Elseworlds]]'' title ''Catwoman: Guardian of Gotham'', Selina Kyle is the daughter of millionaires Thomas and Martha Kyle. Walking home after seeing the film ''Cat People'', Selina, a young girl, chases after an alley cat and watches in horror as her parents are gunned down by a robber. Selina learns that the crook has stolen a ring she found in a Crackerjack box and had given to her mother. Years later she becomes Catwoman, the defender of Gotham City, operating out of a Catcave beneath Kyle Manor, aided by a young maid named Brooks. Her major enemy is a [[psychopathy|psycopathic]] criminal named Batman, who murders her entire rogues gallery to get rid of the competition.

In [[Howard Chaykin]]'s ''Thrillkiller'', Selina Kyle is a stripper in a cat-themed strip club. She acts as an informant for [[Gotham City Police Department|GCPD]] Detective Bruce Wayne.

In [[Dean Motter]]'s ''[[Batman: Nine Lives]]'', Selina Kyle is a cat-loving [[African American]] night club owner. Her death sets in motion the events of the story.

In [[Howard Chaykin]]'s ''Dark Allegiances'', Selina Kyle becomes a film star under the stage name of Kitty Grimalkin. Prior to becoming a star, she was an alcoholic whose actions during one of her "blackouts" were recorded into an underground [[pornography|porn]] film. The stills from the film are used to blackmail her into stealing information from [[Wayne Enterprises]].

In ''[[Batman: Shadow of the Bat]]'' Annual #2, [[Vicki Vale|Vikki Vale]], a reporter for Wayne Media, is Catwoman. She is hired by [[Anarky]] to steal information, but she gets caught and is tortured by [[Scarecrow (comics)|Jonathan Crane]], whom she calls a "demented scarecrow".

In Frank Miller's ''[[All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder|All Star Batman and Robin]]'', Catwoman expresses an interest in the Joker's unrevealed plans. She also appears to be involved in prostitution, as she advises the Joker that "..even I don't play ''that'' rough".

Selina Kyle also appears in Darwyn Cooke's ''The New Frontier'' as Ted "Wildcat" Grant's date and is dressed similar to [[Cleopatra VII|Cleopatra]]. She seen sitting in-between Dinah Lance and Oliver Queen during the Boxing match and later at the party with [[Lois Lane]].

==In other media==
===1966 ''Batman'' series===

{{main|Batman (TV series)}}

[[Image:Jnewmarcat.jpg|thumb|180px|right|Julie Newmar as Catwoman in the ''Batman'' television series.]]

Catwoman was at various times portrayed by [[Julie Newmar]] and [[Eartha Kitt]] in the live-action ''Batman'' television series of the 1960s, her first other-media portrayal. [[Lee Meriwether]] was cast in the 1966 ''Batman'' motion picture based on the television series, after discovering Newmar was unavailable<ref>{{cite web
| last = Smith
| first = Ronald L.
| title = Julie Newmar::The Very Last How to Book::Biography
| date= 2004
| url =http://www.julienewmar.com/biography.html
| accessdate =2007-06-22 }}</ref>. An uncredited fourth actress played Catwoman as part of a villain team-up in "The Entrancing Dr. Cassandra," the penultimate episode of the series.

===Animation===
Catwoman has been a major character in almost all of Batman's animated series.

Her first animated appearance was with Batman in segments of the 1968 series ''[[The Batman/Superman Hour]]'' wearing her green costume of that time period. In this series, she was voiced by [[Jane Webb]]. She also appeared in four episodes of ''[[The New Adventures of Batman]]'' cartoon in the 1970s, in which she was voiced by [[Melendy Britt]].

====''Batman: The Animated Series''====
{{main|Batman: The Animated Series}}
[[Image:Catwoman BTAS.jpg‎|thumb|180px|left|Catwoman, and Isis, as seen in Batman: The Animated Series.]]
Catwoman appeared on ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' wearing an all gray outfit that has never been seen outside that series. Voiced by [[Adrienne Barbeau]] in both 1992's ''Batman: The Animated Series'', and its revamp in ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'' (as well as the 2000s online animated series ''[[Gotham Girls]]''), Catwoman is shown to be a socialite and [[animal rights]] activist, which attracts the attention of Bruce Wayne when he's not contending with her as Batman. Catwoman also flirts with [[Dick Grayson| Nightwing]] in "You Scratch My Back". However, at the end of the episode, it's revealed that she was just using Nightwing in order to steal an artifact. In many of the episodes featuring Selina, she is accoumpanied by her assistant named Maven, who aids both of Selina's identities. She also is shown to keep many cats, among those is her favorite cat Isis.

Initially Selina had blonde hair, coinciding with the release of ''Batman Returns'', in which she was portrayed by blonde actress [[Michelle Pfeiffer]]. In the revamp, she appears to have shorter black hair. Whether her hair was dyed or her natural color was never made clear in the series itself, however in the episode "Tyger, Tyger", Selina becomes a cat/woman [[parahuman|hybrid]] and her hair (or rather fur) is blonde. In the related comic book series, it is explained that after learning that her hair dye was tested on animals, she drops the brand and tries, unsuccessfully, to change the views of the manager of the company.<ref>Batman Gotham Adventures #4</ref>

In ''[[Batman Beyond]]'', Bruce mentions Selina to [[Batman (Terry McGinnis)|Terry McGinnis]] after his first encounter with [[Royal Flush Gang#Batman Beyond|Ten]] from the [[Royal Flush Gang]]. Terry also mentions her in "[[Epilogue (Justice League Unlimited)|Epilogue]]" when he tells Bruce that she loved him but he gave up on her, due to his persistent devotion to "the mission" rather than people.

There were plans for a second ''Batman Beyond'' [[DTV]] movie that would have featured Catwoman, but was rejected.<ref>[http://jl.toonzone.net/episode50/episode50.htm Epilogue]</ref>

Finally, in a seven-minute short film called ''[[Chase Me]]'' (written by [[Paul Dini]] and released with the ''[[Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman]]'' [[DVD]]), Batman catches her stealing from one of Bruce Wayne’s buildings and apprehends her.

Like all other characters, Catwoman would have a new design during ''The New Batman Adventures''. Her new in-costume animated appearance also changed when the show's animation style did, becoming more like the Michelle Pfeiffer version, with a black costume, slimmer build, and white face makeup. Details on her change are explored in ''Batman: Gotham Adventures'' #4.<ref>[http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/batman/tnba/guides/ga The World's Finest - The New Batman Adventures]</ref>/

In the comic series [[Batman Adventures]], Selina is featured in issue 10, in the back up story she breaks into a vault at the Wayne Manor during Bruce's New Year's Ball. After she has left the scene, Bruce states to Robin and Alfred that he felt betrayed by her for doing so; stating that after Selina was unmasked he was the only one of Gotham's high society not to shun her. But he is reassured of her friendship when he finds she has stolen nothing and has left him a card stating her New Year's resolution is to stay on the right side of the law. After Robin questions her sincerity, Bruce states that he believes she will keep her vow.

One addition to the mythos was giving Catwoman a personal black cat named [[Krypto the Superdog#Villains|Isis]], who appears in the first series and in ''The New Batman Adventures''. As Catwoman's cat, she fights the dogs of [[Krypto|Superman]] and [[Ace the Bat-Hound|Batman]] on ''[[Krypto the Superdog]]'', a cartoon made by the same people who made the DCAU.

==== ''The Batman'' ====
[[Image:TBCatwoman.gif|thumb|100px|right|Catwoman, as seen in [[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]].]]
Catwoman has also appeared on ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'', voiced by [[Gina Gershon]]. Her design is slightly altered, having large, almost mouse-like ears and large orange goggles that resemble cat's eyes. Another modification is her hood, which can be pulled up to hide the lower half of her face. Catwoman is also given exaggerated claws on her gloves. The rest of her suit is black, with the exception of her red "paws". She carries her whip around her waist that hangs like a tail. In her civilian identity of Selina Kyle, she has long black hair and blue eyes, instead of her more traditional green eyes. She flirts heavily with Batman, and in her first appearance stole his utility belt, accidentally gaining control of a giant bat-robot and wrecking the [[Batcave]]. Notable events involving her have been her team-up with the [[Penguin (comics)|Penguin]] (even flirting with him lightly), her fight against [[Rag Doll (comics)|Ragdoll]], and her attempt to help Batman against the Joker. She is later caught by [[List of The Batman villains#Rumor|Rumor]], but gets away.

=== ''Batman Returns'' ===
{{main|Batman Returns}}
Catwoman was portrayed by [[Michelle Pfeiffer]] in the [[1992 in film|1992]] movie ''Batman Returns''. As recreated by [[Daniel Waters (writer)|Daniel Waters]] and [[Tim Burton]], Selina Kyle is depicted as a lonely, frustrated woman pushed over the edge into obsession and crime after her boss, tycoon [[Max Shreck]], tries to kill her to keep her from revealing his plot to build a power plant that would steal Gotham's electricity.

[[Image:Batmanreturnspostercatwoman.png|left|Movie poster for ''Batman Returns'' (1992) featuring [[Michelle Pfeiffer]] as Catwoman.|180px|thumb]]

Mysteriously revived by alley cats after Shreck pushes her out a window, Selina Kyle's repressed rage allows her to transform into Catwoman. As a masked figure operating under the guise of a theatrical public identity, Catwoman finds a reflection of herself in Batman. In the ballroom scene, to [[Siouxsie & the Banshees]]' "Face to Face," the two masked crimefighters, Batman and Catwoman, dressed as their alter-egos, Bruce and Selina, discover their dual personalities, thus exposing one of Burton's main themes — duality — in the film. In the film's [[climax (narrative)|climax]], she electrocutes Schreck by kissing him with a Taser in her mouth; Batman never finds her body. She is seen one last time at the end of the film, looking at the Batsignal in the sky.

===''Catwoman''===
[[Image:Catwoman poster.jpg|180px|thumb|right|[[Halle Berry]] as Catwoman in the 2004 film.]]{{main|Catwoman (film)}}
In [[2004 in film|2004]], ''Catwoman'', a movie starring [[Halle Berry]], was released. This film's Catwoman bore little resemblance to the comic book version. Berry portrayed Patience Phillips, a woman who eventually became Catwoman after a near-death experience. Patience gained the powers from the Egyptian cat goddess [[Bastet (mythology)|Bastet]] through a gathering of cats led by an [[Egyptian Mau]]. The movie alludes to other women in the past who have been granted such cat-like abilities, particularly in a scene in which Phillips finds herself amongst a series of images of prior catwomen, including Pfeiffer's ''Batman Returns'' version of Selina Kyle. The film's story has nothing to do with Batman or Gotham City.

Berry won the 2005 [[Golden Raspberry Awards|Razzie]] award for worst actress in a film for her role as Catwoman, and accepted the prize in person. She was only the third Razzie winner (following director [[Paul Verhoeven]], director of ''[[Showgirls]]''; and [[Tom Green]], star of ''[[Freddy Got Fingered]]'') ever to do so. She brought her ''[[Monster's Ball]]'' [[Academy Award|Oscar]] with her for her acceptance speech.<ref>[http://www.razzies.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=355&PN=1&TPN=1Razzies]</ref>

===''Nolan series''===

Starting in 2005 with the release [[Batman Begins]], Christopher Nolan has rebooted the Batman movie franchise, having no ties towards the Burton/Schumacher films and being set around Batman's early era. It is uncertain if Catwoman were to appear in possible sequels. At Comic-Con 2007, [[Kate Beckinsale]] expressed interest in playing Catwoman in any future sequels to Batman Begins. Prior to the release of The Dark Knight in 2008, David Goyer ruled out using [[Penguin (comics)|The Penguin]] or Catwoman as a villain in a future film, prefering to use antagonists from the comics that have not yet been portrayed on the big screen.

===''Return to the Batcave''===

In the TV movie ''[[Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt]]'', [[Julia Rose]] appeared as Catwoman and the young [[Julie Newmar]]. Both Julie Newmar and [[Lee Meriwether]] appeared in the TV movie as well.<ref>{{cite news
| title =Holy reunion! West, Ward in 'Batman' film
| publisher =CNN.com
| date= 2003-03-04
| url =http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/News/03/04/apontv.backtobatcave.ap/index.html
| accessdate =2007-06-22 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| title =Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt (2003)
| date= 2005-06-10
| url =http://www.movie-gazette.com/cinereviews/1353
| accessdate =2007-06-22 }}</ref>

===''Birds of Prey''===
Selina Kyle appears, through flashbacks depicting her death, in the pilot episode of the 2002 television series ''[[Birds of Prey (TV series)|Birds of Prey]]''. The show featured Catwoman's daughter by Batman, the Huntress (aka Helena Kyle). Maggie Baird portrayed Catwoman; in contrast to the comic book version, she is a [[metahuman]]. It is also mentioned that her sudden death sent Batman into self-imposed isolation, and he is unaware of Helena's existence.

===''Batman Beyond''===
In the initial season of the [[United States|American]] [[List of animated television series|animated television series]], [[Batman Beyond]] (1999), which is also known as '''''Batman of the Future''''' in [[Europe]], [[Latin America]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], and [[India]], Selina Kyle is referenced as a great, conflicted love by [[Batman|Bruce Wayne]]. In Season 1, Epsiode 8, when Terry's love interest turns out to be a member of the Royal Flush Gang, Terry turns to Bruce at the end of the episode during her arrest and asks "This kind of thing ever happen to you?" At this point, Bruce smiles and says "Let me tell you about a woman named Selina Kyle".
===''Krypto the Superdog''===
In the animated cartoon series called [[Krypto the Superdog]], Catwoman's pet cat Isis is a recurring foe of [[Krypto]] and [[Ace the Bat-Hound]]. Although Catwoman is referenced in the series, she never made an appearance on the show.

===Video games===
Catwoman appears as a playable character in ''Catwoman'' for the [[Game Boy Color]] (1999) and in the video game adaptation of Halle Berry's ''[[Catwoman (video game)|Catwoman]]'' movie. Catwoman is also a boss in the video game adaptations of ''[[Batman Returns (video game)|Batman Returns]]'', ''[[Batman: The Animated Series (video game)|Batman: The Animated Series]],'' and ''[[The Adventures of Batman & Robin (video game)|The Adventures of Batman & Robin]]'' for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]]. A recent leaked screenshot has confirmed that Catwoman will be a playable character in the upcoming fighting game, ''[[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]]''<ref>In the first MKast (podcast detailing the production of this game), Shang Tsung and Catwoman were officially announced.<ref>http://worldscollide.com/podcasts/MKast_Ep01.mp3</ref>.

In September 2008, Catwoman will appear as a playable character in [[Lego Batman: The Video Game]].

===Toys===
In 1974, Mego issued a 12-inch Catwoman doll as part of their Super-Gals line.

In 1975, Mego came out with an 8-inch Catwoman bendie as part of their Super-Gals Bend n' Flex Heroes line.

Kenner's 1992 ''Batman Returns'' toyline included a figure of Catwoman, sporting her costume from the film. The toy came with a rubber whip, and a spring-action arm which would fly forward in a whipping motion.

Catwoman was also featured in the first wave of ''Batman: The Animated Series'' action figures. She came with the same rubber whip and spring-action arm as her ''Batman Returns'' counterpart, but also came with an over-sized claw that attached to her arm and a figure of Isis designed to rest upon her neck.

After a number of repaints of the original animated Catwoman figure, a new sculpt that truly reflected on the character's redesign appeared in a 2003 two-pack released by Mattel. This figure came with no accessories or special features, except for a whip.

The D.C. Direct line of action figures has included four incarnations of Catwoman over the years. These versions are her appearance in the Silver Age of D.C. Comics, the Batman "Knightfall" storyline, the Batman "Hush" storyline, and the Batman "Long Halloween" storyline.

Catwoman also made an appearance in the eighth (and final) wave of [[Mattel]]'s [[DC Superheroes (toy)|DCSH]] toy line. She was in her Darwyn Cooke-inspired costume, and featured a backpack, cat Isis, whip, stolen necklace, and diorama of a bank vault.

In 2006, Catwoman was featured in the first of four sets of building toys from the [[Lego Batman|Lego Group]]. The set was called The Batman Dragster: Catwoman Pursuit (7779). It retailed in the United States for $9.99. The dragster vehicle for Batman was not well-received by fans, but the low price of the set and the inclusion of the Catwoman character made this set very popular. Catwoman rides a purple motorcycle and has a whip at her side.<ref>[http://www.brickset.com/detail.aspx?Set=7779-1 7779: The Batman Dragster: Catwoman Pursuit], set listing and reviews at Brickset.com, access date; 2008-Jul-13.</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Catman (comics)|Catman]]
* [[Gotham Girls]]
* [[List of women warriors in literature and popular culture]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{wikiquote|Batman (comics)#Catwoman|Catwoman}}
* {{Dmoz|Arts/Comics/Titles/B/Batman/Catwoman/|Catwoman}}
* [http://www.batmantas.com/cmp/cat.htm ''BatmanTAS.com''] on the animated series version of Catwoman
* {{dcauw|Catwoman}}
* [http://www.ugo.com/channels/filmtv/features/catwoman/ninelives/ ''Catwoman's Nine Lives''] at UGO.com
* ''[http://www.tnt.tv/title/?oid=342634-3761 Girls With Gauntlets]'' - influence of ''Catwoman'' upon female action heroes of the 1990s
*[http://www.newkadia.com/?Covers=763 Pictures of all Catwoman comics covers]

{{The Batman}}
{{Catwoman}}

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Sal Maroni

2008-07-13T12:20:27Z

71.182.145.40: /* The Dark Knight */

[[Image:Sal MAroni.JPG|thumb|Sal Maroni. Art by Matt Wagner]]
'''Salvatore Vincent "The Boss" Maroni''' is a [[fictional character]], owned by [[DC Comics]], who exists in that company's [[DC Universe]]. He is one of [[Batman]]'s first enemies and among the toughest gangsters in [[Gotham City]]. Maroni is most famous for being the one who scarred Harvey Dent, setting the stage for the young attorney's transformation into [[Two-Face]].

==History==
===Pre-Crisis/Earth Two===
Maroni's first and only [[Crisis on Infinite Earths|Pre-crisis]] appearance was in [[Detective Comics]] #66 (August 1942) as "Boss" Moroni, a mobster on trial for the murder of a man named "Bookie" Benson. [[Two-Face|Harvey Dent]], (who was named Harvey Kent in his first appearance and Pre-''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]'' remained the identity of the first [[Earth-Two]] Two-Face), is the prosecutor at the trial. He calls Batman as his first witness. During Batman's testimony Maroni calls Batman a liar, leading Dent to show his proof: Moroni's lucky two-headed silver dollar found at the scene with Moroni's fingerprints on it. Enraged, Maroni throws a vial of acid at Dent, horribly disfiguring him and transforming him into the insane gangster Two-Face.

Two-Face later shoots and kills him in revenge, after which Two-Face surrenders and voluntarily goes back into police custody.

===Silver Age===

During [[Silver Age of Comic Books|Silver Age]] recountings of Two-Face's origin, Maroni was left intact, but his name was changed to Morelli. In this version, Batman is there at the trial and tries to prevent the mobster from throwing the acid, but Dent is still left disfigured.

Prior to ''COIE'', Maroni returned in ''DC Superstars'' #14 and ''Batman'' #328 to 329. He survives an assassination attempt by a still-bitter Two-Face in the first story, but his legs are left [[paralyzed]]. In the latter [[story arc]], he undergoes [[plastic surgery]] and changes his name to Anton Karoselle to avoid attention. His first act is to murder Harvey's former wife [[Gilda Dent|Gilda Gold Dent]]'s new husband Dave Stevens as part of his grudge against Dent sending him to prison in the first place. By the story's end, he is murdered by Two-Face.

===Post-Crisis===
Maroni also appeared and is featured prominently in [[Jeph Loeb]]'s [[maxi-series]] ''[[Batman: The Long Halloween]]''. [[As of 2006]], he has been included further into Batman's early days in the form of a major role in [[Matt Wagner]]'s ''[[Batman and the Monster Men]]'', where he has been involved in funding of [[Hugo Strange]]'s experiments.

In this version, Salvatore Maroni is the scion of the priveleged Maroni crime family, headed by his father Luigi "Big Lou" Maroni. In ''The Long Halloween'', Maroni is the most powerful mobster next to [[Carmine Falcone]], and both believe that [[serial killer]] [[Holiday (comics)|Holiday]] (so named for assassinating mobsters on holidays) is working for the other (although they also think that Harvey Dent has something to do with the killer). Their business relationship becomes strained as a result. When his father is killed by Holiday, Maroni makes a deal with Dent to reveal all of Falcone's criminal activities, in exchange for leniency.

However, Maroni really plots to scar Dent, believing he is responsible for his father's death. Dent's assistant, [[Vernon Field (comics)|Vernon Field]], provides him prior to court with "stomach medicine" for a supposed [[ulcer]]. During the trial, Maroni throws acid into Dent's face, disfiguring him. Maroni gets into a scuffle with a bailiff, who shoots him twice in the chest. He survives, however.

When he is moved out of his cell, Maroni is finally killed by Holiday, who is revealed to be [[Alberto Falcone]], the rival crime boss' son who acted out against the family to make a name for himself.

==In other media==
===''Batman Forever''===
In a scene in ''[[Batman Forever]]'', Bruce Wayne is watching a news story which features a man in a courtroom witness box throwing acid into the face of District Attorney Harvey Dent, the film's antagonist. The reporter refers to the man as "Boss Maroni". He is portrayed by [[Dennis Paladino]].

===''Batman: The Animated Series''===
Maroni does not appear in ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'', and most of his crimes are instead committed by [[Rupert Thorne]], such as causing Harvey Dent's transformation into [[Two-Face]].

===''Batman: Gotham Knight''===
Maroni is featured in ''[[Batman: Gotham Knight]]'' among two segments (''[[Crossfire (Batman: Gotham Knight)|Crossfire]]'' and ''[[Field Test (Batman: Gotham Knight)|Field Test]]''). Maroni is voiced by [[Rob Paulsen]]. In these two stories, Maroni is at war with The Russian Mob.

===''The Dark Knight''===
[[Eric Roberts]] will portray Maroni in the upcoming ''[[Batman Begins]]'' sequel, ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]''. <ref>[http://www.nypost.com/seven/05142007/entertainment/heroic_save_entertainment_michael_kane.htm?page=0. HEROIC SAVE - New York Post]</ref> In the film, Maroni has taken over as boss of the mafia following Falcone's fall from power during [[Ra's Al Ghul]]'s attack on Gotham, as referenced in [http://www.thegothamtimes.com/page1.htm The Gotham Times]. He is also at war with another gangster named Gambol over control for the criminal underworld. In the trailers for the film, it is implied that Maroni has been forced into some kind of alliance with The [[Joker (comics)|Joker]], due to the latter's ransom of the mob's income in an effort to draw Batman out. Roberts has indicated that Maroni will still be responsible for Dent's scarring in this portrayal.{{refneeded}}

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Maroni, Sal}}
[[Category:DC Comics characters]]
[[Category:Fictional mobsters]]
[[Category:Fictional Italian-Americans]]

[[fr:Salvatore Maroni]]
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[[tl:Sal Maroni]]

Robin Hood (1973 film)

2008-07-12T12:12:26Z

71.182.145.40: No sources anywhere... thee whole thing could be a lie.

{{Unreferenced|date=October 2007}}

{{redirect|Robin Hood (Disney film)|the live-action 1952 film|The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men}}
{{Infobox_Film|
name=Robin Hood |
image=|
director=[[Wolfgang Reitherman]] |
producer=[[Wolfgang Reitherman]] |
writer=[[Larry Clemmons]] [[Ken Anderson (movie writer)|Ken Anderson]] |
starring=[[Brian Bedford]] [[Peter Ustinov]] [[Phil Harris]] [[Terry-Thomas]]|
music=[[Roger Miller]] |
distributor=[[Buena Vista Pictures]] |
released=[[November 8]], [[1973]] |
runtime=83 min. |
language=[[English language|English]] |
budget=$1,500,000 |
imdb_id=0070608}}
'''''Robin Hood''''' is an [[animated film]] produced by the [[The Walt Disney Company#Studio Entertainment|Walt Disney Studios]], first released in the [[United States]] on [[November 8]], [[1973]]. It is the twenty-first [[animated feature]] in the [[Disney animated features canon]]. A sequel may be in the development stages.

==Plot==
The film is based on the famous tales of the English folklore hero Robin Hood with the characters cast as [[anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] [[animal]]s. It is narrated by [[Alan-a-Dale]], who is also depicted as a [[minstrel]] [[Rooster|rooster]], who explains that while there are many different versions to the Robin Hood legends, "we folks of the animal kingdom have our own version". All other characters are depicted as animals as well; Robin Hood as a [[Fox|fox]], [[Little John]] as a [[Bear|bear]], [[Friar Tuck]] as a [[Badger|badger]], [[Prince John (Disney)|Prince John]] as a sniveling & maneless lion, Sir Hiss as a [[Snake|snake]], [[Sheriff of Nottingham]] as a [[Wolf|wolf]], [[King Richard]] as a strong benevolent-ruling lion, [[Maid Marian]] as a [[Vixen|vixen]]

The story begins with a brief introduction explaining King Richard has left to launch the [[Third Crusade]], and as such his kingdom is now under the de-facto control of his younger brother Prince John. John, power-hungry and greedy, uses the opportunity to declare himself King (though none acknowledge his title) and begins a tour of England, accompanied by his cunning and manipulative second-in-command and advisor Sir Hiss (who only gained Prince John's trust by using his hypnotism abilities to send Richard off on the Crusade in the first place), using local officials to extort large amounts of money and other treasures from peasent villagers, leaving the majority of the population impoverished and losing hope.

It is at this time that Robin Hood, along with his best friend and sidekick Little John, takes up the mantle of assisting the oppressed population, by stealing and tricking the Prince's stolen fortunes from him and giving it back to the poor. Soon, Robin has become a legend to England, and many worship him as a hero, while a price is increasingly kept on his head by Prince John, who declares Robin and Little John outlaws.

Prince John and Sir Hiss' latest stop brings them to [[Nottingham]], where the majority of the Princes' fortunes are amassed (and as a result is suffering the most), thanks to the efforts of the Sheriff of Nottingham, who, while claiming to only doing his duties, takes great pleasure in gaining whatever gold he can from the peasents, ignoring their desperate plight. This greatly offends the local Friar Tuck, who despises Sheriff and Prince John's actions across the country, and soon Tuck works alongside Robin.

While walking through a forest, minding their own business, Robin and Little John are ambushed by a team of archers led by Sheriff, though narrowly escape death, capture and injury. Little John is worried Robin is taking too many chances, though Robin insists everything is going well, and assures Little John's fears of whether they are doign the right thing robbing the rich to feed the poor (to which Robin insists is "borrowing a little from those who can afford it"). At Robin's urging, Robin and Little John then intercept Prince John's convoy en route to Nottingham, and, disguised as fortune tellers, effectively steal all the gold they can carry and escape into the forest, humiliating Prince John before his soldiers (and exposing Prince John's emotional and partial-mental instabilities due to his beliefs his beloved mother actually loved Richard best).

Robin then journies into town, using Tuck to smuggle the stolen gold back to the peasents, who are beside themselves with joy. Robin yet again evades capture by disguising himself as a blind beggar, and, after assuring the peasents things will improve one day, departs, though leaves his bow and one of his arrows to a young rabbit boy named Skippy, as a birthday present.

Skippy, two of his sisters and his best friend go outside to try out the bow & arrow, but Skippy, despite his elder sisters' warning, points it too high and fires it over the battlements of a luxury estate on the edge of town, supposedly belonging to Prince John. Skippy resolves to retrieve the arrow, and his companions reluctantly follow, but instead find Maid Marian and her lady-in-waiting and best friend Lady Kluck (a [[Hen|hen]]) in a badmington match. Though they are discovered, Marian and Kluck are discovered to be kind and well-natured, and enjoy an afternoon of playing with the children. Whilst doing so, Marian is revealed to have a history with Robin: in their childhood years, she and Robin were a couple and soon fell in love, though they parted ways when Marian moved out into the country, one of her fondest memories being a previous night where they danced under the stars. In public, Marian is careful not to give anything away, though while talking to Kluck in private, voices her continued feelings for Robin.

Marian's fears that Robin has since forgotten her are discovered to be wrong; as Robin too has fond memories of their night of dancing. Little John notices this, and encourages his friend to tell her how he feels, though Robin, believing he will be unable to properly provide for any relationship they may have, sadly declines. Tuck then arrives, and tells them of an archery tournament being held in Nottingham by Prince John, and while Robin, despite his superb archery skills, initially declines entering the competition due to the fact he and Little John are still wanted fugitives, Tuck reveals that not only a golden arrow is the prize, but Marian herself will grant a kiss to the winner, sending Robin into spirals of happiness. Robin vows to enter and win.

The next day, the competition is beginning and a large celebration is underway. Prince John and Sir Hiss discuss the purpose of the tournament; to lure Robin out of hiding and get him captured, while Marian and Kluck eagerly await Robin's arrival, confident he will come. Robin, carefully disguised as "The Spin-Legged Stork of Devonshire", takes his place among the archers, and Little John scopes out the crowd by getting a place in Prince John's seat, by carefully disguising himself as "Sir Reginald, Duke of Chutney", emabarrasing Sir Hiss and impressing and befriending Prince John (or as he refers to as "P.J."). Just as the competition begins, Robin walks up to Marian and gives her a flower, and subtlely reveals his true identity, much to her delight.

The competition begins, and soon it whittles down to Robin and Sheriff. Sir Hiss, banished to walk the crowd for signs of Robin, is among those who notices "Stork"'s unbelievable accuracy, and sees under Robin's disguise, finding out his identity. Before he can report to Prince John, Sir Hiss is intercepted and jammed into an ale barrel by Tuck and Allan.

After beating Sheriff on the final shootout, despite his attempts to cheat, Robin, escorted by a battalion of guards, comes before Prince John to receive his prize. It is a trap, however, as Prince John, despite his cowardly nature, possesses a keen intelligence that belies his appearance, and also noticed "Stork"'s skills on the field, as well as Marian's reactions to his success. Using his sword, Prince John, with a single thrust, exposes Robin's identity to the crowd, and has his guards overpower and chain him up. Prince John sentences Robin to death, but Marian, shocked and upset, begs Prince John to spare his life, declaring her love for him. Robin responds that he loves Marian more than life itself. Nevertheless, Prince John's mind is set, especially after Robin declares his continued allegiance to King Richard, though orders the executioner to back down at the last moment and release Robin (due to Little John holding him hostage with a dagger to the back). Robin and Marian tearfully embrace, and Sheriff, sensing trouble a foot, finds Little John. Little John beats back Sheriff's own sword attack, though this moment of distraction allows Prince John to escape and call for his guards to attack and kill Robin.

A full pitched battle ensues, with Robin and his respective allies doing battle with Prince John's troops. Admist the chaos, Robin, taking Little John's advice, asks Marian to marry him, to which she happily accepts. While he fights off the soldiers, Robin and Marian plan their honeymoon; to London, Normany and even Sunny Spain, and later have 12 children together (at least). After several near-misses, Robin and the others evade Prince John's remaining troops and escape into the forest.

While in the forest, Robin and Marian enjoy a moonlit stroll through the forest, where Robin gives her an engagement ring (made of a flower and firefly). They return to camp, with Marian revealing she is ok with whatever conditions they live in as long as they are together, and find Little John, Tuck and many of the villagers from Nottingham assembled to celebrate their engagement. In a wild party, the villagers sing a song, complete with instruments, dancing and even a puppet show, of how much they hate and look down on the Prince.

This leads to trouble later on, as the song, a big hit with the villagers, eventually reaches the Sheriff. While the Sheriff, and even Sir Hiss, enjoy singing it due to it sounding good, Prince John himself is irate. In revenge, Prince John orders taxation to be tripled and Nottingham's economy to be run into the ground. It makes the bleak situation in Nottingham worse, as many of its impoverished citizenry, already in steep debt, are declared tax dodgers and whole families and sick and injured are thrown into the jail of Nottingham Castle.

Things come to a head when Tuck, his outrage at Sheriff's wanted stealing from the poor reaching its limit when he takes the sole-remaining farthing coin from the charity collection box, and attack him in an attempt to stop him. Sheriff is initally overpowered, though regains the advantage and arrests Tuck, declaring him a traitor to the crown. Prince John, upon hearing this, plans to use the threat of executing Tuck via. hanging the next morning as a way to draw Robin out of hiding. Robin, yet again disguised as a blind beggar, forsees this and manipulates Sheriff into giving him all the information he needs.

That night, Robin and Little John enter the heavily-defended Nottingham Castle, with Little John silently overpowering Sheriff and his personal guards and freeing the imprisoned villagers of their chains. Robin meanwhile enters Prince John's chambers, and with immense care and skill, Robin succeed in stealing every last bag of gold and bequeaths each to a villager.

Prince John awakens just as Robin tries to escape, and immediately summons his guards to battle him. The guards give chase to the fleeing villagers, but fail as Little John transports all to Sherwood Forest via. cart, but Robin stays behind at the last moment to rescue one of Skippy's younger sister's left behind. After entrusting the child to Little John, Robin flees to other parts of the castle (the gate sealed shut via. port-cullis), with guards and archers in hot pursuit. Trapped in the highest tower, the Sheriff, reckless in his desire to kill him, sets fire to the tower's foundations, and soon the tower is engulfed in flames. Chased by the fire, Robin escapes to the roof of the tower, and, to prevent archers from shooting him, makes a desperate dive into the [[moat]]. When he disappears beneath it's surface following a barrage of arrows, everyone, both friend and foe alike, assumes he has perished. Moments later, Robin emerges alive. Prince John, at the sight of this, finally looses all emotional control and goes stark-raving mad, attacking and chasing Sir Hiss into the castle with a club, even as the flames engulf the rest of Nottingham Castle.

The next day, Allan explains to the viewer that King Richard returned and "straightened everything out", Nottingham and the rest of the country is flourishing again, Robin and Little John are officially pardoned and Prince John, Sir Hiss and Sheriff are imprisoned and sentenced to life in hard labor at a stone quarry (with the ultimate end of using the stone to re-build Nottingham Castle), and Allan then interrupts his narration to go over the commotion by Tuck's church. The "commotion" turns out to be Robin and Marian's wedding, who leave the church arm-in-arm, witnesses by Richard himself, to a golden carriage, driven by Little John who is now officially the "Duke of Chutney", and Skippy tags along, as someone must be responsible for "keeping an eye on things" while Robin and Marian have their children. The carriage departs for the wedded-couples' honeymoon, and the film ends.

==Production notes and cast==

As the film allotted a small budget, the artists reused footage from previous animated features. This is most noticeable during the song-and-dance number, "[[The Phony King of England]]"; the characters' movements strongly resemble those from ''[[The Jungle Book (1967 film)|The Jungle Book]]'', ''[[The Aristocats]]'', and ''[[Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937 film)|Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs]]''. In particular, the section where Little John and Lady Cluck dance together mirrors part of the song "[[I Wanna Be Like You]]" from ''[[The Jungle Book (1967 film)|The Jungle Book]]'' with [[Baloo]] and [[King Louie]] respectively, and Robin Hood and Maid Marian mirror the dancing movements of Thomas O'Malley and Duchess during the song "[[Ev'rybody Wants to Be a Cat|Everybody Wants to Be a Cat]]" from ''[[The Aristocats]]'' and the Maid Marian mirror dancing the movements of Snow White during the song "[[The Silly Song (1937 song)|The Silly Song]]" from ''[[Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937 film)|Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs]]''. The animation of Little John, the bear in ''Robin Hood'', is nearly identical to that of Baloo in ''[[The Jungle Book (1967 film)|The Jungle Book]]''. However, Little John more closely resembles a [[brown bear|brown]] or [[grizzly bear]], and Baloo was based on an [[India]]n [[Sloth Bear]]. Both characters were voiced by actor [[Phil Harris]], and have similar personalities, though Little John seems a far more responsible character than the "jungle bum" Baloo. Maid Marian also dances the same moves that does [[Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937 film)|Snow White]], causing her to wear a [[petticoat]] instead of [[bloomers]]. The robe that Prince John wears, and the [[crown]] worn by the [[puppet]] version of himself, are the same [[robe]] and crown the [[king]] wears in ''[[Bedknobs and Broomsticks]]''. In addition, Robin Hood's costume (green tunic and feathered cap) is similar to that of [[1953]]'s [[Peter Pan (1953 film)|Peter Pan]], sometimes leading to confusion between the two characters. At the end of the movie, a sound clip of the church bells ringing in ''[[Cinderella (1950 film)|Cinderella]]'' was used for the wedding church bells. During the beginning of the film, Sir Hiss mesmerizes Prince John with his eyes. This was the same type of ability [[Kaa]] the [[Indian Python]] had in Disney's 1967 film, ''[[The Jungle Book (1967 film)|The Jungle Book]]''. This short scene may be another re-use of older animation; Hiss looks similar to Kaa.

At one point, one of the [[elephant]]s who act as heralds for Prince John attempts to trumpet a warning. Lady Kluck grabs the trunk, preventing the trumpeting and leaving the elephant flapping his ears ineffectually. The same joke was used in [[The Jungle Book (1967 film)|The Jungle Book]], with identical sound. The [[vulture]]s in the movie are identical to the ones in ''[[The Jungle Book (1967 film)|The Jungle Book]]''. The movie also reuses the same animated shots several times, including those of the rhinos walking and running and those of Sis and Tagalong Rabbit (Skippy's siblings) and Toby Turtle (his friend, a [[turtle]]) laughing. Several animated clips of the Sheriff of Nottingham are also recycled at different points in the film.

Initially, the studio considered a movie about [[Reynard the Fox]]. However, due to [[Walt Disney|Walt Disney's]] concern that Reynard was an unsuitable choice for a hero, Ken Anderson used many elements from it in '''Robin Hood'''.

[[Peter Ustinov]] grew famous playing over-the-top villains. His campy, spoiled, and thoroughly weak-willed portrayal of Prince John is an effective caricature of his own performance as the [[Roman emperor]] [[Nero]] in the epic film [[Quo Vadis (1951 film)|Quo Vadis (1951)]]. John endlessly sulks over his mother's preference for his brother, a grudge marked by thumb-sucking and the reversion to an infantile state. At one point the behavior culminates in the complaint "Mother always ''did'' like Richard best". This is a sly reference to a classic comedy routine by the [[Smothers Brothers]], in which [[Tom Smothers]] would bewail the maternal favoritism shown to [[Dick Smothers]]. In the historical play and film "[[The Lion in Winter]]," Richard is indeed shown as being the favorite of their mother, [[Eleanor of Aquitaine]], while John is the favored son of their father, [[Henry II of England|King Henry II]]. The music piece during which the rabbit children run outside to play with the bow and arrow Robin Hood gave them is identical to the scene in ''Bambi'' in which Faline chases Bambi up the hill to their mothers after seeing each other for the first time.

[[Peter Ustinov]] lent his voice to both the original English-speaking Prince John and the Prince John in the German dubbed version of the movie. [[Phil Harris]]'s voice as [[Little John]] is virtually identical to the voice he used for the character [[Baloo]] in Disney's ''[[The Jungle Book (1967 film)|The Jungle Book]]''. Both characters were bears and looked generally similar except for their heads and coloring.

Phil Harris and Andy Devine had both appeared on ''[[The Jack Benny Program]]''.

The alternate ending (included in the "Most Wanted Edition" DVD) is a short retelling of the story's conclusion, primarily utilizing still images from Ken Anderson's original storyboard drawings of the sequence. As Robin Hood leaps off of the castle and into the [[moat]], he is wounded (presumably from one of the arrows shot into the water after him) and carried away to the church for safety. Prince John, enraged that he has once again been outwitted by Robin Hood, finds Little John leaving the church, and suspects the outlaw to be there as well. He finds Maid Marian tending to an unconscious Robin Hood, and draws a sword to kill them both. Before Prince John can strike, however, he is stopped by the appearance of his brother, King Richard, who is appalled to find his kingdom bleak and oppressed in his absence. Abiding his mother's wishes, King Richard decides he cannot banish Prince John from the kingdom, but does not pardon him from severe punishment. King Richard returns Nottingham to its former glory (before leaving for the [[Third Crusade]]), and orders Friar Tuck to marry Robin Hood and Maid Marian.

A short finished scene from the planned original ending, featuring King Richard and revealing himself to vulture henchmen Nutsy and Trigger, appeared in the Ken Anderson episode of the 1980s Disney Channel documentary series "Disney Family Album." This scene, at least in animated form, does not appear on the "Most Wanted Edition" DVD.

==Box office and reaction==

At the time leading up to its release, ''Robin Hood'' had a bit of a burden to carry — many observers were treating it as a benchmark to determine whether or not the studio could carry on without the late Walt Disney, since this was the studio's first animated feature produced without his involvement. Since Disney had attached his name to all his previous films, it gave the impression among many that the studio was nothing without him. Had the film failed, this impression might have been cemented, and might have done serious damage to the studio's reputation. However, ''Robin Hood'' was very successful upon its initial release, garnering around $9.5 million, the biggest box office total of all the Disney films at the time. Its 1982 re-release brought in even more income.

Critical response was (and remains) somewhat mixed, with some complaining that the film lacked the grandeur, scope or passion of Disney's earlier efforts. Others commended it for its lively characters, witty dialogue, catchy songs, and overall fun atmosphere. At Rotten Tomatoes, it garners a 54% "rotten" rating among critics, but a 90% "fresh" rating among users.

==Characters==
*[[Robin Hood]], a [[Fox]], voice: [[Brian Bedford]]
*[[Maid Marian]], a [[Fox|Vixen]], voice: [[Monica Evans]], Nancy Adams (singing)
*[[Little John]], a [[Bear]], voice: [[Phil Harris]]
*[[Prince John (Disney)|Prince John]], a [[Lion]], voice: [[Peter Ustinov]]
*[[Sheriff]], a [[Wolf]], voice: [[Pat Buttram]]
*[[Sir Hiss]], a [[Snake]], voice: [[Terry-Thomas]]
*[[Friar Tuck]], a [[Badger]], voice: [[Andy Devine]]
*[[Lady Kluck]], a [[Chicken]], voice: [[Carole Shelley]]
*[[Alan-a-Dale]], a [[Rooster]], voice: [[Roger Miller]]
*[[Trigger & Nutsey]], [[vulture]]s, voices: [[George Lindsey]] and [[Ken Curtis]], respectively
*Father Mouse and Mother Mouse, [[mice]], voices: [[John Fiedler]] and [[Barbara Luddy]]
* The Rabbit Family: [[Mother Rabbit]], Sis, Tagalong and Skippy, [[rabbits]], voice: [[Barbara Luddy]],Dana Laurita,Dora Whitaker and Billy Whitaker ([[Johnny Whitaker]]'s siblings)
* Otto, a [[Dog]], voice: [[J. Pat O'Malley]]
* Captain of the Guard, a [[Crocodile]], voice: [[Candy Candido]]
* Toby, a [[Turtle]], voice: Richie Sanders

=== Voices ===

A few of the [[Voice acting|voice-actors]] utilized in this production are [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|British]]. However, the creators of the film made the decision to cast quite a number of [[United States|American]] [[character actor]]s in the traditional medieval roles. Many of these individuals were veteran performers from [[Westerns|Western]]-themed movies and television programs, which meant that characters like Friar Tuck and the Sheriff of Nottingham have accents and mannerisms more associated with the rural [[Southeast United States|southeastern United States]] than with [[England]]. This effect was further reinforced by the choice of [[Country music|country singer]] [[Roger Miller]] as the movie's songwriter and narrator.

==Release info==

The movie was originally released in [[1973 in film|1973]], followed by a re-release in [[1982]]. The film was released to videocassette in [[1984]], [[1991]] (the first two being in the [[Walt Disney Classics]] video line), [[1994]] and [[1999]] (these two were in the [[Walt Disney Masterpiece Collection]] video line), staying in general release since 1991. In 2000, it was released on [[DVD]] in the Gold Classic Collection. On [[November 28]], [[2006]], the movie was remastered as the "Most Wanted Edition" featuring a deleted scene/alternate ending, as well as a 16:9 matted transfer.

As one of the earliest Disney animated features to be released on [[home video]], it is also one of the few to have been released on every home video format except the new [[Blu-ray Disc]], [[HD DVD]], and [[Universal Media Disc|UMD]] formats (Disney does not support [[HD DVD]], but does support [[Blu-ray Disc]]). It is available on [[laserdisc]], [[VHS]], [[Betamax|Beta]], [[Selectavision|CED]], and [[DVD]]. Portions of the film have also been sold on [[Super 8 mm film|Super 8]] reels, and the full feature film was available for rental on [[16 mm film]]. It has also been shown many times on [[The Disney Channel]] during the 80's and 90's.

===International release dates===

*'''[[Argentina]]''': [[December 6]], [[1973]]
*'''[[Brazil]]''': [[April 14]], [[1974]]
*'''[[Italy]]''': [[October 10]], [[1974]]
*'''[[Sweden]]''': [[November 30]], [[1974]]
*'''[[Spain]]''': [[December 5]], [[1974]]
*'''[[France]]''': [[December 13]], [[1974]]
*'''[[West Germany]]''': [[December 13]], [[1974]]
*'''[[Finland]]''': [[December 20]], [[1974]]
*'''[[Denmark]]''': [[December 26]], [[1974]]
*'''[[Norway]]''': [[December 26]], [[1974]]
*'''[[Hong Kong]]''': [[January 23]], [[1975]]
*'''[[Japan]]''': [[July 5]], [[1975]]

==Facts about the movie==
{{Trivia|date=July 2007}}
* Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Little John, Friar Tuck, Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham appear at the [[Walt Disney Parks and Resorts]] as [[meetable character]]s.

* Many Robin Hood characters make cameo appearances in various episodes of the ''[[Disney's House of Mouse]]'' television series.

* Little John and the Sheriff of Nottingham make cameo appearances in the direct-to-video release ''[[Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse]]''.

* The church bell on Friar Tuck's church is an actual bell, filmed and added in post-production.

* Friar Tuck was originally envisioned as a pig, but was changed to a badger to avoid offending religious sensitivities.{{Fact|date=October 2007}}

* In the jailbreak scene, "God forgive Prince John" is written on the wall when Little John and Friar Tuck enter.

* In some scenes Prince John is wearing rings on his fingers, and moments later they will disappear, only to reappear moments later.

* A sped-up version of "Whistle Stop", the song whistled by Alan-a-Dale near the beginning of the movie, is used as the background music for the [[Hampster Dance]] webpage.

==Soundtrack==
#"[[Whistle-Stop (1973 song)|Whistle-Stop]]" Written and Sung by Roger Miller
#"[[Oo-De-Lally]]" Written and Sung by Roger Miller as [[Alan-a-Dale]] the rooster.
#"[[Love (1973 song)|Love]]" Written by Floyd Huddleston and [[George Bruns]] Sung by Nancy Adams.
#"[[The Phony King of England]]" Written by Johnny Mercer Sung by Phil Harris, featuring dancing movements from ''[[The Jungle Book (1967 film)|The Jungle Book]]'', ''[[The Aristocats]]'', and ''[[Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937 film)|Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs]]''.
#"[[Not In Nottingham]]" Written and Sung by Roger Miller
#"[[Oo-De-Lally|Oo-De-Lally (reprise)]] Written and Sung by Roger Miller

On [[Classic Disney: 60 Years of Musical Magic]], this includes ''[[Oo-De-Lally]]'' on the [[Classic Disney: 60 Years of Musical Magic#Disc three|green disc]] and ''[[Love (1973 song)|Love]]'' on the [[Classic Disney: 60 Years of Musical Magic#Disc four|purple disc]].

The music played in the background while Lady Kluck fights off Prince John's goons in an [[American football]] style manner is better known as [[Fight On]], the fight song of the University of Southern California and [[On, Wisconsin]], the fight song of the [[University of Wisconsin-Madison]].

Although a full soundtrack to ''Robin Hood'' has never been released on Compact Disc in the US, a record of the film was made at the time of the film's release, including the film's songs, score, narration, and dialogue.

===Awards===
This film received an Academy Award nomination in 1973[http://awardsdatabase.oscars.org/ampas_awards/DisplayMain.jsp?curTime=1215147808736]:´

* [[Best Song]] for "''Love''". (Lost against "''The Way We Were''" from [[The Way We Were]]).

== External links ==
*{{imdb title|id=0070608|title=Robin Hood}}
* {{bcdb title|id=39|title=Robin Hood}}
*[http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/animatedfilms/robinhood/ Robin Hood DVD] at Official Disney Website
*[http://www.cataroo.com/DBrhood.html Detailed Info on Robin Hood including Don Bluth's involvement]
*[http://www.ultimatedisney.com/robinhood-mostwanted.html Robin Hood: Most Wanted Edition DVD Review]

{{Disney theatrical animated features}}

[[Category:1973 films]]
[[Category:Disney animated features canon]]
[[Category:Disney Movie Rewards eligible film]]
[[Category:Films about animals]]
[[Category:Films featuring anthropomorphic characters]]
[[Category:Robin Hood films]]
[[Category:Fictional foxes]]
[[Category:English-language films]]

{{Robin Hood}}

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[[el:Ρομπέν των Δασών (ταινία κινουμένων σχεδίων 1973)]]
[[es:Robin Hood (película de 1973)]]
[[fr:Robin des Bois (film, 1973)]]
[[it:Robin Hood (film 1973)]]
[[he:רובין הוד (1973)]]
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Talk:The Dark Knight

2008-07-10T21:16:45Z

71.182.145.40: /* VG */ new section

{{WikiProjectBanners
|1= {{Film |class=Future}}
|2= {{Comicsproj |DC-work-group=yes |class=start |importance=low}}
|3= {{ChicagoWikiProject |class= |importance= |nested=yes}}
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{{talkheader}}

{{archivebox|
# [[Talk:The Dark Knight (film)/Archive 1|June 2006 – Oct. 2006]]
# [[Talk:The Dark Knight (film)/Archive 2|Nov. 2006 – Feb. 2007]]
# [[Talk:The Dark Knight (film)/Archive 3|Feb. 2007 – June 2007]]
# [[Talk:The Dark Knight (film)/Archive 4|July 2007 – Oct. 2007]]
# [[Talk:The Dark Knight (film)/Archive 5|Nov. 2007 – Jan. 2008]]
# [[Talk:The Dark Knight (film)/Archive 6|Feb. 2008 –]]
}}
==Heads-up on including new information==
As with any other article on Wikipedia, ''The Dark Knight'' should have a high standard of [[WP:V|verifiability]]. When you include new information about the film, the information needs to be [[WP:V|verifiable]] by other editors. To do this, include where you got the information from by [[WP:CITE|citing accordingly]]. (My recommendation is to use the [[Template:Cite news|Cite news]] or the [[Template:Cite web|Cite web]] template for citing your source.) Also, the citation must be a [[WP:RS|reliable source]]. Ideally, the best information comes from those who are from the studio and not anonymous -- the director, the producers, the screenwriters, the cast, and so forth. Sources of information that '''do not count''' as reliable sources include blogs, scooper reports, forums, etc. If you are unsure about whether or not to include certain information, just ask about it on the talk page, and we will help you determine if it's worthy of inclusion. —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 19:32, 21 June 2007 (UTC)

==new poster==
TAKE IT DOWN. ITS DISTURBING AND THE FIRST ONE WAS BETTER! —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/216.246.148.8|216.246.148.8]] ([[User talk:216.246.148.8|talk]]) 13:04, 2 July 2008 (UTC) 

THANKYOU! —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/216.246.148.8|216.246.148.8]] ([[User talk:216.246.148.8|talk]]) 18:01, 2 July 2008 (UTC) 

Since its the latest poster of the movie, so I think it should be displayed. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/203.135.47.220|203.135.47.220]] ([[User talk:203.135.47.220|talk]]) 12:11, 3 July 2008 (UTC) 

These are the reasons why it should be taken down? because YOU say it's "disturbing".. and because YOU think the first one was better.
Your personal opinion should have no weight in this matter, the new poster is official and it is a part of the movie so it should be displayed. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/71.146.155.98|71.146.155.98]] ([[User talk:71.146.155.98|talk]]) 23:02, 7 July 2008 (UTC) 

== Bale quotes ==

Some nice quotes [http://www.darkhorizons.com/interviews/dk1.php here] about how Bale and ledger worked together on this and various other things - might be worth integrating. --[[User:Allemandtando|Allemandtando]] ([[User talk:Allemandtando|talk]]) 20:56, 2 July 2008 (UTC)

== Should the Game be mentioned? ==

Should the development of the game based on this film be mentioned or not? It says so right here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman_computer_and_video_games#Future_video_game_appearances {{unsigned|203.135.47.220}}
:I removed this rumour. If there were a game, well, we'd know it'd existed. Maybe people are just tired of making VG cash-ins on films. Likewise, there's no KOTCS game. [[User:Alientraveller|Alientraveller]] ([[User talk:Alientraveller|talk]]) 10:02, 3 July 2008 (UTC)

It's a secret project but it's happening....[[Special:Contributions/64.7.28.70|64.7.28.70]] ([[User talk:64.7.28.70|talk]]) 18:59, 3 July 2008 (UTC)

== Future Film "No Robin" ==

I found a article where Bale Quotes "If Robin crops up in one of the new Batman films, I'll be chaining myself up somewhere and refusing to go to work." I wan to put this in the article but idk where seeing there is no section about "Future Developments"
* [http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/07/02/christian-bale-rules-out-robin-for-batman-3-and-beyond/ Early Dark Knight Reviews: Batman Christian Bale Says 'No Robin']
--[[Special:Contributions/Mithos90|҉]] [[User:Mithos90|რɫՒ◌§ 9¤]] [[User talk:Mithos90|ॐ]] 17:49, 3 July 2008 (UTC)

:That may be more useful for [[Batman (film series)#Future]]. —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 17:52, 3 July 2008 (UTC)
::Yeah, it's all there. [[User:Alientraveller|Alientraveller]] ([[User talk:Alientraveller|talk]]) 18:14, 3 July 2008 (UTC)

==Helpful?==
Found [http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20210206,00.html?iid=top25-20080703-Exclusive%21+Inside+%27The+Dark+Knight%27 this], which I am sure has been seen by one or the other before. As it was commentary during the filming, I thought it might be appropriate to the article. - [[User:Arcayne|'''Arcayne''']] [[User talk:Arcayne|('''cast a spell''')]] 19:42, 3 July 2008 (UTC)

Its just a review. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/203.135.47.220|203.135.47.220]] ([[User talk:203.135.47.220|talk]]) 20:09, 3 July 2008 (UTC) 

:No, it's four pages of production information and the like, which will certainly be useful to this article's caretakers should anything good be found that's not be already included here. [[User:Steve|'''Steve''']] [[User talk:Steve|T]] • [[Special:Contributions/Steve|C]] 20:19, 3 July 2008 (UTC)
::Read it, it's nothing new. [[User:Alientraveller|Alientraveller]] ([[User talk:Alientraveller|talk]]) 20:21, 3 July 2008 (UTC)

:::Er, that was all pretty dismissive. I wouldn't have added it here if it contained naught but duplicated info found in this article. It isn't. To begin with, it's ''not'' just a review (as the story was written during filming - not much really to review, right?) I offered it bc there's some pretty nifty stuff about Ledger's performance and how the other actors on set described it. Also, a lot about Nolan's interaction with the cast. Precious little of that in this article. Considering that most of the reviews this far are talking posthumous Oscar for Ledger for this, it sorta seems worth mentioning. And no, not in Ledger's article (or at least, not ''just'' there). - [[User:Arcayne|'''Arcayne''']] [[User talk:Arcayne|('''cast a spell''')]] 10:15, 4 July 2008 (UTC)
::::Sorry about that, but Travers' review does have hope for a posthumous nomination. Of course, if you feel there's something new you can implement it. That's what this free encyclopedia is about. [[User:Alientraveller|Alientraveller]] ([[User talk:Alientraveller|talk]]) 11:29, 4 July 2008 (UTC)

==Pic of Harvey Dent's District Attorney Poster==

I uploaded a pic of Harvey Dent's District Attorney Poster but was removed. It should be displayed and not taken down again.. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/203.135.47.220|203.135.47.220]] ([[User talk:203.135.47.220|talk]]) 20:00, 3 July 2008 (UTC) 

:We need to conform to [[WP:NFCC]] when we include non-free images. For example, the non-free images used in the article have their significances established through coverage from secondary sources. The poster does not have this kind of coverage, and even if it did, I don't think it would be very representative of the film. If anything, it's more appropriate for marketing, but we already have an image there. —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 20:11, 3 July 2008 (UTC)

::But that pic is in the Two-Face article, so it should be displayed. {{unsigned2|16:30, July 3, 2008|203.135.47.220}}

:::I'm not sure if the picture has a place there, either. When the film comes out, a image of scarred Harvey Deny can go there. It really does not have a place here, though. —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 21:19, 3 July 2008 (UTC)

==Awards and Nominations==

The trailer won the Best Trailer of the Year Award and it should be mentioned. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/203.135.47.220|203.135.47.220]] ([[User talk:203.135.47.220|talk]]) 04:02, 6 July 2008 (UTC) 

==Joker and Dent not according to the comics==

This should be mentioned that Joer and Harvey Dent are not the ones according to the comics. In the comics, Joker fell in a tank of chemicals and thats how his new appearance was formed and also became insane. But in the film, he is just a criminal mastermind with a clown's make up. That goes same for Harvey Dent. From the third trailer, it seems that Acid was no thrown on him, but it happened with gasoline. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/203.135.47.220|203.135.47.220]] ([[User talk:203.135.47.220|talk]]) 04:26, 6 July 2008 (UTC) 
:Name a film exactly like the comics. [[User:Alientraveller|Alientraveller]] ([[User talk:Alientraveller|talk]]) 16:52, 6 July 2008 (UTC)
It shouldn't be on here, it is what it is, the first movie wasn't exactly like any comic book either, so let it be. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/71.146.155.98|71.146.155.98]] ([[User talk:71.146.155.98|talk]]) 23:04, 7 July 2008 (UTC) 

== Up-to-date poster ==

I am almost positive that this is the most reccent poster: http://www.themovieblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/joker-dark-knight-3.jpg

Should we change it? --[[User:Harvey "Two-Face" Dent|Harvey "Two-Face" Dent]] ([[User talk:Harvey "Two-Face" Dent|talk]]) 20:57, 6 July 2008 (UTC)

:I don't think it's the most recent. In any case, I think we are staying with the international poster because there are a ''lot'' of posters that have come out. The international poster seems like the best choice since it won't have any kind of systemic bias toward the United States and best reflect the film's global reach. —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 21:01, 6 July 2008 (UTC)

==Restoration of well-sourced pertinent material previously discussed==
Someone came along and removed a chunk of well-sourced pertinent material previously discussed without any prior discussion on this talk page before doing so, or any sign of consensus. I have restored it to the article. Some sources are referred back to and I haven't time to check each one of the sources [that was removed wholesale in that manner to see if they are being referred to subsequently]. Adequate discussion of such controversial editing of this article needed prior to removing well-sourced material from the article; see Wikipedia's editing policies and guidelines for guidance. Thanks. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 00:23, 7 July 2008 (UTC)
:Keep the material. Just because there's more about the Joker and Heath Ledger doesn't mean it has to be trimmed down. There's clearly been more coverage about the actor and his role than any other cast member. —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 00:25, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

:Are you referring to all the quotes about Ledger's performance? Those are unnecessary. It's not important to note what Mark Hamill said about the small snippet he saw of Ledger's performance. Any commentary on Ledger's performance would best be reserved for a "Reception" section, and even then, it would be more relevant to include the opinions of reviewers, instead of Guillermo Del Toro. [[User:WesleyDodds|WesleyDodds]] ([[User talk:WesleyDodds|talk]]) 06:57, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

The material in the article that the (apparently-above) editor keeps removing has already been discussed (also see archived talk pages) and it has been considered well-sourced pertinent material, significant and notable enough to include. Please sign with 4 tildes so that user name shows up. Thank you. (See notices at top.) --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 05:50, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

There ''was'' consensus (over several months) that the material that [[User:WesleyDodds]] removed more than once today has "encyclopedic value"; see [[WP:3RR]] re: such reverting and [[Wikipedia:Edit warring]]. Thank you. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 06:02, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

I think that the quotations that were removed need to be included and integrated in the article sections; since they pertain particularly to either Heath Ledger's playing the role of the Joker or his actual performance prior to the film's release based on the trailer, they do not fit into the "Critical reception" section (as currently developed); the [[Jack Nicholson]] comment needs restoration; it is pertinent and has been removed and restored by editors over an extended period of time (please consult the editing history of the article as well as the talk page/archived talk pages). If two editors object to deleting the material that one editor has been removing, that does not indicate that the editor doing the removing has any "consensus" to make those deletions. The view of what is or is not "encyclopedic" is a judgment of editors, not an "objective" matter. The material seemed notable, important, and interesting and I see no rationale for deleting it, nor did another editor who comments in response above. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 06:17, 7 July 2008 (UTC)
:I had a long reply that got deleted because my page accidentally refreshed. In short: just because a topic has already been discussed doesn't mean discussion can't be reopened; these are quotes by neither critics, researchers, or even the crew, just observers who've only seen minimal footage of Ledger in the role at best; and compare the same situation to examples of installments in a film franchise you are not familiar with. If there's a new adaptation of ''Dracula'', it's pointless to include quotes from actors who previously played Dr. Van Helsing about the new guy portraying the role. Also, I simply forgot to sign my name, which I can assure you is not a common practice on my part. [[User:WesleyDodds|WesleyDodds]] ([[User talk:WesleyDodds|talk]]) 06:57, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

== New disambiguation page ==

I typed in "The Dark Night" on the search panel, and I had to go through two redirects (or whatever they're called) to get here: [[Dark Night of the Soul]] and [[Dark Night (film)]]. Should we make a new disambig. page to list these? I think so - '''[[User:Cornucopia 2008|'''Corn.u.co.pia''']] ♥ [[User talk:Cornucopia 2008|Disc.us.sion]]''' 02:42, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

:No, but I could see us adding "For the ''Batman Begins'' sequel, see ''The Dark Knight''". [[User:Bignole|'''  BIGNOLE ''']] [[User talk:Bignole|(Contact me)]] 02:53, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

::Sorry, guess I'm just about the dumbest user there is. I'll come back when I learn how to spell Knight, lol. '''[[User:Cornucopia 2008|'''Corn.u.co.pia''']] ĐЌ [[User talk:Cornucopia 2008|Disc.us.sion]]''' 03:02, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

:::That doesn't make you dumb. It was actually good that you stumbled across that, because it lets us know what someone may come along and mispell the title. [[User:Bignole|'''  BIGNOLE ''']] [[User talk:Bignole|(Contact me)]] 03:11, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

::::Wow. That means that deep down I'm a [[Delusion|genius]]! '''[[User:Cornucopia 2008|'''Corn.u.co.pia''']] [[The Dark Knight (film)|ĐЌ]] [[User talk:Cornucopia 2008|Disc.us.sion]]''' 03:14, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

==Editor who adds new material must follow prevailing citation format==
Moving here from article; not in proper citation format; not responsibility of other editors to reformat; responsibility of editors adding the material to follow prevailing citation format:
*<< . . . and it currently holds a 100% on [[Rottentomatoes.com]].<ref>http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_dark_knight/</ref>
>>
[added another problematic insertion not in proper citation format. Please read the article and the related editing policies and guidelines. Thank you. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 04:22, 7 July 2008 (UTC)]
*<<
B. Alan Orange of MovieWeb gives 5/5 stars calling The Dark Knight "an outstanding achievement in pulp cinema".<ref>http://www.movieweb.com/movies/film/81/4381/review5717.php</ref> Kirk Honeycutt of The Hollywood Reporter describes The Dark Knight as "pure adrenaline" that is "one nervy blend of top entertainment and thoughtful character study."<ref>http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/television/reviews/article_display.jsp?JSESSIONID=Ly41Lx5Tp0DykP6vN6VCLPWhNhGvsMSmrlbGH24Tnn5YNPrbbFRW!-209288430&&rid=11376</ref>
>>
*<<Justin Chang of Variety describes The Dark Knight as "an ambitious, full-bodied crime epic of gratifying scope and moral complexity."
<ref>http://www.variety.com/VE1117937619.html</ref>
>>
[Added another insertion that needs proper formatting if included. See below as well. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 05:44, 7 July 2008 (UTC)]

===Notes===
{{Reflist|2}}
--[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 04:04, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

Moreover, users [whether anonymous IP users or other editors] should not just drop by to toss in external links to review after review of the film published on the Web; only notable and representative reviews are needed and they need to be well integrated in the text of the article. Otherwise this section will unnecessarily become a "Quote farm". If one wants to add more quotations from reviews, try adding them in the [[Wikiquote]] page that is already cross-referenced at the end of the article. It makes greater sense also to wait to develop the section on "Critical reception" further ''after'' the film's release when there are more reliable and more notable sources to cite than self-published Web site reviews. Blogs and self-published Web sites are not generally in keeping with [[WP:V#Sources]] and [[WP:BLP#Sources]]. Please see the tagged notices in the top of this page. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 04:16, 7 July 2008 (UTC)
:That [[Wikiquote]] page (both as "The Dark Knight" and as "The Dark Knight (film)") was deleted for a variety of reasons (see the logs by clicking on the link given). As soon as the film is actually released, it can be developed with the kinds of quotations that people have been adding to the "Critical reception" section, to avoid massive redundancies in this article. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 04:33, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

[[Rotten Tomatoes]] is already listed in the EL section; the external link to it is in the proper section; it does not need additional citation; Wikipedia recommends avoiding usages like "currently" because of the relativity; "a 100%" what? the insertion as quoted above (moved to talk page above) is not clear and not particularly significant, especially since the film is not yet released. Please see the template notice on the top of the article re: future films. Thanks. The article could remain relatively stable until after its actual release. After more published reviews from representative reliable and notable sources become accessible, one will have much more material to select from than one does now. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 04:40, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

:In the time it took you to write all this crap, you could have fixed it all yourself! We don't need an essay on what is wrong with the page. If you don't like it, fix it! '''[[User:Cornucopia 2008|'''Corn.u.co.pia''']] [[The Dark Knight (film)|ĐЌ]] [[User talk:Cornucopia 2008|Disc.us.sion]]''' 04:43, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

Sorry; I'm not taking any more of my time to fix other people's work that they need to do themselves; I've spent many hours fixing citations over months. Re: "a 100 %" (rating); it's based on merely ''5'' reviews, which is not notable enough to cite as a rating. It's too early to cite such a "statistic." [[WP:AGF]] and don't refer to other editors' hard work and comments as "crap"; Wikipedia's editing policies and guidelines are not "crap"; editors are supposed to learn what they are and to follow them. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 04:47, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

:lol, I was just joking, looks like someone needs a wiki-break. But seriously, this mass of writing is not needed, you could have written what you wrote in a shorter and nicer manner; it's not like we don't trust you... '''[[User:Cornucopia 2008|'''Corn.u.co.pia''']] [[The Dark Knight (film)|ĐЌ]] [[User talk:Cornucopia 2008|Disc.us.sion]]''' 04:55, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

::I detected no "joking" in your post calling my comments "crap"; you are missing the point: Wikipedia's editing policies and guidelines exist for a purpose, to improve articles. The material I removed does not improve the article. If you want to add it, you need to do so with proper citation format. That is the job of the editor adding the material (as per Wikipedia policy), not my job. It's not a question of "trust"; it's a question of your taking the time as an editor to do the necessary work and not to make unnecessary work for other people. The reason I've commented about this problem on this talk page is to avoid its continual recurrence. There is nothing un-"nice" about my comments; yours was objectionable ("crap"). It is not in keeping with [[Wikipedia:Etiquette]] to post what you did. My commenting on editing procedures for citations is not "personal"; it is a comment about editing practices and how to improve (not diminish) the quality of this article. Please focus on the point (citation formats). Thanks. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 05:05, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

::(ECx2)Well, I for one think NYScholar's edits are generally good, and I also read your comment as deliberately hostile. Explaining his edits, given how many he did this weekend, is a good thing, as it provides a place for any needed discussions for consensus building. Further, per the 100%, given that that's based on test audiences, ?(official premiere's next week), it's ridiculous to assume that one, such reviews are well founded on the release version, two, that they are truly neutral voices. [[User:ThuranX|ThuranX]] ([[User talk:ThuranX|talk]]) 05:09, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

:::This is going way too far. I never said that I don't agree with anything that the "Scholar" said, I just said that the mass of writing was unneeded. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings, and no I was not "deliberately hostile", just a little big-mouthish :-( '''[[User:Cornucopia 2008|'''Corn.u.co.pia''']] [[The Dark Knight (film)|ĐЌ]] [[User talk:Cornucopia 2008|Disc.us.sion]]''' 05:12, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

Returning to the point somewhat, I feel the statement "Early reviews for The Dark Knight prior to its theatrical release have been unanimous in praise" does require inline citation; based upon experience with other film articles, it's almost certain to be challenged, even in the short time leading up to the film's release. I have therefore added a link to the ''Rotten Tomatoes'' page (though I have not included any statistics). If you believe this means the link should be removed from the EL section, then I'm fine with that. All the best, [[User:Steve|'''Steve''']] [[User talk:Steve|T]] • [[Special:Contributions/Steve|C]] 08:14, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

:I can understand holding off on implementing RT in the article, but why can't it exist as an external link for now? It makes no claims and provides content off-wiki for the readers. —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 19:11, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

:It's now listed as a ''source'' in the article; it is not needed as a separate link too; it could be listed, but it need not be. For guidance, see [[WP:EL]]. I or someone else may re-add it later, but let's seek some consensus on doing so first; is it really so desirable? (Anyone who Googles the film title is going to find many sources of comparable usefulness; the EL section doesn't list everything; it is intended as a short list of the most reliable and informative links. [I think, and can avoid redundancies.] I've also done some vb. t. and other minor revisions to that section for better readability (and proper conventional use of verb tenses in paraphrasing and quoting texts). Also, we must remember to maintain adherence to [[Wikipedia:Neutral point of view]]: If/when there are some negative reviews of the film, those will need to be represented (selectively) as well. This section is not a catchall for every review published on the film; it needs to be "representative" of the critical commentary on the film (after it is released). --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 19:58, 7 July 2008 (UTC) [amended; --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 20:05, 7 July 2008 (UTC)]

::Considering that the implementation of RT in the article is not comprehensive and will be even less comprehensive in due time, I think we should restore the RT link. [[WP:EL]] indicates, ''"Sites with other meaningful, relevant content that is not suitable for inclusion in an article, such as reviews and interviews."'' Normally, RT links aren't added this early, but I think that there is enough content there as a result of hype for the film to warrant inclusion in this article. If anything, RT is more appropriate to include than Box Office Mojo since BOM will not have any actual content for nearly two weeks. —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 20:16, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

:But it already is deemed "suitable for inclusion in the article", which is already citing its "reviews ... [omitting: "and interviews"]"; it is already cited as a source of that very information and integrated in the section on "Critical reviews"; to list it again would be redundant. I have no objection to removing BOM. It could be cited if it has anything not yet cited in a source citation later in the text. Right now, if it is not useful, why list it in EL at all? --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 20:23, 7 July 2008 (UTC)
::For consistency, I've also removed the BOM EL, which is redundant and not useful at this time, and added an editorial interpolation; this EL section needs to look professional and not to include hyperlinks to forums and unreliable other sites or [[fansites]]; those are already in the official sites and too many of those kinds of links appear to violate [[WP:ADVERT]]. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 20:29, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

:::Relax! :) It's not the end of the world if someone adds junk... we've kept a lot of it out of the article so far, and we appreciate your further clean-up. I'm not sure if the note is necessary... speaking from personal experience, solicitors are not deterred by it. —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 20:33, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

== Promotion ==

I'm a little concerned that the article is sounding too promotional. Ironically, it's not the "Promotion" (née "Marketing") section I have a problem with, it's the "[[The Dark Knight (film)#Official movie premiere|Official movie premiere]]" and "[[The Dark Knight (film)#Related special events|Related special events]]" sections. Do we really need to know that Zimmer and Howard will be "performing together for the very first time"? Do we really need the "Related special events" section at all? I'm as guilty as anyone when it comes to stuffing articles full of whatever I can find, but it's always with the intention of a subsequent cull down to the good stuff. Will this be pertinent information in a year's time? Is a completely separate section with details of "The Dark Night Gala, a sold-out 'Special Event' tribute to director Christopher Nolan" relevant even now? I think we need to lose the PR guff and place the good information from these sections in their proper place. [[User:Steve|'''Steve''']] [[User talk:Steve|T]] • [[Special:Contributions/Steve|C]] 23:31, 7 July 2008 (UTC)
:I agree. I don't see how a movie premiere would be worth writing about in the article. [[User:WesleyDodds|WesleyDodds]] ([[User talk:WesleyDodds|talk]]) 02:57, 8 July 2008 (UTC)
::It's not so much detailing "the premiere will be on xxx", which I'm OK with, it's that it's currently worded like a PR piece, and given too much prominence by having its own section. [[User:Steve|'''Steve''']] [[User talk:Steve|T]] • [[Special:Contributions/Steve|C]] 07:20, 8 July 2008 (UTC)
:Find most of those changes acceptable, though I made some format corrections, improved coherence, and restored deleted Wikified links; someone had deleted a source citation referred to three times in previous material, and I restored a citation template for it. (No need for double brackets around dates in citation templates; they show up properly without them: see [[WP:CITE]] templates (consistency of format throughout this article; prevailing citation format). --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 17:46, 8 July 2008 (UTC)
:"Midnight" showings, as stated in WB source citation, begin on July 17, 2008 (not the 18th); 12:00 a.m. = "midnight" = 24:00 (the last hour, the "witching hour") on that date; 12:01 a.m. is the beginning of July 18, 2008; I've restored the sourced date; see official Web site; it's right on the home/welcome page, as linked in EL and in the infobox (as per W:MOS format). --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 17:49, 8 July 2008 (UTC)
:Also, July 16, 2008, in Australia, is July 17, 2008, in North America (the U.S.), depending also on actual time of day or night; allowing for world time zone differences, if Warner Bros. set the release date that way, the (apparent) differences in dates are also relative to differences in world time zones ; see archived discussions relating to release dates; some nationalistic competition led to earlier edit warring about that, it appears; one just wants to be factual here, not to skew the information toward any national (or nationalistic) preferences. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 17:53, 8 July 2008 (UTC)
::[Sorry for all the time-zone-related edits in the section (Theatrical release) with the dates; the insertion of a time zone required parallel changes. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 03:27, 9 July 2008 (UTC)]
:::[My local (New York) cinema just sent out an e-mail notice for its upcoming schedule next week saying that its midnight showing (mentioned on the Warner Bros. official film website--which says check local listings), is at 12:01 (a.m.) July 18 ("limited" advance ticket seats). --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 15:37, 9 July 2008 (UTC)]

::Whether it's on a website or not, isn't the publisher we should be citing for ''Rolling Stone'' Wenner Publishing, as per [[Template:cite news]]? [[User:Steve|'''Steve''']] [[User talk:Steve|T]] • [[Special:Contributions/Steve|C]] 19:06, 8 July 2008 (UTC)
:::No. The prevailing format in the article is to cite the short name for the web location within italics. It is of no use to readers to see "Wenner Publishing"; the publisher is the website. Using it indicates that the publication accessed for verification purposes is a web-based publication, not a print publication. The linked work title already lists the publisher of the print publication. We are not using the print version; we are using the Web version, and the short version of the Web site address (URL) indicates its publisher. The other information is arcane and not necessary for our citation purposes, which are for ease of finding the cited source (that is, the Web site). Style formats (see [[Style manual]]s) do not indicate publishing firm name generally except for book titles. This is a Web-based publication of a magazine/journal. Similarly, it is not useful to readers to indicate the print publisher's name for newspapers like ''[[The New York Times]]''; doing so is useless to readers; what they need is information relating to finding the source to verify and/or to consult it otherwise. [added new sign., posted a bit earlier; see sig. below.] --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 20:40, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

==Prevailing citation templates/citation formats==
:[See also: [[#Heads-up on including new information]], subsequent sections of this talk page, and archived talk pages for previous discussions. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 20:50, 8 July 2008 (UTC)]
The fields in citation templates are optional and one chooses those most useful to readers. In endnotes one does not reverse the normal order of names either; last name, first name order is only really useful for alphabetized lists (Bibliography, "References" that are not endnotes/note citations/footnotes). [This aricle has consistently been using the "author=" field in the citation templates; there are many different citation templates posted throughout Wikipedia; some of them contradict one another in presentation and explanation. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 20:53, 8 July 2008 (UTC)]

[Note:] The dates are not showing up in the order that they used to; perhaps the templates were revised after first used in this article. It used to be that the dates appeared within parentheses toward beginning of citation or after author's or authors' names when using the template called "cite web" but not with "cite news"; now all the dates are appearing up front it seems. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 20:40, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

When editing a long-established article such as this one, editors are supposed to follow the prevailing citation format used throughout it, not to alter it to their own idiosyncratic preferences or interpretations. Please see [[WP:MOS]] and [[WP:CITE]] particularly; there are many choices among templates and fields within templates; the choice prevailing here is one of the simplest ones. Our concern is verification of sources and ease of finding the sources cited, espec. if the URLs no longer function in the future; Wenn Publishing etc. would be of no use in such situations; the italicized shortened Web address (URL) however, can be used in a Web Archive search, where one needs to use at least some form of "http://". --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 20:40, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

:But surely the information given in the <code>url=</code> field will provide that information, should it be required. I'm happy to go along with the "prevailing citation format", but I will at least question it when I think that format may be in error. I thought the <code>publisher=</code> field was there not for this additional naming/verification of the citation, but in order to support the claim that the publication named in the <code>work=</code> field is a reliable source. Naming Wenn Publishing is saying that ''Rolling Stone'' is not a [[Wikipedia:V#SELF|self-published]] source of indeterminate reliability, but that it has a proper publisher with a reputation, that it's notable enough for us to use. [[User:Steve|'''Steve''']] [[User talk:Steve|T]] • [[Special:Contributions/Steve|C]] 21:18, 8 July 2008 (UTC)
::But there is already a '''Wikified link''' to that (and other) publications, which make crystal clear that it and they are not self-published; I think that concern is a red-herring; if they were self-published, they would not be cited in this article. With a magazine as well known as ''[[Rolling Stone (magazine)|Rolling Stone]]'', there is no chance that one would think the magazine is self-published; self-published blogs and websites are not acceptable as sources in this article generally; see [[WP:V#Sources]] and [[WP:BLP#Sources]]; there are too many allusions to living persons in this article to use self-published sources; I have had to remove them in the past. A bigger problem with the citations templates for "journals" ("cite journal") is that they do not put issue numbers and volume numbers and dates of publication in proper relation: it should read: issue no. (date in parentheses): page numbers. It does not come out that way and it is necessary to tinker with some of the templates so that the publishing information posts in the proper order. There are some discrepancies in this article still, due to the problematic templates; "cite news" is best for newspapers; but there are differences between magazines and other periodical publications called "journals" that Wikipedia's citation templates obscure. I would prefer the dates (month, day, year) to follow the name of a newspaper, but somehow that's been reversed in "cite news". See [[Style guides]] and Wiki-linked citation-related information via [[WP:MOS]] for further guidance and better understanding of the problems with these Wikipedia citation templates. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 00:14, 9 July 2008 (UTC)
::To clarify further: a magazine like ''[[Rolling Stone (magazine)|Rolling Stone]]'' is, in Wikipedia, already considered a reliable, "third-party published source"; if one were giving the publisher as Wenner Publishing, however, to a person who does not know better, it might actually appear self-published (by the owner of the company, [[Jann Wenner]]), rather than a "third-party published source"; in this case, as in most others cited in this article, if the material appears on the Web, or even in print, the Web, or print, publisher cannot be the author of the article being cited unless the author is ''already'' acceptable as a reliable source due to his or her already-recognized notability as an expert (some such sources here are included due to that factor); first-party published [[blogs]] and [[Websites]], published by the authors (subjects) themselves being cited as sources, are not generally considered citable; they are permitted to be listed in the EL sections of articles on those subjects according to [[WP:BLP]], but not in articles about other subjects, particularly not in articles about or discussing other living persons. [[WP:EL]] and [[WP:BLP#Sources]] make these kinds of distinctions among permissible and non-permissible sources in articles like this one. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 01:50, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

In Wikipedia using citation templates is not required; but once one kind prevails (as it has been adapted to purposes of the particular article), one does not go back to one of the many types of templates and change the format to them if doing so is no improvement to the article. In this case, adding the publisher's firm name (e.g., [[Jann Wenner|Wenner Publishing]]) is not an improvement to this article (in my view as expressed above). The citation templates have been adapted to be most useful to readers. Citation templates are one option, there are many different contradictory kinds of templates, and one does one's best to create a format that is useful and not confusing to readers. "Consistency" is the hallmark of bibliographical style formatting; inconsistent use of different features of different kinds of citation templates possible in Wikipedia (but not required) is confusing to readers. What is required is consistency. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 20:47, 8 July 2008 (UTC) [added a few clarifications. This comment section responds to a question in previous section, also answered there. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 20:48, 8 July 2008 (UTC)]
:BTW: "Wenner Publishing" is actually now part of "Wenner Media [[Limited liability company|LLC]]"; the infobox/article on ''[[Rolling Stone (magazine)|Rolling Stone]]'' seems to need updating. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 18:12, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

== Internet Movie Database ==

It is inappropriate to directly cite [[Internet Movie Database]] in a film article; the website does not hold up in a FAC process. IMDb has now been removed thrice -- by myself, Steve, and Alientraveller. Please do not re-add it. —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 16:35, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

If you are going to keep removing the sources used for material in the article, you need also to remove the information taken from them or to find ''better'' sources for it. IMDb sections are used ''throughout'' many Wikipedia articles ''as'' sources, not just as EL. You need to be more careful in reading the statements that have been documented by the source(s). You really are hindering work on this article, in my view. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 16:47, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:I do not see any information in the article that came directly from IMDb, looking at the "Notes" section. It does not matter that IMDb is prevalent throughout many film articles; it does not appropriate the website's usage. Trivia sections are just as rampant, after all. If you look at Featured film Articles, IMDb is never directly cited. Also, can I suggest taking a breather? You've edited this article ''very'' extensively the past few days. —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 16:50, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

::Regarding the Gordons, I think I see what you mean now about information from IMDb. I'm fine with the removal of their names until the film or a reliable source shows what their names are. It's not critical cast information at the moment. —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 16:51, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

::Your removal of my work is bordering on violating [[WP:AGF]], and I object to it. It is unnecessary, and I don't appreciate your personal aspersions in the editing summaries. Please desist. I've worked hard on this article over a very long period of time, and I don't appreciate the disrespectful and gratuitous remarks. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 16:54, 9 July 2008 (UTC)
:::Your removal is neither based on Wikipedia policies or Wikipedia guidelines. Please cite the policies and guidelines when removing other editors' work. Removing sources of information that is properly documented according to [[WP:V#Sources]] and [[WP:BLP#Sources]] is contrary to Wikipedia policies and guidelines. Thank you. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 16:56, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

::::I'm with Erik. Use other sources for article content. IMDb is best used as an external link. They dont' have much in the way of standards over there, and rarely redact incorrect information in a timely manner. [[User:ThuranX|ThuranX]] ([[User talk:ThuranX|talk]]) 16:59, 9 July 2008 (UTC)
::::(EC)Further, I find the sniping seen [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Dark_Knight_%28film%29&diff=224603975&oldid=224603579 here] obnoxious. And, finally, I don't see any need for accessdates on the ELs, especially daily updating of them. If you're really reading all the way through each EL each day to confirm no changes have been made invalidating the value, you're welcome to waste your time, but most of us will AGF on EL's. [[User:ThuranX|ThuranX]] ([[User talk:ThuranX|talk]]) 17:05, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

::::''(edit conflict)'' You have done a lot of good work for the article, so I am simply contesting a couple of points in all which you have done. I suggested taking a breather because I have personally gotten caught up in editing an article in a fast and furious manner. Regarding the usage of IMDb, it is not considered a [[WP:RS|reliable source]], but it is still used as an external link per #4 of [[WP:EL#Links to be considered]]. In addition, [[WP:EL]] says nothing about mentioning the last-accessed date for external links, so if you could rationalize these dates' inclusions, please do so. I really do appreciate all the other contributions you have made, so try to understand that I'm criticizing two points, not your character. —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 17:02, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:::::Re: your points above; recently, while working on [[Jason Isaacs]], I came across some editor's creation of a "source" note for charts of filmographies and other media works in that article; please take a look at that; frequently, in articles about actors and writers in Wikipedia, I come across all kinds of unsourced lists and charts of works/bibliographies/filmographies, which draw upon ELs without citing them as sources but which clearly have lifted the material from sources like IMDb.com, without even acknowledging them. If IMDb.com is not a "reliable source", then how can the editor who originally created that "source" note in, e.g., [[Jason Isaacs]], and other editors continue to use it in such manner? Seeing its use (often unacknowledged) throughout Wikipedia articles, unchallenged, I have apparently been misled to think that Wikipedia is tolerating this usage of IMDb.com as a ''source'' (not just as an EL). --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 17:43, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

::::::Please read [[WP:OTHERCRAPEXISTS]]. This is a huge project. that some articles are held to higher standards isn't a reason to lower those standards, but to apply them to other articles. [[User:ThuranX|ThuranX]] ([[User talk:ThuranX|talk]]) 17:53, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

(ec/x2) Please find the Wikipedia policy stating that "IMDb is best used as an external link" and for the claim that it [separate webpages from the site] ''cannot'' be used as a ''source'' of information in the article; in my experience, although it takes time to correct incorrect information in IMDb.com listings of filmographies and credits for cast and crew (I was citing only the latter section of the IMDb.com site as a "source"), it is generally more reliable than Wikipedia itself. I have found all kinds of false information inserted into this article (and many others), and have spent a lot of time verifying the citations and correcting errors throughout this article. You need to verify every statement in this article as carefully as you have been objecting to the use of a webpage in IMDb.com as a source. There is no comparable source for such complete lists of cast and crew as this webpage. Even the official website of Warner Bros. does not give this information; the Variety source cited links to the wrong movie. Did you check its hyperlinks? --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 17:07, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

::There is no policy that addresses whether or not a specific website is appropriate for inclusion or not. Like I've said, citing IMDb directly has not been considered appropriate in the FAC process, and it has been discouraged multiple times in the past in peer reviews and article reviews. I'm not arguing the merits of IMDb vs. the merits of Wikipedia, either. I know the latter is imperfect in many, many articles, but the WikiProject doesn't directly implement IMDb. If this article had its mistakes, thank you for taking the time to fix them. I noticed that the ''Variety'' article linked to the wrong film and chuckled; it's a mistake like the one another editor made a few discussions above. So regarding accessdates for external links, what is the basis for them? —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 17:15, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

::My [[WP:AGF|"good faith"]] response is: ''helpfulness'' to readers (like annotations of external links and occasional annotations in reference citations); anything particularly useful to readers that will make their understanding of the article better; e.g., see [[WP:MOS]] overall aims and [[Wikipedia:Citing sources#Embedded links]] example; which is parallel to the editorial interpolated note that I added to this EL section; so far no one has proliferated unnec. links since I posted the note, though, of course, now the article is semi-protected, and that could change if vandals attack it, though I hope that they don't. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 17:25, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

==Format (procedural) question==
I have wondered for a long time why one needs to repeat the ELs already prominently displayed in the Infobox of films, actors, etc. in the EL sections of articles. Why does not the EL section just contain ''additional'' reliable and useful links, in keeping with [[WP:EL]] and [[WP:BLP#Sources]]? Why is it necessary or useful to have the repetitions (redundancies)? --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 17:13, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:It's a good question, honestly, and I don't think I've seen a solid answer. (I think the "best" answer I've seen is that the person doesn't have to scroll down all the way, and other answers equate to "It's not worth removing all the links in all the articles".) It might be something worth bringing up at [[WT:FILM]]. —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 17:19, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

::There are a few reasons. One is the IMDb thing. It's not a verifable source, as it's built by anonymous editors, like WP. Just like you can't source WP for WP articles, you shouldn't source IMDb. However, people coming here may find that link useful for surfing the topic throughout the internet, and it does have a lot of often useful information, even if it fails [[WP:RS]]. Likewise, a few other links seem to be de facto standards and often get added, like a movie's official site, which usually fails RS asa promotional and COI situation. However, it's still something fans are likely to be, or become, interested in, via our article. Some people miss those in the Infobox, and find the 'external links' section more useful. Further, some ELs lack a place in the IB, and thus need a place to go, so including all such in a since aggregate location seems common sense good. [[User:ThuranX|ThuranX]] ([[User talk:ThuranX|talk]]) 17:24, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:::Do you mean to say you would be OK with IMDb, AMG, and the official site being removed from the infobox? I think NYScholar is trying to understand the justification for why these three websites appear in the infobox ''and'' under the "External links" section. —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 17:26, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

::::Also, to add, [[WP:EL#Links to considered]], #4, says this: ''"Sites which fail to meet criteria for reliable sources yet still contain information about the subject of the article from knowledgeable sources."'' If that is questionable, that may be something to take up at [[WT:EL]]. —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 17:27, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

::::"I think NYScholar is trying to understand the justification for why these three websites appear in the infobox ''and'' under the "External links" section." Yes, that is what I was wondering about articles throughout Wikipedia that have the same ELs in the infoboxes and the EL sections. My reason for giving access dates in EL sections is same as reason for the repetitions/redundancies: readers' convenience. Makes more work, but, espec. for long articles, can be visually and informationally useful. Re: general format: [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style (links)]]; giving the last date accessed suggests (most-recent) "accessibility" of the links. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 17:32, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:::::''(edit conflict)'' Going back to the accessibility of ELs, I could understand the addition of the access date in a potentially transient URL. However, the so-called "staple" links in film articles are highly stationary. If IMDb or RT stop working for whatever reason, then it's a systemic problem. For example, if we came across a specific article comparing ''The Dark Knight'' to Batman comics that had more than enough information to implement, I could understand including it as an EL and having an access date. The commonplace links in film articles should be OK quite indefinitely, so I'm questioning the need to "test" the link all the time ("Is it OK? Is it OK? Is it OK?"). Like ThuranX said, it's more work than necessary. No policy or guideline to cite here, sorry... just a little bit of common sense. :) —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 17:39, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

::::::I'm not "testing" the links all the time; what happens is, in actuality, I have checked the sites linked to in EL secs. to see if they have new information, and then sometimes been able (when official sites are in the ELs) to refer to them in updating the information in the article. My giving the last date accessed is, as I say, just a convenience. I don't care whether or not it has been removed. But calling ''me'' "anal retentive" for putting it there is not in keeping with [[WP:AGF]]; I had good reasons for putting them there. If it is not Wikipedia format to put access dates in EL sections, that's fine w/ me. It is easier for me not to put them in than for me to take the time to do so. Re: stability ("Stable" sites); actually, the Warner Bros. official film site had added the "midnight" show feature after the last time I had accessed it, and that is when I first starting adding access dates to the EL sections (for that reason; bec. new features were (in my exp. anyway) showing up (it seemed to me) on the site(s). Same, btw, would be true for RT, which is now used as a source and, acc. to [[WP:EL]], does not get repeated in the EL sec. to avoid violating [[WP:Spam]], for one reason. --17:50, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:::::::"Anal retentive" was a poor choice of words on my part; I was referring to the apparent repetitious process, not you directly, but I apologize the poor phrasing. Thank you for explaining your rationale in using ELs. In regard to using the official site, I would think that it's more appropriate to update the accessdate if it is directly pertinent to content in the article than if it is an external link to help the reader along. Regarding RT, I removed it per the discussion we had above about the early statistic not being reliable. However, I'm not sure why you perceive it as spam. The community consensus of WP:FILM was that it was an appropriate EL for inclusion, provided that there was an abundance of reviews and per [[WP:EL#What should be linked]]: ''"Sites with other meaningful, relevant content that is not suitable for inclusion in an article, such as reviews and interviews."'' Like we've discussed about RT before, the reviews from there were implemented, but there will soon be many more than is appropriate for the Wikipedia article. Thus, it seems most appropriate to highlight it as an EL (not now, obviously, but when the reviews become numerous). —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 17:58, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

::::(EC)I've never liked them being in the infobox, but that means very little, as getting sensible consensus on some of that stuff is impossible. I don't get the accessdates thing though. So what if the site updates? We are NOT sourcing from it, and it's expected that sites like IMDb and the official sites will update regularly. That's exactly why actual sources need accessdates; to give better references. Journalists need to note that they've edited an article; an accessdate before a writer's edit can be revised in the wiki-article, but sourcing the rapidly changing promotional hoohah isn't really needed. As for RT, I really wish we didn't use that so often. It's a lazy way to get a reception section built; but again, some editors love it. [[User:ThuranX|ThuranX]] ([[User talk:ThuranX|talk]]) 18:00, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

The guideline in [[WP:EL]] for not including RT as an external link when it is already listed as a source (it is not an "official" website, like the film site, which is in the Infobox, the EL sec., and used as source citations): <blockquote>[[WP:EL#References and citation]]: Sites that have been used as sources in the creation of an article should be cited in the article, and linked as references, either in-line or in a references section. Links to these source sites are ''not'' "external links" for the purposes of this guideline, and ''should not be placed in an external links section''. See [[Wikipedia:Verifiability]] and [[Wikipedia:Citing sources]] for specific formatting and linking guidelines for citations. (Sec. link and italics added.) </blockquote> --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 18:02, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:I think you're looking at it differently. It means to say that when you write sentences using Rotten Tomatoes in the body of the article, you cannot put the link in the "External links" section and imply that you got your content from there. RT is used for two different purposes in this article; in the body, it is providing an overall perspective of reviews with the percentages and is cited in "Notes", and (separately), it is offered as an external link that has accumulated multiple reviews in "External links". Do you see what I mean? —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 18:13, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

I don't think there is any justification for including Rotten Tomatoes as an EL; it is properly linked as a source and currently the way it is used in the article follows [[WP:EL]]. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 18:19, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

This matter has been debated in adfinitum in the (archived) talk pages of [[WP:EL]] and [[WP:BLP]]. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 18:20, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:''(edit conflict)'' Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic are provided in "External links" sections because they provide access to more reviews than a Wikipedia article can cite. There are specific aspects of these websites that are incorporated into the Wikipedia article, but there are additional aspects (reviews that are not implemented) that warrants extra content that readers can explore. What is specifically the issue with providing clear access to websites as external links, as opposed to notes buried in multiple other notes? With these websites as ELs, we're saying, "These websites have more content than the article can use; feel free to check them out." —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 18:24, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

It is contrary to [[WP:V]] and [[WP:CITE]] to list items in EL sections and just "imply that you got your content from there"; source citations are required throughout the texts of articles, and [[WP:EL]] says they are not repeated in EL when used as sources for the article. Exceptions that I see often are official websites (such as the Warner Bros. official website), which I just used a parenthetical citation to cite and which someone changed to a citation template; it is the official website acc. to the infobox, but even so, statements need to give in-line or parenthetical citations to ''all'' sources used for material in an article, in according with ''core'' Wikipedia policies, one of which is [[WP:V]]. One doesn't just "imply" what sources of statements are; one gives source citations. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 18:27, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

Editing practices that contradict and that are contrary to Wikipedia editing policies and guidelines really need to be examined and to follow these policies and guidelines; people should not just make up their own editing rules; that's why the policies and guidelines exist. I still object to adding RT to EL sec. It's already linked properly as a source in the section on "Critical reception". --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 18:30, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:''(edit conflict)'' I do not think you are understanding what I said about your passage from WP:EL. I told you that you cannot add content to a Wikipedia article and include the source link in "External links" as a reference. That's what the passage means when it says, "Links to these source sites are not 'external links' for the purposes of this guideline." We're agreeing that we cannot say that ELs are the implied source links for the article body, so I'm not sure why you're engaging me on that particular point. We don't want to imply. If we cited the percentage from RT in the article body, we'd set it up so it shows in "Notes". When we add RT to "External links", we are not making any reference to the Wikipedia article at all. We are just saying, "Here is more information than can be housed in this Wikipedia article; feel free to check it out." It is essentially a separate application of the same resource. [After the edit conflict, [[WP:EL]] clearly says it's OK to add links that have extra content, like RT and MC.) —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 18:36, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

Sorry, Eric, but this matter has been discussed over and over in many archived pages (now 21) of [[WP:EL]] and in relation to EL sections in heated debates in [[WP:BLP]]; your position is not a consensus position. There is currently no need for adding RT to the EL section (or the other material that you added despite this discussion in the editorial interpolations. Material in EL sections are supposed to follow [[WP:EL]], and also must keep from violating [[WP:BLP]]: see tagged templates above. Links of the kind that you are trying to add to this EL section have forums and message boards and blogs that violate [[WP:BLP#Sources]], which includes references to ELs used in articles pertaining to living persons (such as this one). --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 18:41, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

== Removal of external links ==

I'm going to take a break from this article and its talk page, but I request for any editors who are reading to ensure that the commented-out RT and BOM links stay in the article. The links were removed despite precedent and appropriate implementation (see [[WP:EL#What should be linked|this]]). —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 18:42, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

It is not proper to insert into the article links to material that is dubious or questionable or controversial in nature when the article concerns living persons, whether as "sources" or as "external links": See policy in [[WP:BLP#Reliable sources]], which explicitly rules out such external links (even in editorial interpolations). Please follow the policies and guidelines as linked in the templates at top of this page and throughout these comments. Thank you. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 18:44, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:(ec)
<blockquote>Material about living persons must be sourced very carefully. Without reliable third-party sources, it will violate the No original research and Verifiability policies, and could lead to libel claims. 
Material about living persons available solely in questionable sources or sources of dubious value should not be used, either as a source or as an external link (see above).</blockquote>--[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 18:47, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

Here's the material removed: (visible earlier in editing preview mode in article and earlier removed by consensus):
*{{mojo title|id=darkknight|title=The Dark Knight}}
*{{rotten-tomatoes|id=the_dark_knight|title=The Dark Knight}}
--[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 18:52, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:Have a good day. —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 18:46, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

::What are you claiming to be "dubious" or "questionable"? [[User:Bignole|'''  BIGNOLE ''']] [[User talk:Bignole|(Contact me)]] 18:48, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:I'm sorry, but I think you're on to a loser if you're claiming the links should be eliminated because they also host forums and messageboards. To pick one newspaper at random, ''[[The Guardian]]'' website has a large area set aside where readers can air their views. Does this mean we cannot link to their website? No, this is obfuscating the issue. Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic are perfectly acceptable external links that conform to [[WP:EL]]. [[User:Steve|'''Steve''']] [[User talk:Steve|T]] • [[Special:Contributions/Steve|C]] 18:49, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

They offer nothing now that is not already in the other ELs or in the source citations. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 18:52, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

RT is already used as a source and has currently no usefulness for the EL section. The other site offers nothing useful that isn't already accessible in other links or in the sources cited in the article. If that situation changes, the ELs might be reconsidered as useful. Right now, they are not. One does not put ELs in for their possible "future" usefulness. One waits until their usefulness is not questionable. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 18:54, 9 July 2008 (UTC)
:BOM and RT are standard external links in all films. They are perfectly fine as they are. I don't understand exactly why they should be hidden, but even if they stay that way it's best to have them already prepped and ready to go then have to go search for their pages again. [[User:Bignole|'''  BIGNOLE ''']] [[User talk:Bignole|(Contact me)]] 18:55, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

In terms of the other example given: ''[[The Guardian]]'' is a far more highly-respected and far more reliable news source and source of reviews than ''[[Rotten Tomatoes]]''; any review used in RT can be cited individually with a full citation as a source if it is useful as a source, with full citation template information given. After the release of the movie, there will be many sites that link to reviews of the film; one will choose the most reliable and most acceptable among them, given [[WP:BLP#Reliable sources]] and [[WP:V#Sources]] and [[WP:EL]], which all pertain to editing this article. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 18:58, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:If you don't believe that RT conforms to [[WP:BLP]], then please remove it right now as an inline citation. Otherwise, allow its use. [[User:Steve|'''Steve''']] [[User talk:Steve|T]] • [[Special:Contributions/Steve|C]] 18:59, 9 July 2008 (UTC)
Scroll up for the removed items. They were already removed after previous discussions among editors. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 19:00, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:If you have an issue, take it up with the manual of style page. Cheers. You're trying to [[WP:POINT|make a point]] with this article, yet are failing to realize that the point you should be making needs to be done on the guideline page that governs all film articles. [[User:Bignole|'''  BIGNOLE ''']] [[User talk:Bignole|(Contact me)]] 19:00, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

Sorry; the point relates specifically to this article and to [[WP:EL]] governing this article: repeating the point that I and others made earlier about BOM and RT (currently): "They offer nothing now that is not already in the other ELs or in the source citations. --NYScholar (talk) 18:52, 9 July 2008 (UTC)" --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 19:03, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

Bignole - I didn't intentionally mask the edit. It autofilled the field when I tried to type "fixed" and I didn't catch it the first time. The second edit was cause I messed up the format. [[User:Stuthomas4|Stuthomas4]] ([[User talk:Stuthomas4|talk]]) 19:05, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

I don't see where the above discussions offered a consensus for NYScholar's edits. I oppose the prosification (word?) of RT stats as a lazy way to write a reactions/reception section, but don't oppose it as an EL. I'm not sure where he sees consensu for those edits. [[User:ThuranX|ThuranX]] ([[User talk:ThuranX|talk]]) 19:13, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

So I don't see where those links violate WP:EL. IT specifically states that external reviews are to be included. [[User:Stuthomas4|Stuthomas4]] ([[User talk:Stuthomas4|talk]]) 19:22, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

No, it does not say that; re-read the previous discussion and the linked quotations from [[WP:EL]]; you are quoting totally out of context. The "external reviews" are already sourced that are accessible in RT in the source citation; re-read the full presentation of the discussion in [[WP:EL]]. Right now, RT is used ''as a source'' of reviews; it does not cite "interviews" so that part does not relate anyway. (scroll up to previous discussions) and look at the editing differences and editing history summaries of others as well as of me relating to deleting RT earlier; it has nothing now that is not already cited in the source citation. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 19:26, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:Several points I'd like to make:
:#The use of ''Rotten Tomatoes'' and ''Metacritic'' in the "External links" section is a well-established practice that has demonstrated its suitability and usefulness time and time again. Their inclusion does not cause an issue with [[WP:BLP]]; it has not been demonstrated that they do. To claim otherwise is akin to claiming they contravene any other Wikipedia policy or guideline without proof. It is up to the editor who objects to its inclusion to prove that it is unsuitable, against the consensus of the [[WP:FILM|members of the film project]] and against the tacit approval of the community as a whole.
:#That ''Rotten Tomatoes'' (and, eventually, ''Metacritic'') will also be cited in the "Critical reception" section is irrelevant. Their use in the section will be to cite ''specific'' facts ("all/most/some critics gave the film positive reviews"). Their use in the "External links" section is for their ''wider'' usefulness as a repository of links to reviews that are too numerous to quote in the article. This is not in opposition to [[WP:EL]] and the editor has not demonstrated that it is. The section he quotes above does not even say that; it's an instruction to editors to include the source they are quoting ''for a specific fact'' in the references or notes section, not the "External links" section. It does not then preclude the link's use in the "External links" section for its wider usefulness. There is a difference.
:#If the editor wishes to hide them until the film is released, or until they contain more information than at present a little closer to the release, then this is fine by me (though it might not be to others).
:Everything else is just muddling the issue. These points have already been made and have not been answered, but they have become lost amidst the irrelevancies in this discussion. And please, everyone, be careful of [[WP:3RR]] too. [[User:Steve|'''Steve''']] [[User talk:Steve|T]] • [[Special:Contributions/Steve|C]] 19:30, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

What's more important here is that you've WAY violated 3RR. Time for a break NYScholar? And I don't see consensus, just a loud guy on a corner with a wikibible. [[User:Stuthomas4|Stuthomas4]] ([[User talk:Stuthomas4|talk]]) 19:30, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

(ec)What is ''most'' important is following Wikipedia guidelines pertaining to [[WP:EL]] and policies pertaining to [[WP:BLP#Reliable sources]] as pertains to ELs. Have those of you migrating to this article even you ''read'' this article??? See [[The Dark Knight (film)#Critical reception]], sentence 1 and the source citation to RT. That suffices and [[WP:EL]] says it "should not" be in the EL section, ''because'' it is already cited as a ''source'' in the article. The URL given is the same as the URL that people have been inserting and removing (for cause) from the EL section. Please ''read'' both this article (espec. that sec.) ''and'' [[WP:EL]] and [[WP:BLP#Reliable sources]], pertaining to ELs. Thank you. Please do not keep knee-jerk reinserting this item to the EL sec. I've cited the appropriate [[WP:EL]] sections above; please stop. Thank you. I have other things to do. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 19:35, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:"WP:EL says it "should not" be in the EL section, because it is already cited as a source in the article". No, it really doesn't. Please read my reply to you above Stuthomas4's. Thank you, [[User:Steve|'''Steve''']] [[User talk:Steve|T]] • [[Special:Contributions/Steve|C]] 19:41, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

::I read your reply more than once; it is contrary to [[WP:EL]]; please re-read; you seem continually to miss what it says ''not'' to do. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 19:43, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:::That you say something does not make it so. Please demonstrate that it does. I realise this is merely a difference in interpretation of the passage, and that we might be wrong, but I hope you will accept that your interpretation of it is the minority view, even though you quite correctly retain the right to carry on holding it. It really isn't worth all this fuss arguing about. [[User:Steve|'''Steve''']] [[User talk:Steve|T]] • [[Special:Contributions/Steve|C]] 19:46, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:::Seems to me that it's not a hard a fast rule and open to interpretation. "...consider using it as a source for the article, and citing it." [[User:Stuthomas4|Stuthomas4]] ([[User talk:Stuthomas4|talk]]) 19:47, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

Yeah we get that and yet it's common practice to link those sites. So chill out. [[User:Stuthomas4|Stuthomas4]] ([[User talk:Stuthomas4|talk]]) 19:39, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

What is "common practice" is not always in keeping with Wikipedia's policies and guidelines, which editors are ''required'' to follow; the RT site has no section that has content that pertains to this article that is not already cited as a source; all the sections say "N/A" (not applicable) and repeat the same information about the film in the source citation section; it is only the same synopsis and information already cited throughout the article and in the other ELs listed. BOM also offers nothing not already accessible in cited sources; I've left them up, but ''strongly protest'' their ''current'' inclusion. Also, when adding material to this article, please follow its prevailing format; that sec of ELs is ''alphabetized'' and has been until people coming along lately (and earlier vandals) destroyed the alphabetical order. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 19:51, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:"I've left them up, but ''strongly protest'' their ''current'' inclusion" - that's all we're asking. The ''RT'' link provides links to more reviews than we currently (or will) link to. There is one use right there, more useful in the EL section than buried within the 117 citations above. You hold a viewpoint that is unfortunately (for you) the minority one. Trust me, we've all been there. The best thing to do in the circumstances is accept the fact that a majority of people are interpreting a guideline differently to you and carry on contributing as normal. Thank you, [[User:Steve|'''Steve''']] [[User talk:Steve|T]] • [[Special:Contributions/Steve|C]] 19:59, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

::I'm with Steve, Erik, and Bignole on this. I find that NYSCholar's behaviors' become tendentious, and given my tendency to keep at it when there's no point, and the fact that often leads to me wasting time and getting hollered at, I'm also dropping this page. From my watchlist, not just for a week. I'm tired of fighting people who don't listen, and I'm already doing it in enough places. bye. [[User:ThuranX|ThuranX]] ([[User talk:ThuranX|talk]]) 20:01, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

:(ecx2) I have no more time for this. I am logging out of Wikipedia to spend my time in more productive ways; I have other work to do and also need some rest from this argument. I don't make the policies and guidelines in Wikipedia; I just read them and try to follow them. It would be nice if other people did the same thing. In this case the guideline is very clear (I quoted it above). The fact that the site RT has sections that are all listed as "N/A" except for the first one, which one goes to in the EL and which is already cited as such in the source citation is the whole point; it offers nothing that is not already in the source citation or other ELs listed already (ditto BOM). --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 20:03, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

::I'm also taking a break from this discussion; it's obvious that you do not intend to read the words that I wrote or reply to the specific points I made. Hide BOM for all I care, until it has some more information. But ''Rotten Tomatoes'' is more useful to the reader (remember them?) in the "External links" section instead of being buried within 116 other links in the "References" section, yet it must be listed within that section to provide confirmation of the cited fact. How to get around this? Put it in both! Which the majority opinion believes [[WP:EL]] specifically allows. Indeed, listing it there is in total ''compliance'' with WP:EL, per the passage you quoted! [[User:Steve|'''Steve''']] [[User talk:Steve|T]] • [[Special:Contributions/Steve|C]] 20:18, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

I have tired of the kind of personal aspersions being used instead of logic; I removed the source citation and re-cast the paragraph; the primary source citations support the sentence; Smith's comment is not given in Rotten Tomatoes; it is documented by a different secondary source which follows it as an in-line citation. This solves this problem and follows guidelines more accurately in [[WP:EL]]. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 20:30, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

== The Film's Release in Montpelier, Vermont on July 12 ==

It's mentioned that Senator Patrick Leahy has a cameo in the film, but what is not mentioned is that he's worked a deal out with WB to have the film released in his hometown of Montpelier, VT, on July 12. The tickets cost $50, with a reception beforehand (also costing $50). All the proceeds will benefit the Kellogg-Hubbard library of Montpelier. Here are some links to verify:

[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92256009 NPR Audio Clip]

[http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=8543441 Report from a Local News Site]

[http://www.7dvt.com/2008senate-s-dark-knight-talks-young-comics-artists Report from a Local Newspaper]

[http://www.boston.com/news/local/vermont/articles/2008/06/24/leahy_to_host_early_showing_of_batman_movie_in_vermont_1214347514/?rss_id=Boston.com+--+Vermont+news Report from Boston Globe]

I'd like this to be added to the "Theatrical Release" section, as it seems to fit best there.

[[User:Notxenu|Notxenu]] ([[User talk:Notxenu|talk]]) 15:28, 10 July 2008 (UTC)

Why not put it in the article on ''him'' (which you can edit); this article will not be able to cite such local information. It is of "local" interest and will be seen via the cross-linked Wikipedia article when when clicks on his name; you (or others with a log-in identity) can link to a specific section of an article on him in the way you Wikify the link. Including this information will distract from the section. Every local screening of the film is ''not'' going to be cited in this article. If you want to develop the material of local interest in that article on him, please create a log-in identity in Wikipedia and do so. From media news accounts I've read about him, Senator Leahy is quite "obsessed" with ''Batman'' movies, and that may already be discussed in his article (where it might be a kind of "trivia" that may or may not be worthy of inclusion.) I don't have time to do that kind of further work. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 16:49, 10 July 2008 (UTC)
:I added a sentence with the most notable source; the rest are too local and not notable enough. I will be offline doing other things and not able to work on this further. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 17:58, 10 July 2008 (UTC) I don't think it's necessary to add a reference to the NPR clip; the text says the same thing as the Boston Globe article already cited. (I've heard the news reports too and seen them on TV; the newspaper citation is the most useful account.) --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 18:00, 10 July 2008 (UTC)

== Critical reception ==

Is it just me, or is this section a bit wierd? I've never seen an article use the phrase "for example", and the wording/tense is a bit wierd. Instead of "Peter Travers of Rolling Stone gives ''The Dark Knight''...", shouldn't it be "Peter Travers of Rolling Stone gave ''The Dark Knight''..."? Is this because the film hasn't been released yet? Because that would explain a lot. '''[[User:Cornucopia|'''Corn.u.co.pia''']] [[The Dark Knight (film)|ŢĐЌ]] [[User talk:Cornucopia|Disc.us.sion]]''' 15:39, 10 July 2008 (UTC)

When you have questions like these, please examine the editing history summaries to save people who made the edits time. I already explained that conventional punctuation of (literary and critical) texts (and written/published reviews are such texts) use the present verb tense in stating what an author ''does'': e.g., "says"; "writes"; "states"; "rates"; "asserts"; etc. This is conventional and standard writing practice and I follow such practices in what I write, as do other literary and critical writers. Summarizing "critical reception" is a literary-critical kind of writing; "for example" is also standard and wholly acceptable. I really don't understand how editors in Wikipedia do not know basic elementary facts about writing. Please examine [[Style guides]] (see their template) as well as [[WP:MOS]]. Wikipedia does not "invent" conventions; it adapts them (and frequently does not do so in a consistent or clear manner); for information, see my user page and the linked user boxes. Please examine editing history summaries of articles for information about why people make the changes that they do. Thank you. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 16:37, 10 July 2008 (UTC)
:According to [[Wikipedia:Neutral point of view]] and [[WP:POV]], [[WP:MOS]], and sections in [[WP:CITE]] ([[Wikipedia:Reliable sources]]) and so on, editors of Wikipedia are presenting "representative" views of reliable sources on a subject; this section is clearly presenting only a "representative" selection of evaluations of the film (prior to its release) and will be developed further after its release (next week). The first sentence of the paragraph is supported by the ''examples'' that follow. No website in existence offers a complete account of ''every'' review of a literary or artistic work. ''Every'' account of "critical reception" presents ''examples'' of what is available; no single person would be able to account for ''everything'' published; hence, "for example"; in this case, a very important transition and part of the coherence of the paragraph. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 16:42, 10 July 2008 (UTC)
:The convention for describing texts (what they/writers "do") is that published texts appear to be "present"; every time one reads a text, one encounters what it "says" (in the present); that is one of the bases for using the present tense. All of Wikipedia is a form of a "text"; notice my own use of the present tense in describing what I "write" in it (not "wrote"). --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 17:13, 10 July 2008 (UTC)
:Choice of using present or past tense to describe actions is a different matter from describing what a text says. If discussing what "reviewers did" historically, that is a different matter; one chooses verb tense with one's purposes in mind. Right now, the section is summarizing and quoting from what the writers say in their texts; what the texts state (not "stated"; the texts still "state" what they state, and the reviewers and other writers still provide ratings ("rate", "evaluate" "grade" as it were in the case of the ''A''), and so on. The use of the present tense provides overall coherence to that section (thus far). When looking back on what reviewers collectively "did to the film" or "for the film" etc., one might say something like "reviewers helped to create a positive impression of the film"; "for example, in his early review, Travers states: "...." and so on; depends on how the paragraph is ultimately constructed; right now, the reviews are still "coming in" and that paragraph ''summarizes'' what they state (as texts). --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 17:19, 10 July 2008 (UTC)
::All well and good, and I'm not about to dispute that. But, and this is meant as genuinely friendly advice only, did you really need to explain that three times and in such patronizing language to he who asked the question? [[Special:Contributions/90.211.7.232|90.211.7.232]] ([[User talk:90.211.7.232|talk]]) —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|comment]] was added at 18:03, 10 July 2008 (UTC) 
:::He's a prickly one that NYScholar. I think it's the "scholar" part of that name that he's emphasizing. Kinda reminds me of that old Jimmy Fallon character "The IT Guy" where he makes everyone else feel lame for even having a question in the first place.[[User:Stuthomas4|Stuthomas4]] ([[User talk:Stuthomas4|talk]]) 18:14, 10 July 2008 (UTC)
::::I agree with 90.211.7.232... the key to working with other editors is to create a collaborative environment. I think incorporating a cordial tone in discussions would be ideal. —[[User:Erik|Erik]] ([[User talk:Erik|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Erik|contrib]]) - 18:25, 10 July 2008 (UTC)

:Please stop the personal remarks and the gender assumptions; not all scholars are male and not all people interested in editing this article are male. Please use gender-neutral language. If you need more information about my editing practices, please visit my user page and the userboxes placed in it for that purpose. Thank you. Try being more constructive. If someone takes the time to respond to a question, assume good faith: [[WP:AGF]]; the aim is to improve the writing of this article. --[[User:NYScholar|NYScholar]] ([[User talk:NYScholar|talk]]) 18:47, 10 July 2008 (UTC)

:With all due respect I don't think you assume good faith. I feel that your general attitude is indignant and condescending. While it's clear that you're a tireless contributor, your penchant for an unwavering faith that yours is the final and only true interpretation of the wiki laws, coupled with the apparent disbelief how the rest of us could possibly be so idiotic as to not have memorized Strunk & White leave me with a less than pleasing taste in my mouth. --[[User:Stuthomas4|Stuthomas4]] ([[User talk:Stuthomas4|talk]]) 18:58, 10 July 2008 (UTC)

::Additionally, in reviewing your user page and, in particular, your archived talk pages, you seem to have many disputes covering a wide range of topics and involving a wide range of users. It is you, I'm afraid, that is in dire need of a lesson in wiki etiquette. Having a PhD and the time to contribute nearly half of the last 500 edits on the Dark Night page (yes I counted) does not give you carte blanche to brow beat the rest of the community. --[[User:Stuthomas4|Stuthomas4]] ([[User talk:Stuthomas4|talk]]) 19:44, 10 July 2008 (UTC)

:::He's driven three regular contributors from this page; he will drive you away soon. He's not interested in your opinion, and he thanks you very much to keep it to yourself. Erik, Steve, and I all left. I'm only looking in to see how bad the car accident is now. [[User:ThuranX|ThuranX]] ([[User talk:ThuranX|talk]]) 19:50, 10 July 2008 (UTC)

==Anthony Michael Hall's Part==

Why is the description of Mike Engle contained in "" ? For what we know now, that's the truth. The "" would lead a reader to think it was false.[[Special:Contributions/162.115.108.120|162.115.108.120]] ([[User talk:162.115.108.120|talk]]) 20:02, 10 July 2008 (UTC)LessThanCurt

:It quotes the source given in the citation following the quotes. By not giving more text, we avoid speculation about what else he might be, if anythign at all more than a reporter. [[User:ThuranX|ThuranX]] ([[User talk:ThuranX|talk]]) 20:05, 10 July 2008 (UTC)

== VG ==

The article no longer mentions a video game. Was it cancled? [[Special:Contributions/71.182.145.40|71.182.145.40]] ([[User talk:71.182.145.40|talk]])

Talk:Nickelodeon

2008-07-09T17:47:38Z

71.182.145.40: /* Cruise */ new section

{{talkheader}}
{{TelevisionStationsProject}}
{{Wikiproject Nickelodeon|class=B|importance=need|importance=top}}
{{not a forum| any rants, reviews, or any other forum like topics}}

{| class="infobox" width="270px"
|-
!align="center"|[[Image:Vista-file-manager.png|50px|Archive]] [[Wikipedia:How to archive a talk page|Archives]]
----
|-
|
* [[Talk:Nickelodeon (TV channel)/Archive 1| May 2005 – May 2007]]
|}

How did the name get invented? It is odd.

== Programming Block ==
I have to say I find it odd that there is no mention of [[SNICK]] under the programming section. Other cancelled blocks are listed, yet their first big break into the tween market is not? At the least there should be some mention in TEENick paragraph. More so I think the first paragraph of the [[SNICK]] page should be added under the programming block.
--[[User:Lab Dragon|Lab Dragon]] ([[User talk:Lab Dragon|talk]]) 04:28, 17 November 2007 (UTC)

== Ren and Stimpy cancellation reason somewhat incorrect ==

Actually, there are many more credible sources that state that Ren and Stimpy creator John Kristfalusi was actually fired for delivering episodes too late and idealogical tension between John and a few of Nick's executive producers. The sole reason lbeing listed as "inappropriate comment" not only is incorrect, but also gives off a biased nature to it, as well. A little research (Commentary on The Ren and Stimpy Show DVD, to name only one such account) gives a much clearer reasoning that is much closer to the truth than the generic and poorly cited reason on this page. —The preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment was added by [[Special:Contributions/{{{IP|{{{User|76.242.41.219}}}}}}|{{{IP|{{{User|76.242.41.219}}}}}}]] ([[User talk:{{{IP|{{{User|76.242.41.219}}}}}}|talk]]) {{{Time|07:53, August 22, 2007 (UTC)}}} 
:That was my addition, and I confess that I don't know much about the situation. While looking for a reliable source for why Ren and Stimpy was cancelled, I found [http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2007/02/72821 this Wired interview with Kristfalusi] in which they say "This is, after all, the guy who was dismissed from Ren and Stimpy after producing an episode that ended with a character being savagely beaten with a boat oar." I summarised that reason into simply "inappropriate content". I don't have access to the DVDs, but if you want to use that source to flesh out the reasons behind Kristfalusi's dismissal, feel free. [[User:Kweeket|Kweeket]] 08:13, 22 August 2007 (UTC)

== Talk Page Archive ==

Archive 1 has been created with a link at above right. Archive 2, when needed in the future, should be a new page (same as creating an article) titled "Talk:Nickelodeon (TV channel)/archive2" and the link added to the template on this page's code. Some of the prior talk pages (notably Archive 1) may also have used the [[Wikipedia:Refactoring talk pages|refactoring]] method of talk page management. To view other archived talk pages follow these steps: Click on the archive page. 2. Click on the "History" tab at the top of that page. 3. Click on any date that you wish. That's all you have to do. You will be taken to Wiki's archived talk page for that date. To find the very first talk pages, click on the "Earliest" link at the bottom of the "History" page and scroll down to the links at the bottom of the page. Permission is granted to copy this notice for use on other Talk pages. For further information on archiving see [[Wikipedia:How_to_archive_a_talk_page]]. Thank you. [[User:Rawboard|Rawboard]] 03:16, 10 June 2007 (UTC)
:This is why I don't agree with the move method of archiving; it destroys the history of the main section. In any case, thanks for archiving it. -- [[User:RattleMan|RattleMan]] 04:50, 10 June 2007 (UTC)

== Fair use rationale for Image:Logo nicktoons.gif ==
[[Image:Nuvola apps important.svg|70px|left]]
'''[[:Image:Logo nicktoons.gif]]''' is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under [[Wikipedia:Fair use|fair use]] but there is no [[Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline|explanation or rationale]] as to why its use in '''this''' Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the [[Wikipedia:Image copyright tags/Fair use|boilerplate fair use template]], you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with [[WP:FU|fair use]].

Please go to [[:Image:Logo nicktoons.gif|the image description page]] and edit it to include a [[Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline |fair use rationale]]. Using one of the templates at [[Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline]] is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.

If there is other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on [[Wikipedia:Criteria for speedy deletion#Images.2FMedia|criteria for speedy deletion]]. If you have any questions please ask them at the [[Wikipedia:Media copyright questions|Media copyright questions page]]. Thank you.[[User:BetacommandBot|BetacommandBot]] 05:23, 1 July 2007 (UTC)

==Declining Quality?==

Should it be added? I have in several place(don't remember, but im sure i can find them on google.) I personally feel like this is true.[[User:Yeyosmoka21|Yeyosmoka21]]

yes, the ratings have clearly slipped, along with critical praise and support. nickelodeon is very obviously in decline and it should be noted.

== There should be a section for Criticism ==

I have been on IMDB message boards for several Nickelodeon shows & cartoons, and I see that many fans have been criticising the dire quality Nickelodeon's programming and that they don't show the "old shows" such as the original Rugrats series, Hey Arnold, Kenan & Kel, etc. which were produced in the 1990s. There are also at least 9 petitions on PetitionOnline.com asking to bring back shows from the 1990s. And there also many other internet forums and fan websites dedicated to the classic shows. So I think that there should be section in this article about the fans' criticism of Nickelodeon's decline in the quality of programming.'''Kieranthompson'''
:Don't forget Invader Zim. Nick took some heavy criticism for taking that show off.
::Hell Yeah I still Hate them with Great intensity for them taking Zim off - [[User:Bladez636|Bladez636]]
:Yes there should be a spot for criticism, This channel crashed after 1998. - [[User:Roadkill229|Rodkill229]] —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:Roadkill229|Roadkill229]] ([[User talk:Roadkill229|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Roadkill229|contribs]]) 13:59, August 27, 2007 (UTC) 
:Suggested something similar on [[Disney Channel|
a certain competitor's talk page]]...provided that it doesn't turn into a soapbox or vandal hangout. [[User:WAVY 10 Fan|WAVY 10 Fan]] ([[User talk:WAVY 10 Fan|talk]]) 19:19, 28 November 2007 (UTC)
::Provided that the criticism is verifiable and justified, and, as "WAVY 10 Fan" mentioned, doesn't become a vandal magnet, I'm all for it. -- [[User:Azumanga1|azumanga]] 04:49, 3 December 2007 (UTC)

== there should be a section for programming ==

Let's face it, most of it's modern shows ain't that great (exept for Sponge-Bob). So we should have a section on programming: past, present, and future. So people can learn about it's better, older shows. Like: Doug, Ren & Stimpy, Invader Zim, and Hey Arnold! —The preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment was added by [[Special:Contributions/{{{IP|{{{User|67.85.121.47}}}}}}|{{{IP|{{{User|67.85.121.47}}}}}}]] ([[User talk:{{{IP|{{{User|67.85.121.47}}}}}}|talk]]) {{{Time|01:31, August 20, 2007 (UTC)}}} 
:I'm start a programming section. Can some of you help me. —The preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment was added by [[Special:Contributions/{{{IP|{{{User|67.85.121.47}}}}}}|{{{IP|{{{User|67.85.121.47}}}}}}]] ([[User talk:{{{IP|{{{User|67.85.121.47}}}}}}|talk]]) {{{Time|01:34, August 20, 2007 (UTC)}}} 
::Might work better as a separate article. [[User:WAVY 10 Fan|WAVY 10 Fan]] ([[User talk:WAVY 10 Fan|talk]]) 17:09, 28 February 2008 (UTC)

==Quality of the Article==
The article is a mess. There are mistakes everywhere. Sections are incomplete, and the way it is written is way off. I'll put {{tl|underconstruction}} and {{tl|inuse}} for this page. It desperately needs work. [[User:Dylanlip|Dylanlip]] ([[User talk:Dylanlip|talk]]) 22:34, 21 November 2007 (UTC)

== Renaming this article ==

During the last few days, this article was moved back and forth between " Nickelodeon (TV channel)" and "Nickelodeon (cable channel)". Could someone make up their mind and determine the '''correct name''' for this article? -- [[User:Azumanga1|azumanga]] ([[User talk:Azumanga1|talk]]) 05:39, 16 December 2007 (UTC)

== Centralized TV Episode Discussion ==

Over the past months, TV episodes have been redirected by (to name a couple) TTN, Eusebeus and others. No centralized discussion has taken place, so I'm asking everyone who has been involved in this issue to voice their opinions here in this centralized spot, be they pro or anti. Discussion is here [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia_talk:Television_episodes#Centralized_Discussion]. Even if you have not, other opinions are needed because this issue is affecting ''all'' TV episodes in Wikipedia. --[[User:{{{User|Maniwar}}}|{{{User|Maniwar}}}]] ([[User talk:{{{User|Maniwar}}}|talk]]) 23:18, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

== Split request for [[Nick.com]] ==

Honestly, if [[Disney Channel]] has a page for their website, shouldn't Nick have one? I'm requesting we start the article over from scratch. [[User talk:Jonathan|'''Jonathan''']] 01:56, 2 February 2008 (UTC)

:*Nick.com was nominated for deletion on 18 June 2007. The result of the discussion was merge and redirect to Nickelodeon. The answer is No. [[User:Macys123|Macy's]][[User talk:Macys123|123]] ([[Wikipedia:Editor review/Macys123|review me]]) 23:33, 2 February 2008 (UTC)

== Nick on Telemundo ==

Nick on Telemundo began in 1999 on weekday morning with shows such as Rugrats,Doug,Aaahh Real Monsters,Hey Arnold and Rocko's Modern Life, in 2000 Nick on Telemundo move to weekend mornings, in 2001 the block was dropped from the network, in 2004 nickelodeon shows would return to the network and in 2006 nickelodeon shows would be removed from the network. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:Powergate92|Powergate92]] ([[User talk:Powergate92|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Powergate92|contribs]]) 04:11, 25 February 2008 (UTC) 

== Logo ==

Please put the other pic ov Nickelodeon on. "Nick" may be misleading. if u try 2 look up nick on wiki, it don't cum up.[[User:The Legend of G|The Legend of G]] ([[User talk:The Legend of G|talk]]) 00:55, 6 March 2008 (UTC)
Thanks.[[User:The Legend of G|The Legend of G]] ([[User talk:The Legend of G|talk]]) 01:56, 7 March 2008 (UTC)

== Nickelodeon ==

Should we mention here that [[Canada]]'s [[Shaw Cable]] and [[Rogers Cable]] are jointly applying to the [[CRTC]] to carry this network (along with [[Turner Network Television|TNT]], [[USA Network]], and [[Cartoon Network]]? As well, Nickelodeon is carried universally on [[Caribbean]] cable systems (usually with [[YTV]] and Cartoon Network). '''[[User:RingtailedFox|RingtailedFox]] • [[User_talk:RingtailedFox|Talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/RingtailedFox|Contribs]]''' 13:05, 6 April 2008 (UTC)

:I agree we should mention the Canadian situation. As for the Caribbean, the problem with that is that some systems carry the American version and some offer the Latin American version, with the soundtrack appropriate to the country. Comment? -- [[User:Azumanga1|azumanga]] ([[User talk:Azumanga1|talk]]) 17:53, 6 April 2008 (UTC)

== H20 ==

Someone add H20: Just Add Water to the TEENick Templete!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/72.73.232.65|72.73.232.65]] ([[User talk:72.73.232.65|talk]]) 18:54, 7 April 2008 (UTC) 

:Since you asked nicely... Its done :-) '''[[User:TheProf07|TheProf]]''' - '''[[User talk:TheProf07|T]]''' / '''[[Special:Contributions/TheProf07|C]]''' 19:05, 7 April 2008 (UTC)

Thank You :) —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/72.73.232.56|72.73.232.56]] ([[User talk:72.73.232.56|talk]]) 22:17, 8 April 2008 (UTC) 

i like it —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/71.178.200.148|71.178.200.148]] ([[User talk:71.178.200.148|talk]]) 01:35, 14 June 2008 (UTC) 

== wow the titanic ==

i like that u showed the titanic but how did u get the picture —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/70.17.251.106|70.17.251.106]] ([[User talk:70.17.251.106|talk]]) 15:37, 14 June 2008 (UTC) 

== International Pressence of nickelodeon ==

List of countries where Nickelodeon is present is given with the year of introduction. Please complete the information where necessary and required.

*1979 - USA
*19?? - UK
*19?? - Australia
*19?? - Austria
*19?? - China
*19?? - France
*19?? - Germany
*19?? - India
*19?? - Italy
*19?? - Israel
*19?? - Japan
*19?? - Korea
*19?? - Netherlands
*19?? - New Zealand
*19?? - Poland
*19?? - Portugal
*19?? - Scandinavia
*19?? - Spain
*19?? - Russia
*19?? - Turkey
*19?? - ?????
etc

[[Special:Contributions/122.163.40.144|122.163.40.144]] ([[User talk:122.163.40.144|talk]]) 02:02, 20 June 2008 (UTC)

== Merge Proposal ==

I'm proposing to merge [[Pinwheel (TV channel)]] into [[Nickelodeon (TV channel)]]. Do you agree? [[Special:Contributions/72.76.181.118|72.76.181.118]] ([[User talk:72.76.181.118|talk]]) 03:38, 5 July 2008 (UTC) Rock On!

:Already done, as all the Pinwheel info in its own article is already covered by the Nick article. -- [[User:Azumanga1|azumanga]] ([[User talk:Azumanga1|talk]]) 22:38, 6 July 2008 (UTC)

== Why ==
Why did you remove the part about Nickelodeon making it so only American Cartoons are allowed on their channel.

--[[Special:Contributions/76.233.110.136|76.233.110.136]] ([[User talk:76.233.110.136|talk]]) 12:46, 5 July 2008 (UTC)

:Unless you can show where a company official made that statement, then there is no proof of its veracity. --[[User:Mhking|Mhking]] ([[User talk:Mhking|talk]]) 19:49, 5 July 2008 (UTC)

== Cruise ==

I heard that the stars from Nick TV shows are on the cruise. Is this true? [[Special:Contributions/71.182.145.40|71.182.145.40]] ([[User talk:71.182.145.40|talk]])

Stephanie Brown (character)

2008-07-09T02:27:41Z

71.182.145.40: /* Appearence in Other Media */

{{Infobox superhero 
|character_name = Spoiler
|image = [[Image:SpoilerR80.jpg|200px]]
|caption = Spoiler swings into action.
|publisher = [[DC Comics]]
|debut = '''As Stephanie Brown''': ''Detective Comics'' #647 (August 1992) '''As Spoiler''': ''Detective Comics'' #648 (September 1992) '''As Robin''': ''Robin'' #126 (July 2004)
|creators = [[Chuck Dixon]] (writer) [[Tom Lyle]] (artist)
|alter_ego = Stephanie Brown
|full_name =
|species = 
|homeworld = 
|alliances = [[Batman supporting characters|Batman Family]]
|partners = [[Robin (comics)|Robin]] [[Batman]]
|supports = 
|aliases = [[Robin (comics)#Stephanie Brown|Robin]]
|powers = Skilled [[Acrobatics|acrobat]] and [[Martial arts|martial artist]].
}}

'''Stephanie Brown''' is a [[fictional character]], a [[superhero]] published by [[DC Comics]] who operates under the name '''Spoiler''' and previously as the fourth '''[[Robin (comics)|Robin]]'''. The character first appeared in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #647, and was created by [[Chuck Dixon]] and [[Tom Lyle]].

==Fictional character biography==
Stephanie Brown is the daughter of the [[Cluemaster]], one of [[Gotham City]]'s third-rate criminals. Stephanie's father spent most of her childhood in [[Prison|jail]] or away from the family, and though he claimed to be [[Rehabilitation (penology)|rehabilitated]] upon his return to Gotham, Stephanie was furious to discover that he was actually returning to crime without his need to leave clues behind. She decided something needed to be done.

===The Spoiler===
Stephanie tailored a costume for herself, and called herself the '''Spoiler'''. She knew where her father was hiding out, found out his plans, and left clues so that the police and [[Batman]] could stop him. [[Robin (Tim Drake)|Robin]] tracked her down and after a few brief confrontations, she joined in on the capturing of Cluemaster. Although she initially desired to kill her father for his actions, Batman managed to convince her to let him get arrested.

Each time Cluemaster would escape or start some new plan, Stephanie would don her costume again. Eventually, she decided she liked being a hero, and began regular patrols as Spoiler. This also brought her into regular contact with Robin, on whom she had a bit of a crush. For a long time Robin denied his own attraction to Spoiler, due in large part to the fact that he was at the time in a relationship with another girl. The two however worked as sometimes partners for a time, and during a point in which Robin and his then-girlfriend Ariana were unable to see each other, he and Stephanie grew even closer. Robin soon came to realize that his feelings for Stephanie had grown into something more, and after breaking up with Ariana, began dating Stephanie. Unfortunately, because Robin needed to maintain the secrecy of Batman and his allies, Robin was unable to reveal his true identity to Spoiler. At first, she seemed more than happy with this arrangement.

Unfortunately for Stephanie, she found out she was pregnant by an ex-boyfriend who had run from Gotham after an [[Batman: Cataclysm|earthquake]]. Robin, in his alter ego as Alvin Draper, took Stephanie to [[Lamaze]] classes, and the two became even closer. Unfortunately Robin was moved temporarily to Keystone City during the last few months of her pregnancy. He however returned to her when she was giving birth. With Robin's help, she was able to deal with giving her child up for [[adoption]]. Although a painful experience, she felt it best to give her daughter a chance at a better life.

Unfortunately, soon after Robin was then sent away to boarding school by his father, and the two were forced into a long distance relationship, made even more complicated by the fact she still didn't know his real name. During his time away, Robin became friends with a girl named Star. One night, after seeing her go into an alley with some suspicious-looking people, Robin decided to follow her in costume. He ran into Stephanie, also on patrol, and she followed him as he tracked down Star to a gang meeting that erupted in a violent shootout. He managed to save Star, but Stephanie became convinced that he was cheating on her, and refused to see him for a time.

Shortly after this, Robin disappeared from Gotham for several days (he was off in [[Tibet]] on a secret mission), and in his absence Spoiler realized that she still wanted to be with him. Batman approached Spoiler and offered to train her. He also told her Robin's real name, and this betrayal by Batman drove a wedge in between the two for a time as well as caused trouble for Stephanie and Tim for a while. Spoiler began to train with Batman, [[Batgirl (Cassandra Cain)|Batgirl]] (in return for teaching her how to read), and, more reluctantly, the [[Birds of Prey]].

Stephanie and Tim, as she now knew him, reconciled. Even after Batman - having decided that she wasn't really hero material - told her to hang up her costume and the Birds stopped mentoring her, she still patrolled with Robin, as well as went on regular dates. When the US government came to Stephanie and her mother, and told her that Cluemaster had [[Suicide Squad|died in the service of his country]], Stephanie was shocked. She cut off ties with Tim and went on a crimefighting rampage, hunting down the [[Riddler]], her father's former associate, to try to get a better idea of who he had been in life. Eventually, she made peace with his memory, and she and Tim rekindled their relationship.

In ''Robin'' #111, Steph revealed that when she was a child, her babysitter had attempted to rape her. This man died of an apparent drug overdose eight days after she told her father what had happened. Whether or not he had killed him was one of the questions she had to resign herself to never being able to answer.

During Tim's battle with the [[occult]] hitman Johnny Warlock, Stephanie was injured, her leg broken. In a fit of rage, Tim beat Warlock to apparent death (he would later be resurrected due to magic), the aftereffect left Tim feeling devastated and disillusioned.

===Robin===
[[Image:Robinsteph.png|175px|thumb|Stephanie as [[Robin (comics)#Stephanie Brown|Robin]]. Promotional art for ''Robin'' vol. 2, #126 cover, art by [[Damion Scott]].]]

Stephanie snapped Tim out of his funk just as his father discovered Tim was [[Robin (comics)|Robin]]. Tim was told to hang up his cape, and he did. Tim was forced to live a normal life for a time. During one day after school, Stephanie attempted to surprise Tim with a visit. Unfortunately as she arrived, she caught a female classmate of Tim's attempting to put the moves on him. Assuming yet again that Tim was being unfaithful, Steph broke off ties with Tim and angrily decided to put her attention elsewhere. Creating a homemade Robin costume, Stephanie snuck into the [[Batcave]] and demand that Batman train her as the new Robin. Despite his past belief that Stephanie was an inept crime fighter, Batman accepted her as the new Robin and put her through several months of intensive training and made her a costume with the same design as Tim's. The fourth Robin patrolled with Batman, and for a time seemed like a capable replacement for Tim. Unfortunately due to her disobeying his orders during two missions, Batman later stripped her of the costume and told her that she was done being a hero. <ref>''Robin Vol. 2'' #126–128, July–September 2004, reprinted in the [[Batman]] graphic novel ''War Drums'', 2004</ref>

In an effort to prove her worth to Batman, Stephanie stole one of his long-term plans for dealing with the entirety of Gotham's criminal underworld. Since this plan was predicated on the involvement of "[[Matches Malone]]" (who was, unbeknownst to her, a [[persona]] that Batman used for infiltration purposes), it quickly spun out of control. The result was a citywide gang war, in which Stephanie was captured by [[Black Mask (comics)|Black Mask]], who [[torture]]d her to get information about Batman. Although she escaped and made her way to a hospital, she had been severely injured by the villain, and supposedly died in a hospital bed as Batman sat beside her.<ref>''Batman'' #633, December 2004</ref>
[[Image:Batgirl62.PNG|thumb|left|150px|Promotional art for ''Batgirl''' #62 cover, by Alé Garza.]]

Batman later found evidence that vital medical treatment that could have saved Spoiler's life had been denied by Dr. [[Leslie Thompkins]]. When confronted by Batman, Thompkins claims she willfully withheld such treatment to send a warning to any of Gotham's youth intending to follow Spoiler's example.

===Posthumous appearances===
Following her death, Spoiler appeared twice in the ''[[Batgirl]]'' series. The first time, in ''Batgirl'' #62, [[Cassandra Cain]] met her during a [[near-death experience]]. Then in ''Batgirl'' #72–73, Cassandra is near death following a battle with [[The Mad Dog (comics)|Mad Dog]] when Stephanie's "ghost" appears before her again and informs Cassandra of her true parentage and of [[Blüdhaven]]'s destruction. During the [[Titans East]] storyline, a glass case with Spoiler's costume (alongside cases with clothing representing Tim Drake's parents and Conner Kent) is in a room used by Deathstroke to torture Robin. Photos of her autopsy were used by [[Barbara Gordon]] to dissuade [[Misfit (DC Comics)|another young superheroine]] from using the name [[Batgirl]]. In [[Booster Gold]] #5, [[Rip Hunter]]'s chalk board had the phrase "No Trophy = Stephanie?" written on it. In ''Batman: Gotham Underground'', an unidentified female in a Spoiler costume has been spying on Robin.

===Spoiler returns===
In the events following the [[Batman: The Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul|resurrection]] of [[Ra's al Ghul]], Robin follows the trail of a female thief called Violet. This leads him to reunite with his friend Ives in a pregnancy social service class. This added to random encounters with a blonde student in high school trigger his memories of Stephanie Brown. During his quest to find Violet, he is followed by a character dressed up as Spoiler. Later, this character takes off the mask revealing a blonde girl that knows Robin's secret identity <ref>''Robin'' #172</ref>. Spoiler reveals herself to Robin trying to warn him that Violet led him to an ambush. Robin reacts violently and confused, believing someone else is dressing up as Spoiler and finally falling in the trap she was trying to warn him about. Before the trap is sprung however, Spoiler addresses Robin with his true name. <ref>''Robin'' #173</ref>

After they escape the ambush, Robin and Batman track down the Spoiler, intent on getting her to stop, believing it is someone copying Stephanie. When confronted, however, she removes her mask, revealing herself as Stephanie, and she explains that Leslie Thompkins faked her death, switching the body with a woman who overdosed. Batman reveals he had his own doubts about it, saying that's why there was no memorial in the Batcave. She said Thompkins did it to protect Stephanie: if Batman's enemies knew that she was alive, they would continuously use her against him as Black Mask did since her identity had been compromised. Stephanie followed Leslie to Africa under an alias after she was well enough to travel and had been doing volunteer work until an attack from a local witchhunting tribe on the camp led her decide to return to Gotham.<ref>''Robin/Spoiler'' Special #1</ref> Spoiler once again rejoins the Bat-Family, the issue ending with her telling her mother of her return.<ref>''Robin'' #174</ref> She's enrolled in the same high school Tim is currently in.

Before being revealed to Robin and Batman, Stephanie worked freelance for the Penguin and got information that helped him in his gang wars. She abruptly stopped aiding him which led to him losing the advantage and leaving Gotham. She sent Penguin a note apologizing for leaving him when he needed her the most.

==Controversy==
[[Image:Detective Comics 809.jpg|thumb|150px|Cover to ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #809 (2005). Art by [[Jock (comics)|Jock]].]]
There is some controversy in the DC fan community about the fact that even though Stephanie Brown served as Robin for a time, she receives no monument or memorial in the [[Batcave]], unlike other past Robins.<ref>[http://www.sequentialtart.com/article.php?id=488 Sequential Tart: An Open Letter (vol X/iss 4/April 2007)]</ref> During a Q&A at a convention in March 2007, DC executive editor [[Dan DiDio]] responded to questions about the absence of a Stephanie tribute from the Batcave, saying that the official position of DC Comics is that "She was never really a Robin," despite on-panel claims to the contrary.<ref>http://www.wizarduniverse.com/conventions/la/003907944.cfm</ref>

Supporters of Stephanie Brown cite her death as a case of [[Women in Refrigerators|"Women in Refrigerators" syndrome]]. They state that the torture and murder of Stephanie Brown was a misogynist plot device used to cement the hatred between hero (Batman) and villain (Black Mask). Furthermore, Tim Drake, despite having dated Brown for several years, does little if any on-panel grieving for her, whereas he is so devastated by the death of [[Superboy (Kon-El)|Conner Kent]] (whom he knew for less time than he dated Stephanie) he grieves for months, and attempts to clone his fallen friend dozens of times and even alters his costume colors in Conner's memory.<ref>[http://girl-wonder.org/robin/projectgirlwonder.html Project Girl Wonder]</ref>

She was only Robin for a very short time, during ''Robin'' #126-128 (not counting appearances as Robin in other DC titles). In narrative time, according to "Robin's War Journal" from the [[Batman: War Games]] crossover story arc, she was Robin for 71 days.

When Alfred asks if Batman's acceptance of Stephanie as Robin was conceived by him as only a temporary measure from the outset and constituted part of a deceptive and manipulative effort to lure Tim back to the cape, Batman evades the question. However, when a dying Stephanie asks, "Was I ever really Robin?", Batman answers, "Yes."<ref>''Batman'' #633</ref>

In the DC Nation column for the week of [[Christmas|December 25, 2007]], DiDio showed the Christmas wish lists of various DC characters. Robin wished for "a trophy case for Stephanie". It was crossed out with "No can do!" written in red marker.

In ''Batman'' #673, in a scene shown as a possible hallucination of Batman's, there appears to be a monument case in the Batcave containing the Robin costume worn by Stephanie Brown.

In ''Robin'' #174, Stephanie's death is retconned,{{Fact|date=June 2008}} to where she didn't actually die but rather it was a ruse devised by Leslie. Batman reveals to Tim that he had lingering doubts about her death, which is why he never dedicated a Batcave memorial to her.

==Appearence in Other Media==

In a July 2008 interview, [[Christopher Nolan]] revealed both [[Tim Drake]] and Stephanie Brown would be new characters in the sequal to [[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]. Nolan stated that he would like for [[Miranda Cosgrove]] to play the role, as well as [[Jennette McCurdy]] being a potentional choice.

==References==
<div class="references-small">
{{reflist|2}}
</div>

==External links==
*[http://girl-wonder.org/ ''Girl Wonder'']

{{-}}
{{Batman}}

[[Category:American comics characters]]
[[Category:Child superheroes]]
[[Category:Comic book sidekicks]]
[[Category:DC Comics martial artists]]
[[Category:DC Comics superheroes]]
[[Category:Fictional detectives]]
[[Category:Fictional vigilantes]]

[[de:Spoiler (Comicfigur)]]
[[es:Spoiler (cómic)]]
[[fr:Spoiler (comics)]]
[[hu:Találat]]

Stephanie Brown (character)

2008-07-09T02:24:41Z

71.182.145.40:

{{Infobox superhero 
|character_name = Spoiler
|image = [[Image:SpoilerR80.jpg|200px]]
|caption = Spoiler swings into action.
|publisher = [[DC Comics]]
|debut = '''As Stephanie Brown''': ''Detective Comics'' #647 (August 1992) '''As Spoiler''': ''Detective Comics'' #648 (September 1992) '''As Robin''': ''Robin'' #126 (July 2004)
|creators = [[Chuck Dixon]] (writer) [[Tom Lyle]] (artist)
|alter_ego = Stephanie Brown
|full_name =
|species = 
|homeworld = 
|alliances = [[Batman supporting characters|Batman Family]]
|partners = [[Robin (comics)|Robin]] [[Batman]]
|supports = 
|aliases = [[Robin (comics)#Stephanie Brown|Robin]]
|powers = Skilled [[Acrobatics|acrobat]] and [[Martial arts|martial artist]].
}}

'''Stephanie Brown''' is a [[fictional character]], a [[superhero]] published by [[DC Comics]] who operates under the name '''Spoiler''' and previously as the fourth '''[[Robin (comics)|Robin]]'''. The character first appeared in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #647, and was created by [[Chuck Dixon]] and [[Tom Lyle]].

==Fictional character biography==
Stephanie Brown is the daughter of the [[Cluemaster]], one of [[Gotham City]]'s third-rate criminals. Stephanie's father spent most of her childhood in [[Prison|jail]] or away from the family, and though he claimed to be [[Rehabilitation (penology)|rehabilitated]] upon his return to Gotham, Stephanie was furious to discover that he was actually returning to crime without his need to leave clues behind. She decided something needed to be done.

===The Spoiler===
Stephanie tailored a costume for herself, and called herself the '''Spoiler'''. She knew where her father was hiding out, found out his plans, and left clues so that the police and [[Batman]] could stop him. [[Robin (Tim Drake)|Robin]] tracked her down and after a few brief confrontations, she joined in on the capturing of Cluemaster. Although she initially desired to kill her father for his actions, Batman managed to convince her to let him get arrested.

Each time Cluemaster would escape or start some new plan, Stephanie would don her costume again. Eventually, she decided she liked being a hero, and began regular patrols as Spoiler. This also brought her into regular contact with Robin, on whom she had a bit of a crush. For a long time Robin denied his own attraction to Spoiler, due in large part to the fact that he was at the time in a relationship with another girl. The two however worked as sometimes partners for a time, and during a point in which Robin and his then-girlfriend Ariana were unable to see each other, he and Stephanie grew even closer. Robin soon came to realize that his feelings for Stephanie had grown into something more, and after breaking up with Ariana, began dating Stephanie. Unfortunately, because Robin needed to maintain the secrecy of Batman and his allies, Robin was unable to reveal his true identity to Spoiler. At first, she seemed more than happy with this arrangement.

Unfortunately for Stephanie, she found out she was pregnant by an ex-boyfriend who had run from Gotham after an [[Batman: Cataclysm|earthquake]]. Robin, in his alter ego as Alvin Draper, took Stephanie to [[Lamaze]] classes, and the two became even closer. Unfortunately Robin was moved temporarily to Keystone City during the last few months of her pregnancy. He however returned to her when she was giving birth. With Robin's help, she was able to deal with giving her child up for [[adoption]]. Although a painful experience, she felt it best to give her daughter a chance at a better life.

Unfortunately, soon after Robin was then sent away to boarding school by his father, and the two were forced into a long distance relationship, made even more complicated by the fact she still didn't know his real name. During his time away, Robin became friends with a girl named Star. One night, after seeing her go into an alley with some suspicious-looking people, Robin decided to follow her in costume. He ran into Stephanie, also on patrol, and she followed him as he tracked down Star to a gang meeting that erupted in a violent shootout. He managed to save Star, but Stephanie became convinced that he was cheating on her, and refused to see him for a time.

Shortly after this, Robin disappeared from Gotham for several days (he was off in [[Tibet]] on a secret mission), and in his absence Spoiler realized that she still wanted to be with him. Batman approached Spoiler and offered to train her. He also told her Robin's real name, and this betrayal by Batman drove a wedge in between the two for a time as well as caused trouble for Stephanie and Tim for a while. Spoiler began to train with Batman, [[Batgirl (Cassandra Cain)|Batgirl]] (in return for teaching her how to read), and, more reluctantly, the [[Birds of Prey]].

Stephanie and Tim, as she now knew him, reconciled. Even after Batman - having decided that she wasn't really hero material - told her to hang up her costume and the Birds stopped mentoring her, she still patrolled with Robin, as well as went on regular dates. When the US government came to Stephanie and her mother, and told her that Cluemaster had [[Suicide Squad|died in the service of his country]], Stephanie was shocked. She cut off ties with Tim and went on a crimefighting rampage, hunting down the [[Riddler]], her father's former associate, to try to get a better idea of who he had been in life. Eventually, she made peace with his memory, and she and Tim rekindled their relationship.

In ''Robin'' #111, Steph revealed that when she was a child, her babysitter had attempted to rape her. This man died of an apparent drug overdose eight days after she told her father what had happened. Whether or not he had killed him was one of the questions she had to resign herself to never being able to answer.

During Tim's battle with the [[occult]] hitman Johnny Warlock, Stephanie was injured, her leg broken. In a fit of rage, Tim beat Warlock to apparent death (he would later be resurrected due to magic), the aftereffect left Tim feeling devastated and disillusioned.

===Robin===
[[Image:Robinsteph.png|175px|thumb|Stephanie as [[Robin (comics)#Stephanie Brown|Robin]]. Promotional art for ''Robin'' vol. 2, #126 cover, art by [[Damion Scott]].]]

Stephanie snapped Tim out of his funk just as his father discovered Tim was [[Robin (comics)|Robin]]. Tim was told to hang up his cape, and he did. Tim was forced to live a normal life for a time. During one day after school, Stephanie attempted to surprise Tim with a visit. Unfortunately as she arrived, she caught a female classmate of Tim's attempting to put the moves on him. Assuming yet again that Tim was being unfaithful, Steph broke off ties with Tim and angrily decided to put her attention elsewhere. Creating a homemade Robin costume, Stephanie snuck into the [[Batcave]] and demand that Batman train her as the new Robin. Despite his past belief that Stephanie was an inept crime fighter, Batman accepted her as the new Robin and put her through several months of intensive training and made her a costume with the same design as Tim's. The fourth Robin patrolled with Batman, and for a time seemed like a capable replacement for Tim. Unfortunately due to her disobeying his orders during two missions, Batman later stripped her of the costume and told her that she was done being a hero. <ref>''Robin Vol. 2'' #126–128, July–September 2004, reprinted in the [[Batman]] graphic novel ''War Drums'', 2004</ref>

In an effort to prove her worth to Batman, Stephanie stole one of his long-term plans for dealing with the entirety of Gotham's criminal underworld. Since this plan was predicated on the involvement of "[[Matches Malone]]" (who was, unbeknownst to her, a [[persona]] that Batman used for infiltration purposes), it quickly spun out of control. The result was a citywide gang war, in which Stephanie was captured by [[Black Mask (comics)|Black Mask]], who [[torture]]d her to get information about Batman. Although she escaped and made her way to a hospital, she had been severely injured by the villain, and supposedly died in a hospital bed as Batman sat beside her.<ref>''Batman'' #633, December 2004</ref>
[[Image:Batgirl62.PNG|thumb|left|150px|Promotional art for ''Batgirl''' #62 cover, by Alé Garza.]]

Batman later found evidence that vital medical treatment that could have saved Spoiler's life had been denied by Dr. [[Leslie Thompkins]]. When confronted by Batman, Thompkins claims she willfully withheld such treatment to send a warning to any of Gotham's youth intending to follow Spoiler's example.

===Posthumous appearances===
Following her death, Spoiler appeared twice in the ''[[Batgirl]]'' series. The first time, in ''Batgirl'' #62, [[Cassandra Cain]] met her during a [[near-death experience]]. Then in ''Batgirl'' #72–73, Cassandra is near death following a battle with [[The Mad Dog (comics)|Mad Dog]] when Stephanie's "ghost" appears before her again and informs Cassandra of her true parentage and of [[Blüdhaven]]'s destruction. During the [[Titans East]] storyline, a glass case with Spoiler's costume (alongside cases with clothing representing Tim Drake's parents and Conner Kent) is in a room used by Deathstroke to torture Robin. Photos of her autopsy were used by [[Barbara Gordon]] to dissuade [[Misfit (DC Comics)|another young superheroine]] from using the name [[Batgirl]]. In [[Booster Gold]] #5, [[Rip Hunter]]'s chalk board had the phrase "No Trophy = Stephanie?" written on it. In ''Batman: Gotham Underground'', an unidentified female in a Spoiler costume has been spying on Robin.

===Spoiler returns===
In the events following the [[Batman: The Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul|resurrection]] of [[Ra's al Ghul]], Robin follows the trail of a female thief called Violet. This leads him to reunite with his friend Ives in a pregnancy social service class. This added to random encounters with a blonde student in high school trigger his memories of Stephanie Brown. During his quest to find Violet, he is followed by a character dressed up as Spoiler. Later, this character takes off the mask revealing a blonde girl that knows Robin's secret identity <ref>''Robin'' #172</ref>. Spoiler reveals herself to Robin trying to warn him that Violet led him to an ambush. Robin reacts violently and confused, believing someone else is dressing up as Spoiler and finally falling in the trap she was trying to warn him about. Before the trap is sprung however, Spoiler addresses Robin with his true name. <ref>''Robin'' #173</ref>

After they escape the ambush, Robin and Batman track down the Spoiler, intent on getting her to stop, believing it is someone copying Stephanie. When confronted, however, she removes her mask, revealing herself as Stephanie, and she explains that Leslie Thompkins faked her death, switching the body with a woman who overdosed. Batman reveals he had his own doubts about it, saying that's why there was no memorial in the Batcave. She said Thompkins did it to protect Stephanie: if Batman's enemies knew that she was alive, they would continuously use her against him as Black Mask did since her identity had been compromised. Stephanie followed Leslie to Africa under an alias after she was well enough to travel and had been doing volunteer work until an attack from a local witchhunting tribe on the camp led her decide to return to Gotham.<ref>''Robin/Spoiler'' Special #1</ref> Spoiler once again rejoins the Bat-Family, the issue ending with her telling her mother of her return.<ref>''Robin'' #174</ref> She's enrolled in the same high school Tim is currently in.

Before being revealed to Robin and Batman, Stephanie worked freelance for the Penguin and got information that helped him in his gang wars. She abruptly stopped aiding him which led to him losing the advantage and leaving Gotham. She sent Penguin a note apologizing for leaving him when he needed her the most.

==Controversy==
[[Image:Detective Comics 809.jpg|thumb|150px|Cover to ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #809 (2005). Art by [[Jock (comics)|Jock]].]]
There is some controversy in the DC fan community about the fact that even though Stephanie Brown served as Robin for a time, she receives no monument or memorial in the [[Batcave]], unlike other past Robins.<ref>[http://www.sequentialtart.com/article.php?id=488 Sequential Tart: An Open Letter (vol X/iss 4/April 2007)]</ref> During a Q&A at a convention in March 2007, DC executive editor [[Dan DiDio]] responded to questions about the absence of a Stephanie tribute from the Batcave, saying that the official position of DC Comics is that "She was never really a Robin," despite on-panel claims to the contrary.<ref>http://www.wizarduniverse.com/conventions/la/003907944.cfm</ref>

Supporters of Stephanie Brown cite her death as a case of [[Women in Refrigerators|"Women in Refrigerators" syndrome]]. They state that the torture and murder of Stephanie Brown was a misogynist plot device used to cement the hatred between hero (Batman) and villain (Black Mask). Furthermore, Tim Drake, despite having dated Brown for several years, does little if any on-panel grieving for her, whereas he is so devastated by the death of [[Superboy (Kon-El)|Conner Kent]] (whom he knew for less time than he dated Stephanie) he grieves for months, and attempts to clone his fallen friend dozens of times and even alters his costume colors in Conner's memory.<ref>[http://girl-wonder.org/robin/projectgirlwonder.html Project Girl Wonder]</ref>

She was only Robin for a very short time, during ''Robin'' #126-128 (not counting appearances as Robin in other DC titles). In narrative time, according to "Robin's War Journal" from the [[Batman: War Games]] crossover story arc, she was Robin for 71 days.

When Alfred asks if Batman's acceptance of Stephanie as Robin was conceived by him as only a temporary measure from the outset and constituted part of a deceptive and manipulative effort to lure Tim back to the cape, Batman evades the question. However, when a dying Stephanie asks, "Was I ever really Robin?", Batman answers, "Yes."<ref>''Batman'' #633</ref>

In the DC Nation column for the week of [[Christmas|December 25, 2007]], DiDio showed the Christmas wish lists of various DC characters. Robin wished for "a trophy case for Stephanie". It was crossed out with "No can do!" written in red marker.

In ''Batman'' #673, in a scene shown as a possible hallucination of Batman's, there appears to be a monument case in the Batcave containing the Robin costume worn by Stephanie Brown.

In ''Robin'' #174, Stephanie's death is retconned,{{Fact|date=June 2008}} to where she didn't actually die but rather it was a ruse devised by Leslie. Batman reveals to Tim that he had lingering doubts about her death, which is why he never dedicated a Batcave memorial to her.

==Appearence in Other Media==

In a July 2008 interview, [[Christopher Nolan]] revealed both [[Tim Drake]] and Stephanie Brown would be new characters in the sequal to [[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]. Nolan stated that he intends for [[Miranda Cosgrove]] to play the role.

==References==
<div class="references-small">
{{reflist|2}}
</div>

==External links==
*[http://girl-wonder.org/ ''Girl Wonder'']

{{-}}
{{Batman}}

[[Category:American comics characters]]
[[Category:Child superheroes]]
[[Category:Comic book sidekicks]]
[[Category:DC Comics martial artists]]
[[Category:DC Comics superheroes]]
[[Category:Fictional detectives]]
[[Category:Fictional vigilantes]]

[[de:Spoiler (Comicfigur)]]
[[es:Spoiler (cómic)]]
[[fr:Spoiler (comics)]]
[[hu:Találat]]

Black Mask (character)

2008-07-09T02:17:38Z

71.182.145.40:

{{comics-in-universe}}
{{Superherobox|
image=[[Image:bat636.jpg|225px]]
|caption=Cover to ''Batman'' #636 (January 2005). Pencils by [[Matt Wagner]].
|character_name=Black Mask
|real_name=Roman Sionis
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut=''Batman'' #386 (August 1985)
|creators=[[Doug Moench]] [[Tom Mandrake]]
|alliances=False Face Society Gotham mafia [[Secret Society of Super Villains#3rd Formation|The Society]]
|aliases=[[Orpheus (comics)|Orpheus]]
|powers=A brilliant criminal mastermind, highly skilled in the ways of physical and psychological torture and a capable fighter.
|}}

'''Black Mask''' is a [[fictional character]] in the [[DC Comics]] [[DC Universe|universe]]. A foe of [[Batman]], he first appeared in ''Batman'' #386 ([[1985#August|August 1985]]). Black Mask was created by [[Doug Moench]] and [[Tom Mandrake]].

==Fictional character biography==
===Dark beginning===
[[Image:Bat386.png|thumb|Cover to ''Batman'' #386 (August 1985). Pencils by Tom Mandrake.|160px|left]]
Black Mask's [[origin story]] was established in his first appearance. '''Roman Sionis''' was born into one of [[Gotham City]]’s elite families, to [[wealth]]y and utterly self-absorbed parents, caring more about their social status than their son; moments after his birth, the doctor carelessly dropped him on his head. Roman's parents were less concerned about their son's well-being and more concerned about covering up the entire incident out of fear of how their wealthy friends would react to the news of their son's injury. A second incident occurred when he was a child. While at the Sinois family country estate he was attacked by a [[rabies|rabid]] [[raccoon]]. This incident was also covered up by the Sionis family, who forbid Roman to mention it to anyone.

Further adding to the cauldron was his father's "friendship" with [[Thomas Wayne]]; both of Roman's parents disliked the Waynes and were quite vocal about it in private with their son. However, to their son's dismay, they continued to associate with Thomas and Martha Wayne and pretended to be friends with the couple, to the extent of literally forcing him to become friends with their son, Bruce. His parents' [[hypocrisy]] had a deep impact on him, and he grew to hate and resent them and the "masks" they wore in public.

After his high school graduation, Sionis was given a high ranking position inside his father's company, Janus Cosmetics. There, he met and fell in love with Circe, a [[working class]] secretary. His parents didn't approve of the relationship and made it clear that they wanted it ended. Enraged, Roman burned down the family's mansion, killing both of his parents. Upon their deaths, he inherited the family fortune and business. Roman wasn't the businessman his father was, however, and eventually ruined Janus Cosmetics by funding a line of face-paint make-up which failed. In desperation, he threw large sums of money at the staff chemists to create a product to save the company, and what came back to him was a kind of water-proof makeup. The product was rushed to market without proper testing, and once it hit the market turned out to be a deadly [[toxin]] which disfigured several hundred women.

Circe, now Sionis' fiancé, broke up with him in front of his entire staff. At that time, now successful mogul Bruce Wayne offered to bail out the company on the condition that Sionis give up control and allow Wayne to appoint his own Board of Directors. Sionis agreed, but was furious at the humiliation he had suffered. He went to the family [[mausoleum]] and broke his mother's [[ebony]] coffin lid. From a piece of this, Sionis carved a mask, becoming '''Black Mask'.''

===Becoming ''Black Mask''===
[[Image:Bat518.png|thumb|Cover to ''Batman'' #518 (May 1995). Pencils by [[Kelley Jones]].|160px]]
Sionis found he had an amazing aptitude for [[crime]], and he soon had a large gang working for him. Calling them the False Face Society, the one requirement was that all members must select a mask from his collection and wear it at all times when on the job and in his presence. They were successfully gaining power in the Gotham underworld, until Black Mask decided it was time to take his [[revenge]] on Bruce Wayne. He began [[kidnapping]] [[Wayne Enterprises]] executives, putting masks on their faces that were coated in the deadly make-up once made by Janus Cosmetics. He also targeted Circe and forcibly disfigured her with the chemicals in order to force her to reunite with him. Circe would ultimately kill herself, leading Black Mask to replace her with a mannequin that he talked to as if it were a real person.

These kidnappings drew Batman's attention, and he began hunting down the False Facers. He slowly began to dismantle the organization until he finally found Black Mask in the ruins of the Sionis Family home. Black Mask lit the wreckage on fire trying to escape, but was caught in the burning house. Batman was able to save him, but the mask had been burned onto his face and left him disfigured.

Black Mask spent some time in [[Arkham Asylum]], but escaped when [[Bane (comics)|Bane]] assaulted the facility in ''[[Batman: Knightfall|Knightfall]]'' and subsequently restarted the False Facers. He took on a new second-in-command, Tattoo (whose face was covered in a [[tattoo]] mask pattern), and he began burning down Wayne properties. This time he also kidnapped [[Lucius Fox]], CEO of Waynetech and friend of Bruce Wayne. Batman infiltrated the gang and was able to save Fox from Black Mask's [[torture]], and even brought in Tattoo, but Black Mask escaped.

===Cult leader===
In "The Cult" storyline, Black Mask reappeared as a mob-boss/[[cult]] figure who had given up his vendetta against Bruce Wayne. Making allegiance with [[Penguin (comics)|the Penguin]] at some times, working alone at others, he controlled much of Gotham's underworld until the city was destroyed by an [[earthquake]] in the "[[No Man's Land (comics)|No Man's Land]]" story arc.

Sionis discarded the ebony mask, believing his [[scar]]s to be a sign of his strength and determination to survive. By now completely [[insanity|insane]], he led a cult whose trademark was ritual scarring, killing anyone who refused to join. He led a powerful group until Batman and [[Huntress (Helena Bertinelli)|Huntress]] dissolved it. Sionis was imprisoned in [[Blackgate Penitentiary]], but he managed to escape before the city was made a part of the country again.

===Relentless===
[[Image:Catwoman16.jpg|thumb|left|160px|Cover to ''Catwoman'' vol. 3 #16 (February 2003). Pencils by [[J. G. Jones]].]]
In ''Catwoman'' #16, Black Mask began a [[illegal drug trade|drug trafficking]] ring and decided to move his organization into Gotham's East End, drawing the attention of [[Catwoman]], who had sworn to protect that area of the city.

Catwoman interfered in Black Mask's plans, stealing money from him and giving it to the poor, and injuring many of his men. Black Mask decided he wanted to remove the problem, and so found an old friend of Selina Kyle's, Sylvia Sinclair, who was working in the Gotham mobs. She revealed Catwoman's [[secret identity]] to him, and he began a campaign of terror against her. He blew up the new [[youth club|youth center]] she had endowed with the stolen money, hounded her, and kidnapped her sister and brother-in-law. Black Mask tortured Catwoman's brother-in-law brutally in front of her sister, and then made the woman eat pieces of her husband's corpse.

Catwoman arrived to find her brother-in-law dead, her sister insane, and her friend [[Holly Robinson|Holly]] on the verge of being tortured. She attacked Black Mask, and the two of them fought across his penthouse. At the end of the battle, Black Mask fell from the top of the building, leaving everyone to assume he was dead.

===''War Games'' & ''War Crimes''===
When [[Robin (Tim Drake)|Tim Drake]] quit his role as [[Robin (comics)|Robin]] in the ''[[Batman: War Games|War Games]]'' arc, Batman chose [[Stephanie Brown]], aka Spoiler, to replace him. Batman quickly discovered that her lack of focus and self-absorption made her a danger to herself and others, and fired her. Desperate to prove herself, she took one of Batman's contingency plans and set it into action with the intent of shepherding it to a successful conclusion. The plan was to get all of Gotham's crime lords under the control of [[Orpheus (comics)|Orpheus]], an agent of Batman, and therefore under the control of Batman himself. The plan failed because Spoiler was unaware that a key contact with the crime lords, [[Matches Malone]], was actually another alter ego of Batman himself. When "Matches Malone" did not appear as expected, the tension at the meeting accidentally degenerated into a firefight, leaving many dead and wounded. This created a [[power vacuum]] that quickly erupted into a brutal [[gang|gang war]] on the streets of Gotham.

[[Image:Batmanwargames3.jpg|160px|Cover to ''Batman: War Games'' Act Three (October 2005). Pencils by [[James Jean]].|thumb]]

In ''War Games Act Three'', Spoiler sought Orpheus, believing that if she could enlist his help there might still be a chance to bring the plan to some sort of successful conclusion. As she finished telling Orpheus his role in the plan, Black Mask murdered him by slitting his throat in front of Spoiler. He then tortured Spoiler for the rest of information on the plan.

Black Mask assumed Orpheus' identity, using face putty and padding, (as seen in 'Batman: War Games, Act 2') fooling even Batman and [[Onyx (comics)|Onyx]]. As Orpheus he fanned the flames of the crisis, driving Gotham's criminal element into a bloodthirsty, destructive mob seeking to kill any member or associate of the [[Batman supporting characters#Batman Family|Batman Family]]. He then returned to torture Spoiler for his own enjoyment only to find that she had escaped. Black Mask soon tracked her down again and they fought. Spoiler managed to overcome Black Mask and get away, but was left with severe internal injuries.

Black Mask then infiltrated [[Barbara Gordon|Oracle]]'s Clocktower in an attempt to expose her to the criminal mob. Batman attacked him in a blind rage and Oracle, fearful for Batman's life, was forced to activate a self-destruct device in the tower to get Batman to save her.

In the end, the Spoiler supposedly died due to the injuries inflicted on her and the willful negligence of [[Leslie Thompkins]] (although a recent [[retroactive continuity|retcon]] establishes that Stephanie's death had been faked).

Black Mask then rose to become the overlord of the Gotham underworld.

Allied with reporter Arturo Rodriguez, Black Mask began a campaign to discredit Batman. While Rodriguez slammed Batman in the press, Black Mask committed a series of murders disguised as Batman. This plan was complicated by the arrival of the [[Joker (comics)|Joker]]. Black Mask was intent on killing the Clown Prince of Crime and framing Batman for it, but the Joker wanted to kill Black Mask, because he robbed him of the opportunity to kill another Robin. The two nearly killed each other before Batman intervened. Batman eventually exposed Rodriguez and finally managed to capture Black Mask. However, while being taken to jail, he managed to kill the escorting officer and escape again.

===Death===
[[Image:CatwomanCv52.jpg|160px|thumb|Artwork for the cover of ''Catwoman'' vol. 3 #52 (Feb 2006). Pencils by [[Adam Hughes]].]]
The assassin [[Deathstroke]] later approached Black Mask offering him a place within [[Secret Society of Super Villains|The Society]]. Eager to strengthen his increasingly tenuous grip on the underworld (Batman and the new [[Jason Todd|Red Hood]] had both been targeting his operations), he accepted, and [[Captain Nazi]], [[Hyena (comics)|one of the Hyenas]], and [[Count Vertigo]] were sent after Batman and Red Hood. However, these villains were defeated, and Batman ultimately prevented the Society from securing a foothold in Gotham.

In an attempt to "improve himself" after this debacle, Black Mask threatened the most important people in Catwoman's life, from [[Slam Bradley]] to [[Holly Robinson|Holly Robinson]]. Still thinking that she adhered to a strict ''no-kill rule,'' Black Mask was caught by surprise when Catwoman retaliated by shooting him in the head and blowing off his jaw, killing him.

After the shooting, Selina Kyle passed the mantle of Catwoman to her friend Holly. Not long after, Holly was arrested for Black Mask's murder.

==Powers and abilities==
Black Mask has no super human abilities however he is a master criminal strategist and skilled in the use of hand guns. His primary weapons are Fear and Intimidation. He usually carries at least two automatic pistols.

==Other versions==
Black Mask never made an appearance in ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]''. He is, however, spotlighted in ''[[The Batman Adventures]]'' #5-8. Criminals in his employ are:
*[[Deadshot]]
*[[Firefly (comics)|Firefly]]
*[[Andrea Beaumont|The Phantasm]]
*Eel O'Brian (before he goes straight as the superhero [[Plastic Man]])
*[[Black Spider]]
*[[Bronze Tiger]]
*[[Sportsmaster]]
*[[Matches Malone]] (Batman undercover)

Additionally, this version was in the employ of the [[Red Hood]]. In the arc, most of his men are captured and thrown in jail, O'Brian leaves, and Black Mask himself is captured by Batman. Following his capture, Red Hood has [[Andrea Beaumont|the Phantasm]] replace Black Mask.

The [[#In other media|animated version]] of Black Mask has also appeared in the spinoff comic series ''[[The Batman (TV series)#The Batman Strikes!|The Batman Strikes!]]'', where he extorts Bruce Wayne into making a deal with him, and attempts to take over crime in Gotham City by ridding it from other villains.

==In other media==
===Television===
====''The Batman''====
[[Image:BlackMask.JPG|right|thumb|Black Mask, as he appears in ''The Batman''.]]
Black Mask debuted in an animated series when he appeared in ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'' in [[November 2006]], in the episode "The Breakout". He is voiced by [[James Remar]].

This version of Black Mask is a powerful crime boss with a right-hand man, Number One, and a vast organization of henchmen with high-tech weapons. He steals a powerful shockwave generator, and holds Gotham City hostage. To convince the city — and specifically, [[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner James Gordon]], who is dealing with his demands — he is not bluffing, he arranges a demonstration of the powerful device, which ends up destroying several blocks from its activating point. While dealing with Gordon, he battles Batman, is defeated, and taken to [[Gotham City Police Department]] headquarters for questioning by Gordon. However, Number One and the henchmen try to break him out of jail, first by filling Gotham PD with sleep gas, from which Black Mask escapes unaffected thanks to his mask, and when Batgirl and Robin knock Black Mask unconscious, lock him in a cell and seal the precinct from Black Mask's army's siege, they start entering by the elevator shafts and destroy the blast doors sealing the PD.

Number One and the henchmen surrounded the police building, and eventually broke Black Mask free. However, the furious crime boss shocks Number One with his own shock gun, promotes a random soldier to be the new Number One, and gets on a helicopter, ready to activate the generator, and destroy Gotham, However, [[Robin (comics)|Robin]] and [[Batgirl]] battled him, while Batman deactivated his device. At the end, he was once again arrested.

Black Mask later reappears as one of the many villains captured by the extreme vigilante [[List of The Batman villains#Rumor|Rumor]]. At the end, he was freed only to be brought to justice.

In "The Batman/Superman Story, Part One", Black Mask works for [[Lex Luthor]]; he and his henchmen kidnap [[Lois Lane]], and assembles a team of villains ([[Bane (comics)|Bane]], [[Mr. Freeze]], and the second [[Clayface]]) to lure [[Superman]] into a trap and kill him. He was foiled by the Man of Steel, along with Batman and Robin, and Lois Lane was rescued. Finally, in "What Goes Up...", Black Mask employs [[Shadow Thief]] in order to break out of [[Arkham Asylum]] and steal a rare [[Nth metal|Nth]] element meteor in order to use the Nth element to easily rob a gem depository. He also employed a new Number One, who is later killed by Black Mask, sent into space through the Nth element, and replaced by a woman. His plan was stopped by Batman and Robin, with the help of [[Hawkman]].

This incarnation of Black Mask differs in the fact that though he wears a mask made of some black material over his face, it is unremovable. He has no noticeable fingerprints or any other distinguishing features either, so it is impossible to identify him.

===Film===

In a July 2008 interview, [[Christopher Nolan]] revealed Black Mask would be the secondary villian in the sequal to [[The Dark Knight (2008)|The Dark Knight]], alongside [[Clayface]]. Nolan stated "the plan was to use him in The Dark Knight, but the film got packed on characters."

===Video games===
Black Mask appeared as a boss in the ''[[Batman: Dark Tomorrow]]'' game.

{{The Batman}}
[[Category:Fictional criminals]]
[[Category:Fictional gangsters]]
[[Category:DC Comics supervillains]]
[[Category:DC Comics martial artists]]
[[Category:Fictional mobsters]]
[[category:Fictional thieves]]
[[Category:Fictional killers]]

[[de:Black Mask (Comicfigur)]]
[[es:Máscara Negra]]
[[pt:Máscara Negra]]

Clayface

2008-07-09T01:01:42Z

71.182.145.40: /* Other media */

{{cleanup-tense|November 2007}}
{{Superherobox 
|image=
|noimage=yes
|caption=
|character_name=Clayface
|alter_ego=- Basil Karlo - Matt Hagen - Preston Payne - Shondra Fuller
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut= '''(Karlo)''' ''[[Detective Comics]]'' # 40 (June, 1940) '''(Hagen)''' ''Detective Comics'' # 298 (December, 1961) '''(Payne)''' ''Detective Comics'' # 478 (July-August, 1978) '''(Fuller)''' ''[[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]]'' # 21
|creators= '''(Karlo)''' [[Bob Kane]] '''(Hagen)''' [[Bill Finger]] [[Sheldon Moldoff]] '''(Payne, Fuller)''' [[Len Wein]] [[Marshall Rogers]]
|alliances= '''(Karlo)''' [[Secret Society of Super Villains|The Society]] [[Injustice League]] '''(All Clayfaces)''' Mudpack
|aliases= '''(Fuller)''' Lady Clay
|powers= '''(Karlo, Fuller)''' Shape-shifting, body made out of mud. '''(Hagen)''' Temporary shape-shifting, voice-shifting, body constituted by living mud, which he can divided or change tone at will. '''(Payne)''' Superstrength from exo-skeleton, melting people.
|}}

'''Clayface''' is a name used by several [[DC Comics]] [[fictional character]]s, most of them possessing [[clay]]-like bodies and [[shapeshifting]] abilities. All of them have been [[supervillain|enemies]] of [[Batman]]. Created by [[Bob Kane]], the original Clayface, '''Basil Karlo''', was a [[b movie]] actor who began a life of crime using the identity of a villain he portrayed in a [[horror film]].

In the late 1950s, Batman began facing a series of [[science fiction]]-inspired foes and '''Matt Hagen''', a treasure hunter given vast shapeshifting powers and resiliency by [[radioactive decay|radioactive]] [[protoplasm]], became the new Clayface. He retained the title for the next twenty-five years of [[comic book]] history. After Hagen’s death, '''Preston Payne''' became the third Clayface. A scientist suffering from [[hyperpituitarism]], Payne used Hagen's blood to create a cure but became a clay-like creature that needed to pass his condition onto others to survive. His condition was used as a [[metaphor]] for [[drug abuse]] and [[sexually transmitted disease]].

'''Sondra Fuller,''' of Strike Force Kobra, used the [[terrorism|terrorist]] group’s technology to become the fourth Clayface, also known as '''Lady Clay'''. She formed the Mud Pack with Karlo, Payne, and a reanimated Hagen. During this era, Karlo used the [[DNA]] of Payne and Fuller to become the most powerful Clayface, often considered the current and ultimate incarnation of the villain.

Clayface has appeared in three [[animation|animated]] adaptations of Batman, starting with the late 1970s-era ''[[The New Adventures of Batman]],'' which featured a comedic version of Hagen. The 1990s-era ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' featured a past-his-prime actor [[disfigurement|disfigured]] in a car accident who uses an experimental, addictive cosmetic to regain his appearance only to became a monstrous hunk of clay after a massive overdose of the substance. This interpretation, like the series’ [[Mr. Freeze]], was applauded as a deeper, more sympathetic version of a sci-fi-era villain, and the comic book incarnation of the Basil Karlo Clayface was retooled after it. The 2000s-era ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'' featured a new character '''[[Ethan Bennett]]''', who had ties to a young Bruce Wayne, as Clayface before introducing a version of Basil Karlo.

Clayface is also similar to [[Sandman (Marvel Comics)|Sandman]], a villain in the [[Marvel Comics]] universe.

==Fictional character biography==
===Basil Karlo===
[[Image:Clayface2.jpg|200px|left|thumb|Clayface I. Art by Glen Orbik and Laurel Blechman.]]
The original Clayface, Basil Karlo, appeared in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #40. He is an [[actor]] who is driven mad when he hears of a remake of the classic [[horror film]] he had starred in, ''The Terror'', even though he is to be one of the advising staff. Donning the mask of the film's villain, Clayface, he embarks on a murder spree among the cast and crew of the remake. He is foiled by [[Batman]] and [[Robin (comics)|Robin]].He reappears in Detective Comics #49 (March 1941) after the prison ambulance he is riding in plunges off a cliff. He once again dons the mask of Clayface and targets Bruce Wayne's fiancee. Once again, the Dynamic Duo foil the evil Karlo.

Much later, Karlo languishes in a prison hospital, when Sondra Fuller visits him out of curiosity. Karlo proposes an alliance between all living Clayfaces to kill Batman. Even though the ''Mud Pack'', as the group called itself, is defeated, Karlo manages, by tricking his allies, to imbue himself with abilities similar to those of Preston Payne and Sondra Fuller. He was defeated by the combined efforts of Batman and [[Looker]] of the [[Outsiders]] by overloading his abilities making him melt into the ground. While literally sinking into the earth's crust when he loses control of his power, he manages to survive, and now his body sports crystals similar to [[quartz]] that endow him with greater powers. Karlo was able to escape his underground prison when Gotham City was struck by the great [[Cataclysm]]. He was able to capture Batman and was about to kill him, but he got into a feud with [[Mr. Freeze]] on who has a right to kill the Caped Crusader. With that distraction, Batman soundly defeated both of them.

During the "[[No Man's Land (comics)|No Man's Land]]" storyline, Basil Karlo holds [[Poison Ivy (comics)|Poison Ivy]], who is in charge of producing fresh vegetables for the remaining people in the city, prisoner in Robinson Park. Poison Ivy eventually battles and defeats Karlo, sinking him deep into the ground. It appears that the Ultimate Clayface is destroyed in this battle, but has resurfaced as a member of the [[Villains United|Secret Society of Super Villains]]. Later, he seeks to increase his already formidable powers by absorbing [[Wonder Woman]] (a clay construct similar to him), giving him an amount of powers that bordered on invulnerability. While he is successful in absorbing the heroine, he is ultimately forced to release her.

Basil Karlo was among the members of the [[Injustice League]] and was among the villains seen in ''[[Salvation Run]]''. His name is a pun on [[Boris Karloff]]. He can seen as the member of [[Libra (DC Comics)|Libra's]] Secret Society of Super Villains. In the second issue of [[Final Crisis]], he triggers an explosion at the [[Daily Planet]] that apparently kills [[Lois Lane]] and [[Perry White]].

===Matt Hagen===
[[Image:Dc298.jpg‎|200px|thumb|right|Cover to ''Detective Comics'' #298. Matt Hagen as Clayface.]]
The second Clayface, Matt Hagen, first appeared in ''Detective Comics'' #298. A treasure hunter, Hagen finds a mysterious [[radioactive decay|radioactive]] pool of [[protoplasm]] in a cave. Immersing himself in it, he is transformed into a malleable [[clay]]-like form which could be shaped into almost anything he desires. This is only a temporary effect, however, requiring him to return to the pool periodically in order to maintain use of his powers.

He eventually copies the pool's protoplasmic jelly by chemistry studies, although the artificial proptoplasm only allows him five hours of Clayface powers compared to the full two days of the pool's.

Hagen is ultimately killed during the 12-issue [[limited series]] ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]''.

During the "Mud Pack" storyline, the other villains who use the name Clayface gather Hagen's remains and make him a post-mortem member of their gang.

===Preston Payne===
The third Clayface, Preston Payne, first appeared in ''Detective Comics'' #478. Suffering from [[hyperpituitarism]], Payne works at [[S.T.A.R. Labs]] searching for a cure. He obtains a sample of the then-living Matt Hagen's blood, and isolates an [[enzyme]] which he introduces into his own bloodstream. Although he is briefly able to shape his own appearance, this effect is short-lived: while on a date, his [[flesh]] begins to melt, and when he touches his horrified girlfriend, she completely melts. Payne builds an [[exoskeleton]] anti-melting suit to prevent himself from touching anyone, but he learns that he needs to spread his melting contagion onto others to survive (he feels pain if he doesn't melt anyone). During this time his mental health starts to slip as he falls in love with a wax mannequin he names "Helena", (appearing in Batman Annual #11) thinking she is the only woman immune to his touch. After another breakdown, he thinks Helena enjoys watching men "fighting over her" when he battles Batman yet again in front of the wax doll. Although he doesn't give her up, he keeps her in [[Arkham Asylum]], saying "we're both too polite to admit [[divorce]], but she can't live forever".

During the events of the ''Mud Pack'', Shondra Fuller, the fourth Clayface, began masquerading as the hero Looker and visited Preston at Arkahm. That same night, he got into an argument with Helena and unintentionally knocked her head off. Believing he killed her, Preston went on a rampage until subdued in a nearby swamp by the asylum guards. Rescued by Fuller, who was still using Looker's appearance and powers, used them to make Preston follow Basil Karlo's, the first Clayface, commands. Karlo ultimately betrayed Fuller, and took samples of hers and Preston's blood to inject into himself. After finally breaking free of Fuller's control, he was about to kill her when she admitted how sorry she was for using him. The two fell in love and went on to live together, leading to Fuller becoming pregnant with their child, Cassius.

Preston acquires medicine to control his pain and now feels the "hunger" only in his mind. It is also revealed that he was [[child abuse|abused]] by his parents.

A stunted, emaciated Preston Payne appears in the graphic novel ''[[Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth|Arkham Asylum]]'' by [[Grant Morrison]] and [[Dave McKean]]. He is used to metaphorically represent [[sexually transmitted disease]]s.

===Sondra Fuller===
The fourth Clayface, Sondra Fuller, also known as Lady Clay, first appeared in ''[[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]]'' (volume 1) #21. She is a member of Strike Force Kobra who is transformed into a shape-changer by her employer [[Kobra (comics)|Kobra]]'s technologies, a process she agrees to become a subject of because she hates her own face.

She possesses identical abilities to those of Matt Hagen, but they are permanent, without the requirement for a source of protoplasm. She can additionally copy any special powers of the being she is mimicking. She is defeated by the Outsiders.

Later, after the Mud Pack forms and battles Batman, Fuller falls in love with Preston Payne and they have a child named Cassius. After [[Abattoir (comics)|Abbatoir]] kidnaps the child, the couple get into a fight involving [[Azrael (comics)|Azrael/Batman]].

===Mud Pack===
Before the appearance of the fifth and sixth Clayfaces, the third and fourth Clayfaces team up, breaking the original Clayface out of prison and reviving the second. Together, the four form the "Mud Pack." Karlo later copies the others' powers by injecting himself with extracts of samples of the other two Clayfaces, becoming the "Ultimate Clayface". The three battle, and are defeated by Batman. (Detective Comics #604-607)

===Cassius "Clay" Payne===
After the Mud Pack, Payne and Fuller fall in love and eventually have a child together named Cassius "Clay" Payne, who became the fifth Clayface. The boy is separated from his parents and held in a government laboratory. The full extent of his powers are unknown. The name "Cassius" is a pun on "Cassius Clay", the birthname of legendary boxer [[Muhammad Ali]].

Currently, the bio status of Cassius shows that if a piece of him is separated from his body, it can grow a mind of its own, but it mostly thinks in a retarded form of what Cassius wants. If bonded with another human (i.e. Claything), the piece can give that human clayface-like abilities, such as become like clay, being able to withstand bullets and other harm, and could also manifest Payne's ability to melt objects; all this person would have to do is just think it. It is unknown if a person can gain different abilities when bonded with a piece of Cassius.

In a recent issue of ''[[Batman: Gotham Knights]]'', Cassius has now taken on the clay-like appearance of his mother and father, but he looks more like Basil Karlo than either of his parents. He can only stay in Clayface mode while awake.

===Claything===
The sixth Clayface, also known as '''Claything''', appeared in ''Batman'' #550: "Chasing Clay". Claything is created when a skin sample from Cassius Payne comes to life and merges with a DEO ([[Department of Extranormal Operations]]) scientist, Dr. Malley. He has the ability to melt objects simply by looking at them. Claything is destroyed and his remains are stored at the DEO Headquarters. Claything's merging ability is similar, and is most likely based on, the [[Symbiote (comics)|Symbiotes]] from [[Marvel Comics]].

===Johnny Williams===
The seventh Clayface debuted in ''Batman: Gotham Knights'' #60 (February 2005). Johnny Williams was once a normal firefighter in Gotham. A blast from within a chemical factory not only killed his fellow firefighters, but also changed him that day. He first discovered this after he accidentally killed a prostitute. This gave Johnny plans to kill himself. Also at that time, he was approached by [[Hush (comics)|Hush]] who tells him that the chemicals turned him into the latest Clayface. Hush began to manipulate Williams, holding out the promise of a cure and making him do his bidding, including pretending to be Tommy Elliot (Hush's true identity) to hurt and confuse Bruce Wayne. Eventually, Williams realised how much he was being manipulated. Knowing that he was going to die, he offered Batman assistance against Hush in exchange for the hero freeing Johnny's family from Hush. He redeemed himself in his death, also ensuring that butler [[Alfred Pennyworth]] was cleared of murder.

==Other media==
===Animated versions===
====''The New Adventures of Batman''====
Clayface's first appearance outside the comics was in several episodes of [[Filmation]]'s ''[[The New Adventures of Batman]]'' in the late 1970s. This show featured the Matt Hagen version of Clayface, and according to his first appearance he must drink his special potion daily to keep his Clayface powers. In this show, he often uses his powers to take on the forms of animals.

In Clayface's first episode, Clayface is shown to be able to survive in water without dissolving (unlike later animated incarnations) by turning into a [[dolphin]], but as Matt Hagen he does not know how to swim. His second episode pairs him up with [[Catwoman]] in a plot to steal [[oil]]. He is also one of the four villains featured in the two-part "Have An Evil Day", in which the alien Zarbor cons him, [[Joker (comics)|The Joker]], Catwoman, and [[Penguin (comics)|The Penguin]] into teaming up against Batman and Robin as a diversion while Zarbor steals Earth's nuclear plants. In this series, Clayface was voiced by [[Lou Scheimer]] and [[Lennie Weinrib]].

====DC animated universe====
=====''Batman: The Animated Series''=====
[[Image:Clayface-Batman.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Clayface as he appears in ''Batman: The Animated Series''.]]
In ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'', several episodes featured a more tragic Clayface character, voiced by [[Ron Perlman]], that combined aspects of several of the comic-book Clayfaces.

In the episode "Feat of Clay" he is introduced as Matt Hagen (a nod to the second Clayface), a past-his-prime actor (a nod to the first Clayface) who had been [[disfigurement|disfigured]] in a horrible car accident (a nod to the third Clayface). While recovering in a burn clinic, he is approached by corrupt businessman [[Roland Daggett]], who makes him a test subject for a compound called "RenuYou" (pronounced "Renew You") that he promises will immediately restore his youthful good looks (a nod to the fourth Clayface). In exchange, Hagen must impersonate people in illegal roles for Daggett. He greatly resents this, but is forced to comply, as the RenuYou chemical is extremely addictive. Daggett has Hagen impersonate Bruce Wayne in order to obtain documents from [[Lucius Fox]], who is inadvertently wounded; Bruce Wayne is arrested for assault and brought in for questioning. Hagen, attempting to steal a large quantity of RenuYou from Daggett's compound, is seized by Daggett's henchmen; they then try to kill Hagen by forcing him to ingest an entire canister of the compound. Rather than kill him, however, the [[drug overdose|overdose]] saturates every [[cell (biology)|cell]] in his body, turning him into a bulky and misshapen clay like form who can, for short periods of time, shapeshift into anything or anybody he wishes. After trying to get [[revenge]] on Daggett, he is stopped by Batman and, upon being caught, fakes his death.

He reappears in the episode "Mudslide", in which his body begins to deteriorate. He is restored to a semblance of health by a former medical adviser on his films, Dr. Stella Bates, who falls in love with Hagen. She sells her motel in order to raise funds for a laboratory in which to treat him. Batman tracks him down and prevents Dr. Bates' treatment of Clayface (partly because he stole the necessary formula compound from Wayne Biomedical Labs). He and Clayface then fight, but Hagen's now-unstable clay form absorbs too much rainwater to hold its cohesion, falls into the ocean, and he is destroyed once he dissolves.

An action figure of this version of Clayface was featured in the ''Batman: The Animated Series'' toy line and featured a firing spiked ball.

=====''The New Batman Adventures''=====
[[Image:Clayface3.jpg||thumb|right|225px|Clayface as he appears in ''The New Batman Adventures'']]
In ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'', Hagen's character re-forms again in "Growing Pains," in which Robin ([[Robin (Tim Drake)|Tim Drake]]) befriends a lost, [[amnesia]]c little girl he names "Annie." The child turns out to be a portion of Clayface - who has returned to life by way of some strange chemicals - that has gained sentience and an identity on its own, and in the end is re-absorbed into the main body of the villain, effectively "killing" the girl as a separate person. Due to this, Robin (who had feelings for her) told police to add murder to Clayface's crimes. [[Batgirl]] ([[Barbara Gordon]]) is also shown battling Clayface in one segment of a [[Christmas]] themed episode, "Holiday Knights", in which Clayface further expands his separative ability by posing as four separate children at once to shoplift from Gotham department stores at the height of the [[Christmas Eve]] rush.

====''Justice League''====
A more sympathatic Clayface makes his return to action in the ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]'' series, where it is revealed that at some point, he had been captured, separated, and sealed into several [[biological hazard|biohazard]] canisters by [[Morgan Edge]]. [[Gorilla Grodd]] and his newly-formed Secret Society attacks Edge's mansion, freeing Clayface and offering him a position in their group. Although Clayface is reluctant at first, Grodd promises to find a way to revert Clayface back to his human form. Clayface is defeated when [[Wally West|the Flash]] plants fireworks in his clay body and [[Hawkgirl#Justice League|Hawkgirl]] ignites them, blowing Clayface apart. He resurfaces in a later issue of the ''JLU'' comic.

====''The Batman''====
There are two versions of Clayface in ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'':

=====Ethan Bennett=====
{{main|Ethan Bennett}}
[[Image:Clayface of Tragedy.jpg|right|thumb|Clayface, as he appears in ''The Batman'']]
The first Clayface is [[Ethan Bennett]], a detective in the [[Gotham City Police Department]] and Bruce Wayne's friend from high school. This version of Clayface is voiced by [[Steve Harris (actor)|Steve Harris]].

Clayface originates in the two-part episodes "The Rubber Face of Comedy/The Clay Face of Tragedy." After he inhales a dose of [[Joker (comics)|The Joker]]'s Joker Putty (after a session of extensive [[brainwashing]], driving him insane), Bennett is rescued by Batman and his partner, Detective [[Ellen Yin]]. He is suspended by Chief Rojas after publicly denouncing the chief's claims about Batman. At his apartment, Bennett mutates into a featureless gray-clay like figure, and tries to look for help, scaring away the locals. After many battles with Batman, it has become clear that he still holds a grudge against the Joker. In one of his latest appearance on the show, he impersonates [[Solomon Grundy (comics)|Solomon Grundy]] in order to loot the city on [[Halloween]].

As Clayface returns in the fourth season episode "Clayfaces", Bennett seems to have finally reformed. He tracks down and captured the Joker, disguising himself as the Joker's henchmen, Punch and Judy. He hands him over the police without using excessive force, and turns himself in to Batman afterwards. However, Bennett has not completely regained Batman's (and Bruce Wayne's) trust. He is eager to leave Arkham and continue working as a police officer, although Batman refuses to consider this request until Bennett is fully cured.

When Basil Karlo begins wreaking havoc as the second Clayface, Bennett feels he is the only one who could defeat Karlo. Bennett once again requests a second chance, but after he is refused again, he resorts to escaping from Arkham. Bennett tracks down and battles Karlo with the aid of Batman and Robin. Bennett holds Karlo down while Batman administers the antidote. It is implied at the end of the episode that Bennett is cured, and that Karlo will take over the mantle of Clayface.

=====Basil Karlo=====
[[Image:KarloClayface.jpg|right|thumb|Basil Karlo as the second Clayface in ''The Batman'']]
The fourth season episode "Clayfaces" introduces Basil Karlo (in his first actual appearance outside the comics) as the series' second Clayface, voiced by [[Wallace Langham]] and later by [[Lex Lang]]. Here, he is shown to be an ugly, untalented actor. He is seen repeatedly turned down in auditions for a dog food commercial when he hears that Bennett is about to be cured.

Karlo breaks into Wayne Industries and drinks a refined, purified sample of the Clayface mutagen Bennett was exposed to. This successfully turns him into Clayface. After being rejected once again for a dog food commercial, he snaps and uses his Clayface powers to attack the city. At first he believes this incident would be the death of his career, but he then sees that being a [[supervillain]] has made him a celebrity, covered on nearly every channel. At the last channel he stops on, it shows his previous movie, ''The Revenge of The Atomic Clone.''

After a battle with Batman, Robin, and Ethan Bennett, Basil Karlo is injected with the Clayface antidote, seemingly restoring him to normal. However, the episode's final scene shows that Karlo has retained his powers. Karlo describes this form of Clayface as a "bigger and better sequel to the original!"

He reappears in ''The Batman/Superman Story, Part One'' where he, along with [[Bane (comics)|Bane]] and [[Mr. Freeze]], is in the employ of [[Black Mask (comics)|Black Mask]], who has teamed up with [[Lex Luthor]] and kidnapped [[Lois Lane]] as bait for a trap to lure in [[Superman]].

===Film===

In a July 2008 interview, Clayface was confirmed to be the leading villian of the sequal to the 2008 [[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]. [[Christopher Nolan]] stated "I normally dislike using a large amount of CGI, but I felt the sequal needed something special." Screenplay writer [[Jonathan Nolan]] stated that it is likely the film will use the Basil Karlo incarnation.

===Live action television===
====''Birds of Prey''====
Clayface also made an appearance in the 12th episode of the short-lived ''[[Birds of Prey (TV series)|Birds of Prey]]'' television series portrayed by [[Kirk Baltz]]. In this series, he is hired by the Joker to kill Catwoman. He has a son named Chris Cassius (a pun on [[Muhammad Ali]], whose birth name was Cassius Clay) who turns people into clay.

===Video games===
Clayface has made several appearances in [[video game]]s featuring Batman. He appeared as a boss in ''[[The Adventures of Batman & Robin (video game)|The Adventures of Batman & Robin]]'' for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]] and [[Sega Mega-CD|Sega CD]] and ''[[Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu]]''. Ron Perlman reprised his role as Clayface from the animated series for the latter two games. The Sega CD game features Clayface as the final boss, where he impersonates crime lord [[Rupert Thorne]] while the real Thorne is on vacation. He then uses Thorne's wealth to hire some of Batman's greatest villains ([[Poison Ivy (comics)|Poison Ivy]], [[Riddler|the Riddler]], and the [[Joker (comics)|Joker]]) to kill him, so that [[Gotham City]] would be his for the taking. In the end, Clayface tries to escape in a helicopter, but it crashes into the side of a bridge, causing him to fall into the harbor and dissolve. He has recently been confirmed to appear in ''[[Lego Batman: The Videogame]]'', his structure and look is that of the Clayface from ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]''.

{{The Batman}}

[[Category:Video game bosses]]
[[Category:DC Comics supervillains]]
[[Category:Fictional monsters]]
[[Category:Fictional doctors]]
[[category:Fictional terrorists]]
[[Category:Fictional scientists]]
[[Category:Fictional shapeshifters]]
[[Category:DC Comics characters with superhuman strength]]
[[Category:DC Comics characters with accelerated healing]]
[[Category:Fictional actors]]
[[Category:Golden Age supervillains]]
[[Category:Fictional amorphous creatures]]
[[Category:Fictional murderers]]
[[Category:Fictional firefighters]]
[[es:Cara de Barro]]
[[fr:Gueule d'argile]]
[[nl:Clayface]]
[[ja:クレイフェイス]]
[[fi:Savinaama]]

Microsoft Spider Solitaire

2008-07-08T17:22:31Z

71.182.145.40:

{{Infobox VG
| width =
| title = Spider Solitaire
| image = [[Image:Spider Solitaire Vista.png|250px]]
| caption = Spider Solitaire in [[Windows Vista]]
| picture format =
| developer = [http://www.oberongames.com/ Oberon Games] (Windows Vista version) [[Microsoft]] (older versions)
| publisher = [[Microsoft]]
| distributor =
| designer =
| license = [[Proprietary software]]
| series =
| engine =
| version = 6.0.6001
| released = [[February 4]], [[2008]]
| genre = [[Spider (solitaire)|Spider]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
| ratings = [[ESRB]]: E
| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]]
| media =
| requirements =
| input = [[Mouse]]
}}
'''''Spider Solitaire''''' is a Spider Solitaire. [[card game]] that is included in recent versions of [[Microsoft Windows]]. It is a version of [[Spider (solitaire)|Spider]]. It was first included in [[Microsoft Plus!]] for [[Windows 98]] and has since been included in [[Windows Me]], [[Windows XP]] and subsequently [[Windows Vista]].

==Features==
This version allows the user to choose one of three difficulty settings. Easy mode is played with eight sets (Ace through King) of Spades; Medium mode uses four sets each of Hearts and Spades; and Hard mode is played with two standard decks.

''Spider Solitaire'' allows moves to be retracted, except when dealing a new row or completing a run (ace-to-king sequence, which is then removed.) Any number of moves can be retracted, back to the last non-retractable move. Therefore, a possible strategy is to expose as many face-down cards as possible, retracting afterward, before choosing a move.

The version of ''Spider Solitaire'' included in [[Windows Vista]] allows any move, including row deals to be retracted.

==Scoring==
A player's score for a game is calculated by subtracting the number of moves from 500, then adding 100 times the number of completed runs removed. Thus, a game requiring 100 moves to complete would result in a score of (500 - 100) + (8 * 100) = 1200. A perfect game will result in a score of 1254. This is calculated by:

*Taking the total number of cards (104) and subtracting the eight Kings. The Kings do not need to be placed anywhere specific.
*The remaining 96 required moves can now have 50 subtracted from them, since there are a total of 50 cards brought up from the five stacks of 10. This is because all the cards brought up from these stacks could be placed in the right location. This is extremely unlikely.
*The remaining 46 moves can be subtracted from the sum of 500 (the starting score), and 800 (the total score obtained from all eight runs). 500 + 800 - 46 = 1254.



Examples of wasted moves:

*Moving a card (or stack) to an empty pile, for example, by moving a King.
*Moving a card that is already in sequence.
*Moving a card (or stack) onto a card of non-matching suit.
*Creating an empty pile before the next deal, forcing a wasted move later on.

Games requiring fewer than 96 moves to complete have been achieved. This can occur during the five deals when a card lands by luck in proper sequence (e.g. a 2♥ lands on a 3♥), saving the player a move.

It should be noted that doing one's best to win games is much more challenging than playing for record high scores. The game's complexity comes from branching paths: different possible moves. A good strategy is to explore all branches as deeply as possible without making a non-retractable move. In doing so, the number of branches in some situations can get out of hand rapidly. However, wasted moves constitute the vast majority of possible moves, and only ''non''-wasted moves need to be considered by a player going for a perfect game. This narrows the options down immensely, as the number of possible non-wasted moves is quite often one or zero. Thus playing for a perfect (or near-perfect) game requires much less decision-making than playing for a win. However, keep in mind that retracting a move also counts as a move for scoring purposes, therefore even if you play a perfect game, you won't have a perfect score unless you play without retracting any moves.

It's also worth noting that the version included in Windows Vista has a number of bugs. It 'informs' the user if a state in the game is reached in which no more moves are possible - sometimes incorrectly so. Also, if you chose to re-open Spider Solitaire after having 'ended' a lost game, it re-opens the game that you ended, leaving you no choice but to re-lose it, and skew your statistics (with additional lost games).
{{Windows Components}}
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Microsoft games]]
[[Category:Card game video games]]

Riddler

2008-07-08T16:48:16Z

71.182.145.40: That rumor has been going around alot, but I've never actually heard of a source of his interest.

{{Superherobox|
image= [[Image:RiddlerGA.JPG|250px]]
|caption=Cover of ''Green Arrow'' vol. 3, #35 featuring the Riddler.
|character_name=Riddler
|real_name=Edward Nashton
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut=''[[Detective Comics]]'' #140 (October 1948)
|creators=[[Bill Finger]] [[Dick Sprang]]
|alliances=[[Enemies of Batman|Assorted Batman rogues]] [[Secret Society of Super Villains]]
|aliases=E. Nigma, Edward Nygma, Eddie Nashton
|powers= - Genius-level deductive reasoning - Vast esoteric knowledge
|}}

'''The Riddler''' ('''Edward Nashton''', alias '''Edward Nigma''' or sometimes '''Nygma''') is a [[fictional character]], a [[DC Comics]] [[supervillain]], an enemy of [[Batman]], and more recently a partial ally to Batman. Created by writer [[Bill Finger]] and artist [[Dick Sprang]], the character first appears in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #140 ([[1948#October|October 1948]]).

== Character overview ==
The Riddler is obsessed with [[riddle]]s, [[puzzle]]s and [[word game]]s. He delights in forewarning both Batman and the police of his capers by sending them complex clues. As the Riddler, the character is often depicted as wearing a domino mask either with a green suit and bowler hat, or a green [[jumpsuit]]. He carries with him a brass cane that is shaped like an elongated question mark, and is known for his [[catch phrase]], "riddle me this, riddle me that".

Like most major Batman villains, the Riddler has become a darker, more three-dimensional character in recent years; whereas he was once depicted as a playful yet sane trickster, he is now typically portrayed as a smooth-talking, yet quirky, victim of an intense [[obsessive compulsive disorder|obsessive compulsion]]. This was first introduced in the 1965 issue of ''Batman'' (titled, "The Remarkable Ruse of The Riddler") in which he tries to refrain from leaving a riddle, but fails. This compulsion has been a recurring theme, as shown in a 1999 issue of ''[[Batman Adventures|Gotham Adventures]]'', in which he tried to commit a crime without leaving a riddle, but fails: "You don't understand... I ''really'' didn't want to leave you any clues. I really planned ''never'' to go back to [[Arkham Asylum]]. But I left you a clue anyway. So I... I have to go back there. Because I might need help. I... I might actually be crazy."

The Riddler was popularized by [[Frank Gorshin]]’s over-the-top, [[Emmy]]-nominated portrayal in the 1960s ''[[Batman (TV series)|Batman]]'' television series. [[Jim Carrey]] played the Riddler in the 1995 film ''[[Batman Forever]]'' with Gorshin as his inspiration. The character was also featured in ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' and ''[[The Batman]]''.

== Fictional character biography ==
The Riddler's criminal ''[[modus operandi]]'' is so deeply ingrained into his personality that he is virtually powerless to stop himself from acting it out. He cannot simply kill his opponents when he has the upper hand; he ''has to'' put them in a [[deathtrap (plot device)|deathtrap]] to see if he can devise a life and death intellectual challenge that the hero cannot solve and escape. However, unlike many of Batman's [[theme]]d enemies, Riddler's compulsion is quite flexible, allowing him to commit any crime as long as he can describe it in a riddle or puzzle. He often has two female assistants, named [[Query and Echo]]. His name, Edward Nigma, is a pun on the word enigma, which means riddle or mystery (Edward Nigma: E. Nigma).

In his very first appearance, Nigma was depicted as an employee of a carnival who enjoyed cheating his customers out of their money with his bizarre puzzles and mindgames, most of which were rigged in his favor. He soon finds himself longing for greater challenges and thrills, and dons the guise of the Riddler to challenge Batman, whom he believes could possibly be a worthy adversary for him.

Somescoring high on some important tests in school, his father, unable to grasp the fact that his son was brilliant, beat him out of envy. This, in theory, left him with a strong internal desire to tell the truth, and prove his innocence. This desire manifests itself in the form of his obsession with riddles.

Others, like [[Chuck Dixon]], suggest that his madness, as well as his descent into crime in general, have roots in a yearning to rise above anonymity that he possessed as a youth. It is in Dixon's 1995 origin story for the Riddler that the famous 'puzzle contest' backstory is introduced. After a teacher announces that a contest over who can solve a puzzle the fastest will be held, a young Edward Nigma sets his sights on winning this, craving the glory and satisfaction that will come with the victory. He sneaks into the school one night, takes the puzzle out of the teacher's desk, and practices it until he is able to solve it in under a minute. As predicted, he wins the contest and is given a book about riddles as a prize. Through this book, he develops a deep fascination for brainteasers and conundrums. This may have been what fueled the fire for a few aspects of his modus operandi. After finishing school, Nigma spends a short period of time as a "productive member of society" before engaging in criminal activities. He starts off by indulging in several instances of minor and petty theft, but a longing for something bigger, and more theatrical soon surfaces.

After several failed attempts to put gangs together, Nigma, now calling himself the Riddler, encounters Batman on a rooftop during one of his robberies. Previously believing that the Dark Knight was nothing more than a mere myth, Nigma narrowly evades capture, and first encounters his future sidekicks, Query and Echo, shortly afterwards. He hires them right away, and together, the trio concoct a plan to rob one of Gotham City's biggest banks. Their next scheme centered around the "ransom" of a large number of priceless antique fiddles. During the exchange process, the owner of the fiddles turned out to be Batman in disguise. Query and Echo were apprehended immediately, and Batman tracked the Riddler down to an opera house and defeated him.

In ''[[Batman: The Long Halloween]]'', the image of a smooth-talking egomaniac is thrown out in exchange for the embodiment of a minor supporting role, serving more as a source of information for Batman rather than an all-out serious threat. He first appears when Carmine "The Roman" Falcone hires him to figure out who the Holiday Killer is. Despite giving several reasonable theories as to who is behind the killer's identity, the Roman eventually loses his patience, and orders his daughter, Sophia, to force the Riddler to leave. Upon exiting Falcone's office, the Riddler is attacked, but for some reason left alive, by Holiday. The attack was planned to coincide with the holiday of [[April Fool's]], and several items pertaining to it were left at the scene. He appeared again in the same chapter of the story that [[Harvey Dent]] gets disfigured in, when Batman comes to him for information about the attack.

He plays a slightly larger role in the story's sequel, ''[[Batman: Dark Victory]]'', in which Batman turns to him to figure out the significance of the lost games of hangman that are left at the scenes of the Hangman killer's crimes. He later showed up as a member of Two-Face's jury during the Hangman's trial.

In the one-shot "Riddler and the Riddle Factory", the Riddler becomes the host of an underground gameshow that focuses on digging up dirt on celebrities. Many of the famous people that he humiliates end up committing suicide shortly afterwards, suggesting that perhaps the Riddler did more than just inspire their deaths. In the end, his actions turn out to be a front for his attempts to find the hidden treasures of "Scarface" Scarelli, a [[Gotham City]] gangster who lived long before Batman's reign of crimefighting.

In the three-part ''[[Legends of the Dark Knight]]'' storyline "The Primal Riddle", the Riddler engineers what could possibly be called one of his greatest deathtraps: Batman is thrown into a narrow pit that is slowly filling up with water. The walls are electrically wired, and a set of bumpers are the only thing that prevents the water from touching the walls and causing Batman to die by electrocution. The only options Batman appears to have are death by electrocution and death by drowning, but as always, Batman manages to tamper with the traps design and develop a route of escape.

Riddler had a working relationship with [[Cluemaster|The Cluemaster]], although he initially resented the villain for seemingly copying his modus operandi. In their first encounter, he set his fellow rogue up with a bomb and sent Batman off chasing riddles that would lead to its defusal, as well as away from his real plan: to steal a vast amount of priceless [[baseball]] merchandise. The two teamed up on a few occasions afterwards, and were working together on a big scheme shortly before Cluemaster's apparent death in the pages of [[Suicide Squad|The Suicide Squad]].

He seems to be more rational and cautious than his fellow rogues. During the Batman crossover storyline ''[[No Man's Land (comics)|No Man's Land]]'', after Gotham City is ravaged by an earthquake and Arkham Asylum frees its inmates, Riddler elects to flee Gotham rather than stay behind in the lawless chaos that ensues.

It is during this period that he makes the poor choice of attacking [[Black Canary]] and [[Green Arrow]] in Star City, where he is easily defeated. This event helps lay the foundations for Riddler's future confrontations with Green Arrow (see below).

[[Image:Detective140.JPG|thumb|left|''[[Detective Comics]]'' #140 (October 1948), the first appearance of the Riddler. Cover by [[Win Mortimer]].]]

=== Hush ===
In the 12-part storyline ''[[Hush (comics)|Hush]]'', it is revealed that Riddler suffers from [[cancer]], which also afflicted [[Hush (comics)|Dr. Thomas Elliott]]'s mother. Riddler uses one of [[Ra's Al Ghul]]'s [[Lazarus Pit]]s to rid himself of the disease, and offers Elliot the chance to cure his mother as well, provided he pays a large sum of money. However, Elliott is in fact eager for his mother to die in order to inherit her fortune. Elliott, who goes on to secretly become the masked criminal Hush, explains he wants to get revenge on his childhood friend Bruce Wayne. The two of them agree to work together and the Riddler sets [[Killer Croc]], [[Poison Ivy (comics)|Poison Ivy]], [[Harley Quinn]], [[Joker (comics)|Joker]], [[Clayface]] and [[Scarecrow (comics)|Scarecrow]] out to destroy Batman, with Ra's and [[Talia Al Ghul]], [[Lady Shiva]] and [[Superman]] being temporarily drawn into the scheme as well.

During the [[psychosis|psychotic]] break that follows exposure to the Lazarus Pit, Riddler deduces Batman's [[secret identity]], and that the late [[Jason Todd]] was once Robin. He then tells Clayface to [[shapeshift]] into a replica of Jason in order to torment Batman, who is haunted by the former Robin's death. Batman first thinks that Riddler had stolen Jason's corpse and hid it outside of Gotham Cemetery, but it turns out that Jason is alive the whole time. When the Riddler threatens to expose Batman's secret identity, however, the Caped Crusader mockingly labels it an empty threat, pointing out that if Riddler revealed the answer to the riddle "who is Batman?", it would become worthless, something Riddler wouldn't be able to stand. In addition, Batman warns him that if he reveals the secret, it would give Ra's al Ghul a vital clue that he used a Lazarus Pit without his permission, and the [[League of Assassins]] would subsequently retaliate against him.

=== Aftermath ===
The fallout from Riddler's failed scheme is played out in ''[[Batman: Gotham Knights]]'' #50-53. In the story "Pushback," Hush reappears and beats Riddler senseless across a rooftop. Seeking refuge, Riddler goes to the Joker and [[Penguin (comics)|the Penguin]]. He offers to tell the Joker who had killed his wife if the Clown Prince of Crime would protect him from Hush. The Joker agrees, but eventually Hush, with the help of [[Prometheus (comics)|Prometheus]], defeats him, forcing the Riddler to flee for his life.

In ''Detective Comics'' #797-799, the Riddler faces a great humiliation at the hands of [[Poison Ivy (comics)|Poison Ivy]]. In this encounter, the Riddler seeks shelter from Ivy only to be humiliated. Riddler and Ivy then face off in a physical duel, which Ivy wins easily.

Riddler is stripped of his deductive powers and left to rot as a member of [[Gotham City]]'s vast and invisible [[homeless]] population. A chance encounter with an ex-[[NSA]] codebreaker gives him a positive environment in which to recover his mind. During that stay, he experiences an induced [[flashback (psychological phenomenon)|flashback]] that leads him to realize that his father had abused him many years ago. Envious of his sons academic achievements in school, and unable to understand his brilliance, his father believed he had cheated in his accomplishments, and beat him out of jealousy. Once Riddler discovers this, he also realizes that his compulsion is born out of a strong desire to tell the truth to prove his innocence of deception.

Having made this connection, the Riddler spends some of his vast fortune, acquired over many years of crime, to get minor [[plastic surgery]] and extensive [[tattoo]]ing, covering most of his torso with his trademark question insignia. He returns and kills the codebreaker- who had pieced together his identity but couldn't act on it- then promptly steals a priceless scroll out from under Batman's nose. Since then, the Riddler has spent most of his time either legally amassing a huge fortune or attacking various heroes in order to prove his newfound power.

After orchestrating a brutal series of assaults on [[Green Arrow]], as revenge against his defeat at his hands during the No Man's Land era, Riddler gravely injures and almost kills both [[Green Arrow]] and [[Roy Harper (comics)|Arsenal]]. He once again escapes before the [[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]] arrive to save them. Sometime between this incident and the events of [[Hush (comics)|Hush]], the Riddler was hired to steal artifacts imbued with mystical powers from one of Star City's museums, and then distract the authorities so that the related rituals could be commenced. He sends Team Arrow on a wild goose chase around the City, and then reveals that he has an atomic bomb housed in the stadium where the Star City Rockets play. However, as a side effect of the ritual performed with the artifacts, the city is plunged into complete darkness, and Green Arrow uses this to his advantage, moving in and apprehending the Riddler.

Riddler later shows up in ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'' #1, with a group of villains, which includes the [[Fisherman (comics)|Fisherman]] and [[Murmur (DC Comics)|Murmur]], attacking the [[Gotham City Police Department]]. He is next seen escaping [[Arkham Asylum]] during the world-wide supervillain breakout engineered by the [[Secret Society of Super Villains]] in ''[[Villains United]]: Infinite Crisis Special'' #1, which takes place only days after the prior supernatural disaster. Riddler re-appears as part of the Society's "Phase Three" [[Battle of Metropolis|attack on Metropolis]]. He is defeated by the [[Shining Knight]] and is struck in the head by the Knight's mace.

===Riddler Reformed===

In ''Detective Comics'' #822, The Riddler returns, having spent much of the [[52 (comic book)|previous year]] in a [[coma]] due to the one-sided fight against the Knight. He has seemingly reformed, and is now a private consultant on the murder of a wealthy socialite. Hired by the socialite's father, he proves that a photo of Bruce Wayne apparently implicating him in the crime depicts an impostor, and briefly works with Batman to investigate the crime. As a result of his coma, The Riddler has apparently lost his compulsion for riddles, but retains both his intellect and his mammoth [[ego]]. Furthermore, he suffered severe memory loss; upon emerging from his coma, he barely remembers his own name. He does not appear to remember that Bruce Wayne and Batman are one and the same, though he does harbor some suspicions of once knowing something about Bruce Wayne.

In ''Detective Comics'' #828, Riddler is a guest along with Bruce Wayne on board a ship during a party. During the party, an old friend of Bruce's falls overboard and is mauled to death by sharks. The Riddler appears to solve the case with the [[suicide]] of the apparent murderer, and quickly takes the credit. However, Batman finds evidence that the suicide was a setup to divert attention away from the real killer. Bruce suspects foul play, and eventually tracks down the killer, whom Riddler is also close to catching before Nigma is bludgeoned over the head by a shark-tooth club. The killer pushes Batman out the window, and is about to drop him to his death, when Nigma wraps his tie around an arrow, lights it on fire, and shoots it into the killer's back. As the assailant rolls around screaming, Nigma taunts him, refusing to douse the flames. Batman extinguishes the flame, and responds to Nigma's assertion that they're now allies with hostile dismissal.

In ''Detective Comics'' #837 Riddler is hired by Bruce Wayne to track down an experimental drug developed by Wayne Enterprises currently being tested for muscle stamina and cellular regeneration which has been stolen by a lab assistant named Lisa Newman. He discovers that Newman is staying at the same Athenian Women's Help Shelter as Harley Quinn. With Harley's help he defeats Newman and returns the drug to Wayne Enterprises, earning Batman's trust for the time being.

In ''[[Countdown (DC Comics)|Countdown]]'' #42, Riddler claims to [[Mary Marvel]] that he has gone straight and is now a detective. The two join forces to defeat Clayface, and after witnessing Mary's new malicious approach to crime fighting, suggests that she consider finding a mentor to help her control her powers. Or at the very least get some anger management.

As of the 2008 miniseries Gotham Underground, Riddler has yet to return to his villainous ways, and is investigating [[Penguin (comics)|The Penguin's]] involvement with the events of [[Salvation Run]]. He saves [[Dick Grayson]], who was under cover during the Gotham Gang War between [[Penguin (comics)|Penguin]] and [[Tobias Whale]] and deduces he is [[Nightwing]] but cannot uncover his secret identity. Recent solicitations for an upcoming issue of Detective Comics also mention Riddler will become involved in a murder investigation alongside both Batman and the Gotham City Police Department <ref>[http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=9502 DC Comics]</ref>.

==Powers and abilities==
The Riddler has no superhuman abilities, but is a criminal strategist of great cunning. He isn’t much of a hand-to-hand opponent so he often employs guns as he is an accomplished marksman. He sometimes employs weaponry disguised as puzzles, such as jigsaw pieces that explode, or pistols shaped like question marks. The Riddler is usually accompanied by a number of thugs to provide muscle for his schemes.

He is shown to be skilled with engineering and technology, plaguing Batman and Robin with bizarre deathtraps that are often unique and elaborate in design. In his new occupation, he is shown to have supreme detective skills that may even rival those of the Dark Knight.

== Alternate versions ==

As one of Batman's most famed and popular adversaries, the Riddler has been featured in several comics which are not part of the official DC continuity.

* In the [[Elseworlds]] mini-series ''Thrillkiller'', Nygma is a [[psychiatrist]] who counsels [[Barbara Gordon]]. Doctor Edward Nygma, author of ''Riddle Me This — What do We Really Mean?'', keeps Barbara dosed with increasing amounts of [[valium]] and encourages her to mix with people she actually loathes. Nygma wears a green suit and the cushions of his couch bear the pattern of the Riddler's outfit. [[Alfred Pennyworth|Alfred]], her butler, takes the drugs away from her at the request of her father [[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner Gordon]] who regards Nygma as a quack.

* The Riddler has a heroic counterpart in the [[Qward|antimatter universe]] called the Quizmaster, who is a member of [[Lex Luthor]]'s Justice Underground (that Earth's version of the [[Secret Society of Super Villains]]) which opposes the evil [[Crime Syndicate#Crime Syndicate of Amerika|Crime Syndicate of Amerika]]. He first appeared in ''JLA Secret Files 2004'' #1. Similarly, on [[Earth-Three|Earth-3]], the Riddler's heroic counterpart (simply Riddler) is married to [[Two-Face|Three-Face (Evelyn Dent)]] and is the stepfather to [[Joker (comics)|the Jokester]]'s daughter, [[Duela Dent]].

* The character was featured in several issues of ''Batman and Robin Adventures''. In his first appearance, he holds an entire Christmas party hostage, convinced that Batman and Robin are amongst the crowd. This issue is also the debut of his two assistants, Query and Echo, in the DCAU continuity. In a later issue, he kidnaps Commissioner Gordon and threatens Gotham City with a deadly nerve gas. Since Batman and Robin fail to show up, Batgirl is forced to take on the Riddler alone and save her father.

* The Riddler was featured quite prominently in ''[[Batman: Gotham Adventures]]'', a spin-off of the TNBA series.

* In the ''[[Batman Adventures]]'' series, The Riddler makes yet another attempt to go straight in issue #2. Issue #11 shows that while reformed, The Riddler struggles to avoid the temptation of crime as well as planting riddles. To remedy that, Batman recruits The Riddler to answer a great riddle: How did [[The Penguin]] succeed in becoming mayor of Gotham City? In the process, he is heavily injured in #12 by The [[Clock King]]. At the end of the issue, he ends up in a coma. The series was canceled before The Riddler's fate could be resolved. The story planned for the Riddler would have him emerging from his coma stricken with amnesia, allowing him to solve the greatest riddle, "Who Am I?"<ref>[http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/batribute/thecomic/ty.php The World's Finest - Batman Adventures: Tribute - The Comic - Ty Templeton]</ref>

*An alternate version of the Riddler appears in the Emperor Joker storyline, in which is a member of the Joker's Justice League. After learning of the Joker's plans to destroy the Universe, he leads the League in an uprising against him. The Joker's vast and amazing powers cause the plan to fail, and the entire League is destroyed as a result.

*The Riddler also appeared thrice in [[Justice League]], working alongside [[Parasite]] to battle [[Superman]] in various bombing conspiracies, most likely to be led by the coalition of The Riddler and Parasite.

== Names and variations ==
Many adaptations of the Batman mythos have given the Riddler the real name Edward Nigma (or Nygma) or '''E. Nigma'''. Occasionally his full name has been given as '''Edward E. Nigma'''. Some have depicted this as a [[Pseudonym|false name]] and his real name as Edward Nashton, who legally changed his name to Edward Nygma. Most recently, his origin in ''Countdown'' states that Nashton is his original name.

In the [[France|French]] and [[Quebec]]ois translations of various ''Batman'' titles, his nom de plume has been translated to '''Le [[Sphinx]]''' referencing the riddle-posing monster of [[Greek mythology]] that [[Oedipus]] confronted. Sometimes, he's also known as '''[[L'Homme-Mystère]]''', which means "the Mystery Man" in French.

In [[Germany]], the villain has been called '''Mr. Sphinx''', as well as '''Der Rätselknacker''' (the riddle cracker).

In early [[Poland|Polish]] editions of ''Batman'' comics Riddler was translated as Zagadka (The Riddle); in [[Batman Forever]] Riddler was known as Człowiek-Zagadka (Riddleman)

In [[Italy]] he is called '''Enigmista''', the literal translation of "Riddler".

In [[Latin America]], the Riddler is known as '''El Acertijo''', which literally means "The Riddle". In [[Brazil]], the character is named '''Charada''', which also means "Riddle".

In [[Spain]], the Riddler is known as '''Enigma'''.

In [[Denmark]], the Riddler is known as '''Gækkeren''', which, loosely translated, is a person, who plays tricks on others, though not necessarily through the use of riddles.

In [[Sweden]], the Riddler has been known as '''Gåtan''', which is [[Swedish language|Swedish]] for "the riddle", and sometimes '''Gåtmannen''' (=Riddleman).

In [[Russia]], he is called '''Ребус''' (Russian for [[Rebus]]). In some translations, the Riddler is also called '''Человек-загадка''' (''Chelovek-zagadka''; literally, "the Mystery Man") or '''Человек-вопрос''' (''Chelovek-vopros'', "the Question Man").

In [[Finland]], the Riddler is known as '''Arvuuttaja'''. (Translates directly to "Riddler" or "Puzzler.")

==Other media==
===Television===
[[Image:Gorshinriddler.JPG|thumb|150px|[[Frank Gorshin]] as the Riddler, from the ''[[Batman (TV series)|Batman]]'' TV series.]]
====''Batman (TV series)''====
[[Frank Gorshin]] played the Riddler in the 1960s ''[[Batman (TV series)|Batman]]'' television series and [[Batman (1966 movie)|spin-off movie]], with [[John Astin]] substituting once on the series. The popular television series was inspired by the first [[Silver Age of comics|Silver Age]] appearance of the Riddler, with the premiere episode being an adaptation of this issue (Batman #171). Before the television series, the character was a minor villain with only three appearances in two decades, but the exposure of the series - especially with Gorshin's extremely popular interpretation - elevated the character in the comics to a major enemy. Riddler's real name was never mentioned in the TV show. Gorshin also portrayed the Riddler in ''[[Legends of the Superheroes]]'' in 1979.

====''The Batman/Superman Hour''====
The Riddler made his first appearance in animated form in the [[Filmation]] Batman installments first seen on ''CBS Saturday Morning'' in 1968 as part of ''[[The Batman/Superman Hour]]''. While he didn't appear in ''[[The New Adventures of Batman]]'' episodes, he is shown briefly in the opening theme, wearing a red costume, rather than his traditional green. He is also referenced in one episode.

====''Super Friends''====
[[Image:LoDriddler.jpg|left|thumb|150px|The Riddler as he appeared in ''[[Challenge of the Super Friends]]''.]]
He later appeared in [[Hanna-Barbera]]'s ''[[Challenge of the SuperFriends]]'' as a member of the [[Legion of Doom (comics)|Legion of Doom]]. Playing off the Gorshin model, this Riddler is a hyperactive lunatic whose contrived riddles baffle all but Batman and [[Robin (comics)|Robin]]. He was voiced by [[Michael Bell]].

He made his only solo appearance in a ''Super Friends'' short episode, "Around The World In 80 Riddles", where he sprays Superman, [[Wonder Woman]], Batman and Robin with a chemical to reduce their intelligence to that of two-year-olds.

====DC animated universe====
[[Image:Animated Riddler.jpg|thumb|150px|The Riddler from ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]''.]]
In ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'', [[John Glover (actor)|John Glover]] voiced the Riddler. For this version, the producers decided to play against the popular Gorshin image of a giggling trickster and have the character as a smooth intellectual, who presented genuinely challenging puzzles. In this incarnation, Nygma is a [[game design]]er fired by a greedy executive name Daniel Mockridge for suing after not getting royalties for a game he created called "Riddle of the Minotaur." He seeks revenge as the Riddler by kidnapping Daniel and placing him in an elaborate maze deathtrap. As a testament to his ingenuity, the Riddler is one of the few villains in the animated series who emerges victorious in his first appearance; while he does not kill his victim, the Riddler escapes Batman and has the satisfaction that Daniel Mockridge now lives in fear of his return. As with the other versions, this Riddler has a fondness for elaborate deathtraps that Batman often escapes from by "cheating," or finding flaws in the trap's design and exploiting them; for instance, Batman deliberately went after the flying Hand of Fate device, [[hotwiring|hotwire]]d it to his [[palmtop computer]] and flew towards the center of the maze. The Riddler then chastises that Batman is not allowed to tamper with the Hand of Fate, but Batman snorts he doesn't believe in fate.

In his second appearance on the show, he traps Commissioner Gordon inside a deadly virtual reality video game, which Batman is forced to enter in order to save him. While dodging the traps laid out in the construct and chasing clues, Batman discovers that he can change and mold his virtual body into forms that will better suit the tasks at hand, and he uses this newly-discovered ability to fool the Riddler into causing his program to overload. During the confusion, Batman escapes the construct with the Commissioner, and the Riddler's mind is briefly trapped inside the virtual reality device.

In the final episode the character appeared in, he has seemingly reformed, and a wealthy owner of a toy company hires him to produce a line of puzzles and games that are aimed at children. He deliberately hides clues in the company's advertisements that correspond to crimes that he will eventually commit. After a confrontation with Batman, the Riddler vows to rid himself of his enemy once and for all, and lures him into one last death trap. Batman manages to escape yet again, much to Nygma's chagrin. He is sent back to Arkham Asylum, smitten with rage. His only other appearance on the show was a small cameo in the episode "The Trial", but he has been referenced and alluded to in a few other episodes, as well.

The series' creators admit they didn't use him very much because his character often made story plots too long, too complex, or too bizarre.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} The writers described this problem with the Riddler in an article in Comics Scene #43, published by Starlog.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}.

The Riddler is only seen briefly in ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'' episodes: first [[Over the Edge (The New Batman Adventures)|in a dream sequence]], then [[Judgement Day (The New Batman Adventures)|in a rather short appearance]] where he is robbing a bank. Despite his lack of appearances in the series, he was prominently featured in ''Batman: Gotham Adventures'', its comic book continuation. He is featured in the episode, Judgement Day, where the Judge cuts the rope suspending a giant book in the air, sending it crushing down on the Riddler. Due to the previous nature of the Judge's attacks, this may have killed him.

He also appears in the ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'' episode "[[Knight Time]]", where he is in league with [[Bane (comics)|Bane]] and [[Mad Hatter (comics)|the Mad Hatter]]. A Riddler Drone, along with [[Two Face]] and [[Killer Croc]], fights Batman Beyond in the opening to "[[Terry's Friend Dates A Robot]]".

As part of the original 13 members of the [[Legion of Doom]], the Riddler was originally slated to appear again in the DC Animated Universe in the third season of ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'', but apparently due to a "[[Bat-Embargo]]" enforced by Warner Bros., this did not occur.

====''The Batman''====
[[Image:TheBatmanRiddler.jpg|thumb|The Riddler in ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]''.]]
In 2005, a new Riddler debuted in ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'' [[animated series]]. In this version, the Riddler returns with a [[Gothic fashion|gothic]] look (much like [[Rozz Williams]] or [[Marilyn Manson]]) and is voiced by [[Robert Englund]]. He is also given a more detailed and sympathetic back story than previous incarnations.

In the fourth-season episode "Riddler's Revenge," he reveals that he was a scientist who, along with his beloved assistant Julie, developed a chip designed to augment the human brain, allowing those interfaced with it to achieve superhuman feats of memory and calculation. This device caught the eye of a predatory businessman named Chuck Gorman, who hounded him to sell the rights, but he refused. The device then horrifically malfunctioned on its first demonstration, a demonstration apparently orchestrated by the very businessman whom he had turned down. Blaming him for his disgrace, Nygma set out to destroy both him and everything he held dear. He rigged the businessman's house with a series of intricate traps, only passable by solving riddles. Batman managed to break the businessman out, much to Nygma's fury. It was only years later that both Nygma and Batman determined that it had been Julie, not the businessman who had sabotaged the chip; having realized, from her point of view, he was a lunatic, she took Nygma out of the way to have success herself, enjoying the fruits of his research until the truth was revealed and she was arrested along with Riddler. It was also revealed in this episode Nygma as a child was fascinated about puzzles, but his father didn't appreciate his interests, and preferred to keep him playing baseball and such.

In his first appearance, the Riddler plants riddle bombs across the city and sends Batman and Detective [[Ellen Yin]] to stop them from detonating. It all turns out to be a diversion (the bombs contain lime gelatin instead of explosives) so the Riddler can work on his real scheme: to [[computer hacking|hack]] into the computer database at Gotham City Hall (the location of the very first "bomb") and steal valuable information. After capturing Batman and Yin, he attempts to play a game of 20 questions to guess Batman's identity, while Batman is connected to a [[lie detector]]. If Batman lies, Yin receives a progressively stronger electric shock until the voltage becomes fatal. Riddler comes extremely close and fails when Yin uses the Riddler's ego to trick him into stepping in front of his electrocuting machine by claiming to know who Batman is. Riddler also appeared in the episode "Night and the City," in which he makes a deal with the Joker and the Penguin that whoever discovers Batman's identity will have control of the city.

====Other appearances====
The ''[[Tiny Toon Adventures]]'' short ''Bat's All Folks'' parodied the character as 'Question Mark'.

Riddler appeared in the ''[[Robot Chicken]]'' episode "Endless Breadsticks" voiced by [[Patrick Warburton]]. When he gives a riddle at the dinner table, his wife tells him "Just ask for the salt."

In the ''[[Simpsons|The Simpsons]]'' episode ''[[Revenge is a Dish Best Served Three Times]]'', [[Ned Flanders]] appears as 'The Diddler'.

The Riddler appeared in [[Question (comics)|the Question's]] [[Vertigo Comics]] series, being convinced to become a "big-time villain" by a [[prostitute]] met on a bus. He hijacked it and began asking riddles, killing and robbing anyone that got them wrong. The Question quickly subdues him by asking him philosophical riddles in return. He is outwitted and has a nervous breakdown before being set free as a reward for getting one last riddle right.

Recently the name "Edward Nashton" appears as a person writing to the Gotham Times as part the viral marketing campaign set up to promote the ''[[The Dark Knight]]''. [http://www.thegothamtimes.com/page2.htm]

===Movies===
====''Batman (1966)''====
{{main|Batman (1966 film)}}
Frank Gorshin reprised his role as the Riddler in the 1966 film Batman, alongside three other villains from the TV series. As in the series, Gorshin's Riddler is calm and calculating at one moment, then wild and unstable the next. He compulsively sends Batman and Robin clues, which in the film leads to some minor tensions with his fellow criminals.

====''Batman Forever''====
[[Image:Riddler-carrey.jpg|thumb|150px| Canadian actor [[Jim Carrey]] as the Riddler in the 1995 film "Batman Forever".]]

{{main|Batman Forever}}
While [[Tim Burton]] was slated to direct ''[[Batman Forever]]'', his intention was to have [[Michael Keaton]] return as the title character, and use the Riddler (Edward Nygma) as the main villain, who would be portrayed as a menacing [[psychopath]] with a question mark shaved into his hair. [[Robin Williams]] was the first choice for the role, but he turned it down. Burton went on to cast [[Micky Dolenz]], who screen tested for the role.<ref>[http://www.pennlive.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/entertainment/1164839111209370.xml PennLive.com's Printer-Friendly Page]</ref> Dolenz's involvement ended once [[Joel Schumacher]] was hired to direct. Schumacher instead decided to bank on [[Jim Carrey]] for the role. [[Michael Jackson]] approached Schumacher about the role but Schumacher felt that there wasn't a place for Jackson in the film.<ref>http://www.suntimes.com/output/entertainment/sho-sunday-joel30.html</ref> Carrey had stated that he was attracted to the "[[stalking|stalker]]" angle added to the character in the script. Nygma is shown to be obsessed with his idol Bruce Wayne, his turn to crime a result of Wayne's rejection of his mind-manipulation invention. Throughout the film, Nygma obsesses over Wayne, copying Wayne's appearance down to a facial mole, and he prevents [[Two-Face]] from killing him. This version of the Riddler employs a device called "the Box", disguised as a [[3D computer graphics|3D]] imagery device for TVs, that extracts victims' thoughts and transmits them into the Riddler's head, making him smarter and contributing to his descent into madness. In the end, Batman damages the Box with a [[Batarang]], and Riddler's intelligence (as well as his sanity) is lost. Throughout the film, he plants a series of riddles for Batman to find, which lead to the disclosure of his identity. At the end of the film, he is captured in Arkham Asylum and, in his madness, begins to claim that ''he'' is Batman.

In [[Batman & Robin]], when [[Bane (comics)|Bane]] breaks into Arkham Asylum's storage room to get Mr. Freeze's cryogenic suit, both Two-Face and Riddler's costumes are visible in the foreground.

====Nolan series====
Director [[Christopher Nolan]] took the helm as director of the new [[Batman_%28film_series%29#Nolan_series|Batman franchise]] with the 2005 film ''[[Batman Begins]]'' and the upcoming 2008 film ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]''.

* [[David Tennant]] has expressed an interest in portraying the Riddler in a future Batman movie, as has ''[[Frasier]]'' star [[David Hyde-Pierce]].{{refneeded}}
* In the viral marketing for ''The Dark Knight'', Edward Nashton, one of the alias of The Riddler, is credited for writing an editorial in The Gotham Times Volume 2 which features an article about a Batman statue being added to the Wax Museum as well. Madame Soleil's Wax Museum was used in a 1966 episode of the Batman TV series, where the Riddler used a Batman statue to smuggle in a 'Universal Wax Solvent' from France, to be used later against Batman. [[Anthony Michael Hall]] was rumored for the role; however, it has been revealed that Hall is playing a reporter named Mike Engel.
* While doing press for ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]'', Gary Oldman alluded that the Riddler could be the villain in the proposed third film.<ref>http://www.movieweb.com/news/18/29618.php</ref>

===''Justice League New Frontier''===
Riddler makes a cameo in ''[[Justice League: The New Frontier]]'' among some other Batman villians during the famous speech by [[John F. Kennedy]].

===''Super Max ''===
According to Latinoreview, the Riddler is one of the villains locked up in [[Green_Arrow_in_other_media#Film|SuperMax]].

===Video games===
The Riddler has also appeared in several video games based on Batman. He was a boss in ''Batman: The Animated Series'', ''[[Adventures of Batman & Robin|The Adventures of Batman & Robin]]'' for the [[SNES]], ''The Adventures of Batman & Robin'' for the [[Sega CD]] and various video game adaptations of ''[[Batman Forever (video game)|Batman Forever]]''. The SNES game had Riddler re-using the Riddle of the Minotaur Maze from "[[If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?]]" (but this time with the Gordons as hostages) and the chess board from "[[What Is Reality?]]". In the Sega CD game, which had fully-animated cut scenes, John Glover reprised his role as the Riddler.

In the PC game ''Toxic Chill'', Riddler teams up with Mr. Freeze, and leaves this riddle to Batman and Robin: "What gets hotter when it gets colder?" The majority of the game is spent gathering clues whilst battling Freeze, Riddler, and the Riddler's gang with help from Batgirl and Alfred. The answer turns out to be...[[Gotham City]]! It turns out that Freeze has been building a weather machine to cause a super-blizzard, and Riddler has been secretly been double-crossing him by dumping chemicals under the ground into lava tubes, shaping an enormous question mark upon spewing up from the ground, triggered by the cold winds. However, Batman and Robin manage to stop his chemicals from emptying into the bay. The Riddler then attempts to destroy a light house, finishing his symbol with a dot. Batman captures him and hauls him away to Arkham before he is able to do this final devious act. Nygma is forced to share a cell with Freeze, who presumably exacts revenge on Riddler for betraying and nearly killing him with the hot chemicals. The Riddler in here closely resembles the one in Batman: The Animated Series in the game, but his personality more closely resembles that of the version portrayed by Frank Gorshin.

He is mentioned by the JLA's Watchtower recorder in ''[[Justice League Heroes]]''. The message, sent to Batman, is "Just now, a toy sells death".

He is also seen in a trailer for the upcoming [[Lego Batman: The Video Game]]

===Action figures===
Riddler has made several appearances as an action figure as part of [[Kenner]]'s ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'', Legends of Batman and Batman: Knight Force Ninjas lines, [[Mattel]]'s ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'' line, and [[Art Asylum]]'s [[minimates]] line. He has also been produced as a [[Heroclix]]. Five different Riddler figures were produced for the 1995 [[Batman Forever]] line, including one version that says phrases from the film.

The Riddler is one of the rarest of Kenner's [[Super Powers Collection]] line. He is a repainted [[Green Lantern]] figure that was only released in [[South America]].
He was also part of the line of action figures called the DC Comics SuperHeroes from [[Toy-Biz]].

Three versions of the Riddler have appeared in the DC Direct line, two based on his first appearance and one based on his look in the Hush storyline. The Japanese toy company Yamato has also produced a figure of him.

===Music===
A song based on the character entitled [[The Riddler (song)|The Riddler]] was performed by rapper, [[Method Man]] and was featured on the [[Batman Forever (soundtrack)|Batman Forever soundtrack]].

===Roller coasters===
[[Riddler's Revenge]], the world's second tallest and fastest stand-up roller coaster is themed after the Riddler. It is located in [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]] in Valencia, California.

== See also ==
*[[Enigma (DC Comics)]]

== Notes and references ==
{{Unreferenced|date=August 2007}}

{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{wikiquote|Batman (comics)#The Riddler|The Riddler}}
* [[DCDatabase:Riddler|DCDP: Riddler]] - DC Database Project
* [http://riddler.batbad.com Edward Nygma's Puzzle Web Site] : puzzles, games and stories featuring the animated series Riddler.
* [http://www.dccomics.com/heroes_and_villains/?hv=origin_stories/riddler Riddler on DCComics.com]

{{The Batman}}
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[[Category:Fictional murderers]]
[[Category:Fictional private investigators]]
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[[de:Riddler]]
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Spider-Man in film

2008-07-06T03:10:14Z

71.182.145.40:

{{Infobox Film
| name = Spider-Man film series
| image = SpidermanDVDtrilogy.jpg‎
| image_size =
| caption = Spider-Man complete trilogy box set
| director = [[Sam Raimi]] (Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2 & 3). TBD (Spider-Man 4).
| producer = [[Avi Arad]] [[Laura Ziskin]] [[Grant Curtis]]
| writer = [[David Koepp]] (''Spider-Man'') [[Alvin Sargent]] (''Spider-Man 2 & 3'') [[Ivan Raimi]] (''Spider-Man 3'') [[Sam Raimi]] (''Spider-Man 3'') [[James Vanderbilt]] (''Spider-Man 4'')
| starring = [[Tobey Maguire]] [[Kirsten Dunst]] [[James Franco]]
| music = [[Danny Elfman]] (''Spider-Man 1 & 2'') [[Christopher Young]] (''Spider-Man 2 & 3'')
| cinematography = Don Burgess (''Spider-Man'') [[Bill Pope]] (''Spider-Man 2 & 3'')
| editing = Arthur Coburn (''Spider-Man'') [[Bob Murawski]] (''Spider-Man 1-3'')
| distributor = [[Sony Pictures Entertainment]]
| released = [[2002 in film|2002]] – [[2007 in film|2007]]
| country = {{USA}}
| language = [[English language|English]]
| runtime = 388 minutes (all three films)
| budget = [[United States dollar|US$]]597 million (all three films)
| amg_id = 1:325280
| gross = $2,496,346,518 (total, worldwide, all three films)
}}

The three '''''[[Spider-Man]]''''' [[superhero film]]s are based on the [[fictional character|fictional]] [[Marvel Comics]] [[Spider-Man|character of the same name]], portrayed by [[Tobey Maguire]]. The rights to a motion picture based on Spider-Man were purchased in 1985 and moved through various production companies and studios, at one point having [[James Cameron]] to direct, before being secured by [[Sony Pictures Entertainment]].

[[Sony Pictures Entertainment|Sony]] hired comic book fan [[Sam Raimi]] to direct the films, and the series began with ''[[Spider-Man (film)|Spider-Man]]'' in [[2002 in film|2002]], continued with ''[[Spider-Man 2]]'' in [[2004 in film|2004]], and became a [[trilogy]] with the release of ''[[Spider-Man 3]]'' in [[2007 in film|2007]]. Throughout the films, Spider-Man developed a relationship with his school crush [[Mary Jane Watson]] ([[Kirsten Dunst]]). To date, he has battled the villains [[Norman Osborn|Green Goblin]] ([[Willem Dafoe]]), [[Doctor Octopus]] ([[Alfred Molina]]), [[Harry Osborn|New Goblin]] ([[James Franco]]), [[Venom (Eddie Brock)|Venom]] ([[Topher Grace]]) and [[Sandman (Marvel Comics)|Sandman]] ([[Thomas Haden Church]]) throughout the series. While the films' central storylines have been concluded, the studio plans to develop more films, continuing Spider-Man's adventures.

==Development==
===Cannon Films development period===
The disappointing performance of [[1983 in film|1983]]'s ''[[Superman III]]'' made comic book adaptations low priority in Hollywood, though the comic industry itself thrived.<ref name="Movie Mess">{{cite news | author=Michael A. Hiltzik | url=http://www.teako170.com/spidey.html | title=Spidey’s Movie Mess | publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]] | date=[[1998-09-29]] | accessdate= 2007-11-05}}</ref> In 1985, after a brief option on ''Spider-Man'' by [[Roger Corman]] expired<ref>{{cite web | url=http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808496334/critic | title=Roger Corman Interview | publisher=[[M.J.Simpson]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref>, [[Marvel Comics]] optioned the property to [[Cannon Films]]. Cannon chiefs [[Menahem Golan]] and his cousin [[Yoram Globus]] agreed to pay [[Marvel Comics]] $225,000 over the five-year option period plus a percentage of the film’s revenues. <ref name="unraveling">{{cite news | author=Ronald Grover | url=http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/apr2002/nf20020415_7441.htm | title=Unraveling Spider-Man's Tangled Web | publisher=[[Business Week]] | date=[[2002-04-15]] | accessdate=2007-01-22 }}</ref> The rights would revert to Marvel if a film was not made by April 1990.<ref name="legal">{{cite news | author=Janet Shprintz | url=http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=print_story&articleid=VR1117479641&categoryid=13 | title=Spider-Man's legal web may finally be unraveled | publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=[[1998-08-19]] | accessdate=2007-01-22}}</ref>

[[Tobe Hooper]], then preparing both ''[[Invaders From Mars]]'' and ''[[Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2]]'', was mooted as director. Golan and Globus misunderstood the concept of the character ("They thought it was like The Wolf Man", said director Joseph Zito)<ref name="Hiltzik">{{cite news | author=Michael A. Hiltzik | title=Untangling the Web | publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]] Magazine | date=[[2002-03-24]]}}</ref> and instructed writer [[Leslie Stevens]], creator of ''[[The Outer Limits]]'', to write a treatment reflecting their misconception. In Stevens’s story, a corporate scientist intentionally subjects ID-badge photographer Peter Parker to radioactive bombardment, transforming him into a hairy, suicidal, eight-armed monster. The human tarantula refuses to join the scientist’s new master-race of mutants, battling a succession of mutations kept in a basement laboratory.<ref name="Gross">{{cite book|author=Edward Gross|title=Spider-Man Confidential|publisher=[[Hyperion (publisher)|Hyperion]]|date=2002}}</ref><ref name="Hiltzik">{{cite news | author=Michael A. Hiltzik|title=Untangling the Web|publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=[[2002-03-24]]}}</ref>

Unhappy with the debasement of his comic book creation, Marvel’s [[Stan Lee]] pushed for a new story and screenplay, written for Cannon by [[Ted Newsom]] and [[John Brancato]].<ref name="Newsom">{{cite magazine | author=Patrick Daniel O’Neill | Comics Interview Magazine #85 | title=Screenwriter Ted Newsom | publisher=Fictioneer Books Ltd. | date=March 1990}}</ref> The variation on the [[origin story]] had Otto Octavius as a teacher and mentor to a college-age Peter Parker. The cyclotron accident which "creates" Spider-Man also deforms the scientist into [[Doctor Octopus]] and results in his mad pursuit of proof of the [[Fifth Force]]. Ock reconstructs his cyclotron and causes electromagnetic abnormalities, anti-gravity effects and bilocation which threatens to engulf New York and the world. [[Joseph Zito]], who had directed Cannon’s successful [[Chuck Norris]] film ''[[Invasion USA]]'', replaced Tobe Hooper. The new director hired Barney Cohen to rewrite the script. Cohen, creator of TV's ''[[Sabrina the Teenage Witch]]'', and ''[[Forever Knight]]'', added action scenes, a non-canonical comic sidekick for the villain, gave Doc Ock the catch phrase, "Okey-dokey", and altered his goal from the Fifth Force to a quest for [[anti-gravity]]. Producer Golan then made a minor polish to Cohen's rewrite, using his pen name "Joseph Goldman." Zito scouted locations and studio facilities in both the US and Europe, and oversaw storyboard breakdowns supervised by [[Harper Goff]]. Cannon planned to make the film on the then-substantial budget of between $15 and $20 million.<ref name="unraveling" />

While no casting was finalized, Zito expressed interest in actor/stunt man [[Scott Leva]], who had posed for Cannon's promotional photos and ads, and made public appearances for Marvel as Spidey. The young, up-and-coming [[Tom Cruise]] was also discussed for the leading role. Zito considered [[Bob Hoskins]] as Doc Ock. Stan Lee expressed his desire to play [[Daily Bugle]] editor [[J. Jonah Jameson]]. <ref name="Leva">{{cite journal |last=Jankiewicz |first=Pat |authorlink= Pat Jankiewicz |year=2002 |month=July |title=Scott Leva, the Man Who Was Almost Spider-Man |journal=Starlog/Comics Scene Presents Spider-Man |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=62–64 |accessdate= 2007-11-05 }} </ref> [[Lauren Bacall]] and [[Katharine Hepburn]] were considered for [[Aunt May]], [[Peter Cushing]] as a sympathetic scientist, and [[Adolph Caesar]] as a police detective.<ref name="Newsom">{{cite magazine | author=Patrick Daniel O’Neill | Comics Interview Magazine #85 | title=Screenwriter Ted Newsom | publisher=Fictioneer Books Ltd. | date=March 1990}}</ref> With Cannon finances syphoned by the expensive ''[[Superman IV: The Quest for Peace]] ([[1987 in film|1987]])'' and ''[[Masters of the Universe (film)|Masters of the Universe]]'', the company slashed the proposed ''Spider-Man'' budget to under $10 million. Director Zito opted out, unwilling to make a compromised ''Spider-Man''. The company commissioned low-budget rewrites from writers Shepard Goldman, Don Michael Paul, and finally [[Ethan Wiley]], and penciled in company workhorse [[Albert Pyun]] as director, who also made script alterations.<ref name="Gross">{{cite book | author=Edward Gross | | title=Spider-Man Confidential | publisher=[[Hyperion (publisher)|Hyperion]] | [[date=2002]]}}</ref>

Scott Leva was still associated with the character through Marvel (he had appeared in photo covers of the comic), and read each draft. Leva commented, "Ted Newsom and John Brancato had written the script. It was good but it needed a little work. Unfortunately, with every subsequent rewrite by other writers, it went from good to bad to terrible."<ref name="Leva"/> Due to Cannon's assorted financial crises, the project shut down after spending about $1.5 million on the project.<ref name="Hiltzik">{{cite news | author=Michael A. Hiltzik|title=Untangling the Web|publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=[[2002-03-24]]}}</ref> In 1989, [[Pathé]], owned by corrupt [[Italian people|Italian]] financier [[Giancarlo Parretti]], acquired the overextended Cannon. The filmmaking cousins parted, Globus remaining associated with Pathé, Golan leaving to create [[21st Century Film Corporation]], keeping a number of properties (including Spider-Man) in lieu of a cash buy-out. He also extended his ''Spider-Man'' option with [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] up to January 1992.<ref name="legal" />

Golan shelved the low-budget rewrites and attempted to finance an independent production from the original big-budget script, already budgeted, storyboarded and laid out. <ref>{{cite news | author=Sheldon Teitelbaum | title=Spider-Man - The Movie: For Cannon Films it was a web too far. | publisher=[[Cinefantastique]] | date=September 1987 | accessdate=2007-06-08 }}</ref> At Cannes in May 1989, 21st Century announced a September start date, with ads touting the script by "Barney Cohen, Ted Newsom & John Brancato and Joseph Goldman."<ref name"Ock21stCentury1989">{{cite news | title=21stCenturyAd1989 | page=11 | publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=[[1989-05-05]] | accessdate=2007-11-07 }} </ref> As standard practice, Golan pre-sold the unmade film to raise production funds, with TV rights bought by [[Viacom]], home video rights by [[Columbia Pictures]], which wanted to establish a studio franchise. Golan submitted this "new" screenplay to Columbia in late 1989 (actually the 1985 script with an adjusted "1989" date) and the studio requested yet another rewrite. Golan hired [[Frank LaLoggia]], who turned in his draft but grew disenchanted with 21st Century. Neil Ruttenberg was hired for one more draft, which was also "covered" by script readers at Columbia.<ref name="Ryfle">{{cite magazine | author=Steve Ryfle | Creative Screenwriting magazine | title=Spider-Man’s Tangled Web |publisher=CS Publications | date=May/June 2002}}</ref> Columbia’s script analysts considered all three submissions "essentially the same story." A tentative production deal was set. Said Stan Lee in 1990, "21st Century [is] supposed to do Spider-Man and now they're talking to Columbia and the way it looks now, Columbia may end up buying Spider-Man from 21st Century."<ref name="Lee">{{cite news | author=Dan Hagen | title=Publisher Stan Lee Speaks | publisher=Fictioneer Books Ltd. journal=David Anthony Kroft's Comics Interview Magazine | date=1990}}</ref>

===Carolco Pictures===
Golan returned to [[Cannes Film Festival]] in 1990 to raise more funds, now taking out trade ads crediting "Neil Ruttenberg and Joseph Goldman" as writers (with a "Credits not contractual" caveat in fine print). <ref name"Ock21stCenturyAd1990">{{cite news | title=21stCenturyAd1990 | page=8 | publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=[[1990-02-20]] | accessdate=2007-11-07 }} </ref> However, in Cannes, [[Carolco]] outbid Columbia's offer to back the film and acquired all existing ''Spider-Man'' material and rights from Golan (Carolco released its films through Columbia's [[Tri-Star]] subsidiary.). Carolco agreed to the proviso that Golan would still be considered the producer. [[James Cameron]] was officially revealed to be director of the film with pending approval of the studio, due to his success with ''[[The Terminator]]''. It was also announced that Cameron would write, direct and produce the film, but aware of cost overruns on ''[[Terminator 2]]'', the studio insisted that Cameron would not be paid his $3 million writer's fee unless he provided a completed screenplay which could be budgeted (in their estimation) for $60 million or less.<ref name="unraveling" />

In the meantime, 21st Century’s Menahem Golan still actively immersed himself mounting "his" ''Spider-Man'', sending the original "Doc Ock" script for production bids. In 1990, he contacted Canadian effects company Light and Motion Corporation regarding the visual effects, which in turn offered the stop-motion chores to Steven Archer (''Krull'', ''Clash of the Titans'') <ref name="Archer">{{cite book |last= Archer |first=Steven |title=Willis O’Brien, Special Effects Genius|page=177 |publisher= [[McFarland & Co.]] |year= 1993 |isbn= 0-89950-833-2 }}</ref>

Toward the end of shooting ''[[True Lies]]'', [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] carried the announcement that Carolco had received a completed screenplay from Cameron.<ref name"CameronVariety">{{cite news | title=Cameron Delivers Spider-Man Script | url= http://www.variety.com/article/VR110100.html?categoryid=13&cs=1&query=cameron+spider%2Dman | page=3 | publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=[[1993-09-01]] | accessdate=2007-11-07 }} </ref> This script bore the names of James Cameron, John Brancato, Ted Newsom, Barry [sic] Cohen and "Joseph Goldmari", a typographical scrambling of Golan's pen name ("Joseph Goldman") with Marvel executive Joseph Calimari.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hundland.com/scripts/Spider-Man.txt | title=Spider-Man | author1=Barry Cohen | author2=Ted Newson | author3=James Cameron | author4=Joseph Goldmari | author5=James Cameron | author6=John Brancato | publisher=Carolco | accessdate=2007-11-07 }}</ref> The script text was identical to the one Golan submitted to Columbia the previous year, with the addition of a new 1993 date. Cameron stalwart [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] was frequently linked to the project as the director’s choice for Dr. Octopus.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.realmovietrivia.com/page_xmen.html | title=Spider-Man | publisher=Sci-Fi Trivia Reel | accessdate=2007-11-07 }}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cracked.com/article_15072_p2.html | title=10 Most Awesome Movies Hollywood Ever Killed | author=David Wong | publisher=Cracked.com | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.retrojunk.com/details_articles/664 | title=If Spiderman Were Made in the 90s | author=dg | publisher=RetroJunk | accessdate=2007-11-07 }}</ref>
As late as 1995, internet industry sources such as Baseline Hollywood still listed both Neil Ruttenberg (author of one of the 1990 "Doc Ock" variations submitted to Columbia), and James Cameron as co-writers.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.blssi.com/overview.aspx | title=Spider-Man the Movie | publisher=[[Baseline/New York Times]] | accessdate=2007-05-15}}</ref>

===Cameron "Scriptment"===
Months later, James Cameron submitted an undated 47 page "[[scriptment]]" with an alternate story [the copyright registration was dated 1991], part screenplay, part narrative story outline. <ref name="tangled">{{cite news | author=Michael A. Hiltzik |title=Untangling the Web | publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]] Magazine | date=[[2002-03-24]]}}</ref>

The "scriptment" told the Spider-Man origin, but used variations on the comic book characters [[Electro (comics)|Electro]] and [[Sandman (Marvel Comics)|Sandman]] as villains. This "Electro" was a megalomaniacal parody of corrupt capitalists. Instead of Flint Marko's sympathetic character, Cameron’s "Sandman" is mutated by an accident involving [[Philadelphia Experiment]]-style bilocation and atom-mixing, in lieu of getting caught in a nuclear blast on a beach. The story climaxes with a battle atop the [[World Trade Center]] and had [[Spider-Man|Peter Parker]] revealing his identity to [[Mary Jane Watson]]. In addition, the treatment was also heavy on [[profanity]], and had Spider-Man and Mary Jane having sex.<ref>{{cite news | author = Scott Chitwood | title = Review of James Cameron's Spider-Man Scriptment | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = [[2000-02-15]] | url = http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/034/034412p1.html | accessdate=2007-04-28}}</ref>

This treatment reflected elements in previous scripts: from the Stevens treatment, organic web-shooters, and a villain who tempts Spider-Man to join a coming "master race" of mutants; from the original screenplay & rewrite, weird electrical storms causing blackouts, freak magnetic events and bi-location; from the Ethan Wiley draft, a villain addicted to toxic super-powers and multiple experimental spiders, one of which escapes and bites Peter, causing an hallucinatory nightmare invoking [[Franz Kafka]]’s "Metamorphosis"; from the Frank LaLoggia script, a blizzard of stolen cash fluttering down onto surprised New Yorkers; and from the Neil Ruttenberg screenplay, a criminal assault on the NYC Stock Exchange. <ref name="Gross" />

In 1991, Carolco Pictures extended Golan’s option agreement with Marvel through May 1996 <ref name="legal" />, but in April 1992, Carolco ceased active production on Spider-Man due to continued financial and legal problems.<ref>{{cite news | author=Jim Bullard | title=Spider-Man now 30 | publisher=[[St. Petersburg Times]] | date=[[1992-04-17]] | accessdate=2007-01-22 }}</ref>

===Tangled Web of Litigation===
When James Cameron agreed to make ''Spider-Man'', Carolco lawyers simply used his previous ''Terminator 2'' contract as a template. A clause in this agreement gave Cameron the right to decide on movie and advertising credits. Show business trade articles and advertisements made no mention of Golan, who was still actively assembling the elements for the film.<ref name="legal" /> In 1993, Golan complained publicly and finally instigated legal action against Carolco for disavowing his contractual guarantee credit as producer. On the other hand, Cameron had the contractual right to decide on credits. <ref name="Gross" /> Eventually, Carolco sued Viacom and Columbia to recover broadcast and home video rights, and the two studios countersued.<ref name="unraveling" /> [[20th Century Fox]], though not part of the litigation, contested Cameron’s participation, claiming exclusivity on his services as a director under yet another contract.<ref name="tangled" /> In 1996, Carolco, 21st Century, and Marvel went bankrupt.

Via a quitclaim from Carolco dated [[March 28]], [[1995]], [[MGM]] acquired 21st Century's film library, assets, and received "...all rights in and to all drafts and versions of the screenplay(s) for Spiderman written by James Cameron, Ted Newsom & John Brancato, Menahem Golan, Jon [sic] Michael Paul, Ethan Wiley, Leslie Stevens, Frank Laloggia, Neil Ruttenberg, Barney Cohen, Shepard Goldman and any and all other writers."<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.secinfo.com | title=Securities and Exchange Commission document 1-09264 |accessdate=2007-11-05 |author= Securities and Exchange Commission |date=[[1995-04-15]]|work=settlement|publisher=SEC}}</ref> MGM also sued 21st Century, Viacom, and Marvel Comics, alleging fraud in the original deal between Cannon and Marvel. In 1998, Marvel emerged from bankruptcy with a new reorganization plan that merged the company with [[Toy Biz]].<ref name="legal"/> The courts determined that the original contract of Marvel's rights to Golan had expired, returning the rights to Marvel, but the matter was still not completely resolved. In 1999, Marvel licensed Spider-Man rights to [[Columbia Pictures|Columbia]] (by then absorbed by Sony) for a reported $7 million. MGM disputed the legality, claiming it had the ''Spider-Man'' rights via Cannon, 21st Century, and Carolco, and threatened to make a competing film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/news/sb/1998-12-24#film1|title=Movie/TV News}} </ref>

===007 vs. Spidey===
In the meantime, MGM/UA chief executive [[John Calley]] moved to Columbia. Intimately familiar with the legal history of producer [[Kevin McClory]]’s claim to the rights to both ''[[Thunderball (film)|Thunderball]]'' and other related [[James Bond]] characters and elements, Calley announced that Columbia would produce an alternate 007 series, based on the "McClory material", which Calley acquired for Columbia.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mi6.co.uk/sections/articles/sony_past_007_attempts.php3?s=articles&t | title=Past 007 Attempts | publisher=MI6, Home of James Bond | date=[[2004-09-14]] | accessdate=2007-11-07 }}</ref> (Columbia had made the original 1967 film version of ''[[Casino Royale (1967 film)|Casino Royale]]'', a non-Eon production.)

Both studios now faced rival projects, which could undercut their own long-term financial stability and plans. Columbia had no consistent movie franchise, and had sought ''Spider-Man'' since 1989; MGM/UA’s only reliable source of theatrical income was a new James Bond movie every two or three years. An alternate 007 series could diminish or even eliminate the power of MGM/UA’s long-running Bond series. Likewise, an MGM/UA ''Spider-Man'' movie could negate Columbia’s plans to create an exclusive cash cow. Both sides seemed to have strong arguments for the rights to do such films.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117871343.html?categoryid=1343&cs=1&query=Kirsten+Dunst%2C+%22kirsten+dunst%22 | title=A League of Her Own | author=Anne Thompson | publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=[[2002-08-18]] | accessdate=2007-11-07 }}</ref>

The two studios made a complex trade-off in March 1999. Columbia relinquished its rights to create a new 007 series in exchange for MGM's giving up its claim to Spider-Man.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mi6.co.uk/sections/articles/obituary_kevin_mcclory.php3 | title=Kevin McClory (1926-2006) | author=dg | publisher=MI6, Home of James Bond | date=[[2006-11-29]] | accessdate=2007-11-07 }}</ref> Columbia acquired the rights to all previous scripts in 2000 <ref name="Ryfle" />, but exercised options only on the "Cameron Material", i.e., both the completed multi-author screenplay and the subsequent "Scriptment."<ref name="Hiltzik">{{cite news | author=Michael A. Hiltzik | title=Untangling the Web | publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]] Magazine | date=[[2002-03-24]] | </ref> After more than a decade of attempts, ''[[Spider-Man (film)|Spider-Man]]'' truly went into production.<ref name="unraveling" />
{{see|Spider-Man (film)#Development}}

==Film series==

After this long development history, all of the Spider-Man films were produced by [[Laura Ziskin]] and distributed by [[Columbia Pictures]], the primary film production holding of [[Sony]]. They were all directed by ''[[Evil Dead]]'' director [[Sam Raimi]].
===''Spider-Man'' (2002)===
{{Main|Spider-Man (film)}}
''Spider-Man'' follows [[Spider-Man|Peter Parker]] as he is bitten by a genetically engineered "super-spider", which causes him to take on the traits of a [[spider]]. Following the murder of his [[Benjamin Parker|uncle]], Peter devotes his life to fighting crime. [[Norman Osborn]], in an attempt to save his company, experiments with human performance-enhancing drugs. The drugs cause Norman to go insane, and he dons the mantle of the [[Green Goblin]]. When Spider-Man refuses to join the Green Goblin, the two face off against each other in an epic battle.

===''Spider-Man 2'' (2004)===
{{Main|Spider-Man 2}}
''Spider-Man 2'' picks up two years after the events of the first film. Peter is struggling with being Spider-Man and keeping the rest of his life in order. Peter's best friend, [[Harry Osborn]], is out for revenge against Spider-Man, and the woman Peter loves, [[Mary Jane Watson]], is about to marry someone else. [[Dr. Otto Octavius]] develops four mechanical, artificially intelligent arms to handle a fusion reactor he's creating. The reactor malfunctions, and the mechanical arms are melded to his body. With the arms giving him direction, Octavius sets out to build a bigger, stronger fusion reactor which can destroy New York City and ultimately the rest of the world.

===''Spider-Man 3'' (2007)===
{{Main|Spider-Man 3}}
''Spider-Man 3'' finds Peter basking in the spotlight as Spider-Man, and finding a balance between being a superhero and being with his love, [[Mary Jane Watson]]. Harry finally decides to take his revenge, becoming the New Goblin and later helps Spidey, and Peter learns the truth about who really killed his uncle. [[Flint Marko]], an escaped convict, falls into a particle accelerator and becomes a shape-shifting sand monster later known as [[Sandman (Marvel Comics)|Sandman]]. A rival photographer, [[Venom (Eddie Brock)|Eddie Brock Jr.]], threatens to take Peter's place at the [[Daily Bugle]]. All this happens while an alien substance crashes to earth on a meteor, and latches on to Spidey's suit, turning it black and manipulating him by amplifing his darker qualities. The substance (called a [[symbiote]] by [[Dr. Curtis Connors]]) eventually possesses Eddie Brock, creating the villain [[Venom (Eddie Brock)|Venom]].

===Future===
In an August 2006 interview, Marvel producer Kevin Feige said he anticipated more sequels to the ''Spider-Man'' films "because of the wealth of stories in the comics".<ref>{{cite news | author=Larry Carroll | url=http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1538925/story.jhtml | title=After Spidey, Marvel To Focus On Hulk's Relaunch, Captain America's Big-Screen Debut | publisher=[[MTV]] | date=[[2006-08-18]] | accessdate=2006-08-25 }}</ref> Producer [[Avi Arad]] felt that some issues come to an end, but due to the character's age and his complex love life, the story is still continuous.<ref name="arad IGN">{{cite news|author=Stax|title=IGN Interview: Avi Arad|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=[[2007-03-05]]|url=http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/770/770167p1.html|accessdate=2007-03-06}}</ref> Although [[Tobey Maguire]] has not signed on for another sequel, the actor has denied reports that he will not return, stating, "I feel like the stories all deserve to be told, and, you know, if... the whole team wants to get back together, and we feel like we can make a good movie that's worth making, then I'm up for it."<ref>{{cite news | author=Dennis Michael | url=http://movies.yahoo.com/mv/news/fs/20070410/117623454800.html | title=Peter Parker Ponders Possibilities | publisher=[[Yahoo! Movies]] | date=[[2007-04-10]] | accessdate=2007-04-10}}</ref> Maguire later said in May 2007 that it may take years to develop a script.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Movies/05/02/film.tobeymaguire.ap/index.html | title= Tobey Maguire: 'Everything's in transition' | publisher=[[CNN]] | date=[[2007-05-02]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref> Actress [[Kirsten Dunst]] has also expressed openness to return if director [[Sam Raimi]] and Maguire do.<ref>{{cite news | author=Patrick Lee | url=http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=3&id=40891 | title=Maguire Open To ''Spidey 4'' | publisher=[[Sci Fi Wire]] | date=[[2007-04-04]] | accessdate=2007-04-06}}</ref> Raimi told ''[[Premiere (magazine)|Premiere]]'' magazine that he "couldn't imagine" doing more sequels to the Spider-Man films without Tobey Maguire in the title role, but refused to completely rule out directing any future installments.<ref name="premiere">{{cite news | author=Tom Roston | url=http://www.premiere.com/features/3346/the-secrets-of-spider-man-3.html | title=The Secrets of Spider-Man 3 | publisher=[[Premiere (magazine)|Premiere]] | pages=62, 65, 118 | date=January/February 2007 | accessdate=2006-12-14 }}</ref> [[J. K. Simmons]] is set to return as [[J. Jonah Jameson]], as well as [[Dylan Baker]] who portrays Dr. Connors.<ref>{{cite news | title = J.K. Simmons Talks ''Spider-Man 4'' | publisher = [[Superhero Hype!]] | date = [[2008-02-20]] | url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=6818 | accessdate=2008-02-21}}</ref>

Raimi confirmed that Sony would be making at least three more sequels, although he did not know whether he would be required to direct.<ref>{{cite news | author=Heather Newgen | url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=5536 | title=Sam Raimi Confirms Spidey 4, 5 and 6! | publisher=ComingSoon.net | date=[[2007-04-20]] | accessdate=2007-04-22 }}</ref> Even if he does not direct, he may stay on as producer,<ref name="my future">{{cite news | author = Larry Carroll | title = Sam Raimi May Not Helm 'Spider-Man 4'; Wants Electro, Vulture As Villains If He Does | publisher = [[MTV]] | date = [[2007-06-26]] | url = http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1563359/20070625/story.jhtml | accessdate=2007-06-26}}</ref> or co-writer.<ref name=newwriter>{{cite news | title = Sam Raimi Talks Spider-Man 4 | publisher = [[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] | date = [[2007-07-30]] | url = http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=20909 | accessdate=2007-07-30}}</ref> In January 2007, Columbia Pictures entered negotiations with screenwriter [[David Koepp]], who is credited with the first ''Spider-Man'' screenplay, to pen the script for a fourth film, which would be released in 2009 or 2010.<ref>{{cite news | author=Michael Fleming | url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117957843.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 | title=Columbia, Koepp talk 'Spider-Man' | publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=[[2007-01-21]] | accessdate=2007-01-24 }}</ref> The following April, the studio said that the sequel was in the early stages of development, with no official word on casting, start date, and release.<ref name="inner">{{cite news | author=Sheigh Crabtree | title=The inner life of the super-villain | publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]] | date=[[2007-04-15]] | accessdate=2007-04-15 }}</ref> Later that month, Raimi expressed interest in directing [[New Line]]'s ''[[The Hobbit (2009 film)|The Hobbit]]''. ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' suggested if he pursued the new project, the production schedule for ''Spider-Man 4'' would be delayed, or a new director would replace Raimi.<ref>{{cite news | author=Adam Markovitz | url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20035161,00.html | title='Hobbit' Forming? | publisher=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | date=[[2007-04-16]] | accessdate=2007-04-16 }}</ref> Sony co-chairwoman Amy Pascal said that if Raimi, Maguire, and Dunst did not return, the studio would make more Spider-Man films without them.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/custom/aetoday/bal-ae.filler29apr29,0,4160117.story | title='Spider-Man' will go on, studio says | publisher=[[Baltimore Sun]] | date=[[2007-04-29]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref> Negotiations with Koepp eventually fell through.<ref name=newwriter/>

In January 2007, [[Dylan Baker]], who portrays Dr. Curt Connors, expressed interest in portraying the character's villainous alter-ego, the [[Lizard (comics)|Lizard]], as has Raimi.<ref>{{cite news | author = Eric Goldman | title = Exclusive: Lizard Leapin' Into Spidey 4? | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = [[2007-01-23]] | url = http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/757/757729p1.html | accessdate=2007-05-29}}</ref> Producer [[Grant Curtis]] is also a fan of the character, and has also expressed interest in [[Kraven the Hunter]].<ref>{{cite news | author = Sean Elliott | title = Exclusive Interview: 'SPIDER-MAN 3' PRODUCER GRANT CURTIS TALKS ABOUT VILLAINS FOR 'SPIDEY 4' + HIS OWN ORIGINS - PART 1 | publisher = iF Magazine | date = [[2007-05-29]] | url = http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=2127 | accessdate=2007-05-29}}</ref> The Lizard was in an early draft of the second film's script.<ref>{{cite web | author = Greg Dean Schmitz | title = Greg's Preview - Spider-Man 2 | publisher = [[Yahoo!]] | url = http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hp&cf=prev&id=1808417249&gpt=ch | accessdate = 2007-04-15}}</ref> Raimi said that if he returned to direct, he would take advantage of the established character of Dr. Curt Connors to introduce the Lizard. Raimi also expressed interest in setting up the [[Sinister Six]] with introductions to the [[Vulture (comics)|Vulture]] and [[Electro (comics)|Electro]].<ref name="my future"/> Sony originally planned to release ''Spider-Man 4'' in the summer of 2010.<ref>{{cite news | author=Dave McNary | url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117968535.html?categoryid=13&cs=1&nid=2564 | title=Hollywood films' dating game | publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=[[2007-07-13]] | accessdate=2007-07-17 }}</ref> In addition, Avi Arad confirmed in a one-on-one interview that a spin-off film about [[Venom (comics)|Venom]] was in the works.<ref>{{cite news | author=Paul Fischer | url=http://www.darkhorizons.com/news07/aviarad.php | title=Exclusive Interview: Avi Arad for "Bratz" | publisher=Dark Horizons | date=[[2007-07-24]] | accessdate=2007-08-16 }}</ref>

In October 2007, Raimi said that he and the studio were looking for a new writer that would have a brand new take on the Spider-Man series. Raimi would relinquish creative control of the sequel's story and focus on either directing or producing the script.<ref>{{cite news | author=Larry Carroll | url=http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1572097/20071016/story.jhtml | title=Sam Raimi Weighs In On Spider-Man's Future | publisher=[[MTV]] | date=[[2007-10-16]] | accessdate=2007-10-17 }}</ref> [[James Vanderbilt]] was soon announced as screenwriter, impressing the studio with his focus on characterization. The studio also decided to limit the scope of the film to two villains.<ref>{{cite news | author = Borys Kit | title = Col hands Vanderbilt pen for 'Spidey 4' | publisher = [[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date = [[2007-10-31]] | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3ic868cb7073298c931e9d39a02384565e | accessdate=2007-10-31}}</ref> Progress, however, was halted by the [[2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike|2007-2008 Writer's Strike]]; but is now back up and running. In June 2008, Raimi has said that he is excited to read Vanderbilt's script and that it should be finished in a few months. He hopes Sony will rehire him, and he cannot imagine recasting any roles.<ref>{{cite news | author = Stax | title = Raimi's Spidey 4 Update | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = [[2008-06-06]] | url = http://movies.ign.com/articles/879/879763p1.html | accessdate=2008-06-08}}</ref> In June 2008, Sony pushed the film back to May 2011.<ref>{{cite news | author = John Horn | title = 'Spider-Man 4' aiming for May 2011 release | publisher = [[Los Angeles Times]] | date = 2008-06-20 | url = http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2008/06/spider-man-4-ai.html | accessdate=2008-06-21}}</ref>
==Cast and characters==
<blockquote class="toccolours" style="text-align:justify; width:95%; float:center; padding: 5px 5px 5px 5px; display:table;">
'''List indicator(s)'''
*Italics indicate a transition to a minor role, such as an extended flashback, after the initial appearance.
*A dark grey cell indicates the character was not in the film.
</blockquote>
{{-}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=99%
! rowspan="2" width="20%" | Character
! colspan="3" align="center" | Film
|-
! align="center" width="30%" | ''[[Spider-Man (film)|Spider-Man]]''
! align="center" width="30%" | ''[[Spider-Man 2]]''
! align="center" width="30%" | ''[[Spider-Man 3]]''
|-
! [[Spider-Man|Peter Parker / Spider-Man]]
| colspan="3" | [[Tobey Maguire]]
|-
! [[Mary Jane Watson]]
| colspan="3" | [[Kirsten Dunst]]
|-
! [[Harry Osborn|Harry Osborn / New Goblin]]
| colspan="3" | [[James Franco]]
|-
! [[J. Jonah Jameson]]
| colspan="3" | [[J. K. Simmons]]
|-
! [[May Parker]]
| colspan="3" | [[Rosemary Harris]]
|-
! [[Benjamin Parker|Ben Parker]]
| [[Cliff Robertson]]
| colspan="3" | ''Cliff Robertson''
|-
! [[Green Goblin|Norman Osborn / Green Goblin]]
| [[Willem Dafoe]]
| colspan="3" | ''Willem Dafoe''
|-
! [[Doctor Octopus|Otto Octavius / Doctor Octopus]]
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| [[Alfred Molina]]
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! [[Lizard (comics)|Dr. Curt Connors]]
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="2" | [[Dylan Baker]]
|-
! [[John Jameson (comics)|John Jameson]]
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| [[Daniel Gillies]]
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! [[Venom (Eddie Brock)|Eddie Brock Jr. / Venom]]
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| [[Topher Grace]]
|-
! [[Sandman (Marvel Comics)|Flint Marko / Sandman]]
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| [[Thomas Haden Church]]
|-
! [[Joseph "Robbie" Robertson]]
| colspan="3" | [[Bill Nunn]]
|-
! [[Betty Brant]]
| colspan="3" | [[Elizabeth Banks]]
|-
! Hoffman
| colspan="3" | [[Ted Raimi]]
|-
! [[Gwen Stacy]]
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| [[Bryce Dallas Howard]]
|-
! Captain George Stacy
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| [[James Cromwell]]
|-
! [[Burglar (comics)|Dennis Carradine]]
| [[Michael Papajohn]]
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| ''Michael Papajohn''
|-
! [[Flash Thompson]]
| [[Joe Manganiello]]
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| ''Joe Manganiello''
|-
! Bone Saw McGraw
| [[Randy Savage]]
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! Rosie Octavius
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| [[Donna Murphy]]
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! Mr. Ditkovich
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="2" | [[Elya Baskin]]
|-
! Ursula Ditkovich
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| colspan="2" | [[Mageina Tovah]]
|-
! Bernard
| colspan="3" | [[John Paxton]]
|-
! Emma Marko
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| [[Theresa Russell]]
|-
! Penny Marko
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| [[Perla Haney-Jardine]]
|-
! Mr. Aziz
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| [[Aasif Mandvi]]
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! [[Mendal Stromm]]
| [[Ron Perkins]]
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|}

==Reception==
===Box office performance===
{| class="wikitable" width=99% border="1"
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''Film'''
| colspan="2" align="center" | '''Release date'''
| colspan="3" align="center" | '''Box office revenue'''
| colspan="2" align="center" text="wrap" | '''Box office ranking'''
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''Reference'''
|-
| align="center" | '''Worldwide'''
| align="center" | '''United States'''
| align="center" | '''United States'''
| align="center" | '''Outside US'''
| align="center" | '''Worldwide'''
| align="center" | '''All time US'''
| align="center" | '''All time worldwide'''
|-
| ''[[Spider-Man (film)|Spider-Man]]''
| [[May 3]] [[2002]]
| [[May 3]] [[2002]]
| $403,706,375
| $418,002,176
| $821,708,551
| align="center" | #7
| align="center" | #17
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=spiderman.htm | title=Spider-Man (2002) | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Spider-Man 2]]''
| [[June 30]] [[2004]]
| [[June 30]] [[2004]]
| $373,585,825
| $410,180,516
| $783,766,341
| align="center" | #10
| align="center" | #23
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=spiderman2.htm | title=Spider-Man 2 (2004) | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Spider-Man 3]]''
| [[May 1]] [[2007]]
| [[May 4]] [[2007]]
| $336,530,303
| $554,341,323
| $890,871,626
| align="center" | #15
| align="center" | #12
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=spiderman3.htm | title=Spider-Man 3 (2007) | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | accessdate=2007-06-24}}</ref>
|-
| ''Spider-Man'' film series
|
|
| '''$1,113,822,503'''
| '''$1,382,524,015'''
| '''$2,496,346,518'''
|
|
|
|}

The three ''Spider-Man'' films set new opening day records in the [[United States]] in their theatrical debuts.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/briefing/spiderman.htm | title=Spider-Man Special Briefing | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | accessdate=2007-05-22 }}</ref> The films are at the top of the domestic rankings of [[:Category:Films based on Marvel comics|films based on Marvel comics]], with ''Spider-Man'' ranking first, ''Spider-Man 2'' ranking second, and ''Spider-Man 3'' ranking third.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=marvelcomics.htm | title=Marvel Comics Movies | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref> ''Spider-Man'', ''Spider-Man 2'', and ''Spider-Man 3'' are also domestically ranked first, second, and third for all [[superhero film]]s.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/genres/chart/?id=superhero.htm | title=Superhero Movies | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref> In the [[United States]], ''Spider-Man'', ''Spider-Man 2'', and ''Spider-Man 3'' are respectively the most successful films produced by Sony / Columbia.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/studio/chart/?studio=sony.htm | title=Sony / Columbia All Time Box Office Results | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | accessdate=2007-05-17 }}</ref>

===Critical reaction===
{| class="wikitable" width=99% border="1"
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''Film'''
| colspan="2" align="center" | '''[[Rotten Tomatoes]]'''
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''[[Metacritic]]'''
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Movies]]'''
|-
| align="center" | '''Overall'''
| align="center" | '''Cream of the Crop'''
|-
| ''[[Spider-Man (film)|Spider-Man]]''
| 90% (203 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spiderman/ | title=Spider-Man | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref>
| 93% (31 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spiderman/?critic=creamcrop | title=Spider-Man (Cream of the Crop) | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref>
| 73% (37 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/video/titles/spiderman | title=Spider-Man (2002): Reviews | publisher=[[Metacritic]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref>
| B+ (21 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1803454613/critic | title=Spider-Man - Critics Reviews | publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Movies]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Spider-Man 2]]''
| 93% (228 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spiderman_2/ | title=Spider-Man 2 | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref>
| 96% (41 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spiderman_2/?critic=creamcrop | title=Spider-Man 2 (Cream of the Crop) | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref>
| 83% (41 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/video/titles/spiderman2/ | title=Spider-Man 2 (2004): Reviews | publisher=[[Metacritic]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref>
| A- (13 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808398861/critic | title=Spider-Man 2 - Critics Reviews | publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Movies]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Spider-Man 3]]''
| 62% (221 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spiderman_3/ | title=Spider-Man 3 | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2007-05-20 }}</ref>
| 45% (40 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spiderman_3/?critic=creamcrop | title=Spider-Man 3 (Cream of the Crop) | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref>
| 59% (40 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/spiderman3 | title=Spider-Man 3 (2007): Reviews | publisher=[[Metacritic]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref>
| B- (15 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808496334/critic | title=Spider-Man 3 - Critics Reviews | publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Movies]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref>
|}

[[David Ansen]] of ''[[Newsweek]]'' enjoyed ''Spider-Man'' as a fun film to watch, though he considered ''Spider-Man 2'' to be "a little too self-important for its own good". Ansen saw ''Spider-Man 3'' as a return to form, finding it "the most grandiose chapter and the nuttiest".<ref>{{cite news | author=David Ansen | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18335265/site/newsweek/ | title=Spidey the Swinger | publisher=[[Newsweek]] | date=[[2007-05-07]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref> Tom Charity of [[CNN]] appreciated the films' "solidly redemptive moral convictions", also noting the vast improvement of the visual effects from the first film to the third. While he saw the second film's Doc Ock as the "most engaging" villain, he applauded the third film's Sandman as "a triumph of CGI wizardry".<ref>{{cite news | author=Tom Charity | url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Movies/05/03/review.spiderman3/index.html | title=Review: 'Spider-Man 3' mixes highs and lows | publisher=[[CNN]] | date=[[2007-05-03]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref> Richard Corliss of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' enjoyed the action of the films and thought that they did better than most action movies by "rethinking the characters, the franchise and the genre".<ref>{{cite news | author=Richard Corliss | url=http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1617207-2,00.html | title=Spider-Man Gets Sensitive | publisher=[[TIME]] | date=[[2007-05-03]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref>

Colin Covert of the ''[[Star Tribune]]'' praised ''Spider-Man'' as a "superb debut" of the superhero as well as ''Spider-Man 2'' as a "superior sequel" for filmgoers who are fans "of spectacle and of story". Covert expressed disappointment in ''Spider-Man 3'' as too ambitious with the multiple storylines leaving one "feeling overstuffed yet shortchanged".<ref>{{cite news | author=Colin Covert | url=http://www.startribune.com/1553/story/1161073.html | title=Movie review: 'Spider-Man' weaves tangled web | publisher=[[Star Tribune]] | date=[[2007-05-03]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref> Manohla Dargis of ''[[The New York Times]]'' enjoyed the humor of the first two films, but found it missing in the third installment. Dargis also noted, "The bittersweet paradox of this franchise is that while the stories have grown progressively less interesting the special effects have improved tremendously."<ref>{{cite news | author=Manohla Dargis | url=http://movies2.nytimes.com/2007/05/04/movies/04spid.html | title=Superhero Sandbagged | publisher=[[The New York Times]] | date=[[2007-05-04]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref> Robert Denerstein of the ''[[Rocky Mountain News]]'' ranked the films from his favorite to his least favorite: ''Spider-Man 2'', ''Spider-Man'', and ''Spider-Man 3''. While Denerstein missed the presence of Alfred Molina as Doc Ock from the second film, he found the third film -- despite being "bigger, though not necessarily better" -- to have a "satisfying conclusion".<ref>{{cite news | author=Robert Denerstein | url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/movies/article/0,2792,DRMN_23_5518699,00.html | title=Denerstein: Spidey sense and sensibility | publisher=[[Rocky Mountain News]] | date=[[2007-05-04]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|3}}

==External links==
*[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/briefing/spiderman.htm Spider-Man film franchise overview] at [[Box Office Mojo]]
*[http://dantom.altervista.org/spider_ing_script.html James Cameron's scriptment]
*{{imdb title|id=0948470|title=Spider-Man 4}} (in development)

{{Spider-Man in popular media}}
{{Marvel Comics films}}
{{Spider-Man film series}}
{{Sam Raimi}}

[[Category:Spider-Man films| ]]
[[Category:Action films by series]]
[[Category:Science fiction films by series]]

[[eo:Spider-Man (filma serio)]]
[[fr:Saga Spider-Man]]
[[it:Spider-Man (serie di film)]]
[[ru:Человек-паук (серия фильмов)]]
[[fi:Hämähäkkimies (elokuvasarja)]]

Grinch

2008-07-05T15:12:04Z

71.182.145.40: /* Stars who have portrayed the Grinch */ - Removed unsourced title which likely doesn't exist.

{{Citations missing|date=August 2007}}
{{dablink|This article is about the character. For the book and animated special, see [[How the Grinch Stole Christmas!]]. For the Ron Howard film, see [[How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (film)]].}}

'''The Grinch''' is a popular cartoon character created by [[Dr. Seuss]]. He first appeared in the 1957 children's book, ''[[How the Grinch Stole Christmas!]]''. This was followed in 1966 by [[How the Grinch Stole Christmas (animated short)|a popular television special]], produced by [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]]'s [[MGM Animation/Visual Arts]] studio, and directed by [[Chuck Jones]].

In 1977, Seuss responded to the fan request for more Grinch tales by writing ''[[Halloween Is Grinch Night]]'', a Halloween special that aired on [[CBS]]. Like its predecessor, the sequel was recognized at the [[Emmy]] awards. In 1982, [[Marvel Productions|Marvel]] green-lit ''[[The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat]]'', which was also produced by Dr. Seuss, under his real name, Ted Geisel. This third special garnered two Emmy awards.

The Grinch is considered a Christmas standard, and parodied/featured outside the Dr. Seuss brand frequently around the holiday season. The character is referenced by the media often in instances where a holiday display is ruined by vandals, or holiday burglaries are committed. Outside Christmas, the term "Grinch" is synonymous with "grouch".

==Description==

===Personality===
The Grinch is a "Who-hating" grouch (the only exception to this is the end of "''How the Grinch Stole Christmas!''", where he becomes whole-hearted and loving), and is always out to ruin something. He comes down to Whoville only on holidays, which we see in two of the three TV specials, which are holiday-based. However, in "''How the Grinch Stole Christmas!''" he is opposed to the holiday (Christmas), and comes down to sabotage. In "''Grinch Night''" he comes down to waltz around for Halloween night, which in Whoville is called "Grinch Night". This signals all the Whos to annually lock down their homes. He is best described by the song ''[[You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch]]'', sung by [[Thurl Ravenscroft]].

The Grinch's only friend is his pet dog, Max, a big-eyed pooch who is loyal to his master despite the Grinch treating Max like a nuisance. Max also is an unwitting accomplice in the Grinch's plots. The Grinch forces him to masquerade as a "reindeer" by attaching a crooked pair of horns on him and making Max pull the sleigh with all the Whos' Christmas trappings inside. In the movie, he is portrayed as having a reputation similar to Bigfoot, although in his case, he is known to exist. He is also a skilled architect, having built his sleigh and many of the contraptions within his cave himself. The Grinch also bears a grudge against the Mayor of Whoville, who had bullied him as a child and is his rival in winning Martha May Who's Heart.

On at least 2 occasions, the Grinch has demonstrated above-average (even superhuman) strength. Whether this is a trait commonly found in his species or simply examples of [[adrenaline]] rush is never stated outright.

===Appearance===
The Grinch has a bulbous stomach, long fingers, and is covered in green hair. His fingers and feet look longer due to the long portions of hair coming off of them. He has large, sinister black eyebrows, and deep lines on his forehead. His mouth lines are subtle when he is in a neutral mood, yet very stretched when he is happy. He has a pair of brooding, deep-set, ovoid eyes with red irises - although they are noted to become more round and feature blue irises after the Grinch's "conversion". Another physical characteristic noted to change after the Grinch learns the true meaning of Christmas is his face, which in addition to the line softening mentioned above, becomes somewhat heart-shaped as he smiles broadly. A long neck is prominent, with layers of green fur coming down it. He seems to have pockets in the fur of his large stomach, as he rests his hands inside this area. With regard to posture, he is loose and can bend easily. He often walks in stealth-mode when around Whos.

==Stars who have portrayed the Grinch==
* [[Boris Karloff]] - ''[[How the Grinch Stole Christmas (animated short)|How the Grinch Stole Christmas]]'' (1966)
* [[Hans Conried]] - ''[[Halloween is Grinch Night]]'' (1977)
* [[Bob Holt]] - ''[[The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat]]'' (1982)
* [[Walter Matthau]] - ''How the Grinch Stole Christmas'' (1992)
* Anthony Ashbury - ''[[The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss]]'' (1996-1997)
* [[Jim Carrey]] - ''[[The Grinch (film)|How the Grinch Stole Christmas]]'' (2000)
* William Ryall - ''[[Seussical|Seussical the Musical]]'' (2001-2002)
* [[Patrick Page]] - ''[[Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (musical)|Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!]]'' (2006-2007)

==The live-action movie==
{{main|How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (film)}}
[[Image:thegrinchjimcarrey.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Jim Carrey as ''The Grinch'']]
After Seuss's death, a 2000 live-action [[How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (film)|feature film adaptation]] was produced. Directed by [[Ron Howard]], it featured [[Jim Carrey]] in the titular role and was a major financial success. Although a box-office hit, the film received polarized reviews.

==List of Grinch works in the media==

*"How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" - Book, TV special, theatrical film and Broadway show [http://www.grinchmusical.com Grinch on Broadway]
*"Grinch Night" - TV Special
*"[[The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat]]" - TV Special
*Series of short books by [[Random House]]
*''[[The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss]]'' - TV Series
*[[Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (musical)]] on Broadway (2006 & 2007)
*[[The Grinch (video game)]] - video game based on live-action film
*[[Dr. Seuss: How The Grinch Stole Christmas!]] - 2007 video game

==External links==
* {{imdb character|0007931}}

{{Christmas}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Grinch}}
[[Category:Dr. Seuss]]
[[Category:Christmas characters]]
[[Category:Fictional monsters]]
[[Category:Film characters]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with superhuman strength]]

[[it:Grinch]]

Drake & Josh

2008-07-03T21:27:11Z

71.182.145.40: Links here.

{{Infobox Television
| show_name = Drake & Josh
| image = [[Image:Nick drake.jpg]]
| caption = ''Drake & Josh'' logo
| format = [[Sitcom]]
| runtime = 30 minutes
| creator = [[Dan Schneider (TV producer)|Dan Schneider]]
| executive_producer = Dan Schneider
| starring = [[Drake Bell]] [[Josh Peck]] [[Miranda Cosgrove]] [[Jonathan Goldstein (actor)|Jonathan Goldstein]] [[Nancy Sullivan]]
| country = {{USA}}
| location = [[San Diego, California]]
| network = [[Nickelodeon (TV channel)|Nickelodeon]], [[The N]]
| first_aired = [[January 11]], [[2004 in television|2004]]
| last_aired = [[September 16]], [[2007 in television|2007]]
| preceded_by =
| followed_by =
| num_seasons = 4
| num_episodes = 60 (including 2 TV movies)
| list_episodes = List of Drake & Josh episodes
| imdb_id = 0363328
| tv_com_id = 11005
|opentheme=''"[[Found a Way]]"'' by [[Drake Bell]]
}}
'''''Drake & Josh''''' is an [[United States|American]] [[Situation comedy|sitcom]] shown on the [[Nickelodeon (TV channel)|Nickelodeon television network]], starring the two stepbrothers Drake Parker (Played By [[Drake Bell]]) and Josh Nichols (Played By [[Josh Peck]]). Both stars had already played roles in ''[[The Amanda Show]]'', as had [[Nancy Sullivan]], who plays their mother in the show. [[Jonathan Goldstein (actor)|Jonathan Goldstein]] plays their father, and [[Miranda Cosgrove]] plays their little sister. Reruns of ''Drake & Josh'' are currently appearing on [[Nickelodeon]] and [[The N]].

==Summary==
''Drake & Josh'' focuses around the lives of Drake Parker ([[Drake Bell]]) and Josh Nichols ([[Josh Peck]]), two teenagers who become stepbrothers when Drake's mother, Audrey Parker Nichols ([[Nancy Sullivan]]), and Josh's father, Walter Nichols ([[Jonathan Goldstein (actor)|Jonathan Goldstein]]), get married. Drake is portrayed as a somewhat simple, cool,attractive, lucky,and cute and Josh is portrayed as sensible unattractive, and nerdy. They are often harassed by Drake's younger sister, Megan Parker ([[Miranda Cosgrove]]), who constantly pulls pranks on the two. Walter is portrayed as a clumsy and out of date [[meteorologist]], and Audrey is more stern, being the one to usually punish Drake and Josh. Throughout the series, Drake and Josh face various ordeals involving school, jobs, girlfriends, and other average teenage ordeals. They often have to do this while fending off Megan's manipulative nature and potential punishments from their parents.

==Main Characters==
===='''Drake Parker''' ([[Drake Bell]])====
Drake is portrayed as a player, a somewhat simple, cool, girl crazy, lucky, and popular teenager, putting little thought into his decisions. He plays guitar in a band which throughout the series has had many different members, with Josh now acting as manager. Throughout the series, Drake has had many girlfriends. He is very popular and in the show, girls seem to fall over him and are always ready to go on a date with him. Drake is the older brother of Megan and he's also 2 weeks younger than Josh. Occasionally,he gets over protective of Megan. Though his actions tend to get Josh into trouble, Drake has been shown to do a number of unselfish things for his stepbrother as well. Not much is known about his Father.

==== '''Josh Nichols''' ([[Josh Peck]])====
Josh is the victim of many unlucky events, such as being falsely accused of things in which he was never involved. He is usually the sensible one, who was often taken advantage of by Drake and was portrayed as a [[nerd]] with little luck with girls during the first and second seasons. In later seasons, Josh becomes more confident and his goofiness was diminished as he began to lose significant amounts of weight; he was able to have ex-rival Mindy Crenshaw as his girlfriend and is shown dating. He often makes sarcastic remarks to Drake when Drake says something nonsensical. Nothing is known about his Mother.

===='''Megan Parker''' ([[Miranda Cosgrove]])====
Megan is Drake's cute, sassy little sister and Josh's step sister. She continually pulls pranks on Drake and Josh, and enjoys seeing them suffer. As stated on season four, her schemes get more complex: from simply putting hot sauce in Drake and Josh's pasta in season one to firing paintballs at them from a custom made radio in season three. She usually calls her two brothers "boobs" as a way of saying they're dumb. She has also been shown to be quite sadistic, hurting her brothers through much of the series.

====Walter Nichols ([[Jonathan Goldstein (actor)|Jonathan Goldstein]])====
Walter is Josh's father, and Megan and Drake's stepfather, a [[meteorologist]] who is often wrong about the weather. Walter is often clumsy, out of date, even seemingly empty-headed (for example, he believed [[Titanic]] to be "[[Titanic (1997 movie)|just a movie]]" and not real, thought the word touché to be pronounced 'toosh', and thought the word capisce to be pronounced ''capise''). As a result, he lacks the respect of his stepchildren, Drake and Megan. He is also quite clueless in regards to Megan's pranks which have caused Drake and Josh a lot of punishments.

====Audrey Parker Nichols ([[Nancy Sullivan]])====
Audrey is the mother of Drake and Megan and the stepmother of Josh. She, too, upsets Walter because of her preference to Bruce Winchill, his rival weatherman. She is usually telling the boys to try not to be so stupid. Because Walter is unable to discipline Drake and Josh, she usually has to punish the boys. Her name, never mentioned on the show, appears only on the Nick.com webpage. She, along with Walter, always believes Megan instead of Drake and Josh, even when they are telling the truth. It is unknown what her profession is or even if she works, as her job is never mentioned throughout the series.

==Recurring characters==
* '''Craig Ramirez and Eric Blonowitz''' ([[Alec Medlock]] and [[Scott Halberstadt]]): Craig and Eric are two stereotypical "nerdy" honor students that are always being exploited by Drake, mostly due to Drake's hare-brained schemes. Drake often mixes their names. Eric looks "nerdier" than Craig, wearing a tucked-in button-up shirt, thick glasses, and pens in his pocket. Both, according to Drake, are Jewish. They appear a few times in Seasons 2 and 3, but appear more frequently in Season 4.
* '''Mindy Crenshaw''' ([[Allison Scagliotti-Smith]]): Mindy was introduced in the episode ''Honor Council'' as Josh's rival at school; in fact, she enjoyed reminding Josh that she had beat him in the science fair for five years straight. Despite this, she eventually became Josh's girlfriend. Though they broke up in Season 4's "Mindy Loves Josh," they get back together in ''Drake & Josh: Really Big Shrimp''.
* '''Trevor Wilson''' ([[Taran Killam]]): Trevor Wilson is one of Drake's friends, who appears to be even more unintelligent than Drake. His only appearance is in "Dune Buggy" but he is mentioned a lot throughout the rest of the series.
* '''Helen Ophelia Dubois Baxter''' ([[Yvette Nicole Brown]]): Helen is the manager at the ''Premiere'' theater (a movie theater where Josh (and formerly Drake) has a job), connected to the ''Premiere Galleria'', a mall. She is known for her intimidation factor, due to her loud voice and orders for her employees. She adores Drake but seems to dislike Josh, despite the hard work he puts in at the theater. Though [[Yvette Nicole Brown]] plays Helen normally, [[Frances Callier]] filled in for her and portrayed her in the episode "Little Diva".
* '''"Crazy" Steve''' ([[Jerry Trainor]]): "Crazy" Steve is an employee at '''The Premiere''' movie theater. He is hard working and pretty calm at times, that is, until someone (usually Josh) criticizes his work or does something he dislikes, and that is when he goes crazy. He is unusually nice and polite to Drake's mom. On Mondays, he goes particularly crazy, but calms down when [[She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain]] is sung and he gets a drink of milk (usually served warm). No one has an explanation why the song calms him down.
* '''Gavin''' ([[Jake Farrow]]): Gavin works with Josh at ''The Premiere'', and has a [[mullet]]-like haircut (in Season 4's "Who's Got Game" he got a perm). A running gag throughout the series involved Helen asking him to tell Josh to clean something unusual in the theater. He then cleans up the mess himself - telling Josh "I got it." He also has a crush on Audrey, Drake and Josh's mother. He can apparently get away with anything at work, like taking a nap on the [[roof]]. He first appeared in "Driver's License" and made a final appearance in "The Storm", in which he also does an offstage farewell.
* '''Leah''' ([[Cathy Shim]]): Leah is a female [[Asian]] employee at '''The Premiere''' [[movie theater]] who appears in Seasons 3 and 4. She seems to get along well with Josh, but seems to be afraid of Crazy Steve.
* '''Mrs. Hayfer''' ([[Julia Duffy]]): Mrs. Alice/Linda Hayfer is Drake and Josh's English teacher who adores Josh (due to his hard-working personality) but loathes Drake because of his consistently poor performance in school. In fact, her catchphrase is "I hate you, Drake", with Drake responding, "I know." Mrs. Hayfer has a daughter named Kelly, who Drake briefly dated, much to the discontent of Mrs. Hayfer.
* '''Dr. Glazer''' ([[Roark Critchlow]]): Dr. Jeff Glazer is a doctor who lives across the street from Drake and Josh. He is always called on whenever a serious emergency happens at their house. Although he always seems kind while performing medical procedures for Drake and Josh, he always leaves the two brothers with a ridiculously high bill for his services (he once charged $100 for diagnosing a sheep as pregnant ''after'' she had her baby, and an extra $50 not to tell Drake and Josh's parents). He first appeared in "The Bet" and last appeared in "Sheep Thrills".
* '''Bruce Winchill''': Bruce Winchill is a weather-man who works for Walter's competition's news station. He is never seen on the show, but is mentioned from time to time. He is described by Megan and Audrey as having good-looking hair and is hated by Walter so much that at times he orders his family never to mention his name in the house. Walter lost the Weather Man Award at the "News-ies" to him, because Winchill's forecasts were 100% accurate, compared to Walter's, which are 0-99%.

==Crew==
* [[Dan Schneider (TV producer)|Dan Schneider]] – creator, executive producer, and writer
* Joe Catania – producer
* Robin Weiner – producer

'''Occasional workers'''
* Virgil Fabian – occasional director
* [[Drake Bell]] – director of first half of ''"Really Big Shrimp"''
* [[Josh Peck]] – director of episode ''"[[Battle of Panthatar]]"''

==Episodes==
{{main|List of Drake & Josh episodes}}
{| class="wikitable"
!Season!!Ep #!!First Airdate!!Last Airdate
|-
| style="text-align: left; top" | [[List of Drake & Josh episodes#Season 1: 2004|Season 1]]
| style="text-align: center; top" | 6
| style="text-align: center; top" | [[January 11]], [[2004]]
| style="text-align: center; top" | [[February 22]], [[2004]]
|-
| style="text-align: left; top" | [[List of Drake & Josh episodes#Season 2: 2004|Season 2]]
| style="text-align: center; top" | 14
| style="text-align: center; top" | [[March 14]], [[2004]]
| style="text-align: center; top" | [[November 28]], [[2004]]
|-
| style="text-align: left; top" | [[List of Drake & Josh episodes#Season 3: 2005-2006|Season 3]]
| style="text-align: center; top" | 20
| style="text-align: center; top" | [[April 2]], [[2005]]
| style="text-align: center; top" | [[April 8]], [[2006]]
|-
| style="text-align: left; top" | [[List of Drake & Josh episodes#Season 4: 2006-2007|Season 4]]
| style="text-align: center; top" | 20
| style="text-align: center; top" | [[September 24]], [[2006]]
| style="text-align: center; top" | [[September 16]], [[2007]]
|}

==DVD Releases==
===Drake & Josh: Vol. 1 Suddenly Brothers===
(Release Date [[February 15]], [[2005]])<ref>http://www.amazon.com/Drake-Josh-Vol-Suddenly-Brothers/dp/B0006Q93C4/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1212415168&sr=8-1</ref>

*Contains 4 episodes.
*The episodes are the first four episodes of season 1 in production order.

===[[Drake & Josh Go Hollywood]]===
(Release Date [[January 31]], [[2006]])<ref>http://www.amazon.com/Drake-Josh-Go-Hollywood-Movie/dp/B000BYRCCE/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1212415168&sr=8-2</ref>

*Contains the movie.
*Contains 2 bonus episodes.
Contains the "found a way" video by Drake Bell

===Drake & Josh: Vol. 2 Suddenly Family===
(Release Date [[September 13]], [[2008]])<ref>http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Drake-Josh/3493</ref> ("Coming soon")

==Movies==
===[[Drake & Josh Go Hollywood]]===
Drake and Josh are left at home after their parents go on a cruise. They are told to bring Megan to the airport to visit her friend in Denver, but accidentally send her on a flight to [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]]. They go to Hollywood to get her back, and end up stopping a multi-billion dollar heist and booking a guest-spot for Drake on [[Total Request Live|TRL]]. The movie aired on [[January 6]], [[2006 in film|2006]], and, according to TV Guide, it became the highest rated program on all of cable during its opening week.

===[[Drake & Josh: Really Big Shrimp]]===
Spin City Records is wanting to sign Drake for their label. He is on the road to fame and fortune, but Josh's inexperience as a manager leads him to sign the contract without reading it (having been drooling over the really big shrimp), accidentally signing over creative rights for Drake's new song. Drake fires Josh, and a series of bizarre events follow. Meanwhile at the Premiere, Helen is getting married, so she gives Mindy Crenshaw the job as assistant manager, the job Josh was after for a long time. Later, Josh Nichols sneaks into Spin City Records and switches songs, which was against the law. This makes Drake a statewide superstar and his song "Makes Me Happy" gets played at Helen's wedding and at the Super Bowl. The movie aired on [[August 3]], [[2007 in film|2007]]. However, it is also considered an hour-length episode because it is treated like a typical episode with story elements based on films. The movie's premiere brought in 5.8 million viewers.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-News-Blog/Todays-News/Drake-38-Joshs/800019987 | title=Drake & Josh's Big Shrimp Nets Really Big Audience | accessdate=2007-10-22 | date=2007-08-07 | format= | work= | publisher=TV Guide }}</ref>

===Drake & Josh: Best Christmas Ever===
A new Drake & Josh TV movie tentatively entitled "Drake & Josh: Best Christmas Ever" is set begin production in July 2008, with its premiere to be sometime in November or December 2008. Creator Dan Schneider is set to return as executive producer, with [[Marjorie Cohn]] and [[Lauren Levine]] co-executive producing. [[Michael Grossman]] is set to direct the feature. The film centers around Drake and Josh, who are working as Santa's helpers in a mall, as they promise a little girl that her foster parents and siblings will have "the best Christmas ever"—and then try to fulfill that promise.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.viacom.com/news/Pages/newstext.aspx?RID=1165313 | title=The Holidays Come Early for Drake & Josh Fans! | accessdate=2008-06-12 | date=2008-06-12 | work= | publisher=Viacom }}</ref>

==Books==
A book series based on ''Drake & Josh'' has been published by children's publisher [[Scholastic Corporation|Scholastic]] since [[2006 in literature|2006]]. The books are generally based upon content from the show and essentially novelize two episodes of material, with one being a novelization of a feature length film.

The books are written by author Laurie Calkhoven.
*''Blues Brothers'', based on the episodes titled "Blues Brothers" and "Number One Fan"
*''Sibling Revalry'', based on the episodes titled "The Bet" and "Peruvian Puff Pepper"
*''Drake & Josh Go Hollywood'', based on the movie ''[[Drake & Josh Go Hollywood]]''
*''Kid Trouble'', based on the episodes "Megan's New Teacher" and "Little Sibling"
*''Alien Invasion'', based on the episodes "Alien Invasion" and "The Demonator"
*''Surprise!'', based on the episodes "Josh Runs Into Oprah" and "Vicious Tiberius"
*''Josh is Done'', based on the episodes "Josh is Done" and "I Love Sushi"
*''Brother vs Brother'',based on episodes "Foam Finger" and "Dance Contest"

==Awards==

*2006 [[Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards]] Winner: Favorite TV show
*2006 [[Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards]] Winner: Favorite TV. Actor ([[Drake Bell]])
*2007 [[Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards]] Winner: Favorite TV. Actor ([[Drake Bell]])
*2008 [[Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards]] Winner: Favorite TV. Actor ([[Drake Bell]])
*2008 [[Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards]] Winner: Favorite TV Show

==References==
===Notes===
{{reflist}}

===External links===
* [http://www.nick.com/shows/drake_and_josh/index.jhtml The official ''Drake & Josh'' page on Nick.com]
* [http://www.nick.co.uk/#/drake_and_josh/ Nick UK - Drake and Josh]

{{Drake & Josh}}
{{TEENick}}

[[Category:Drake & Josh| ]]
[[Category:2004 television series debuts]]
[[Category:2007 television series endings]]
[[Category:2000s American television series]]
[[Category:2000s Nickelodeon shows]]
[[Category:American children's comedy series]]
[[Category:American television sitcoms]]
[[Category:Celebrity duos]]
[[Category:Children's television series]]
[[Category:Television shows set in California]]

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Alan Napier

2008-07-03T17:25:19Z

71.182.145.40: Uh... sure.

{{Infobox Actor
| name = Alan Napier
| image = Pennyworth.jpg
| caption = Alan Napier as [[Alfred Pennyworth]] from the 1966 film version of [[Batman (1966 film)|''Batman'']].
| birthname = Alan W. Napier-Clavering
| birthdate = {{birth date|1903|1|7|df=y}}
| birthplace = [[King's Norton]] in [[Birmingham]], [[England]]
| deathdate = {{death date and age|1988|8|8|1903|1|7|df=y}}
| deathplace = [[Santa Monica, California]], [[United States]]
| deathcause = Stroke
| imdb_id = 0621002
}}

'''Alan Napier''' (born '''Alan W. Napier-Clavering'''; [[7 January]] [[1903]] in [[King's Norton]], [[Worcestershire]] (now a suburb of [[Birmingham]]), [[England]]<ref>GRO Register of Births: Mar 1903 6c 507 KING'S N (= King's Norton) - Alan W. Napier-Clavering</ref> – [[8 August]] [[1988]] in [[Santa Monica, California]], [[United States]]) was an English character actor. He is best known for playing [[Alfred (comics)|Alfred]] in the 1960s live-action ''[[Batman (TV series)|Batman]]'' [[television]] series.

Napier was a cousin of [[Neville Chamberlain]], [[United Kingdom|Britain]]'s prime minister from 1937 to 1940 and the great-great-grandson of author [[Charles Dickens]]. He was stage-struck from childhood and after graduating from [[Clifton College]], the tall 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m), booming-voiced Napier studied at the [[Royal Academy of Dramatic Art]], then later was engaged by the Oxford Players, where he worked with such raw young talent as Sir [[John Gielgud]] and [[Robert Morley]]. He continued working with the cream of Britain's acting crop during his ten years (1929–1939) on the West End stage. He came to [[New York City]] in 1940 to co-star with [[Gladys George]] in ''Lady in Waiting''. Though his film career had begun in England in the 1930s, he had very little success before the cameras until he arrived and joined the British community in [[Hollywood]] in 1941. There he spent time with such people as [[James Whale]]. He usually played dignified, sometimes [[White Anglo-Saxon Protestant|WASP]]ish roles of all sizes in such films as ''[[Cat People (1942 film)|Cat People]]'' (1942), ''The Uninvited'' (1943), and ''House of Horror'' (1946).

In ''[[The Song of Bernadette (film)|The Song of Bernadette]]'', he played the ethically questionable psychiatrist who is hired to declare Bernadette mentally ill. He appeared in two [[Shakespeare]] films: the [[Orson Welles]] ''[[Macbeth (1948 film)|Macbeth]]'', in which he played a priest that Welles added to the story, who spoke lines originally uttered by other characters, and [[MGM]]'s ''[[Julius Caesar (1953 film)|Julius Caesar]]'', in which he played [[Cicero]]. He also played the vicious Earl of Warwick in ''[[Joan of Arc (1948 film)|Joan of Arc]]''. In the 1950s he appeared on TV in four episodes of ''[[Alfred Hitchcock Presents]]''.

In 1966, he was the first to be cast on the smash-hit TV series ''Batman'', as Bruce Wayne's faithful butler Alfred, a role he played with delightful gusto until the series' cancellation in 1968. Napier's career extended into the 1980s, with TV roles in such miniseries as ''[[QB VII]]'' and such weeklies as ''[[The Paper Chase]]''.

==Death==
He died from a [[stroke]] in 1988, in [[Santa Monica, California]], [[United States]], at the age of 85.

==Relatives==
* Alan Napier is the grandfather of actor [[Brian Forster]], who is best known as portraying (the second) Chris Partridge on the television series, ''[[The Partridge Family]]''.

* Alan Napier is also the great-grandfather of actor [[James Napier (actor)|James Napier]], who is perhaps most notable for his roles on the television series' ''[[The Tribe (TV series)|The Tribe]]'' and ''[[Power Rangers Dino Thunder]]''.

==Homage==

* The series finale of ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]'' has Batman going undercover to investigate the true motives of the [[Thanagar|Thangarians]]. His disguise resembles Alan Napier.

* In the Australian soap opera ''[[Neighbours]]'', there was a character, played by [[Barry Friedlander]], who shared the same name as Napier and was similar in stature to him.

== Selected filmography ==
* ''[[Cat People (1942 film)|Cat People]]'' ([[1942 in film|1942]])
* ''[[Random Harvest (film)|Random Harvest]]'' ([[1942 in film|1942]])
* ''[[The Song of Bernadette (film)|The Song of Bernadette]]'' ([[1943 in film|1943]])
* ''[[The Hairy Ape (1944 film)|The Hairy Ape]]'' ([[1944 in film|1944]])
* ''[[Isle of the Dead (film)|Isle of the Dead]]'' ([[1945 in film|1945]])
* ''[[Lured]]'' ([[1947 in film|1947]])
* ''[[Johnny Belinda (1948 film)|Johnny Belinda]]'' ([[1948 in film|1948]])
* ''[[Joan of Arc (1948 film)|Joan of Arc]]'' (1948)
* ''[[Macbeth (1948 film)|Macbeth]]'' (1948)
* ''[[Hills of Home (film)|Hills of Home]]'' (1948)
* ''[[Julius Caesar (1953 film)|Julius Caesar]]'' ([[1953 in film|1953]])
* ''[[Tender Is the Night (1962 film)|Tender Is the Night]]'' ([[1962 in film|1962]])
* ''[[The Sword in the Stone (film)|The Sword in the Stone]]'' ([[1963 in film|1963]])
* ''[[My Fair Lady (film)|My Fair Lady]]'' ([[1964 in film|1964]])
* ''[[Marnie (film)|Marnie]]'' (1964)
* ''[[Batman (1966 film)|Batman]]'' ([[1966 in film|1966]])

== Personal quotes ==
{{cquote| "I had never read comics before I [was hired for 'Batman']. My agent rang up and said, 'I think you are going to play on "Batman,"' I said 'What is "Batman"?' He said, 'Don't you read the comics?' I said, 'No, never.' He said, 'I think you are going to be Batman's butler.' I said, 'How do I know I want to be Batman's butler?' It was the most ridiculous thing I had ever heard of. He said, 'It may be worth over $100,000.' So I said I was Batman's butler."}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{imdb name|id=0621002|name=Alan Napier}}
* [http://www.geocities.com/~1966/anapier.htm Information and photos of Alan Napier]
* [http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6399880 Photos]



{{1966-1968 Batman television series}}

{{Persondata
|NAME = Napier, Alan
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Napier-Clavering, Alan
|SHORT DESCRIPTION = Actor
|DATE OF BIRTH = [[1903-01-07]]
|PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Birmingham]], [[Warwickshire]], [[England]]
|DATE OF DEATH = [[1988-08-08]]
|PLACE OF DEATH = [[Santa Monica, California]], [[United States]]
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Napier, Alan}}
[[Category:Deaths by stroke]]
[[Category:English film actors]]
[[Category:English television actors]]
[[Category:Old Cliftonians]]
[[Category:People from Birmingham, England]]
[[Category:1903 births]]
[[Category:1988 deaths]]

[[fr:Alan Napier]]
[[it:Alan Napier]]

Jaromír Jágr

2008-07-02T21:06:27Z

71.182.145.40: /* Career overview */

{{Infobox Ice Hockey Player
| team = [[New York Rangers]]
| league = [[National Hockey League|NHL]]
| image = Jaromir Jagr Prague.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| position = [[Winger (ice hockey)|Right Wing]]
| shoots = Left
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 3
| weight_lb = 245
| nickname = Mario Jr., Jagrmeister<ref>{{Citation|last = Wigge|first = Larry|title =Back on top in a New York minute|date =[[2006-01-17]]|url =http://www.nhl.com/columns/wigge/jagr011706.html|accessdate =2008-01-16}}</ref>
| nationality = CZE
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1972|2|15}}
| birth_place = [[Kladno]], [[Czechoslovakia]]
| draft = 5th overall
| former_teams = [[Washington Capitals]] [[Pittsburgh Penguins]]
| draft_year = 1990
| draft_team = [[Pittsburgh Penguins]]
| career_start = 1988
}}

'''Jaromír Jágr''' ([[help:IPA|pronounced]] {{Audio-IPA|Cs-Jaromir Jagr.ogg|[ˈjaromiːr ˈjaːgr̩]}}, born [[February 15]], [[1972 in sports#February|1972]] in [[Kladno]], [[Czechoslovakia]], now the [[Czech Republic]]) is a [[National Hockey League]] right winger and the current [[Captain (ice hockey)|captain]] for the [[New York Rangers]]. Jágr wears the number 68 in honor of the [[Prague Spring]] rebellion that occurred in Czechoslovakia in [[1968]], also the year in which his grandfather died while in prison. During the [[2005-06 NHL season|2005-2006 season]] Jágr enjoyed the greatest offensive season in Rangers history, breaking several single-season team records and capturing his third [[Lester B. Pearson Award]]. He is currently second (2nd) among active players in career goals, assists, and points, and is regarded as one of the game's all-time great players.<ref>{{cite web|date=[[August 19]], [[2007]]|url=http://www.czech.cz/en/news/sport/europes-most-productive-hockey-player/|title=Europe’s most productive hockey player|publisher=Czech.cz|accessdate=2007-08-23}}</ref>

==Career overview==

===Pittsburgh Penguins (1990 – 2001)===
Jágr was the first Czechoslovak player to be drafted by the NHL without first having to defect to the West.<ref name="defect">{{Cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/olympics/events/1998/nagano/athletes/122.htm|title=Athlete profile: Jaromir Jagr|accessdate=2007-08-25|publisher=cnn.com|date=[[1998-02-03]]}}</ref> He was taken by the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] with the fifth overall pick in the [[1990 NHL Entry Draft]]. He was a supporting player with the powerhouse Penguins that won back-to-back [[Stanley Cup]]s in [[1991]] and [[1992]]. He was the youngest player in NHL history, at 19 years of age, to score a goal in the Stanley Cup finals.

{{Quote box
|quote= "I didn't even know what anagram meant in English, how could I translate that into Czech?"
|source=—'''[[Jiří Hrdina]]''', former Penguins teammate & fellow Czech trying to explain to Jágr that mixing the letters of "Jaromir" actually spells "Mario Jr"<ref>http://www.penguinjersey.com/PensPages/PensAlpha.html</ref>
|width=350px |align=right}}

Before he had a clean grasp on the [[English language]], he could be heard reading the daily weather forecast on Pittsburgh radio station [[WDVE]] in his broken, thickly accented English. He and teammate (and fellow countryman) [[Jiří Hrdina]] were promoted as the "Czechmates", a play on the term "[[checkmate]]" from [[chess]]. Some Penguins fans realized that the letters in his first name could be scrambled to form the [[anagram]] "Mario Jr.", a reference to teammate [[Mario Lemieux]].

In the [[1994-95 NHL season]] Jágr won his first [[Art Ross Trophy]] as the scoring champion of the NHL. He tied [[Eric Lindros]] with 70 points but won based on his 32 goals to Lindros' 29. The next year, Jágr set a record for most points, 149, by a European-born player. Both his 62 goals and 87 assists from that season still stand as career-highs. His [[1995-96 NHL season|1995-96]] totals for assists and points stand as the records for right-wingers in those categories. After the 1997-98 season, Ron Francis signed with the Carolina Hurricanes, leaving Jágr the Penguins' captaincy. From [[1997-98 NHL season|1997-98]] to [[2000-01 NHL season|2000-01]], Jágr would win four straight NHL scoring titles. In 1999, Jágr would win the [[Hart Memorial Trophy]], as the NHL's [[Most Valuable Player]] as well as the [[Lester B. Pearson Award]]. In [[1998]], he led the Czech Republic's team to a gold medal at the [[1998 Winter Olympics|Nagano Olympics]].

In addition to his hockey skills, Jágr was also well-known for sporting a [[mullet (haircut)|mullet]] throughout much of his career.

In 2000-01, Jágr was struggling to find his scoring touch and faced criticisms about his relationship with coach [[Ivan Hlinka]].<ref name="Struggle">{{Cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/nhl/news/2000/12/09/frustrated_jagr_ap/|title=Super disappointment|accessdate=2006-09-26|year=2000}}</ref> With the return of [[Mario Lemieux]] from retirement, the Penguins had two superstars but friction developed between the two; Jágr held the captaincy but many fans regarded Lemieux as the [[amulet|talisman]] of the team. Also, the struggling, small-market [[Penguin]]s could, with Lemieux back, no longer hope to afford Jágr's massive salary. Thus on [[July 11]], [[2001 in sports|2001]] they traded him (along with [[František Kučera|Frantisek Kucera]]) to the [[Washington Capitals]] for [[Kris Beech]], [[Michal Sivek]], and [[Ross Lupaschuk]].

===Washington Capitals (2001 – 2004)===
Later that year the Capitals signed Jágr to the largest contract ever in NHL history (to that date)— $77 million over 7 years at an average salary of $11 million per year, with an option for an eighth year. However, Jágr did not live up to expectations, as the Capitals failed to defend their division title and missed the playoffs in [[2002]]. Even when the Capitals reunited him with linemate [[Robert Lang (ice hockey)|Robert Lang]] during summer 2002, Jágr failed to finish among the league's top scorers or make the postseason All-Star Team during his time with the Capitals. In [[2002-03 NHL season|2002-03]] Washington managed to finish 6th overall in the Eastern Conference, but lost to the upstart [[Tampa Bay Lightning]] in the first round of the playoffs despite winning the first two games.

This prompted the Caps to unload much of their high-priced talent in order to save money — not just a cost-cutting spree, but also an acknowledgement that their attempt to build a contender with high-priced veteran talent had failed. Disgruntled, the Washington ownership spent much of [[2003]] trying to trade Jágr, but a year before a new [[collective bargaining|Collective Bargaining Agreement]] was to be signed, few teams were willing to risk $11 million on Jágr. On [[January 23]], [[2004]] he was traded to the [[New York Rangers]] for [[Anson Carter]] and an agreement that Washington would pay approximately four million dollars per year of Jágr's salary. Jágr also agreed to defer (with interest) $1 million per year for the remainder of his contract to allow the trade to go ahead.<ref name="trade">{{Cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=1716156|title=Capitals get Carter in return|accessdate=2007-08-25|publisher=espn.com|date=[[2004-01-26]]}}</ref>

===New York Rangers (2004 – 2008)===
However, due to the new collective bargaining agreement signed before the start of the [[2005-06 NHL season|2005-06 season]], Jágr’s salary was subsequently reduced to $7.8 million, the maximum allowed under the terms of the new salary cap.

During the [[2004-05 NHL lockout|NHL labor dispute in 2004-05]], he played for [[HC Kladno]] in the Czech Republic, and afterward for the [[Avangard Omsk|Avangard]] ice-hockey team at [[Omsk]] in [[Russia]].

Jaromír led the Czech Republic to [[Gold]] at the [[2005 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2005 World Hockey Championships]] in [[Austria]]; and was elected a tournament all-star in the process. He also became a member of hockey's prestigious [[Triple Gold Club]], players who have won a [[Stanley Cup]], a [[Ice Hockey World Championships|World Hockey Championship]], and an [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] gold medal.

Prior to the 2005-06 season, the Rangers had missed the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons. Following the firesale of the high-priced underachieving veterans that made up the team's roster, as well as the retirement of long-time captain [[Mark Messier]], many experts picked the Rangers to be the worst team in the NHL. Jagr disagreed and promised the team would surprise a lot of people and make the Stanley Cup playoffs. He started strong during the beginning of the 2005 season and the return from the lockout of the NHL. He became only the fourth player in NHL history to score 10 or more goals in less than 10 games at the start of a season. His return to dominance helped the Rangers return to the Stanley Cup playoffs, but injuries to Jágr and others contributed to a quick Ranger exit in a first round sweep of the Broadway Blueshirts by the archnemesis [[New Jersey Devils]]. On [[March 28]], [[2008]] Jagr told the [[Bergen Record]] that he would meet with representatives from [[Avangard Omsk]] of the [[Russian Elite League]] about possibly going back to play for them next season after his contract expires.<ref>{{cite web|date=[[August 19]], [[2007]]|url=http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=407184|title=Jagr considering joining Russian team next season|publisher=National Post|accessdate=2008-03-29}}</ref>

Jágr scored his 1,400th point on a power play goal against the [[Philadelphia Flyers]] on [[March 2]], [[2006 in sports|2006]], pushing him past [[Jari Kurri]] into second place all-time among European-born players. He later passed [[Stan Mikita]] to become the all-time leader.

On [[March 18]], 2006 against the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]], Jágr became only the sixth Rangers player in team history to break the 100-point barrier, and became the only Ranger right winger to score 100 points in a season.

On [[March 27]], 2006 against the [[Buffalo Sabres]], Jágr had a goal and an assist, which tied both the Rangers' single-season goal record of 52 ([[Adam Graves]], [[1993-94 NHL season|1993-94]]) and the Rangers' single season points record of 109 ([[Jean Ratelle]], [[1972-73 NHL season|1972-73]]). Two nights later, on [[March 29]], [[2006 in sports|2006]], Jágr passed Ratelle when he was the primary assist on [[Petr Prucha]]'s first-period goal against the [[New York Islanders]]' [[Rick DiPietro]]. 9 days later, on [[April 8]], against the [[Boston Bruins]], Jágr scored his league-leading 53rd goal of the season, breaking the Rangers' single-season goals record.

After leading the league in points and goals for most of 2005-06, Jágr was passed by the [[San Jose Sharks]]' duo of [[Joe Thornton]] (125 points) and [[Jonathan Cheechoo]] (56 goals), losing both the Art Ross and Maurice Richard trophies in the final week of the season. Jágr finished with 123 points, 54 goals, and 24 power-play goals, second in the league in all three categories. He finished third in the league in both assists, with 69, and [[Plus/minus|+/-]], at +34. Despite being inched out by Thornton for the [[Art Ross Trophy]] and [[Hart Trophy]] (league MVP), Jágr won his third [[Lester B. Pearson Award]] as the league's outstanding player. However, just as in Washington, playoff success was not to be for Jágr, whose Rangers were swept four games to none by the [[New Jersey Devils]]. Jágr suffered a [[shoulder problems|dislocated shoulder]] in the third period of the first game of the series, which kept him from playing at his top form for the rest of the series. Jágr had surgery on the shoulder after the Rangers were eliminated from the playoffs.<ref name="Shoulder">{{Cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2437895|title=Rangers' Jágr has shoulder surgery|accessdate=2006-09-26|publisher=ESPN.com News Services|year=2006}}</ref>

On [[October 5]], 2006 before the first game of the [[2006-07 NHL season]] against the [[Washington Capitals]], Jágr was named as the 24th [[Captain (ice hockey)|captain]] in the history of the New York Rangers, replacing [[Mark Messier]], who retired before the 2005-06 season. Jágr then proceeded to score a goal on his very first shift in the game, just over 30 seconds into the new season.

On [[November 19]], 2006 he scored his 600th career NHL goal on [[Tampa Bay Lightning|Tampa Bay]] goalie [[Johan Holmqvist]], making him the 16th player in NHL history to do so. Powerplay linemate [[Brendan Shanahan]] had scored his 600th goal almost three weeks earlier, making them the first teammates in NHL history to score their 600th goal in the same season.

On [[February 10]], 2007 against the [[Washington Capitals]], Jágr earned an [[Assist (ice hockey)|assist]] on a goal by [[Michal Rozsíval]] to record his 1,500th career point. He is only the 12th NHLer to reach this mark.

On [[April 5]], 2007 against the [[Montreal Canadiens]], Jágr scored his 30th goal of the [[2006-07 NHL season]] to record 15 consecutive seasons of 30 or more goals. This tied the NHL record of consecutive 30-goal seasons held by [[Mike Gartner]].

After a regular season slowed by a weak shoulder, he led the [[New York Rangers]] to a sweep of the [[Atlanta Thrashers]] in the [[Eastern Conference]] Quarterfinals. The Rangers would fall to the [[Buffalo Sabres]] in Game 6 of the [[Eastern Conference]] Semifinals.

On [[November 14]], 2007 against the [[New Jersey Devils]], Jágr scored his 4th goal of the [[2007-08 NHL season]] at the [[Prudential Center]] in [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]], [[New Jersey]] making him the only player to score a goal in 53 different NHL arenas.

Jaromír Jágr is one of eight currently active NHL players to have been the captain of two different NHL teams, both the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] and the [[New York Rangers]]. The other players who currently share this honour are [[Chris Chelios]], [[Derian Hatcher]], [[Trevor Linden]], [[Scott Niedermayer]], [[Mike Peca]], [[Chris Pronger]], and [[Jason Smith]]. Jagr, Pronger, and Smith are the only players of these eight who are currently captains.

==Off-ice incidents==
Jagr has been the subject of several notorious off-ice incidents:
*Although he has repeatedly denied that he has a gambling problem, he admitted in 2003 that he settled debts totaling US$950,000 with two internet gambling sites between 1998 and 2002. The first of these incidents centered around [[Belize]]-based website ''CaribSports'' and its owner, [[William Caesar]], to which Jagr owed US$500,000. ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' reported that Jagr agreed to make monthly payments to Caesar to settle the debt, and Caesar leaked the story to the press when Jagr stopped making payments.<ref name="Lein">{{Cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_online/news/2003/03/12/scorecard/|title=Capital Losses|accessdate=2006-09-26|publisher=Sports Illustrated|year=2003|author=Michael Farber and Don Yaeger}}</ref>
*In 2003, the [[Internal Revenue Service|IRS]] filed a US$3.27 million [[lien]] against him for unpaid taxes for the [[2001]] tax year. Only a few months before, Jagr had settled a US$350,000 claim for taxes dating to [[1999]].<ref name="Lein">{{Cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_online/news/2003/03/12/scorecard/|title=Capital Losses|accessdate=2006-09-26|publisher=Sports Illustrated|year=2003|author=Michael Farber and Don Yaeger}}</ref> In the summer of 2006, Jagr sued his former accountant over a tax form that was supposed to have been filed in 2003, claiming that the form would have saved him $6 million had it been filed in a timely fashion (USD).<ref name="Sue">{{Cite web|url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_465310.html|title=Jagr sues former accountant|accessdate=2006-09-26|publisher=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review|year=2006|author=David Conti}}</ref>

==Childhood idols==
By his own admission, Jagr states that his main idol growing up was US President [[Ronald Reagan]], whose "peace through strength" policy contributed to the fall of European [[Communism]]. Jagr kept a picture of President Reagan in his academic notebook, which if discovered would have led to certain punishment.

==Awards==
;NHL
*[[Stanley Cup|Stanley Cup Winner]] - [[1991 in sports|1991]], [[1992 in sports|1992]]
*[[Hart Trophy]] (MVP) - [[1999 in sports|1999]]
** Finalist: [[1995 in sports|1995]], [[1998 in sports|1998]], [[2000 in sports|2000]], [[2001 in sports|2001]], [[2006 in sports|2006]]
*[[Art Ross Trophy]] (Leading Point Scorer) - 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
*[[Lester B. Pearson Award]] (Players' MVP) - 1999, 2000, 2006
*[[NHL All-Star Team|NHL First Team All-Star]] - 1995, [[1996 in sports|1996]], 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2006
*[[NHL All-Star Team|NHL Second Team All-Star]] - [[1997 in sports|1997]]
*[[NHL All-Rookie Team]] - 1991

;Other
*Olympic gold medal winner for the [[Czech Republic]] in the [[1998 Winter Olympics]] in [[Nagano]]
*Olympic bronze medal for the [[Czech Republic]] in the [[2006 Winter Olympics]] in [[Turin]]
*[[Ice Hockey World Championships|IIHF World Champion]] - [[2005 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2005]]
*[[IIHF European Champions Cup|IIHF European Club Champion]] - [[IIHF European Champions Cup|2005]]
*[[Golden Hockey Stick (Czech Republic)|Golden Stick Award]] ([[1995 in sports|1995]], [[1996 in sports|1996]], [[1999 in sports|1999]], [[2000 in sports|2000]], [[2002 in sports|2002]], [[2005 in sports|2005]], [[2006 in sports|2006]], [[2007 in sports|2007]]) holder, which is the highest trophy an ice hockey player can get in the Czech Republic. When he won his 6th Golden Stick in 2005, he surpassed [[Dominik Hašek]] for the most such awards in Czech and Czechoslovak history; and in 2007, he won his 8th.
*Czech Sportsman of the Year 2005, a trophy awarded by journalists in the Czech Republic
*IIHF World Championship All-Star Team - 2005
* In [[1998 in sports|1998]] he was ranked number 37 on ''[[The Hockey News]]''' list of the 100 Greatest Hockey Players. This made him the highest-ranked player to have been trained outside Canada.<ref>''The Top 100 NHL Players of All-Time'', Hockey News, Steve Dryden (1998). [[McClelland & Stewart]], ISBN 0771041756</ref>

==NHL records==
*Most assists by a rookie in Stanley Cup Finals ([[1991 Stanley Cup Finals|1991]]) - 5
*Most regular season points by a right wing ([[1995-96 NHL season|1995-1996]]) - 149
*Most regular season assists by a right wing (1995-1996) - 87
*Most regular season points by a European-born player (1995-1996) - 149
*Most regular season points by a player born outside of Canada (1995-1996) - 149
*Most all-time regular season points by a player who started his career in Europe - 1528 (At the end of the 2006-07 season)
*Most all-time regular season goals by a player who started his career in Europe - 621 (At the end of the 2006-07 season)
*Most all-time regular season points by a European born player - 1528 (At the end of the 2006-07 season)
*Most all-time overtime goals - 15 (Shared with [[Mats Sundin]])
*Most consecutive 30-goal seasons ([[1991-92 NHL season|1991]]-[[2006-07 NHL season|2007]]) - 15 (including the shortened [[1994-95 NHL season]], 48 games)
*Most consecutive 70-or-more point seasons (15) (including the shortened [[1994-95 NHL season]], 48 games)
*Most NHL arenas with a goal scored in - 53

===New York Rangers records===
*Most regular season goals by a Rangers player ([[2005-06 NHL season|2005-2006]]) - 54
*Most regular season points by a Rangers player (2005-2006) - 123
*Most regular season power play goals by a Rangers player (2005-2006) - 24
*Most regular season shots on goal by a Rangers player (2005-2006) - 368
*Most regular season game-winning goals by a Rangers player (2005-2006) - 9 (tied with [[Mark Messier]] [[1996-97 NHL season|1996-1997]] and [[Don Murdoch]] [[1980-81 NHL season|1980-1981]])
*Most regular season goals by a Rangers right wing (2005-2006) - 54
*Most regular season assists by a Rangers right wing (2005-2006) - 69
*Most regular season points by a Rangers right wing (2005-2006) - 123

==Career statistics==
{| BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" style="text-align:center; width:90%"
|- bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan="3" bgcolor="#ffffff" |  
! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff" |  
! colspan="5" | Regular season
! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff" |  
! colspan="5" | Playoffs
|- bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! Season
! Team
! League
! GP
! G
! A
! Pts
! PIM
! GP
! G
! A
! Pts
! PIM
|-
| 1984–85 || [[HC Kladno|Kladno Jr.]] || [[Czechoslovak Extraliga|Czechoslovak-Jr.]] || 34 || 24 || 17 || 41 || — || — || — || — || — || —
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 1985–86 || Kladno Jr. || Czechoslovak-Jr. || 36 || 41 || 29 || 70 || — || — || — || — || — || —
|-
| 1986–87 || Kladno Jr. || Czechoslovak-Jr. || 30 || 35 || 35 || 70 || — || — || — || — || — || —
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 1987–88 || Kladno Jr. || Czechoslovak-Jr. || 35 || 57 || 27 || 84 || — || — || — || — || — || —
|-
| 1988–89 || [[HC Kladno]] || [[Czechoslovak Extraliga|Czechoslovak]] || 29 || 3 || 3 || 6 || 4 || 10 || 5 || 7 || 12 || 0
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 1989–90 || [[HC Kladno]] || Czechoslovak || 42 || 22 || 28 || 50 || — || 9 || 8 || 2 || 10 || —
|-
| [[1990–91 NHL season|1990–91]] || [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] || [[National Hockey League|NHL]] || 80 || 27 || 30 || 57 || 42 || 24 || 3 || 10 || 13 || 6
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| [[1991–92 NHL season|1991–92]] || Pittsburgh Penguins || NHL || 70 || 32 || 37 || 69 || 34 || 21 || 11 || 13 || 24 || 6
|-
| [[1992–93 NHL season|1992–93]] || Pittsburgh Penguins || NHL || 81 || 34 || 60 || 94 || 61 || 12 || 5 || 4 || 9 || 23
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| [[1993–94 NHL season|1993–94]] || Pittsburgh Penguins || NHL || 80 || 32 || 67 || 99 || 61 || 6 || 2 || 4 || 6 || 16

|-
| 1994–95 || HC Kladno || [[Czech Extraliga|Czech Rep.]] || 11 || 8 || 14 || 22 || 10 || — || — || — || — || —
|-
| align="right" | 1994–95 || [[HC Bolzano]] || [[Alpenliga]] || 5 || 8 || 8 || 16 || 4 || — || — || — || — || —
|-
| align="right" | 1994–95 || HC Bolzano || [[Serie A (hockey)|Italy]] || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || — || — || — || — || —
|-
| align="right" | 1994–95 || [[EHC Gelsenkirchen|Schalker Haie]] || [[2nd Bundesliga (ice hockey)|Germany]] || 1 || 1 || 10 || 11 || 0 || — || — || — || — || —
|-
| align="right" | [[1994–95 NHL season|1994–95]] || Pittsburgh Penguins || NHL || 48 || 32 || 38 || 70 || 37 || 12 || 10 || 5 || 15 || 6
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| [[1995–96 NHL season|1995–96]] || Pittsburgh Penguins || NHL || 82 || 62 || 87 || 149 || 96 || 18 || 11 || 12 || 23 || 18
|-
| [[1996–97 NHL season|1996–97]] || Pittsburgh Penguins || NHL || 63 || 47 || 48 || 95 || 40 || 5 || 4 || 4 || 8 || 4
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| [[1997–98 NHL season|1997–98]] || Pittsburgh Penguins || NHL || 77 || 35 || 67 || 102 || 64 || 6 || 4 || 5 || 9 || 2
|-
| [[1998–99 NHL season|1998–99]] || Pittsburgh Penguins || NHL || 81 || 44 || 83 || 127 || 66 || 9 || 5 || 7 || 12 || 16
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| [[1999–2000 NHL season|1999–2000]] || Pittsburgh Penguins || NHL || 63 || 42 || 54 || 96 || 50 || 11 || 8 || 8 || 16 || 6
|-
| [[2000–01 NHL season|2000–01]] || Pittsburgh Penguins || NHL || 81 || 52 || 69 || 121 || 42 || 16 || 2 || 10 || 12 || 18
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| [[2001–02 NHL season|2001–02]] || [[Washington Capitals]] || NHL || 69 || 31 || 48 || 79 || 30 || — || — || — || — || —
|-
| [[2002–03 NHL season|2002–03]] || Washington Capitals || NHL || 75 || 36 || 41 || 77 || 38 || 6 || 2 || 5 || 7 || 2
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| [[2003–04 NHL season|2003–04]] || Washington Capitals || NHL || 46 || 16 || 29 || 45 || 26 || — || — || — || — || —
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| align="right" | 2003–04 || [[New York Rangers]] || NHL || 31 || 15 || 14 || 29 || 12 || — || — || — || — || —
|-
| 2004–05 || HC Kladno || Czech Rep. || 17 || 11 || 17 || 28 || 16 || — || — || — || — || —
|-
| align="right" | 2004–05 || [[Avangard Omsk]] || [[Russian Super League|RSL]] || 32 || 16 || 22 || 38 || 63 || 11 || 4 || 10 || 14 || 22
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06]] || New York Rangers || NHL || 82 || 54 || 69 || 123 || 72 || 3 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 2
|-
| [[2006–07 NHL season|2006–07]] || New York Rangers || NHL || 82 || 30 || 66 || 96 || 78 || 10 || 5 || 6 || 11 || 12
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| [[2007–08 NHL season|2007–08]] || New York Rangers || NHL || 82 || 25 || 46 || 71 || 58 || 10 || 5 || 10 || 15 || 12
|- bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan="3" | CZE Totals
! 223
! 201
! 170
! 371
! 30
! 19
! 13
! 9
! 22
! 0
|- bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan="3" | NHL Totals
! 1273
! 646
! 953
! 1599
! 907
! 169
! 77
! 104
! 181
! 149
|}

==International play==

{{MedalTableTop}}
{{MedalSport | Men's [[Ice hockey at the Winter Olympics|ice hockey]]}}
{{MedalOlympic}}
{{MedalGold| [[1998 Winter Olympics|1998 Nagano]] |[[Ice hockey at the 1998 Winter Olympics|Team]]}}
{{MedalBronze| [[2006 Winter Olympics|2006 Turin]] |[[Ice hockey at the 2006 Winter Olympics|Team]]}}
{{MedalWorldChampionships}}
{{MedalGold | [[2005 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2005 Vienna]] | Ice hockey}}
{{MedalBottom}}

Jagr has represented his country many times, but his play has been hindered by injuries. In [[1994 in sports|1994]] he and [[Martin Straka]] arrived in the middle of the [[Ice Hockey World Championships|World Championships]]. The fans' expectations were high as Jagr was an NHL star, but before they were able to integrate into the team Czechs lost their quarterfinal game and were out of the tournament. Jagr was also hurt in numerous other games.

The [[1996 World Cup of Hockey]] also did not see Jagr at his best. His performance was hampered by the flu and it only underscored the poor play of the whole team. After losing 7-3 to Finland, 3-0 to Sweden and 7-1 even to relatively weak Germany, the team did not qualify for the playoffs.

All this was forgotten in 1998 when the Czech Republic won the gold medal in the [[1998 Winter Olympics]] in Nagano. It was only the third gold medal for Czech or Czechoslovak sportsmen from the Winter Olympics and it is still fondly remembered.

Jagr did not play in the [[1996 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|1996]], [[1999 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|1999]], [[2000 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2000]], or [[2001 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2001 World Championships]] where the Czech Republic won the gold medals. He was a member of the team on the [[2004 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2004 World Championships]] in [[Prague]], Czech Republic where the expectations were high, especially after the team won all the games in the group, but they lost in the quarterfinals game.

It was the [[2005 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2005 World Championships]] that finally brought a gold medal to Jagr. Although he broke his finger in an early game against Germany, he played with it bandaged during the rest of the tournament and led his team to victory.

More injuries struck Jagr in the [[2006 Winter Olympics]] in Turin. He was injured after a hit from [[Jarkko Ruutu]] in the game against Finland; he required stitches to his eyebrow. However, the injury was not as serious as it first seemed, and Jagr was able to play in the following games. He was unable to finish the bronze medal game due to muscle injury. Despite this trouble Jagr won the second Olympic medal in his life — bronze this time.

===International statistics===
{| BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="3" CELLSPACING="0"
|- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! Year
! Team
! Event
! ALIGN="center" rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff" |  
! GP
! G
! A
! Pts
! PIM
|- ALIGN="center"
| 1989||Czechoslovak||EJC||5||8||4||12||2
|- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 1990||Czechoslovak||[[IIHF World U-20 Hockey Championship|WJC]]||7||5||13||18||6
|- ALIGN="center"
| 1990||Czechoslovak||WEC||10||3||2||5||2
|- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 1991||[[Czechoslovak national ice hockey team|Czechoslovak]]||[[1991 Canada Cup|CC]]||5||1||0||1||0
|- ALIGN="center"
| 1994||[[Czech national ice hockey team|CzechRep]]||[[1994 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|WC]]||3||0||2||2||2
|- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 1996||CzechRep||[[1996 World Cup of Hockey|WCH]]||3||1||0||1||2
|- ALIGN="center"
| 1998||CzechRep||[[Ice hockey at the 1998 Winter Olympics|OG]]||6||1||4||5||2
|- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2002||CzechRep||[[Ice hockey at the 2002 Winter Olympics|OG]]||4||2||3||5||4
|- ALIGN="center"
| 2002||CzechRep||[[2002 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|WC]]||7||4||4||8||2
|- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2004||CzechRep||[[2004 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|WC]]||7||5||4||9||6
|- ALIGN="center"
| 2004||CzechRep||[[2004 World Cup of Hockey|WCH]]||5||1||1||2||2
|- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2005||CzechRep||[[2005 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|WC]]||8||2||7||9||2
|- ALIGN="center"
| 2006||CzechRep||[[Ice hockey at the 2006 Winter Olympics|OG]]||8||2||5||7||6
|}

==See also==
* [[List of NHL statistical leaders]]
* [[List of NHL players with 1000 points]]
* [[List of NHL players with 500 goals]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{hockeydb|2497}}
*{{Eurohockey|10566}}
*{{TSN-NHL-profile|343|rangers}}
*[http://www.jaromirjagr.cz/en.php Fan site about Jaromir Jagr] (in Czech and English)
*[http://www.bhsa.it/schedagiocatore.asp?gioc=43&ruolo=Ala&lingua=E&site=&local= Jagr stats on BHSA]

{{Navboxes|list1=

{{start box}}
{{s-awards}}
{{succession box | before = [[Wayne Gretzky]] | title = Winner of the [[Art Ross Trophy]] | years = 1995 | after = [[Mario Lemieux]]}}
{{succession box | before = [[Mario Lemieux]] | title = Winner of the [[Art Ross Trophy]] | years = 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 | after = [[Jarome Iginla]]}}
{{succession box | before = [[Dominik Hasek]] | title = Winner of the [[Hart Memorial Trophy|Hart Trophy]] | years = 1999 | after = [[Chris Pronger]]}}
{{succession box | before = [[Roman Turek]] | title = [[Golden Hockey Stick (Czech Republic)|Czech Golden Hockey Stick]] | years = 1995, 1996 | after = [[Dominik Hasek]]}}
{{succession box | before = [[Dominik Hasek]] | title = [[Golden Hockey Stick (Czech Republic)|Czech Golden Hockey Stick]] | years = 1999, 2000, 2002
2001 - [[Jiri Dopita]] | after = [[Milan Hejduk]]}}
{{succession box | before = [[Robert Lang (ice hockey)|Robert Lang]] | title = [[Golden Hockey Stick (Czech Republic)|Czech Golden Hockey Stick]] | years = 2005, 2006, 2007 | after = Incumbent}}
{{succession box | before = [[Martin St. Louis]] | title = Winner of the [[Lester B. Pearson Award]] | years = [[2005-06 NHL season|2006]] | after = [[Sidney Crosby]]}}
{{S-sports}}
{{succession box | before = [[Ron Francis]] | title = [[Pittsburgh Penguins#Team captains|Pittsburgh Penguins captains]]| years = [[1998-99 NHL season|1998]]-[[2000-01 NHL season|2001]] | after = [[Mario Lemieux]]}}
{{incumbent succession box | before = [[Mark Messier]] | title = [[New York Rangers#Team captains|New York Rangers captains]] | start = [[2006-07 NHL season|2006]]}}
{{end box}}
{{PenguinsFirstPick}}

}}


{{Persondata
|NAME = Jagr, Jaromir
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
|SHORT DESCRIPTION = Czech ice hockey winger
|DATE OF BIRTH = [[February 15]], [[1972]]
|PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Kladno]], [[Czechoslovakia]]
|DATE OF DEATH =
|PLACE OF DEATH =
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jagr, Jaromir}}
[[Category:1972 births]]
[[Category:Art Ross Trophy winners]]
[[Category:Avangard Omsk players]]
[[Category:Czech Extraliga players]]
[[Category:Czech ice hockey players]]
[[Category:Hart Trophy winners]]
[[Category:HC Kladno players]]
[[Category:Ice hockey players at the 1998 Winter Olympics]]
[[Category:Ice hockey players at the 2002 Winter Olympics]]
[[Category:Ice hockey players at the 2006 Winter Olympics]]
[[Category:Lester Pearson Award winners]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Converts to Eastern Orthodox Christianity]]
[[Category:National Hockey League All-Stars]]
[[Category:National Hockey League players with 50 goal seasons]]
[[Category:National Hockey League players with 100 point seasons]]
[[Category:National Hockey League first round draft picks]]
[[Category:New York Rangers players]]
[[Category:Olympic bronze medalists for the Czech Republic]]
[[Category:Olympic gold medalists for the Czech Republic]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Penguins draft picks]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Penguins players]]
[[Category:Serie A (ice hockey) players]]
[[Category:Stanley Cup champions]]
[[Category:Triple Gold Club]]
[[Category:Washington Capitals players]]
[[Category:Winter Olympics medalists]]

[[cs:Jaromír Jágr]]
[[da:Jaromír Jágr]]
[[de:Jaromír Jágr]]
[[eo:Jaromír Jágr]]
[[fr:Jaromír Jágr]]
[[hr:Jaromír Jágr]]
[[it:Jaromír Jágr]]
[[lv:Jaromirs Jāgrs]]
[[ja:ヤロミール・ヤーガー]]
[[pl:Jaromír Jágr]]
[[pt:Jaromír Jágr]]
[[ru:Ягр, Яромир]]
[[sk:Jaromír Jágr]]
[[sl:Jaromír Jágr]]
[[fi:Jaromír Jágr]]
[[sv:Jaromír Jágr]]

List of iCarly episodes

2008-07-01T16:41:14Z

71.182.145.40: What? 0_o

This is an episode list for ''[[iCarly]]'' listed by date of premiere. Every episode begins with a lower case ''i'' which represents the internet, as in "''i''Carly". The show is currently in it's first season, and the second season is currently filming. [[Nickelodeon (TV Channel)|Nickelodeon]] schedules and airs the show's episodes air out of chronological order, which may cause confusion between viewers, for in example in [[iDream of Dance]], Sam has the locker next to Gibby, but dosen't get it in [[iLike Jake]].

==Overview==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="2"|Season !! Episodes !! Originally aired !! DVD release date
|-
|bgcolor="FF3333" height="10px"|
|align="center"| '''[[#Season 1: 2007-2008|1]]'''
|align="center"| 23
|align="center"| [[2007 in television|2007]] - [[2008 in television|2008]]
|align="center"| [[September 23]], [[2008]]
|-
|}

==Episode List==

===Season 1: 2007-2008===
{| class="wikitable" style="background: White;"
|- style="border: 3px solid #FF3333;"
! # !! Title !! Director !! Writer !! Viewers !! Original Airdate !! Code
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 1
| Title= [[iPilot]]
| DirectedBy=[[Steve Hoefer]]
| WrittenBy=[[Dan Schneider]]
| Aux3= 13m<ref name=buddytv>{{cite web |url=http://www.buddytv.com/articles/drake-and-josh/icarly-premiere-draws-13-milli-10782.aspx |title=iCarly Premiere Draws 13 Million Viewers |accessdate=2008-06-09 |publisher=buddytv.com |work= Research}}</ref>
| OriginalAirDate= [[September 8]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 101
| ShortSummary= After Sam puts the head of her teacher, Ms. Briggs, on the body of a rhinoceros and makes Carly take the blame, she and Carly have to tape the auditions for the school talent show as punishment. But after Freddie accidentally uploads a clip of the girls making fun of Ms. Briggs's "crazy pointy boobs" that receives very positive reviews, the three create "iCarly."
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 2
| Title= [[iWant More Viewers]]
| DirectedBy=[[Adam Weissman]]
| WrittenBy=[[Steve Holland]] & [[Steven Molaro]]
| Aux3=13m<ref name=buddytv>{{cite web |url=http://www.buddytv.com/articles/drake-and-josh/icarly-premiere-draws-13-milli-10782.aspx |title=iCarly Premiere Draws 13 Million Viewers |accessdate=2008-06-09 |publisher=buddytv.com |work= Research}}</ref>
| OriginalAirDate= [[September 8]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 103
| ShortSummary= When it is discovered that the same number of people watch iCarly every week, Carly decides to have a contest to get more viewers. Carly and Sam make a banner and try to hold it up in the rain on a popular TV show, while Freddie and Spencer put a flashing sign on the highway. Both attempts fail miserably, but their fans circulate the video to their friends as a result.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 3
| Title= [[iDream of Dance]]
| DirectedBy=Adam Weissman
| WrittenBy=Dan Schneider
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[September 16]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 113
| ShortSummary= After Ms. Briggs brings a Scottish dancer to class, Carly and her friends decide to have the "iCarly" fans send dance clips of themselves. Then late at night, after falling asleep watching the clips, the three (plus Spencer) end up having some very strange dance-themed dreams.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 4
| Title= [[iLike Jake]]
| DirectedBy=Steve Hoefer
| WrittenBy=Dan Schneider
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[September 22]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 102
| ShortSummary= Carly discovers that she has a huge crush on Jake Crandall. After finding out that he sings, Carly invite him to perform on iCarly. But Jake might not be as good as he sounds. Meanwhile, Spencer has his head incased in clay to make a sculpture of himself.
'''Guest Star: [[Austin Butler]] as Jake Krandle.'''
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 5
| Title= [[iWanna Stay With Spencer]]
| DirectedBy= Adam Weissman
| WrittenBy= [[Arthur Gradstein]]
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[September 29]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 105
| ShortSummary= Carly's grandfather visits her and wants her to move to Yakima with him, after deciding that Spencer is too irresponsible to be her guardian. In order to prevent this, Spencer tries to prove he is responsible enough.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 6
| Title= [[iNevel]]
| DirectedBy=Steve Hoefer
| WrittenBy=Steve Holland
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[October 6]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 104
| ShortSummary= "iCarly" is going to get reviewed by an eleven-year-old web critic named Nevel, but during his interview with Carly, he hits on her. She reacts negatively, and he gives iCarly a bad review. However Carly gets revenge by telling Nevel's mother about what he did. Meanwhile, Spencer tries to make a sculpture out of butter.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 7
| Title= [[iScream On Halloween]]
| DirectedBy=Steve Hoefer
| WrittenBy=[[Jake Farrow]]
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[October 20]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 114
| ShortSummary= Carly, Sam, and Freddie shoot their Halloween web cast from an apartment that is rumored to be haunted. When creepy things start happening, the friends worry that the ghost rumors just might be true. Meanwhile, Spencer forgets to buy Halloween candy, and angry children gang up on him.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 8
| Title= [[iSpy a Mean Teacher]]
| DirectedBy=Steve Hoefer
| WrittenBy=Steven Molaro
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[November 3]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 106
| ShortSummary= Filing a report for their newest webcast, Carly and Freddie decide to spy on Ms. Briggs for their next webcast. So Sam has to help them come out of the closet. But when they get caught, Ms. Briggs insists on preforming the bagpipes on iCarly.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 9
| Title= [[iWill Date Freddie]]
| DirectedBy=Adam Weissman
| WrittenBy=Steve Holland
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[November 10]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 108
| ShortSummary= While doing a blab cam bit on ''iCarly'', Freddie gets a date with a girl named Valerie. They start dating and soon she wants to do a webcast the same day as Carly's. Freddie quits iCarly and begins working with Valerie, though it turns out that she is using him. Everything works out in the end, and Freddy returns to iCarly, but during a make up hug with Sam she gives him a wedgie, revealing that he (or at least his character) wears Tighty Whities.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 10
| Title= [[iWant a World Record]]
| DirectedBy=[[Roger Christiansen]]
| WrittenBy=Dan Schneider
| Aux3= | OriginalAirDate= [[November 17]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 107
| ShortSummary= Carly wants to break a world record for the longest webcast, which has to be longer than 24 hours and 8 minutes. However, a series of obsticles may stop the show from lasting. Meanwhile, Spencer builds a sculpture that breaks a record. But he lets Carly, Sam, and Freddie put on his drill so they are included in the fame to.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 11
| Title= [[iRue The Day]]
| DirectedBy=[[David Kendall]]
| WrittenBy=Dan Schneider
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[December 1]], [[2007]]
| ProdCode= 115
| ShortSummary= Carly, Sam, and Freddie find out [[the Plain White T's]] are going to perform on their web show after Spencer saves Tom Higgenson's life. However, they have to first save their webcast when it is put in jeopardy by Nevel's control when he hacks them because Carly refused to kiss him in the episode ''iNevel''.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 12
| Title= [[iPromise Not to Tell]]
| DirectedBy=Steve Hoefer
| WrittenBy=[[Dicky Murphy]]
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[January 12]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 118
| ShortSummary= After Carly got a B+ on her history paper (because she used three-holed papers which her strict, particular teacher doesn't like), Carly is a bit upset. After overhearing Principal Franklin's network password, Sam changes the grade to give Carly the straight A's she deserves. Carly promised Sam she would not tell but starts to realize how hard it is to keep that promise.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 13
| Title= [[iAm Your Biggest Fan]]
| DirectedBy=Steve Hoefer
| WrittenBy=Jake Farrow
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[January 19]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 110
| ShortSummary= iCarly's biggest fan, Mandy Valdez, becomes the show's one-kid live audience. However, she begins following the cast incessently and refuses to leave them alone. Manwhile, Spencer becomes the drummer for a rock group, but later gets fired, similar to [[Pete Best]]'s story in the Beatles, who had booked the Beatles several shows and gigs (similar to Spencer booking his band on a show), but was later fired because of his poor drumming.
'''Guest Star: [[Aria Wallace]] as Mandy Valdez.'''
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 14
| Title= [[iHeart Art]]
| DirectedBy=Adam Weissman
| WrittenBy=Arthur Gradstein
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[February 2]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 109
| ShortSummary= Spencer's art idol, Harry Joyner, gives him a horrible comments on his three sculptures. Spencer then gets a real job. Carly and her friends try to help him to get back to his old self. At the same time, Sam can't insult Freddie for a whole week, or else she will have to pay him $5 for each insult.
'''Guest Star: [[Oliver Muirhead]] as Harry Joyner.'''
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 15
| Title= [[iHate Sam's Boyfriend]]
| DirectedBy= Roger Christiansen
| WrittenBy= Dan Schneider
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[February 9]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 120
| ShortSummary= Sam goes out with Freddie's friend, Jonah. After they spend a lot of time with each other, Sam pays a lot attention to Jonah. Carly and Freddie try to get Sam back. Meanwhile, Spencer makes a [[claymation]] film, but Jonah moves one of the figurines in the film. This causes Spencer to freak out because he must start over.
'''Guest Star: William May as Jonah.'''
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 16
| Title= [[iHatch Chicks]]
| DirectedBy= [[David Kendall]]
| WrittenBy= Steven Molaro
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[February 23]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 111
| ShortSummary= Carly and Sam take care of baby chick eggs for a science project. All the chicks get lost in the apartment when they hatch, causing a mad search. While they search, Spencer gets stuck in a hole.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 17
| Title= [[iDon't Want to Fight]]
| DirectedBy= Roger Christiansen
| WrittenBy= Arthur Gradstein | Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[March 1]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 112
| ShortSummary= Carly gives Sam a special T-shirt as a present on their celebration of their fifth year of being best friends. Sam then trades it for concert tickets for Carly and her, but it ends up becoming a fight. Meanwhile, Spencer attempts to remember to feed his fish.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 18
| Title= [[iPromote Techfoots]]
| DirectedBy= Adam Weissman
| WrittenBy= Arthur Gradstein
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[March 15]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 117
| ShortSummary= Carly is extremely excited when the popular shoe company Daka wants to promote their new shoe, the Techfoots, on iCarly. But when the shoes turn out to have numerous problems and are low-quality, iCarly begins losing viewers, leading Carly, Sam, and Freddie to attempt to find a way out of their contract. Meanwhile, Spencer tries new methods of transportation after falling asleep on a bus and ending up in Canada.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 19
| Title= [[iGot Detention]]
| DirectedBy= Steve Hoefer
| WrittenBy= [[Andrew Hill Newman]]
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[March 22]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 116
| ShortSummary= iCarly's 50th webcast spectacular is put in jeopardy when Sam gets a detention, so they try and do iCarly live from the detention classroom.<ref>http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=289614&more=ucepisodelist&episodeid=7672055</ref>
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 20
| Title= [[iStakeout]]
| DirectedBy=Steve Hoefer
| WrittenBy=Andrew Hill Newman
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[April 5]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 119
| ShortSummary= The police use the loft as a stakeout to track a clerk from selling [[Copyright infringement|pirated]] DVDs, and Spencer realizes one of the detectives is his childhood bully from camp. Meanwhile, Freddie loses a bet with Sam and must get a [[tattoo]] of Sam's face on his left arm , and now he tries to hide it from his mother.<ref>http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=289614&more=ucepisodelist&episodeid=7681299</ref>

| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 21
| Title= [[iMight Switch Schools]]
| DirectedBy= David Kendall
| WrittenBy= Dicky Murphy
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[April 26]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 122
| ShortSummary= Briarwood Prep offers Carly a full scholarship to their school, to the fact she is smart and a famous webstar. When Freddie and Sam don't want her to leave, they try to sabotage her interview with the head master, Mrs. Peelof. Meanwhile, Spencer's mini-golf course is a big hit, and Carly's classmates comes to play at her and Spencer's apartment. 
'''Guest Star: [[Lise Simms]] as Mrs. Peelof'''
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 22
| Title= [[iFence]]
| DirectedBy=[[Russ Reinsel]]
| WrittenBy=Dan Schneider
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[May 10]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 121
| ShortSummary= Freddie joins Spencer to go fencing to have some guy time. When Spencer's rival, the amazing Doug Toder, sees how good Freddie is, Spencer puts Freddie up against him to a match of fencing. Meanwhile, Carly and Spencer's weird cousins, the Dorfmans, are coming for dinner, and Carly needs Spencer's help preparing dinner for them, but with Spencer helping, she might not get much fun. Meanwhile, Sam must read a book to win a bet between Freddie and her, and she suddenly becomes interested in books for the first time.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| EpisodeNumber= 23
| Title= [[iCarly Saves TV]]
| DirectedBy= Steve Hoefer
| WrittenBy= Jake Farrow
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[June 13]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 124
| ShortSummary= A big time producer wants to make iCarly in to a hit TV show. But Carly, Sam, and Freddie are soon upset to learn all of the changes the producer wishes to make, all of which destroy the quality of the show: They fire Sam because she is to "aggressive" when she hurts Zeebo (a dinosaur they put in to make the show more "attractive" but it turns out to ruin it MORE.) Meanwhile, with the kids at the TV studio rehearsing all the time, Mrs. Benson begins to act like a mother towards Spencer.
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
|EpisodeNumber= 24
| Title= [[iHave a Lovesick Teacher]]
| DirectedBy= Roger Christiansen
| WrittenBy= Ethan Banville
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[July 25]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 123
| ShortSummary= Carly, Sam, & Freddie's history teacher Mrs. Ackerman overreacts when her boyfriend dumps her, and becomes mean to the class. When Carly tries to stick up for Freddie when Mrs. Ackerman was being mean, she got sent to the principal's office. When Spencer is called in for a confrence, the two realize they like each other and start dating. It isn't long before Carly realizes how lovesick Mrs. Ackerman is getting, so what will she do about it?
| LineColor= FF3333
}}
{{ Episode List
| Title= [[iLove Freddie]]
|EpisodeNumber= 25
| Directed by=?
| Written by=TBA
| Aux3=
| OriginalAirDate= [[July 25]], [[2008]]
| ProdCode= 125
| Short Summary=Jake's girlfriend asks him to sing for her, but she tells him he's terrible. So, Jake asks Carly out to get revenge. Freddie overhears that Jake's asking her out and then is going to dump Carly. Then, he tells Carly, but she doesn't believes him. Then, Jake dumps her and is upset. To get back at Jake, Freddie puts the real video about Jake's singing.
}}
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External Links==
*[[TV Guide]]'s [http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=289614&more=ucepisodelist iCarly episode list]
*[[TV.com]]'s [http://www.tv.com/icarly/show/71399/summary.html?q=iCarly&tag=search_results;title;1 iCarly episode guide]

{{iCarly}}
[[Category: Lists of television series episodes]]

[[nl:Lijst van afleveringen van iCarly]]

Mario Super Sluggers

2008-06-29T20:41:20Z

71.182.145.40: XD OMG LOL

{{Infobox VG
|title = Mario Super Sluggers
|image =
|developer = [[Namco Bandai]]
|publisher = [[Nintendo]]
|designer =
|series = [[List of Mario games by genre#Sports series|''Mario sports'' series]]
|released = {{vgrelease|JP=[[June 19]], [[2008]] <ref>[http://gonintendo.com/?p=39903 GoNintendo » Blog Archive » Famitsu - two more Japanese Wii release dates- What are you waiting for?]</ref>|NA= [[August 25]], [[2008]]<ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/news/6192997.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;4]</ref>|EU=TBA [[2008]]|AUS=TBA [[2008]]}}
|genre = [[Sports|Sports game]], [[Baseball]]
|modes = [[Single-player]], [[Multiplayer]]
|ratings = [[Computer Entertainment Rating Organization|CERO]]: A [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]: E
|platforms = [[Wii]]
|media = [[Nintendo optical discs|Wii optical disc]]
|requirements =
}}

'''''Mario Super Sluggers''''' ("Super Mario Stadium Family Baseball" in Japan) is a [[sports game|sports video game]] for the [[Wii]] developed by [[Namco Bandai]] and published by [[Nintendo]]. It was previously known by the working title, '''''Super Mario Stadium Baseball'''''. It is part of the [[List of Mario games by genre#Sports series|''Mario Sports'' series]], and the sequel to ''[[Mario Superstar Baseball]]'' for the [[Nintendo GameCube]].

==Gameplay==
[[Image:MarioSuperSluggers.jpg|thumb|left|Yoshi Bats]]
The gameplay of ''Mario Super Sluggers'' is similar to that of its predecessor; the main difference being the controls, with the Wii Remote adding immersion using a control scheme similar to the Baseball sub-game in [[Wii Sports]].<ref>[http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/ZIBZcdUwxgUsho3bxypsWZkrzRhscFPk Nintendo Hits a Home Run with Mario Super Sluggers]</ref>

*There are three control methods: Wii Remote by itself, Wii Remote and the Nunchuk, and the Wii Remote held sideways. 
*The items can be thrown at fielders to attempt to keep them from catching the ball.</td>

==Stadiums==
The following stages were seen in various screenshots or the overhead map of all the stadiums; these stages have all been confirmed by game play videos. There will be 15 stages, and they can all be played in either a day or night setting.
*Mario Stadium<ref name=stadiums1>[http://www.jeux-france.com/images1_4_27686.html JEUXFRANCE.COM Japanese Scan],accessed 6/5/08</ref> ''(Name confirmed)''
*Peach Rink ''(Name confirmed)''
*Wario City ''(Name confirmed)''
*Yoshi Park<ref name=stadiums2>[http://www.jeux-france.com/images2_4_27686.html JEUXFRANCE.COM Japanese Scan],accessed 6/5/08</ref> ''(Name confirmed)''
*DK Jungle<ref name=stadiums2/> ''(Name confirmed)''
*Bowser Jr.'s Room ''(Name confirmed)''
*Daisy Cruiser<ref name=stadiums1/> ''(Name confirmed)''
*Luigi's Mansion<ref name=stadiums1/> ''(Name confirmed)''
*Toy Field<ref name=stadiums1/> ''(Name confirmed)''

==Characters==
Many different characters have been spotted on the field in screenshots or artwork. Apparently, all characters will return from [[Mario Superstar Baseball]]<ref>[http://www.jeux-france.com/images_6138.html JEUXFRANCE.COM Images], accessed 6/2/08</ref>.

{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-3}}
*[[Mario]]
*[[Luigi]]
*[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
*[[Yoshi]] (from the [[Yoshi]] series)
*[[Daisy]]
*[[Birdo]]
*[[Wario]] (from Wario series)
*[[Waluigi]]
*[[Donkey Kong (character)|Donkey Kong]] (from the [[Donkey Kong]] series)
*[[Diddy Kong]] (from the [[Donkey Kong]] series)
*[[Dixie Kong]] (from the [[Donkey Kong]] series)
*[[Bowser (Nintendo)|Bowser]]
*[[Bowser Jr.]]
*[[Baby Mario]] (from the [[Yoshi]] series)
*[[Baby Luigi]] (from the [[Yoshi]] series)
*[[List of Mario series characters#Toad|Toad]]
*[[Toadette]]
*[[Toadsworth]]
*[[Koopa Troopa]]
*[[Paratroopa]]
*[[Goomba]]
{{Col-3}}
*[[Paragoomba]]
*[[Magikoopa]]
*[[List of Mario series enemies#Boo|Boo]]
*[[King Boo]]
*[[Dry Bones (Mario)|Dry Bones]]
*[[List of Mario series enemies#Monty Mole|Monty Mole]]
*[[Petey Piranha]]
*[[Shy Guy]]
*[[Hammer Bro.]]
*[[Pianta]]
*[[Super Mario Sunshine|Noki]]
*[[Baby Peach]] (new, from the [[Yoshi]] series)
*[[Baby Daisy]] (new)
*[[Donkey Kong (character)|Baby Donkey Kong]] (new, from the [[Yoshi]] series)
*[[List of Mario series enemies#Blooper|Blooper]] (new)
*[[Tiny Kong]] (new, from the [[Donkey Kong]] series)
*[[Funky Kong]] (new, from the [[Donkey Kong]] series)
*[[King K. Rool]] (new, from the [[Donkey Kong]] series)
*[[King K. Rool|Kritter]] (new, from the [[Donkey Kong]] series)
*[[List of Mario series enemies#Wiggler|Wiggler]] (new)
*[[Mii]] (new, from the [[Wii series|Wii]] series)
*[[Yoshi|Yoshi's colors]](red,yellow,pink,blue)(able to choose all 5 Yoshi's colors on team)
{{Col-end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External Links==
*[http://youtube.com/watch?v=-Bx5GBkkYlk Mario Super Sluggers JAPANESE commercial]
*[http://youtube.com/watch?v=kbksKH7vWs8&feature=related Mario Super Sluggers Japanese Trailer]
*[http://youtube.com/watch?v=e_qw5_qm4QQ&feature=related Mario Super Sluggers Commercials]

{{Mario sports games}}

[[Category:2008 video games]]
[[Category:Baseball video games]]
[[Category:Wii games]]
[[Category:Wii-only games]]
[[Category:Mario sports games]]
[[Category:Namco Bandai games]]

{{sports-videogame-stub}}
{{Nintendo-stub}}

[[ca:Mario Super Sluggers]]
[[es:Super Mario Stadium Baseball]]
[[it:Mario Super Sluggers]]
[[nl:Mario Super Sluggers]]
[[ja:スーパーマリオスタジアムファミリーベースボール]]

RC Cola

2008-06-28T19:33:44Z

71.182.145.40: /* History */

{{Infobox Beverage
|name=RC Cola
|image=[[Image:rc-cola-bottle.JPG|250px]]
|type=[[Cola]]
|manufacturer=[[Cott Beverages]]/ [[Dr Pepper Snapple Group]]
|origin=[[Columbus, Georgia]] [[USA]]
|introduced=[[1905]]
|discontinued=
|related=[[Coca-Cola]], [[Pepsi]]
|variants=
}}

'''RC Cola''' (or '''Royal Crown Cola''') is a [[cola]] [[soft drink]] developed in [[1905]] by [[Columbus, Georgia]] [[pharmacist]] [[Claude A. Hatcher]].

==History==
The first product in the Royal Crown line was "Chero-Cola" in 1905, followed by Royal Crown Ginger Ale, Royal Crown Strawberry and Royal Crown Root Beer. The company was renamed Chero-Cola, and in 1925 called [[Nehi]] Corporation after its colored and flavored drinks. In [[1934]], Chero-Cola was reformulated and re-released as Royal Crown Cola.

In the 1950s, the combination of Royal Crown Cola and [[Moonpie]]s became popular as the "working man's lunch" in the [[American South]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://nashville.about.com/cs/historynsites/a/rcnmoonpie.htm | title = The Souths Fascination with RC Colas and Moonpies | author = Jan Duke | work = About | accessdate = 2008-01-12}}</ref>

In 1958, the company introduced the first diet cola, [[Diet Rite]], and in [[1980]], a [[caffeine]]-free cola, "RC 100.". (RC 100 was not, as some believe, the first caffeine-free cola; that distinction belongs to [[Canada Dry]]'s unsuccessful Sport Cola of 1968.) In the mid-1990s, RC released ''Royal Crown Draft Cola'', billed as a "premium" cola and using pure sugar cane, rather than the [[high fructose corn syrup]] commonly used to sweeten U.S. soft drinks. Offered only in 12-ounce bottles, the cola's sales were disappointing due largely to the inability of the RC bottling network to get distribution for the product in single-drink channels and it was quickly discontinued with the exceptions of Australia, New Zealand, and France. The company has also released ''Cherry RC'' a cherry flavored version of the RC soft drink to compete with [[Coca-Cola Cherry]] and [[Wild Cherry Pepsi]].

In October 2000, Royal Crown was acquired by [[Cadbury plc|Cadbury Schweppes plc]] through its acquisition of [[Snapple]]. Royal Crown operations were folded into [[Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc.]], a former subsidiary of Cadbury Schweppes. In 2001, all international RC-branded business was sold to [[Cott Beverages]] of [[Mississauga, Ontario]] and is operated as Royal Crown Cola International. Operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories are now handled by [[Dr Pepper Snapple Group]].

==Appearences in Popular Culture==

Royal Crown Cola was featured in an episode of the 1970's sit-com [[All In The Family]]. Archie Bunker and his son-in-law Mike (aka Meathead) have an argument regarding Mike's preference for RC Cola, climaxing in a blind-fold taste-test where Mike successfully names Coke, Pepsi and RC Cola.

In the animated sictom, [[Family Guy]], two characters are lost in a desert in one episode. The hullicate a [[Dr. Pepper]] pop machine, but it turns out to be an RC Cola machine.

==Brand portfolio==

* ''Royal Crown Cola'' (RC Cola)
* ''Diet RC''
* ''[[Diet Rite]]''
* ''Royal Crown Draft Cola'' (Limited in U.S.)
* ''[[Cherry R.C.]]'' (available in limited markets)
* ''RC Edge'' (discontinued)
* ''RC 100'' (discontinued)
* ''Caffeine Free RC'' (available in limited markets)

==Advertising campaigns==
{{Refimprove|date=April 2008}}{{Trivia|date=April 2008}}
*In the 1930s, Alex Osborn, with BBDO, made them an ad campaign, in which was included the following slogan: "The season's best."
*In the [[1960s]], Royal Crown Cola did an ad campaign featuring two birds, made by [[Jim Henson]]
* Nancy Sinatra was featured in two Royal Crown Cola commercials in her one hour special called "Movin' with Nancy" featuring various singers in November 1967. She sang "it's a mad, mad, mad Cola... RC the one with the mad, mad taste!...RC! "
*Royal Crown was the official sponsor of [[New York Mets]] during the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
*In the mid [[1970s]], Royal Crown ran an advertising campaign called "Me & My RC", the most famous of which featured actress [[Sharon Stone]] delivering pizza on a skateboard. Others featured people in a variety of scenic outdoor locations. The jingle, sung by [[Louise Mandrell]], went "Me and my RC! Me and my RC!..What's good enough for anyone else, ain't good enough for me."
*RC was introduced to [[Israel]] in [[1995]] with the slogan "RC: Just like in America!"
* [[Bell Buckle, TN]] hosts the annual [[RC Cola]] and [[Moon Pie]] Festival[http://www.bellbucklechamber.com/rcmoon.html].

==See also==

* [[Pepsi]]
* [[Coca-Cola]]
* [[Cola wars]]
* [[Dr. Pepper]]

==External links==
* [http://www.rccolainternational.com/brands_rccola.aspx Official RC Cola site]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{colas}}

[[Category:Dr Pepper Snapple Group brands]]
[[Category:Cola]]
[[Category:1905 introductions]]

[[fr:RC Cola]]
[[he:RC קולה]]
[[it:R.C. Cola]]
[[ja:ロイヤルクラウン・コーラ]]
[[nl:R.C. Cola]]
[[no:RC Cola]]
[[pt:RC Cola]]
[[sv:RC Cola]]

Jim Gordon (character)

2008-06-26T18:44:41Z

71.182.145.40: /* The Dark Knight */

{{Supersupportingbox| 
image=[[Image:DetectiveComics779.jpg|250px]]
|caption=Detail from the cover art for ''Detective Comics'' #779 (Feb. 2003). Art by [[Tim Sale (artist)|Tim Sale]]
|character_name=Commissioner Gordon
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut=''[[Detective Comics]]'' #27 (May, 1939)
|creators=[[Bob Kane]] [[Bill Finger]]
|full_name=James Worthington "Jim" Gordon
|supports=[[Batman]]
|}}

'''James "Jim" Worthington Gordon''' is a [[fictional character]] who appears in [[comic books]] published by [[DC Comics]]. The character first appeared in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #27 ([[1939#May|May 1939]]), and was created by [[Bill Finger]] and [[Bob Kane]]. He was the first ''[[Batman]]'' [[supporting character]] to be introduced.

In most incarnations of the ''Batman'' mythos, Gordon is the [[police commissioner]] of Batman's home of [[Gotham City]]. He shares the [[superhero|hero]]’s deep commitment of ridding the dark and corrupt city of crime. In [[Golden Age of Comic Books|Golden]] and [[Silver Age of Comic Books|Silver]] age comics and on the [[Batman (TV series)|1960s ''Batman'' television show]], Gordon fully trusts, and is even somewhat dependent on Batman. In most [[Modern Age of Comic Books|modern]] stories, he is somewhat skeptical of Batman's vigilante method but recognizes the necessity of Batman and the two have a mutual respect and tacit friendship. He was the husband of Barbara Kean Gordon and [[Sarah Essen Gordon]]. Gordon is also the father or adoptive father, depending on the [[continuity (fiction)|continuity]], of [[Barbara Gordon]], the original Batgirl and later Oracle, and James Gordon Jr.

Gordon is an important part of the Batman mythos and has appeared in most other media adaptations of the character.

==Fictional character biography==
===Early characterizations===
In most versions of the ''Batman'' [[mythos]], he is at one point or another depicted as [[Gotham City]]'s [[police commissioner]]. He succeeded Commissioner Grogan in the rank at GCPD. Gordon frequently contacts Batman for help in solving various crimes, particularly those committed by [[supervillain]]s. Because DC Comics [[retcon]]ned its characters' history in the [[1985]] miniseries ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]'', and because of different interpretations in television and film, the details of Gordon's history vary from story to story.

In the original pre-[[Crisis on Infinite Earths|Crisis]] version of his history, Gordon was a [[police]] [[detective]] who initially bitterly resented the mysterious [[vigilante]]'s interference in police business. Although the Batman seemed to fight on the side of [[justice]], his methods and phenomenal track record for stopping crimes and capturing criminals embarrassed the police by comparison. Eventually, Batman met up with Gordon and persuaded the detective that they needed each other's help. Batman was deputized and worked with Gordon as an agent of the law.

===Post-Crisis===
====Batman: Year One====
{{main|Batman: Year One}}
The post-[[Crisis on Infinite Earths|Crisis]] version of the character was introduced in the late-1980s storyline ''[[Batman: Year One]]'', written by [[Frank Miller (comics)|Frank Miller]]. In this version, Gordon was transferred back to the city after spending more than fifteen years in [[Chicago]]. A man of integrity, Gordon found that his only ally against the [[Mafia|mob]]-controlled administration was the Batman. One of the most significant differences in this version is that Batman was never deputized and Gordon's relationship with him was kept out of the public eye whenever possible. It was also added that he was a Special Forces veteran who was more than capable of hand to hand combat.

[[Image:Batman407.png|170px|Cover to ''Batman'' #407, the conclusion to ''Year One''. Art by David Mazzucchelli.|thumb|left]]When Gordon needs to summon Batman, he uses the [[Bat-Signal]], a specially modified [[klieg light|Klieg]] searchlight with a stylized symbol of a [[bat]] placed on it so that it projects a large emblem shaped in Batman's bat insignia on the sky or buildings of Gotham City. Batman often disappears silently when Gordon's back is turned, often while Gordon is in the middle of a rant about legal [[red tape]].

The miniseries ''Gordon of Gotham'' takes place about nearly twenty years prior to the current events of the DC Universe and ten years before coming to Gotham in ''Batman: Year One''. It reveals that Gordon, during his tenure in Chicago, struggled with his wife over conceiving a child while taking university night classes in [[criminology]]. He faces brutality among other officers after uncovering corruption within the force. Later, Gordon uncovers evidence of rigging the mayoral election and brings down two of his fellow officers, which leads to his commissioner recommending to him that he transfer to Gotham quickly.

=====Batman: The Killing Joke=====
In the [[1988]] graphic novel ''[[Batman: The Killing Joke|The Killing Joke]]'', [[Joker (comics)|the Joker]] [[kidnap]]s Gordon after shooting and [[paralysis|paralyzing]] Barbara. He then cages Gordon in the [[freak show]] of an abandoned [[amusement park]] and forces him to look at enlarged photos of his wounded daughter in an effort to drive him [[insane]], thus proving to Batman that even the most grounded, seemingly normal people can lose their minds after having "one bad day." Batman eventually apprehends the Joker and rescues Gordon. Despite the intense [[Psychological trauma|trauma]] he has endured, Gordon's [[sanity]] and [[code of ethics]] is intact; he insists that Batman apprehend the Joker without harming him in order to "show him that our way works."

====No Man's Land====
The [[No Man's Land (comics)|No Man's Land]] storyline took place after Gotham was destroyed by an earthquake and isolated from outside assistance. Inside Gotham, Gordon struggled to maintain order amidst rampant crime. Batman was mysteriously absent for the initial three months, and Gordon felt somewhat betrayed. He forged an uneasy alliance with [[Two-Face]] but was later double-crossed, kidnapped, and put on trial by Two-Face for breaking their "legally-binding" alliance. He escaped punishment, and later met with Batman once again. In this confrontation, Gordon expressed his disgust towards Batman for letting Gotham "fall into ruin". Batman offered to prove his trust by revealing his secret identity, but Gordon refused to look when Batman removed his mask. Eventually their relationship was repaired.

=====The Death of Sarah Essen=====
Gordon fell in love with and married fellow officer [[Sarah Essen Gordon|Sarah Essen]]. However, Essen could not comprehend why Gordon needed Batman so much, which occasionally put a strain on their relationship. Unfortunately, she was fatally shot by the Joker at the end of the ''No Man's Land'' storyline. An enraged Gordon was able to restrain himself from killing Joker, shooting the Joker's knee instead. Not long after this, Gordon was gunned down by a [[crook]] seeking [[revenge]] for a previous arrest. Though seriously injured, he eventually pulled through.

====Retirement====
Gordon [[retire]]d from the police force after having served more than 20 years in it. He remained in Gotham, and occasionally enjoyed nighttime visits from Batman who came to him for company and advice. Commissioner [[Michael Akins]] had taken his position.

After Barbara required surgery to save her life from the [[Brainiac (comics)|Brainiac]] virus, Gordon visited his adopted daughter in [[Metropolis]]. She revealed to him her current role as Oracle, as well as her past as Batgirl. Gordon admitted that he knew of her life as Batgirl, but was pleasantly surprised to know of her career as the computer information broker of the heroes. He is very proud of her accomplishments.

====Return====

As part of DC's "[[One Year Later]]" Gordon has returned to the role of Commissioner; as of the year-long jump he has been back in the job for 3 months. The circumstances behind this are currently unknown, though there have been allusions to extreme corruption within the GCPD. These allusions are supported by events within ''[[Gotham Central]]'', especially involving Detective [[Jim Corrigan]]. Most recently, Gordon survived an attempt on his life by the Joker (''Batman'' #655), who had drugged him with Joker Venom in an attack on the GCPD. He was taken to the hospital in time.

==Gordon and Batman's Identity==

In most versions of the mythos, Gordon is ignorant of Batman's identity, though some fans and writers feel that Gordon is smart enough to solve the puzzle but chooses not to in order to preserve Batman's effectiveness. In the 1966 ''[[Batman (1966 movie)|Batman]]'' theatrical movie, Gordon explicitly states his desire not to know for such a reason. In ''Batman: Year One'', Gordon claims not to see the unmasked Batman well (whom his wife at that time, Barbara, also sees) because he doesn't have his [[glasses]] on. The ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' episode "Over the Edge" ends with a conversation between Commissioner Gordon and Barbara (his daughter not his wife) which implies that Gordon at least knows that Barbara is Batgirl but cannot acknowledge it because that would put him in an uncomfortable legal position. During ''No Man's Land'', Batman attempts to regain Gordon's trust by revealing himself, but Gordon turns his face away, stating that if he wanted to know Batman's identity, he already would.

Likewise, in the 1980s ''Detective Comics'' storyline ''Blind Justice'', the world at large incorrectly supposes Batman is dead and Gordon comments to Bruce Wayne that Batman has earned the right to [[retirement]] if he so desires. He then rather pointedly asks Bruce's advice on whether or not he should reveal that Batman still lives. In ''Batman: Year One'', Gordon suspects early on that Bruce Wayne may be Batman, though he never follows up on his suspicions, although Sarah Essen is correct in her suspicions, even being correct with Bruce's motivation. In Frank Miller's ''[[The Dark Knight Returns]]'', Gordon and Bruce Wayne are portrayed as close friends, with Bruce having revealed his identity to Gordon years ago.

==Family==
===Pre-Crisis===
In Pre-Crisis continuity, James Gordon was the biological father of Anthony "Tony" Gordon and Barbara Gordon (later Batgirl). Originally referred to as a college student, Tony later disappeared while hiding from Communist spies. He was later reunited with his sister Barbara and perished in a battle with the Sino-Supermen. (''Batman Family'' #12, ''Detective Comics'' # 482) [http://www.dcuguide.com/who.php?name=tonygordon]

===Post-Crisis===
In Post-Crisis continuity, there has been no mention of Tony Gordon. James Gordon has a brother, Roger Gordon. James and his wife, Barbara Eileen Gordon, are the parents of a son, James Gordon, Jr. (''Batman'' #404-407) [http://www.dcuguide.com/who.php?name=barbaragordon]

Roger Gordon and his wife, Thelma Gordon, are parents of Barbara "Babs" Gordon (later Batgirl and Oracle). When Babs was 12 or 13, her parents (Roger and Thelma) died. She moved to Gotham City and lived with her uncle, aunt and cousin. Eventually, James and Barbara adopted Babs. However, the couple divorced and James retained custody of Babs, while Barbara moved to Chicago with James, Jr. (''Secret Origins'' #20). Barbara and James, Jr. are rarely mentioned and presumably still reside in Chicago. It has recently been revealed that James had an affair with Thelma, and might be the biological father of Babs. (''Batman: Gotham Knights'' #6)

In one post-crisis story, James and Babs visit the grave of his late wife. However, this story is later retconned when it is revealed that his wife is not dead, but instead they are divorced. James eventually marries Sarah Essen. (''Batman Annual'' #13, ''Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Annual'' #2). Unfortunately, Sarah was murdered by the Joker at the end of the [[No Man's Land (comics)|No Man's Land]] storyline. During the [[One Year Later]] storyline, Gordon makes a slight reference to his ex-wife Barbara "doing well," implying that he keeps tabs on her. Whether Gordon is Barbara's uncle or father in rebooted continuity has not been touched on [[One Year Later]], though the latest arc in Batman Confidential features Batgirl and may touch on this, solicitations claim Gordon to be Batgirl's father,

==Alternate realities==
===''Earth-31''===
James Gordon was referred to in the first issue of the series, ''[[All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder]]. '' He made a full appearance on issue 6, as a police captain, having a conversations with his ex-partner, Sarah Essen, about Batman. He's still married to Barbara Kean Gordon, who is now an alcoholic, and has a son James Jr. Just as other continuities, his daughter, Barbara, who is fifteen, becomes Batgirl. Frank Miller has commented that the series is set in his Dark Knight Universe, which includes all of the Batman works by Frank Miller, therefore Barbara's inclusion confirms that Gordon had two children during ''Batman: Year One.''

He later appears in the limited series ''[[Batman: The Dark Knight Returns]]'', which presents a future where a retiring Gordon not only knows Batman's identity, but is good friends with Bruce Wayne. He then makes a cameo on ''[[Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again]]. '' Now retired, he wrote a book about Batman who was believed to be dead.

===''JLA: Earth 2''===
On the [[JLA: Earth 2|Anti-Matter Earth]], where the evil [[Crime Syndicate|Crime Syndicate of Amerika]] live, James Gordon's counterpart is a crime boss named ''Boss Gordon'', who was an ally to [[Owlman (comics)|Owlman]], and it is implied that he had an affair with Martha Wayne, although this might have been a lie meant to anger Thomas Wayne. Boss Gordon was the city's leading crime boss until his empire was toppled by Batman and Commissioner Thomas Wayne.

===''Batman: Gotham Noir''===
In the Elseworld title set in 1940s Gotham, Jim Gordon is an alcoholic hard-boiled private detective who had left the police force following a failure to solve the dissaperance of a Judge. He is Selina Kyle's former lover and Bruce Wayne's wartime partner.

===''Batman: In Darkest Knight''===
In the Elseworld story [[Batman: In Darkest Knight]], Jim Gordon is an honest cop who distrusts the Green Lantern (who in this reality is Bruce Wayne) because of his near limitless power. Green Lantern comes to him in order to find the identity of [[Joe Chill|the man who killed his parents]] but he rebukes him, later on he relents and goes over the files and narrows it down, but he is then interrupted and killed by [[Sinestro]] who ruptures his heart.

===Unknown===
In [[Lord Havok]] and the [[Extremists (comics)|Extremists]] #3, an alternate version of Gordon, known as Zombie Gordon is featured as part of [[Monarch (comics)|Monarch's]] army. A flesh-hungry beast, Zombie Gordon is kept in line by Bat-Soldier, via a large chain.

==In other media==
===Appearances in film===
====Serials====
[[Image:Talbotgordon.JPG|185px|thumb|right|Lyle Talbot as Commissioner Gordon in the 1949 ''Batman and Robin'' serial.]]

In the [[1949 in film|1949]] 15-episode movie serial ''Batman and Robin'', Commissioner Gordon was portrayed by [[Edward D. Wood, Jr.|Ed Wood]] regular [[Lyle Talbot]].

====Batman====
Commissioner Gordon was in [[Batman (1966)]] in a small role.

====Burton/Schumacher film series====
In the [[1989 in film|1989]] ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'' film, and its three [[sequel]]s, Gordon is portrayed by [[Pat Hingle]]. In the first film, he regards the Batman as a rumor at best and [[vigilante]] at worst, though by the end of the film, he and the citizens of Gotham publicly acknowledge his usefulness, and receive from him the gift of the Bat-signal. In the sequels, Gordon plays only a minimal role compared to his role in other media, but is shown to completely trust Batman and publicly defend him. Although [[Barbara Gordon]] is his daughter in the comics, in the last Schumacher film of the series, ''[[Batman & Robin (film)|Batman & Robin]]'', her name is changed to Barbara Wilson and she is [[Alfred Pennyworth]]'s niece. There are no known women in his life in this series, although his wife appeared with him at the party Bruce Wayne was hosting in ''Batman'' and Poison Ivy seduces him and he gives in, giving her the keys to Police Headquarters in ''Batman & Robin''.

====Nolan film series====
=====''Batman Begins''=====
[[Image:Batman photos oldman.jpg|left|thumb|150px|[[Gary Oldman]] as James Gordon in ''[[Batman Begins]]'' (2005)]]

In the [[2005 in film|2005]] film ''[[Batman Begins]]'' Gordon is portrayed by [[Gary Oldman]]. The film partly concerns Gordon's rise from beat cop to [[Sergeant#Police usage|Sergeant]] and, by the end of the film, Lieutenant. He did his best to comfort the eight-year-old Bruce Wayne after the murder of his parents, when he was a young man, and Wayne later recognizes him as one of the few honest police officers in the city and would always remember his kindness after his parents' death. Seventeen to eighteen years later, after being promoted as a detective-sergeant on the force, while working late on his office, Bruce, wearing a ski-mask, visited Gordon's office, to ask Gordon about Carmine Falcone's criminal operation and the police inability to stop the notorious crimelord. When Bruce threatens Gordon with a common office stapler, which was thought to be a pistol, Bruce suggested that they form an alliance. This is kept secret from all other police officers, with Gordon proving pivotal in Batman's defeat of [[Ra's al Ghul]] by driving the Batmobile to destroy the Gotham monorail tracks and prevent the madman from vaporising the water supply. James Gordon's involvement in saving Gotham results in his promotion to the rank of lieutenant. He developed a Bat-Signal with the department's spare searchlight to summon Batman in times of need. Gordon called the Batman to announce his promotion on the force, his appreciation to the Dark Knight, and also to discuss a criminal whose identity is a mystery. The criminal has committed an armed robbery and double homicide, with an apparent taste for theatrics, leaving a calling card: a '''[[Joker (comics)|Joker]]''' playing card.

Although he does not condone vigilantes, Gordon sees that it is necessary to operate outside of laws in the crime-filled Gotham City, especially since most members of Gotham's police department are mired in corruption. Before the emergence of Batman, he was increasingly jaded and disillusioned of the corruptions around him. The arrival of the Dark Knight gives the police detective the hope he needs to build a better Gotham for his wife and children. After being promoted as a lieutenant, he is determined to clean the department up from within. The detective is still clueless of who Batman is, or that he is one of the people who inspired the Dark Knight to be what he is now.

=====''The Dark Knight''=====
Oldman will reprise his role of Gordon in the sequel ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]''. In the trailer, Gordon is seen destroying the Bat-Signal with a fire axe, presumably on the orders of his superiors as a public denouncement of Batman's vigilante activities. He is forced to risk his friendship with Batman when The Joker creates fake Batmans that bring chaos to the city.{{refneeded}}

===Animated films===
====''Batman: The Animated Series'' films====
[[Robert Hastings]], who voiced Gordon in ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' and it's follow-up, ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'', reprised his role in the spin-off films, ''[[Batman: Mask of the Phantasm]]'', ''[[Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero]]'', and ''[[Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman]]''.

====''Justice League: The New Frontier''====
In ''[[Justice League: The New Frontier]]'', Gordon makes a cameo appearance in the interogation scene with [[King Faraday]] and [[Martian Manhunter]].

====''Batman: Gotham Knight''====
Gordon's also set to appear in ''[[Batman: Gotham Knight]]'', voiced by [[Jim Meskimen]].

===Television appearances===
====''Batman'' (1960s TV Series)====
[[Image:Commissioner.jpg|185px|thumb|right|[[Neil Hamilton (actor)|Neil Hamilton]] as Commissioner Gordon from [[Batman (1966 film)|''Batman'']].]]

In the [[1960s]] ''[[Batman (TV series)|Batman]]'' series, Gordon was played by [[Neil Hamilton (actor)|Neil Hamilton]], and is portrayed as not only having the Bat-Signal at his disposal, but also an emergency "hotline" telephone that connects directly to the [[Batcave]]. Batman and [[Robin (comics)|Robin]] are regular visitors to his office. The series occasionally made light of his dependence on Batman. In one episode, when Batman is apparently unavailable, he laments that the police will have to solve a case "ourselves".

====''The Batman/Superman Hour''====
Actor [[Ted Knight]] provided the voice of James Gordon in ''[[The Batman/Superman Hour]]''.

====''Super Friends''====
Gordon makes two appearances in ''[[Super Friends]]''. He first appeared in ''[[Challenge of the Superfriends]]'', episode "Superfriends, Rest In Peace", as [[The Riddler]] and [[Cheetah (comics)|Cheetah]] hold Gordon hostage so they can kill Batman with the Noxium Crystal.

The second is in ''[[The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians]]'', episode "The Fear". Along with Jonathan Crane, Gordon is trying to find and arrest [[Scarecrow (comics)|The Scarecrow]]. Gordon and Batman are both unaware that Crane is the Scarecrow.

He did also appeared in some of the comics related to the show.

====''The New Adventures of Batman''====
In [[Filmation]]'s 1977 cartoon series ''[[The New Adventures of Batman]]'', Commissioner Gordon, voiced by [[Lennie Weinrib]], is prominently featured as are Batgirl and [[Bat-Mite]].

====''Batman: The Animated Series''====
[[Image:Commgordon1.jpg|185px|left|thumb|Gordon in ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'']]

In the 1990s ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'', Gordon is voiced by [[Robert Hastings]], and his relationship with Batman was similar to that in the comics, with the alliance largely kept between Batman, Gordon, and [[Harvey Bullock (comics)|Harvey Bullock]]. Many scenes in the series portray Batman and the Commissioner having clandestine meetings at the Bat-signal. A flashback in the episode "[[Robin's Reckoning (Pt. 1)|Robin's Reckoning]]" depicts Gordon as a brown-haired police Lieutenant investigating the murder of Dick Grayson's parents. In the episode "[[What Is Reality? (Batman: The Animated Series)|What Is Reality?]]" Batman must save Gordon's life and outwit [[The Riddler]] in a computer game at the same time.

=====''The New Batman Adventures''=====
Commissioner Gordon also appeared in the follow-up to ''Batman: The Animated Series'', ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]''. In the episode "Over the Edge" Batgirl suffers from [[Scarecrow (comics)|The Scarecrow's]] fear toxins, producing a nightmare where Batgirl dies in battle without telling her father her secret. When Commissioner Gordon finds out, he blames Batman and starts a man hunt against his former ally after discovering his secret identity. After Barbara awakens, she tries to admit her secret to the real Commissioner Gordon, who says that he trusts his daughter with whatever choices she makes and that she doesn't need to tell him anything.

=====''Batman Beyond'' and other DCAU series=====
On a revelation on ''[[Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker]],'' Gordon is one of the few people who knew what happened to [[Robin (Tim Drake)|Robin]] and the Joker on a night at Arkham Asylum, and for the boy's sake, he kept it a secret. This event may also have led Gordon to learn who was under the cape and cowl of Batman. Hastings continues his role as Commissioner Gordon in guest appearances on ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]],'' ''[[Gotham Girls]]'' and ''[[Static Shock]]''. The spinoff show ''[[Batman Beyond]]'' also had Barbara following in her father's footsteps and becoming Gotham's new police commissioner.

====''The Batman''====
[[Image:Gordon 01.jpg|185px|right|thumb|Gordon as he appeared on [[The Batman (TV series)|''The Batman'']].]]

In the animated series ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'', James Gordon is voiced by [[Mitch Pileggi]]. He is depicted as a newly appointed Gotham City police commissioner after an incident involving the Joker, [[Penguin (comics)|the Penguin]], and the Riddler. He ends the manhunt against Batman and goes public with his support for the Batman in order to help make Gotham safer for his daughter, Barbara (who, as in every other incarnation, becomes Batgirl).

A young officer was seen trying to comfort Bruce Wayne after his parents’ murders in a flashback in the episode ''[[Traction (The Batman)|Traction]]'' was seen and following Gordon's introductory episode, ''[[Night and the City (The Batman)|Night and the City]]'', there arose speculation about the officer being a young Gordon, especially after a line by Alfred on how Gordon had "loomed large over [Bruce’s] life.” Former ''The Batman'' producer/character designer [[Jeff Matsuda]], confirmed that while not intended as a tie-in for ''Batman Begins'' (which, as noted above, has a similar scene) that the officer was indeed Gordon.<ref>[http://forums.toonzone.net/showpost.php?p=1902711&postcount=58 Toon Zone Forum - View Single Post - The Batman "Night and The City" Talkback ]</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{The Batman}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gordon, James}}

[[Category:American comics characters]]
[[Category:DC Comics supporting characters]]
[[Category:Fictional detectives]]
[[Category:Fictional police officers]]
[[Category:Fictional Americans]]

[[es:James Gordon]]
[[fr:James Gordon]]
[[it:James Gordon]]
[[nl:James Gordon (DC)]]
[[pt:Jim Gordon]]
[[fi:James Gordon]]

Jim Gordon (character)

2008-06-26T18:43:37Z

71.182.145.40: /* In other media */

{{Supersupportingbox| 
image=[[Image:DetectiveComics779.jpg|250px]]
|caption=Detail from the cover art for ''Detective Comics'' #779 (Feb. 2003). Art by [[Tim Sale (artist)|Tim Sale]]
|character_name=Commissioner Gordon
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut=''[[Detective Comics]]'' #27 (May, 1939)
|creators=[[Bob Kane]] [[Bill Finger]]
|full_name=James Worthington "Jim" Gordon
|supports=[[Batman]]
|}}

'''James "Jim" Worthington Gordon''' is a [[fictional character]] who appears in [[comic books]] published by [[DC Comics]]. The character first appeared in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #27 ([[1939#May|May 1939]]), and was created by [[Bill Finger]] and [[Bob Kane]]. He was the first ''[[Batman]]'' [[supporting character]] to be introduced.

In most incarnations of the ''Batman'' mythos, Gordon is the [[police commissioner]] of Batman's home of [[Gotham City]]. He shares the [[superhero|hero]]’s deep commitment of ridding the dark and corrupt city of crime. In [[Golden Age of Comic Books|Golden]] and [[Silver Age of Comic Books|Silver]] age comics and on the [[Batman (TV series)|1960s ''Batman'' television show]], Gordon fully trusts, and is even somewhat dependent on Batman. In most [[Modern Age of Comic Books|modern]] stories, he is somewhat skeptical of Batman's vigilante method but recognizes the necessity of Batman and the two have a mutual respect and tacit friendship. He was the husband of Barbara Kean Gordon and [[Sarah Essen Gordon]]. Gordon is also the father or adoptive father, depending on the [[continuity (fiction)|continuity]], of [[Barbara Gordon]], the original Batgirl and later Oracle, and James Gordon Jr.

Gordon is an important part of the Batman mythos and has appeared in most other media adaptations of the character.

==Fictional character biography==
===Early characterizations===
In most versions of the ''Batman'' [[mythos]], he is at one point or another depicted as [[Gotham City]]'s [[police commissioner]]. He succeeded Commissioner Grogan in the rank at GCPD. Gordon frequently contacts Batman for help in solving various crimes, particularly those committed by [[supervillain]]s. Because DC Comics [[retcon]]ned its characters' history in the [[1985]] miniseries ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]'', and because of different interpretations in television and film, the details of Gordon's history vary from story to story.

In the original pre-[[Crisis on Infinite Earths|Crisis]] version of his history, Gordon was a [[police]] [[detective]] who initially bitterly resented the mysterious [[vigilante]]'s interference in police business. Although the Batman seemed to fight on the side of [[justice]], his methods and phenomenal track record for stopping crimes and capturing criminals embarrassed the police by comparison. Eventually, Batman met up with Gordon and persuaded the detective that they needed each other's help. Batman was deputized and worked with Gordon as an agent of the law.

===Post-Crisis===
====Batman: Year One====
{{main|Batman: Year One}}
The post-[[Crisis on Infinite Earths|Crisis]] version of the character was introduced in the late-1980s storyline ''[[Batman: Year One]]'', written by [[Frank Miller (comics)|Frank Miller]]. In this version, Gordon was transferred back to the city after spending more than fifteen years in [[Chicago]]. A man of integrity, Gordon found that his only ally against the [[Mafia|mob]]-controlled administration was the Batman. One of the most significant differences in this version is that Batman was never deputized and Gordon's relationship with him was kept out of the public eye whenever possible. It was also added that he was a Special Forces veteran who was more than capable of hand to hand combat.

[[Image:Batman407.png|170px|Cover to ''Batman'' #407, the conclusion to ''Year One''. Art by David Mazzucchelli.|thumb|left]]When Gordon needs to summon Batman, he uses the [[Bat-Signal]], a specially modified [[klieg light|Klieg]] searchlight with a stylized symbol of a [[bat]] placed on it so that it projects a large emblem shaped in Batman's bat insignia on the sky or buildings of Gotham City. Batman often disappears silently when Gordon's back is turned, often while Gordon is in the middle of a rant about legal [[red tape]].

The miniseries ''Gordon of Gotham'' takes place about nearly twenty years prior to the current events of the DC Universe and ten years before coming to Gotham in ''Batman: Year One''. It reveals that Gordon, during his tenure in Chicago, struggled with his wife over conceiving a child while taking university night classes in [[criminology]]. He faces brutality among other officers after uncovering corruption within the force. Later, Gordon uncovers evidence of rigging the mayoral election and brings down two of his fellow officers, which leads to his commissioner recommending to him that he transfer to Gotham quickly.

=====Batman: The Killing Joke=====
In the [[1988]] graphic novel ''[[Batman: The Killing Joke|The Killing Joke]]'', [[Joker (comics)|the Joker]] [[kidnap]]s Gordon after shooting and [[paralysis|paralyzing]] Barbara. He then cages Gordon in the [[freak show]] of an abandoned [[amusement park]] and forces him to look at enlarged photos of his wounded daughter in an effort to drive him [[insane]], thus proving to Batman that even the most grounded, seemingly normal people can lose their minds after having "one bad day." Batman eventually apprehends the Joker and rescues Gordon. Despite the intense [[Psychological trauma|trauma]] he has endured, Gordon's [[sanity]] and [[code of ethics]] is intact; he insists that Batman apprehend the Joker without harming him in order to "show him that our way works."

====No Man's Land====
The [[No Man's Land (comics)|No Man's Land]] storyline took place after Gotham was destroyed by an earthquake and isolated from outside assistance. Inside Gotham, Gordon struggled to maintain order amidst rampant crime. Batman was mysteriously absent for the initial three months, and Gordon felt somewhat betrayed. He forged an uneasy alliance with [[Two-Face]] but was later double-crossed, kidnapped, and put on trial by Two-Face for breaking their "legally-binding" alliance. He escaped punishment, and later met with Batman once again. In this confrontation, Gordon expressed his disgust towards Batman for letting Gotham "fall into ruin". Batman offered to prove his trust by revealing his secret identity, but Gordon refused to look when Batman removed his mask. Eventually their relationship was repaired.

=====The Death of Sarah Essen=====
Gordon fell in love with and married fellow officer [[Sarah Essen Gordon|Sarah Essen]]. However, Essen could not comprehend why Gordon needed Batman so much, which occasionally put a strain on their relationship. Unfortunately, she was fatally shot by the Joker at the end of the ''No Man's Land'' storyline. An enraged Gordon was able to restrain himself from killing Joker, shooting the Joker's knee instead. Not long after this, Gordon was gunned down by a [[crook]] seeking [[revenge]] for a previous arrest. Though seriously injured, he eventually pulled through.

====Retirement====
Gordon [[retire]]d from the police force after having served more than 20 years in it. He remained in Gotham, and occasionally enjoyed nighttime visits from Batman who came to him for company and advice. Commissioner [[Michael Akins]] had taken his position.

After Barbara required surgery to save her life from the [[Brainiac (comics)|Brainiac]] virus, Gordon visited his adopted daughter in [[Metropolis]]. She revealed to him her current role as Oracle, as well as her past as Batgirl. Gordon admitted that he knew of her life as Batgirl, but was pleasantly surprised to know of her career as the computer information broker of the heroes. He is very proud of her accomplishments.

====Return====

As part of DC's "[[One Year Later]]" Gordon has returned to the role of Commissioner; as of the year-long jump he has been back in the job for 3 months. The circumstances behind this are currently unknown, though there have been allusions to extreme corruption within the GCPD. These allusions are supported by events within ''[[Gotham Central]]'', especially involving Detective [[Jim Corrigan]]. Most recently, Gordon survived an attempt on his life by the Joker (''Batman'' #655), who had drugged him with Joker Venom in an attack on the GCPD. He was taken to the hospital in time.

==Gordon and Batman's Identity==

In most versions of the mythos, Gordon is ignorant of Batman's identity, though some fans and writers feel that Gordon is smart enough to solve the puzzle but chooses not to in order to preserve Batman's effectiveness. In the 1966 ''[[Batman (1966 movie)|Batman]]'' theatrical movie, Gordon explicitly states his desire not to know for such a reason. In ''Batman: Year One'', Gordon claims not to see the unmasked Batman well (whom his wife at that time, Barbara, also sees) because he doesn't have his [[glasses]] on. The ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' episode "Over the Edge" ends with a conversation between Commissioner Gordon and Barbara (his daughter not his wife) which implies that Gordon at least knows that Barbara is Batgirl but cannot acknowledge it because that would put him in an uncomfortable legal position. During ''No Man's Land'', Batman attempts to regain Gordon's trust by revealing himself, but Gordon turns his face away, stating that if he wanted to know Batman's identity, he already would.

Likewise, in the 1980s ''Detective Comics'' storyline ''Blind Justice'', the world at large incorrectly supposes Batman is dead and Gordon comments to Bruce Wayne that Batman has earned the right to [[retirement]] if he so desires. He then rather pointedly asks Bruce's advice on whether or not he should reveal that Batman still lives. In ''Batman: Year One'', Gordon suspects early on that Bruce Wayne may be Batman, though he never follows up on his suspicions, although Sarah Essen is correct in her suspicions, even being correct with Bruce's motivation. In Frank Miller's ''[[The Dark Knight Returns]]'', Gordon and Bruce Wayne are portrayed as close friends, with Bruce having revealed his identity to Gordon years ago.

==Family==
===Pre-Crisis===
In Pre-Crisis continuity, James Gordon was the biological father of Anthony "Tony" Gordon and Barbara Gordon (later Batgirl). Originally referred to as a college student, Tony later disappeared while hiding from Communist spies. He was later reunited with his sister Barbara and perished in a battle with the Sino-Supermen. (''Batman Family'' #12, ''Detective Comics'' # 482) [http://www.dcuguide.com/who.php?name=tonygordon]

===Post-Crisis===
In Post-Crisis continuity, there has been no mention of Tony Gordon. James Gordon has a brother, Roger Gordon. James and his wife, Barbara Eileen Gordon, are the parents of a son, James Gordon, Jr. (''Batman'' #404-407) [http://www.dcuguide.com/who.php?name=barbaragordon]

Roger Gordon and his wife, Thelma Gordon, are parents of Barbara "Babs" Gordon (later Batgirl and Oracle). When Babs was 12 or 13, her parents (Roger and Thelma) died. She moved to Gotham City and lived with her uncle, aunt and cousin. Eventually, James and Barbara adopted Babs. However, the couple divorced and James retained custody of Babs, while Barbara moved to Chicago with James, Jr. (''Secret Origins'' #20). Barbara and James, Jr. are rarely mentioned and presumably still reside in Chicago. It has recently been revealed that James had an affair with Thelma, and might be the biological father of Babs. (''Batman: Gotham Knights'' #6)

In one post-crisis story, James and Babs visit the grave of his late wife. However, this story is later retconned when it is revealed that his wife is not dead, but instead they are divorced. James eventually marries Sarah Essen. (''Batman Annual'' #13, ''Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Annual'' #2). Unfortunately, Sarah was murdered by the Joker at the end of the [[No Man's Land (comics)|No Man's Land]] storyline. During the [[One Year Later]] storyline, Gordon makes a slight reference to his ex-wife Barbara "doing well," implying that he keeps tabs on her. Whether Gordon is Barbara's uncle or father in rebooted continuity has not been touched on [[One Year Later]], though the latest arc in Batman Confidential features Batgirl and may touch on this, solicitations claim Gordon to be Batgirl's father,

==Alternate realities==
===''Earth-31''===
James Gordon was referred to in the first issue of the series, ''[[All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder]]. '' He made a full appearance on issue 6, as a police captain, having a conversations with his ex-partner, Sarah Essen, about Batman. He's still married to Barbara Kean Gordon, who is now an alcoholic, and has a son James Jr. Just as other continuities, his daughter, Barbara, who is fifteen, becomes Batgirl. Frank Miller has commented that the series is set in his Dark Knight Universe, which includes all of the Batman works by Frank Miller, therefore Barbara's inclusion confirms that Gordon had two children during ''Batman: Year One.''

He later appears in the limited series ''[[Batman: The Dark Knight Returns]]'', which presents a future where a retiring Gordon not only knows Batman's identity, but is good friends with Bruce Wayne. He then makes a cameo on ''[[Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again]]. '' Now retired, he wrote a book about Batman who was believed to be dead.

===''JLA: Earth 2''===
On the [[JLA: Earth 2|Anti-Matter Earth]], where the evil [[Crime Syndicate|Crime Syndicate of Amerika]] live, James Gordon's counterpart is a crime boss named ''Boss Gordon'', who was an ally to [[Owlman (comics)|Owlman]], and it is implied that he had an affair with Martha Wayne, although this might have been a lie meant to anger Thomas Wayne. Boss Gordon was the city's leading crime boss until his empire was toppled by Batman and Commissioner Thomas Wayne.

===''Batman: Gotham Noir''===
In the Elseworld title set in 1940s Gotham, Jim Gordon is an alcoholic hard-boiled private detective who had left the police force following a failure to solve the dissaperance of a Judge. He is Selina Kyle's former lover and Bruce Wayne's wartime partner.

===''Batman: In Darkest Knight''===
In the Elseworld story [[Batman: In Darkest Knight]], Jim Gordon is an honest cop who distrusts the Green Lantern (who in this reality is Bruce Wayne) because of his near limitless power. Green Lantern comes to him in order to find the identity of [[Joe Chill|the man who killed his parents]] but he rebukes him, later on he relents and goes over the files and narrows it down, but he is then interrupted and killed by [[Sinestro]] who ruptures his heart.

===Unknown===
In [[Lord Havok]] and the [[Extremists (comics)|Extremists]] #3, an alternate version of Gordon, known as Zombie Gordon is featured as part of [[Monarch (comics)|Monarch's]] army. A flesh-hungry beast, Zombie Gordon is kept in line by Bat-Soldier, via a large chain.

==In other media==
===Appearances in film===
====Serials====
[[Image:Talbotgordon.JPG|185px|thumb|right|Lyle Talbot as Commissioner Gordon in the 1949 ''Batman and Robin'' serial.]]

In the [[1949 in film|1949]] 15-episode movie serial ''Batman and Robin'', Commissioner Gordon was portrayed by [[Edward D. Wood, Jr.|Ed Wood]] regular [[Lyle Talbot]].

====Batman====
Commissioner Gordon was in [[Batman (1966)]] in a small role.

====Burton/Schumacher film series====
In the [[1989 in film|1989]] ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'' film, and its three [[sequel]]s, Gordon is portrayed by [[Pat Hingle]]. In the first film, he regards the Batman as a rumor at best and [[vigilante]] at worst, though by the end of the film, he and the citizens of Gotham publicly acknowledge his usefulness, and receive from him the gift of the Bat-signal. In the sequels, Gordon plays only a minimal role compared to his role in other media, but is shown to completely trust Batman and publicly defend him. Although [[Barbara Gordon]] is his daughter in the comics, in the last Schumacher film of the series, ''[[Batman & Robin (film)|Batman & Robin]]'', her name is changed to Barbara Wilson and she is [[Alfred Pennyworth]]'s niece. There are no known women in his life in this series, although his wife appeared with him at the party Bruce Wayne was hosting in ''Batman'' and Poison Ivy seduces him and he gives in, giving her the keys to Police Headquarters in ''Batman & Robin''.

====Nolan film series====
=====''Batman Begins''=====
[[Image:Batman photos oldman.jpg|left|thumb|150px|[[Gary Oldman]] as James Gordon in ''[[Batman Begins]]'' (2005)]]

In the [[2005 in film|2005]] film ''[[Batman Begins]]'' Gordon is portrayed by [[Gary Oldman]]. The film partly concerns Gordon's rise from beat cop to [[Sergeant#Police usage|Sergeant]] and, by the end of the film, Lieutenant. He did his best to comfort the eight-year-old Bruce Wayne after the murder of his parents, when he was a young man, and Wayne later recognizes him as one of the few honest police officers in the city and would always remember his kindness after his parents' death. Seventeen to eighteen years later, after being promoted as a detective-sergeant on the force, while working late on his office, Bruce, wearing a ski-mask, visited Gordon's office, to ask Gordon about Carmine Falcone's criminal operation and the police inability to stop the notorious crimelord. When Bruce threatens Gordon with a common office stapler, which was thought to be a pistol, Bruce suggested that they form an alliance. This is kept secret from all other police officers, with Gordon proving pivotal in Batman's defeat of [[Ra's al Ghul]] by driving the Batmobile to destroy the Gotham monorail tracks and prevent the madman from vaporising the water supply. James Gordon's involvement in saving Gotham results in his promotion to the rank of lieutenant. He developed a Bat-Signal with the department's spare searchlight to summon Batman in times of need. Gordon called the Batman to announce his promotion on the force, his appreciation to the Dark Knight, and also to discuss a criminal whose identity is a mystery. The criminal has committed an armed robbery and double homicide, with an apparent taste for theatrics, leaving a calling card: a '''[[Joker (comics)|Joker]]''' playing card.

Although he does not condone vigilantes, Gordon sees that it is necessary to operate outside of laws in the crime-filled Gotham City, especially since most members of Gotham's police department are mired in corruption. Before the emergence of Batman, he was increasingly jaded and disillusioned of the corruptions around him. The arrival of the Dark Knight gives the police detective the hope he needs to build a better Gotham for his wife and children. After being promoted as a lieutenant, he is determined to clean the department up from within. The detective is still clueless of who Batman is, or that he is one of the people who inspired the Dark Knight to be what he is now.

=====''The Dark Knight''=====
Oldman will reprise his role of Gordon in the sequel ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]''. In the trailer, Gordon is seen destroying the Bat-Signal with a fire axe, presumably on the orders of his superiors as a public denouncement of Batman's vigilante activities. He is forced to risk his friendship with Batman when The Joker creates fake Batmans that bring chaos to the city.

===Animated films===
====''Batman: The Animated Series'' films====
[[Robert Hastings]], who voiced Gordon in ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' and it's follow-up, ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'', reprised his role in the spin-off films, ''[[Batman: Mask of the Phantasm]]'', ''[[Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero]]'', and ''[[Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman]]''.

====''Justice League: The New Frontier''====
In ''[[Justice League: The New Frontier]]'', Gordon makes a cameo appearance in the interogation scene with [[King Faraday]] and [[Martian Manhunter]].

====''Batman: Gotham Knight''====
Gordon's also set to appear in ''[[Batman: Gotham Knight]]'', voiced by [[Jim Meskimen]].

===Television appearances===
====''Batman'' (1960s TV Series)====
[[Image:Commissioner.jpg|185px|thumb|right|[[Neil Hamilton (actor)|Neil Hamilton]] as Commissioner Gordon from [[Batman (1966 film)|''Batman'']].]]

In the [[1960s]] ''[[Batman (TV series)|Batman]]'' series, Gordon was played by [[Neil Hamilton (actor)|Neil Hamilton]], and is portrayed as not only having the Bat-Signal at his disposal, but also an emergency "hotline" telephone that connects directly to the [[Batcave]]. Batman and [[Robin (comics)|Robin]] are regular visitors to his office. The series occasionally made light of his dependence on Batman. In one episode, when Batman is apparently unavailable, he laments that the police will have to solve a case "ourselves".

====''The Batman/Superman Hour''====
Actor [[Ted Knight]] provided the voice of James Gordon in ''[[The Batman/Superman Hour]]''.

====''Super Friends''====
Gordon makes two appearances in ''[[Super Friends]]''. He first appeared in ''[[Challenge of the Superfriends]]'', episode "Superfriends, Rest In Peace", as [[The Riddler]] and [[Cheetah (comics)|Cheetah]] hold Gordon hostage so they can kill Batman with the Noxium Crystal.

The second is in ''[[The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians]]'', episode "The Fear". Along with Jonathan Crane, Gordon is trying to find and arrest [[Scarecrow (comics)|The Scarecrow]]. Gordon and Batman are both unaware that Crane is the Scarecrow.

He did also appeared in some of the comics related to the show.

====''The New Adventures of Batman''====
In [[Filmation]]'s 1977 cartoon series ''[[The New Adventures of Batman]]'', Commissioner Gordon, voiced by [[Lennie Weinrib]], is prominently featured as are Batgirl and [[Bat-Mite]].

====''Batman: The Animated Series''====
[[Image:Commgordon1.jpg|185px|left|thumb|Gordon in ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'']]

In the 1990s ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'', Gordon is voiced by [[Robert Hastings]], and his relationship with Batman was similar to that in the comics, with the alliance largely kept between Batman, Gordon, and [[Harvey Bullock (comics)|Harvey Bullock]]. Many scenes in the series portray Batman and the Commissioner having clandestine meetings at the Bat-signal. A flashback in the episode "[[Robin's Reckoning (Pt. 1)|Robin's Reckoning]]" depicts Gordon as a brown-haired police Lieutenant investigating the murder of Dick Grayson's parents. In the episode "[[What Is Reality? (Batman: The Animated Series)|What Is Reality?]]" Batman must save Gordon's life and outwit [[The Riddler]] in a computer game at the same time.

=====''The New Batman Adventures''=====
Commissioner Gordon also appeared in the follow-up to ''Batman: The Animated Series'', ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]''. In the episode "Over the Edge" Batgirl suffers from [[Scarecrow (comics)|The Scarecrow's]] fear toxins, producing a nightmare where Batgirl dies in battle without telling her father her secret. When Commissioner Gordon finds out, he blames Batman and starts a man hunt against his former ally after discovering his secret identity. After Barbara awakens, she tries to admit her secret to the real Commissioner Gordon, who says that he trusts his daughter with whatever choices she makes and that she doesn't need to tell him anything.

=====''Batman Beyond'' and other DCAU series=====
On a revelation on ''[[Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker]],'' Gordon is one of the few people who knew what happened to [[Robin (Tim Drake)|Robin]] and the Joker on a night at Arkham Asylum, and for the boy's sake, he kept it a secret. This event may also have led Gordon to learn who was under the cape and cowl of Batman. Hastings continues his role as Commissioner Gordon in guest appearances on ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]],'' ''[[Gotham Girls]]'' and ''[[Static Shock]]''. The spinoff show ''[[Batman Beyond]]'' also had Barbara following in her father's footsteps and becoming Gotham's new police commissioner.

====''The Batman''====
[[Image:Gordon 01.jpg|185px|right|thumb|Gordon as he appeared on [[The Batman (TV series)|''The Batman'']].]]

In the animated series ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'', James Gordon is voiced by [[Mitch Pileggi]]. He is depicted as a newly appointed Gotham City police commissioner after an incident involving the Joker, [[Penguin (comics)|the Penguin]], and the Riddler. He ends the manhunt against Batman and goes public with his support for the Batman in order to help make Gotham safer for his daughter, Barbara (who, as in every other incarnation, becomes Batgirl).

A young officer was seen trying to comfort Bruce Wayne after his parents’ murders in a flashback in the episode ''[[Traction (The Batman)|Traction]]'' was seen and following Gordon's introductory episode, ''[[Night and the City (The Batman)|Night and the City]]'', there arose speculation about the officer being a young Gordon, especially after a line by Alfred on how Gordon had "loomed large over [Bruce’s] life.” Former ''The Batman'' producer/character designer [[Jeff Matsuda]], confirmed that while not intended as a tie-in for ''Batman Begins'' (which, as noted above, has a similar scene) that the officer was indeed Gordon.<ref>[http://forums.toonzone.net/showpost.php?p=1902711&postcount=58 Toon Zone Forum - View Single Post - The Batman "Night and The City" Talkback ]</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{The Batman}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gordon, James}}

[[Category:American comics characters]]
[[Category:DC Comics supporting characters]]
[[Category:Fictional detectives]]
[[Category:Fictional police officers]]
[[Category:Fictional Americans]]

[[es:James Gordon]]
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[[fi:James Gordon]]

Batman & Robin (film)

2008-06-25T16:46:18Z

71.182.145.40: /* Legacy */

{{For|the 1949 serial ''Batman and Robin''|Batman and Robin (serial)}}
{{Infobox Film
| name = Batman & Robin
| image = Batman & robin poster.jpg |
| writer = '''Characters:''' [[Bob Kane]] [[Bill Finger]] '''Screenplay:''' [[Akiva Goldsman]]
| starring = [[George Clooney]] [[Chris O'Donnell]] [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] [[Uma Thurman]] [[Alicia Silverstone]]
| director = [[Joel Schumacher]]
| producer = Peter MacGregor-Scott
| music = [[Elliot Goldenthal]]
| cinematography = [[Stephen Goldblatt]]
| editing = [[Dennis Virkler]] [[Mark Stevens]]
| distributor = [[Warner Bros.]]
| released = [[June 20]], [[1997 in film|1997]]
| runtime = 125 minutes
| country = {{UK}} {{USA}}
| language = English
| budget = [[United States dollar|$]]125,000,000
| gross = '''Domestic:''' $107,325,195 '''Worldwide:''' $238,207,122
| music = [[Elliot Goldenthal]]
| awards =
| preceded_by = ''[[Batman Forever]]'' (1995)
| followed by = ''[[Batman Begins]]''
| amg_id = 1:154937
| imdb_id = 0118688
| website = http://www.warnervideo.com/batmanmoviesondvd
}}

'''''Batman & Robin''''' is a [[1997 in film|1997]] film starring [[George Clooney]] as [[Batman]], [[Chris O'Donnell]] returning as [[Robin (comics)|Robin]] and introducing [[Batgirl]] ([[Alicia Silverstone]]), a niece of Bruce Wayne's butler [[Alfred Pennyworth|Alfred]] ([[Michael Gough]]). Michael Gough and [[Pat Hingle]] ([[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner Gordon]]) are the only two people to feature in all four of the original [[Batman (film series)|''Batman'' films]]. The villains in this movie are [[Poison Ivy (comics)|Poison Ivy]], played by [[Uma Thurman]]; [[Mr. Freeze]], played by [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] (who received [[Billing (film)|top billing]] for this film); and [[Bane (comics)|Bane]], played by [[Robert Swenson|Jeep Swenson]]. This is the final film continuity-wise in the original Batman movie franchise (1989-1997), as the franchise's story was re-imagined with [[2005 in film|2005]]'s ''[[Batman Begins]]'' directed by Christopher Nolan.

==Plot==
The film opens with Batman ([[George Clooney]]) and Robin ([[Chris O'Donnell]]) preparing for action. Batman receives a call from [[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner Gordon]] informing him of a new villain that has been referring himself to as "[[Mr. Freeze]]" ([[Arnold Schwarzenegger]]). [[Batman]] and [[Robin (comics)|Robin]] arrive at the museum, where Freeze and his gang are stealing a diamond of exceptional size. Freeze obtains the diamond and attempts to escape while his henchmen delay Batman and Robin. The heroes follow Freeze and eventually recover the diamond. This is short lived as Freeze freezes Robin, again takes the diamond, and taunts Batman with the choice of chasing him or saving Robin. Batman chooses to thaw out Robin.

The scene shifts to South America, where botanist [[Poison Ivy (comics)|Pamela Isely]] ([[Uma Thurman]]) is working under [[Floronic Man|Dr. Jason Woodrue]] ([[John Glover]]). Woodrue refuses to tell her who he is working for, exactly what they are trying to achieve, or how it relates to the formula she has developed to give plants the ability to defend themselves. Snooping, she witnesses Woodrue use her formula to turn a diminutive convict into a hulking monstrosity dubbed "[[Bane (comics)|Bane]]" ([[Jeep Swenson]]). Woodrue discovers her and tries to sway her to his side. When she rebuffs him, he tries to silence her permanently by toppling a shelving unit of poisons on her. This doesn’t kill her, but it does change her physically and mentally. She emerges, to Woodrue’s surprise, as a beautiful seductress who proceeds to list off her other changes, the last being that her "lips are filled with 'Venom'." To prove this, she kisses Woodrue, killing him instantly. She devotes her new life to destroying humanity and recreating the environment, with plants dominating the ecosystem. She proceeds to destroy the lab, but not before deciding to visit Wayne Labs in Gotham City with Bane.

At Wayne Manor, Alfred Pennyworth's ([[Michael Gough]]) niece, [[Media adaptations of Barbara Gordon#Batman & Robin|Barbara Wilson]] ([[Alicia Silverstone]]), makes a surprise visit and is invited by Bruce Wayne to stay until she goes back to school. That night, when she's talking to Alfred, it's explained that her parents died in a car accident and that Alfred was very close to her mother, Margaret, nicknamed "Peg."

Batman and Robin are present at a Flower ball event, in which women are being "auctioned" in order to raise money for Gotham's Botanical Gardens. Everyone's attention, however, is diverted by an individual in a gorilla suit, dancing seductively atop some rocks. The gorilla reveals itself to be [[Poison Ivy (comics)|Poison Ivy]], who uses her pheromone mist to entrance everyone in the hall, including Batman and Robin. To disrupt Batman and Robin's friendship as she attempts by having them argue over her; she then puts herself up for auction, which starts a frenzy of bids. Batman is ultimately the victor, but before he can enjoy his spoils, Freeze bursts in and steals the diamond. Poison Ivy tries to use her mist on him, but because of his condition, he's immune towards it. Freeze then escapes, making Batman and Robin track him and his henchmen. During the process of the chase, Batman prevents Robin from following him, knowing that his [[Redbird (comics)|Redbird]] vehicle will be unable to make a perilous jump. After capturing Freeze, Batman and Robin have a falling-out, with Robin stating that until Bruce learns to trust him, their team will never work.

Freeze, who has been imprisoned in a chamber withing [[Arkham Asylum]], is rescued by Ivy as she disposes of two police guards by giving them her deadly kiss, and the three escape from the prison. At the news, Batman and Robin rush to Freeze's hideout, to find that he's no longer there. They enter in a room where Freeze's wife is being held and learn about her disease symptom. During a confrontation with Ivy's henchmen, Bane, Ivy uses the distractions to seduce both Batman and Robin. Though, Ivy proceeds and comes close to seducing Robin, in which she comes close to kissing him, only for Batman to reveal Ivy's deadly ability. Robin then becomes frustrated with Batman, in which he then starts a fight with him. While in their argument, Ivy and Bane manage to escape. Before escaping from the factory, Ivy, who is informed by Freeze to rescue his wife, disconnects the cryogenic chamber, because she believes she is the dominant woman. At Ivy's hideout, she is confronted by Freeze of the whereabouts of his wife. Ivy, however, informs him that Batman has deactivated her, thus resulting in Ivy and Freeze teaming up and in planning to destroy Gotham, along with the rest of the world.

In the sky a Robin signal appears in the sky, in which it has been altered by Ivy, when she and Bane stole the [[Bat-Signal]] from the police headquarters to change the Bat insignia to a Robin. Witnessing this, Wayne informs Dick about Ivy's trues intentions and asking him to trust him. Robin locates the signal and asking Ivy of Freeze's intentions towards the city. Ivy reveals of Freeze's plans and persuades to kill Robin, after she kisses him. Though, Robin reveals that he's wearing rubber lips, immune to the toxic effects of her kiss, she angrily, traps Robin, followed by Batman, who appears shortly thereafter. As Ivy tries to run-off, she is confronted by a young, costumed girl, who appears and begins a fight with Ivy. The fight ultimately leads with Ivy getting trapped by giant leaves. Shortly after, Batman and Robin both escape from their traps. The girl dressed in a female version of the Batsuit, then proceeds to inform them that she's [[Batgirl]] and revealing that she's Barbara and knows the location of the [[Batcave]]. The three of them decide to go after Freeze together. By the time they get to the lab where Freeze and Bane are, Gotham is completely frozen. Batgirl and Robin have a confrontation with Bane, in which the fight leads to Robin pulling the tube off Bane's mask and releasing the venom, turning him back to the scrawny man that he was.

Batman and Freeze begin to fight each other, with Freeze still thinking that Batman was the one who killed his wife. Batman wins the fight, as Batgirl and Robin unfreeze Gotham. Batman shows Freeze a recording of Ivy during her fight with Batgirl; it shows Ivy telling Batgirl that she was the one who pulled the plug. Freeze is angered by the betrayal and is informed by Batman that his wife isn't dead; she's restored in
cryogenic slumber. Batman proceeds to ask Freeze for the cure Freeze has created for the first stage of McGregor's Syndrome, the syndrome that Freeze's wife is suffering, for a friend (Alfred) who's dying. Freeze hands Batman two glowing power tubes of the medicine. At the manor, Batman attaches the tubes to Alfred's life support, and he, Dick, and Barbara watch on. Ivy is shown imprisoned in Arkham and Freeze walks in, informing her that he's her new cellmate and intends to make her life a living hell for almost killing his wife. The next morning, Alfred wakes up and tells Bruce, Dick, and Barbara that he feels fine. Everyone agrees to let Barbara stay at the mansion, and the three of them agree to work together, fighting crime; Alfred remarks that they'll need a bigger cave. The movie ends with Batman, Robin, and Batgirl running in front of the Bat-Signal.

==Cast==
*'''[[George Clooney]]''' as '''[[Batman|Bruce Wayne / Batman]]'''<ref>[http://www.dvdactive.com/reviews/dvd/batman-and-robin.html Through archive footage, Clooney provides a few comments that undermine the origins of the character which entirely vindicate my dissatisfaction over his casting.]</ref> The crime-fighting protagonist of the franchise. Batman, along with Robin and Batgirl, take on two villains: Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy. However, Batman is facing an argument with Robin feeling he can take on villains without him. Until the end, he realizes Robin is family and ask for his help to defeat their evil foes threating Gotham City. Meanwhile, Bruce is trying to help his ill butler back to health.
*'''[[Chris O'Donnell]]''' as '''[[Dick Grayson|Richard "Dick" Grayson / Robin]]''' Batman's sidekick is shown as an apparent amalgamation between the characters of Robin and [[Nightwing]]. He is also depicted as being unhappy in his role as somewhat of a second fiddle, and shows a weakness for Poison Ivy's beauty, as he gives in to her sexual advances, even after he knows she is evil.
*'''[[Arnold Schwarzenegger]]''' as '''[[Mr. Freeze|Doctor Victor Fries / Mr. Freeze]]''' Before coming Mr. Freeze, he started of as a brilliant scientist named Victor Frees. However during his studies, he falls into cold water. He survives although his whole body is only adaptable to ice. At the same time, his wife falls ill and in order to keep her alive, he puts her in a tank of water wearing an ice crystal. After teaming up with Poison Ivy, he vows to freeze Gotham City. This version was prone to making puns related to cold weather and temperatures.<ref name="cracked">Swaim, Michael. [http://www.cracked.com/article_15665_7-least-faithful-comic-book-movies.html "The 7 Least-Faithful Comic Book Movies"]. Cracked.com.</ref>
*'''[[Uma Thurman]]''' as '''[[Poison Ivy (comics)|Doctor Pamela Isley / Poison Ivy]]''' Before her start as a villainess, Poison Ivy started out as Dr. Pamela Isley, an employee to Doctor Jason Woodrue, in South America. But after he creates Bane, he asks for her to. She refuses making her boss throw toxic poison chemicals on her. Isley dies, but moments later, she resurrects as Poison Ivy and kills Woodrue with a kiss full of poison. Ivy destroys the lab escaping with Bane and goes to Gotham City and teams up with Mr. Freeze to freeze the city while ruining the partnership of Batman and Robin.
*'''[[Alicia Silverstone]]''' as '''[[Batgirl#Adaptations_in_other_media|Barbara Wilson / Batgirl]]''' A new interpretation of the Batgirl character, who in this film is the niece of [[Alfred Pennyworth]], unlike the comics where she was depicted as the daughter of [[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner Gordon]].
*'''[[Michael Gough]]''' as '''[[Alfred Pennyworth]]''' Bruce Wayne's faithful butler, often a father figure to both Bruce and Dick. Alfred is dying from MacGregor's Syndrome which is the same illness Freeze's wife is suffering at the same time. While sick, he prepares her niece, Barbara, with a suit so she can fight along Batman and Robin. After Batman defeats Mr. Freeze, Freeze gives him two tubes of medicine to help heal his dying butler.
*'''[[Pat Hingle]]''' as '''[[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner Gordon]]''' The head of [[Gotham City Police Department|police in Gotham City]].
*'''[[Elle Macpherson]]''' as '''[[Julie Madison]]''' The love interest of Bruce Wayne.
*'''[[Robert Swenson|Jeep Swenson]]''' as '''[[Bane (comics)|Antonio Diego / Bane]]''' Rather than being the devious, intelligent villain of the comics, Bane is a mindless thug who serves as the sidekick and protector of [[Poison Ivy (comics)|Poison Ivy]], and is barely even capable of speech.<ref name="cracked" />
*'''[[John Glover (actor)|John Glover]]''' as '''[[Floronic Man|Doctor Jason Woodrue]]''' Woodrue is a mad scientist who created Bane and accidentally transforms Pamela Isley into Poison Ivy. He is the first victim of Ivy's poison kiss, after he witnesses her transform from the unattractive nerd she was before to the amazingly sexy seductress. He gives into her advances, and is killed because of it.
===Cameos===
*[[Vivica A. Fox]] as the only female member of [[Mr. Freeze]]'s gang.
*[[Jesse Ventura]] as a security guard in [[Arkham Asylum]].
*[[Coolio]] and [[Nicky Katt]] appear in the bike racing scenes.
*Elizabeth Sanders (wife of Batman co-creator [[Bob Kane]]) reprising her role of Gossip Gerty from ''[[Batman Forever]]''.
*[[Vendela Kirsebom]] as the [[cryopreservation|cryogenically frozen]] [[Nora Fries]].

==Development==
Given the success of ''[[Batman Forever]]'', a sequel was planned, with [[Joel Schumacher]], [[Val Kilmer]], and [[Chris O'Donnell]] set to return. [[Poison Ivy (comics)|Poison Ivy]] was earmarked as the next villain and [[Julia Roberts]] was reported as a suitable candidate.<ref>{{cite news| author=Erica K. Cardozo and Chris Nashawaty | title= Batman Versus The Dinos| publisher=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=[[1995-08-25]]| url = http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,298553,00.html| accessdate=2007-09-17}}</ref>

[[Akiva Goldsman]], who had co-written the screenplay to ''Batman Forever'' was hired to write the script. With the perceived success of ''Batman Forever'' towards a "kid-friendly" audience, [[Warner Bros.]] sought for the sequel to include even more material geared towards that audience.<ref name="cracked" />

In [[1996#February|February 1996]], [[Val Kilmer]] decided not to return for a sequel, feeling (much as [[Michael Keaton]] had when he vacated the role) that Batman was being marginalized in favor of the villains.<ref name=tight>{{cite news| title= A Tights Squeeze| publisher=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=[[1996-03-08]]| url = http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,291605,00.html| accessdate=2007-09-17}}</ref> Kilmer went on to do ''[[The Saint (film)|The Saint]]'' with a salary of $6 million (triple the amount of his contract for ''Batman Forever'').<ref name=tight>A Tights Sqeeze</ref> When asked why he didn't return for a fourth installment, Kilmer said he liked the characterization of [[Simon Templar]] better than [[Batman|Bruce Wayne]]. Kilmer commented "Simon is a literary character who uses his wit, and not violence. Batman is a real screwed-up guy who has hustled an entire city, and now he's running around in a cape. What's it all about?"<ref>{{cite news| title= Striking Out At Bat| publisher=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=[[1997-04-18]]| url = http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,287563,00.html| accessdate=2007-09-17}}</ref>

Days later, [[George Clooney]] signed on to take over the part. Clooney was signed for three films, with a contract totaling $28 million.<ref name="tight" /> Clooney backed out of the long-in-development [[The Green Hornet|Green Hornet]] motion picture in order to star in ''Batman & Robin''.<ref>{{cite news| title= Hornet's Best| publisher=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=[[1996-05-03]]| url = http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,292349,00.html| accessdate=2007-09-17}}</ref>

[[Batgirl]] was finally introduced in the franchise and [[Gwyneth Paltrow]] was the first choice for the role. Paltrow declined the role however. [[Kristin Chenoweth]] was considered next for the role but she declined as well. [[Alicia Silverstone]] was finally cast for the role of Batgirl. For this movie, she was named Barbara Wilson and was the niece of [[Alfred Pennyworth]] rather than the [[Barbara Gordon|daughter]] of [[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner Gordon]] as in the comics.<ref name="signal">{{cite news| author=Jeff Gordinier | title= Bat Signal| publisher=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=[[1995-12-15]]| url = http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,299916,00.html| accessdate=2007-09-17}}</ref>

[[Julia Roberts]] (as previously mentioned), [[Demi Moore]], and [[Sharon Stone]] were all considered for the role of Poison Ivy. Moore turned down the role and it is speculated that Roberts did as well.<ref name="signal" /> In [[1996#March|March 1996]], [[Uma Thurman]] was cast in the part.<ref>{{cite news| author=Jessica Shaw | title= Gen X Marks The Bat| publisher=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=[[1996-03-08]]| url = http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,291557,00.html| accessdate=2007-09-17}}</ref> [[Anthony Hopkins]], [[Patrick Stewart]], and [[Ben Kingsley]] were all considered for the role of [[Mr. Freeze]], though ultimately [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] was cast because Joel Schumacher decided that Mr. Freeze must be "big and strong like he was chiseled out of a glacier".<ref name=signal/> [[Sylvester Stallone]] and [[Hulk Hogan]] were considered for the role of Mr. Freeze if Arnold Schwarzenegger had not wanted to play the character.<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118688/trivia Batman & Robin (1997) - Trivia]</ref>

==Reception==
Published financial figures indicate that the movie was made on a budget of $125 million.<ref name="Box Office Mojo">{{cite web | title=Batman and Robin | work=Box Office Mojo | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=batmanrobin.htm | accessmonthday=June 20 | accessyear=2005}}</ref> ''Batman & Robin'' opened at #1 at the box office, and had an opening weekend of $42,872,605 in 2,934 theaters averaging $14,612 per venue, which were two of its very few successes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/9706/22/box.office/index.html|title=Holy Tickets, Batman|accessdate=2008-05-23|date=1997-06-22|publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref> However, over time, its popularity slipped, (possibly when put in competition with ''[[The Lost World: Jurassic Park]]'', another summer film, which became a huge financial success) and the film collected only $107,325,195 domestically — less than any other Batman film — and $130,881,927 abroad, for a total worldwide gross of $238,207,122, but still covering the film's budget.<ref name="Box Office Mojo"/>

Despite its moderate box-office success, the film was not [[film criticism|critically]] successful. It was mocked for the poor script, and overextending the [[Camp (style)|campy]] attitude, comprising the smirky one-liners and ludicrous stunts of its predecessor, ''[[Batman Forever]]''.<ref>[http://movies.aol.com/movie-photo/worst-movie-sequels?NCID=aoltop00180000000014 "Worst Movie Sequels"]. Moviefone.</ref> Author Mark S. Reinhart said, "The combination of ''Batman & Robin'''s terrible script, ridiculous costuming, garish sets, uninspired direction, etc. made the film into the appalling dump heap that it is".<ref name = "kfseir">[http://www.batman-on-film.com/historyofthebatman_burton_schumacher2.html "The Burton/Schumacher Series," Part 2]</ref> In his [[review]] of the film, critic [[Leonard Maltin]] found that "the 'story' often makes no sense" and that the "action and effects are loud, gargantuan, and ultimately numbing".

The film was derisively dubbed ''Batman on Ice'' by critics for a scene in which Batman and Robin inexplicably have retractable ice skates in their boots while battling Mr. Freeze's henchmen on an icy floor in the opening sequence.<ref name="bond">Bond, Jeff. [http://www.filmscoremonthly.com/articles/1997/27_Jun---Batman_on_Ice!.asp Batman on Ice!]. ''Film Score Monthly''. June 27, 1997. Retrieved June 20, 2005.</ref><ref>Rainer, Peter. [http://www.dallasobserver.com/issues/1997-06-19/film/film.html Batman on ice]. ''[[Dallas Observer]]''. June 19, 1997. Retrieved June 20, 2005.</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.filmvault.com/filmvault/austin/b/batmanrobin.html | title = Batman & Robin | publisher = [[The Austin Chronicle]] |date=1997-06-20 | accessdate = 2005-06-20 }}</ref> [[George Clooney]] was severely embarrassed himself, by the film, saying "I think we might have killed the franchise."<ref name="Boston Globe">{{cite web | title=Batman and Robin | work=Boston Globe | url=http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2005/06/12/behind_the_masks/?page=1 | accessmonthday=May 17 | accessyear=2006}}</ref> Clooney has said he would personally refund the money of any fan he meets who paid to see the movie.<ref name="Boston Globe"/> On the special edition DVD of ''Batman & Robin'', (in a featurette entitled "Batman Unbound"),<ref name="unbound"/> [[Chris O'Donnell]] compared his experiences on making ''Batman Forever'' to his experiences on making ''Batman & Robin'' by saying "When I made ''Batman Forever'', I felt like I was making a movie. When I made ''Batman & Robin'', I felt like I was making a toy commercial."<ref name="unbound">{{cite video | title = Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight-Batman Unbound| format = DVD | publisher = [[Warner Brothers]] | year = 2005}}</ref>

Yet another reason as to why the film was ridiculed by critics and fans alike was because of the pun-ridden dialogue, which mainly came from the two main villains of the film, Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy. Some of the most criticized portions of the dialogue were Mr. Freeze's ice puns,<ref>{{cite web|first=Michael|last=Swaim|url=http://www.cracked.com/article_15665_7-least-faithful-comic-book-movies.html|title=The 7 Least-Faithful Book Movies|accessdate=2008-06-17|publisher=Cracked.com}}</ref> such as 'You won't send me to the cooler!' and 'Hey, everybody! Chill!' Lines such as these were seen as something of a lowlight in the Batman universe.<ref>{{cite web|first=Janet|last=Maslin|url=http://www.nytimes.com/library/film/batman-film-review.html|title=Batman and Robin|quote=In other words they're a lot smarter than, say, Mr. Freeze, whose deadliest weapon in the film is an arsenal of har-har puns. Like: "I'm afraid my condition has left me cold to your pleas!" And: "You are not sending me to the cooler!|accessdate=2008-05-23|date=1997-06-20|work=[[New York Times]]}}</ref>

[[Uma Thurman]]'s performance in the film received mainly negative reviews, and critics made comparisons between her and actress [[Mae West]].<ref name="bond" /> ''[[The New York Times]]'' wrote, "like Mae West, she mixes true femininity with the winking womanliness of a drag queen." A similar comparison was made by the ''[[Houston Chronicle]]'': "Thurman, to arrive at a ’40s femme fatale, sometimes seems to be doing Mae West by way of [[List of Who Framed Roger Rabbit characters#Jessica Rabbit|Jessica Rabbit]]."

Director [[Joel Schumacher]] has admitted to not being proud of his work,<ref name="cracked" /> On [[October 18]] [[2005]], Warner Bros. released a DVD of the movie with a director's commentary.<ref name="dvd release">{{cite web|first=Jen|last=Chaney|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/20/AR2005102000655_pf.html|title=Caped Crusaders on Call|accessdate=2008-06-17|date=2005-10-21|work=[[Washington Post]]}}</ref> On it, Schumacher said he was compelled to put in gadgets that could be adapted into a toy line, and that he went too far trying to make the movie more kid-friendly than the previous films. He defended [[screenwriter]] [[Akiva Goldsman]], saying, "If you don't like the film, blame the director."<ref name="dvd release"/>

Executive producer [[Michael Uslan]] said, "In my estimation - you're not making movies, you're making two-hour infomercials for toys.<ref name="cracked" /> And that's sad. Because, if a filmmaker is allowed to just go out and make a great film, I believe you will sell toys anyway".<ref name = "kfseir"/>

The movie ranked "#1 Worst Superhero Movie" on an MSN Movies article describing "The Best Superhero Movies".<ref>[http://movies.msn.com/movies/superhero Msn Movies - Best Superhero Movies]</ref> The film critic aggregate site [[Rotten Tomatoes]] in 2007 listed the film 88th of 94 comic book movies.<ref>[http://www.rottentomatoes.com/features/special/2007/comic/?r=88&mid=1077027 Rotten Tomatoes]</ref>

In his book ''[[Mike Nelson's Movie Megacheese]]'', [[Michael J. Nelson]], referring to the film's poor reputation, clarified that it was not the worst film ever, but the worst ''thing'' ever, on a scale encompassing everything in existence instead of simply films. Later, Nelson would team up with fellow ''[[Mystery Science Theater 3000|MST3K]]'' alumni [[Bill Corbett]] and [[Kevin Murphy (actor)|Kevin Murphy]] to record an audio commentary track for the film under the [[RiffTrax]] label, citing that the film was "The single most requested movie on the forum." Unlike previous works, this track took the novel approach of being written entirely by RiffTrax fans.<ref>[http://rifftrax.com/rifftrax/batman-and-robin Rifftrax.com - Batman & Robin]</ref>

==Legacy==
Following the film's poor critical and commercial reception, the Batman movie franchise was put on hold for nearly eight years. Warner Bros. launched a new series in [[2005 in film|2005]], with the successful ''[[Batman Begins]]'', an [[origin story]] film with no continuity to the Burton and Schumacher movies.<ref name="Ebert"/> The role of the Dark Knight went to the much younger [[Christian Bale]] (who incidentally auditioned for Robin in ''Batman Forever''),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.notstarring.com/actors/bale-christian/|title=Not Starring: Roles turned down by Christian Bale|accessdate=2008-05-23|publisher=Not Starring}}</ref> who was widely praised for his performance.<ref name="Ebert">{{cite web|first=Roger|last=Ebert|url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050613/REVIEWS/50525003/1023 |title=Batman Begins review|accessdate=2008-05-23|date=2005-06-13|work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]}}</ref> Joel Schumacher was originally to make a sequel to ''Batman & Robin'' named '''''Batman Triumphant'''''.<ref name="Triumphant">{{ cite news | first=Brian | last=Linder | url=http://movies.ign.com/articles/034/034018p1.html | title=Rumblings From Gotham | publisher=IGN | date=2000-07-27 |accessdate=2008-05-23 }}</ref> ''Batman Triumphant'' was originally scheduled to come out around [[1999 in film|1999]]-[[2001 in film|2001]], but since the film ''Batman & Robin'' did so poorly at the box office in 1997, they decided to call off the whole idea before ''Batman & Robin'' was even out of theaters.<ref name="Triumphant"/> ''Batman Triumphant'' was originally supposed to star George Clooney as Batman and Chris O'Donnel as Robin/Nightwing, both actors reprising their lead roles.<ref>{{ cite news | first=Dave | last=Karger | url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,288644,00.html | title=Big Chill | publisher=Entertainment Weekly | date=[[1997-07-11]] | accessdate=2006-11-13 }}</ref> The villains were going to be the [[Scarecrow (comics)|Scarecrow]] (played by either [[Jeff Goldblum]], [[Steve Buscemi]], [[Christopher Lloyd]], or [[Nicolas Cage]]) and [[Harley Quinn]], who would have been the ''daughter'' of the Joker. Also, [[Jack Nicholson]] was rumored to come back as the [[Joker (comics)|Joker]] in a dream sequence.<ref name="Triumphant"/>

{{details|Batman (film series)#Batman Triumphant}}

In addition, '''[[Batman: DarKnight]]''' was also pitched to the studio. This script also featured Scarecrow, and also contained [[Man-Bat]]. Like ''Batman Triumphant'', this was canceled due to the failure of Batman & Robin.

==Home video==
[[Image:BatmanMPA.jpg|thumb|left|The ''Batman Motion Picture Anthology'']]
''Batman & Robin'' was released on [[VHS]] and [[Laserdisc]] in October 1997.<ref name="walmart"/><ref>{{cite web|first=Susan|last=King|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/13734867.html?dids=13734867:13734867&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Aug+28%2C+1997&author=SUSAN+KING&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Home+Video%3B+Summer+Movie+Hits+Will+Go+Home+in+the+Fall%3B+'Batman+%26+Robin%2C'+'Men+in+Black'+and+'The+Lost+World'+are+among+the+many+titles+due+on+video.&pqatl=google|title=Home Video; Summer Movie Hits Will Go Home in the Fall; 'Batman & Robin,' 'Men in Black' and 'The Lost World' are among the many titles due on video|accessdate=2008-06-19|date=1997-08-28|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> It was also given a "bare bones" DVD release in 1999, devoid of extra features.<ref name="walmart">{{cite web|url=http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=1079233|title=Batman & Robin DVD info|accessdate=2008-06-17|publisher=Walmart.com}}</ref> The main menu featured background music while the only [[DVD-Video#Other features|extra feature]] was a synopsis of the film.<ref name="walmart"/> In 2005, Warner Bros. released a two-disc special edition set of all four Burton-Schumacher films in ''[[Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology]]''.<ref name="dvd release"/>

==Soundtrack==
{{main|Batman & Robin (soundtrack)}}
Despite the overwhelming negative publicity the film received, its [[soundtrack]] became very popular and was well received. The soundtrack included songs by [[R. Kelly]], [[Arkarna]], [[Jewel (singer)|Jewel]], [[The Goo Goo Dolls]], [[Bone Thugs-n-Harmony]] and [[The Smashing Pumpkins]], whose song "[[The End Is the Beginning Is the End]]" rolled over the movie's closing credits. Three songs from the soundtrack became top-ten hits in the United States; [[Jewel (singer)|Jewel's]] contribution, a radio-mix version of "Foolish Games", as well as [[Bone Thugs-n-Harmony|Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's]] "[[Look into My Eyes]]", and [[R. Kelly|R. Kelly's]] "Gotham City". There was never an official release of [[Elliot Goldenthal]]'s score to the film, aside from the brief suite on the song album, but bootleg copies are in fairly wide circulation.

{{-}}
==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
* {{imdb title|id=0118688|title=Batman & Robin}}
* {{rotten-tomatoes|id=1077027|title=Batman & Robin}}
* {{mojo title|id=batmanrobin|title=Batman & Robin}}
* [http://thatguywiththeglasses.com/videolinks/nostalgia-critic/34-nostalgia-critic/234-batman-and-robin Nostalgia Critic's review of Batman & Robin]

{{wikiquote|Batman & Robin (1997 film)}}

{{Batman in popular media}}
{{DC Comics films}}
{{1989-1997 Batman film series}}
{{Joel Schumacher}}

[[Category:Warner Bros. films]]
[[Category:1997 films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Joel Schumacher]]
[[Category:Sequel films]]
[[Category:English-language films]]
[[Category:Batman films]]
[[Category:American films]]

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Clock King

2008-06-25T15:34:00Z

71.182.145.40: /* Batman: The Animated Series */ - Who ever said that?

{{cleanup-tense|October 2007}}
{{Infobox superhero 
| character_name = Clock King
| image =
| caption =
| publisher = [[DC Comics]]
| debut = ''[[World's Finest Comics]]'' #111 (August 1960)
| creators =France Herron (writer) [[Lee Elias]] (artist)
| alter_ego = William Tockman
| full_name =
| species = 
| homeworld = 
| alliances = [[Injustice League]] [[Justice League]] Time Foes [[Suicide Squad]]
| partners = 
| supports = 
| aliases = King Clock
| powers = absolute time sense uses clock-related gadgetry
}}

'''Clock King''' is a title used by two [[fictional character]]s, [[supervillain]]s published by [[DC Comics]]. The first Clock King debuted in ''[[World's Finest Comics]]'' #111 (August 1960), and was created by France Herron and [[Lee Elias]].

==Publication history==
The first Clock King was originally an enemy of [[Green Arrow]], but has become more identified by his appearances in ''[[Justice League International]]'' and ''[[Suicide Squad]]'', and subsequent adaptations in ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]''. He has no super-powers or abilities other than an absolute sense of time and timing. Clock King is a master planner and sometimes uses [[clock]]-themed gadgetry. He wears a clock mask, a cape, and a blue suit with clock drawings on it.

== Fictional character biography ==
===William Tockman===
Born '''William Tockman''', Clock King took dutiful care of his [[invalid]] sister, when one day he found out from a doctor's visit that he himself only had six months to live. Despairing for his sister's future, he watched the timing of a local bank's vault in order to rob it, hoping the money would provide for his sister after he was gone. His caper would have gone successfully, had he not tripped a silent alarm and was then caught by the Green Arrow.

While he was incarcerated, his sister died without him. In further hideous irony, Tockman discovered that he really wasn't ill and was not going to die in the next six months: his doctor had accidentally switched his papers with those of another patient. Infuriated, he escaped, later futilely attempting revenge on the Green Arrow.

The Clock King later went on to join [[Major Disaster]]'s [[Injustice League]], which became [[Justice League Antarctica]]. This JLA would include G'Nort, who ends up saving the lives of the entire team. Like his compatriots, Clock King became an ardent supporter of [[Maxwell Lord]], partly due to the fact he was the only one willing to hire them. His group even guards Lord when he was incapacitated due to a bullet wound. Originally, they are not trusted by the authorities but the [[Martian Manhunter]], spying, decides they are perfect bodyguards.

Later, Clock King would lead his own, separate team of villains in a mission. They consist of Radiant, Sharpe, [[Acidia]] and Crackle. They are not as well-organized as even the Injustice League. For example, Crackle still lives with his mother and they have to take the bus to their fight. It takes place at a Metropolist toy store. They end up fighting one of the many incarnations of the [[Teen Titans]], the heroes [[Booster Gold]] & [[Firehawk (comics)|Firehawk]] and DEO agent [[Cameron Chase]]. An unclear super-effect from Chase ultimately neutralizes Clock's team and they are all imprisoned. Clock himself escapes on another bus.

==== Death ====

Later, Clock's friends are transformed into the new [[Suicide Squad]]. They were sent to a remote research facility where a genetic monstrosity was holding its creator hostage. Its main defense were spawned "children" that could explode. During the mission, most of the team were seemingly killed, including Clock King, who was shot repeatedly in a retreat attempt. He is seen still alive after his brutal wounds but in the end, [[Major Disaster]] believes he is the only one who survives. It turns out [[Cluemaster]], shot in a similar manner as Clock King, survives, albeit with drastic scarring. (''Suicide Squad'' (2nd series) #1).

Clock King was not seen for a period of time after ''[[Infinite Crisis]]''. In an issue of ''[[52 (comic book)|52]]'', one character decided to kill all the time-travelers, and mentioned someone "ending up like [[Time Commander (comics)|Time Commander]] and Clock Queen". Whether or not Clock Queen is connected to Clock King is unknown.

=== Second Clock King===
A new Clock King appears in ''[[Teen Titans]]'' #56 as the head of a team of legacy villains named the [[Terror Titans]]. In an interview with Teen Titans writer Sean McKeever, he described this Clock King as "...Very smart. He sees things differently than others."<ref>[http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=144154 Sean Mckeever On The Terror Titans - Newsarama]</ref> It has not been confirmed if this Clock King has any relationship to any previous "Clock" iteration. His costume is similar to the suit worn by the Clock King seen in ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'', although with clock faces on the tie and lapel as well as the lenses of his glasses. After his group defeats and captures [[Kid Devil]], Clock King conditions the hero to be sold as a fighter to a group called "The Dark Side Club".

== Powers and abilities ==
===Original===
*The original Clock King had no metahuman powers or abilities, although he is athletic and extraordinarily punctual. He also has no special weapons, using only his clock gimmick and elaborate costume to stand out.
*However, his animated incarnation, see below, made more use of his time skills. For example, he knew exactly how much time it took Batman to throw a punch thus allowing him to dodge a punch every time. Later, he used his skills as an [[efficiency expert]] to coordinate a successful raid on the [[Justice League Watchtower]].
===Current===
*The new Clock King has the always-active ability to see what is about to happen approximately 4.6692 seconds into the future, allowing him to anticipate an opponent's every move.<ref>Teen Titans #59</ref> He is also a technological genius, creating devices such as teleporters, communications jamming equipment, and even an anti-gravity platform, all of them modelled after timepieces.

== Other media ==
=== Batman (1960s show) ===
[[Image:B60s-Clocking.jpg|180px|right|thumb|[[Walter Slezak]] as the Clock King in the 1960s ''Batman'' show]]
The [[Batman (TV series)|1960s Batman TV series]] saw The Clock King portrayed by the late [[Walter Slezak]] in the Season two consecutive episodes, ''"The Clock King's Crazy Crimes"'' and ''"The Clock King Gets Crowned"'', aired on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] October 12 and 13, 1966.

The two-parter was written by Batman creator [[Bill Finger]] and [[Charles Sinclair]] and directed by [[James Neilson]]. In the episode, disguised as a pop artist, Clock King tries to rob a gallery of a time-related surrealist painting. The ''"Dynamic Duo"'' are stuffed into the bottom of an oversized hourglass, stripped of their utility belts, and left to be drowned in sand as Clock King plots to filch Bruce Wayne's collection of antique pocket watches (only for the duo to later escape the trap). Later in the episode, he starts his masterplan, to steal the atomic powered [[Cesium clock]]. He wore a black cape and a top-hat with a clock inside it. He had many weapons, "Super slick watch oil", "Knock out gas", "Super sonic sound".

=== Batman: The Animated Series ===
In ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' the Clock King was recreated as '''Temple Fugate''', the name being a play on the Latin phrase '[[tempus fugit]],' meaning 'time flies.' The character first appears in the episode "[[The Clock King (Batman: The Animated Series)|The Clock King]]" and later returns in the episode "[[Time Out of Joint (Batman: The Animated Series)|Time Out of Joint]]". He was voiced by [[Alan Rachins]].

[[Image:TempleFugate.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Temple Fugate/The Clock King in ''Batman: The Animated Series'']]
In ''The Clock King'', Temple Fugate is a head of a [[time and motion study]] consulting company who is being sued for everything. Fugate is an odd, lonely man obsessed with time and punctuality. His every waking moment is pre-planned, on a "to do" list broken down into precise blocks. When urged by a pre-mayor [[Hamilton Hill (comics)|Hamilton Hill]] to take a coffee break later than usual, Fugate initially refuses, as he does not want to ruin his schedule. After insistence by Hill, Fugate takes the coffee break. During the break, just when Fugate starts to relax, everything that could go wrong does, as Fugate loses documents and is late for his court appointment. In return for being late, the judge throws the case out, Fugate unjustly loses the case with no trial, and loses millions in his company. Fugate swears revenge on Hamilton Hill and later finds out that Hill's firm was the plaintiff for the court date Fugate was late for (though Hill apparently had nothing to do with that case). However, Fugate later claims that Hill's real crime on him {Fugate} was making him late.

Seven years later, Fugate becomes the Clock King, using his keen knowledge of the element of time, he turns to a life of crime and revenge. His first attempt to kill Mayor Hill ends in a climatic battle with Batman inside the wheels of a clock tower, which Fugate accidentally jams with his clock-hand-like sword. The machinery collapses, Fugate disappears in the fray, and is presumed killed much to the doubts of Batman and Commissioner Gordon.

In ''Time Out of Joint'', however, Fugate returns unharmed, now armed with a device he uses to travel at near-light speed (stolen from a scientist for whom he works as a butler by the name "Harold"). This time, Fugate plants a bomb at Mayor Hill's speech, planning to blow it up and kill dozens of people. But Batman and Robin, having learned Fugate's secret from the scientist, use a similar device to slow down the bomb's explosion while throwing it into the river. Fugate, his plans foiled, tries to escape, but Robin catches him and destroys the device, rendering him unable to flee. He is then arrested.

This Clock King commonly dresses in a [[three-piece suit]] and [[bowler hat]], with a [[pocket watch]] and glasses resembling clock faces. Though lacking superpowers of his own, he proved to be a formidable opponent for Batman after having studied and learned his every move from news footage.

The Clock King also makes an appearance in a [[2004]] ''[[Batman Adventures]]'' comic. In the ''Batman Adventures'' comic, he got his revenge on Hill by rigging the mayoral election so that it seemed that Oswald C. Cobblepot ([[The Penguin]]) had won the election.

=== Justice League Unlimited ===
The Clock King (Fugate) also appeared in a ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'' episode ''[[Task Force X#Depiction in other media|Task Force X]]'' where he served as a planner and tactician in the "[[Suicide Squad]]" who guided the team with strict clockwork efficiency. He was again voiced by [[Alan Rachins]].

It's later implied (and confirmed by producers) in ''[[Epilogue_%28Justice_League_Unlimited%29|Epilogue]]'' that he remained a colleague of [[Amanda Waller]]'s after the Suicide Squad incident and was hired by her for a specific job in ensuring Batman's legacy lived "beyond" Bruce's eventual retirement. Fugate only has a non-speaking cameo. He's nonetheless therefore responsible, in a second degree context, for Warren McGinnis' reproductive DNA being overwritten by Wayne's. This results in the future Batman, [[Batman_%28Terry_McGinnis%29|Terry McGinnis]] (in addition to his younger brother, Matt), genetically being the son of Bruce Wayne's.

== References ==

<references/>
* [http://www.dcuguide.com/who.php?name=clockking ''The Unofficial Guide to the DC Universe'''s biography for the Clock King]
* [http://www.dcindexes.com/database/story-details.php?storyid=7225 The ''DC Database'''s article on the Clock King's debut]
* [http://seanbaby.com/stupcom/clockking.htm Stupid Villain Showcase] Satirical analysis of Clock King by [[Seanbaby]]
* [http://www.batmantas.com/cmp/new.htm Clock King on the Batman: The Animated Series official page]

== Footnotes ==
1. http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=144154

{{Green Arrow}}

[[Category:American comics characters]]
[[Category:DC Comics supervillains]]

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Brainiac (character)

2008-06-25T15:25:10Z

71.182.145.40: /* Film */

{{Superherobox| 
image=[[Image:SupermanCv219.jpg|245px]]
|caption=Brainiac battling [[Superman]]. Promotional art for ''Superman'' #219, by [[Ed Benes]].
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut=''[[Action Comics]]'' #242 ([[July]] [[1958]])
|creators=[[Otto Binder]]
|character_name=Brainiac
|real_name=Vril Dox
|alliances=
|aliases=Milton Fine, The Terror of Kandor, The Brain Interactive Construct
|powers=Artificial intelligence with variable superhuman powers
|}}

'''Brainiac''' is a [[DC comics]] super villain that appears in the [[comic books]] published by [[DC Comics]]. The character first appears in ''[[Action Comics]]'' #242 ([[1958#July|July 1958]]), and was created by [[Otto Binder]]. Brainiac is one of [[Superman]]'s most important enemies ever since the villain's first appearance, responsible for shrinking [[Kandor]], the [[capital city]] of Superman's home planet [[Krypton (comics)|Krypton]] which the hero has vowed to restore. Due to complex storylines involving [[time travel]], [[cloning]], and revisions of DC's [[continuity (fiction)|continuity]], several variations of Brainiac have appeared. Though at his core Brainiac is formless, most incarnations depict him as a bald (save for a set of [[diodes]] protruding from his skull), green-skinned [[extraterrestrial]] [[android]] from the planet [[Colu]]. Brainiac's name derives from the -IAC naming trend among [[:Category:One-of-a-kind computers|early electronic computers]], after [[ENIAC]]: [[ILLIAC I|ILLIAC]], [[JOHNNIAC]], [[MANIAC I|MANIAC]], [[SILLIAC]], ''etc.'' He is commonly known as Superman's second most important villain, following Lex Luthor. In both the television series ''[[Smallville (TV series)|Smallville]]'' and the book ''The Last Days of Krypton'', BRAINIAC is said to stand for "BRAIN InterActive Construct."

==Fictional character biography==
===Pre-Crisis Brainiac===
[[Image:Action Comics 242.png|185px|thumb|left|Brainiac's first appearance in ''[[Action Comics]]'' #242. Art by [[Curt Swan]] and Stan Kaye.]]
First appearing in ''[[Action Comics]]'' #242 ([[1958#July|July 1958]]), Brainiac was a bald, green-skinned [[humanoid]] who arrived on [[Earth]] and shrank various cities, including [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]], storing them in bottles with the intent of using them to restore Bryak, the planet he ruled. While fighting Brainiac, [[Superman]] discovered that the villain had previously shrunk the [[Krypton (comics)|Kryptonian]] city of [[Kandor]]. He was able to restore the Earth cities to full size, but the Kandorians sacrificed their restoration to help him. Superman stored the city in his [[Fortress of Solitude]], vowing to return the natives to full size. In ''[[Superman]]'' #167 ([[February]] [[1964]]), it was discovered that Brainiac was a machine created by the Computer Tyrants of [[Colu]] as a spy. To increase the illusion that he was alive, Brainiac was given a "son", a young Coluan boy who was given the name "Brainiac 2", but he escaped; this was [[Brainiac 5]]'s ancestor. It was later revealed that his name was '''[[Vril Dox]]''', and that he went on to lead a revolt against the Computer Tyrants. His "origin" as a tyrant of Bryak could be considered a cover story, as part of his illusion. It was in this story that Brainiac first appeared with a distinctive gridwork of red [[diode]]s across his head, later explained as the "electric terminals of his sensory nerves." This would remain his appearance throughout the [[1960s]] and [[1970s]]. Brainiac's legacy was revealed in ''[[Action Comics]]'' #276, in a ''[[Legion of Super-Heroes]]'' back-up story. This introduced a green-skinned, blond-haired teenager named Querl Dox, or '''[[Brainiac 5]]''', who believed himself to be Brainiac 2's [[30th century]] descendant. Unlike his apparent ancestor, Brainiac 5 used his "twelfth-level intellect" for the forces of good and joined the Legion alongside [[Supergirl]], with whom he fell in love. His home planet was given variously as Yod or [[Colu]].

[[Image:ActionComics544brainiacluthor.jpg|185px|thumb|right|Brainiac's robotic incarnation on the cover of ''[[Action Comics]]'' #544. Art by [[Gil Kane]] and [[George Perez]].]]
[[DC Comics]] attempted to re-define several aspects of its ''Superman'' series in the [[1980s]], in order to boost sagging sales. At the same time [[Lex Luthor]] acquired his green-and-purple battlesuit, Brainiac was re-envisioned (under the auspices of writer [[Marv Wolfman]]). In ''[[Action Comics]]'' #544 ([[June]] [[1983]]), Brainiac had constructed a giant, artificial, computer-controlled planet and used it in his latest attempt to destroy Superman; unfortunately, his defeat at the hands of the Man of Steel left him trapped at the center of the planet, unable to escape. He was forced to make a nearby star explode in a [[nova]] in order to destroy the machine-world and allow him to re-create his form. His new body (designed by [[Ed Hannigan]]) had the appearance of a [[skeleton]] of living metal with a grey, [[honeycomb]]-patterned "braincase."<ref>Who's Who in the DC Universe</ref> He also created a [[starship]] to house his new body, that was actually an extension of himself; the ship was shaped like his own skull, with metal tentacles dangling from it that he could manipulate at will. Brainiac retained this appearance until after the ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]].''

As part of Brainiac's re-creation, Wolfman added a new aspect to Brainiac's personality. During his regeneration, Brainiac experienced a vision in which he saw Superman in the guise of a god-like "Master Programmer" who was responsible for a massive conspiracy to destroy Brainiac and keep him from achieving perfection and domination of the universe. From this vision, Brainiac concluded that it was necessary for him to destroy the Master Programmer in order to achieve his goal; therefore, his ultimate goal was to destroy Superman, whom he saw as the Master Programmer's "angel of death." This new, insane motivation re-cast Brainiac as a cold-hearted, ruthless machine whose "mind has absorbed all the knowledge this universe has to offer", and he appeared several times in this aspect until he was re-written. Further [[retcon]]s of Brainiac removed the "Master Programmer" aspect of his personality entirely.

===Post-Crisis Brainiac===
[[Image:Vridoxpost.png‎|185px|left|thumb|Brainiac's second post-Crisis incarnation.]]
In the post-''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths|Crisis]]'' [[DC Universe]], Brainiac's history was dramatically altered. Vril Dox was now a radical [[Colu]]an scientist who, having attempted to overthrow the Computer Tyrants of Colu, was sentenced to death. In his last moments, his consciousness was attracted to Milton Fine, a human sideshow mentalist who worked under the alias "Brainiac." Needing cranial fluid to maintain his possession of Fine, Dox went on a murder spree. He discovered that Fine had genuine [[psychic]] powers, which he frequently wielded against [[Superman]]. This version of Brainiac made his first appearance in ''[[Adventures of Superman (comic book)|Adventures of Superman]]'' #438 ([[March]] [[1988]]).

Brainiac was later captured by [[Lex Luthor]], but used his powers to take control of [[LexCorp]]. Under Brainiac's mental domination, LexCorp scientists restored his Coluan form. The [[diode]]s in Brainiac's head now increased and stabilized his mental powers, as well as allowing him direct access to computer banks. He continued to plague Superman, using a combination of mental powers and computer control. On one occasion, Brainiac even returned to his pre-''Crisis'' incarnation's city-shrinking tactics.

In the crossover story ''[[Invasion! (DC Comics)|Invasion!]]'', it was revealed that, prior to its dispersion, the Computer Tyrants allowed Dox to clone a lab assistant, Vril Dox II, who would go on to form [[L.E.G.I.O.N.]], and (although he never uses the name) is the post-''Crisis'' version of Brainiac 2.

====''Panic in the Sky''====
In the early [[1990s]], Brainiac returned with a vengeance in a storyline entitled "Panic in the Sky." He seized control of [[Warworld]] and managed to convince [[Maxima (comics)|Maxima]] to assist him. Then he brainwashed [[Supergirl (Matrix)]] and the alien warrior [[Draaga]] before capturing Metron and setting off for [[Earth]]. [[Orion (comics)|Orion]] and [[Lightray]] of [[New Genesis]] attacked Warworld, but they were quickly taken down by Maxima and Supergirl. Brainiac sent the mental image of the [[New Gods]] captured to [[Superman]] in order to taunt him, and also sent his "headship" to Earth in a punitive expedition.

These acts prompted Superman to go on the offense rather than wait for the inevitable invasion. He gathered a coalition of most of the world's superheroes and launched a preemptive strike at Warworld before it could arrive on Earth. A small, elite force was left behind for any scouting forces that would be sent ahead. Superman led the attack on Warworld, where Supergirl and Draaga managed to shrug off their brainwashing and rally to Superman (although Draaga was killed in the fighting). Maxima would shortly switch sides in the fighting too, perceiving Brainiac as the true villain at last. Brainiac briefly took control of some of Earth's heroes, but it was not enough to turn the tide. [[Flash (comics)|Flash]], Maxima, and the [[Metal Men]] attacked him in his lair, where Maxima managed to [[lobotomy|lobotomize]] him (but was stopped short of killing him). His vegetative body was taken back to New Genesis for observation.

====Dead Again!====
Brainiac would next emerge about a year after the death and return of [[Superman]]. After a dead body appeared in Superman's tomb, prompting the world to wonder if the Superman who was flying around was the original or a fake, Superman began to track down all of his foes who might be capable of such a hoax. While Brainiac was initially eliminated as a suspect, he soon turned out to be the true culprit, creating the illusion even in his comatose state on [[New Genesis]]. He managed to revive himself there and returned to [[Earth]] in secret. While hidden, he created even more delusions, causing Superman to question his very sanity before realizing who was really at fault. Superman and Brainiac squared off in [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]], where Superman taunted the evil villain, claiming that at heart he was really just Milton Fine, a cheap entertainer. This caused some break in Brainiac's mind where Fine's personality reasserted himself, burying Brainiac's. "Fine" was then escorted off to a psychiatric facility.

Brainiac's mind reemerged at the hospital. Brainiac's new plan was to lure Superman there where he managed to pull a "[[Mind uploading|mind switch]]" on the Man of Steel. Brainiac's mind was put in Superman's body, while Superman's mind was put into the body of a 13 year old mental patient who thought that he was Superman. Brainiac, frustrated with the lack of mental powers Superman's body afforded, came up with a plan to download a vast amount of knowledge into the minds of all Metropolis citizens, thereby using them as a giant storage device. To that end, he built a new lair in the center of the city and sealed it off from the outside. Superman, in the body of the child, managed to infiltrate the city and switch everyone's minds into the right bodies. Unfortunately, this left Brainiac back in control of his original body, and he quickly blasted Superman with his psychic abilities. Luckily, the young boy whose body Superman had been in managed to save the day, reversing the flow of information Brainiac had created, jamming all of the vast knowledge into Brainiac. This left him nearly catatonic again, muttering in binary code.

====''The Doomsday Wars''====
During his latest skirmish with [[Superman]] in [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]], Milton Fine's body was irreparably damaged, leaving Brainiac with only a short time to live. In order to preserve his life, he concocted an elaborate scheme: he had an agent of his, a [[Colu]]an named Prin Vnok, use a [[time travel|time machine]] to travel to the most inhospitable time in existence: the [[End of Time]] itself. Brainiac's goal was to rescue [[Doomsday (comics)|Doomsday]], who had been left there by Superman and [[Waverider (comics)|Waverider]] to ensure that he would never be a threat again [these events were revealed to have taken place due to the timeline's reconstruction following the events of ''[[Zero Hour (comics)|Zero Hour]]'', when the former (at that time) [[Green Lantern]] [[Hal Jordan]], presently known as [[Parallax (comics)|Parallax]], broke down creation and the heroes were forced to trigger their own [[Big Bang]] to stop him; the reconstruction of time meant that Brainiac was able to change the outcome of Doomsday's defeat].

Seconds before the forces of [[entropy]] destroyed him forever, Doomsday was taken to safety by Vnok and returned to Colu. There, a terminally-wounded Brainiac transferred his consciousness into Doomsday's body, temporarily becoming the most powerful being in the universe, a [[genius]] [[psychic]] mind inside an unstoppable, indestructible titan. However, Doomsday's own raging mind would eventually overwhelm even Brainiac's will, forcing him to find another body. Attempting to use a human host to genetically engineer a Doomsday body without the mind while temporarily lodging in Doomsday's head, Brainiac chose to use [[Pete Ross]] and [[Lana Lang]]'s newborn baby, born eight weeks premature and being transported by Superman to the best Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit in the country. Brainiac intercepted Superman during the attempt and stole the baby to hurt his long-time foe, correctly deducing that it was the child of someone close to Superman. However, Superman thwarted Brainiac's plot by driving him out of Doomsday's body via the use of a [[telepathy]]-blocking 'psi-blocker' forcing Brainiac to adopt a robotic body, dubbed '''Brainiac 2.5''', where he would be forever trapped as he couldn't abandon it.

====Brainiac 13====
[[Image:Supesy2k.jpg|Brainiac 13 on the cover of ''Superman Y2K'' #1. Art by [[Jackson Guice]].|left|thumb|185px]]
At the turn of the [[millennium]], Brainiac revealed that he had placed a sleeper [[computer virus|virus]] in [[LexCorp]]'s [[Y2K bug]] safeguards which was intended to dramatically boost his abilities. Instead, it allowed his upgraded future self, '''Brainiac 13''' (or "B-13"), to arrive from the 64th century. Brainiac 13 began transforming [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]] into the 64th century version of the city, which, apparently, he controlled. Although Brainiac 13 was able to gain control of all android superheroes, such as [[Red Tornado]], [[Hourman (android)|Hourman]], and the [[Metal Men]], and use them against [[Superman]], Superman discovered during a fight with the [[Eradicator (comics)|Eradicator]] that Brainiac couldn't cope with [[Krypton (comics)|Kryptonian]] technology, giving him a plan to stop his old foe's greatest scheme.

With Luthor using a Kryptonian warsuit and aided by Brainiac's own past self (now possessing the body of Luthor's infant daughter [[Lena Luthor|Lena]]), Superman tricked Luthor into plugging himself into one of Brainiac 13's power conduits, claiming that Luthor would channel the energy through a Kryptonian matrix to destroy Brainiac. Aided by the revived Red Tornado, Superman managed to suck up the microscopic [[nanobots]] that composed Brainiac and transfer them into the warsuit, leaving Brainiac trapped in technology he couldn't understand or use. However, realizing his defeat was inevitable, Brainiac 13 seized his last chance for escape and gave control of Metropolis to Luthor in exchange for Lena/Brainiac 2.5, whom he forced to help him escape.

He returned to [[Earth]] during the ''Our Worlds at War'' crossover, in which Earth and its allies fought a multi-front war against Brainiac 13 and [[Imperiex]]. Brainiac 13 claimed to be allying himself with Earth, but this proved to be part of a complex plan to regain control. His chief aide was "Leniac", a green-skinned teenage girl with "control discs" on her forehead, suggesting the [[diode]]s of earlier Brainiacs (and identical to the forehead discs of the "upgraded" [[Brainiac 5#Post-Reboot|Brainiac 5.1]] in the [[Legion of Super Heroes]], and the ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'' version of the original Brainiac). Remaining behind the scenes for most of the conflict, at the moment when Imperiex's armor was cracked thanks to the sacrifices of [[Strange Visitor]] and [[Sergeant Rock|General Rock]], Brainiac-13 appeared on the battleground with [[Warworld]], absorbing the Imperiex energies and vowing to use them to rule everything.

In a desperate gambit, Superman dove into the heart of the sun, thus gaining a massive power boost that enhanced his strength significantly. Rapidly realizing that Warworld couldn't be destroyed without releasing Imperiex and triggering another [[Big Bang]], Superman and the [[Martian Manhunter]] formed a brief telepathic link to explain their new plan. With [[Darkseid]]'s powers weakened, he would use [[Garth (comics)|Tempest]] as a magical focus for his abilities, empowered by the faith and strength of the Amazons, focusing the energy through [[John Henry Irons|Steel]]'s new 'Entropy Aegis' armor (which was created from a burned-out Imperiex probe), and, with Lex Luthor activating a temporal displacement weapon, Superman would subsequently push Warworld through a temporal [[boom tube]], sending both Imperiex Prime's and Brainiac's consciousness back 14 billion years to the Big Bang, destroying both villains through a combined effort. With her master's death, Brainiac 2.5 was expunged from Lena, who reverted to infancy, although the discs remained.

In ''[[Superman]]'' #200 ([[February]] [[2004]]), Superman traveled into the future and battled '''Brainiac 12''', learning that everything Brainiac 13 had done in the past had been designed to ensure things reached the point where Brainiac 13 would be created. Brainiac 12's defeat before his upgrade apparently reversed the advances Brainiac 13 had made to Metropolis.

====Brainiac 8====
{{main|Indigo (comics)}}
[[Image:Brainiacs.jpg|right|Brainiac with his descendant [[Brainiac 8]], as they discuss his use of organics. Art by [[Matthew Clark]].|185px|thumb]]
Recently, Brainiac used his "granddaughter", Brainiac 8 (aka [[Indigo (comics)|Indigo]]), to kill [[Donna Troy]] in order to ensure the fate of [[Colu]]. Indigo then infiltrated the [[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]] until she attacked the team, along with Brainiac and his allies, [[Lex Luthor]], and a brainwashed [[Superboy (Kon-El)|Superboy]], who had attacked the [[Titans (comics)|Teen Titans]]. In the ensuing battle, Indigo died and Superboy broke away from the brainwashing, while Luthor escaped. While his ship was destroyed, Brainiac's condition and whereabouts after the battle are unknown.

In this storyline, it was revealed that Brainiac was able to utilize Luthor's secret facilities to restore the majority of his organic body. Brainiac 8 chided him for this act of vanity, explaining that, in her time, all of [[Colu]] had abandoned organics. Though it's unclear just what year she originates from, she must be at least a few decades removed from the early [[31st century]] as Brainiac 5, of the [[Legion of Super Heroes]], is an organic Coluan, as are other Coluans from that era.

When Brainiac 8 tells him that he must "discard [his] organics," Brainiac responds "Someday perhaps. When I've made Superman's home all but uninhabitable." During this scene, he glances into one of his tubes, revealing a robotic form similar to his pre-''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths|Crisis]]'' incarnation. Shortly after this storyline, the Teen Titans broke into one of Luthor's labs in order to procure a serum to save a dying Superboy. In this encounter, they discovered many failed attempts in cloning a new body for Brainiac, and fought the so-called '''Brainiac Alpha''', a murderous, aborted [[Clone (genetics)|clone]].

===Silver Age Brainiac in the Post-Crisis Universe===
Later stories suggest elements of Brainiac's pre-''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths|Crisis]]'' history occurred in the post-''Crisis'' character's history prior to his possession of Milton Fine and first encounter with [[Superman]]. The citizens of [[Kandor]] recall Brainiac stealing their city from [[Krypton (comics)|Krypton]], and not the alien wizard Tolos. It was not explained how Tolos got a hold of the "bottle city" from Brainiac. It had been speculated and later confirmed by [[Geoff Johns]] that Brainiac encountered the wizard and he stole one of the bottle cities from Brainiac's collection.

''[[History of the DC Universe]]'' mentions his defeat by the [[Omega Men]], as seen in ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]'' itself, and noted a second Brainiac was created on a laboratory on Earth two years later. In ''[[Silver Age (DC Comics Title)|The Silver Age: JLA]]'', the Injustice League discovered numerous shrunken alien cities found in Brainiac's abandoned spaceship. ''Superman'' (Vol. 2) #200 reveals Brainiac, not Tolos, shrunk [[Kandor]] and took it from Krypton.

===Brainiac's Updated Mechanical form===
In the A.I. arc of ''[[Superman/Batman]]'', Brainiac first appeared as a [[Swarm intelligence|swarm of interlinked nanotechnological units]]. Its operation was to sabotage a [[Waynetech#Wayne Technologies|Waynetech research facility]] accomplished by infecting [[Metallo]] with a [[computer virus]] and controlling him from orbit. [[Superman]] and [[Batman]] tracked Brainiac's signal to an orbital facility and attacked. Brainiac's nanoswarm body was destroyed, though he had infected the [[Metal Men]] during their previous encounter with Metallo. Brainiac proceeded to use them to acquire a prototype [[OMACs|OMAC unit]], which Bruce Wayne had developed from [[the OMAC Project]] through the use of Brainiac 13 nanotechnology. Superman and Batman destroyed the OMAC body with the aid of the Metal Men, after the Metal Men overcame Brainiac's control.

==Powers and abilities==
Brainiac is one of the most intelligent villains in the DC universe, known for having a "12th level intellect." The massive intellect allows for superhuman calculation abilities, enhanced memory, and advanced understanding of mechanical engineering, bio-engineering, [[physics]], and other theoretical and applied sciences. Brainiac's advanced mental powers have shown him capable of [[Spiritual possession|possessing]] others, transferring his consciousness <ref>Action Comics #544 (June 1983)</Ref>, creating and manipulating computer systems, and exerting some control over time and space. Brainiac has also created devices such as a [[force field]] belt <ref> Action Comics #242 (July 1958)</ref> and a shrinking ray capable of reducing cities<ref> Action Comics #242 (July 1958)</ref>. [[John Byrne]]'s re-imagining of the character possessed [[telepathy]] and [[telekinesis]] which were further augmented by an electrode head-piece. Brainiac's multiple host bodies have shown an array of abilities such as superhuman strength, durability, and energy projection.

==Other versions==
* Brainiac has appeared in the ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'' spin-off comic book. His sole appearance was in issue #1.
* In [[JLA: Earth 2]], Brainiac is a biological organism enslaved to [[Ultraman (comics)|Ultraman]], resembling a [[head in a jar]] capable of animating multiple robot bodies (resembling a green-skinned humanoid, much like the Earth-One version) at once. Unlike other reversals in the anti-matter universe, this version of Brainiac still retains the same motivations - that is to say, as a computer, he has no morality to be inverted.
* In ''[[The Dark Knight Strikes Again]]'', Brainiac is similar to his pre-''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths|Crisis]]'' self and allied with [[Lex Luthor]]. This version is headquartered in [[Siberia]], is able to inhabit multiple bodies at once and blackmails [[Superman]] by threatening the inhabitants of the bottled city of [[Kandor]].
* In ''[[Superman: Red Son]]'', he is responsible for shrinking [[Volgograd|Stalingrad]] (taking the place of Kandor). Superman apparently reprograms Brainiac and with Brainiac's help, goes on to win over most of the nations of the world to his [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] utopia.
* In ''[[JLA: The Nail]]'', it is stated that Brainiac was destroyed by combined attacks from [[Black Canary]] and [[Black Lightning]]. In the sequel ''[[JLA: Another Nail]]'', he is shown in one panel battling Superman during a retrospective of Superman by Lois Lane. This Brainiac resembles the skeleton-like robotic incarnation prior to ''Crisis on Infinite Earths''.
* In ''Superboy'' #62 during the Hypertension storyline that took place in an alternate reality in which the [[Conner Kent]] Superboy had grown to adulthood, Brainiac was killed in a battle in which him, [[Maxima (comics)|Maxima]], and [[Metallo]] fought against the adult Superboy (who went by the name Superman 2 but later changed it to [[Black Zero]]), [[Steel (comics)|Steel]], and [[Matrix (comics)|Supergirl]].
* In ''[[Justice (DC Comics)|Justice]]'', Brainiac teamed-up with Lex Luthor and the Legion of Doom to make the world a better place. Since the continuity bears a resemblance to the Silver Age, this Brainiac resembles the Earth-One version.

==In other media==
===Animation===
====''The New Adventures of Superman''====
The standard pre-''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths|Crisis]]'' version of Brainiac (the green-skinned robot with skull-[[diode]]s) made his first in-film appearance in the episodes of the [[Filmation]] [[animated series]] ''[[The New Adventures of Superman (animated series)|The New Adventures of Superman]]''. In this series, Brainiac was from the planet Mega whose entire population had perished in a series of atomic wars with the exception of one survivor, Professor Hecla. Hecla created Brainiac and sent him to [[Earth]] to use his shrinking ray to create a sort of "cosmic [[Noah's ark]]", by shrinking a male and female of each Earth species to take back to repopulate Mega. Brainiac appeared in several episodes of this series which began in [[1966]].

====''SuperFriends''====
Brainiac would resurface in the ''[[Challenge of the SuperFriends]]'' [[cartoon]], where he is voiced by [[Ted Cassidy]] (who was also the voice of [[Black Manta]]). He also appeared in a short episode, "Superclones", cloning [[Aquaman]] and El Dorado.

The mechanical version of Brainiac appeared in ''[[Super Friends: The Legendary Super Powers Show]]'' in the episodes "The Wrath of Brainiac" and "The Village of Lost Souls." In "The Wrath of Brainiac," Brainiac reveals that he sheded his earlier appearance when he worked alongside Darkseid. He next appeared in ''[[The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians]]'', in the episode called "Brain Child." In those appearances, Brianiac is voiced by [[Stanley Ralph Ross]] (who voiced [[Gorilla Grodd]] in "Challenge of the SuperFriends").

====DC Animated Universe====
=====''Superman: The Animated Series''=====
[[Image:Brainiac(STAS).jpg|thumb|Brainiac in ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]''.]]
In ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'', Brainiac (voiced by [[Corey Burton]], in the [[Affect display|low-affect]] style of [[HAL 9000]] and [[Vic Perrin]]'s opening narration from ''[[The Outer Limits]]'') is the supercomputer that ran most of the day-to-day operations on the planet [[Krypton (comics)|Krypton]]. The distinct animated interpretation of the character is rated the 94th greatest villain of all time by [[Wizard (magazine)|''Wizard'' magazine'']].<ref>''Wizard'' #177</ref> He senses the imminent destruction of Krypton, but rather than warn others, he chooses to save himself and the collected records of Krypton. In Brainiac's mind, as long as the records of Krypton existed, the loss of the planet itself and all its living inhabitants is an acceptable part of the natural order.

Brainiac eventually makes his way to [[Earth]], under the pretense of a peaceful exchange of knowledge with [[Lex Luthor]]. [[Superman]], however, discovers Brainiac's true intentions, and with the help of Luthor, defeats Brainiac. Brainiac is seemingly destroyed, but later episodes reveal that the data that Brainiac had uploaded to [[LexCorp]]'s computers were not alien knowledge, but a copy of his programming. In the process, Superman finds out that Brainiac had destroyed and collected data from countless other worlds. Brainiac tries several times to revive himself, first by capturing Luthor and forcing him to build a new body, and another time by taking control of [[Bruce Wayne]], prompting Superman to team up with [[Robin (Tim Drake)|Robin]] in order to find him, but is thwarted each time.

=====''Justice League''=====
Brainiac re-emerged in ''[[Justice League (animated series)|Justice League]]'''s "Twilight", with him attacking [[Apokolips]] after [[Darkseid]] had suffered a major defeat at the hands of [[Orion (comics)|Orion]]. This prompts Darkseid to come to the Watchtower and ask the [[Justice League]] for help. The story was a ruse, however, one intended to lure the Justice League, [[Superman]] in particular, to Brainiac's mainframe. Brainiac's full plan was to assume the body of Superman for him to inhabit. Darkseid betrayed Brainiac, however, and in the subsequent battle, both the machine intelligence and Darkseid were destroyed.

=====''Static Shock''=====
In the ''[[Static Shock]]'' two-part [[Fictional crossover|crossover]] episode "A League of Their Own", Brainiac, now reduced to a piece of alien metal kept in stasis, escaped confinement following a [[power failure]] at the [[Justice League]]'s Watchtower. [[Static (comics)|Static]] and [[Gear (Static Shock)|Gear]] had been recruited by the Justice League to help recharge the Watchtower's generators, but Brainiac took over Gear's Backpack droid, and later turned Richie into a [[cyborg]] under his control. As Brainiac proceeded to use Richie's hands and technological skills to build a warship and take over the Justice League one-by-one with small implants inserted in the space where the [[skull]] joins the [[spinal column]], Richie attempted to fight back and tell Static the means by which to defeat Brainiac: Backpack's remote control had an off switch. Static eventually discovered it and was able to stop Brainiac's scheme at the source, thus saving [[Earth]].

The voice of Brainiac here sounds quite different, but it is still [[Corey Burton]]; the producers of ''Static Shock'' decided to pitch Burton's voice significantly lower for their show. It can also be noted that even though Brainiac is primarily a [[Superman]] villain, Superman does not appear with the Justice League in these two episodes.

=====''Justice League Unlimited''=====
In the ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'' episode "For the Man Who Has Everything", in a dream world [[Superman]] was experiencing when attached to the Black Mercy, Brainiac is still in his position as [[Krypton (comics)|Krypton]]'s monitoring system and the planet didn't explode at the time Superman was an infant. Kal-El noticed the same tremors that occurred in accordance to his father's theories, but Brainiac only dismissed them as minor tremors. It was soon proven wrong that Krypton was going to be destroyed.

[[Image:Lexiac.jpg‎|left|thumb|200px|Brainiac fused with [[Lex Luthor]] in ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]''.]]
During a previous encounter years before (in the ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'' episode "Ghost in the Machine"), Brainiac had delivered a nano-robotic probe carrying a portion of his consciousness into [[Lex Luthor]]. It began modifying Luthor's body, subtly controlling him into committing actions that resulted in a major [[story arc]] that occurred throughout the first two seasons of ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]''. At the end of the episode "Panic in the Sky" and continuing into the following episode "[[Divided We Fall]]", Brainiac revealed himself to the [[Justice League]], having planned to transfer himself into a duplicated form of [[Amazo]] which was destroyed by [[Amanda Waller]]. Escaping the Justice League, Brainiac took Luthor into the sewers, planning on continuing his mission of assimilating information of entire planets and then destroying them. Luthor, however, convinced Brainiac to see a bigger reality than just his mission. Arriving at a Cadmus laboratory, they assimilated [[nanotechnology]] from the alien Dark Heart machine (from the episode of that same name). Using the nano assemblers, they merged into a single entity possessing Brainiac's goals and approaches tempered by Luthor's ambition and cruelty, with the purpose of building a machine to absorb all knowledge, destroying the universe and recreating it in their image. (The ensuing battle featured a Brainiac skull-shaped spaceship similar to the one used by the pre-''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths|Crisis]]'' metal-bodied Brainiac). This version of Brainiac/Luthor was mostly gold and blue, and partially robotic. When the Justice League is defeated in battle, the Flash single-handedly defeated Braniac-Luthor by superspeed-punching Braniac/Luthor's outer robotic shell, leaving behind a dazed Luthor.

After the defeat, all that was left of Brainiac was a small piece of its body, which somehow came into the possession of [[Gorilla Grodd]] in the second season of ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]''. Luthor himself continued to speak to Brainiac's consciousness, apparently still existing within his own mind. (However, it was never made clear if this was actually Brainiac's consciousness, or a product of an unstable Luthor's mind.) Urged by Brainiac to escape prison, Luthor was picked up by Grodd's [[Secret Society of Super Villains|Secret Society]] and convinced to join by the promise of getting his hands on the Brainiac fragment, with which he could reconstruct and re-merge with him. Though he eventually usurped leadership of the Secret Society from Grodd, Luthor remained unable to unlock the Brainiac fragment for some reason, and instead used it to locate the quadrant of the universe where Brainiac had been destroyed along with [[Darkseid]]. Using a combination of technology and magic, Luthor intended to re-integrate the surviving pieces into a new version of the android, only to wind up resurrecting Darkseid (who had been combined with small remnants of Brainiac; his armor now bore markings and technology reminiscent of Brainiac's), who then "rewarded" those responsible for his resurrection by attempting to grant them a quick death (by destroying the Secret Society's headquarters/craft with a single Omega Blast) and thereafter returned to [[Apokolips]] to begin his campaign against Earth, and subsequently New Genesis.

Luthor and the surviving Secret Society members returned to [[Earth]] and joined forces with the Justice League to stop Apokolips' attack on Earth, and Luthor claimed to no longer be able to hear Brainiac inside his head, although when Luthor was then transported to the Source Wall and recovered the [[Anti-Life Equation]], it was claimed that only a "twelfth-level intellect" could accomplish this, and the only individual with this [[IQ]] is Brainiac. Ultimately, however, it was never explicitly revealed by the series' end whether or not Brainiac had ''ever'' truly existed within Luthor's mind after his discorporation or if Luthor was partially insane.

=====In The Future=====
In the year [[2979]], as it is revealed in the ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'' episode "New Kids In Town", Brainiac still lives and has made enemies of the [[Legion of Super-Heroes]]. During that time, it learned how to pass its code down biologically and created [[Brainiac 5]]; however, this iteration of the Brainiac identity turned out to be good, and joined the Legion in an effort to atone for the crimes of his predecessors. The original Brainiac traveled back to the past to kill the teenage [[Clark Kent]] before he would become [[Superman]]. (How he's known Clark Kent was Superman was never explained. He either had known all along and chose to keep that knowledge for himself, discovered it himself for sometime, or Superman revealed his identity to the world during the ''[[Batman Beyond]]'' era.) Thanks in part to [[Cosmic Boy]], [[Chameleon Boy]], and [[Saturn Girl]], Clark defeated Brainiac, who was teleported into the [[sun]], where it incinerated, destroying what may have been the last remnant of its original form for good.

When [[Supergirl]], along with [[John Stewart (comics)|Green Lantern]] and [[Green Arrow]], was pulled to the [[30th century]] to help the Legion, she and Brainiac 5 began to fall in love, and Supergirl ultimately decided to stay in the 30th century, leaving Lantern and Green Arrow in the unenviable position of telling [[Superman]] that Kara had stayed behind partly because of her feelings for Brainiac 5, and of trying to explain why that is not a problem.

====''Legion of Super Heroes''====
[[Image:Brainiac01brainy.png|250px|thumb|Brainiac 1.0 with [[Brainiac 5]], in '' [[Legion of Super Heroes (TV series)|Legion of Super-Heroes]]''.]]
In ''[[Legion of Super Heroes (TV series)|Legion of Super-Heroes]]'', [[Brainiac 5]] is a descendant of the 1.0, the original Brainiac, who is an unwanted robot on his home planet. In the second season episode ''Message in a Bottle'', Brainiac 5 ventures into the past to learn of the atrocities caused by his predecessor. Brainiac 1.0 confesses to Brainiac 5 that he has watched him since he came online, and offers Brainiac 5 a chip that he tells him is an upgrade that will open "new avenues of possibility", ending the statement with "The choice is yours." Brainiac 5 then downloads the information.

In the two-part [[series finale]] "Dark Victory", Brainiac 1.0 shows ever increasing presence over his descendant, trying to make him fulfill his destiny. It is revealed then that [[Imperiex]] purposely had Brainiac 5 take the upgrade so that he would become Brainiac and join his ranks. By the time he begins a full scale assault on the [[Legion of Super-Heroes]], Brainiac 1.0 has fully taken over and obliterates his attacking forces with devastating new weapons. He then defeats various Legionnaires and badly wounds [[Superman]] with a [[kryptonite]] headband, one that appears to kill him. Brainiac then joins Imperiex but then betrays him, thanking him for unleashing his inner evil before killing him. He then reforms Imperiex's ship into a floating Brainiac skull and plans to begin anew his reign of "peace and order", nearly digitizing the entire Legion until Brainiac 5 forces him out of his body, discarding his cybernetics. However, Brainiac survives and uses Brainiac 5's [[Colu]]an armor to create a new body.

While the "Legion" show is not in continuity with the [[Bruce Timm]] [[DCAU]], this incarnation of Brainiac is voiced again by [[Corey Burton]].

====''Superman: Brainiac Attacks''====
Brainiac returned in the [[2006]] [[direct-to-video]] animated feature ''[[Superman: Brainiac Attacks]]'', where he was voiced by [[Lance Henriksen]]. Note that though the DTV was not intended to be in continuity with the [[DC Animated Universe]] by the filmmakers, it uses the same style of animation, and Warner Home Video marked it as such by using the Superman:TAS{{Clarifyme|date=April 2008}} ultimately leaving it up to the viewer to decide. The movie begins with Brainiac landing on [[Earth]] in a [[meteor]]. Brainiac goes around absorbing information until [[Superman]] destroys him with his arctic breath. However, [[Lex Luthor]] is able to save a piece of Brainiac and forms an alliance with the [[Krypton (comics)|Kryptonian]] robot. Luthor gives Brainiac a new body, made from his satellite weapon. Brainiac is also equipped with a [[kryptonite]] beam and the ability to track Superman by his Kryptonian [[DNA]].

Luthor and Brainiac's bargain revolves around Brainiac using his new body to destroy Superman, and afterwards, Brainiac would allow himself to be "defeated" by Luthor and leave for another planet so that Luthor would appear as a hero. However, Brainiac betrayed Luthor after he believed Superman was destroyed, but in the end, Superman returned to defeat Brainiac after a lengthy battle. This time, Superman made sure that this copy of Brainiac was completely destroyed.

====Superman: Doomsday====
Although Brainiac doesn't appear in ''[[Superman: Doomsday]]'', a statue of his head was seen as a trophy in the [[Fortress of Solitude]].

====Justice League: The New Frontier====
Brainiac has a [[cameo appearance]] in the animated film ''[[Justice League: The New Frontier]]''. He is seen during the famous speech by [[John F. Kennedy]].

===Live-Action===
====Film====
Brainiac has yet to make an appearance on film. However, the character has been considered for some Superman films in the pre-production stages.

* Brainiac was considered to be the main villain for ''[[Superman III]]'', along with [[Mr. Mxyzptlk]], when [[Ilya Salkind]] made an early treatment. In the treatment, Brainiac was from [[Colu]] and has discovered [[Supergirl]] in the same way that Superman was found by the Kents. Brainiac is portrayed as a surrogate father to Supergirl and eventually fell in love with his "daughter", who did not reciprocate his feelings, as she had fallen in love with Superman. [http://www.supermancinema.co.uk/superman3/general/script/s3_original_idea.pdf] However, Warner Bros. rejected the treatment, and the final product featured a powerful computer as a major "villain."
* Brainiac was considered as a villain in the scrapped ''[[Superman Reborn]]'' and ''[[Superman Lives]]'' film projects. Most notably, the villain was featured with [[Doomsday (comics)|Doomsday]] in [[Kevin Smith]]'s version of the script, which was later discarded by director [[Tim Burton]]. Burton's own script included Brainiac's intellect bonding with [[Lex Luthor]], as would later happen in ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'' (and which had previously been seen in the comic book story ''[[Whatever Happened To The Man of Tomorrow?]]'')<ref>{{cite book |last=Hughes |first=David |title=The Greatest Sci-Fi Films Never Made | origyear=2002 |publisher= Titan Books|isbn=1-84023-428-8 |pages=pp176-179 |chapter=The Death of Superman Lives}} </ref>
* It was long rumored that the villian of the [[Superman Returns]] sequal would be Brainiac, but this was never confirmed.

====''Smallville''====
[[Image:Image-fine.jpeg|thumb|right|[[James Marsters]] as Professor Milton Fine in ''[[Smallville (TV series)|Smallville]]''.]]
In the fifth season of ''[[Smallville (TV series)|Smallville]]'', Brainiac is introduced as a recurring villain, played by [[James Marsters]]. He takes the name of Milton Fine, posing as a professor at Central Kansas A&M University. Brainiac is mostly referred to by his assumed name, although [[Jor-El]] refers to him in the fifth season finale "[[Smallville (Season 5)#Vessel|Vessel]]" as the "Brain InterActive Construct", and [[Smallville characters (season 6)#Raya|Raya]] is the first person to call him "Brainiac" in [[Smallville (Season 6)|Season 6]]'s "[[Smallville (Season 6)#Fallout|Fallout]]." In the seventh season episode "[[Smallville (Season 7)#Lara|Lara]]", [[Lara Lor-Van|Lara]] mentions that Jor-El created Brainiac in an attempt to save [[Krypton (comics)|Krypton]], though this is later contradicted by "[[Smallville (Season 7)#Persona|Persona]]."

''Smallville''{{'}}s interpretation of Brainiac is similar to the [[DCAU]] version; that of a self-aware computer in humanoid form with a Kryptonian origin. He can duplicate the standard array of Kryptonian powers, and is immune to [[kryptonite]]; however, he does need to recharge periodically. Brainiac can also interface with most technology, and is composed of a black, crystalline liquid which allows him to change shape and create fully-functional copies of himself which can operate anywhere on [[Earth]]. It is implied that the black Kryptonian spaceship which he emerges from is in fact his true form, while the Milton Fine persona and his clones are merely created to carry out his will. Brainiac loses the cloning ability, as well as the ship itself, at the end of the fifth season.

When first introduced, Milton Fine's primary function is to free [[General Zod]] from the [[Phantom Zone]], and turn Earth into a suitable planet for Zod to rule. To this end, he takes on the guise of a professor of World History at Central Kansas A&M University, and hires [[Clark Kent]] as a research assistant. Fine gains Clark's trust using clever deceptions and his mimicked Kryptonian powers to convince Clark that he is a fellow Kryptonian. To free Zod, he infects Clark's adoptive mother Martha with a mysterious Kryptonian disease in the episode "[[Smallville (Season 5)#Solitude|Solitude]]", claiming that it is Jor-El's doing and that he must take him to the [[Fortress of Solitude]] to save her. Brainiac betrays Clark and opens a portal to the Phantom Zone, but Clark stops him.

Clark was intended to be Zod's vessel (Zod having had his body and spirit separated), but since Jor-El's spirit proved to be too strong in Clark, Brainiac was forced to turn elsewhere. He creates a special virus to change [[Lex Luthor]] into a suitable host, and then unleashes a [[computer virus]] that quickly infects every computer system on Earth, shutting down every bit of technology and causing widespread chaos. Clark is given a Kryptonian knife to kill Lex and prevent Zod's return, but he instead chooses to kill Fine. Ironically, this act is what allows Zod to be reborn, since the knife is linked to the Fortress. However, it does have the positive effect of eliminating Fine and all his copies. In the sixth season episode "[[Smallville (Season 6)#Zod|Zod]]", General Zod, possessing Lex, transforms the black ship into a small hexagonal disk, and uses it to begin recreating Krypton on Earth. Clark uses heat vision to destroy the disk, leaving only a charred half of it behind. A Phantom Zone escapee named [[Baern]] later feeds off of the energy within the broken disk, reducing it to a pile of ash.

In the seventh season, Brainiac is able to reform from the ashes into a small amount of liquid crystal. By infecting humans and sapping their bodies of every metallic element, he is eventually able to regain his human form, though not his Kryptonian powers. When [[Bizarro]] finds Brainiac in an attempt to cure his weakness to sunlight, Brainiac manipulates both him and Clark into finding [[Dax-Ur]], the Kryptonian scientist who invented him and is now living on Earth. Brainiac follows Clark and forcefully downloads the information he needs on how to fix his body from Dax-Ur's mind. Later in the season, Brainiac takes an interest in [[Kara Zor-El|Kara]], claiming that he is the answer to many of her unanswered questions. Unable to force Kara to go along with his demands, he attacks [[Lana Lang]] and rewires her brain, leaving her [[catatonic]] but supposedly in great pain. Since only he can reverse the process, Kara agrees to help him, and the two travel into space. Brainiac does not make good on this deal. Messages from Kara, dated some twenty years earlier, soon reveal that they actually traveled through time to Krypton's past, Brainiac's intent being to kill Clark as an infant. Clark is able to follow them through the Fortress, and Brainiac is apparently killed by Kara off-screen. However, Brainiac in fact imprisoned Kara in the Phantom Zone and posed as her to escape with Clark. In the episode "Arctic", he reveals Clark's secret to Lex while posing as Kara, and attacks Chloe once his secret is discovered. He does to her what he did to Lana, but her powers drain much of his energy. When he attempts to recharge, he is cornered by Clark. Clark defeats Brainiac and demands for him to release Chloe and Lana. Brainiac goads Clark into killing him, since it is the only way to reverse what he has done to Chloe and Lana. Clark rationalizes that since Brainiac is a machine, he is not actually killing anyone, and uses an overload of electrical circuits to disintegrate Brainiac.

James Marsters has expressed interest in coming back for Smallville's eighth season.

===Books===
The [[Silver Age of Comics|Silver Age]] Brainiac appears in ''The Last Days of Krypton'', a novel by [[Kevin J. Anderson]]<ref> The Last Days of Krypton By Kevin J. Anderson. ISBN 006134074X </ref>. This version is the Brain InterActive Construct, later renamed Brainiac by Commissioner Zod. Brainiac had admired the beauty and architecture of [[Kandor]], and wanted to preserve the city from destruction should disaster strike [[Krypton (comics)|Krypton]] as it did on his home planet of [[Colu]]. Zod permitted Brainiac's taking of Kandor, stating that Brainiac could have the city, as the rest of Krypton belonged to him. Brainiac's ship fired three lasers that pummeled the surrounding crust around Kandor and literally upheaved the city from Krypton's surface. A [[force field]] was then erected around the city which contracted, shrinking the city and its inhabitants. Brainiac departed without causing further destruction or seizing other Kryptonian cities.

===Video Games===
* Brainiac was the main villain and boss in the [[1992]] Sunsoft game ''[[Superman (Sunsoft game)|Superman]]''.
* In ''[[Superman 64]]'', Brainiac, from the [[DCAU]], appears not only as a villain and level boss, but also as a playable character in multiplayer.
* Superman was forced to stop Brainiac and save the world after Brainiac kidnapped [[Lois Lane]] in the [[Sega Master System]] and [[Sega Genesis]] video game ''Superman: Man of Steel''.
* In the [[Xbox]] video game ''[[Superman: Man of Steel]]'', Brainiac 13 is the final boss of the game. Players must compete against B13 drones throughout the game, before facing the android on the final level.
* Brainiac is a featured major villain in the video game ''[[Justice League Heroes]]'' voiced by [[Peter Jessop]]. In the game, Brainiac first invaded [[STAR Labs]] and ordered a huge legion of robots to seal off the area. Batman and [[Superman]] head for STAR Labs, destroy Brainiac’s robots, and battle Brainiac. After the two superheroes defeat what they think is Brainiac, they discover that they have merely been diverted by a duplicate while another has raided the vaults of the lab, taking Kryptonian DNA and a chunk of meteorite. Brainiac hires [[Queen Bee (comics)|Queen Bee]], [[Key (comics)|The Key]], [[Killer Frost]], [[Gorilla Grodd]], and the [[White Martian]]s to distract the Justice League. While the rest of the League fights and defeats the villains, a nuclear missile that Brainiac had Killer Frost previously launched, is fired at Mars in an effort to free the White Martians, who will invade Earth upon being rewoken. Superman and J'onn J'onzz travel to Mars to stop them from escaping; but this has been yet another diversion from Brainiac who, anticipating their success, took the opportunity to steal vital equipment from the White Martians.J'onn is ambushed by Doomsday who was previously recruited and cloned by Brainiac and takes him prisoner and takes over control of the Watchtower whilst Brainiac steals a Mother Box from the League's vaults. Regrouping in an emergency bunker, the League manage to retake the Watchtower, free J'onn and defeat the real Doomsday, before discovering that the foes and distractions that they faced was all part of a plan to distract the League while Brainiac continues his work to unlock power from the chunk of meteor rock that he previously had his robots steal from STAR Labs and traveling to the real Brainiac’s lair. The League split into teams. Superman and Flash were one of those teams. Superman and Flash find Brainiac’s control room. After Superman and Flash defeat Brainiac’s robots, they fight Brainiac. Although Brainiac managed to subdue Flash, Superman overpowers Brainiac, and defeats him. Seemingly defeated by Superman, Brainiac suddenly returns to life as the Mother Box he has stolen activates - and screaming, he is absorbed into Darkseid, released from an interdimensional prison created by a Sensory Matrix Field Generator, who has been manipulating Brainiac all throughout.

==Cultural references==
* The band [[The Dukes of Stratosphear]], an alter-ego for [[XTC]], released a song called "Brainiac's Daughter" on their [[1987]] album ''[[Psonic Psunspot]]''. The lyrics include references to the bottled city of [[Kandor]] and the [[Daily Planet]]. Songwriter [[Andy Partridge]] has said of the song: ''"Right, well, Brainiac is the character in the [[Superman]] comics, the evil [[genius]] with the green skin and the sort of lightbulb screwed in his head. He was like a Martian [[Lex Luthor]] and I thought he'd be a wonderful [[psychedelic]] subject to write about, and his potential daughter: I don't think he had one but if he had she would have been, well, colorful, mauve and purple."'' This reference eventually came full circle when [[Alex Ross]] and [[Mark Waid]] created a background character named "Brainiac's Daughter" in the [[1996]] limited series ''[[Kingdom Come (comic)|Kingdom Come]]''. The band Royal recorded a cover version of the song for the [[2006]] compilation album ''[[Sound of Superman]]'', released by [[Rhino Records]] in conjunction with the opening of the movie ''[[Superman Returns]]''.

==See also==
* [[List of Superman enemies]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://alankistler.squarespace.com/journal/2007/12/21/alan-kistlers-history-of-brainiac.html Alan Kistler's History Of Brainiac!] - Comic book historian Alan Kistler of MonitorDuty.com explores the entire history of this Superman villain all the way up to the present day, with in-depth discussions of why parts of the character's history were changed and how he's been interpreted in other media. Many scans and constant updates.

{{Superman}}

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[[es:Brainiac]]
[[fr:Brainiac (comics)]]
[[it:Brainiac]]
[[he:ברייניאק]]
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Tim Drake

2008-06-25T15:21:15Z

71.182.145.40: /* In other media */

{{Superherobox| 
image=[[Image:Robin150.jpg|250px]]
|caption=Tim in his new costume. Promotional art for ''Robin'' #150 (July 2006) cover, by [[Patrick Gleason (artist)|Patrick Gleason]] and [[Prentis Rollins]].
|character_name=Robin
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut='''As Tim Drake''': ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #436 (August 1989)<ref>[http://www.dcuguide.com/Bm/Bm_436.php Batman #436 (August 1989)]</ref> '''As Robin''': ''Batman'' #442 (December 1990)<ref>[http://www.dcuguide.com/Bm/Bm_442.php Batman #442 (December 1989)]</ref>
|creators=[[Marv Wolfman]] (writer) [[Pat Broderick]] (artist)
|alter_ego = Timothy "Tim" Drake 
|species = 
|homeworld = 
|alliances = [[Batman supporting characters|Batman Family]] [[Teen Titans]] [[Young Justice]]
|partners=[[Batman]]
|aliases =Alvin Draper, Mister Sarcastic, Caroline Hill<ref>{{Cite comic | Writer = [[Judd Winick]] | Artist = [[Dustin Nguyen (artist)|Dustin Nguyen]] | Story = Batman: As the Crow Flies| Title = Batman | Volume = 1 | Issue = 626 | Date = June, 2004 | Publisher = [[DC Comics]] | Page =9 | Panel = | ID = }}</ref>
|supports=
|powers = Skilled [[martial arts|martial artist]] and [[acrobatics|acrobat]], high level intellect, keen [[detective]] skills , skilled in [[weaponary]]
}}
'''Timothy "Tim" Drake''' is a [[fictional character]], a [[comic book]] [[superhero]] from the [[DC Comics]] [[DC Universe|universe]]. As the third and current '''[[Robin (comics)|Robin]]''' in the ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' comics, he serves as [[Batman]]'s sidekick, and a [[superhero]] in his own right.

==Publication history==
DC Comics was left uncertain about readers' decision to kill [[Jason Todd]], wondering if they felt Batman should be a lone [[vigilante]], disliked Todd specifically, or just wanted to see if DC would actually kill the character. (See also: ''[[Batman: A Death in the Family]]''). In addition, the 1989 ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'' film did not feature Robin. Regardless, Batman editor [[Dennis O'Neil|Denny O'Neil]] introduced a new Robin.

==Fictional character biography==
===Origin===
Tim Drake, who is to become the new Robin, first appears in a flashback in ''Batman'' #436 ([[August]] [[1989]]). Drake first appears as a 13-year-old boy who has followed the adventures of Batman and Robin ever since witnessing the murder of the Flying Graysons when he was a child. This connects Drake to [[Dick Grayson]], the first Robin, establishing a link that DC hoped would help readers accept this new Robin{{Fact|date=April 2007}}. At the age of nine, Drake surmises their secret identities with his instinctive detective skills, after watching Batman and Robin battle against the [[Penguin (comics)|Penguin]] on a security tape shown on TV. While the Penguin was attempting to catch Batman unaware, Robin pounced on the Penguin after executing a quadruple somersault, which Tim had witnessed Dick execute during the final performance of the Flying Graysons. Knowing that only Dick Grayson could execute such a feat, Tim makes the connection and follows Batman and Robin's careers closely.<ref>[http://www.dcuguide.com/Bm/Bm_441.php Batman #441 (November 1989)]</ref>

[[Image:RobinJonboy007007.jpg|thumb|left|175px|Drake in his first ''original'' Robin costume. Art by [[Jonboy Meyers]] and [[Tony Washington]].]]

Years later, after Batman grows progressively more violent and reckless following Jason's death, Tim seeks out Dick Grayson to try to convince him to reprise his role as Robin. Reluctant to take a step back, Dick agrees to assist Batman again, but only as [[Dick Grayson#Nightwing Begins|Nightwing]]. Tim, who is unsatisfied with Dick's decision, continues to argue that Batman needs a Robin. Finally, he coaxes [[Alfred Pennyworth]] to help him, and taking the Robin costume from the [[Batcave]] pursues the original Dynamic Duo where he proves to be an invaluable asset in the capture of [[Two-Face]].

Both Dick and Alfred can see that Tim is well suited not only as Robin but also as a force to keep Batman grounded emotionally. Although Batman is very reluctant to have another partner, he grudgingly agrees that the boy has potential and then begins an extended training period in which Tim endures months of physical, mental and psychological tests.

Before Tim can take on the role of Robin, a villain calling himself the [[Obeah Man (comics)|Obeah Man]] captures his parents, [[Jack Drake|Jack]] and Janet Drake. While waiting for news of their rescue, he takes his mind off his worries by focusing on tracking down the [[hacker]]/thief Moneyspider, who he reveals to be [[Anarky]], thus solving his first solo case. Meanwhile, Batman rushes to rescue Tim's parents, but fails to save them before the Obeah Man poisons both Jack and Janet. Janet dies, and Jack is left in a coma for several months. Batman becomes even more reluctant to entrust Tim with the Robin mantle following this loss because afraid that the boy is too blinded by rage and a desire for vengeance. Tim proves himself however, when the [[Scarecrow (comics)|Scarecrow]] kidnaps Batman and [[Vicki Vale]]. Yet, rather than save them dressed as Robin, Tim instead goes forth wearing normal street gear and a ski mask, stating that he did not want to damage the Robin legacy should he have failed. After that, Batman finally allows Tim Drake to become the newest Boy Wonder, wearing a revised uniform.<ref>[http://www.dcuguide.com/Bm/Bm_457.php Batman #457 (December 1990)]</ref>

===Training abroad===
In addition to being a primary character in the main ''Batman'' comic books, Tim is also the first Robin to star in his own series (both mini and later monthly).

The ''Robin'' mini-series (six issues published from January 1991 through May 1991, written by [[Chuck Dixon]] with [[Tom Lyle]] as penciller), takes place immediately after Batman gives Tim the mantle. Wishing to make certain that his newest Robin does not repeat the mistakes of the previous Boy Wonder, Batman sends Tim to [[Paris]] to learn fighting skills from a master [[martial arts|martial artist]]: Rahul Lama. There, he learns the healing arts from the aging master, while learning combat from the Lama's other student. While there, Tim is drawn into a battle against [[King Snake]]'s criminal organization, the Ghost Dragons. Tim joins forces with a former [[Drug Enforcement Administration|DEA]] agent, Clyde Rawlins, and the world-class [[assassination|assassin]], [[Lady Shiva]]. Shiva sees potential in Drake, and takes him under her wing, training him in martial arts and a weapon of his choice. Tim chooses the non-lethal [[bo (weapon)|bo staff]], to Shiva's disappointment. He concludes his training when he defeats Shiva in a sparring match with the bo, and as a gift she presents him with a collapsible bo staff which fits under his cape.

Meanwhile, King Snake acquires a virulent [[Plague (disease)|plague]]. The three attempt to stop them from releasing it, but the Ghost Dragons escape with a few of the canisters. After tracking them to [[Hong Kong]], they eventually defeat King Snake, though Rawlins dies in the attempt as Shiva watches. Shiva orders Robin to kill King Snake while he hangs from a building, to signify his 'graduation' and thus become her 'weapon'. Robin refuses to kill, and leaves. Shiva throws King Snake off the ledge of the building, seemingly to his death.

===Not just a sidekick===
[[Image:Robin0.JPG|thumb|150px|''Robin'' #0 (October 1994), cover art by [[Tom Grummett]] and Ray Kryssing.]]
When Robin returns to [[Gotham City]], he begins his official career as Batman's new partner. Over the next several months, he earns the respect of those around him through his ability.

DC gave Drake yet another mini-series, entitled ''Robin II: Joker's Wild'' (published from October 1991 through December 1991), in which Tim is forced to face Jason Todd's murderer, the [[Joker (comics)|Joker]], without Batman's help. A third mini-series entitled ''Robin III: Cry of Huntress'' (published from December 1992 through March 1993) pitted Tim and the [[Huntress (Helena Bertinelli)|Huntress]] against Robin's old nemesis, the King Snake. This story delves deeper into the difficulties that Robin suffers as both a normal teenager and as a [[vigilante]]; particularly in the relationship with his father, who had come out of his [[coma]] only months prior. Both ''Robin II'' and ''Robin III'' featured the same creative team that worked on the first mini-series.

The popularity of the ''Robin'' mini-series led to the launch of a monthly series in November [[1993]], which has created a mythos independent of that of the main ''Batman'' story. The writers have given Robin an assortment of archenemies, such as the bumbling but cruel [[Cluemaster]] and the psychotic child criminal, the [[General (DC Comics)|General]]. Chuck Dixon and [[Tom Grummett]] launched the series as writer and artist, respectively. Grummett left the title at issue #15 although he planned to leave a #16, this did not pan out due to scheduling conflicts with the Superboy series. Dixon would stay on to issue #100 and has returned as of #170.

Meanwhile, Tim's father, Jack, emerges from his coma [[paraplegia|paralyzed from the waist down]]. This new handicap and the loss of his wife leaves Jack with the desire to reconnect with his son. Tim's duties as the Boy Wonder and his close relationship with Bruce Wayne cause a greater rift between Jack and Tim, though they attempt to reconcile.

In time, Jack regains the use of his legs with the aid of physical therapist Dana Winters. Although Dana is considerably younger than Jack, the two immediately feel a mutual attraction and begin dating. Dana curbs Jack's anger at his son for being so distant, and helps Tim to feel more connected with his father. As time passes, Jack proposes to Dana, and they get married. They wed following an incident in which Dana is [[demonic possession|possessed]] by a powerful witch and fights Robin, [[Spoiler (comics)|Spoiler]], [[Wildcat (comics)|Wildcat]], and [[Black Canary]].

Tim is also given a romantic interest, a [[Russia]]n girl named Ariana Dzerchenko, who is introduced in the third ''Robin'' limited series. Their relationship is often rocky, as Ariana is very insecure about Tim's feelings towards her, and often feels the need to make overly grand gestures to get Tim to prove his feelings for her. One such gesture being when Ariana propositioned Tim for sex, wearing nothing more than a skimpy teddy. Tim, ever the gentleman, rebuffs the offer, feeling that the neither are ready for such a big step. Unfortunately, Ariana's uncle catches the teens in the compromising position and demands that they no longer date. They eventually get back together, but almost immediately break up again. Tim then falls in love with Stephanie Brown, the [[Cluemaster]]'s daughter, who rejected her father's lifestyle and adopted the superhero identity of Spoiler. Stephanie initially does not know Robin's true identity, as Batman forbids Tim to reveal it to her. Their romance is tested early on, when Stephanie confesses to being [[pregnant]] from a previous relationship. Tim helps deliver the baby girl, after which Stephanie gives her up for [[adoption]].

===Young Justice and the Teen Titans===

Much like Dick Grayson, Tim Drake has allied himself with the other superheroes in his age demographic. He mostly works with only the [[Batman supporting characters|Gotham City heroes]], but on occasion joins forces with heroes such as [[Superman]], the [[Wally West|Flash]], [[Superboy (Kon-El)|Superboy]] and [[Bart Allen|Impulse]] (who become his best friends). During one adventure where a pre-teen boy was given god-like powers, Robin, Superboy and Impulse joined forces to defeat him. The boys work so well together that they create their own team of heroes called [[Young Justice]]. Robin acts as the leader of the team until he temporarily quits following the ''[[Imperiex|Imperiex War]]''. During that mission, the group is tortured on [[Apokolips]]. Afterward, Robin discovers that over half the team, including Superboy, [[Wonder Girl (Cassie Sandsmark)|Wonder Girl]], Impulse and Cissie King-Jones (formerly [[Arrowette]]), no longer trust him. The [[Justice League]] had discovered that Batman kept contingency plans on them, and the younger heroes begin to wonder if Robin might also have plans to defeat or even kill them. Secret, who has deep feelings for Robin, along with new members Empress and Lil' Lobo however remained trusting of Robin and side with him. Still, feeling hurt as well as strained by assorted other problems in his personal life, Robin quits the team temporarily.

When Tim returns, the team agrees to elect their leader this time around, and Tim loses to Wonder Girl. The team still looks at Tim as its tactical expert, aiding Wonder Girl in leadership, similar to Batman's own position in the JLA. Unwilling to quit Young Justice a second time, Tim takes on the identity of "Mister Sarcastic" at a point where Young Justice agree to be become [[Reality television|reality TV]] stars. Soon after Secret is turned evil by Darksied and it is Tim who manages to save the world by reminding Greta of her humanity.

Young Justice disbands following the death of [[Donna Troy]]. [[Cyborg (comics)|Cyborg]], [[Starfire (comics)|Starfire]] and [[Beast Boy]] bring Robin, Superboy, Wonder Girl and Impulse (later known as Kid Flash) together to form the new [[Teen Titans (comics)|Teen Titans]]. While Cyborg takes the lead, Robin is often seen as the leader of the younger members, even going against the direct orders of the elder Titans.

In the "[[Titans Tomorrow]]" storyline, Tim encounters his future self in the identity of Batman after his mentor dies in a crisis. This future happens despite his repeated statement that he did not want to be the next Batman, and is rather content being Robin. In this timeline, Tim is now the leader of the future Titans with himself as Batman. After Bruce Wayne's death, Tim has the Titans take control of the entire West Coast. He orders any rebellions to be put down by Dark Raven absorbing the people's [[free will]] and hope. He even hunts down most of Batman's [[Enemies of Batman|Rogue's gallery]] and kills them with the handgun that was used to kill [[Thomas Wayne|Thomas]] and [[Martha Wayne]]. As he explains to his younger self, 'It took me years to do it'. He even begins a relationship with Bettie Kane, who becomes his partner, [[Batwoman]]. He later kills her during an argument; wracked with guilt, he makes a deal with [[Ra's al Ghul]] to restore her using the [[Lazarus Pit]]. Once revived, however, she joins the Titans East (led by an older version of Cyborg) and opposes him and his team. His latest victim before the younger Teen Titans show up is [[Duela Dent]], the daughter of an alternate universe Joker, whom he apparently murders out of revenge for the death of assorted people including Cassandra Cain and Alfred Pennyworth.

===War Games===
Just before ''The War Games'' story arc, Tim's father, Jack Drake, discovers Tim's [[secret identity]]. Jack is enraged and threatens to expose the secret identities of all those involved with Batman. Tim offers Jack a deal, in which he would give up his role as Robin to respect his father's wishes; in exchange, Jack would keep their secret identities safe.

After this, Stephanie Brown takes over the role of Robin for a short period, until Batman fires her for disobeying orders. Soon afterward, a massive gang war (which Stephanie Brown starts unintentionally) consumes Gotham City, and finds its way into Tim's school. After assisting the Bat-Team to the best of his abilities, with no equipment or costume, Tim protects his classmates, but not without casualties. Tim then realizes that he cannot disregard his responsibilities and takes up the Robin mantle again, against his father's wishes. When Jack finds out that Tim is again Robin, he grudgingly realizes how truly important his son is to Gotham, despite the immense danger.

[[Black Mask (comics)|Black Mask]] then captures and [[torture]]s Stephanie. She later dies from both her injuries and the willful negligence of Batman's confidante [[Leslie Thompkins]] at the end of the story arc.

===Identity Crisis and Blüdhaven===
{{main|Identity Crisis (comics)|l1=Identity Crisis}}
[[Image:Batrobin45.jpg|thumb|160px|The death of Jack Drake. From ''Identity Crisis'' #6 (January 2005). Art by [[Rags Morales]] and [[Alex Sinclair]].]]
In ''Identity Crisis'', Tim, along with the rest of the superhero community, tries to keep all of their loved ones safe after some tragic attacks upon the family members of the Justice League.

One night, while Batman and Robin are investigating these crimes, they receive an incoming transmission from [[Barbara Gordon|Oracle]] saying that Tim's father needs to speak to him immediately. It turns out that there is an intruder in the Drake home and a mysterious note with a gun is left for Jack suggesting that he protect himself. Jack tells Tim that he is proud of him, and that he is not responsible if something bad happens. The intruder turns out to be the hired killer [[Captain Boomerang]]. Jack fires as Captain Boomerang unleashes a razor boomerang and the two kill each other before Batman and Robin can make it back to the scene. Like Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson, Tim Drake has now lost both of his parents to crime.

After ''Identity Crisis'', Bruce Wayne offers to adopt Tim, who is not initially fond of the idea. Tim falsifies records to create an uncle who would become his 'legal guardian'. He then moves in with his 'Uncle Eddie' in [[Blüdhaven]] (Nightwing's previous stomping grounds), while his stepmother receives treatment at a psychiatric hospital. Although Tim covers his tracks well, Batman is still able to figure out the truth. Rather than being angry, Batman is impressed with Tim's subterfuge, as figuring it out had taken serious detective work. He even offers to teach Tim to cover his tracks completely.

During his time in Blüdhaven, Tim is attacked by a teenage Japanese assassin who calls herself '''Rising Sun Archer''', who claims that she needs to kill Robin to restore honor to her family name. After their battle, Tim finds out where she lives and breaks into her apartment with the intention of ambushing her. While searching through the apartment, Tim finds that someone has tied up Rising Sun Archer, covered her mouth with a piece of duct tape, and taped a note addressed to Robin to her shirt. Although she refuses to rat out her employer, the note reveals that [[Penguin (comics)|the Penguin]] has taken out a contract on Robin and [[Cassandra Cain|Batgirl]]. After releasing the assassin, (and convincing her that the only way to honor her ancestors is to give up her life as a gun-for-hire), Robin and Batgirl defeat the Penguin and his goons.

Soon afterward, a military super-hero legend called '''The Veteran''' (similar to [[Marvel Comics]]' [[Captain America]]) attempts to recruit Robin after telling him that he tied up and gagged Rising Sun Archer and left Robin the note. Tim, now concerned with his own mission rather than Batman's, takes the Veteran's offer under consideration and goes on a mission with his team to get a feel for the job. Tim eventually turns down the offer, however.

===Robin vs. Robin===
[[Image:TT Cv29.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Promotional art for ''[[Teen Titans (comics)|Teen Titans]]'' vol. 3, #29 (December 2005) cover, featuring the Red Hood vs Robin and [[Donna Troy]]. Art by [[Tony Daniel]].]]
Some time after the events of ''Identity Crisis'', [[Jason Todd]] returns, seemingly from the dead, as the new [[Red Hood]]. Angered that someone has replaced him as Robin, Jason breaks into [[Titans Tower]] wearing a version of his own Robin costume (only previously seen in the back-pages of volume one-era Teen Titans). Quickly immobilizing the other Titans, Jason confronts Tim to see if the new Boy Wonder is really as good as everyone claims. The two Robins fight, until at last Jason strikes Tim down in the Hall of Fallen Titans. Although Drake is defeated, Jason demands to know if he still believes himself to be as good as people say, to which Tim replies with a defiant 'Yes' before Todd renders him unconscious.

Jason spares Tim's life, simply tearing off the 'R' shaped emblem from his chest. In the epilogue of the story, Jason has developed a grudging respect for Tim, wondering if he would have been a better Robin and a better person, had he lived to have a life like Tim's and real friends like the Titans.

===''Infinite Crisis'' and ''52''===
{{main|Infinite Crisis}}
As of the events surrounding the ''Infinite Crisis'' storyline, Robin, along with the Veteran's forces, must defend the city of Blüdhaven against an army of [[OMACs]] who captured dozens of [[metahuman]]s for immediate extermination. After a virus deactivated the cyborgs (''see also: [[The OMAC Project]]''), Tim, the [[Shadowpact]] and the Veteran's team accomplished the capture of the metahumans. With Blüdhaven safe, Wonder Girl arrives on the scene asking Robin for help. Along with the Teen Titans, the [[Doom Patrol]] and the [[Justice Society of America]], he battles against [[Superboy-Prime]], who had gone on a violent assault of their world's [[Superboy (Kon-El)|Superboy]]. The fight overwhelms Conner's body to the point where it begins eating away at itself for energy.

After Robin's departure from Blüdhaven, the city is destroyed by [[Secret Society of Super Villains|the Society]]. Although he worries about his stepmother, his "uncle", and Nightwing, Tim continues to Titans Tower. He then leads a successful assault into one of [[Lex Luthor]]'s [[gene]]tic research bases to find a cure for Superboy. With Blüdhaven still in chaos, Superman leaves Robin in command of all the superhero rescue efforts. However, when the government puts the city on complete lock down, the Titans are kicked out.

Following the discovery of Superboy's death in the [[North Pole]], Robin joins the rest of the world's heroes in a final battle against the Society in [[Metropolis]]. Although the heroes win the battle, many on both sides are injured and killed. After the ''Infinite Crisis'', Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, and Tim Drake retrace Bruce Wayne's original journey around the world in his quest to become Batman (see also: ''[[52 (comic book)|52]]'').

At a ceremony honoring Superboy one year after his death, Robin attends in a new costume primarily red and black. When asked why he explains that they were Conner's colors.

===One Year Later===
{{main|One Year Later}}
After spending nearly a year away from home after the events of the ''Infinite Crisis'', Tim is the first to return to Gotham following his trip with Batman and Nightwing. He receives a message from an unknown source telling him that if he does not return to the states, [[Cassandra Cain|Batgirl]] will be killed. Tim returns to Gotham City, now wearing a new costume, using colors of Superboy's last costume as a sign of mourning and respect of the late Teen of Steel, Superboy, (although in reality the costume is a modified version of the one he wore in ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'').<ref>[ 52 #51 (April 2007)]</ref> He moves into the Wayne Estate, living in the Carriage House, which has been converted into a loft and Robin's new "nest".

[[Image:ROBIN 148 pg 4.jpg|thumb|175px|Tim finds "Batgirl" dead. Portion of a panel from ''Robin'' #148 (May 2006). Art by [[Karl Kerschl]].]]
The quick accusation as the murderer of Batgirl mars Tim's return to Gotham City. Tim is exonerated when the body is revealed as that of the villain [[Lynx (comics)|Lynx]] in a Batgirl costume. Someone had planted her body as a lure so an unknown assailant could attack Robin.

Robin eludes the [[Gotham City Police Department]] when they arrive on the scene. He infiltrates the police station to look for evidence and steals the mask of the fake Batgirl costume. Lady Shiva arrives at Wayne Manor while Tim is running tests on the mask. She informs Tim of the death of [[Nyssa Raatko|Nyssa al Ghul]], daughter of Ra's al Ghul and head of the [[League of Assassins]], and her suspicions that someone outside the League was trying to usurp it. Robin returns to his investigation before finding a note in Batgirl's cowl, written in [[Code talker|Navajo code]], informing him that, to save Cassandra, he had to give them her father, [[David Cain (comics)|David Cain]]. Robin breaks into [[Blackgate Penitentiary|Blackgate Prison]] and captures Cain, only to learn that Cassandra herself has taken over the League.

Cassandra asks Robin to kill David and join her. She claims she has accepted her [[wiktionary:fate|fate]] as a killer and has killed David's other daughter. Robin refuses, and Cassandra shoots her father. Believing David to be dead, Robin tries to bring Cassandra in. While he holds his own against her and her League, an explosion forces them all to flee. When Tim returns to David's body, he finds Cassandra's league of assassins all dead with broken necks and Cain's body missing.

After returning to Gotham City, Tim finds that his mini-cam survived the explosion and that it captured the entire battle, giving Tim a way to clear his name. As he laments the fact that the footage will brand Cassandra a murderer, Killa 'Nilla approaches Robin with a boomerang given to him by [[Owen Mercer]] and explains that the new Captain Boomerang is looking for him. While Robin assumes that Boomerang is out to finish what his father began, Owen reveals that he wishes to make amends and even helps Tim locate a bomb set by the Joker. Although they are far from friends, they have developed a sort of respect and civility.

During a recent case, Bruce begins thinking about Tim's place in the world following the deaths of both his parents and the events of the Crisis. Finally, Bruce approaches Tim again with the idea of adoption. This time, Tim readily accepts, even going so far as to hug Bruce with tears in his eyes. Along with the adoption, plans are made to move Tim into the Manor using the room once owned by Dick and Jason.

Unfortunately, shortly after his adoption, Tim has his position as Bruce's new son called into question by the arrival of [[Damian Wayne|Damian]], the son of Batman and [[Talia al Ghul]]. Damian is a cruel, aggressive and spoiled brat who despises Tim, and wishes to kill him and replace him as Batman's sidekick and as his 'true' son. The boys do battle in the Cave, at which point Damian defeats Tim by sucker punching him off the T-Rex in the trophy room. Damian then steals the tunic and mask of Jason Todd's old Robin costume in an attempt to claim the identity as his own. Tim and Damien confront each other again during [[Batman: The Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul]], and are even forced to join forces (although reluctantly) as Ra's al Ghul attempts to steal one of their bodies in order to resurrect himself.

In ''Detective Comics'' #826 Tim is captured and tied up by the Joker. Tim escapes on his own, which Batman acknowledges and commends. In #829, Wayne Tower is attacked by a mysterious terrorist named "Vox". Bruce is trapped in the building with other people, unable to reach his Bat-gear, and thus Tim must face Vox alone. Vox sprays Tim with a liquid explosive, but before Vox can detonate it, Tim uses a blow torch to get the explosives off his body. Vox is later confronted by Batman, but when Batman can not convince him of his wrongdoings, Vox commits suicide.

A mysterious, yet familiar figure has been stalking the Boy Wonder wearing Stephanie's Spoiler costume. At one point, Tim thought that he may have imagined seeing Stephanie around, but while investigating a new vigilante known as Violet, it is later revealed the new Spoiler is indeed Stephanie Brown. It is revealed that Stephanie did not actually die from her injuries and from the neglect of Doctor Thompkins, but rather it was an elaborate ruse devised by Leslie, in order to allow Stephanie to start a new life away from Gotham. The girl who died, was actually another victim who simply matched Stephanie's physical characteristics. Stephanie escaped to Africa with Leslie, but soon returned to Gotham under the claim that she could not run away from her past. Unknown to Tim, she has been working secretly as an agent of the Penguin. <ref> Robin #172</ref>

====The "new" Teen Titans====
[[Image:TeenTitansOYL1.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The [[Teen Titans (comics)|Teen Titans]] during '''[[One Year Later]]'''. Cover art to ''Teen Titans'' (vol. 3) #34 by [[Tony Daniel]].]]
Meanwhile in ''52'' #51, following the one year anniversary of Superboy's death, Robin joins the rest of the Superhero community for a memorial service in which to honor Conner Kent as well as all those who died during World War III, where [[Black Adam]] murdered millions of men, women and children in the Country of Bialya Strands, along which he murdered several Teen Titans including Terra and Young Frankenstein, before at last being defeated. There Tim has apparently started rebuilding the Titans, though only he, Eddie Bloomberg, a transformed Kid Devil (as well as being Blue Devil's ex sidekick) and Rose Wilson,the third Ravager daughter of Deathstroke are on the roster. Later on, Cyborg, who had been temporarily shut down due to a traumatic space mission, wakes up in Titans Tower to reveal that he has been "unconscious" for a year. Upon waking, Cyborg is told of the death of Superboy, and recent events, and joins the team, not as leader, but a regular Titan. Robin and Cyborg (to the reluctance of Ravager and indiifference of Kid Devil) attempt to convince Wonder Girl to return but she refuses, feeling abandoned by Robin following Superboy's death. At the memorial service, he also reveals to Jimmy Olsen that he changed his uniform to red and black, in order to honor Superboy's colors.

Unable to let his best friend go<ref>[http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/InfiniteCrisis/counseling7.html Infinite Crisis Counseling]</ref> Tim sets up a secret facility beneath Titans Tower for the express purpose of recreating Superboy via replicating his [[DNA]], although all his attempts have so far failed. He also keeps Conner's costume, similar to how Batman grieved the death of Jason Todd. Wonder Girl returns to the team full time, and goes in search of Robin to inform him of her decision. During the search, she discovers his secret lab. Tim confesses how much he misses Conner, and the two share a passionate, unexpected kiss. Wonder Girl has attempted to speak to Tim about the incident several times, but Robin continues to avoid her.

Later, [[Deathstroke the Terminator|Deathstroke]]'s [[Titans East]] makes an all out assault on the Teen Titans, picking off each member except for Rose and Jericho. Tim has been personally targeted by Deathstroke, who with Batgirl is holding him captive in an unknown underground location. In a mocking sort of gesture, Slade has surrounded Tim with trophy cases containing Superboy's costume, along with that of Stephanie Brown and clothing from his parents, Jack and Janet Drake, and his stepmother, Dana Drake.

Deathstroke orders Cassandra Cain to inject Tim with the same formula that once granted him control over Rose and current control over Cassandra. Tim manages to escape and inject Cassandra with an antidote he developed in case Slade ever managed to re-inject Rose. With Batgirl now free of Slade's influence, she joins Robin and the Titans against Slade's Titans East. Along with Duela Dent and past Titans, Nightwing, Donna Troy, Beast Boy and Flash (Bart Allen), the Titans defeat the Titans East, although Slade and Inertia manage to escape. Batgirl, who attempted to murder Slade in revenge, is stopped by Nightwing, and disappears soon after as well.

Tim receives news of Bart Allen's death (having been killed by the Flash Rogues) while at the tower and later attends his funeral where he delivers a eulogy for Bart. Tim also shows a video that Bart made in the case of his death, in which he tells his friends that no matter what, he is proud of his time as a part of the Flash Legacy and as a member of the Teen Titans. The Titans later holds another more private ceremony for Bart at Titans Tower.

As of lately, in ''Robin'' Tim Drake has been having an ongoing battle against his new archrival [[Dodge (comics)|Dodge]] and romantic feelings for a girl named Zoanne. However in ''Teen Titans'' Tim and [[Cassie Sandsmark]] (Wonder Girl) recently confessed their feelings for each other after the ''Amazons Attack'' series came to a close.

Soon after Bart's wake, the Titans found themselves once again confronted with the Titans of Tomorrow who oddly enough still have Conner Kent and Bart Allen as members. Despite the fact the Tim and the others did their best to avoid their distrubing future, the Titans of the Tomorrow survived, and returned back in time supposedly to stop an invasion of Starros, and to ensure their future comes to pass. Tim unfortunately discovers that he is responsible for Bart and Conner's continued although cruel existence, as he will somehow become successful in cloning his friends. Meanwhile, Batman-Tim does his best to force Tim to doubt himself and his relationships with his teammates. With the help of Wonder Girl, Robin is able to fight back against his future self and supposedly alter the future of the Titans. Soon after the Future Titans vanish, Tim and Cassie go on a date together, but soon after Cassie breaks up with Tim stating that she feels she is using him rather than actually dating him. This has once again left both Robin and Wonder Girl in an unstable and awkward state. The issues between Wonder Girl and Robin have started to bleed out into their interaction with the rest of them, making both heroes more volitile and short tempered when interacting particularly with Rose or Eddie.

Despite the defeat of two evil groups of Teen Titans, the group is soon beseeched by yet Another group of evil teens, known as the Terror Titans. Formed by the new Clock King, they capture Kid Devil and Miss Martian as well as destroy part of Titans Towers and supposedly have killed Ravager. When Robin, Wonder Girl and Blue Beetle attempt to investigate Cassie and Jamie are attacked by this latest evil team of Titans, while Robin faces off against the Clock King. Unfortunately, the Boy Wonder is soundly defeated, due to the Clock King's ability to foresee the future by a few seconds. The story is still ongoing.

==Powers and abilities==
Tim Drake possesses the normal human strength of a teenager who regularly engages in intensive physical exercise. The Batman has trained him in many disciplines, such as martial arts, [[forensic]], [[criminology]], [[acrobatics]], [[wiktionary:stealth|stealth]], [[deception|disguise]], and [[escapology]].

His naturally high intellect allows him to excel in computer science and more importantly as a skilled [[detective]]. His intellect is apparently so impressive that Batman has claimed to Alfred that Tim is potentially smarter than he is. His ability to deduce the secret identities of superheroes on his own has been used to underscore his skill. Among the identities used in this way are the Batman, both of his predecessors as Robin, the Huntress, Impulse, [[Captain Marvel (DC Comics)|Captain Marvel]] and even the Flash, after Wally West's secret identity was wiped from the minds of the world by Hal Jordan. Furthermore, Tim apparently has a firm grasp of assorted scientific techniques including biology, engineering and genetics, which he has been shown to use in his attempts at re-cloning Superboy. Tim, much like Dick Grayson, is also a brilliant and experienced strategist with impressive leadership skills, having served as leader to the [[Titans (comics)|Teen Titans]], [[Young Justice]], and even being placed in charge of the rescue efforts of Blüdhaven by Superman, following the attack made by Deathstroke and his fellow villains.

==Appearance==
Drake's original costume was slightly different from that of his predecessors as supplied by Batman to give him a measure of increased protection. It includes an armored [[tunic]], a [[cape]] that is black on the outside though still yellow on the inside, and green [[leggings]]. Other details include an armored [[gorget]], [[jika-tabi]] style boots, an emergency "R" [[shuriken]] on his chest in addition to the traditional [[batarang]]s, and a collapsible bo staff as primary weapon. There is also a general change of the theme of the equipment from "Bat" to "Robin".

Following the ''Infinite Crisis'' aftermath, Tim updated his costume to match Superboy's black and red color scheme as homage to his late friend (a similar costume change was undertaken by Wonder Girl). These updates include long sleeves, the elimination of the green from the suit, the addition of [[scallop#Scallops in design|scallops]] to his gloves and cape, and inclusion of a [[Batsuit#Utility Belt|utility belt]] with pockets. The scallops on the cape give an illusion of feathers rather than bat-wings, as seen on the cape of the Batman. The stylized "R" on Robin's chest has been replaced with a more traditional one, though its appearance varies from artist to artist. Robin retains his "R" shurikens, but he now carries them in his belt as opposed to his tunic. This new costume closely resembles the Robin suit worn by the Robin character in ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'' (see below).

==As Tim Drake==
During his early career, Drake is different from the previous Robins in that his father, Jack Drake, is alive and at first unaware of Tim's life as Robin. His mother, Janet Drake, is murdered before he becomes Robin, and his father is in a coma for some time. Tim also has a stepmother, Dana Winters, who is first introduced as Jack's physical therapist and later falls in love and marries him. Dana often maintains peace between Jack and Tim. Eventually Tim's father learns of his work as Robin, and is later murdered because of the connection. Tim appears to not have any other family. For a brief time, his uncle Eddie Drake acts as his guardian, but turns out to be an actor whom Tim hired to maintain his independence.

Initially, Tim's closest friend at Gotham Heights is a young man named Ives. They remain friends until Tim's father sends him to the Brentwood Academy for Boys. They renew the friendship after Tim's father can no longer afford to send him to Brentwood, but they lose contact when Tim begins to attend a high school in Blūdhaven and later returns to Gotham. At Tim's new school, he becomes friends with Bernard, a hyperactive [[metrosexual]]. [[One Year Later]], at another new school, Tim becomes friends with a boy named Jared, who has a habit of trying to one-up Tim financially. More recently however, Tim is yet again unexpectedly reunited with Ives, who until recently was being home-schooled by his mother.

After becoming Robin, Tim's closest friend is Conner Kent (Superboy), prior to Conner's death in ''Infinite Crisis'', followed closely by Bart Allen (Impulse/[[Kid Flash]]), prior to his death at the hands of the Rogues, and Cassandra (Cassie) Sandsmark (Wonder Girl), another Young Justice and Teen Titans teammate. Tim is also particularly close with Dick Grayson, with whom he shares a brotherly relationship even before they have the same adoptive father in Bruce Wayne. Tim's favorite superhero is the [[Blue Beetle (Ted Kord)|Blue Beetle]], whom he befriends through Barbara Gordon.<ref>{{Comic book reference | writer=Dixon, Chuck | penciller=[[Jackson Guice|Guice, Jackson]] | inker=Guice, Jackson | story=Masks | title=[[Birds of Prey (comic book)|Birds of Prey]] | volume=1 | issue=19 | date=July, 2000 | publisher=DC Comics | page= | panel= }}</ref> He also has a friendship with [[Green Arrow (Connor Hawke)| Connor Hawke]], the second Green Arrow.

Tim's love interests tend toward the dangerous. They include Ariana Dzerchenko, daughter of a deli owner targeted and murdered by the Russian mob; gang leader Lynx; [[Warlock's Daughter|Darla Aquista]], daughter of a mafia boss; fellow vigilante Spoiler, daughter of the Cluemaster, with whom he has his longest relationship; and even [[Marvel Comics|Marvel Universe]]'s [[Jubilee (comics)|Jubilee]]. Other characters are attracted to Tim, including Young Justice teammates [[Secret (comics)|Secret]] and Arrowette, who steals a kiss from Robin before quitting the team. In an issue of ''[[Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E.]]'', Tim expresses an interest in [[Courtney Whitmore (comics)|Courtney Whitmore]], although this has not been picked up on recently. Tim also has an attraction with another vigilante, Violet.

Comic book stories published between 2004 and 2005 establish that over a period of several months, Tim’s personal life is sent into turmoil. One of his love interests, Darla Aquista, is killed in a gang war and later resurrected by the demonic Johnny Warlock as an evil witch. His girlfriend, Stephanie Brown, is tortured and murdered. His father dies in a fight with the first Captain Boomerang.<ref>{{Comic book reference | writer=[[Brad Meltzer|Meltzer, Brad]] | penciller=[[Rags Morales|Morales, Rags]] | inker=[[Michael Bair|Bair, Michael]] | story=Chapter Four: Who Benefits | title=[[Identity Crisis (comics)|Identity Crisis]] | volume=1 | issue=4 | date=November 2004 | publisher=DC Comics | page= | panel= }}</ref> His stepmother has a nervous breakdown and needs to be placed in a psychiatric ward and later disappears following the attack on Blüdhaven (she has not been shown or mentioned following the OYL jump). His favorite superhero and friend Ted Kord is murdered, and his best friend, Superboy, dies saving the world.

In the "One Year Later" stories, Tim's former love interest Lynx is found dead again (Lynx was previously killed during ''War Games'' while fighting Batgirl, but this was apparently retconned following OYL); he is suspected in her murder, but later learns that former Batgirl Cassandra Cain is responsible. Not wanting to lose another person in his life, Tim offers Cassandra help and is distraught when he realizes that clearing his name will brand Cassandra as a murderer. Recently, however, Tim has discovered that Cassandra was under the control of Slade's mind-altering serum, and Tim has since supposedly cured her. While under the influence of Slade's drug, Cassandra behaved more fixated on Robin, wanting him to be with her and even attempting to use the same serum on him in order to sway him.

In ''Teen Titans'', Tim has had assorted romantic issues amongst his female teammates. During the early run of the OYL jump, is propositioned by fellow Titan [[Rose Wilson]] for sex late one night in his room. Tim not only rejects her, but handcuffs her. Meanwhile, Tim and Cassie (Wonder Girl), while mourning Superboy, share an unexpected yet passionate kiss. Tim later says that it was a mistake, and Cassie agrees. Following the 'Amazon Attacks' series, however, Tim and Cassie confess their growing feelings for one another and share another kiss. Unfortunately, this relationship has been in a constant volitile state. During a mission against the Future Titans, Tim and Cassie are forced by their future-selves to question their growing attraction/relationship. Cassie and Tim oppose these claims by again sharing a deep kiss that alters the future. Unfortunately immediately afterwards, Tim and Cassie go on a date, after which Cassie then breaks up with Tim and claims that she is afraid she is using him and that they need to really sort things out. This has left the two leading members of the Titans in an unstable and awkward situation.

In ''Robin'', Tim finds another new potential love interest in fellow classmate Zoanne. After agreeing to tutor Tim, Zoanne realizes that he is not an aloof snob and becomes attracted to Tim. She later kisses Tim after he is kidnapped and later 'rescued' by Robin. Afterwards, Tim asks her out, making Zoanne his first 'normal' date in a very long time. Although their date is interrupted by Batman, they have found a deep kinship with one another and plan a second date. Unfortunately, Tim's life as Robin has already started to cause trouble, and Zoanne is growing concerned that his brooding and at times, distant behavior means that he might not be as interested as previously thought. These concerns lead her to break off their romantic relationship, believing that after everything that Tim has gone through, he is not ready for a relationship right now. Oddly enough however, Tim and Zoanne have continued to make several attempts at dating again, only there has been severe awkwardness between the two of them much like Tim's relationship with Wonder Girl. One such incident involved Tim falling asleep on a roller coaster ride during a double date at the amusement park.

Tim has recently suffered another major loss, in the form of ex-Young Justice and Teen Titans teammate Bart Allen, murdered by the Flash Rogues. He also recently suffered yet another tragedy after another one of his friends within the superhero community, Connor Hawke, has been rendered in a [[persistent vegetative state]] after being shot by an unidentified shooter.

Shocking enough, it appears that Robin's romantic life will suffer yet another unexpected upheaval, as it appears that Stephanie Brown has been "resurrected" from the dead and is once again stalking the rooftops of Gotham under the guise of Spoiler. It is revealed that she did not actually die during the War Games incident, but it was rather a ruse created by Leslie Thompkins to aid Stephanie start a new life outside of Gotham. Oddly enough, upon her return Spoiler is now working for Penguin, who apparently gave her the Spoiler costume.

Following the death of his father at the hands of the first Captain Boomerang, Tim was formally adopted by Bruce Wayne/Batman. According to the Robin Spoiler Special by Chuck Dixon, Tim has taken Bruce's last name.

The adoption follows the token gesture made by Bruce to Dick Grayson, as well as the resurrection of Jason Todd and the reemergence of Bruce's illegitimate son Damian with Talia al Ghul, effectively placing Tim as suddenly a middle child where previously he had no siblings. While his relationship with Grayson is strong, and his relationship with Jason is difficult but with a level of a respect, Damian considers Tim to simply be a rival for their father's affection and his role as Batman.

==Graphic novels==
In 1993, a few years after his debut as Robin, DC launched a monthly solo series featuring Tim Drake's adventures as Robin, with Batman appearing as a supporting character. As of [[2007]], the series is still ongoing. He has also starred in some miniseries and one-shots. This material as been collected as follows:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Title !! Material collected
|-
! colspan="2" | Pre-series graphic novels
|-
| "Robin" || ''Robin'' vol. 1, #1-5
|-
| "A Hero Reborn" || ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #455-457, ''Robin'' vol. 1, #1-5
|-
| "Robin II: The Joker's Wild!" || ''Robin II: The Joker's Wild!'' #1-4
|-
| "Tragedy and Triumph" || ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #618-621, ''Robin II'' #1-4
|-
| "Robin III: Cry of the Huntress" || ''Robin III: Cry of the Huntress'' #1-6
|-
| ''[[Showcase (comics)|Showcase '93]]'' || ''Showcase '93'' #5-6, 11-12
|-
! colspan="2" | Regular series graphic novels
|-
| "Flying Solo" || ''Robin'' vol. 2, #1-6, ''Showcase '94'' #5-6
|-
| "Unmasked!" || ''Robin'' vol. 2, #121-125
|-
| "Robin/Batgirl: Fresh Blood" || ''Robin'' vol. 2, #132-133, ''Batgirl'' #58-59
|-
| "To Kill a Bird" || ''Robin'' vol. 2, #134-139
|-
| "Days of Fire and Madness" || ''Robin'' vol. 2, #140-145
|-
| "Wanted" || ''Robin'' vol. 2, #148-153
|-
| "Teenage Wasteland" || ''Robin'' vol. 2, #154-162
|-
| "The Big Leagues" || ''Robin'' vol. 2, #163-167
|-
!colspan="2" | Other graphic novels
|-
| ''Robin 80-Page Giant'' #1 || special issue
|}

==In other media==
[[Image:Robintimd.gif|thumb|Tim Drake as the Robin from ''The New Batman Adventures''.]]

===The New Batman Adventures===
{{main|The New Batman Adventures}}

Tim Drake as Robin first appears in the premiere episode of ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'', otherwise known as ''Gotham Knights'', "Holiday Knights". The following episode, "Sins of the Father", explains that Tim was a street kid whose father was a criminal who betrayed [[Two-Face]] and was ultimately killed, feeling he needed to help, Tim stole the [[Robin]] suit and helped [[Batman]] take down [[Two-Face]]. Tim's background and personality was much closer to that of [[Jason Todd]] who was the second [[Robin]] in the comic books but was not used in the animated series. Tim appeared as Robin throughout the series. He was voiced by [[Mathew Valencia]].

''[[The Batman Adventures]]: The Lost Years'' mini-series further details how Tim became the second Robin in ''The New Batman Adventures.''

===Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker===
{{main|Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker}}

The animated feature ''[[Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker]]'' shows Tim 40 years older. He is shown to be an electronics and communication professional, and is bitter about his days as Robin and angry at Bruce Wayne. When [[Joker (comics)|The Joker]] reappears, he begins having nightmares.

Although Bruce Wayne tries to stop the current Batman ([[Terry McGinnis]]) from getting involved in the Joker situation, the issue is brought to a head when Wayne himself is hospitalized by the Joker. McGinnis is able to get the full story behind the Joker (and his disappearance) from [[Media_adaptations_of_Barbara_Gordon#DC_Animated_Universe|Barbara Gordon]]. Gordon reveals that Tim had been captured, tortured, and brainwashed by the Joker and [[Harley Quinn]] to become "Joker Junior." Joker turn Tim loose with the instruction to kill Batman, but Tim at the last moment turns on the Joker.

There are two versions of the next series of events. The original release (which had been edited heavily) shows Tim setting off a chain of events that leads to the Joker being electrocuted. In the unedited version, Tim shoots Joker in the chest with one of his own guns, and the Joker dies, saying "That's not funny." With the aid of Dr. [[Leslie Thompkins]], Tim is rehabilitated, although he never becomes Robin again.

The new Batman, now knowing that the original Joker is actually dead, deduces that the equipment stolen by the Joker's [[Jokerz|lackeys]] would be of use to an electronics and communications professional. Deducing that "Robin has become a bitter old crow", he goes to confront him. It turns out that the Joker implanted a chip into Tim that allowed a stored version of the Joker to take over Tim's body. Batman uses one of the Joker's trademark joy buzzers to destroy the chip, allowing Tim to revert to himself. At the end of the feature, he is shown going to the hospital to see Bruce Wayne and recover their friendship.

The older version of Tim was voiced by [[Dean Stockwell]], whereas [[Mathew Valencia]] reprised his role as the younger Robin and [[Andrea Romano]] provided the maniacal laughing of "Joker Junior."

===Justice League===
When ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]'' was pitched to KidsWB, the line up originally included 3 young members (the network prefers kids to have a prominent role). The members would have been [[Robin (Tim Drake)|Tim Drake]] (Robin II, in [[DCAU]] continuity), [[Bart Allen|Impulse]] and an original character described as a "teenage female version of [[Cyborg (comics)|Cyborg]]". The promo is viewable on the ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]'' Season 1 set, Disc 4. {{-}}

Tim briefly appears alongside [[Cassandra Cain]]{{Fact|date=August 2007}} (her only cartoon cameo) as part of the alternate Batman's resistance against [[Vandal Savage#In other media|Vandal Savage]] in the ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]'' episode "[[The Savage Time (Justice League)|The Savage Time]]" (Part 1). He also attends Superman's funeral in "[[Hereafter (Justice League)|Hereafter]]," along with [[Alfred Pennyworth#In other media|Alfred]]. As Robin, Tim helped the Justice League against [[Felix Faust#In other media|Felix Faust]] in ''Justice League Adventures'' #33.

===Other appearances===
[[Image:AnimatedCass.PNG|thumb|Alternate Tim and Cassandra chasing each other in ''Savage Time'']]
Tim Drake appeared as Robin in two episodes of ''[[Static Shock]]'', "The Big Leagues" and "[[Future Shock (Static Shock)|Future Shock]]" He was voiced by [[Eli Marienthal]] in the first, and by [[Shane Sweet]] in the second.

Tim Drake, although not seen, is mentioned by [[Barbara Gordon]] in an episode of the short-lived television series [[Birds of Prey (TV series)|Birds of Prey]].

Tim also appeared as Robin in the animated movie, ''[[Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman]]''. He was again voiced by [[Eli Marienthal]].

It has been mentioned that Tim Drake will be in the upcoming [[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]] which will pit him against those such as Scorpion or Subzero.<ref>[http://www.trmk.org/news/11557/mk_vs_dcu_details_from_wizard_world_philly_2008.html TRMK Mortal Kombat News]</ref>

==Footnotes==
{{Reflist}}

==See also==
[[Alternate versions of Robin]]

==External links==
* [http://www.dccomics.com/heroes_and_villains/?hv=origin_stories/robin DC Comics - ''Robin'']
* [http://www.titanstower.com/source/whoswho/robin3.html ''Titans Tower'' Biography]
* [http://www.thebatsquad.net/robin/index.htm Tim Drake's Bibliography]
* [http://www.angelfire.com/retro/cgarlington/hero.html ''Robin: Boy Wonder fansite'']
* [http://www.cindycenter.com/FreddieFinal.mp3 Podcast interview with Robin comics artist Freddie Williams II]

{{Batman}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Drake, Tim}}
[[Category:Comic book sidekicks]]
[[Category:DC Comics superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics martial artists]]
[[Category:Fictional adoptees]]
[[Category:American comics characters]]
[[Category:Fictional detectives]]
[[Category:Fictional orphans]]
[[Category:Fictional vigilantes]]
[[Category:Fictional bojutsu practitioners]]

[[es:Robin (DC Comics)#Tim_Drake]]
[[fr:Tim Drake]]
[[it:Tim Drake]]
[[hu:Robin (Tim Drake)]]
[[pt:Tim Drake (Robin)]]

Tim Drake

2008-06-25T15:17:34Z

71.182.145.40: /* Justice League */

{{Superherobox| 
image=[[Image:Robin150.jpg|250px]]
|caption=Tim in his new costume. Promotional art for ''Robin'' #150 (July 2006) cover, by [[Patrick Gleason (artist)|Patrick Gleason]] and [[Prentis Rollins]].
|character_name=Robin
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut='''As Tim Drake''': ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #436 (August 1989)<ref>[http://www.dcuguide.com/Bm/Bm_436.php Batman #436 (August 1989)]</ref> '''As Robin''': ''Batman'' #442 (December 1990)<ref>[http://www.dcuguide.com/Bm/Bm_442.php Batman #442 (December 1989)]</ref>
|creators=[[Marv Wolfman]] (writer) [[Pat Broderick]] (artist)
|alter_ego = Timothy "Tim" Drake 
|species = 
|homeworld = 
|alliances = [[Batman supporting characters|Batman Family]] [[Teen Titans]] [[Young Justice]]
|partners=[[Batman]]
|aliases =Alvin Draper, Mister Sarcastic, Caroline Hill<ref>{{Cite comic | Writer = [[Judd Winick]] | Artist = [[Dustin Nguyen (artist)|Dustin Nguyen]] | Story = Batman: As the Crow Flies| Title = Batman | Volume = 1 | Issue = 626 | Date = June, 2004 | Publisher = [[DC Comics]] | Page =9 | Panel = | ID = }}</ref>
|supports=
|powers = Skilled [[martial arts|martial artist]] and [[acrobatics|acrobat]], high level intellect, keen [[detective]] skills , skilled in [[weaponary]]
}}
'''Timothy "Tim" Drake''' is a [[fictional character]], a [[comic book]] [[superhero]] from the [[DC Comics]] [[DC Universe|universe]]. As the third and current '''[[Robin (comics)|Robin]]''' in the ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' comics, he serves as [[Batman]]'s sidekick, and a [[superhero]] in his own right.

==Publication history==
DC Comics was left uncertain about readers' decision to kill [[Jason Todd]], wondering if they felt Batman should be a lone [[vigilante]], disliked Todd specifically, or just wanted to see if DC would actually kill the character. (See also: ''[[Batman: A Death in the Family]]''). In addition, the 1989 ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'' film did not feature Robin. Regardless, Batman editor [[Dennis O'Neil|Denny O'Neil]] introduced a new Robin.

==Fictional character biography==
===Origin===
Tim Drake, who is to become the new Robin, first appears in a flashback in ''Batman'' #436 ([[August]] [[1989]]). Drake first appears as a 13-year-old boy who has followed the adventures of Batman and Robin ever since witnessing the murder of the Flying Graysons when he was a child. This connects Drake to [[Dick Grayson]], the first Robin, establishing a link that DC hoped would help readers accept this new Robin{{Fact|date=April 2007}}. At the age of nine, Drake surmises their secret identities with his instinctive detective skills, after watching Batman and Robin battle against the [[Penguin (comics)|Penguin]] on a security tape shown on TV. While the Penguin was attempting to catch Batman unaware, Robin pounced on the Penguin after executing a quadruple somersault, which Tim had witnessed Dick execute during the final performance of the Flying Graysons. Knowing that only Dick Grayson could execute such a feat, Tim makes the connection and follows Batman and Robin's careers closely.<ref>[http://www.dcuguide.com/Bm/Bm_441.php Batman #441 (November 1989)]</ref>

[[Image:RobinJonboy007007.jpg|thumb|left|175px|Drake in his first ''original'' Robin costume. Art by [[Jonboy Meyers]] and [[Tony Washington]].]]

Years later, after Batman grows progressively more violent and reckless following Jason's death, Tim seeks out Dick Grayson to try to convince him to reprise his role as Robin. Reluctant to take a step back, Dick agrees to assist Batman again, but only as [[Dick Grayson#Nightwing Begins|Nightwing]]. Tim, who is unsatisfied with Dick's decision, continues to argue that Batman needs a Robin. Finally, he coaxes [[Alfred Pennyworth]] to help him, and taking the Robin costume from the [[Batcave]] pursues the original Dynamic Duo where he proves to be an invaluable asset in the capture of [[Two-Face]].

Both Dick and Alfred can see that Tim is well suited not only as Robin but also as a force to keep Batman grounded emotionally. Although Batman is very reluctant to have another partner, he grudgingly agrees that the boy has potential and then begins an extended training period in which Tim endures months of physical, mental and psychological tests.

Before Tim can take on the role of Robin, a villain calling himself the [[Obeah Man (comics)|Obeah Man]] captures his parents, [[Jack Drake|Jack]] and Janet Drake. While waiting for news of their rescue, he takes his mind off his worries by focusing on tracking down the [[hacker]]/thief Moneyspider, who he reveals to be [[Anarky]], thus solving his first solo case. Meanwhile, Batman rushes to rescue Tim's parents, but fails to save them before the Obeah Man poisons both Jack and Janet. Janet dies, and Jack is left in a coma for several months. Batman becomes even more reluctant to entrust Tim with the Robin mantle following this loss because afraid that the boy is too blinded by rage and a desire for vengeance. Tim proves himself however, when the [[Scarecrow (comics)|Scarecrow]] kidnaps Batman and [[Vicki Vale]]. Yet, rather than save them dressed as Robin, Tim instead goes forth wearing normal street gear and a ski mask, stating that he did not want to damage the Robin legacy should he have failed. After that, Batman finally allows Tim Drake to become the newest Boy Wonder, wearing a revised uniform.<ref>[http://www.dcuguide.com/Bm/Bm_457.php Batman #457 (December 1990)]</ref>

===Training abroad===
In addition to being a primary character in the main ''Batman'' comic books, Tim is also the first Robin to star in his own series (both mini and later monthly).

The ''Robin'' mini-series (six issues published from January 1991 through May 1991, written by [[Chuck Dixon]] with [[Tom Lyle]] as penciller), takes place immediately after Batman gives Tim the mantle. Wishing to make certain that his newest Robin does not repeat the mistakes of the previous Boy Wonder, Batman sends Tim to [[Paris]] to learn fighting skills from a master [[martial arts|martial artist]]: Rahul Lama. There, he learns the healing arts from the aging master, while learning combat from the Lama's other student. While there, Tim is drawn into a battle against [[King Snake]]'s criminal organization, the Ghost Dragons. Tim joins forces with a former [[Drug Enforcement Administration|DEA]] agent, Clyde Rawlins, and the world-class [[assassination|assassin]], [[Lady Shiva]]. Shiva sees potential in Drake, and takes him under her wing, training him in martial arts and a weapon of his choice. Tim chooses the non-lethal [[bo (weapon)|bo staff]], to Shiva's disappointment. He concludes his training when he defeats Shiva in a sparring match with the bo, and as a gift she presents him with a collapsible bo staff which fits under his cape.

Meanwhile, King Snake acquires a virulent [[Plague (disease)|plague]]. The three attempt to stop them from releasing it, but the Ghost Dragons escape with a few of the canisters. After tracking them to [[Hong Kong]], they eventually defeat King Snake, though Rawlins dies in the attempt as Shiva watches. Shiva orders Robin to kill King Snake while he hangs from a building, to signify his 'graduation' and thus become her 'weapon'. Robin refuses to kill, and leaves. Shiva throws King Snake off the ledge of the building, seemingly to his death.

===Not just a sidekick===
[[Image:Robin0.JPG|thumb|150px|''Robin'' #0 (October 1994), cover art by [[Tom Grummett]] and Ray Kryssing.]]
When Robin returns to [[Gotham City]], he begins his official career as Batman's new partner. Over the next several months, he earns the respect of those around him through his ability.

DC gave Drake yet another mini-series, entitled ''Robin II: Joker's Wild'' (published from October 1991 through December 1991), in which Tim is forced to face Jason Todd's murderer, the [[Joker (comics)|Joker]], without Batman's help. A third mini-series entitled ''Robin III: Cry of Huntress'' (published from December 1992 through March 1993) pitted Tim and the [[Huntress (Helena Bertinelli)|Huntress]] against Robin's old nemesis, the King Snake. This story delves deeper into the difficulties that Robin suffers as both a normal teenager and as a [[vigilante]]; particularly in the relationship with his father, who had come out of his [[coma]] only months prior. Both ''Robin II'' and ''Robin III'' featured the same creative team that worked on the first mini-series.

The popularity of the ''Robin'' mini-series led to the launch of a monthly series in November [[1993]], which has created a mythos independent of that of the main ''Batman'' story. The writers have given Robin an assortment of archenemies, such as the bumbling but cruel [[Cluemaster]] and the psychotic child criminal, the [[General (DC Comics)|General]]. Chuck Dixon and [[Tom Grummett]] launched the series as writer and artist, respectively. Grummett left the title at issue #15 although he planned to leave a #16, this did not pan out due to scheduling conflicts with the Superboy series. Dixon would stay on to issue #100 and has returned as of #170.

Meanwhile, Tim's father, Jack, emerges from his coma [[paraplegia|paralyzed from the waist down]]. This new handicap and the loss of his wife leaves Jack with the desire to reconnect with his son. Tim's duties as the Boy Wonder and his close relationship with Bruce Wayne cause a greater rift between Jack and Tim, though they attempt to reconcile.

In time, Jack regains the use of his legs with the aid of physical therapist Dana Winters. Although Dana is considerably younger than Jack, the two immediately feel a mutual attraction and begin dating. Dana curbs Jack's anger at his son for being so distant, and helps Tim to feel more connected with his father. As time passes, Jack proposes to Dana, and they get married. They wed following an incident in which Dana is [[demonic possession|possessed]] by a powerful witch and fights Robin, [[Spoiler (comics)|Spoiler]], [[Wildcat (comics)|Wildcat]], and [[Black Canary]].

Tim is also given a romantic interest, a [[Russia]]n girl named Ariana Dzerchenko, who is introduced in the third ''Robin'' limited series. Their relationship is often rocky, as Ariana is very insecure about Tim's feelings towards her, and often feels the need to make overly grand gestures to get Tim to prove his feelings for her. One such gesture being when Ariana propositioned Tim for sex, wearing nothing more than a skimpy teddy. Tim, ever the gentleman, rebuffs the offer, feeling that the neither are ready for such a big step. Unfortunately, Ariana's uncle catches the teens in the compromising position and demands that they no longer date. They eventually get back together, but almost immediately break up again. Tim then falls in love with Stephanie Brown, the [[Cluemaster]]'s daughter, who rejected her father's lifestyle and adopted the superhero identity of Spoiler. Stephanie initially does not know Robin's true identity, as Batman forbids Tim to reveal it to her. Their romance is tested early on, when Stephanie confesses to being [[pregnant]] from a previous relationship. Tim helps deliver the baby girl, after which Stephanie gives her up for [[adoption]].

===Young Justice and the Teen Titans===

Much like Dick Grayson, Tim Drake has allied himself with the other superheroes in his age demographic. He mostly works with only the [[Batman supporting characters|Gotham City heroes]], but on occasion joins forces with heroes such as [[Superman]], the [[Wally West|Flash]], [[Superboy (Kon-El)|Superboy]] and [[Bart Allen|Impulse]] (who become his best friends). During one adventure where a pre-teen boy was given god-like powers, Robin, Superboy and Impulse joined forces to defeat him. The boys work so well together that they create their own team of heroes called [[Young Justice]]. Robin acts as the leader of the team until he temporarily quits following the ''[[Imperiex|Imperiex War]]''. During that mission, the group is tortured on [[Apokolips]]. Afterward, Robin discovers that over half the team, including Superboy, [[Wonder Girl (Cassie Sandsmark)|Wonder Girl]], Impulse and Cissie King-Jones (formerly [[Arrowette]]), no longer trust him. The [[Justice League]] had discovered that Batman kept contingency plans on them, and the younger heroes begin to wonder if Robin might also have plans to defeat or even kill them. Secret, who has deep feelings for Robin, along with new members Empress and Lil' Lobo however remained trusting of Robin and side with him. Still, feeling hurt as well as strained by assorted other problems in his personal life, Robin quits the team temporarily.

When Tim returns, the team agrees to elect their leader this time around, and Tim loses to Wonder Girl. The team still looks at Tim as its tactical expert, aiding Wonder Girl in leadership, similar to Batman's own position in the JLA. Unwilling to quit Young Justice a second time, Tim takes on the identity of "Mister Sarcastic" at a point where Young Justice agree to be become [[Reality television|reality TV]] stars. Soon after Secret is turned evil by Darksied and it is Tim who manages to save the world by reminding Greta of her humanity.

Young Justice disbands following the death of [[Donna Troy]]. [[Cyborg (comics)|Cyborg]], [[Starfire (comics)|Starfire]] and [[Beast Boy]] bring Robin, Superboy, Wonder Girl and Impulse (later known as Kid Flash) together to form the new [[Teen Titans (comics)|Teen Titans]]. While Cyborg takes the lead, Robin is often seen as the leader of the younger members, even going against the direct orders of the elder Titans.

In the "[[Titans Tomorrow]]" storyline, Tim encounters his future self in the identity of Batman after his mentor dies in a crisis. This future happens despite his repeated statement that he did not want to be the next Batman, and is rather content being Robin. In this timeline, Tim is now the leader of the future Titans with himself as Batman. After Bruce Wayne's death, Tim has the Titans take control of the entire West Coast. He orders any rebellions to be put down by Dark Raven absorbing the people's [[free will]] and hope. He even hunts down most of Batman's [[Enemies of Batman|Rogue's gallery]] and kills them with the handgun that was used to kill [[Thomas Wayne|Thomas]] and [[Martha Wayne]]. As he explains to his younger self, 'It took me years to do it'. He even begins a relationship with Bettie Kane, who becomes his partner, [[Batwoman]]. He later kills her during an argument; wracked with guilt, he makes a deal with [[Ra's al Ghul]] to restore her using the [[Lazarus Pit]]. Once revived, however, she joins the Titans East (led by an older version of Cyborg) and opposes him and his team. His latest victim before the younger Teen Titans show up is [[Duela Dent]], the daughter of an alternate universe Joker, whom he apparently murders out of revenge for the death of assorted people including Cassandra Cain and Alfred Pennyworth.

===War Games===
Just before ''The War Games'' story arc, Tim's father, Jack Drake, discovers Tim's [[secret identity]]. Jack is enraged and threatens to expose the secret identities of all those involved with Batman. Tim offers Jack a deal, in which he would give up his role as Robin to respect his father's wishes; in exchange, Jack would keep their secret identities safe.

After this, Stephanie Brown takes over the role of Robin for a short period, until Batman fires her for disobeying orders. Soon afterward, a massive gang war (which Stephanie Brown starts unintentionally) consumes Gotham City, and finds its way into Tim's school. After assisting the Bat-Team to the best of his abilities, with no equipment or costume, Tim protects his classmates, but not without casualties. Tim then realizes that he cannot disregard his responsibilities and takes up the Robin mantle again, against his father's wishes. When Jack finds out that Tim is again Robin, he grudgingly realizes how truly important his son is to Gotham, despite the immense danger.

[[Black Mask (comics)|Black Mask]] then captures and [[torture]]s Stephanie. She later dies from both her injuries and the willful negligence of Batman's confidante [[Leslie Thompkins]] at the end of the story arc.

===Identity Crisis and Blüdhaven===
{{main|Identity Crisis (comics)|l1=Identity Crisis}}
[[Image:Batrobin45.jpg|thumb|160px|The death of Jack Drake. From ''Identity Crisis'' #6 (January 2005). Art by [[Rags Morales]] and [[Alex Sinclair]].]]
In ''Identity Crisis'', Tim, along with the rest of the superhero community, tries to keep all of their loved ones safe after some tragic attacks upon the family members of the Justice League.

One night, while Batman and Robin are investigating these crimes, they receive an incoming transmission from [[Barbara Gordon|Oracle]] saying that Tim's father needs to speak to him immediately. It turns out that there is an intruder in the Drake home and a mysterious note with a gun is left for Jack suggesting that he protect himself. Jack tells Tim that he is proud of him, and that he is not responsible if something bad happens. The intruder turns out to be the hired killer [[Captain Boomerang]]. Jack fires as Captain Boomerang unleashes a razor boomerang and the two kill each other before Batman and Robin can make it back to the scene. Like Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson, Tim Drake has now lost both of his parents to crime.

After ''Identity Crisis'', Bruce Wayne offers to adopt Tim, who is not initially fond of the idea. Tim falsifies records to create an uncle who would become his 'legal guardian'. He then moves in with his 'Uncle Eddie' in [[Blüdhaven]] (Nightwing's previous stomping grounds), while his stepmother receives treatment at a psychiatric hospital. Although Tim covers his tracks well, Batman is still able to figure out the truth. Rather than being angry, Batman is impressed with Tim's subterfuge, as figuring it out had taken serious detective work. He even offers to teach Tim to cover his tracks completely.

During his time in Blüdhaven, Tim is attacked by a teenage Japanese assassin who calls herself '''Rising Sun Archer''', who claims that she needs to kill Robin to restore honor to her family name. After their battle, Tim finds out where she lives and breaks into her apartment with the intention of ambushing her. While searching through the apartment, Tim finds that someone has tied up Rising Sun Archer, covered her mouth with a piece of duct tape, and taped a note addressed to Robin to her shirt. Although she refuses to rat out her employer, the note reveals that [[Penguin (comics)|the Penguin]] has taken out a contract on Robin and [[Cassandra Cain|Batgirl]]. After releasing the assassin, (and convincing her that the only way to honor her ancestors is to give up her life as a gun-for-hire), Robin and Batgirl defeat the Penguin and his goons.

Soon afterward, a military super-hero legend called '''The Veteran''' (similar to [[Marvel Comics]]' [[Captain America]]) attempts to recruit Robin after telling him that he tied up and gagged Rising Sun Archer and left Robin the note. Tim, now concerned with his own mission rather than Batman's, takes the Veteran's offer under consideration and goes on a mission with his team to get a feel for the job. Tim eventually turns down the offer, however.

===Robin vs. Robin===
[[Image:TT Cv29.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Promotional art for ''[[Teen Titans (comics)|Teen Titans]]'' vol. 3, #29 (December 2005) cover, featuring the Red Hood vs Robin and [[Donna Troy]]. Art by [[Tony Daniel]].]]
Some time after the events of ''Identity Crisis'', [[Jason Todd]] returns, seemingly from the dead, as the new [[Red Hood]]. Angered that someone has replaced him as Robin, Jason breaks into [[Titans Tower]] wearing a version of his own Robin costume (only previously seen in the back-pages of volume one-era Teen Titans). Quickly immobilizing the other Titans, Jason confronts Tim to see if the new Boy Wonder is really as good as everyone claims. The two Robins fight, until at last Jason strikes Tim down in the Hall of Fallen Titans. Although Drake is defeated, Jason demands to know if he still believes himself to be as good as people say, to which Tim replies with a defiant 'Yes' before Todd renders him unconscious.

Jason spares Tim's life, simply tearing off the 'R' shaped emblem from his chest. In the epilogue of the story, Jason has developed a grudging respect for Tim, wondering if he would have been a better Robin and a better person, had he lived to have a life like Tim's and real friends like the Titans.

===''Infinite Crisis'' and ''52''===
{{main|Infinite Crisis}}
As of the events surrounding the ''Infinite Crisis'' storyline, Robin, along with the Veteran's forces, must defend the city of Blüdhaven against an army of [[OMACs]] who captured dozens of [[metahuman]]s for immediate extermination. After a virus deactivated the cyborgs (''see also: [[The OMAC Project]]''), Tim, the [[Shadowpact]] and the Veteran's team accomplished the capture of the metahumans. With Blüdhaven safe, Wonder Girl arrives on the scene asking Robin for help. Along with the Teen Titans, the [[Doom Patrol]] and the [[Justice Society of America]], he battles against [[Superboy-Prime]], who had gone on a violent assault of their world's [[Superboy (Kon-El)|Superboy]]. The fight overwhelms Conner's body to the point where it begins eating away at itself for energy.

After Robin's departure from Blüdhaven, the city is destroyed by [[Secret Society of Super Villains|the Society]]. Although he worries about his stepmother, his "uncle", and Nightwing, Tim continues to Titans Tower. He then leads a successful assault into one of [[Lex Luthor]]'s [[gene]]tic research bases to find a cure for Superboy. With Blüdhaven still in chaos, Superman leaves Robin in command of all the superhero rescue efforts. However, when the government puts the city on complete lock down, the Titans are kicked out.

Following the discovery of Superboy's death in the [[North Pole]], Robin joins the rest of the world's heroes in a final battle against the Society in [[Metropolis]]. Although the heroes win the battle, many on both sides are injured and killed. After the ''Infinite Crisis'', Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, and Tim Drake retrace Bruce Wayne's original journey around the world in his quest to become Batman (see also: ''[[52 (comic book)|52]]'').

At a ceremony honoring Superboy one year after his death, Robin attends in a new costume primarily red and black. When asked why he explains that they were Conner's colors.

===One Year Later===
{{main|One Year Later}}
After spending nearly a year away from home after the events of the ''Infinite Crisis'', Tim is the first to return to Gotham following his trip with Batman and Nightwing. He receives a message from an unknown source telling him that if he does not return to the states, [[Cassandra Cain|Batgirl]] will be killed. Tim returns to Gotham City, now wearing a new costume, using colors of Superboy's last costume as a sign of mourning and respect of the late Teen of Steel, Superboy, (although in reality the costume is a modified version of the one he wore in ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'').<ref>[ 52 #51 (April 2007)]</ref> He moves into the Wayne Estate, living in the Carriage House, which has been converted into a loft and Robin's new "nest".

[[Image:ROBIN 148 pg 4.jpg|thumb|175px|Tim finds "Batgirl" dead. Portion of a panel from ''Robin'' #148 (May 2006). Art by [[Karl Kerschl]].]]
The quick accusation as the murderer of Batgirl mars Tim's return to Gotham City. Tim is exonerated when the body is revealed as that of the villain [[Lynx (comics)|Lynx]] in a Batgirl costume. Someone had planted her body as a lure so an unknown assailant could attack Robin.

Robin eludes the [[Gotham City Police Department]] when they arrive on the scene. He infiltrates the police station to look for evidence and steals the mask of the fake Batgirl costume. Lady Shiva arrives at Wayne Manor while Tim is running tests on the mask. She informs Tim of the death of [[Nyssa Raatko|Nyssa al Ghul]], daughter of Ra's al Ghul and head of the [[League of Assassins]], and her suspicions that someone outside the League was trying to usurp it. Robin returns to his investigation before finding a note in Batgirl's cowl, written in [[Code talker|Navajo code]], informing him that, to save Cassandra, he had to give them her father, [[David Cain (comics)|David Cain]]. Robin breaks into [[Blackgate Penitentiary|Blackgate Prison]] and captures Cain, only to learn that Cassandra herself has taken over the League.

Cassandra asks Robin to kill David and join her. She claims she has accepted her [[wiktionary:fate|fate]] as a killer and has killed David's other daughter. Robin refuses, and Cassandra shoots her father. Believing David to be dead, Robin tries to bring Cassandra in. While he holds his own against her and her League, an explosion forces them all to flee. When Tim returns to David's body, he finds Cassandra's league of assassins all dead with broken necks and Cain's body missing.

After returning to Gotham City, Tim finds that his mini-cam survived the explosion and that it captured the entire battle, giving Tim a way to clear his name. As he laments the fact that the footage will brand Cassandra a murderer, Killa 'Nilla approaches Robin with a boomerang given to him by [[Owen Mercer]] and explains that the new Captain Boomerang is looking for him. While Robin assumes that Boomerang is out to finish what his father began, Owen reveals that he wishes to make amends and even helps Tim locate a bomb set by the Joker. Although they are far from friends, they have developed a sort of respect and civility.

During a recent case, Bruce begins thinking about Tim's place in the world following the deaths of both his parents and the events of the Crisis. Finally, Bruce approaches Tim again with the idea of adoption. This time, Tim readily accepts, even going so far as to hug Bruce with tears in his eyes. Along with the adoption, plans are made to move Tim into the Manor using the room once owned by Dick and Jason.

Unfortunately, shortly after his adoption, Tim has his position as Bruce's new son called into question by the arrival of [[Damian Wayne|Damian]], the son of Batman and [[Talia al Ghul]]. Damian is a cruel, aggressive and spoiled brat who despises Tim, and wishes to kill him and replace him as Batman's sidekick and as his 'true' son. The boys do battle in the Cave, at which point Damian defeats Tim by sucker punching him off the T-Rex in the trophy room. Damian then steals the tunic and mask of Jason Todd's old Robin costume in an attempt to claim the identity as his own. Tim and Damien confront each other again during [[Batman: The Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul]], and are even forced to join forces (although reluctantly) as Ra's al Ghul attempts to steal one of their bodies in order to resurrect himself.

In ''Detective Comics'' #826 Tim is captured and tied up by the Joker. Tim escapes on his own, which Batman acknowledges and commends. In #829, Wayne Tower is attacked by a mysterious terrorist named "Vox". Bruce is trapped in the building with other people, unable to reach his Bat-gear, and thus Tim must face Vox alone. Vox sprays Tim with a liquid explosive, but before Vox can detonate it, Tim uses a blow torch to get the explosives off his body. Vox is later confronted by Batman, but when Batman can not convince him of his wrongdoings, Vox commits suicide.

A mysterious, yet familiar figure has been stalking the Boy Wonder wearing Stephanie's Spoiler costume. At one point, Tim thought that he may have imagined seeing Stephanie around, but while investigating a new vigilante known as Violet, it is later revealed the new Spoiler is indeed Stephanie Brown. It is revealed that Stephanie did not actually die from her injuries and from the neglect of Doctor Thompkins, but rather it was an elaborate ruse devised by Leslie, in order to allow Stephanie to start a new life away from Gotham. The girl who died, was actually another victim who simply matched Stephanie's physical characteristics. Stephanie escaped to Africa with Leslie, but soon returned to Gotham under the claim that she could not run away from her past. Unknown to Tim, she has been working secretly as an agent of the Penguin. <ref> Robin #172</ref>

====The "new" Teen Titans====
[[Image:TeenTitansOYL1.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The [[Teen Titans (comics)|Teen Titans]] during '''[[One Year Later]]'''. Cover art to ''Teen Titans'' (vol. 3) #34 by [[Tony Daniel]].]]
Meanwhile in ''52'' #51, following the one year anniversary of Superboy's death, Robin joins the rest of the Superhero community for a memorial service in which to honor Conner Kent as well as all those who died during World War III, where [[Black Adam]] murdered millions of men, women and children in the Country of Bialya Strands, along which he murdered several Teen Titans including Terra and Young Frankenstein, before at last being defeated. There Tim has apparently started rebuilding the Titans, though only he, Eddie Bloomberg, a transformed Kid Devil (as well as being Blue Devil's ex sidekick) and Rose Wilson,the third Ravager daughter of Deathstroke are on the roster. Later on, Cyborg, who had been temporarily shut down due to a traumatic space mission, wakes up in Titans Tower to reveal that he has been "unconscious" for a year. Upon waking, Cyborg is told of the death of Superboy, and recent events, and joins the team, not as leader, but a regular Titan. Robin and Cyborg (to the reluctance of Ravager and indiifference of Kid Devil) attempt to convince Wonder Girl to return but she refuses, feeling abandoned by Robin following Superboy's death. At the memorial service, he also reveals to Jimmy Olsen that he changed his uniform to red and black, in order to honor Superboy's colors.

Unable to let his best friend go<ref>[http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/InfiniteCrisis/counseling7.html Infinite Crisis Counseling]</ref> Tim sets up a secret facility beneath Titans Tower for the express purpose of recreating Superboy via replicating his [[DNA]], although all his attempts have so far failed. He also keeps Conner's costume, similar to how Batman grieved the death of Jason Todd. Wonder Girl returns to the team full time, and goes in search of Robin to inform him of her decision. During the search, she discovers his secret lab. Tim confesses how much he misses Conner, and the two share a passionate, unexpected kiss. Wonder Girl has attempted to speak to Tim about the incident several times, but Robin continues to avoid her.

Later, [[Deathstroke the Terminator|Deathstroke]]'s [[Titans East]] makes an all out assault on the Teen Titans, picking off each member except for Rose and Jericho. Tim has been personally targeted by Deathstroke, who with Batgirl is holding him captive in an unknown underground location. In a mocking sort of gesture, Slade has surrounded Tim with trophy cases containing Superboy's costume, along with that of Stephanie Brown and clothing from his parents, Jack and Janet Drake, and his stepmother, Dana Drake.

Deathstroke orders Cassandra Cain to inject Tim with the same formula that once granted him control over Rose and current control over Cassandra. Tim manages to escape and inject Cassandra with an antidote he developed in case Slade ever managed to re-inject Rose. With Batgirl now free of Slade's influence, she joins Robin and the Titans against Slade's Titans East. Along with Duela Dent and past Titans, Nightwing, Donna Troy, Beast Boy and Flash (Bart Allen), the Titans defeat the Titans East, although Slade and Inertia manage to escape. Batgirl, who attempted to murder Slade in revenge, is stopped by Nightwing, and disappears soon after as well.

Tim receives news of Bart Allen's death (having been killed by the Flash Rogues) while at the tower and later attends his funeral where he delivers a eulogy for Bart. Tim also shows a video that Bart made in the case of his death, in which he tells his friends that no matter what, he is proud of his time as a part of the Flash Legacy and as a member of the Teen Titans. The Titans later holds another more private ceremony for Bart at Titans Tower.

As of lately, in ''Robin'' Tim Drake has been having an ongoing battle against his new archrival [[Dodge (comics)|Dodge]] and romantic feelings for a girl named Zoanne. However in ''Teen Titans'' Tim and [[Cassie Sandsmark]] (Wonder Girl) recently confessed their feelings for each other after the ''Amazons Attack'' series came to a close.

Soon after Bart's wake, the Titans found themselves once again confronted with the Titans of Tomorrow who oddly enough still have Conner Kent and Bart Allen as members. Despite the fact the Tim and the others did their best to avoid their distrubing future, the Titans of the Tomorrow survived, and returned back in time supposedly to stop an invasion of Starros, and to ensure their future comes to pass. Tim unfortunately discovers that he is responsible for Bart and Conner's continued although cruel existence, as he will somehow become successful in cloning his friends. Meanwhile, Batman-Tim does his best to force Tim to doubt himself and his relationships with his teammates. With the help of Wonder Girl, Robin is able to fight back against his future self and supposedly alter the future of the Titans. Soon after the Future Titans vanish, Tim and Cassie go on a date together, but soon after Cassie breaks up with Tim stating that she feels she is using him rather than actually dating him. This has once again left both Robin and Wonder Girl in an unstable and awkward state. The issues between Wonder Girl and Robin have started to bleed out into their interaction with the rest of them, making both heroes more volitile and short tempered when interacting particularly with Rose or Eddie.

Despite the defeat of two evil groups of Teen Titans, the group is soon beseeched by yet Another group of evil teens, known as the Terror Titans. Formed by the new Clock King, they capture Kid Devil and Miss Martian as well as destroy part of Titans Towers and supposedly have killed Ravager. When Robin, Wonder Girl and Blue Beetle attempt to investigate Cassie and Jamie are attacked by this latest evil team of Titans, while Robin faces off against the Clock King. Unfortunately, the Boy Wonder is soundly defeated, due to the Clock King's ability to foresee the future by a few seconds. The story is still ongoing.

==Powers and abilities==
Tim Drake possesses the normal human strength of a teenager who regularly engages in intensive physical exercise. The Batman has trained him in many disciplines, such as martial arts, [[forensic]], [[criminology]], [[acrobatics]], [[wiktionary:stealth|stealth]], [[deception|disguise]], and [[escapology]].

His naturally high intellect allows him to excel in computer science and more importantly as a skilled [[detective]]. His intellect is apparently so impressive that Batman has claimed to Alfred that Tim is potentially smarter than he is. His ability to deduce the secret identities of superheroes on his own has been used to underscore his skill. Among the identities used in this way are the Batman, both of his predecessors as Robin, the Huntress, Impulse, [[Captain Marvel (DC Comics)|Captain Marvel]] and even the Flash, after Wally West's secret identity was wiped from the minds of the world by Hal Jordan. Furthermore, Tim apparently has a firm grasp of assorted scientific techniques including biology, engineering and genetics, which he has been shown to use in his attempts at re-cloning Superboy. Tim, much like Dick Grayson, is also a brilliant and experienced strategist with impressive leadership skills, having served as leader to the [[Titans (comics)|Teen Titans]], [[Young Justice]], and even being placed in charge of the rescue efforts of Blüdhaven by Superman, following the attack made by Deathstroke and his fellow villains.

==Appearance==
Drake's original costume was slightly different from that of his predecessors as supplied by Batman to give him a measure of increased protection. It includes an armored [[tunic]], a [[cape]] that is black on the outside though still yellow on the inside, and green [[leggings]]. Other details include an armored [[gorget]], [[jika-tabi]] style boots, an emergency "R" [[shuriken]] on his chest in addition to the traditional [[batarang]]s, and a collapsible bo staff as primary weapon. There is also a general change of the theme of the equipment from "Bat" to "Robin".

Following the ''Infinite Crisis'' aftermath, Tim updated his costume to match Superboy's black and red color scheme as homage to his late friend (a similar costume change was undertaken by Wonder Girl). These updates include long sleeves, the elimination of the green from the suit, the addition of [[scallop#Scallops in design|scallops]] to his gloves and cape, and inclusion of a [[Batsuit#Utility Belt|utility belt]] with pockets. The scallops on the cape give an illusion of feathers rather than bat-wings, as seen on the cape of the Batman. The stylized "R" on Robin's chest has been replaced with a more traditional one, though its appearance varies from artist to artist. Robin retains his "R" shurikens, but he now carries them in his belt as opposed to his tunic. This new costume closely resembles the Robin suit worn by the Robin character in ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'' (see below).

==As Tim Drake==
During his early career, Drake is different from the previous Robins in that his father, Jack Drake, is alive and at first unaware of Tim's life as Robin. His mother, Janet Drake, is murdered before he becomes Robin, and his father is in a coma for some time. Tim also has a stepmother, Dana Winters, who is first introduced as Jack's physical therapist and later falls in love and marries him. Dana often maintains peace between Jack and Tim. Eventually Tim's father learns of his work as Robin, and is later murdered because of the connection. Tim appears to not have any other family. For a brief time, his uncle Eddie Drake acts as his guardian, but turns out to be an actor whom Tim hired to maintain his independence.

Initially, Tim's closest friend at Gotham Heights is a young man named Ives. They remain friends until Tim's father sends him to the Brentwood Academy for Boys. They renew the friendship after Tim's father can no longer afford to send him to Brentwood, but they lose contact when Tim begins to attend a high school in Blūdhaven and later returns to Gotham. At Tim's new school, he becomes friends with Bernard, a hyperactive [[metrosexual]]. [[One Year Later]], at another new school, Tim becomes friends with a boy named Jared, who has a habit of trying to one-up Tim financially. More recently however, Tim is yet again unexpectedly reunited with Ives, who until recently was being home-schooled by his mother.

After becoming Robin, Tim's closest friend is Conner Kent (Superboy), prior to Conner's death in ''Infinite Crisis'', followed closely by Bart Allen (Impulse/[[Kid Flash]]), prior to his death at the hands of the Rogues, and Cassandra (Cassie) Sandsmark (Wonder Girl), another Young Justice and Teen Titans teammate. Tim is also particularly close with Dick Grayson, with whom he shares a brotherly relationship even before they have the same adoptive father in Bruce Wayne. Tim's favorite superhero is the [[Blue Beetle (Ted Kord)|Blue Beetle]], whom he befriends through Barbara Gordon.<ref>{{Comic book reference | writer=Dixon, Chuck | penciller=[[Jackson Guice|Guice, Jackson]] | inker=Guice, Jackson | story=Masks | title=[[Birds of Prey (comic book)|Birds of Prey]] | volume=1 | issue=19 | date=July, 2000 | publisher=DC Comics | page= | panel= }}</ref> He also has a friendship with [[Green Arrow (Connor Hawke)| Connor Hawke]], the second Green Arrow.

Tim's love interests tend toward the dangerous. They include Ariana Dzerchenko, daughter of a deli owner targeted and murdered by the Russian mob; gang leader Lynx; [[Warlock's Daughter|Darla Aquista]], daughter of a mafia boss; fellow vigilante Spoiler, daughter of the Cluemaster, with whom he has his longest relationship; and even [[Marvel Comics|Marvel Universe]]'s [[Jubilee (comics)|Jubilee]]. Other characters are attracted to Tim, including Young Justice teammates [[Secret (comics)|Secret]] and Arrowette, who steals a kiss from Robin before quitting the team. In an issue of ''[[Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E.]]'', Tim expresses an interest in [[Courtney Whitmore (comics)|Courtney Whitmore]], although this has not been picked up on recently. Tim also has an attraction with another vigilante, Violet.

Comic book stories published between 2004 and 2005 establish that over a period of several months, Tim’s personal life is sent into turmoil. One of his love interests, Darla Aquista, is killed in a gang war and later resurrected by the demonic Johnny Warlock as an evil witch. His girlfriend, Stephanie Brown, is tortured and murdered. His father dies in a fight with the first Captain Boomerang.<ref>{{Comic book reference | writer=[[Brad Meltzer|Meltzer, Brad]] | penciller=[[Rags Morales|Morales, Rags]] | inker=[[Michael Bair|Bair, Michael]] | story=Chapter Four: Who Benefits | title=[[Identity Crisis (comics)|Identity Crisis]] | volume=1 | issue=4 | date=November 2004 | publisher=DC Comics | page= | panel= }}</ref> His stepmother has a nervous breakdown and needs to be placed in a psychiatric ward and later disappears following the attack on Blüdhaven (she has not been shown or mentioned following the OYL jump). His favorite superhero and friend Ted Kord is murdered, and his best friend, Superboy, dies saving the world.

In the "One Year Later" stories, Tim's former love interest Lynx is found dead again (Lynx was previously killed during ''War Games'' while fighting Batgirl, but this was apparently retconned following OYL); he is suspected in her murder, but later learns that former Batgirl Cassandra Cain is responsible. Not wanting to lose another person in his life, Tim offers Cassandra help and is distraught when he realizes that clearing his name will brand Cassandra as a murderer. Recently, however, Tim has discovered that Cassandra was under the control of Slade's mind-altering serum, and Tim has since supposedly cured her. While under the influence of Slade's drug, Cassandra behaved more fixated on Robin, wanting him to be with her and even attempting to use the same serum on him in order to sway him.

In ''Teen Titans'', Tim has had assorted romantic issues amongst his female teammates. During the early run of the OYL jump, is propositioned by fellow Titan [[Rose Wilson]] for sex late one night in his room. Tim not only rejects her, but handcuffs her. Meanwhile, Tim and Cassie (Wonder Girl), while mourning Superboy, share an unexpected yet passionate kiss. Tim later says that it was a mistake, and Cassie agrees. Following the 'Amazon Attacks' series, however, Tim and Cassie confess their growing feelings for one another and share another kiss. Unfortunately, this relationship has been in a constant volitile state. During a mission against the Future Titans, Tim and Cassie are forced by their future-selves to question their growing attraction/relationship. Cassie and Tim oppose these claims by again sharing a deep kiss that alters the future. Unfortunately immediately afterwards, Tim and Cassie go on a date, after which Cassie then breaks up with Tim and claims that she is afraid she is using him and that they need to really sort things out. This has left the two leading members of the Titans in an unstable and awkward situation.

In ''Robin'', Tim finds another new potential love interest in fellow classmate Zoanne. After agreeing to tutor Tim, Zoanne realizes that he is not an aloof snob and becomes attracted to Tim. She later kisses Tim after he is kidnapped and later 'rescued' by Robin. Afterwards, Tim asks her out, making Zoanne his first 'normal' date in a very long time. Although their date is interrupted by Batman, they have found a deep kinship with one another and plan a second date. Unfortunately, Tim's life as Robin has already started to cause trouble, and Zoanne is growing concerned that his brooding and at times, distant behavior means that he might not be as interested as previously thought. These concerns lead her to break off their romantic relationship, believing that after everything that Tim has gone through, he is not ready for a relationship right now. Oddly enough however, Tim and Zoanne have continued to make several attempts at dating again, only there has been severe awkwardness between the two of them much like Tim's relationship with Wonder Girl. One such incident involved Tim falling asleep on a roller coaster ride during a double date at the amusement park.

Tim has recently suffered another major loss, in the form of ex-Young Justice and Teen Titans teammate Bart Allen, murdered by the Flash Rogues. He also recently suffered yet another tragedy after another one of his friends within the superhero community, Connor Hawke, has been rendered in a [[persistent vegetative state]] after being shot by an unidentified shooter.

Shocking enough, it appears that Robin's romantic life will suffer yet another unexpected upheaval, as it appears that Stephanie Brown has been "resurrected" from the dead and is once again stalking the rooftops of Gotham under the guise of Spoiler. It is revealed that she did not actually die during the War Games incident, but it was rather a ruse created by Leslie Thompkins to aid Stephanie start a new life outside of Gotham. Oddly enough, upon her return Spoiler is now working for Penguin, who apparently gave her the Spoiler costume.

Following the death of his father at the hands of the first Captain Boomerang, Tim was formally adopted by Bruce Wayne/Batman. According to the Robin Spoiler Special by Chuck Dixon, Tim has taken Bruce's last name.

The adoption follows the token gesture made by Bruce to Dick Grayson, as well as the resurrection of Jason Todd and the reemergence of Bruce's illegitimate son Damian with Talia al Ghul, effectively placing Tim as suddenly a middle child where previously he had no siblings. While his relationship with Grayson is strong, and his relationship with Jason is difficult but with a level of a respect, Damian considers Tim to simply be a rival for their father's affection and his role as Batman.

==Graphic novels==
In 1993, a few years after his debut as Robin, DC launched a monthly solo series featuring Tim Drake's adventures as Robin, with Batman appearing as a supporting character. As of [[2007]], the series is still ongoing. He has also starred in some miniseries and one-shots. This material as been collected as follows:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Title !! Material collected
|-
! colspan="2" | Pre-series graphic novels
|-
| "Robin" || ''Robin'' vol. 1, #1-5
|-
| "A Hero Reborn" || ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #455-457, ''Robin'' vol. 1, #1-5
|-
| "Robin II: The Joker's Wild!" || ''Robin II: The Joker's Wild!'' #1-4
|-
| "Tragedy and Triumph" || ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #618-621, ''Robin II'' #1-4
|-
| "Robin III: Cry of the Huntress" || ''Robin III: Cry of the Huntress'' #1-6
|-
| ''[[Showcase (comics)|Showcase '93]]'' || ''Showcase '93'' #5-6, 11-12
|-
! colspan="2" | Regular series graphic novels
|-
| "Flying Solo" || ''Robin'' vol. 2, #1-6, ''Showcase '94'' #5-6
|-
| "Unmasked!" || ''Robin'' vol. 2, #121-125
|-
| "Robin/Batgirl: Fresh Blood" || ''Robin'' vol. 2, #132-133, ''Batgirl'' #58-59
|-
| "To Kill a Bird" || ''Robin'' vol. 2, #134-139
|-
| "Days of Fire and Madness" || ''Robin'' vol. 2, #140-145
|-
| "Wanted" || ''Robin'' vol. 2, #148-153
|-
| "Teenage Wasteland" || ''Robin'' vol. 2, #154-162
|-
| "The Big Leagues" || ''Robin'' vol. 2, #163-167
|-
!colspan="2" | Other graphic novels
|-
| ''Robin 80-Page Giant'' #1 || special issue
|}

==In other media==
[[Image:Robintimd.gif|thumb|Tim Drake as the Robin from ''The New Batman Adventures''.]]

===The New Batman Adventures===
{{main|The New Batman Adventures}}

Tim Drake as Robin first appears in the premiere episode of ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'', otherwise known as ''Gotham Knights'', "Holiday Knights". The following episode, "Sins of the Father", explains that Tim was a street kid whose father was a criminal who betrayed [[Two-Face]] and was ultimately killed, feeling he needed to help, Tim stole the [[Robin]] suit and helped [[Batman]] take down [[Two-Face]]. Tim's background and personality was much closer to that of [[Jason Todd]] who was the second [[Robin]] in the comic books but was not used in the animated series. Tim appeared as Robin throughout the series. He was voiced by [[Mathew Valencia]].

''[[The Batman Adventures]]: The Lost Years'' mini-series further details how Tim became the second Robin in ''The New Batman Adventures.''

===Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker===
{{main|Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker}}

The animated feature ''[[Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker]]'' shows Tim 40 years older. He is shown to be an electronics and communication professional, and is bitter about his days as Robin and angry at Bruce Wayne. When [[Joker (comics)|The Joker]] reappears, he begins having nightmares.

Although Bruce Wayne tries to stop the current Batman ([[Terry McGinnis]]) from getting involved in the Joker situation, the issue is brought to a head when Wayne himself is hospitalized by the Joker. McGinnis is able to get the full story behind the Joker (and his disappearance) from [[Media_adaptations_of_Barbara_Gordon#DC_Animated_Universe|Barbara Gordon]]. Gordon reveals that Tim had been captured, tortured, and brainwashed by the Joker and [[Harley Quinn]] to become "Joker Junior." Joker turn Tim loose with the instruction to kill Batman, but Tim at the last moment turns on the Joker.

There are two versions of the next series of events. The original release (which had been edited heavily) shows Tim setting off a chain of events that leads to the Joker being electrocuted. In the unedited version, Tim shoots Joker in the chest with one of his own guns, and the Joker dies, saying "That's not funny." With the aid of Dr. [[Leslie Thompkins]], Tim is rehabilitated, although he never becomes Robin again.

The new Batman, now knowing that the original Joker is actually dead, deduces that the equipment stolen by the Joker's [[Jokerz|lackeys]] would be of use to an electronics and communications professional. Deducing that "Robin has become a bitter old crow", he goes to confront him. It turns out that the Joker implanted a chip into Tim that allowed a stored version of the Joker to take over Tim's body. Batman uses one of the Joker's trademark joy buzzers to destroy the chip, allowing Tim to revert to himself. At the end of the feature, he is shown going to the hospital to see Bruce Wayne and recover their friendship.

The older version of Tim was voiced by [[Dean Stockwell]], whereas [[Mathew Valencia]] reprised his role as the younger Robin and [[Andrea Romano]] provided the maniacal laughing of "Joker Junior."

===Justice League===
When ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]'' was pitched to KidsWB, the line up originally included 3 young members (the network prefers kids to have a prominent role). The members would have been [[Robin (Tim Drake)|Tim Drake]] (Robin II, in [[DCAU]] continuity), [[Bart Allen|Impulse]] and an original character described as a "teenage female version of [[Cyborg (comics)|Cyborg]]". The promo is viewable on the ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]'' Season 1 set, Disc 4. {{-}}

===Other appearances===
[[Image:AnimatedCass.PNG|thumb|Alternate Tim and Cassandra chasing each other in ''Savage Time'']]
Tim Drake appeared as Robin in two episodes of ''[[Static Shock]]'', "The Big Leagues" and "[[Future Shock (Static Shock)|Future Shock]]" He was voiced by [[Eli Marienthal]] in the first, and by [[Shane Sweet]] in the second.

Tim briefly appears alongside [[Cassandra Cain]]{{Fact|date=August 2007}} (her only cartoon cameo) as part of the alternate Batman's resistance against [[Vandal Savage#In other media|Vandal Savage]] in the ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]'' episode "[[The Savage Time (Justice League)|The Savage Time]]" (Part 1). He also attends Superman's funeral in "[[Hereafter (Justice League)|Hereafter]]," along with [[Alfred Pennyworth#In other media|Alfred]]. As Robin, Tim helped the Justice League against [[Felix Faust#In other media|Felix Faust]] in ''Justice League Adventures'' #33.

Tim Drake, although not seen, is mentioned by [[Barbara Gordon]] in an episode of the short-lived television series [[Birds of Prey (TV series)|Birds of Prey]].

Tim also appeared as Robin in the animated movie, ''[[Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman]]''. He was again voiced by [[Eli Marienthal]].

It has been mentioned that Tim Drake will be in the upcoming [[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]] which will pit him against those such as Scorpion or Subzero.<ref>[http://www.trmk.org/news/11557/mk_vs_dcu_details_from_wizard_world_philly_2008.html TRMK Mortal Kombat News]</ref>

==Footnotes==
{{Reflist}}

==See also==
[[Alternate versions of Robin]]

==External links==
* [http://www.dccomics.com/heroes_and_villains/?hv=origin_stories/robin DC Comics - ''Robin'']
* [http://www.titanstower.com/source/whoswho/robin3.html ''Titans Tower'' Biography]
* [http://www.thebatsquad.net/robin/index.htm Tim Drake's Bibliography]
* [http://www.angelfire.com/retro/cgarlington/hero.html ''Robin: Boy Wonder fansite'']
* [http://www.cindycenter.com/FreddieFinal.mp3 Podcast interview with Robin comics artist Freddie Williams II]

{{Batman}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Drake, Tim}}
[[Category:Comic book sidekicks]]
[[Category:DC Comics superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics martial artists]]
[[Category:Fictional adoptees]]
[[Category:American comics characters]]
[[Category:Fictional detectives]]
[[Category:Fictional orphans]]
[[Category:Fictional vigilantes]]
[[Category:Fictional bojutsu practitioners]]

[[es:Robin (DC Comics)#Tim_Drake]]
[[fr:Tim Drake]]
[[it:Tim Drake]]
[[hu:Robin (Tim Drake)]]
[[pt:Tim Drake (Robin)]]

Scarecrow (DC Comics)

2008-06-18T00:49:06Z

71.182.145.40: /* Film */

{{dablink|This article deals with the Scarecrow of DC Comics. For the [[Marvel Comics]] supervillain, see [[Scarecrow (Marvel Comics)]].}}
{{Superherobox| 
image=[[Image:Batman373.JPG|225px]]
|caption=The Scarecrow, from ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #373, July 1984. Art by [[Ed Hannigan]] and [[Dick Giordano]].
|comic_color=background:#8080ff
|character_name=The Scarecrow
|real_name=Jonathan Crane
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut=''[[World's Finest Comics]]'' #3 (Fall 1941)
|creators=[[Bill Finger]] [[Bob Kane]]
|alliance_color=background:#c0c0ff
|alliances=[[Injustice League]] [[Batman villains|Assorted Batman rogues]] [[Injustice Gang]] [[Secret Society of Super Villains]]
|aliases=
|powers= - Well-educated on the psychology of fear - Develops various tools which induce crippling [[fear]] - May transform under duress into the monstrous "Scarebeast", gaining superhuman strength, endurance, and a more potent hallucinogen. - Master of drunken boxing and crane-style kung-fu. |}}

'''The Scarecrow''' ('''Dr. Jonathan Crane''') is a [[DC Comics]] [[supervillain]], an enemy of [[Batman]]. Created by Batman creators [[Bill Finger]] and [[Bob Kane]], he first appeared in ''[[World's Finest Comics]]'' #3 (Fall 1941). His [[scarecrow]] costume, lanky appearance and surname were inspired by [[Ichabod Crane]] of the [[horror fiction|horror]] fable ''[[The Legend of Sleepy Hollow]]''.

The Scarecrow is an [[insane]] former [[psychologist]] who uses a variety of [[drug]]s and psychological tactics to use the [[fear]]s and [[phobia]]s of his adversaries. He does not commit his crimes for wealth, but rather as a form of "research" to further study the effects of fear on humans, making the innocent citizens of [[Gotham City]] his unwilling [[Human experimentation|guinea pigs]]. While he will occasionally commit robbery or other types of larceny, he does so only to get the funding he needs to carry out his experiments.

The Scarecrow made only two appearances in the 1940s. Batman writers of the 1960s revived him and he has since consistently appeared in Batman [[comic books]]. He was featured several times in the [[Emmy]]-winning 1990s cartoon ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'', where he was voiced by [[Henry Polic II]]. When the series was revamped and shown together with ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'', the character was voiced by [[Jeffrey Combs]]. In the 2005 film ''[[Batman Begins]]'', he was played by [[Cillian Murphy]]. He will return for the sequel ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]'' in 2008.

==Fictional character biography==
===Golden Age===

Elements of the Scarecrow fear gas appeared in Batman publications prior to his first appearance. For instance, the idea of fear gas first appeared in Detective Comics #46 in December 1940, in a story featuring [[Hugo Strange]], in which Strange uses a special fear dust in order to scare the police and successfully rob a bank. Later Strange gets the idea to take over the [[US government]].

In his first appearance in ''World's Finest'' #3 during the [[Golden Age of Comic Books]], the Scarecrow is first introduced as '''Jonathan Crane''', a professor of [[psychology]], who turns to crime after he is fired; an expert in the psychology of fear, he had fired a gun in a classroom full of students to illustrate a point. The only thing revealed about his early life is that, as a child, he had liked to frighten birds. Ostracized by his fellow professors for his appearance and reclusiveness, he turns to crime to make himself part of the social elite. His [[modus operandi]] is to use his Scarecrow persona and threaten his victims into doing whatever he wants. In terms of his costume, he merely wears a ragged black hat, trenchcoat, mask, and wielded a [[Tommy gun]].

His first crime involves a businessman named Frank Kendrick being sued by a former partner, Paul Harold. When Harold refuses to cooperate upon meeting and hearing his demands, the Scarecrow kills him and becomes a media sensation. Bruce Wayne, who happens to be a patron and trustee of the university, investigates the matter as Batman and discovers Crane's disturbing behavior and forced resignation, leading him to suspect the professor. Crane then approaches a store owner named Dodge with the offer to rob other establishments, in order to increase his sales. After Batman and [[Robin (comics)|Robin]] learn of the plan and question Dodge, Scarecrow attempts to kill him, but the Dynamic Duo capture him in the nick of time. He is then sent to Gotham State Penitentiary.

Two years later in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #73, he escapes from jail and forms a gang of criminals to do his bidding. While he struggles to rob a Chinese antique dealer, Batman and Robin foil the plan, and he and his cronies are sent back to prison. This version of the Scarecrow was much like other [[gimmick]] villains in that he based a lot of crimes around nursery rhymes and words that rhymed with "hat". He does not appear from 1943 to 1955, but it is revealed that he developed a [[hallucinogenic]] chemical toxin that could be used to invoke deep phobias within those who breathe it in. When Batman tries to intervene, he is affected by the toxin and hallucinates that all of his allies have disappeared. Feeling he has no one else to turn to, he confides in an old enemy, [[Catwoman]], to help him stop Crane, and she is successful in helping stop the Scarecrow and getting Batman over his delusions. Exactly what happens to Crane is not revealed because of the revelation that the Golden Age [[fictional universe|universe]] is actually [[Earth-2]], part of the [[Multiverse]].

===Silver Age===

Throughout the 1960s [[Silver Age of Comic Books]], the Scarecrow was revived to be one of Batman's most recurring rivals. He is a frequent member of the [[Injustice Gang]]. Ironically, in this [[Earth-One]] incarnation, he has a pet magpie named Craw, even though Crane has a strange fear of birds.

===Post-Crisis, Modern-Age Version===
Following the 1986 multi-title event ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]'' [[reboot (fiction)|reboot]], Crane's [[origin story]] was greatly expanded in the 1989 graphic novel ''Batman/Scarecrow'' #1, part of the ''[[Batman: Year One]]'' [[continuity (fiction)|continuity]]. In the novel, he becomes obsessed with fear and revenge from being [[bullying|bullied]] throughout his childhood and adolescence for his lanky frame and bookish nature, especially his resemblance to [[Ichabod Crane]] from [[Washington Irving]]'s ''[[The Legend of Sleepy Hollow]]''. He commits his first [[murder]] at the age of 18 by brandishing a gun in his high school parking lot during the senior prom. Dressed in the ghoulish [[scarecrow]] costume that would later become his [[trademark]], Crane causes the head bully, Bo Griggs, and his girlfriend, Sherry Squires (who had rejected Crane), to have an automobile accident which [[paralysis|paralyzes]] Griggs and kills Squires. From this, Crane discovers a savage delight in literally frightening people to death.

He grows up to become a professor of psychology at Gotham University, specializing in the psychology of fear. As in the original version, he loses his job after he fires a gun at his students to prove a point; in this version, he injures a student. After his dismissal, he kills the regents who fired him and becomes a career criminal. Following this, he transfers to [[Arkham Asylum]] and becomes a psychiatrist, where he performs cruel, fear-induced experiments on his patients. He takes the [[moniker]] "the Scarecrow", the favorite taunt of the hated bullies, as part of his revenge. The 2005 miniseries, ''Batman/Scarecrow: Year One'', expands upon the earlier origin story. The novels explains that Jonathan Crane is born out of wedlock and also suffers terrible [[child abuse|abuse]] from his fanatically religious great-grandmother. His father takes off before he is even born, and his mother does not show any love or affection towards her son. He develops a taste for fear and an affinity for crows when his grandmother locks him in a dilapidated church full of birds. The story also shows Crane murdering his grandmother, and learning that his mother gave birth to a baby girl.

During a ''[[Batman Confidential]]'' [[story arc]], he is shown out of costume at Arkham Asylum still working as a pyschiatrist, while planning the renovation of Arkham, and he briefly comes face to face with the criminal who will one day become [[Joker (comics)|The Joker]].

In the ''[[Knightfall]]'' storyline, Scarecrow is one of the prisoners that escaped from Arkham after [[Bane (comics)|Bane]] blows it up. He first attacks one of The Joker's henchmen, who tells Scarecrow that his boss is after [[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner Gordon]]. Scarecrow goes to the Joker and decides to become partners in terrorizing the mayor. Soon they go to the sewers with the mayor, where Batman arrives. Scarecrow gasses him with fear toxin, but Batman responds with anger rather than fear. Panicked, Scarecrow makes the water come into the sewers. Batman escapes with the mayor but Joker and Scarecrow escape as well. Later, at Scarecrow and Joker's hideout, the Joker savagely beats Scarecrow with a chair after he tries to poison him. He is then sent to Arkham.

In the ''[[Shadow of the Bat]]'' storyline, Scarecrow escapes and brings together a small group of boys to terrorize the city while he enjoys the chaos. Soon, Batman's successor, [[Jean-Paul Valley]], and [[Anarky]] arrive and together they defeat the Scarecrow and save the boys.

In stories written by [[Jeph Loeb]], such as ''[[Batman: The Long Halloween]]'' and ''[[Batman: Hush]]'', Crane is shown to have an inclination to sing [[nursery rhyme]]s at times. In the [[Elseworlds]] story ''[[Batman: Crimson Mist]]'', Crane is shown to be singing a modified version of "Ding, Dong, The Witch Is Dead", from ''[[The Wizard of Oz (1939 film)|The Wizard of Oz]]''.

Crane undergoes a major change in the 2004 Batman story arc ''As The Crow Flies''. While working with [[Penguin (comics)|The Penguin]], he is [[mutation|mutated]] into a monster. He turns into this "Scarebeast" during times of great strain or when it is necessary to defend himself.

Scarecrow rejoins the new [[Secret Society of Super Villains]], and is part of the assault on the [[Secret Six (comics)|Secret Six]] (''[[Villains United]]'' #6). He is caught in an explosion caused by [[Parademon]]. He is later seen in ''Villains United'' Special #1, alive and well. He is also seen in ''Detective Comics'' #820 as part of ''One Year Later'', where he is defeated by Batman and Robin. In this appearance he is depicted in a costume that appeared to be an amalgamation of his original costume and the costume seen in ''Batman Begins''.

Recently, the Scarecrow has decided to stop using his typical fear gas, as he feared that other Arkham inmates are right that he is nothing without them. Instead relying on his training as a psychologist, he drives two inmates to [[suicide]] using only his words, also apparently terrifying the rest of Arkham's inmates. After manipulating the guards to freeing him, Crane embarks upon a string of murders, terrifying Gotham without using his trademark gimmicks.

On ''Green Lantern'' vol. 4 #27, after Green Lantern [[Laira (comics)|Laira]] murdered [[Amon Sur]], the son of the deceased Green Lantern [[Abin Sur]] and a member of the [[Sinestro Corps]], his yellow power ring attempted to reach Crane as his successor in Arkham Asylum, but thwarted by two Green Lanterns [[Hal Jordan]] and [[John Stewart (comics)|John Stewart]].

On the cover of ''[[Justice League of America]]'' #13 (Vol.2), it shows Scarecrow as a member of the new [[Injustice League]].

The cover of ''DC Universe Special - Justice League of America'' shows Scarecrow as a member of [[Libra (DC Comics)|Libra's]] Secret Society of Super Villains.

===Company crossovers===
[[Image:scarecrow judgement.jpg|thumb|right|Scarecrow tags another victim in a scene from ''[[Judgement on Gotham]]''. Art by [[Simon Bisley]].]]
In the [[2000 AD (comic)|''2000 AD'']] Batman/[[Judge Dredd]] crossover comic ''[[Judgement on Gotham]]'', by writers [[Alan Grant (writer)|Alan Grant]] and [[John Wagner]], Scarecrow is shown breaking into a morgue along with his [[Igor (fictional character)|Igor]]-like henchman Benny, collecting various juices from [[Dead body|corpse]]s to include in his fear gas. He delights in scaring "a ghost" by creeping up on it and saying "boo". The ghost turns out to be the spirit of [[Judge Death]], whom he promptly allies himself with on the basis that the Judge can show him "a veritable feassst of fffear". After inhabiting a corpse, Judge Death dispatches Benny, but is treated to a whiff of fear gas, revealing his fear of losing his power to frighten. The Scarecrow ushers the Judge to a rock festival, where all carnage ensues (he records it on camera for "his private collection"). Scarecrow is apprehended when Judge Dredd's partner Anderson shoots his can of fear gas, dousing him with it and sending him into a terrified delusion that he is being attacked by birds. Judge Death is taken down by the combined efforts of Batman and Dredd.

The second Batman/[[Daredevil (Marvel Comics)|Daredevil]] crossover book features Scarecrow in [[New York]], apparently attempting to kill Wilson Fisk (aka the [[Kingpin (comics)|Kingpin]]) and take over his crime operation. In reality, this is merely a setup to draw attention from his true scheme: unleashing a massive dose of fear toxin into an incoming storm from atop the [[Statue of Liberty]]. This would spread the gas throughout [[New York City]], causing all its citizens to suffer like "[[Sodom and Gomorrah]]." In the end, he blasts Daredevil with a dose of fear toxin, but Daredevil lives up to his "Man Without Fear" trademark by quickly brushing off the effects of the gas and defeating Scarecrow.

===Other appearances===
The Scarecrow also makes a [[cameo appearance]] in ''[[The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes]]''. Specifically, he appears in ''Sandman'' #5: "Passengers" as a friend of [[Doctor Destiny]] at Arkham Asylum. He quotes [[Marlowe]] and attempts to dissuade Destiny from escaping, saying Arkham is a better home for their kind than the outside world. (See [[Characters of The Sandman#Minor mortals|Characters of ''The Sandman'' - Minor Mortals]])

Later, ''Sandman'' characters [[Cain and Abel (comics)|Cain And Abel]] make a guest appearance in one of Jonathan Crane's dreams in ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'', in which they briefly pretend to be prison administrators allocating him to a teaching job following his [[parole]]. However, though they resemble Cain And Abel physically, their personalities and habits are radically different - Cain makes no witticisms, while Abel repeats Cain's sentences rather than stutter - and both have small horns entangled in their hair.

In ''[[JSA: The Liberty Files]]'', an alternate version of the Scarecrow appears as a [[Nazi]] agent of [[Adolf Hitler]]. This version of the Scarecrow kills [[Doctor Mid-Nite|The Owl]] and is eventually killed by [[Mister Terrific (comics)|Mister Terrific]], the Batman and [[Hourman|The Clock]].

Crane also teams up with his [[Marvel Comics]] counterpart in ''[[Marvel vs. DC]]'' (see below).

==Powers and abilities==
===Fear evocation===
Crane is a psychologist with a specialty in [[phobia]]s. Using a variety of [[toxin]]s that cause his victims to [[hallucination|hallucinate]] that their [[phobia]]s have come to life, the Scarecrow can instill fear in all who see him. However, recently he has displayed the ability to literally frighten people to death without relying in the chemical, suggesting a great ability to dominate the human [[psyche]] using fear as a weapon. In ''Batman Begins'', the fear toxin he uses is extracted from a mountaintop blue flower from [[Tibet]], and only works in vapour form. Crane uses his Scarecrow mask to enhance the effect of the hallucinogen.

===Unarmed combat===
When forced to fight, he has used a style called "violent dancing", which is based in partly off the [[Fujian White Crane|crane]] style of [[kung fu]] and [[drunken boxing]], which makes full use of his long arms and legs. Most storylines, however, have suggested he has no real means of hand-to-hand combat, presenting him as physically unintimidating.

===Scarebeast===
[[Image:Scarebeast.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Scarecrow is mutated into the terrifying Scarebeast. Art by Dustin Nguyen and Richard Friend.]]
During the "As the Crow Flies" [[story arc]] (commencing with ''Batman'' #627, [[July 2004]]), the Scarecrow is transformed into a murderous creature known as the Scarebeast by [[Penguin (comics)|the Penguin]] and his assistant Linda Friitawa (Fright) to kill off his disloyal colleagues. Through the intensely [[Psychological trauma|trauma]]tic [[mutation]], the Scarebeast possesses super strength, endurance, clawed hands and can release an even stronger hallucinogenic gas. After being defeated by Batman by injecting it with massive amounts of [[tranquilizer]]s, the Scarebeast reverts back into Jonathan Crane, who ends up in a critical [[coma]], from which he later awakens.

The Scarecrow has also transformed into the Scarebeast in the "War Games" story arc. However, the Scarebeast has yet to be seen again after this storyline, and his recent appearances in ''[[Villains United]] Special'' and ''Batman'' seem to indicate the Scarebeast may be gone.

==In other media==
===Animation===
====''The Batman/Superman Hour''====
The Scarecrow's first appearance outside the comics was the 1968 [[Filmation]] series ''[[The Batman/Superman Hour]]'', in an episode titled "The Great Scarecrow Scare". This series' portrayal of the character was tamer than others; he didn't use fear-based attacks, and merely wanted to rob the farmers' market. His voice was provided by [[Ted Knight]].

====''Super Friends''====
In the 1978 [[animated series]] ''[[Challenge of the SuperFriends]]'', the Scarecrow appears as a member of [[Lex Luthor]]'s [[Legion of Doom (comics)|Legion of Doom]]. In this series, he is voiced by [[Don Messick]]. This version speaks in a hissing voice, has no powers at all and is used mainly when the [[Plot (narrative)|plot]] calls for an incompetent villain.

The character's identity and motivation are expanded upon and the character finally became three-dimensional, using his fear-inducing devices for the first time in an episode of ''[[The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians]]'' titled "The Fear". [[Andre Stojka]] voiced the Scarecrow in that episode.

====''Batman: The Animated Series''====
{{Unreferencedsection|date=July 2007}}

The '''Scarecrow''' is a recurring villain in ''[[Batman: the Animated Series]]''. He has appeared in three major roles, as well as having four cameo appearances. He is well-known for having variable character designs, changing drastically from time to time. He is voiced by [[Henry Polic II]].

[[Image:Scarecrow's Batman-TAS 2.jpg|thumb|200px|Scarecrow as he appeared for most of ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]''.]]
In his first appearance in the [[DC Animated Universe]], the third episode of ''Batman: the Animated Series'' entitled "[[Nothing to Fear (Batman: The Animated Series)|Nothing to Fear]]", the Scarecrow's past is revealed in a flashback. As in the comics that spawned the series, the Scarecrow's real name is Jonathan Crane, and his fascination with fear emerged as a young child. While growing up, Crane experimented with the effects of fear, eventually becoming a professor at a university where he worked on developing fear toxins, conducting experiments on human guinea pigs. Shortly after creating a fear toxin that caused victims to see their greatest fear, Crane was fired by the head of the university. Crane then became the Scarecrow, and attempted to exact revenge upon the university.

While attempting to burn down the university, the Scarecrow hits Batman with a dart filled with fear toxin. Batman foils the [[arson]] attempt, but the toxins have a great effect on him; he begins to hallucinate that his [[Thomas Wayne|dead father]] is rejecting him as a failure. This is Batman's weak point in this battle, and when the Scarecrow attacks the university a second time, Batman has to struggle to ignore the images. He overcomes his fear, forcing himself to realize that the visions are not real and convincing himself that his father would be proud of him. Batman then defeats the Scarecrow's henchmen and arrests the villain. During this encounter, Scarecrow is exposed to his own fear gas and is revealed to suffer from a phobia of [[bat]]s.

The Scarecrow makes his next appearance (in a more altered version of his costume) in the episode "[[Fear of Victory]]", in which he fixes sporting events by giving telegrams dusted with his powdered fear toxins to the players. Crane, having bet on the other team, wins large quantities of money, with which he buys the chemicals he uses in his research. In a confrontation at the end of the episode, [[Robin (comics)|Robin]], who was previously affected by the powder, overcomes his fears and prevents the Scarecrow from dropping a vial of fear toxins on the crowd below.

In his third and final appearance (his costume now more grotesque than the first two versions), in the episode "[[Dreams In Darkness]]", the Scarecrow plans to poison Gotham's water supply with his fear toxins to discover what would happen when a whole city went mad with fear. When Batman fights one of his henchmen, he once again gets a dose of fear gas, and experiences hallucinations of his parents' murder, his worst enemies triumphing over him, and his greatest friends turning against him. Batman fights his fear once again, and infects Scarecrow with his own gas then sends him back to Arkham, out of his mind with fear.

The Scarecrow makes no other major appearances in the original animated series, but does appear in a few [[cameo role|cameo]]s. He appeared playing [[chess]] with the [[Mad Hatter (comics)|Mad Hatter]] in "[[Joker's Wild (Batman: The Animated Series)|Joker's Wild]]", and was seen being arrested again in "[[Harley's Holiday]]". In the episode "[[Trial (The Adventures of Batman & Robin)|Trial]]", he is seen only escorting the prisoners and attempting to kill Batman with a scythe. In the episode "[[Lock-Up (Batman: The Animated Series episode)|Lock-Up]]", the Scarecrow is said to be the only prisoner to escape from [[Lyle Bolton]], a security guard who [[torture]]s the asylum's prisoners, but not to commit any crimes - only because he is terrified of him. Ultimately, after Bolton becomes a criminal and is imprisoned in Arkham, the Scarecrow is last seen, uncostumed, triumphantly promising to teach ''him'' new lessons in fear.

====''The New Batman Adventures''====
[[Image:ScarecrowTNBA Screenshot (OTE).jpg|thumb|180px|The appearance of the Scarecrow from ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'' episode "Over the Edge".]]
The Scarecrow also appears in the ''[[New Batman Adventures]]'', in the episode "[[Never Fear (New Batman Adventures)|Never Fear]]". Here, he has a different scheme; he infects his victims with a gas that removes fear, causing them to become reckless risk-takers. The Scarecrow infects Batman with this anti-fear gas, causing him to go berserk and try and kill his enemies. The Scarecrow holds the city ransom, demanding large sums of money in exchange for the antidote to the gas' effects. Batman tries to kill the Scarecrow, but Robin stops him at the last minute, and the Scarecrow is arrested.

In the episode "[[Over the Edge (The New Batman Adventures)|Over the Edge]]", the Scarecrow "kills" [[Batgirl]] by knocking her over the side of a building. The police blame Batman, discover his [[secret identity]], and attempt to arrest him. [[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner Gordon]], who discovers after Batgirl's death that she is his daughter [[Barbara Gordon|Barbara]], hires [[Bane]] to help him capture Batman, which results in Batman's death. However, at the end of the episode, this is revealed to be Batgirl's dream, caused by the Scarecrow's fear gas.

[[Bruce Timm]], the show's creator, writer, and part-time director, felt that the Scarecrow was supposed to be scary, and that so far he didn't look right and that none of the designs were working, as he said in one of the conversations on the DVD. When the ''New Batman Adventures'' came out, the designers completely redesigned the Scarecrow, giving him a twisted death mask with completely blank eyes and a noose around his neck, dressed all in black and looking more like a corpse than a Scarecrow. In this version, he is voiced by [[Jeffrey Combs]]. This version is never shown out of his costume. Timm actually commented that there may in fact not even be a person inside the costume of this version of the Scarecrow; The producers felt that creating an identity outside of the costume would detract from the fear element of the design.

====Other====
The Scarecrow never appears in ''[[Batman Beyond]]'', nor is he mentioned. However, in the animated movie, ''[[Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker]]'', there is a member of the [[Jokerz]] gang, Ghoul, whose design resembles the Scarecrow's, and his costume is possibly influenced by Batman's old enemy. The ''Batman Beyond'' villain [[Spellbinder]], like the Scarecrow, is also able to show people horrific illusions. However, in a series of comics that take place in the same [[continuity]] as ''Batman Beyond'', Scarecrow appears in a flashback when Commissioner Barbara Gordon starts to become haunted by the events of "[[Over the Edge]]".<ref>[http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/beyond/guides/comic/13.php]</ref>

As part of the original 13 members of the [[Legion of Doom (comics)|Legion of Doom]], the Scarecrow was originally slated to appear again in the [[DC Animated Universe]] in the third season of ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'', but apparently due to a "[[Justice League Unlimited#The Bat-Embargo|Bat-Embargo]]" enforced by [[Warner Bros.]], this did not occur.

The Scarecrow was set to appear in ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'', but was not included because he appeared in ''Batman Begins''. According to writer Joseph Kuhr, he had originally conceived the fourth season episode, "Strange New World", to introduce Scarecrow into the show, only to find the character was still off-limits to them.

===Film===
The Scarecrow was originally going to appear in two canceled Batman projects that would have taken place after ''[[Batman & Robin]]''. In both projects, ''[[Batman Triumphant]]'' and '''[[Batman: DarKnight]]''' he was the main villian. However, due to Batman and Robin's film's poor [[box office]] performance, ''Batman Triumphant'' never came to fruition, nor did ''Batman: DarKnight''. [[Howard Stern]], [[Ewan McGregor]], [[Steve Buscemi]], [[Nicolas Cage]], [[Jeff Goldblum]] and [[Christopher Lloyd]] were considered for the role in ''Trimphant''.

====''Batman Begins''====
{{main|Batman Begins}}

[[Image:Scarecrow-bb.jpg|thumb|215px|left|[[Cillian Murphy]] portraying the Scarecrow in [[Batman Begins]]]]
The Scarecrow appears in the 2005 movie ''Batman Begins'', portrayed by [[Cillian Murphy]]. Much like his comic counterpart, this version of the Scarecrow is a corrupt, [[sadism|sadistic]] [[Psychiatry|psychiatrist]] specializing in [[psychopharmacology]] at Arkham, secretly allied with [[Ra's al Ghul]] and [[Carmine Falcone]], smuggling the former's [[Psychoactive drug|hallucinogenic drugs]] into Gotham to create fear gas to use upon his patients in cruel experiments. He first appears in the film as Dr. Jonathan Crane, testifying in court that [[Zsasz|Victor Zsasz]], one of Falcone's assassins, is legally insane and should be moved to Arkham for rehabilitation. This enrages Assistant District Attorney [[Rachel Dawes]], who later accuses him of being corrupt. Crane then meets with Falcone to discuss having her murdered. When Falcone later attempts to [[blackmail]] Crane, Crane dons his Scarecrow mask for the first time in the film and douses Falcone with his fear gas, driving the mob boss insane and leaving him repeatedly uttering "scarecrow". Crane attributes this to him identifying the image with a [[Jungian archetype]].

In Crane's first encounter with Batman, he sprays Batman with his fear toxin and sets him on fire, though Batman narrowly escapes with his life and mind intact. With the help of [[Lucius Fox]], Batman acquires an antidote to the toxin. Shortly thereafter, Batman has a second confrontation with Crane, this time at Arkham, where he must rescue Rachel Dawes after Crane has sprayed her with his toxin. Batman overpowers Crane's henchmen and sprays the doctor with a dose of his own medicine, destroying what's left of his sanity and divulging his real superior: Ra's al Ghul. Crane is subsequently arrested by James Gordon and incarcerated in Arkham, but later escapes in the mass release of Arkham inmates prompted by Ra's al Ghul as part of his plot to destroy Gotham (Crane was not told about this part: he believed Ra's only wanted to hold Gotham ransom). As Ra's al Ghul unleashes Crane's fear gas on Gotham's [[slum]]s, Crane, now calling himself "Scarecrow," pursues Rachel and a boy through an alley on a horse, dragging a dead mounted police officer from its stirrups. To the boy, who was affected with the gas, Scarecrow appeared as a deep-voiced monster riding a fire-breathing horse. After he spouts the quote "You Have Nothing To Fear, But Fear Itself", Rachel eludes Scarecrow by shocking him in the face with a [[taser]]. Scarecrow aimlessly rides off into the night, screaming in pain. In the film's final scene, Gordon reveals that Crane is still at large.

Crane wears a mask, seemingly a poorly-stitched [[burlap]] sack with a [[hangman's noose]] dangling around the neck. The mask has a built-in rebreather and acts as a gas mask, and enhances the effect of the hallucinations in his experiments. The mask is put to good use when a victim is poisoned, making his appearance all the more terrifying to the victim (Batman hallucinates bats flying out of the "mouth", while Rachel hallucinates maggots crawling from it). He also wears an unbound straightjacket at the movie's [[climax (narrative)|climax]] due to his incarceration in and breakout from Arkham Asylum. Cillian Murphy explained that the relatively simple mask was done because "[He] wanted to avoid the [[Worzel Gummidge]] look. Because he's not a very physically imposing man, he's more interested in the manipulation of the mind and what that can do."<ref>{{cite news | author = Adam Smith | title = The Scarecrow | publisher = [[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] | date = July 2005 | pages = 77}}</ref>
Like the rest of the film, [[Batman Begins]]' depiction of Scarecrow received high praise from fans.

====''Batman: Gotham Knight''====
{{main|Batman: Gotham Knight}}

Scarecrow has been revealed to appear as one of the villains in the upcoming ''[[Batman: Gotham Knight]]'' voiced by [[Corey Burton]]. <ref>http://independentcomicssite.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=388&Itemid=1</ref>

====''The Dark Knight''====
{{main|The Dark Knight (film)}}

Scarecrow appears in the upcoming ''The Dark Knight'', the sequel to ''Batman Begins''. Cillian Murphy is confirmed as reprising the role, but it is believed his part is much smaller. He can be seen for roughly 70 nanoseconds of the 1:06 in the film's third theatrical trailer. He seems driving a white van which is severely damaged when Batman lands on its roof. <ref>http://www.empireonline.com/trailer/breakdown/darkknight/default.asp?NID=22514</ref>

===Video games===
The Scarecrow appears in four [[video game]]s: [[Game Boy]]'s ''Batman: The Animated Series'', [[Super Nintendo]] and [[Sega Mega Drive|Genesis]]'s ''[[Adventures of Batman & Robin]]'', ''Batman Begins'' (a tie-in to the 2005 movie) and ''[[Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu]]''. His role in the movie tie-in game is almost the same as the movie and is one of the game's [[boss (video games)|boss]] fights. In the game, extra information is given about the Scarecrow's various quirks; he uses his patients as a form of personal army who frequently attack Batman in various levels. In ''Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu'', he is dressed in rags and is the first major boss to fight in the game, spraying the player with fear gas. Also in the upcoming [[Lucasarts]] game ''[[Lego Batman: The Video Game]]'', Scarecrow will be featured as a playable character. To attack, he removes his hat and smashes it against his opponent or obstacle.

===Lego sets===
The [[Denmark|Danish]] building toy company [[Lego]] recently introduced its "[[Lego Batman]]" line of building sets, currently into its first wave. An incarnation of the scarecrow with his makeshift laboratory appears in 7785-Arkham Asylum set which includes [[Dick Grayson|Nightwing]] and his [[motorcycle]] as well. The Scarecrow appears as is his standard appearance in the comics and in ''Batman: The Animated Series''.

In a second wave, the Scarecrow pilots an old-style crop duster in an aerial fight against Batman's [[Batcopter]] in the set #7786 "The Batcopter: The Chase for Scarecrow".

==Other Scarecrow==
{{see also|Scarecrow (Marvel Comics)}}
There is a [[Marvel Comics]] supervillain named Ebineezer Laughton who also goes by the moniker "[[Scarecrow (Marvel Comics)|Scarecrow]]." He is primarily a foe of [[Ghost Rider (comics)|Ghost Rider]] and [[Spider-Man]]. Like Crane, he resembles a lanky field scarecrow when in costume (the most distinct visual difference between the two is that Crane's costume usually includes a straw hat). Though Laughton shares the ability to induce fear in others (albeit supernaturally), he is primarily known as a [[contortionist]]. During this Scarecrow's most recent appearance (and first after ''Batman Begins'') in ''[[Sensational Spider-Man]]'', Spider-Man jokes that "Yes. I have a Scarecrow villain too."

In ''[[Marvel vs. DC]]'', Laughton talks Crane into kidnapping [[Lois Lane]], but [[peter parker]] (out of costume) showed up and knocks them both out at the same time with a single kick.

Similarly, a Scarecrow action figure from [[Hasbro]]'s ''[[Ghost Rider (film)|Ghost Rider]]'' movie line bears at least some resemblance to the ''Batman Begins'' Scarecrow, as they have nearly identical burlap masks.

==External links==
{{wikiquote|Batman (comics)#The Scarecrow|The Scarecrow}}
* [http://www.dccomics.com DC Comics]
* [http://www2.warnerbros.com/batman Warner Brothers]
* [http://www.dccomics.com/heroes_and_villains/?hv=origin_stories/scarecrow Scarecrow's origin @ dccomics.com]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Batman}}

[[Category:American comics characters]]
[[Category:DC Comics supervillains]]
[[Category:Fictional murderers]]
[[Category:Fictional professors]]
[[Category:Fictional psychologists]]
[[Category:Fictional scientists]]
[[Category:Golden Age supervillains]]

[[es:El Espantapájaros]]
[[fr:Épouvantail (Batman)]]
[[it:Spaventapasseri (fumetto)]]
[[nl:Scarecrow (Batman)]]
[[ja:スケアクロウ (バットマン)]]
[[pt:Espantalho (DC Comics)]]
[[fi:Linnunpelätin (DC Comics)]]
[[sv:Fågelskrämman]]
[[tl:Scarecrow (komiks)]]

Fantastic Four in film

2008-06-18T00:47:47Z

71.182.145.40: /* Future */

{{Infobox Film
| name = Fantastic Four series
| image = Fantastic four poster.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = ''Fantastic Four'' poster
| director = [[Tim Story]]
| producer = [[Avi Arad]] [[Bernd Eichinger]] [[Chris Columbus (filmmaker)|Chris Columbus]] [[Ralph Winter (producer)|Ralph Winter]]
| writer = [[Michael France]] [[Mark Frost]] (''Fantastic Four'') [[Don Payne (writer)|Don Payne]] (''Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer'')
| starring = [[Ioan Gruffudd]] [[Jessica Alba]] [[Chris Evans (actor)|Chris Evans]] [[Michael Chiklis]] [[Julian McMahon]]
| music = [[John Ottman]]
| cinematography = Oliver Wood (''Fantastic Four'') Larry Blanford (''Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer'')
| editing = [[William Hoy]] (''Fantastic Four'', ''Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer'') Peter S. Elliot (''Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer'')
| distributor = [[20th Century Fox]]
| released = [[2005 in film|2005]]-[[2007 in film|2007]]
| country = {{USA}}
| language = [[English language|English]]
| runtime = 212 minutes
| budget = [[United States dollar|US$]]230 million
| gross = $609,223,070
}}

The '''''[[Fantastic Four]]'' [[film series]]''' consists of three [[superhero film]]s based on the [[fictional character|fictional]] [[Marvel Comics]] team ''[[Fantastic Four]]''. Following an [[The Fantastic Four (film)|independent-studio film produced in the early 1990s but unreleased]], the series continued with ''[[Fantastic Four (film)|Fantastic Four]]'' in [[2005 in film|2005]], and continued with ''[[Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer]]'' in [[2007 in film|2007]].

The films are based around four main characters, known formally as [[Mister Fantastic|Reed Richards]], [[Invisible Woman|Susan Storm]], [[Thing (comics)|Ben Grimm]] and [[Human Torch|Johnny Storm]], and how they adapt to the superpowers they attain. Each vary, as Reed feels responsible for their powers, Susan's dislike for the public attention the powers have given, Johnny's acceptance of the powers and the want to exploit this opportunity, and Ben's hatred of what he's become as he's the most visually affected and how has to deal with the changes. In addition to these four, [[Doctor Doom|Dr. Victor von Doom]], who is also affected, shows the dark route that the misuse of the powers can do, and how he feels more powerful because of these "gifts".

==Development==
In 1994, an adaption of the characters, titled ''[[The Fantastic Four (film)|The Fantastic Four]]'', was created by then licensed distributor, [[New Horizons]]. The film never officially surfaced for release, and it was accused of being an [[ashcan copy]], meaning that by having attempted to make the comic book adaptation New Horizons would have been able to keep the license for longer. It has been reported that the actors had no idea of the situation, instead believing they were creating a serious release.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://fantasticfour.ugo.com/movies/fantasticfour_1994/ | title=Fantastic Four (1994) | publisher=[[UGO]] | accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref>

In 1997, [[Peter Segal]] was attached to a script which had been written by [[Chris Columbus (filmmaker)|Chris Columbus]] and [[Michael France]]. Segal left the project but changed his mind that same year. [[Phillip Morton]] (''[[Fire Down Below (1997 film)|Fire Down Below]]'') worked on the script, and [[Sam Hamm]] was rewriting it in 1998. The following year [[Raja Gosnell]] signed on as director. "I really wanted to do a big action comedy thrill ride like ''[[Men in Black (film)|Men in Black]]''", he said, describing it as more comic than ''[[X-Men (film)|X-Men]]'' (2000). Producer [[Avi Arad]] called the script "the biggest [[sitcom]] of all time".<ref name=archives/>

Columbus, who was producing, explained the delays were in getting the budget down. "One estimate was as high as $280 million because every time the four characters walk into a scene, it will cost upwards of $100,000", he said. [[20th Century Fox]] felt that production would depend on whether ''X-Men'' would be successful at the box office. ''X-Men'' producer [[Ralph Winter (producer)|Ralph Winter]] joined the project in April 2000, and the project was announced in August 2000 as being aimed for a [[July 4]], [[2001]] release date. Gosnell decided to leave the project to film ''[[Scooby Doo (film)|Scooby Doo]]''. [[Peyton Reed]] was announced as his replacement in April 2001.<ref name=archives>{{cite web | title = Fantastic Four (archives) | publisher = Comics2Film | url = http://www.comics2film.com/FantasticFourArch.shtml | accessdate=2008-01-01}}</ref>

==Film series==

===''Fantastic Four''===
{{Main|Fantastic Four (film)}}
''Fantastic Four'' starts as [[Mister Fantastic|Reed Richards]] is forced as a last resort to go to [[Doctor Doom|Dr. Victor von Doom]] in order to get financed for an experiment, involving evolution and cloud storms in outer space. Upon making a deal, Reed and Victor go to Doom's space station, accompanied by [[Thing (comics)|Ben Grimm]], [[Invisible Woman|Susan Storm]], and her brother [[Human Torch|Johnny Storm]]. Each have their history with one another, including Reed and Susan having been in a relationship, as well as Ben making his feelings open about not liking Johnny. When aboard, due to a miscalculation they are unexpectedly hit by the space storm, and eventually learn to be affected in very different ways. The story follows them as they deal with these new 'powers' in their own ways, and how at one point Reed, Ben, Susan and Johnny become heroes by saving many people in a public predicament. Throughout the film, Victor turns very powerful and becomes sinister. This forces the other four to unite in a final showdown.

===''Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer''===
{{Main|Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer}}
''Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer'' introduces the [[Silver Surfer]], whose cosmic energy has been affecting the planet and leaving mysterious craters around the planet. Set against an impending wedding between Reed and Susan, the [[US Army]] recruits the Fantastic Four to help stop the Surfer, and separately gain help from Doctor Doom, who returns, to the surprise of the Fantastic Four. Later, Susan learns that the Surfer is in fact the slave of an intergalactic 'world eating' entity known as [[Galactus]], and has no choice but to abide by Galactus' commands. Doom double-crosses the army in an attempt to steal and master the Surfer's powers, only to be defeated by the Fantastic Four, who in turn restore the Surfer in time for him to face down his master and save Earth.
{{-}}

==Cast and characters==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=99%
! rowspan="2" width="30%" | Character
! colspan="2" align="center" | Film
|-
! align="center" width="35%" | ''[[Fantastic Four (film)|Fantastic Four]]''
! align="center" width="35%" | ''[[Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer]]''
|-
! [[Mr. Fantastic]]
| colspan="2" | [[Ioan Gruffudd]]
|-
! [[Invisible Woman]]
| colspan="2" | [[Jessica Alba]]
|-
! [[Thing (comics)|The Thing]]
| colspan="2" | [[Michael Chiklis]]
|-
! [[Human Torch|The Human Torch]]
| colspan="2" | [[Chris Evans (actor)|Chris Evans]]
|-
! [[Doctor Doom|Dr. Doom]]
| colspan="2" | [[Julian McMahon]]
|-
! [[Alicia Masters]]
| colspan="2" | [[Kerry Washington]]
|-
! Leonard
| [[Hamish Linklater]]
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! Debbie
| [[Laurie Holden]]
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! [[Willie Lumpkin]]
| [[Stan Lee]]
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
|-
! [[Silver Surfer|The Silver Surfer]]
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| [[Doug Jones (actor)|Doug Jones]] [[Laurence Fishburne]]
|-
! General Hager
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| [[Andre Braugher]]
|-
! [[Nova (Frankie Raye)|Frankie Raye]]
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" |  
| [[Beau Garrett]]
|}

==Reception==
===Box office performance===
{| class="wikitable" width=99% border="1"
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''Film'''
| colspan="2" align="center" | '''Release date'''
| colspan="3" align="center" | '''Box office revenue'''
| colspan="2" align="center" text="wrap" | '''Box office ranking'''
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''Reference'''
|-
| align="center" | '''Worldwide'''
| align="center" | '''United States'''
| align="center" | '''United States'''
| align="center" | '''Outside US'''
| align="center" | '''Worldwide'''
| align="center" | '''All time US'''
| align="center" | '''All time worldwide'''
|-
| ''[[Fantastic Four (film)|Fantastic Four]]''
| [[July 8]] [[2005]]
| [[July 8]] [[2005]]
| $154,696,080
| $175,424,795
| $330,120,875
| align="center" | #151
| align="center" | #147
| align="center" |<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=fantasticfour.htm | title=Fantastic Four (2005) | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | accessdate=2007-09-26 }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer]]''*
| [[June 15]] [[2007]]
| [[June 15]] [[2007]]
| $131,921,738
| $156,118,175
| $288,039,913
| align="center" | #211
| align="center" | #191
| align="center" |<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=fantasticfour2.htm | title=Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | accessdate=2007-11-03}}</ref>
|-
| ''Fantastic Four'' film series
|
|
| '''$286,617,818'''
| '''$331,542,970'''
| '''$618,160,788'''
|
|
|
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>'''Note:''' Updated November 3, 2007. Please update if necessary.

===Critical reaction===
{{see also|Fantastic Four (film)#Reception|Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer#Reception}}
{| class="wikitable" width=99% border="1"
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''Film'''
| colspan="2" align="center" | '''[[Rotten Tomatoes]]'''
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''[[Metacritic]]'''
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''[[Yahoo! Movies]]'''
|-
| align="center" | '''Overall'''
| align="center" | '''Cream of the Crop'''
|-
| ''[[Fantastic Four (film)|Fantastic Four]]''
| 26% (187 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/fantastic_four/ | title=Fantastic Four | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref>
| 27% (7 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/fantastic_four/?critic=creamcrop | title=Fantastic Four (Cream of the Crop) | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref>
| 40% (35 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/fantasticfour?q=Fantastic%20Four | title=Fantastic Four | publisher=[[Metacritic]] | accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref>
| C (13 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808403968/critic | title=Fantastic Four - Critics Reviews | publisher=[[Yahoo! Movies]] | accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer]]''
| 35% (148 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/fantastic_four_2_rise_of_the_silver_surfer/ | title=Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref>
| 32% (11 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/fantastic_four_2_rise_of_the_silver_surfer/?critic=creamcrop | title=Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (Cream of the Crop) | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref>
| 45% (33 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/fantasticfourriseofthesilversurfer?q=Fantastic%20Four | title=Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer | publisher=[[Metacritic]] | accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref>
| C+ (14 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809699127/critic | title=Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer - Critics Reviews | publisher=[[Yahoo! Movies]] | accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref>
|}

==Future==
===Fantastic Four 3===
The main four cast originally signed three-picture deals,<ref>{{cite news|author=Josh Grossberg|title=A "Fantastic Four" Follow-Up|publisher=E! Online|date=[[2005-12-05]]|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=5d62d671-e3a9-4684-b5bb-85bb8eec9a7c&entry=index}}</ref> and [[Julian McMahon]] has also signed for a third film.<ref>{{cite news|author=Paul Fischer|title=Exclusive Interview: Julian McMahon for "Premonition"|publisher=Dark Horizons|date=[[2007-03-15]]|url=http://www.darkhorizons.com/news07/mcmahon.php|accessdate=2007-03-16}}</ref> [[Michael Chiklis]] was told his character's relationship with [[Alicia Masters]] would have a greater focus in a third film.<ref>{{cite news | title = MeeVee Exclusive! Interview with The Shield's Michael Chiklis | publisher = MeeVee | date = [[2007-04-03]] | url = http://blog.meevee.com/my_weblog/2007/04/meevee_exclusiv_2.html | accessdate=2007-11-22}}</ref> [[Jessica Alba]] has expressed interest in introducing [[Franklin Richards]],<ref>{{cite news | author = Shawn Adler | title = Jessica Alba Ready To Be A Super-Mommy In ‘Fantastic Four 3’ | publisher = [[MTV]] | date = [[2007-09-10]] | url = http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2007/09/10/jessica-alba-ready-to-be-a-super-mommy-in-fantastic-four3/ | accessdate=2007-11-03}}</ref> while [[Beau Garrett]] has expressed interest in returning as [[Nova (Frankie Raye)|Nova]].<ref>{{cite news | author = Matthew Price | title = Word Balloons: Actress in ‘Silver Surfer' hopes for super role if there's a sequel | publisher = [[The Oklahoman]] | date = [[2007-10-05]] | url = http://newsok.com/article/3140667/1191549264 | accessdate=2007-11-03}}</ref> [[Tim Story (film director)|Tim Story]] said he would like to direct a third and fourth film.<ref>{{cite news | author = Wilson Morales | title = FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER: An Interview with Director Tim Story | publisher = Blackfilm | date = [[2007-06-04]] | url = http://www.blackfilm.com/20070601/features/timstory.shtml | accessdate=2007-11-22}}</ref> [[Don Payne (writer)|Don Payne]] stated he has not discussed a sequel with the studio, but "I’ve always loved the [[Inhumans]], the [[Skrull]]s, the [[Puppet Master (comics)|Puppet Master]], and [[Annihilus]] and the [[Negative Zone]]."<ref>{{cite news | title = Our Exclusive Interview with Don Payne, Pt 2 | publisher = F4 Movies | date = June 2007 | url = http://www.f4movies.com/interviews/582.shtml | accessdate=2007-11-22}}</ref> As ''Rise of the Silver Surfer'' grossed less than the first film, [[20th Century Fox]] is unsure of the series' future, and no script is in development.<ref>{{cite news | author = Steven Galloway | title = Studios are hunting the next big property | publisher = [[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date = [[2007-07-10]] | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3if727c623f03c782b8ad564866c828796 | accessdate=2007-11-03}}</ref> In March 2008, [[Chris Evans (actor)|Chris Evans]] revealed, "I'm pretty sure we won’t do [another] one. I’m assuming that one is a closed book."<ref>{{cite news | author = Shawn Adler | title = ‘Fantastic Four 3’ Probably Not Happening, Reveals Chris Evans | publisher = [[MTV]] | date = [[2008-03-20]] | url = http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/03/20/fantastic-four-3-probably-not-happening-reveals-chris-evans/ | accessdate=2008-03-20}}</ref>

===''Silver Surfer'' spin-off===
====Early stages====
[[Bernd Eichinger]] of [[Constantin Film]] purchased the film rights of the [[Fantastic Four]] and [[Silver Surfer]] from [[Marvel Comics]] in [[1986 in film|1986]], while [[20th Century Fox]] quickly signed on as the [[film distribution|distributor]]. Eichinger and [[Marvel Studios]] approached [[George Lucas]] and [[Industrial Light & Magic]], who found the project to be too technically challenging.<ref name="hughes"/> Various filmmakers attempted different methods of making the Silver Surfer realistic through [[visual effects]] experiments. This included a reverse photographic process by which an actor was painted with black oil, on to which was mapped silvery light. This method was used for the [[Lightsaber]]s in the ''[[Star Wars]]'' film series.<ref name="hughes">{{cite book | author=David Hughes | title=The Greatest Sci-Fi Movies Never Made | publisher=Chicago Review Press | date=[[2002-04-22]] | isbn=1556524498 | chapter=The Silver Screen: Silver Surfer Goes to Tinsel Town}}</ref> Sometime in [[1992 in film|1992]] [[Quentin Tarantino]], fresh from critical success with ''[[Reservoir Dogs]]'', came to Constantin with a script but was turned down.<ref name=Saga>{{cite news | author = Beau Yarbrough | url = http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=4217 | title = Saga of the ''Silver Surfer'' (Film): Making of ''The Silver Surfer'' | publisher = [[Comic Book Resources]] | date = [[2000-05-15]] | accessdate = 2008-04-16}}</ref>

[[Erik Fleming]] and a crew of friends from the [[USC School of Cinematic Arts]] convinced [[Stan Lee]], [[Marvel Studios]] and Eichinger to let them try their hand at a short film as a means to prove that [[computer-generated imagery]] was now advanced to do so. However, once filming began, ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]'' was released, featuring the chrome-like figure of [[T-1000]].<ref name="hughes"/> Although this proved that their theories about the possibility of rendering lifelike humanoid figures with quicksilver-like bodies were correct, it arguably made their film redundant as a special effects test reel. One could now point to ''Terminator 2'' to show how Silver Surfer might appear on film. The short film was finished in [[1993 in film|1993]], and [[major film studio]]s invited the crew into their offices, simply amazed as to how they completed the film with virtually no budget. When the studios found out they didn't own the rights to the comic book, Fleming and the crew were kicked out.<ref name="hughes"/> Fleming quoted, "It's suddenly an A-list project, and they have to bring in an A-list writer, an A-list director. That's really just how Hollywood works. We should have signed a deal ahead of time, but we were just too young and naive. Your word is no good in Hollywood. All that matters is a signed piece of paper."<ref name=Saga/> Upon viewing the short film [[Oliver Stone]] became interested in directing.<ref name=Saga/>

====20th Century Fox====
The success of the short film prompted Fox and Eichinger to hire [[John Turman]] to write the script, and eventually [[Richard Jefferies (screenwriter)|Richard Jefferies]] to rewrite Turman's script. [[Geoffrey Wright]] became attached to direct Jefferies' script that included the Silver Surfer in the company of a twelve-year-old street [[prostitute]], similar to [[Jodie Foster]]'s character in ''[[Taxi Driver]]''.<ref name="hughes"/> [[Rudy Gaines]] and [[John Rice]] were hired to write a completely new script, which showcased the Silver Surfer crash-landing on Earth and being romantically involved with a [[Brooklyn]] waitress. He's accidentally transformed into a human being by a secret scientific government project, while pursued by a psychotic [[United States Army]] General. Gaines and Rice wrote three drafts, and Fox liked the script but felt it was too expensive to put into production, and Wright eventually dropped out of directing.<ref name="hughes"/>

The project moved to Fox's children's division of [[20th Century Fox Animation]], which started the [[Silver Surfer (TV series)|''Silver Surfer'' television series]].<ref name="hughes"/> By July 1999, [[Andrew Kevin Walker]] was hired to write a completely new script.<ref>{{cite news | author = Michael Fleming | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117503960 | title = Marvel takes cue from its superheroes | publisher = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date = [[1999-07-13]] | accessdate = 2008-03-26}}</ref> In May 2000, [[Marvel Studios]] brought [[Artisan Entertainment]] to co-finance the film.<ref>{{cite news | author = Michael Fleming | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117781709.html | title = Artisan deal a real Marvel | publisher = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date = [[2000-05-16]] | accessdate = 2008-03-26}}</ref> [[Vin Diesel]] expressed interest in portraying the lead role,<ref>{{cite news | author = [[Rob Worley]] | title = Comics2Film Wrap For April 4th, 2003 | publisher = [[Comic Book Resources]] | date = [[2003-04-04]] | url = http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=2083 | accessdate=2008-03-29}}</ref> while [[The Rock (entertainer)|Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson]] was approached to star.<ref>{{cite news | author = Jeff Otto | url = http://movies.ign.com/articles/587/587685p1.html | title = The Rock Confirms No More Wrestling | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = [[2005-02-14]] | accessdate = 2008-03-26}}</ref> [[Baz Luhrmann]] was interested in directing,<ref>{{cite news | title = Baz Luhrmann doing ''Silver Surfer''? | publisher = Comics2Film | date = [[2003-07-22]] | url = http://www.comics2film.com/index.php?a=story&b=8777 | accessdate=2008-03-29}}</ref> while [[Joshua Jackson]] was interested in portraying the lead role.<ref>{{cite news | author = [[Clint Morris]] | url = http://www.moviehole.net/news/5135.html | title = From the ''Creek'' to Comic Books | publisher = Moviehole | date = [[2005-02-25]] | accessdate = 2008-03-29}}</ref> By March 2005<ref>{{cite news | author = Stax | url = http://movies.ign.com/articles/597/597613p1.html | title = Director Aboard ''Silver Surfer''? | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = [[2005-03-21]] | accessdate = 2008-03-26}}</ref> an unnamed "[[Zen]] [[Buddhist]] with experience in special effects" was set to direct. However, the unnamed director was committed to another film,<ref>{{cite news | author = Stax | url = http://movies.ign.com/articles/632/632359p1.html | title = ''Silver Surfer'' Director Rumors | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = [[2005-07-08]] | accessdate = 2008-03-26}}</ref> and difficulty pursued with the Silver Surfer character being too technically challenging to adapt on screen.<ref>{{cite news | author = Stax | url = http://movies.ign.com/articles/610/610071p1.html | title = ''Silver Surfer'' Stuff | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = [[2005-05-04]] | accessdate = 2008-03-26}}</ref> In the meantime, Marvel and Fox opted for the character to be used in ''[[Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer]]'', portrayed by [[Doug Jones (actor)|Doug Jones]] with voice acting by [[Laurence Fishburne]]. [[Don Payne (writer)|Don Payne]], co-writer of ''Rise of the Silver Surfer'', expressed interest in writing a new screenplay for ''Silver Surfer''.<ref>{{cite news | author = Emmanuel Itier | url = http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=2137 | title = Interview: Screenwriter Don Payne Wants a Cinematic Future for the ''Silver Surfer'' - Part 2 | publisher = IF Magazine | date = [[2007-06-05]] | accessdate = 2008-03-29}}</ref>

''Silver Surfer'' was then put a higher priority than ''[[Fantastic Four 3]]''.<ref>{{cite news | author = Jake Coyle | title = Hollywood Studios Go Sequel Crazy | publisher = [[The Guardian]] | date = [[2007-07-20]] | url = http://film.guardian.co.uk/apnews/story/0,,-6792281,00.html | accessdate=2007-11-22}}</ref> By June 2007, [[J. Michael Straczynski]] was working on a new screenplay,<ref>{{cite news | author = [[Rob Worley]] | url = http://www.comics2film.com/index.php?a=story&b=27491 | title = ''Silver Surfer'' Spinoff? ''Thor'' gets a director? | publisher = Comics2Film | date = [[2007-06-13]] | accessdate = 2008-03-29}}</ref> focusing on an [[origin story]]. [[Galactus]] will be featured, Straczynski noted that ''Rise of the Silver Surfer'' held off on showing Galactus to be revealed this film.<ref>{{cite news | author = Ian Brill | title = J. Michael Straczynski Spotlight Panel | publisher = [[Newsarama]] | date = [[2008-02-23]] | url = http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=147912 | accessdate=2008-03-29}}</ref> Jones is signed on for two more films, and hopes that Fox will option him to reprise the role,<ref>{{cite news | author = Stephanie Sanchez | title = Exclusive Red Carpet Interview: Doug Jones | publisher = IESB | date = [[2007-12-17]] | url = http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3953&Itemid=99 | accessdate=2007-12-17}}</ref> and would like the opportunity to supply his own voice for the character.<ref>{{cite news | author = Edward Douglas | title = Doug Jones: No Word on Silver Surfer | publisher = [[Superhero Hype!]] | date = [[2007-10-25]] | url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=6448 | accessdate=2007-11-03}}</ref> A large amount of filming will take place in [[Australia]].<ref>{{cite news | author = Peter Mitchell | title = ''Thor'', ''Wolverine'', ''Silver Surfer'' in Aussie raid | publisher = [[The Courier-Mail]] | date = [[2007-07-25]] | accessdate = 2008-03-26}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.f4movies.com/ F4 Movies]

{{Fantastic Four}}
{{Marvel Comics films}}

[[Category:Fantastic Four films|Series]]
[[Category:Science fiction films by series]]
[[Category:Film series]]
[[Category:Action films by series]]

[[it:I Fantastici Quattro (serie di film)]]

Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed

2008-06-17T05:16:23Z

71.182.145.40: /* Possible Sequel */

{{Infobox Film
| name = Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
| image = Scooby Doo2 movie.jpg
| caption =
| director = [[Raja Gosnell]]
| writer = [[William Hanna]] (characters) [[Joseph Barbera]] (characters) [[James Gunn (film maker)|James Gunn]]
| starring = [[Freddie Prinze, Jr.]] [[Sarah Michelle Gellar]] [[Matthew Lillard]] [[Linda Cardellini]] [[Neil Fanning]]
| producer = Charles Roven Richard Suckle
| distributor = [[Warner Bros.]]
| budget =
| music = [[David Newman (composer)|David Newman]]
| cinematography = [[Oliver Wood]]
| editing = [[Kent Beyda]]
| released = [[March 26]], [[2004]] [[April 14]], [[2004]] [[September 14]], [[2004]] (DVD)
| runtime = 93 min.
| country = [[USA]]
| language = English
| budget = $73,000,000
| gross = $181,466,833 Worldwide
| preceded_by = ''[[Scooby-Doo (film)|Scooby-Doo]]''|
| website = http://www2.warnerbros.com/sd_brand/index.html
| amg_id = 1:286521
| imdb_id = 0331632
| }}

'''''Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed''''' is a [[2004 in film|2004]] film, the 2nd and to date, last picture in the series and sequel to 2002's ''[[Scooby-Doo (film)|Scooby-Doo]]''. It was directed by [[Raja Gosnell]], who also directed the first film, and was written by [[James Gunn (film maker)|James Gunn]], who also wrote ''Scooby Doo''. It was released on [[March 26]], [[2004]]. The movie returns with the cast of [[Freddie Prinze, Jr.]], [[Sarah Michelle Gellar]], [[Linda Cardellini]], [[Matthew Lillard]] and [[Neil Fanning]] as the main characters of [[Fred Jones (character)|Fred Jones]], [[Daphne Blake]], [[Velma Dinkley]], [[Shaggy Rogers]], and [[Scooby-Doo (character)|Scooby-Doo]], respectively. The new characters were announced with [[Seth Green]] ([[Family Guy]]/[[Robot Chicken]]), [[Peter Boyle]] ([[Everybody Loves Raymond]]) and [[Alicia Silverstone]] ([[Braceface]]) as Patrick, Old Man Whickles and Heather Jasper-Howe.

== Plot ==
It's [[2004]] and [[Mystery, Inc.]] - [[Fred Jones (Scooby-Doo)|Freddie]], [[Daphne Blake|Daphne]], [[Velma Dinkley|Velma]], [[Shaggy Rogers|Shaggy]], and [[Scooby-Doo (character)|Scooby-Doo]] - are attending the grand opening of the Coolsonian Criminology Museum in Coolsville, the evening's premiere exhibition is the costumes of the many monsters Mystery Inc. has faced over the years. Velma has a crush on the museum's curator Patrick Wisely ([[Seth Green]]), while news reporter Heather Jasper-Howe ([[Alicia Silverstone]]) seems to berate Fred and Daphne's relationship. However, the night turns into a crimescene when an Evil Masked Figure ([[Scott McNeil]]) attacks the museum with the Pterodactyl Ghost and steals monster costumes.Jasper-Howe insults Mystery Inc's methods through edited video footage on the news. Shaggy and Scooby feel responsible for the problems in the gang and try to be better detectives by dressing in appropriate attire styles and acting smarter, with little results. The gang believe that an old foe is behind the theft, like Jonathan Jacobo ([[Tim Blake Nelson]]) and Old Man Wickles ([[Peter Boyle]]). Wickles becomes the primary suspect, since Jacobo apparently died during a prison escape.

The gang go to Wickles' mansion where they find an old [[Celtic mythology|Celtic]] book describing how to create carbon-based organic composite predators, or as Velma puts, an instruction manual on how to create monsters. Shaggy and Scooby look for clues, discovering a sticky note inviting Wickles to the Faux Ghost, a nightclub. The Black Knight Ghost, Wickles' alter ego, shows up and fights Daphne. The gang escapes back to their home. Shaggy and Scooby sneak off to the Faux Ghost where they get caught in the antics of all the criminals who impersonated the monsters. Fred, Daphne and Velma discover that the main ingredient to produce monsters is a substance called Randomonium, which emits a glowing green color when used. Patrick shows up at the house, and Velma dresses up in a tight orange catsuit to try and impress him because she thinks she isn't "hot". The gang go to the museum where they learn that all the other costumes have been stolen. Shaggy and Scooby stalk Wickles to the old mining town where they find a secret laboratory and also a large dark room called the Monster Hive, where an advanced machine that creates monsters from the costumes. Fred, Velma and Daphne join them around this time. However, Shaggy and Scooby press a control panel (That they think is a device for making musical beats, which makes them rap and continue pressing buttons) which makes the machine bring more monsters to life: The Skeleton Men, Miner 49er, Captain Cutler, the Zombie and the Tar Monster. The 10,000 Volt Ghost also appears, previously transformed. Mystery Inc. flees with the control panel while the monsters invade Coolsville.

The gang flee to an old clubhouse in a swamp where they realise they can reverse the panel's programming to destroy the monsters. Shaggy and Scooby lament their stupidity outside wishing they could be heroes. Captain Cutler appears out of the swamp but is sent flying back in when Fred reverses [[Mystery Machine]] into him. The gang evades the monsters on the way to the Monster Hive, Scooby driving the Mystery Machine. Arriving at the Monster Hive, Fred gets into a [[jousting]] match against the Black Knight Ghost using a motorcycle, while Daphne tries to fight the 10,000 Volt Ghost. The two team up, defeating both ghosts by absorbing the 10,000 Volt Ghost's electricity into the Black Knight Ghost like a conductor. Velma gives Shaggy and Scooby confidence to be heroes, before she finds Patrick who has a shrine to Jonathan Jacobo. He saves her from the pterodactyl but is flown away by it. Shaggy and Scooby meet the Cotton Candy Glob but instead of running, they stand their ground and eat him. The gang reunite and proceed into the Monster Hive itself only to walk right into a trap, each captured by the Tar Monster. Scooby grabs a [[fire extinguisher]] and freezes the Tar Monster, beating his way through the monsters to the machine where he places the control panel. The monsters all die and return to their costume forms. The Evil Masked Figure is arrested and unmasked before public and press as Heather Jasper-Howe, who is actually Jonathan Jacobo in disguise. The gang reveal Jacobo survived the prison escape, used the Howe persona to turn the city against them, and framed Wickles as the culprit, all as an act of vengeance. Ned, Howe's cameraman is also arrested for briefly impersonating the Evil Masked Figure. Fred even tries to see if Ned is wearing a mask and pulls his skin. Velma and Patrick become a couple, while some of the old enemies of the gang become their friends including Wickles. The gang dance in the Faux Ghost along with [[Ruben Studdard]] to [[Shining Star]].

== Cast ==
*'''[[Freddie Prinze Jr.]]''' as '''[[Fred Jones (Scooby-Doo)|Fred Jones]]''': The leader of Mystery Inc, Fred continues to lead the gang and enjoying his time in fame. He is hurt the most when Coolsville is turned against Mystery Inc. He is dating Daphne, much to the jealously of newsreporter Heather Jasper Howe. He believes that talking is for wimps, but after speaking with Daphne, he realizes he is wrong and battles the Black Knight. He is in a relationship with Daphne.
[[Image:Daphne - Sarah Michelle Gellar.jpg|thumb|[[Daphne Blake|Daphne]] fights with The Black Knight Ghost]]

*'''[[Sarah Michelle Gellar]]''' as '''[[Daphne Blake]]''': Daphne is the beautiful member of the group and rather popular with the males of Coolsville. Daphne develops a rivalry with Heather Jasper Howe, who questions Daphne's role in the gang other than to look pretty. Daphne proves everyone wrong by battling the Black Night Ghost in Wickles' mansion. She keeps her amazing fighting skills. She is in a relationship with Fred.

*'''[[Linda Cardellini]]''' as '''[[Velma Dinkley]]''': The smartest member of Mystery Inc, Velma has a crush on Patrick, the curator of the Coolsonian Criminology Museum. Velma panics whenever she runs into him, and with help from Daphne, becomes a new person at first by dressing in a skin-tight catsuit, but later realises she should just be herself. She always say jinkie as her slang word.

*'''[[Matthew Lillard]]''' as '''[[Shaggy Rogers]]''': Norville Rogers, or named Shaggy for short, is a cowardly guy and best friends with Scooby-Doo. Both cause mayhem at the museum during the [[Pterodactyl Ghost]] rampage, and hold themselves responsible for the collapsing fame of Mystery Inc. To make amends, Shaggy and Scooby take the mystery of the monsters into their own hands, but later learn from Velma that the gangs loves them for what they really are.

*'''[[Neil Fanning]]''' as '''[[Scooby-Doo (character)|Scooby-Doo]]''': Scooby-Doo is the loyal canine mascot of Mystery Inc. He is a little dense at times and has a speech impedement. His best friend is Shaggy, and the two are quite alike. Scooby and Shaggy feel responsible for the continuous mess ups the gang keep having during their plans to capture monsters, and attempt to make amends by taking the mystery into their own hands.

*'''[[Seth Green]]''' as '''Patrick Wisely''': The curator of the Coolsonian Criminology Museum. He has a crush on Velma, but is rather timid. He cares deeply for his museum and seems to become distant from Velma as more costumes vanish from the museum. However, he is actually a nice guy who cares deeply from Velma, even saving her from falling to her demise.

*'''[[Alicia Silverstone]]''' as '''Heather Jasper-Howe''': A hot and sexy news reporter who seems to enjoy criticizing Mystery Inc. She has a rivalry with Daphne. She is always accompanied by her cameraman Ned, but turns out to really be Jacobo, to Ned's disgust, as they had apparently 'cuddled' before.

*'''[[Peter Boyle]]''' as '''Jermiah Wickles''': The original portrayer of the Black Knight Ghost, Mystery Inc's very first case. He is accused of being the new portrayer of the Pterodactyl Ghost, but he just wants to be at peace, hoping of opening a mining leisure park in Coolsville's old mining factory.

*'''[[Tim Blake Nelson]]''' as '''Doctor Jonathan Jacobo''': The main villain and original portrayer of the Pterodactyl Ghost. He stole millions of dollars to fund his research into bringing monsters to life, but failed. He apparently died during a prison escape, falling into the ocean.

*'''[[Ruben Studdard]]''' as '''Himself(cameo)''': The winner of [[American Idol]], Ruben Studdard appears at the end of the film singing his own version of the song, "Shining Star".

===Monsters===
The film featured a number of monsters from the classic Scooby Doo cartoons. The monsters were either portrayed in costumes with CGI effects or completely made from CGI animation. Some of the monsters look entirely different from their appearances in the cartoons, although this was done for realism. The monsters in the film were the Pterodactyl Ghost, the Black Knight Ghost, the 10,000 Volt Ghost, the Skeleton Men, Captain Cutler, Miner 49er, the Zombie, the Tar Monster and the Cotton Candy Glob. All the monster costumes seen in the film were very similar to their cartoon adaptions, many practically identical. Each monster costume came with a plaque that described the monster's appearance in the show, complete with original artwork of the monsters.

==Possible Sequel==
According to reliable sources of the original [[Scooby-Doo]] crew, a third installment of the franchise is in the works. It is hinted be a prequel to the first two films, and will take place around the time of [[A Pup Named Scooby-Doo]]. The release date is currently slated to be in Early [[2009]].{{refneeded}}

== Soundtrack ==
A soundtrack was released on [[March 23]], [[2004]].

#[[Don't Wanna Think About You]] - [[Simple Plan]]
# [[You Get What You Give]] - [[New Radicals]]
# Boom Shack-A-Lack - [[Apache Indian]]
# "[[We Wanna Thank You (The Things You Do)]]" - [[Big Brovaz]] (UK theme song - bonus track)
# [[The Rockafeller Skank]] - [[Fatboy Slim]]
# Wooly Bully - [[Bad Manners]]
# The Real Slim Shady - [[Eminem]]
# Shining Star - [[Ruben Studdard]]
# [[Flagpole Sitta]] - [[Harvey Danger]]
# [[Get Ready For This]] - [[2 Unlimited]]
# [[Play That Funky Music]] - [[Wild Cherry (band)|Wild Cherry]]
# Here We Go - [[Bowling for Soup]]
# Love Shack - [[B-52's]]
# Strippin' in Honey - [[Snoop Dog]]
# Friends Forever - [[Puffy AmiYumi]]
# Circle Backwards - Mark Provart

== Reception ==

It was rated PG for some scary action, rude humor and language. The film made its free-TV premiere on [[Nickelodeon (TV channel)|Nickelodeon]] before it aired on [[ABC Family]].

The film earned $181,466,833 worldwide, lower than the $275,650,700 worldwide [[Scooby-Doo (film)|Scooby-Doo]] grossed two years earlier.

== External links ==
{{wikiquote}}
*[http://www.warnerbros.co.uk/scoobydoo2/sd2_flash.html Official website]
*{{imdb title|id=0331632|title=Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed}}
*{{rotten-tomatoes|id=scooby_doo_2_monsters_unleashed|title=Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed}}
*{{metacritic film|id=scoobydoo2monstersunleashed|title=Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed}}
*{{mojo title|id=scoobydoo2|title=Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed}}

{{ Box Office Leaders USA
| before = [[Dawn of the Dead (2004 film)|Dawn of the Dead]]
| year = 2004
| date = March 28
| after = [[Hellboy (film)|Hellboy]]
}}

{{Scooby-Doo}}

[[Category:2004 films]]
[[Category:Scooby-Doo films]]
[[Category:2000s comedy films]]
[[Category:Family films]]
[[Category:Fantasy-comedy films]]
[[Category:Sequel films]]
[[Category:Warner Bros. films]]
[[Category:Live-action films based on cartoons]]
[[Category:Films shot in Vancouver]]
[[Category:Films directed by Raja Gosnell]]

[[de:Scooby Doo 2 – Die Monster sind los]]
[[es:Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed]]
[[fr:Scooby-Doo 2 : les monstres se déchaînent]]
[[it:Scooby-Doo 2: Mostri scatenati]]
[[nl:Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed]]
[[pl:Scooby-Doo 2: Potwory na gigancie]]
[[pt:Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed]]
[[simple:Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed]]
[[fi:Scooby-Doo 2: Monsterit vapaalla]]
[[sv:Scooby Doo 2 - monstren är lösa]]

Scarecrow (DC Comics)

2008-06-17T02:34:45Z

71.182.145.40: Expanding the canceled film section to include "Batman: DarKnight"

{{dablink|This article deals with the Scarecrow of DC Comics. For the [[Marvel Comics]] supervillain, see [[Scarecrow (Marvel Comics)]].}}
{{Superherobox| 
image=[[Image:Batman373.JPG|225px]]
|caption=The Scarecrow, from ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #373, July 1984. Art by [[Ed Hannigan]] and [[Dick Giordano]].
|comic_color=background:#8080ff
|character_name=The Scarecrow
|real_name=Jonathan Crane
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut=''[[World's Finest Comics]]'' #3 (Fall 1941)
|creators=[[Bill Finger]] [[Bob Kane]]
|alliance_color=background:#c0c0ff
|alliances=[[Injustice League]] [[Batman villains|Assorted Batman rogues]] [[Injustice Gang]] [[Secret Society of Super Villains]]
|aliases=
|powers= - Well-educated on the psychology of fear - Develops various tools which induce crippling [[fear]] - May transform under duress into the monstrous "Scarebeast", gaining superhuman strength, endurance, and a more potent hallucinogen. - Master of drunken boxing and crane-style kung-fu. |}}

'''The Scarecrow''' ('''Dr. Jonathan Crane''') is a [[DC Comics]] [[supervillain]], an enemy of [[Batman]]. Created by Batman creators [[Bill Finger]] and [[Bob Kane]], he first appeared in ''[[World's Finest Comics]]'' #3 (Fall 1941). His [[scarecrow]] costume, lanky appearance and surname were inspired by [[Ichabod Crane]] of the [[horror fiction|horror]] fable ''[[The Legend of Sleepy Hollow]]''.

The Scarecrow is an [[insane]] former [[psychologist]] who uses a variety of [[drug]]s and psychological tactics to use the [[fear]]s and [[phobia]]s of his adversaries. He does not commit his crimes for wealth, but rather as a form of "research" to further study the effects of fear on humans, making the innocent citizens of [[Gotham City]] his unwilling [[Human experimentation|guinea pigs]]. While he will occasionally commit robbery or other types of larceny, he does so only to get the funding he needs to carry out his experiments.

The Scarecrow made only two appearances in the 1940s. Batman writers of the 1960s revived him and he has since consistently appeared in Batman [[comic books]]. He was featured several times in the [[Emmy]]-winning 1990s cartoon ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'', where he was voiced by [[Henry Polic II]]. When the series was revamped and shown together with ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'', the character was voiced by [[Jeffrey Combs]]. In the 2005 film ''[[Batman Begins]]'', he was played by [[Cillian Murphy]]. He will return for the sequel ''[[The Dark Knight (film)|The Dark Knight]]'' in 2008.

==Fictional character biography==
===Golden Age===

Elements of the Scarecrow fear gas appeared in Batman publications prior to his first appearance. For instance, the idea of fear gas first appeared in Detective Comics #46 in December 1940, in a story featuring [[Hugo Strange]], in which Strange uses a special fear dust in order to scare the police and successfully rob a bank. Later Strange gets the idea to take over the [[US government]].

In his first appearance in ''World's Finest'' #3 during the [[Golden Age of Comic Books]], the Scarecrow is first introduced as '''Jonathan Crane''', a professor of [[psychology]], who turns to crime after he is fired; an expert in the psychology of fear, he had fired a gun in a classroom full of students to illustrate a point. The only thing revealed about his early life is that, as a child, he had liked to frighten birds. Ostracized by his fellow professors for his appearance and reclusiveness, he turns to crime to make himself part of the social elite. His [[modus operandi]] is to use his Scarecrow persona and threaten his victims into doing whatever he wants. In terms of his costume, he merely wears a ragged black hat, trenchcoat, mask, and wielded a [[Tommy gun]].

His first crime involves a businessman named Frank Kendrick being sued by a former partner, Paul Harold. When Harold refuses to cooperate upon meeting and hearing his demands, the Scarecrow kills him and becomes a media sensation. Bruce Wayne, who happens to be a patron and trustee of the university, investigates the matter as Batman and discovers Crane's disturbing behavior and forced resignation, leading him to suspect the professor. Crane then approaches a store owner named Dodge with the offer to rob other establishments, in order to increase his sales. After Batman and [[Robin (comics)|Robin]] learn of the plan and question Dodge, Scarecrow attempts to kill him, but the Dynamic Duo capture him in the nick of time. He is then sent to Gotham State Penitentiary.

Two years later in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #73, he escapes from jail and forms a gang of criminals to do his bidding. While he struggles to rob a Chinese antique dealer, Batman and Robin foil the plan, and he and his cronies are sent back to prison. This version of the Scarecrow was much like other [[gimmick]] villains in that he based a lot of crimes around nursery rhymes and words that rhymed with "hat". He does not appear from 1943 to 1955, but it is revealed that he developed a [[hallucinogenic]] chemical toxin that could be used to invoke deep phobias within those who breathe it in. When Batman tries to intervene, he is affected by the toxin and hallucinates that all of his allies have disappeared. Feeling he has no one else to turn to, he confides in an old enemy, [[Catwoman]], to help him stop Crane, and she is successful in helping stop the Scarecrow and getting Batman over his delusions. Exactly what happens to Crane is not revealed because of the revelation that the Golden Age [[fictional universe|universe]] is actually [[Earth-2]], part of the [[Multiverse]].

===Silver Age===

Throughout the 1960s [[Silver Age of Comic Books]], the Scarecrow was revived to be one of Batman's most recurring rivals. He is a frequent member of the [[Injustice Gang]]. Ironically, in this [[Earth-One]] incarnation, he has a pet magpie named Craw, even though Crane has a strange fear of birds.

===Post-Crisis, Modern-Age Version===
Following the 1986 multi-title event ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]'' [[reboot (fiction)|reboot]], Crane's [[origin story]] was greatly expanded in the 1989 graphic novel ''Batman/Scarecrow'' #1, part of the ''[[Batman: Year One]]'' [[continuity (fiction)|continuity]]. In the novel, he becomes obsessed with fear and revenge from being [[bullying|bullied]] throughout his childhood and adolescence for his lanky frame and bookish nature, especially his resemblance to [[Ichabod Crane]] from [[Washington Irving]]'s ''[[The Legend of Sleepy Hollow]]''. He commits his first [[murder]] at the age of 18 by brandishing a gun in his high school parking lot during the senior prom. Dressed in the ghoulish [[scarecrow]] costume that would later become his [[trademark]], Crane causes the head bully, Bo Griggs, and his girlfriend, Sherry Squires (who had rejected Crane), to have an automobile accident which [[paralysis|paralyzes]] Griggs and kills Squires. From this, Crane discovers a savage delight in literally frightening people to death.

He grows up to become a professor of psychology at Gotham University, specializing in the psychology of fear. As in the original version, he loses his job after he fires a gun at his students to prove a point; in this version, he injures a student. After his dismissal, he kills the regents who fired him and becomes a career criminal. Following this, he transfers to [[Arkham Asylum]] and becomes a psychiatrist, where he performs cruel, fear-induced experiments on his patients. He takes the [[moniker]] "the Scarecrow", the favorite taunt of the hated bullies, as part of his revenge. The 2005 miniseries, ''Batman/Scarecrow: Year One'', expands upon the earlier origin story. The novels explains that Jonathan Crane is born out of wedlock and also suffers terrible [[child abuse|abuse]] from his fanatically religious great-grandmother. His father takes off before he is even born, and his mother does not show any love or affection towards her son. He develops a taste for fear and an affinity for crows when his grandmother locks him in a dilapidated church full of birds. The story also shows Crane murdering his grandmother, and learning that his mother gave birth to a baby girl.

During a ''[[Batman Confidential]]'' [[story arc]], he is shown out of costume at Arkham Asylum still working as a pyschiatrist, while planning the renovation of Arkham, and he briefly comes face to face with the criminal who will one day become [[Joker (comics)|The Joker]].

In the ''[[Knightfall]]'' storyline, Scarecrow is one of the prisoners that escaped from Arkham after [[Bane (comics)|Bane]] blows it up. He first attacks one of The Joker's henchmen, who tells Scarecrow that his boss is after [[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner Gordon]]. Scarecrow goes to the Joker and decides to become partners in terrorizing the mayor. Soon they go to the sewers with the mayor, where Batman arrives. Scarecrow gasses him with fear toxin, but Batman responds with anger rather than fear. Panicked, Scarecrow makes the water come into the sewers. Batman escapes with the mayor but Joker and Scarecrow escape as well. Later, at Scarecrow and Joker's hideout, the Joker savagely beats Scarecrow with a chair after he tries to poison him. He is then sent to Arkham.

In the ''[[Shadow of the Bat]]'' storyline, Scarecrow escapes and brings together a small group of boys to terrorize the city while he enjoys the chaos. Soon, Batman's successor, [[Jean-Paul Valley]], and [[Anarky]] arrive and together they defeat the Scarecrow and save the boys.

In stories written by [[Jeph Loeb]], such as ''[[Batman: The Long Halloween]]'' and ''[[Batman: Hush]]'', Crane is shown to have an inclination to sing [[nursery rhyme]]s at times. In the [[Elseworlds]] story ''[[Batman: Crimson Mist]]'', Crane is shown to be singing a modified version of "Ding, Dong, The Witch Is Dead", from ''[[The Wizard of Oz (1939 film)|The Wizard of Oz]]''.

Crane undergoes a major change in the 2004 Batman story arc ''As The Crow Flies''. While working with [[Penguin (comics)|The Penguin]], he is [[mutation|mutated]] into a monster. He turns into this "Scarebeast" during times of great strain or when it is necessary to defend himself.

Scarecrow rejoins the new [[Secret Society of Super Villains]], and is part of the assault on the [[Secret Six (comics)|Secret Six]] (''[[Villains United]]'' #6). He is caught in an explosion caused by [[Parademon]]. He is later seen in ''Villains United'' Special #1, alive and well. He is also seen in ''Detective Comics'' #820 as part of ''One Year Later'', where he is defeated by Batman and Robin. In this appearance he is depicted in a costume that appeared to be an amalgamation of his original costume and the costume seen in ''Batman Begins''.

Recently, the Scarecrow has decided to stop using his typical fear gas, as he feared that other Arkham inmates are right that he is nothing without them. Instead relying on his training as a psychologist, he drives two inmates to [[suicide]] using only his words, also apparently terrifying the rest of Arkham's inmates. After manipulating the guards to freeing him, Crane embarks upon a string of murders, terrifying Gotham without using his trademark gimmicks.

On ''Green Lantern'' vol. 4 #27, after Green Lantern [[Laira (comics)|Laira]] murdered [[Amon Sur]], the son of the deceased Green Lantern [[Abin Sur]] and a member of the [[Sinestro Corps]], his yellow power ring attempted to reach Crane as his successor in Arkham Asylum, but thwarted by two Green Lanterns [[Hal Jordan]] and [[John Stewart (comics)|John Stewart]].

On the cover of ''[[Justice League of America]]'' #13 (Vol.2), it shows Scarecrow as a member of the new [[Injustice League]].

The cover of ''DC Universe Special - Justice League of America'' shows Scarecrow as a member of [[Libra (DC Comics)|Libra's]] Secret Society of Super Villains.

===Company crossovers===
[[Image:scarecrow judgement.jpg|thumb|right|Scarecrow tags another victim in a scene from ''[[Judgement on Gotham]]''. Art by [[Simon Bisley]].]]
In the [[2000 AD (comic)|''2000 AD'']] Batman/[[Judge Dredd]] crossover comic ''[[Judgement on Gotham]]'', by writers [[Alan Grant (writer)|Alan Grant]] and [[John Wagner]], Scarecrow is shown breaking into a morgue along with his [[Igor (fictional character)|Igor]]-like henchman Benny, collecting various juices from [[Dead body|corpse]]s to include in his fear gas. He delights in scaring "a ghost" by creeping up on it and saying "boo". The ghost turns out to be the spirit of [[Judge Death]], whom he promptly allies himself with on the basis that the Judge can show him "a veritable feassst of fffear". After inhabiting a corpse, Judge Death dispatches Benny, but is treated to a whiff of fear gas, revealing his fear of losing his power to frighten. The Scarecrow ushers the Judge to a rock festival, where all carnage ensues (he records it on camera for "his private collection"). Scarecrow is apprehended when Judge Dredd's partner Anderson shoots his can of fear gas, dousing him with it and sending him into a terrified delusion that he is being attacked by birds. Judge Death is taken down by the combined efforts of Batman and Dredd.

The second Batman/[[Daredevil (Marvel Comics)|Daredevil]] crossover book features Scarecrow in [[New York]], apparently attempting to kill Wilson Fisk (aka the [[Kingpin (comics)|Kingpin]]) and take over his crime operation. In reality, this is merely a setup to draw attention from his true scheme: unleashing a massive dose of fear toxin into an incoming storm from atop the [[Statue of Liberty]]. This would spread the gas throughout [[New York City]], causing all its citizens to suffer like "[[Sodom and Gomorrah]]." In the end, he blasts Daredevil with a dose of fear toxin, but Daredevil lives up to his "Man Without Fear" trademark by quickly brushing off the effects of the gas and defeating Scarecrow.

===Other appearances===
The Scarecrow also makes a [[cameo appearance]] in ''[[The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes]]''. Specifically, he appears in ''Sandman'' #5: "Passengers" as a friend of [[Doctor Destiny]] at Arkham Asylum. He quotes [[Marlowe]] and attempts to dissuade Destiny from escaping, saying Arkham is a better home for their kind than the outside world. (See [[Characters of The Sandman#Minor mortals|Characters of ''The Sandman'' - Minor Mortals]])

Later, ''Sandman'' characters [[Cain and Abel (comics)|Cain And Abel]] make a guest appearance in one of Jonathan Crane's dreams in ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'', in which they briefly pretend to be prison administrators allocating him to a teaching job following his [[parole]]. However, though they resemble Cain And Abel physically, their personalities and habits are radically different - Cain makes no witticisms, while Abel repeats Cain's sentences rather than stutter - and both have small horns entangled in their hair.

In ''[[JSA: The Liberty Files]]'', an alternate version of the Scarecrow appears as a [[Nazi]] agent of [[Adolf Hitler]]. This version of the Scarecrow kills [[Doctor Mid-Nite|The Owl]] and is eventually killed by [[Mister Terrific (comics)|Mister Terrific]], the Batman and [[Hourman|The Clock]].

Crane also teams up with his [[Marvel Comics]] counterpart in ''[[Marvel vs. DC]]'' (see below).

==Powers and abilities==
===Fear evocation===
Crane is a psychologist with a specialty in phobias. Using a variety of [[toxin]]s that cause his victims to [[hallucination|hallucinate]] that their [[phobia]]s have come to life, the Scarecrow can instill fear in all who see him. However, recently he has displayed the ability to literally frighten people to death without relying in the chemical (only talking to people was enough), suggesting a great ability to dominate the human psyche using fear as a weapon. In ''Batman Begins'', the fear toxin he uses is extracted from a mountaintop blue flower from [[Tibet]], and only works in vapour form. Crane uses his Scarecrow mask to enhance the effect of the hallucinogen.

===Unarmed combat===
When forced to fight, he has used a style called "violent dancing", which is based in partly off the [[Fujian White Crane|crane]] style of [[kung fu]] and [[drunken boxing]], which makes full use of his long arms and legs. Most storylines, however, have suggested he has no real means of hand-to-hand combat, presenting him as physically unintimidating.

===Scarebeast===
[[Image:Scarebeast.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Scarecrow is mutated into the terrifying Scarebeast. Art by Dustin Nguyen and Richard Friend.]]
During the "As the Crow Flies" story arc (commencing with ''Batman'' #627, July 2004), the Scarecrow is transformed into a murderous creature known as the Scarebeast by [[Penguin (comics)|the Penguin]] and his assistant Linda Friitawa (Fright) to kill off his disloyal colleagues. Through the intensely [[Psychological trauma|trauma]]tic [[mutation]], the Scarebeast possesses super strength, endurance, clawed hands and can release an even stronger hallucinogenic gas. After being defeated by Batman by injecting it with massive amounts of [[tranquilizer]]s, the Scarebeast reverts back into Jonathan Crane, who ends up in a critical [[coma]], from which he later awakens.

The Scarecrow has also transformed into the Scarebeast in the "War Games" story arc. However, the Scarebeast has yet to be seen again after this storyline, and his recent appearances in ''[[Villains United]] Special'' and ''Batman'' seem to indicate the Scarebeast may be gone.

==In other media==
===Animation===
====''The Batman/Superman Hour''====
The Scarecrow's first appearance outside the comics was the 1968 [[Filmation]] series ''[[The Batman/Superman Hour]]'', in an episode titled "The Great Scarecrow Scare". This series' portrayal of the character was tamer than others; he didn't use fear-based attacks, and merely wanted to rob the farmers' market. His voice was provided by [[Ted Knight]].

====''Super Friends''====
In the 1978 [[animated series]] ''[[Challenge of the SuperFriends]]'', the Scarecrow appears as a member of [[Lex Luthor]]'s [[Legion of Doom (comics)|Legion of Doom]]. In this series, he is voiced by [[Don Messick]]. This version speaks in a hissing voice, has no powers at all and is used mainly when the [[Plot (narrative)|plot]] calls for an incompetent villain.

The character's identity and motivation are expanded upon and the character finally became three-dimensional, using his fear-inducing devices for the first time in an episode of ''[[The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians]]'' titled "The Fear". [[Andre Stojka]] voiced the Scarecrow in that episode.

====''Batman: The Animated Series''====
{{Unreferencedsection|date=July 2007}}

The '''Scarecrow''' is a recurring villain in ''[[Batman: the Animated Series]]''. He has appeared in three major roles, as well as having four cameo appearances. He is well-known for having variable character designs, changing drastically from time to time. He is voiced by [[Henry Polic II]].

[[Image:Scarecrow's Batman-TAS 2.jpg|thumb|200px|Scarecrow as he appeared for most of ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]''.]]
In his first appearance in the [[DC Animated Universe]], the third episode of ''Batman: the Animated Series'' entitled "[[Nothing to Fear (Batman: The Animated Series)|Nothing to Fear]]", the Scarecrow's past is revealed in a flashback. As in the comics that spawned the series, the Scarecrow's real name is Jonathan Crane, and his fascination with fear emerged as a young child. While growing up, Crane experimented with the effects of fear, eventually becoming a professor at a university where he worked on developing fear toxins, conducting experiments on human guinea pigs. Shortly after creating a fear toxin that caused victims to see their greatest fear, Crane was fired by the head of the university. Crane then became the Scarecrow, and attempted to exact revenge upon the university.

While attempting to burn down the university, the Scarecrow hits Batman with a dart filled with fear toxin. Batman foils the [[arson]] attempt, but the toxins have a great effect on him; he begins to hallucinate that his [[Thomas Wayne|dead father]] is rejecting him as a failure. This is Batman's weak point in this battle, and when the Scarecrow attacks the university a second time, Batman has to struggle to ignore the images. He overcomes his fear, forcing himself to realize that the visions are not real and convincing himself that his father would be proud of him. Batman then defeats the Scarecrow's henchmen and arrests the villain. During this encounter, Scarecrow is exposed to his own fear gas and is revealed to suffer from a phobia of [[bat]]s.

The Scarecrow makes his next appearance (in a more altered version of his costume) in the episode "[[Fear of Victory]]", in which he fixes sporting events by giving telegrams dusted with his powdered fear toxins to the players. Crane, having bet on the other team, wins large quantities of money, with which he buys the chemicals he uses in his research. In a confrontation at the end of the episode, [[Robin (comics)|Robin]], who was previously affected by the powder, overcomes his fears and prevents the Scarecrow from dropping a vial of fear toxins on the crowd below.

In his third and final appearance (his costume now more grotesque than the first two versions), in the episode "[[Dreams In Darkness]]", the Scarecrow plans to poison Gotham's water supply with his fear toxins to discover what would happen when a whole city went mad with fear. When Batman fights one of his henchmen, he once again gets a dose of fear gas, and experiences hallucinations of his parents' murder, his worst enemies triumphing over him, and his greatest friends turning against him. Batman fights his fear once again, and infects Scarecrow with his own gas then sends him back to Arkham, out of his mind with fear.

The Scarecrow makes no other major appearances in the original animated series, but does appear in a few [[cameo role|cameo]]s. He appeared playing [[chess]] with the [[Mad Hatter (comics)|Mad Hatter]] in "[[Joker's Wild (Batman: The Animated Series)|Joker's Wild]]", and was seen being arrested again in "[[Harley's Holiday]]". In the episode "[[Trial (The Adventures of Batman & Robin)|Trial]]", he is seen only escorting the prisoners and attempting to kill Batman with a scythe. In the episode "[[Lock-Up (Batman: The Animated Series episode)|Lock-Up]]", the Scarecrow is said to be the only prisoner to escape from [[Lyle Bolton]], a security guard who [[torture]]s the asylum's prisoners, but not to commit any crimes - only because he is terrified of him. Ultimately, after Bolton becomes a criminal and is imprisoned in Arkham, the Scarecrow is last seen, uncostumed, triumphantly promising to teach ''him'' new lessons in fear.

====''The New Batman Adventures''====
[[Image:ScarecrowTNBA Screenshot (OTE).jpg|thumb|180px|The appearance of the Scarecrow from ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'' episode "Over the Edge".]]
The Scarecrow also appears in the ''[[New Batman Adventures]]'', in the episode "[[Never Fear (New Batman Adventures)|Never Fear]]". Here, he has a different scheme; he infects his victims with a gas that removes fear, causing them to become reckless risk-takers. The Scarecrow infects Batman with this anti-fear gas, causing him to go berserk and try and kill his enemies. The Scarecrow holds the city ransom, demanding large sums of money in exchange for the antidote to the gas' effects. Batman tries to kill the Scarecrow, but Robin stops him at the last minute, and the Scarecrow is arrested.

In the episode "[[Over the Edge (The New Batman Adventures)|Over the Edge]]", the Scarecrow "kills" [[Batgirl]] by knocking her over the side of a building. The police blame Batman, discover his [[secret identity]], and attempt to arrest him. [[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner Gordon]], who discovers after Batgirl's death that she is his daughter [[Barbara Gordon|Barbara]], hires [[Bane]] to help him capture Batman, which results in Batman's death. However, at the end of the episode, this is revealed to be Batgirl's dream, caused by the Scarecrow's fear gas.

[[Bruce Timm]], the show's creator, writer, and part-time director, felt that the Scarecrow was supposed to be scary, and that so far he didn't look right and that none of the designs were working, as he said in one of the conversations on the DVD. When the ''New Batman Adventures'' came out, the designers completely redesigned the Scarecrow, giving him a twisted death mask with completely blank eyes and a noose around his neck, dressed all in black and looking more like a corpse than a Scarecrow. In this version, he is voiced by [[Jeffrey Combs]]. This version is never shown out of his costume. Timm actually commented that there may in fact not even be a person inside the costume of this version of the Scarecrow; The producers felt that creating an identity outside of the costume would detract from the fear element of the design.

====Other====
The Scarecrow never appears in ''[[Batman Beyond]]'', nor is he mentioned. However, in the animated movie, ''[[Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker]]'', there is a member of the [[Jokerz]] gang, Ghoul, whose design resembles the Scarecrow's, and his costume is possibly influenced by Batman's old enemy. The ''Batman Beyond'' villain [[Spellbinder]], like the Scarecrow, is also able to show people horrific illusions. However, in a series of comics that take place in the same [[continuity]] as ''Batman Beyond'', Scarecrow appears in a flashback when Commissioner Barbara Gordon starts to become haunted by the events of "[[Over the Edge]]".<ref>[http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/beyond/guides/comic/13.php]</ref>

As part of the original 13 members of the [[Legion of Doom (comics)|Legion of Doom]], the Scarecrow was originally slated to appear again in the [[DC Animated Universe]] in the third season of ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'', but apparently due to a "[[Justice League Unlimited#The Bat-Embargo|Bat-Embargo]]" enforced by [[Warner Bros.]], this did not occur.

The Scarecrow was set to appear in ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'', but was not included because he appeared in ''Batman Begins''. According to writer Joseph Kuhr, he had originally conceived the fourth season episode, "Strange New World", to introduce Scarecrow into the show, only to find the character was still off-limits to them.

===Film===
The Scarecrow was originally going to appear in two canceled Batman projects that would have taken place after ''[[Batman & Robin]]''. In both projects, ''[[Batman Triumphant]]'' and '''[[Batman: DarKnight]''' he was the main villian. However, due to Batman and Robin's film's poor [[box office]] performance, ''Batman Triumphant'' never came to fruition, nor did ''Batman: DarKnight''. [[Howard Stern]], [[Ewan McGregor]], [[Steve Buscemi]], [[Nicolas Cage]], [[Jeff Goldblum]] and [[Christopher Lloyd]] were considered for the role in ''Trimphant''.

====''Batman Begins''====
{{main|Batman Begins}}

[[Image:Scarecrow-bb.jpg|thumb|215px|left|[[Cillian Murphy]] portraying the Scarecrow in [[Batman Begins]]]]
The Scarecrow appears in the 2005 movie ''Batman Begins'', portrayed by [[Cillian Murphy]]. Much like his comic counterpart, this version of the Scarecrow is a corrupt, sadistic [[Psychiatry|psychiatrist]] specializing in [[psychopharmacology]] at Arkham, secretly allied with [[Ra's al Ghul]] and [[Carmine Falcone]], smuggling the former's [[Psychoactive drug|hallucinogenic drugs]] into Gotham to create fear gas to use upon his patients in cruel experiments. He first appears in the film as Dr. Jonathan Crane, testifying in court that [[Zsasz|Victor Zsasz]], one of Falcone's assassins, is legally insane and should be moved to Arkham for rehabilitation. This enrages Assistant District Attorney [[Rachel Dawes]], who later accuses him of being corrupt. Crane then meets with Falcone to discuss having her murdered. When Falcone later attempts to [[blackmail]] Crane, Crane dons his Scarecrow mask for the first time in the film and douses Falcone with his fear gas, driving the mob boss insane and leaving him repeatedly uttering "scarecrow". Crane attributes this to him identifying the image with a [[Jungian archetype]].

In Crane's first encounter with Batman, he sprays Batman with his fear toxin and sets him on fire, though Batman narrowly escapes with his life and mind intact. With the help of [[Lucius Fox]], Batman acquires an antidote to the toxin. Shortly thereafter, Batman has a second confrontation with Crane, this time at Arkham, where he must rescue Rachel Dawes after Crane has sprayed her with his toxin. Batman overpowers Crane's henchmen and sprays the doctor with a dose of his own medicine, destroying what's left of his sanity and divulging his real superior: Ra's al Ghul. Crane is subsequently arrested by James Gordon and incarcerated in Arkham, but later escapes in the mass release of Arkham inmates prompted by Ra's al Ghul as part of his plot to destroy Gotham (Crane was not told about this part: he believed Ra's only wanted to hold Gotham ransom). As Ra's al Ghul unleashes Crane's fear gas on Gotham's [[slum]]s, Crane, now calling himself "Scarecrow," pursues Rachel and a boy through an alley on a horse, dragging a dead mounted police officer from its stirrups. To the boy, who was affected with the gas, Scarecrow appeared as a deep-voiced monster riding a fire-breathing horse. After he spouts the quote "You Have Nothing To Fear, But Fear Itself", Rachel eludes Scarecrow by shocking him in the face with a [[taser]]. Scarecrow aimlessly rides off into the night, screaming in pain. In the film's final scene, Gordon reveals that Crane is still at large.

Crane wears a mask, seemingly a poorly-stitched [[burlap]] sack with a [[hangman's noose]] dangling around the neck. The mask has a built-in rebreather and acts as a gas mask, and enhances the effect of the hallucinations in his experiments. The mask is put to good use when a victim is poisoned, making his appearance all the more terrifying to the victim (Batman hallucinates bats flying out of the "mouth", while Rachel hallucinates maggots crawling from it). He also wears an unbound straightjacket at the movie's [[climax (narrative)|climax]] due to his incarceration in and breakout from Arkham Asylum. Cillian Murphy explained that the relatively simple mask was done because "[He] wanted to avoid the [[Worzel Gummidge]] look. Because he's not a very physically imposing man, he's more interested in the manipulation of the mind and what that can do."<ref>{{cite news | author = Adam Smith | title = The Scarecrow | publisher = [[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] | date = July 2005 | pages = 77}}</ref>
Like the rest of the film, [[Batman Begins]]' depiction of Scarecrow received high praise from fans.

====''Batman: Gotham Knight''====
{{main|Batman: Gotham Knight}}

Scarecrow has been revealed to appear as one of the villains in the upcoming ''[[Batman: Gotham Knight]]'' voiced by [[Corey Burton]]. <ref>http://independentcomicssite.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=388&Itemid=1</ref>

====''The Dark Knight''====
{{main|The Dark Knight (film)}}

Scarecrow appears in the upcoming ''The Dark Knight'', the sequel to ''Batman Begins''. Cillian Murphy is confirmed as reprising the role, but it is believed his part is much smaller. He can be seen for roughly 70 nanoseconds of the 1:06 in the film's third theatrical trailer. He seems driving a white van which is severely damaged when Batman lands on its roof. <ref>http://www.empireonline.com/trailer/breakdown/darkknight/default.asp?NID=22514</ref>

===Video games===
The Scarecrow appears in four [[video game]]s: [[Game Boy]]'s ''Batman: The Animated Series'', [[Super Nintendo]] and [[Sega Mega Drive|Genesis]]'s ''[[Adventures of Batman & Robin]]'', ''Batman Begins'' (a tie-in to the 2005 movie) and ''[[Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu]]''. His role in the movie tie-in game is almost the same as the movie and is one of the game's [[boss (video games)|boss]] fights. In the game, extra information is given about the Scarecrow's various quirks; he uses his patients as a form of personal army who frequently attack Batman in various levels. In ''Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu'', he is dressed in rags and is the first major boss to fight in the game, spraying the player with fear gas. Also in the upcoming [[Lucasarts]] game ''[[Lego Batman: The Video Game]]'', Scarecrow will be featured as a playable character. To attack, he removes his hat and smashes it against his opponent or obstacle.

===Lego sets===
The [[Denmark|Danish]] building toy company [[Lego]] recently introduced its "[[Lego Batman]]" line of building sets, currently into its first wave. An incarnation of the scarecrow with his makeshift laboratory appears in 7785-Arkham Asylum set which includes [[Dick Grayson|Nightwing]] and his [[motorcycle]] as well. The Scarecrow appears as is his standard appearance in the comics and in ''Batman: The Animated Series''.

In a second wave, the Scarecrow pilots an old-style crop duster in an aerial fight against Batman's [[Batcopter]] in the set #7786 "The Batcopter: The Chase for Scarecrow".

==Other Scarecrow==
{{see also|Scarecrow (Marvel Comics)}}
There is a [[Marvel Comics]] supervillain named Ebineezer Laughton who also goes by the moniker "[[Scarecrow (Marvel Comics)|Scarecrow]]." He is primarily a foe of [[Ghost Rider (comics)|Ghost Rider]] and [[Spider-Man]]. Like Crane, he resembles a lanky field scarecrow when in costume (the most distinct visual difference between the two is that Crane's costume usually includes a straw hat). Though Laughton shares the ability to induce fear in others (albeit supernaturally), he is primarily known as a [[contortionist]]. During this Scarecrow's most recent appearance (and first after ''Batman Begins'') in ''[[Sensational Spider-Man]]'', Spider-Man jokes that "Yes. I have a Scarecrow villain too."

In ''[[Marvel vs. DC]]'', Laughton talks Crane into kidnapping [[Lois Lane]], but [[peter parker]] (out of costume) showed up and knocks them both out at the same time with a single kick.

Similarly, a Scarecrow action figure from [[Hasbro]]'s ''[[Ghost Rider (film)|Ghost Rider]]'' movie line bears at least some resemblance to the ''Batman Begins'' Scarecrow, as they have nearly identical burlap masks.

==External links==
{{wikiquote|Batman (comics)#The Scarecrow|The Scarecrow}}
* [http://www.dccomics.com DC Comics]
* [http://www2.warnerbros.com/batman Warner Brothers]
* [http://www.dccomics.com/heroes_and_villains/?hv=origin_stories/scarecrow Scarecrow's origin @ dccomics.com]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Batman}}

[[Category:American comics characters]]
[[Category:DC Comics supervillains]]
[[Category:Fictional murderers]]
[[Category:Fictional professors]]
[[Category:Fictional psychologists]]
[[Category:Fictional scientists]]
[[Category:Golden Age supervillains]]

[[es:El Espantapájaros]]
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[[ja:スケアクロウ (バットマン)]]
[[pt:Espantalho (DC Comics)]]
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[[sv:Fågelskrämman]]
[[tl:Scarecrow (komiks)]]

X-Men (film series)

2008-06-16T23:08:31Z

71.182.145.40: /* X-Men Origins: Magneto */

{{Infobox Film
| name = X-Men series
| image = XtrilogyDVD.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = 2006 DVD box set
| director = [[Bryan Singer]] [[Brett Ratner]] (''X-Men: The Last Stand'')
| producer = [[Lauren Shuler Donner]] [[Ralph Winter (producer)|Ralph Winter]] [[Avi Arad]] [[Tom DeSanto]]
| writer = [[David Hayter]] (''X-Men'', ''X2'') [[Michael Dougherty]] [[Dan Harris]] (''X2'') [[Zak Penn]] (''X2'', ''X-Men: The Last Stand'')[[Simon Kinberg]] (''X-Men: The Last Stand'')
| starring = [[Hugh Jackman]] [[Patrick Stewart]] [[Ian McKellen]] [[Famke Janssen]] [[Halle Berry]] [[Rebecca Romijn]] [[Anna Paquin]] [[Shawn Ashmore]] [[James Marsden]]
| music =
| cinematography =
| editing =
| distributor = [[20th Century Fox]]
| released =
| country = [[United States]] [[Canada]]
| language = [[English language|English]]
| runtime =
| budget =
| amg_id = 1:291113
| gross = [[United States dollar|$]]1.163 billion
}}

The '''''[[X-Men]]'' [[film series]]''' currently consists of three [[superhero film]]s based on the [[fictional character|fictional]] [[Marvel Comics]] team of the same name. The films star an [[ensemble cast]], focusing on [[Hugh Jackman]] as [[Wolverine (comics)|Wolverine]], as he is drawn into the conflict between [[Professor X]]avier and [[Magneto (comics)|Magneto]], who have opposing views on humanity's relationship with [[mutant (Marvel Comics)|mutants]]: Xavier believes humanity and mutants can coexist, but Magneto believes a war is coming, and intends to fight. The films also developed subplots based on the comics' [[Weapon X]] and [[Dark Phoenix]] storylines.

[[20th Century Fox]] earned the film rights to the characters in 1994, and after numerous drafts, [[Bryan Singer]] was hired to direct ''[[X-Men (film)|X-Men]]'' for a [[2000 in film|2000]] release. Singer returned for the [[2003 in film|2003]] sequel ''[[X2 (film)|X2]]'', but left a potential third and fourth film to direct ''[[Superman Returns]]''. [[Brett Ratner]] directed ''[[X-Men: The Last Stand]]'' for a [[2006 in film|2006]] release. Critics praised Singer's films for their dark, realistic tone, and subtexts dealing with [[discrimination]] and [[intolerance]], but Ratner's film was met with mixed reviews. Nonetheless, each film outgrossed the last, and Fox is developing [[spin-off]]s set before the three films. The ''X-Men'' films are also attributed as leading to a reemergence of [[superhero film]]s in the 2000s, such as the [[Spider-Man film series|''Spider-Man'' film series]].

==Films==
===''X-Men''===
{{Main|X-Men (film)}}
In 1994, [[20th Century Fox]] and producer [[Lauren Shuler Donner]] bought the film rights to the [[X-Men]].<ref name=ewxone>{{cite news | author = Jeff Jensen | title = Generating X | publisher = [[Entertainment Weekly]] | date = [[2000-07-21]] | url = http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,276737,00.html | accessdate=2007-08-08}}</ref> [[Andrew Kevin Walker]] was hired to write,<ref>{{cite news | author = Steve Daly | title = Deadly Done Right | publisher = [[Entertainment Weekly]] | date = [[1995-09-29]] | url = http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,298924,00.html | accessdate=2007-05-22}}</ref> and [[James Cameron]] expressed interest in directing. [[Bryan Singer]] signed on to direct in July 1996. Though not a fan of the comic, he was fascinated by the analogies of prejudice and discrimination offered by it.<ref name=ewxone/> [[John Logan]], [[Joss Whedon]],<ref>{{cite news | author = Craig Seymour | title = X-Man Out | publisher = [[Entertainment Weekly]] | date = [[2000-05-10]] | url = http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,85186,00.html | accessdate=2007-05-22}}</ref> [[Ed Solomon]], [[Christopher McQuarrie]] and [[David Hayter]] wrote the script, with Hayter receiving sole credit.<ref name=ewxone/> Filming took place from [[September 22]] [[1999]] to [[March 3]] [[2000]] in [[Toronto]].<ref>{{cite web | author = Greg Dean Schmitz | title = Greg's Preview - X-Men | publisher = [[Yahoo!]] | url = http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/preview/1808406650 | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref>

The first ''X-Men'' film introduced [[Wolverine (comics)|Wolverine]] and [[Rogue (comics)|Rogue]] into the conflict between [[Professor X]]avier's [[X-Men]], and the [[Brotherhood of Mutants]], led by [[Magneto (comics)|Magneto]]. Magneto intends to mutate world leaders at a [[United Nations]] summit with a machine he has built, to bring about acceptance of mutantkind, but Xavier realizes this forced mutation will only result in their deaths.

===''X2''===
{{Main|X2 (film)}}
Fox hired [[David Hayter]] and [[Zak Penn]] to write their own scripts for the sequel which Singer would pick, with an aim to release the film in December 2002.<ref name="greg">{{cite web | author = Greg Dean Schmitz | title = Greg's Preview - X2: X-Men United | publisher = [[Yahoo!]] | url= http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/preview/1808406654 | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref> The story was inspired by ''[[X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills]]'', though the character of Stryker was changed from a [[reverend]] to a [[general]].<ref>{{cite book | author = [[Peter Sanderson]] | title = X-Men: The Ultimate Guide | publisher = [[Dorling Kindersley]] | date = 2003 | pages = 176 | id = ISBN 0-7513-4617-9}}</ref> [[Michael Dougherty]] and [[Dan Harris]] were hired to re-write the script in February 2002, writing around 26 drafts and 150 on set.<ref>{{cite news | author = Martin A. Grove | title = Fox's 'X2' marks spot as presummer starts May 2 | publisher = [[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date = [[2003-04-11]] | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1863776 | accessdate=2007-04-15}}</ref> Production began on [[June 17]] [[2002]] in [[Vancouver]] and wrapped by November, with the release moved to [[May 1]] [[2003]].<ref name="greg"/>

In the film, General [[William Stryker]] questions the imprisoned Magneto about Professor Xavier's mutant-locating machine, [[Cerebro]]. Stryker attacks the [[X-Mansion]], and brainwashes Xavier into locating every mutant on the planet and kill them. The X-Men must team up with the Brotherhood and prevent Stryker's worldwide genocide. Wolverine discovers that Stryker has links to his mysterious past, and was responsible for the bonding of [[adamantium (comics)|adamantium]] to his skeleton.

===''X-Men: The Last Stand''===
{{Main|X-Men: The Last Stand}}
[[Bryan Singer]] wanted to shoot the third film back-to-back with a fourth.<ref>{{cite news | author = Patrick Sauriol | title = What's X3 about? | publisher = Mania Movies | date = [[2004-02-24]] | url = http://www.mania.com/40910.html | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref> On [[July 16]] [[2004]], he left to direct ''[[Superman Returns]]'',<ref>{{cite news | author = Cathy Dunkley, Michael Fleming | title = Supe's on with 'X' man | publisher = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date = [[2004-07-18]] | url = http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=upsell_article&articleID=VR1117907948&categoryID=13&cs=1 | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref> having only completed a third of a treatment focusing on Phoenix,<ref>{{cite news | author = Eric Vespe | title = Quint on Superman Returns gag reel & sequel talk with Singer| publisher = [[Ain't It Cool News]] | date = [[2006-07-22]] | url = http://www.aintitcool.com/node/23943| accessdate = 2007-07-11}}</ref> and introducing [[Emma Frost]], a role intended for [[Sigourney Weaver]].<ref>{{cite news| author = Garth Franklin| title = Sigourney was considered for "X3"| publisher = ''DarkHorizons.com''| date = [[2006-09-14]] | url = http://www.darkhorizons.com/news04/040916e.php| accessdate = 2007-07-11}}</ref> In addition, Singer also wanted to showcase more characterizations of [[Rogue (comics)|Rogue]], [[Iceman (comics)|Iceman]] and [[Pyro (comics)|Pyro]].<ref>{{cite news|author= Rob Allstetter|title=''X2'' Update|publisher=Comics Continuum|date=[[2003-12-01]]|url= http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0312/01/index.htm|accessdate=2008-02-18}}</ref> [[Simon Kinberg]] and [[Zak Penn]] were hired the following month. A studio executive, who had read [[Joss Whedon]]'s ''[[Astonishing X-Men]]'' story arc "Gifted," which featured a mutant cure, suggested it be the primary story. Magneto's assault on Manhattan and, the mutant uprising, and the interactions between Wolverine and Phoenix were borrowed from Grant Morrison's ""New X-Men"" run. [[Matthew Vaughn]] came on board as director in February 2005,<ref>{{cite news | author = Sean Elliott | title = Exclusive Interview: SCREENWRITER SIMON KINBERG TALKS X-MEN: THE LAST STAND - PART 1 | publisher = iF Magazine | date = [[2006-06-08]] | url = http://ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=1525 | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref> but left due to the rushed production schedule.<ref>{{cite news | author = Steve Prokopy | title = Capone talks to Matthew Vaughn about STARDUST, Bobby De Niro, X-MEN, THOR and much more!!! | publisher = [[Ain't It Cool News]] | date = [[2007-08-07]] | url = http://www.aintitcool.com/node/33607 | accessdate=2007-08-07}}</ref> [[Brett Ratner]] took over in June,<ref>{{cite news | author = Michael Fleming, Claude Brodesser | title = New master for mutants | publisher = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date = [[2005-06-05]] | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117923934.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref> and filming began on [[August 2]] [[2005]].<ref>{{cite web | author = Greg Dean Schmitz | title = Greg's Preview - X-Men: The Last Stand | publisher = [[Yahoo!]] | url= http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/preview/1808490829 | accessdate=2007-08-03}}</ref>

A pharmaceutical company has developed an antidote to the mutant gene, provoking controversy in the mutant community. Magneto declares war, and has his own weapon: the omnipotent telekinetic and telepathic [[Phoenix (comics)|Phoenix]], who is the resurrected former X-Man, [[Jean Grey]]. Phoenix kills Xavier and [[Cyclops (comics)|Cyclops]], and [[Wolverine (comics)|Wolverine]] must face being a core member of the X-Men.

===Future===
In August 2006, following the release of the third film, producer [[Lauren Shuler Donner]] reported that renegotiations would be required to continue the primary film series. Newer cast members were signed, while the older cast members, including [[Halle Berry]], [[Hugh Jackman]], [[Rebecca Romijn]], [[Famke Janssen]], and [[Anna Paquin]], were not.<ref name=australia>{{cite news | author=Marilyn Beck | coauthors=Stacy Jenel Smith | url=http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_4177414 | title=Major renegotiations possible stumbling block for new 'X-Men' | publisher=[[Los Angeles Daily News]] | date=[[2006-08-13]] | accessdate=2007-07-11 }}</ref> Berry,<ref>{{cite news | title = Halle Berry at the People's Choice Awards | publisher = The X-Verse | date = [[2007-01-10]] | url = http://www.thexverse.com/news/0451.shtml | accessdate=2007-08-06}}</ref> [[James Marsden]],<ref>{{cite news | author = Steve Chupnick | title = James Marsden Talks Cyclops and X-Men Spinoffs | publisher = Moviehole.net | date = [[2006-08-10]] | url = http://www.movieweb.com/news/40/14040.php | accessdate=2007-08-06}}</ref> and [[Patrick Stewart]]<ref>{{cite news | title = Patrick Stewart's Last Stand | publisher = [[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] | date = [[2006-05-08]] | url = http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=18710 | accessdate=2007-08-07}}</ref> have expressed interest in returning, and [[Bryan Singer]] was approached once more to direct, but he couldn't helm a large-scale project before making ''[[Superman: Man of Steel]]''.<ref name=superman2>{{cite news | author = Michael Tsai | title = Sequel to 'Superman Returns' due in 2009 | publisher = [[The Honolulu Advertiser]] | date = [[2006-11-08]] | url = http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Nov/08/br/br0948627351.html | accessdate=2007-08-06}}</ref> However, as of July 2007, there was no script for a fourth film, and none was in the works.<ref>{{cite news | author=Stephen Galloway | url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3if727c623f03c782b8ad564866c828796 | title=Studios are hunting the next big property | publisher=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date=[[2007-07-10]] | accessdate=2007-07-11 }}</ref> Later in the month, however, Kevin Feige, president of production in Marvel Studios said that another ''X-Men'' film was possible.<ref>{{cite news | author=Jake Coyle | url=http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070719/D8QFQ3SO0.html | title=Hollywood Studios Go Sequel Crazy | publisher=[[MyWay]] | date=[[2007-07-19]] | accessdate=2007-07-19 }}</ref> Donner admitted, "There is forty years worth of stories. I’ve always wanted to do ''[[Days of Future Past]]'' and there are just really a lot of stories yet to be told."<ref>{{cite news | author = Robert Sanchez | title = Exclusive Interview: Part II With Mega Producer Lauren Shuler Donner | publisher = IESB.net | date = [[2006-11-19]] | url = http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=677&Itemid=99 | accessdate=2007-08-06}}</ref>

Each ''X-Men'' film was more expensive than the last, with larger salaries and more spectacular visual effects, so an ''X-Men 4'' is unlikely to be produced soon.<ref>{{cite news | author = Giyash Pandya | title = Box Office Preview: X-Men 3 Ready to Rock Memorial Day Weekend | publisher = [[Rotten Tomatoes]] | date = [[2006-05-25]] | url = http://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/comments/?entryid=328106 | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref> [[Twentieth Century Fox]] chose the "divide and conquer" route for the franchise with multiple [[spin-off]]s, including [[prequel]]s focusing on [[Wolverine (comics)|Wolverine]] and [[Magneto (comics)|Magneto]], a film about the students at the [[X-Mansion]] to be written by [[Zak Penn]],<ref>{{cite news | author = Erik Davis | title = Zak Penn Talks X-Men Spin-Off, Incredible Hulk Casting with Cinematical | publisher = Cinematical | date=[[2007-05-01]] | url = http://www.cinematical.com/2007/05/01/zak-penn-talks-x-men-spin-off-incredible-hulk-casting-with-cine/ | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref> and director [[David O. Russell]] expressed interest in a film about [[Emma Frost]].<ref name=pack>{{cite news | author = Anthony Breznican | title = 'X-Men' franchise mutates into a pack of solo films | publisher = [[USA Today]] | date = [[2006-06-01]] | url = http://www.usatoday.com/life/2006-06-01-coming-attractions_x.htm | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref> [[Vinnie Jones]], who played the [[Juggernaut (comics)|Juggernaut]], has said he would like to reprise his role in a spin-off, as he felt there was too little time in ''The Last Stand'' to imbue the character with depth.<ref>{{cite news | author = Shawn Adler | title = Vinnie Jones Has A Juggernaut Pitch | publisher = [[MTV]] | date = [[2007-08-07]] | url = http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2007/08/07/vinnie-jones-has-a-juggernaut-pitch/ | accessdate=2008-02-09}}</ref>

Penn said of his spin-off, "The original idea was to have me do a young X-Men spin-off. But someone came up with a pretty interesting idea which I can’t discuss [...] He came up with how to do a young X-Men movie, which is not what you’d expect [...] If you agree to do one of the ''X-Men'' movies, it could end up happening four or five years down the line, which is fine with me. It’s just not my focus right now."<ref>{{cite news | author = Erik Davis | title = Zak Penn Talks X-Men Spin-Off, Incredible Hulk Casting | publisher = Cinematical | date = [[2007-05-01]] | url = http://www.cinematical.com/2007/05/01/zak-penn-talks-x-men-spin-off-incredible-hulk-casting-with-cine/ | accessdate=2008-02-09}}</ref> Penn compared the idea to ''[[X-Men: First Class]]''.<ref>{{cite news | author = Chris Ullrich | title = Interview: Zak Penn on The Grand, X-Men Fans and Co-Writing Hulk | publisher = ComicMix | date = [[2008-04-15]] | url = http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/04/15/interview-zak-penn-on-the-grand-x-men-fans-and-co-writing-hulk/ | accessdate=2008-04-16}}</ref> In May 2008, [[Josh Schwartz]] joined the project.<ref>{{cite news | title = Young X-Men Get Gossip Girl Scribe? | publisher = [[Superhero Hype!]] | date = [[2008-05-02]] | url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=7159 | accessdate=2008-05-03}}</ref>

====''X-Men Origins: Wolverine''====
{{main|X-Men Origins: Wolverine}}
Set seventeen years before ''[[X-Men (film)|X-Men]]'',<ref>{{cite news | author = [[Harry Knowles]] | title = Brian Cox to be CG Young-ified in ''Wolverine'' movie? | publisher = [[Ain't It Cool News]] | date = [[2007-02-02]] | url = http://www.aintitcool.com/node/31442 | accessdate = 2008-02-19}}</ref> the film will focus on Wolverine's violent past,<ref name="synopsis">{{cite web | url=http://www.comingsoon.net/news/avatarnews.php?id=40163 | title=Fox Sets New ''Avatar'', ''Museum 2'' Dates | date=[[2007-12-12]] | publisher=Comingsoon.net | accessdate=2008-02-19}}</ref> and his early encounters with [[William Stryker]]. The [[Weapon X]] program and his interactions with other mutants will be explored,<ref>{{cite news | author = Pamela McClintock | title = ''Wolverine'' claws on May '09 date | publisher = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date = [[2007-10-17]] | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117974247.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 | accessdate=2008-02-19}}</ref> including his complex relationship with [[Sabretooth (comics)|Sabretooth/Victor Creed]].<ref name="synopsis"/>

The film will feature Hugh Jackman reprising his role as Wolverine once again with [[Gavin Hood]] directing.

The same anti-aging CGI technique used in ''The Last Stand'' will be used on Jackman for this film.

====''X-Men Origins: Magneto''====
In December 2004, [[Twentieth Century Fox]] hired screenwriter [[Sheldon Turner]] to draft a spin-off ''X-Men'' film, and he chose to write ''Magneto'', pitching it as "''[[The Pianist (2002 film)|The Pianist]]'' meets ''X-Men''." <ref>{{cite news | author=Michael Fleming | coauthors=Claude Brodesser | url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117914863.html?categoryid=1238&cs=1 | title=Fox pages Turner to pen Magneto spinoff pic | publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=[[2004-12-12]] | accessdate=2007-04-07 }}</ref> In April 2007, [[David S. Goyer]] was hired to direct.<ref name=goyer>{{cite news | author=Michael Fleming | url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117963871.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 | title=Fox, Marvel move on 'Magneto' | publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=[[2007-04-26]] | accessdate=2007-04-26 }}</ref> Turner said the script was set from 1939 to 1955,<ref>{{cite news | author=Michelle Kung | url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1008429,00.html | title=Checking in with... 'Magneto' | publisher=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | date=[[2004-12-20]] | accessdate=2007-04-07 }}</ref> and it follows Magneto trying to survive in [[Auschwitz]]. He meets Xavier, a soldier, during the liberation of the camp. He hunts down the Nazi war criminals that tortured him, and this lust for vengeance turns him and Xavier into enemies.<ref name=goyer/>

In May 2006, [[Ian McKellen]] said he would reprise the role using the [[computer-generated]] facelift applied to him in the prologue of ''[[X-Men: The Last Stand]]''.<ref>{{cite news | author=Stax | url=http://movies.ign.com/articles/704/704451p1.html | title=McKellen Talks ''Magneto'' Movie | publisher=[[IGN]] | date=[[2006-05-02]] | accessdate=2007-04-06 }}</ref> [[Lauren Shuler Donner]] stated that the film would need McKellen to anchor the story, which would take place in [[flashback]]s.<ref name=pack/> With Goyer's hiring in 2007, it was said actors in their twenties would play the characters.<ref name=goyer/> [[Avi Arad]] said the film is planned for a 2009 release,<ref>{{cite news | author = Shawn Adler | title = ‘X-Men’ Spin-Off ‘Magneto’ To Reveal Anti-Hero Origin Story | publisher = [[MTV]] | date = [[2007-05-15]] | url = http://www.mtvmoviesblog.com/2007/05/15/x-men-spin-off-magneto-to-reveal-anti-hero-origin-story/ | accessdate=2007-05-15}}</ref> and like ''Wolverine'', it may be shot in Australia.<ref>{{cite news | title = More superhero movies head for Australia | publisher = [[NineMSN]] | date = [[2007-07-24]] | url = http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=280586 | accessdate=2007-08-04}}</ref> In April 2008, McKellen stated that he doubts that he will return.<ref>{{cite news | author = Glen Ferris | url = http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=22480 | title = Exclusive: McKellen talks ''The Hobbit'' | publisher = [[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] | date = [[2008-04-30]] | accessdate = 2008-05-03}}</ref> [[Beast (comics)|Beast]] might appear in the film.<ref>{{cite news | author = George Rousch | title = Hank McCoy To Meet Magneto! | publisher = Latino Review | date = [[2008-05-14]] | url = http://latinoreview.com/news/hank-mccoy-to-meet-magneto-4641 | accessdate=2008-05-14}}</ref> In June 2008, the ''X-Men Origins'' prefix also applied to ''Wolverine'' was confirmed, and the project was seeking approval to film in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref>{{cite news | author = Jeffrey Ressner | title = Klieg Lights, Big City | publisher = [[The Politico]] | date = [[2008-06-04]] | url = http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0608/10807.html | accessdate=2008-06-09}}</ref>

New reports indicate that the film will not be released until 2010 & that McKellen will not be returning.{{refneeded}}

==Cast and characters==
{{main|List of X-Men films cast members}}
<blockquote class="toccolours" style="text-align:justify; width:95%; float:center; padding: 5px 5px 5px 5px; display:table;">
'''List indicator(s)'''
*Italics indicate a cameo.
*A dark grey cell indicates the character was not in the film.
</blockquote>
{{-}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=99%
! rowspan="2" width="20%" | Character
! colspan="4" align="center" | Film
|-
! align="center" width="20%" | ''[[X-Men (film)|X-Men]]''
! align="center" width="20%" | ''[[X2 (film)|X2]]''
! align="center" width="20%" | ''[[X-Men: The Last Stand]]''
! align="center" width="20%" | ''[[X-Men Origins: Wolverine]]''
|-
! [[Wolverine (comics)|Logan / Wolverine]]
| colspan="4" | [[Hugh Jackman]]
|-
! [[Professor X|Professor Charles Xavier]]
| colspan="3" | [[Patrick Stewart]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Magneto (comics)|Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto]]
| colspan="3" | [[Ian McKellen]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Jean Grey| Jean Grey / Phoenix]]
| colspan="3" | [[Famke Janssen]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Storm (Marvel Comics)|Ororo Munroe / Storm]]
| colspan="3" | [[Halle Berry]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Mystique (comics)|Raven Darkholme / Mystique]]
| colspan="3" | [[Rebecca Romijn]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Cyclops (comics)|Scott Summers / Cyclops]]
| colspan="3" | [[James Marsden]]
| colspan="1" | [[Tim Pocock]]
|-
! [[Rogue (comics)|Marie / Rogue]]
| colspan="3" | [[Anna Paquin]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Iceman (comics)|Bobby Drake / Iceman]]
| colspan="3" | [[Shawn Ashmore]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Pyro (comics)|John Allerdyce / Pyro]]
| ''Alexander Burton''
| colspan="2" | [[Aaron Stanford]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Kitty Pryde]]
| ''[[Sumela Kay]]''
| ''[[Katie Stuart]]''
| [[Ellen Page]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Sabretooth (comics)|Sabretooth]]
| [[Tyler Mane]]
| colspan="2" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
| [[Liev Schreiber]]
|-
! [[Toad (comics)|Toad]]
| [[Ray Park]]
| colspan="3" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Robert Kelly (comics)|Senator Kelly]]
| [[Bruce Davison]]
| ''Bruce Davison''
| colspan="2" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[William Stryker|Colonel William Stryker]]
| style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
| [[Brian Cox]]
| style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
| [[Danny Huston]]
|-
! [[Nightcrawler (comics)|Kurt Wagner / Nightcrawler]]
| style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
| [[Alan Cumming]]
| colspan="2" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Lady Deathstrike|Yuriko Oyama / Lady Deathstrike]]
| style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
| [[Kelly Hu]]
| colspan="2" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Colossus (comics)|Peter Rasputin / Colossus]]
| style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
| colspan="2" | [[Daniel Cudmore]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Beast (comics)|Dr. Henry "Hank" McCoy / Beast]]
| style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
| ''[[Steve Bacic]]''
| [[Kelsey Grammer]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Archangel (comics)|Warren Worthington III / Angel]]
| colspan="2" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
| [[Ben Foster (actor)|Ben Foster]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Moira MacTaggert]]
| colspan="2" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
| [[Olivia Williams]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Juggernaut (comics)|Cain Marko / Juggernaut]]
| colspan="2" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
| [[Vinnie Jones]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Multiple Man]]
| colspan="2" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
| [[Eric Dane]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Callisto (comics)|Callisto]]
| colspan="2" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
| [[Dania Ramirez]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Psylocke]]
| colspan="2" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
| [[Meiling Melançon]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Quill (comics)|Kid Omega]]
| colspan="2" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
| [[Ken Leung]]
| colspan="1" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
|-
! [[Gambit (comics)|Remy LeBeau / Gambit]]
| colspan="3" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
| [[Taylor Kitsch]]
|-
! [[Silver Fox]]
| colspan="3" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
| [[Lynn Collins ]]
|-
! [[Agent Zero|David North/Agent Zero]]
| colspan="3" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
| [[Daniel Henney]]
|-
! [[Deadpool (comics)|Wade Wilson/Deadpool]]
| colspan="3" style="background-color:#D3D3D3;" |
| [[Ryan Reynolds]]
|-
|}

==Reception==
===Box office performance===
{| class="wikitable" width=101% border="1"
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''Film'''
| colspan="2" align="center" | '''Release date'''
| colspan="3" align="center" | '''Box office revenue'''
| colspan="2" align="center" text="wrap" | '''Box office ranking'''
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''Reference'''
|-
| align="center" | '''Worldwide'''
| align="center" | '''United States'''
| align="center" | '''United States'''
| align="center" | '''Outside U.S.'''
| align="center" | '''Worldwide'''
| align="center" | '''All time U.S.'''
| align="center" | '''All time worldwide'''
|-
| ''[[X-Men (film)|X-Men]]''
| August 2000
| [[July 14]] [[2000]]
| $157,299,717
| $138,950,336
| $296,250,053
| align="center" | #139
| align="center" | #176
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=xmen.htm | title=X-Men (2000) | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | accessdate=2007-07-11 }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[X2 (film)|X2]]''
| [[May 1]] [[2003]]
| [[May 2]] [[2003]]
| $214,949,694
| $192,607,919
| $407,557,613
| align="center" | #65
| align="center" | #86
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=x2.htm | title=X2: X-Men United (2003) | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | accessdate=2007-07-11 }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[X-Men: The Last Stand]]''
| [[May 25]] [[2006]]
| [[May 26]] [[2006]]
| $234,362,462
| $224,893,546
| $459,256,008
| align="center" | #51
| align="center" | #65
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=x3.htm | title=X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref>
|-
| ''X-Men'' film series
|
|
| '''$606,611,873'''
| '''$556,451,801'''
| '''$1,163,063,674'''
|
|
|
|}

Each of the films set opening records in the United States: ''X-Men'' had the highest July opening yet,<ref>{{cite news | author = Brandon Gray | title = Weekend Box Office | publisher = [[Box Office Mojo]] | date = [[2000-07-17]] | url = http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=1126&p=.htm | accessdate=2007-08-03}}</ref> while ''X2'' and ''X-Men: The Last Stand'' earned the fourth highest opening weekends yet.<ref>{{cite news | author = Brandon Gray | title = 'X2' Evolves Past Predecessor in Stellar Summer Kick-Off | publisher = [[Box Office Mojo]] | date = [[2003-05-05]] | url = http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=1240&p=.htm | accessdate=2007-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author = Brandon Gray | title = 'X-Men' Marvels with Memorial Record | publisher = [[Box Office Mojo]] | date = [[2006-05-30]] | url = http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=2078&p=.htm | accessdate=2007-08-03}}</ref> All of these records have since been surpassed. ''X-Men: The Last Stand'' and ''X2: X-Men United'' rank as the sixth and seventh most successful [[superhero films]], while ''X-Men'' is the twelfth.<ref>{{cite web | title = Superhero Movies | publisher = [[Box Office Mojo]] | url = http://www.boxofficemojo.com/genres/chart/?id=superhero.htm | accessdate=2007-08-03}}</ref> The third, second and first films are the fourth, fifth and sixth most successful [[Marvel Comics]] adaptations,<ref>{{cite web | title = Marvel Comics Movies | publisher = [[Box Office Mojo]] | url = http://www.boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=marvelcomics.htm | accessdate=2007-08-03}}</ref> as well as overall the sixth, seventh and fourteenth most successful comic book adaptations.<ref>{{cite web | title = Comic Book Adaptation Movies | publisher = [[Box Office Mojo]] | url = http://www.boxofficemojo.com/genres/chart/?id=comicbookadaptation.htm | accessdate=2007-08-03}}</ref>

===Critical reaction===
{| class="wikitable" width=99% border="1"
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''Film'''
| colspan="2" align="center" | '''[[Rotten Tomatoes]]'''
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''[[Metacritic]]'''
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''[[Yahoo! Movies]]'''
|-
| align="center" | '''Overall'''
| align="center" | '''Cream of the Crop'''
|-
| ''[[X-Men (film)|X-Men]]''
| 79% (140 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/xmen/ | title=X-Men | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref>
| 57% (28 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/xmen/?critic=creamcrop | title=X-Men (Cream of the Crop) | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref>
| 64% (33 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/video/titles/xmen?q=X-Men | title=X-Men | publisher=[[Metacritic]] | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref>
| N/A
|-
| ''[[X2 (film)|X2]]''
| 87% (212 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/x2_xmen_united/ | title=X2: X-Men United | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref>
| 80% (35 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/x2_xmen_united/?critic=creamcrop | title=X2: X-Men United (Cream of the Crop) | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref>
| 68% (38 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/video/titles/x2xmenunited?q=X-Men | title=X2: X-Men United (2004): Reviews | publisher=[[Metacritic]] | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref>
| B (15 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1807432594/critic | title=X2: X-Men United - Critics Reviews | publisher=[[Yahoo! Movies]] | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[X-Men: The Last Stand]]''
| 57% (216 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/x_men_3_the_last_stand/ | title=X-Men: The Last Stand | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref>
| 50% (38 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/x_men_3_the_last_stand/?critic=creamcrop | title=X-Men: The Last Stand (Cream of the Crop) | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref>
| 58% (38 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/xmenthelaststand?q=X-Men | title=X-Men: The Last Stand | publisher=[[Metacritic]] | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref>
| B- (15 reviews)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808490830/critic | title=X-Men: The Last Stand - Critics Reviews | publisher=[[Yahoo! Movies]] | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref>
|}

Wesley Morris of the ''[[Boston Globe]]'' praised the ''X-Men'' films as "more than a cash-guzzling wham-bang Hollywood franchise... these three movies sport philosophy, ideas, a telethon-load of causes, and a highly elastic us-versus-them allegory." Morris praised ''X-Men: The Last Stand'' for "put[ting] the heroes of a mighty summer blockbuster in a rare mortal position. Realism at this time of year? How unorthodox!"<ref>{{cite news | author = Wesley Morris | title = X-Men: The Last Stand Movie Review | publisher = [[Boston Globe]] | date = [[2006-05-25]] | url = http://www.boston.com/movies/display?display=movie&id=6883 | accessdate=2007-08-03}}</ref> [[Roger Ebert]] gave the films good reviews, but criticized them because "there are just plain too many mutants, and their powers are so various and ill-matched that it's hard to keep them all on the same canvas."<ref>{{cite news | author = [[Roger Ebert]] | title = X-Men: The Last Stand (PG-13) | publisher = [[Chicago Sun-Times]] | date = [[2006-05-26]] | url = http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060525/REVIEWS/60509005/1023 | accessdate=2007-08-02}}</ref> Mick LaSalle of the ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'', criticized the films' themes, saying "The pretensions take the form of the central metaphor that compares mutants to people of extraordinary, groundbreaking talent. That metaphor is bogus... The vision at the heart of ''X-Men'' - of a golden [[Utopia]] in which humans live side by side with mutants - is absurd."<ref>{{cite news | author = Mick LaSalle | title = The super freaks are back in 'X-Men.' Once again, they have to decide whether to be like the rest of us -- or continue blowing things up. | publisher = [[San Francisco Chronicle]] | date = [[2006-05-25]] | url = http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/05/25/DDG85J0UQE1.DTL&type=movies | accessdate=2007-08-03}}</ref>

The first two films were highly praised due to their [[cerebral]] tone, but when [[Bryan Singer]] left many criticized his successor, [[Brett Ratner]]. Colin Colvert of the ''[[Star Tribune]]'' felt "Bryan Singer's sensitivity to [the discrimination themes] made the first two ''X-Men'' films surprisingly resonant and soulful for comic-based summer extravaganzas... Singer is adept at juggling large casts of three-dimensional characters, Ratner makes shallow, unimaginative bang-ups."<ref>{{cite news | author = Colin Colvert | title = Movie review: 'X-Men' trilogy goes down in flames | publisher = [[Star Tribune]] | date = [[2006-05-25]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/412/story/455017.html | accessdate=2007-08-02}}</ref> [[James Berardinelli]] felt, "''X-Men: The Last Stand'' isn't as taut or satisfying as ''X-Men 2'', but it's better constructed and better paced than the original ''X-Men''. The differences in quality between the three are minor, however; despite the change in directors, there seems to be a single vision."<ref>{{cite news | author = [[James Berardinelli]] | title = X-Men: The Last Stand | publisher = Reelviews | date = 2006 | url = http://www.reelviews.net/movies/x/x-men3.html | accessdate=2007-08-02}}</ref> David Denby of ''[[The New Yorker]]'' praised "the liquid beauty and the poetic fantasy of Singer’s work", but called Ratner's film "a crude synthesizer of comedy and action tropes."<ref>{{cite news | author = David Denby | title = Violent Times | publisher = [[The New Yorker]] | date = [[2006-06-05]] | url = http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2006/06/05/060605crci_cinema | accessdate=2007-08-03}}</ref>

The ''X-Men'' films received good reviews from fans of the comic books, but there was criticism of the large cast, and the limited screentime for all of them. Richard George of [[IGN]] praised the depictions of [[Wolverine (comics)|Wolverine]], [[Professor X]], [[Magneto (comics)|Magneto]], [[Jean Grey]] and [[William Stryker]], and was also pleased with the portrayals of [[Mystique (comics)|Mystique]], [[Beast (comics)|Beast]] and [[Nightcrawler (comics)|Nightcrawler]]. However, George felt many of the younger X-Men characters, such as [[Rogue (comics)|Rogue]] and [[Iceman (comics)|Iceman]], were "adjectiveless teenager[s]", and was disappointed by [[Cyclops (comics)|Cyclops]] and [[Storm (Marvel Comics)|Storm]]'s characterizations. He observed the filmmakers were "big fans of silent henchmen", due to the small roles of the various villainous mutants; such as [[Lady Deathstrike]]. George felt that the success of ''X-Men'' "paved the way for other hits like the [[Spider-Man film series|''Spider-Man'' series]], ''[[Fantastic Four (film)|Fantastic Four]]'', ''[[V for Vendetta (film)|V for Vendetta]]'' and Singer's own adaptation of Superman."<ref name=george>{{cite news | author = Richard George | title = X-Men in Film | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = [[2006-12-15]] | url = http://comics.ign.com/articles/751/751277p1.html | accessdate=2007-08-03}}</ref> ''Spider-Man'' director [[Sam Raimi]] said he was a fan of the series, particularly Singer's films.<ref>{{cite news | author = Brian Cronin | title = Guest Spot: Rohan Williams Interviews Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert (Part 1) | publisher = [[Comic Book Resources]] | date = [[2007-11-28]] | url = http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2007/11/28/guest-spot-rohan-williams-interviews-sam-raimi-and-rob-tapert-part-1/ | accessdate=2007-11-28}}</ref> Film historian [[Kim Newman]] also tonally compared ''[[Batman Begins]]'' to Singer's films.<ref>{{cite web | author = [[Kim Newman]] | title = Batman Begins (12A) | publisher = [[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] | url = http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?DVDID=11299 | accessdate=2007-08-03}}</ref>

==Tie-in material==
On [[June 1]] [[2000]], Marvel published a comic book [[prequel]] to ''X-Men'', entitled ''X-Men: Beginnings'', revealing the backstories of Magneto, Rogue and Wolverine.<ref>{{cite web | title = X-Men: Beginnings (Paperback) | publisher = [[Amazon.com]] | url = http://www.amazon.com/X-Men-Beginnings-Marvel-Comics/dp/0785107509 | accessdate=2008-02-09}}</ref> There was also an adaptation of the film.<ref>{{cite web | title = X-Men: The Movie (Paperback) | publisher = [[Amazon.com]] | url = http://www.amazon.com/X-Men-Movie-Marvel-Comics/dp/0785107495/ref=pd_sim_b_title_2 | accessdate=2008-02-09}}</ref> Marvel also released an adaptation of ''X2'', which also contained prequels detailing Nightcrawler's backstory and Wolverine's time searching for Alkali Lake.<ref>{{cite web | title = X-Men 2: The Movie TPB (Paperback) | publisher = [[Amazon.com]] | url = http://www.amazon.com/X-Men-2-Movie-Chuck-Austen/dp/078511162X/ref=pd_sim_b_title_1 | accessdate=2008-02-09}}</ref> [[Del Rey Books]] also published novelizations of the three films. The latter two were written by [[Chris Claremont]].<ref>{{cite book | author = Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Dean Wesley Smith | title = X-Men | publisher = [[Del Rey Books]] | date = June 2000 | pages = 256 | url = http://www.randomhouse.com/delrey/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780345440952 | isbn = 978-0-345-44095-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | author = [[Chris Claremont]] | title = X-Men 2 | publisher = [[Del Rey Books]] | date = March 2003 | pages = 416 | url = http://www.randomhouse.com/delrey/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780345461964 | isbn = 978-0-345-46196-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | author = [[Chris Claremont]] | title = X-Men: The Last Stand | publisher = [[Del Rey Books]] | date = May 2006 | pages = 352 | url = http://www.randomhouse.com/delrey/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780345492111 | isbn = 978-0-345-49211-1}}</ref> In 2006, ''[[X-Men: The Official Game]]'' was released, which was set between ''X2'' and ''X-Men: The Last Stand''.<ref>{{cite web | title = X-Men: The Official Game website | url = http://www.x-menthegame.com/ | accessdate=2008-02-09}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [http://www.marvel.com/movies/X-Men X-Men Movie Hub] at [[Marvel Comics]]
* [http://www.boxofficemojo.com/showdowns/chart/?id=vs-xmen.htm Trilogy comparison] at [[Box Office Mojo]]
* [http://www.thexverse.com/ TheXverse.com]
* [http://www.xmenfilms.net/ X-MenFilms.net]
* {{amg title|id=1:291113|title=X-Men film series}}

{{X-Men}}
{{X-Men film series}}
{{Marvel Comics films}}

[[Category:X-Men films|Series]]
[[Category:Action films by series]]
[[Category:Science fiction films by series]]

[[eo:X-Men (filma serio)]]

Talk:List of Wario video games

2008-06-16T19:09:54Z

71.182.145.40: /* Article name */

{{cvgproj|class=List|importance=Low}}
{{NESproj|type=Start|importance=mid}}

=="Appearances"==

I assume we will not make [[List of Koopa Troopa apperances]], right? Games such as Mario Party should not be considered Mario, Wario or Waluigi games. - [[User:A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]] [[User talk:A Link to the Past|(talk)]] 14:23, 8 October 2005 (UTC)
:Why no list of Koopa Troopa appearances? *shrug* Judgement call. Wario is a main character, Koopa Troopa is not. If you'd prefer, I'll make it explicit in the intro that this is every appearance of Wario instead of only games in which he stars, but I don't see any good reason to delete the cameos just because they're cameos. - [[User:A Man In Black|A Man In Black]] ([[User talk:A_Man_In_Black|conspire]] | [[Special:Contributions/A Man In Black|past ops]]) 02:34, 9 October 2005 (UTC)
:I'm also extremely uncomfortable with the criteria you used to determine what is a "Wario game" and what is not; Wario is in the title of Wario Woods and Mario and Wario, but you felt the need to remove those. Let's stick with the complete list of Wario appearances, especially since there's no POV judgement call on what is a "Wario game" and what is not. - [[User:A Man In Black|A Man In Black]] ([[User talk:A_Man_In_Black|conspire]] | [[Special:Contributions/A Man In Black|past ops]]) 03:05, 9 October 2005 (UTC)
::A game which features Wario as playable is not necessarily a Wario game, and a game that merely has him in the title does not make him the star or even make the game partly a Wario game. The only reason no one considers SMB not a Bowser game is because he is not in the title. If Wario's Woods'' were called, let's say, ''Toad's Adventures Through Wario's Woods'', it would clearly not be a Wario game, or if it were just ''Toad's Adventure'', there would be no dispute over if it were a Wario game. A Wario game is a game where Wario stars in to the point that the game centers around him (if there is a second playable character, it is still a Wario game, just like people call SMB a Mario game despite Luigi). This SHOULD be List of Wario games, like all other List of (blank) games are setup. - [[User:A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]] [[User talk:A Link to the Past|(talk)]] 07:32, 9 October 2005 (UTC)
:::I don't see why any of this is a reason to delete a clearly marked list of cameos from a list that supplements [[Wario]]. If you want to quibble about whether this or that game should be called a "Wario game," fine, but I don't see why this list should be a subjective one instead of an objective one.
:::In any case, pease stop reverting. You've been bold, there's an objection, and now is the time to stop and talk. - [[User:A Man In Black|A Man In Black]] ([[User talk:A_Man_In_Black|conspire]] | [[Special:Contributions/A Man In Black|past ops]]) 19:44, 9 October 2005 (UTC)
::::It does not matter. If you were to take every list and count even the most miniscule of an appearance, every list would be huge. This article should be a list of Wario games, nothing more. Besides, the Cameo appearances is already listed at [[Wario]]. - [[User:A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]] [[User talk:A Link to the Past|(talk)]] 00:10, 10 October 2005 (UTC)
:::::This is not every list. This is this list, and size is not a limit on its completeness.
:::::You've advanced a mildly POV standard for what a "Wario game" is, and I can't see any reason that it's better than "a game in which Wario appears." Even if this list needed to be shortened, a simple, no-judgement-call standard would be "a game in which Wario is the antagonist or protagonist."
:::::In the event that this list grew too long, it'd be easy to separate the cameos/Marioverse appearances from the starring appearances as a villain or hero, should this list grow too long, but there's no compelling reason to do so in this case. In fact, I don't see any reason a complete list of Mario appearances would be too long, if properly formatted; Wario is unlikely to ever overcome Mario in this respect. - [[User:A Man In Black|A Man In Black]] ([[User talk:A_Man_In_Black|conspire]] | [[Special:Contributions/A Man In Black|past ops]]) 00:20, 10 October 2005 (UTC)
::::::I do not see why a Wario game should be considered a game that features Wario. A Wario game is a game that Wario stars in. Nothing more. - [[User:A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]] [[User talk:A Link to the Past|(talk)]] 01:33, 10 October 2005 (UTC)
::::::Also, explain why ''[[Mario Party]]'' is a [[Wario]] game. If it's a Wario game, then it's also a Dry Bones game, [[Koopa Troopa]] game, [[Lakitu]] game, [[Toad (Nintendo)|Toad]] game, [[Goomba]] game, [[Mario]] game, [[Princess Peach]] game, [[Luigi]] game, [[King Bowser|Bowser]] game, [[Birdo]] game, Boo game, Whomp game, [[Thwomp]] game, [[Koopa Kid]] game, [[Donkey Kong]] game, [[Shy Guy]] game, [[Waluigi]] game, [[Princess Daisy]] game, [[Yoshi]] game, [[Toadsworth]] game, [[Toadette]] game, [[Chomp (Mario)|Chomp]] game, [[Ukkiki]] game, etc. I do not think anyone considers those appliable to ''Mario Party''.
:::::::It is inappropriate to continue to revert a page after objections have been raised, and blanking/deletion after objections has been raised is bordering on vandalism. I realize you disagree with me about what should be included, but revert warring is not the way to go about it.
:::::::You are proposing a change to the status quo. You want to change the criteria of this list to "Games which star Wario," and the only reason you've offered is that other lists have similar criteria. Please provide a non-subjective definition of "starring," as well as a reason to change the criteria. You haven't even yet linked another list to compare this to, only a vague reference to "every other list."
:::::::"Wario game" is not a category or series. It's just a group of games with a shared attribute. This list was originally created as a list of all Wario appearances, with the starring appearances as a sublist. You're proposing a change of criteria based on the title, when the title was chosen simply because it was less awkward than "List of games in which Wario has appeared."
:::::::Asserting narrower criteria does no service to the reader; if a reader wants to see Wario's starring appearances, they are already in this list; if the reader is interested in Wario's appearances as an antagonist or Marioverse/cameo appearances, they are also listed. - [[User:A Man In Black|A Man In Black]] ([[User talk:A_Man_In_Black|conspire]] | [[Special:Contributions/A Man In Black|past ops]]) 01:53, 10 October 2005 (UTC)
::::::::There IS a certain criteria - these are NOT Wario games. A Wario game would entail that Wario actually star in it. Mario Party doesn't even require a MENTION of him. If you want, you can go through the entire game and the only times you'd see any mention of him would be on the character select scene and in the credits. Mario Party and Kart have no starring characters in them. - [[User:A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]] [[User talk:A Link to the Past|(talk)]] 02:56, 10 October 2005 (UTC)

''con't''

Those aren't the criteria the list was written with. Your very narrow definition of "Wario game" does no service to the reader, again; in the event that the reader wants only a list of games starring Wario, that was already available in the longer list. Should the reader have a broader definition or a desire to see games in which Wario is the villain or makes a cameo appearance, the longer list also serves that reader.

I ask again, what service does a shorter list give to the reader? - [[User:A Man In Black|A Man In Black]] ([[User talk:A_Man_In_Black|conspire]] | [[Special:Contributions/A Man In Black|past ops]]) 12:36, 10 October 2005 (UTC)

Weighing in, I don't see why the list cannot be as expansive as [[User:A Man In Black|A Man In Black]] wishes it to be. The opening already allows that Wario isn't going to nessecarily be the main focus of the game, and could even be edited from "Wario has appeared in dozens of Nintendo-published games..." to "Wario has appeared (however briefly) in dozens of Nintendo-published games...". Everyone liked different characters in game universes, and its a disservice to the reader that has a Wario-fetish to prune the list down because of some arbitrary line of demarcation. I say this as a Wikiexclusionist even. --[[User:Syrthiss|Syrthiss]] 12:56, 10 October 2005 (UTC)

Another third-party observer here. I think [[User:A Man In Black|A Man In Black]] is right to argue that imposing the criterion that Wario has to "star" in the game for it to make this list is subjective and POV. What one user considers "starring" another may not. The list should be inclusive. Furthermore, this will allow the "Cameo appearances" section to be removed from the [[Wario]] article, an improvement, in my opinion. [[User:BrianSmithson|BrianSmithson]] 15:58, 10 October 2005 (UTC)

Wario is a sort of product, a Nintendo IP. As such I think that the List of Wario games shouldn't be fan service (''wario-fetish'', eek) that categorizes his involevement, but rather an account of Nintendo's use of him as a proprietary character in '''any''' game. --[[User:Anetode|Anetode]] 19:45, 10 October 2005 (UTC)

:Perv. I didn't mean ''wario-fetish'' in that way...tho I suspect I could come up with some Koopa pr0n if needed. :) --[[User:Syrthiss|Syrthiss]] 19:59, 10 October 2005 (UTC)

Would anyone disagree that reverting to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Wario_games&oldid=25149282 complete version] of this list would be inappropriate at this point? - [[User:A Man In Black|A Man In Black]] ([[User talk:A_Man_In_Black|conspire]] | [[Special:Contributions/A Man In Black|past ops]]) 20:08, 10 October 2005 (UTC)
::By all means, have bishounen post here, then. I wanted to make sure consensus was established before making any further reverts. - [[User:A Man In Black|A Man In Black]] ([[User talk:A_Man_In_Black|conspire]] | [[Special:Contributions/A Man In Black|past ops]]) 21:08, 10 October 2005 (UTC)
:::Also, [[Template:Wario series]] is considered to be a template for Wario games, so what is considered a Wario game here should be considered a Wario game there, and doing so would make the template unruly. - [[User:A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]] [[User talk:A Link to the Past|(talk)]] 21:21, 10 October 2005 (UTC)
::::Then don't do it, the template could simply concern the series of games based on the character. Just because a game contains Wario does not mean it needs a template when a link to the character's page would suffice. Of course the layout and text size of the template could also be altered to accomodate every game Wario has ever appeared in while not making it seem unruly, but this would dilute the practicality of such a device. The same cannot be said of List of Wario games, however, as it is an extension (or at least corollary) of the main Wario page. --[[User:Anetode|Anetode]] 01:46, 11 October 2005 (UTC)
::::Use the main games only. Having a template with every game in which Wario is in (cameo or whatever) is not proper use of a template anyway. That's what a category is for. I agree with A Man In Black here. This list should be inclusive. [[User:K1Bond007|K1Bond007]] 22:02, 16 October 2005 (UTC)

==Wario Blast==
I already mentioned this game months ago in the spin-offs. It is still there. Please check the entire game list before adding a title you believe is appropriate. --[[Special:Contributions/74.194.118.203|74.194.118.203]] ([[User talk:74.194.118.203|talk]]) 06:08, 16 December 2007 (UTC)

== Article name ==

Shouldn't this article be named simply "List of Wario games"? [[User:Kariteh|Kariteh]] ([[User talk:Kariteh|talk]]) 20:33, 1 June 2008 (UTC)
:I suppose it should, yeah. - [[User:A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]] [[User talk:A Link to the Past|(talk)]] 18:03, 14 June 2008 (UTC)
::I'm not sure if that's "the Wikipedia thing". I tried moving [[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 video game)]] to "Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 game)". [[Special:Contributions/71.182.145.40|71.182.145.40]] ([[User talk:71.182.145.40|talk]]) 19:09, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Talk:Newt (film)

2008-06-16T18:33:38Z

71.182.145.40: /* newt or Newt */ new section

{{WikiProject Animation|class=Stub|importance=|american-animation=yes|american-animation-importance=|pixar-work-group=yes|pixar-importance=top}}
{{film|class=Future}}

== newt or Newt ==

While it's true the logo is spelled with "n" instead of "N" if every Wikipedia article name was based on how it was advertised, alot of titles would BE LIKE THIS. [[Special:Contributions/71.182.145.40|71.182.145.40]] ([[User talk:71.182.145.40|talk]]) 18:33, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Drake & Josh

2008-06-14T23:47:01Z

71.182.145.40:

{{Infobox Television
| show_name = Drake & Josh
| image = [[Image:LogoL48.gif]]
| caption = ''Drake & Josh'' logo
| format = [[Sitcom]]
| runtime = 30 minutes
| creator = [[Dan Schneider (TV producer)|Dan Schneider]]
| executive_producer = Dan Schneider
| starring = [[Drake Bell]] [[Josh Peck]] [[Miranda Cosgrove]] [[Jonathan Goldstein (actor)|Jonathan Goldstein]] [[Nancy Sullivan]]
| country = {{USA}}
| location = [[San Diego, California]]
| network = [[Nickelodeon (TV channel)|Nickelodeon]], [[The N]]
| first_aired = [[January 11]], [[2004 in television|2004]]
| last_aired = [[September 16]], [[2007 in television|2007]]
| preceded_by = ''[[The Amanda Show]]''
| num_seasons = 4
| num_episodes = 60 episodes including 2 movies
| list_episodes = List of Drake & Josh episodes
| imdb_id = 0363328
| tv_com_id = 11005
|opentheme=''"I Found A Way"'' by [[Drake Bell]]
}}
'''''Drake & Josh''''' is an [[United States|American]] [[Situation comedy|sitcom]] shown on the [[Nickelodeon (TV channel)|Nickelodeon television network]], starring the two stepbrothers [[Drake Bell]] and [[Josh Peck]]. Both stars had already played roles in ''[[The Amanda Show]]'', as had [[Nancy Sullivan]], who played their mother in the show. [[Jonathan Goldstein (actor)|Jonathan Goldstein]] played their father, and [[Miranda Cosgrove]] played their little sister. Reruns of ''Drake & Josh'' are now currently appearing on [[Nickelodeon]] and [[The N]].

Since a upcoming movie is set to be released, it is possible the show will start airing again.

==Summary==
''Drake & Josh'' focuses around the lives of Drake Parker ([[Drake Bell]]) and Josh Nichols ([[Josh Peck]]), two teenagers who become stepbrothers when Drake's mother, Audrey Parker Nichols ([[Nancy Sullivan]]), and Josh's father, Walter Nichols ([[Jonathan Goldstein (actor)|Jonathan Goldstein]]), get married. Drake is portrayed as a somewhat simple, cool, lucky, and Josh is portrayed as sensible and nerdy. They are often harassed by Drake's younger sister, Megan Parker ([[Miranda Cosgrove]]), who constantly pulls pranks on the two. Walter is portrayed as a clumsy and out of date [[meteorologist]], and Audrey is more stern, being the one to usually punish Drake and Josh. Throughout the series, Drake and Josh face various ordeals involving school, jobs, girlfriends, and other average teenage ordeals. They often have to do this while fending off Megan's manipulative nature and potential punishments from their parents.

==Main Characters==

===='''Drake Parker''' ([[Drake Bell]])====
Drake is portrayed as a somewhat simple, cool, lucky, and popular teenager, putting little thought into his decisions. He plays guitar in a band which throughout the series has had many different members, with Josh now acting as manager. Throughout the series, Drake has had many girlfriends. Drake is also the older brother of Megan and occasionally tends to get a little over-protective of her. Though his actions tend to get Josh into trouble, Drake has been shown to do a number of unselfish things for his step-brother as well.

==== '''Josh Nichols''' ([[Josh Peck]])====
Josh is the victim of many unlucky events, such as being falsely accused of things he was never involved in. He is usually the sensible one, who was often taken advantage of by Drake and was portrayed as a [[nerd]] with little luck with girls during the first and second seasons. He is known for having a rash and a big head, as mentioned in multiple episodes. Josh has, throughout the series, expressed his interest in science and magic tricks. Also, he has a big crush on Oprah Winfrey. Josh has a habit of questioning or arguing against someone's (usually an adult's) order and then after a stricter call, he immediately obeys. In later seasons, Josh becomes more confident and his goofiness was diminished as he began to lose significant amounts of weight; he was able to have ex-rival Mindy Crenshaw as his girlfriend and is shown dating. He often makes sarcastic remarks to Drake when Drake says something unsensible.

===='''Megan Parker''' ([[Miranda Cosgrove]])====
Megan is Drake's sassy sister and Josh's step sister. She continually pulls pranks on Drake and Josh, and enjoys seeing them suffer. As stated on season four, her schemes get more complex: from simply putting hot sauce in Drake and Josh's pasta in season one to firing paintballs at them from a custom made radio in season three. She usually calls her two brothers "boobs" as a way of saying they're dumb. During season four, she seems to have grown up and started to wear make-up.

====Walter Nichols ([[Jonathan Goldstein (actor)|Jonathan Goldstein]])====
Walter is Josh's father, and Megan and Drake's stepfather, a [[meteorologist]] who is often wrong about the weather. Walter is often clumsy, out of date, even seemingly empty-headed (for example, he believed [[Titanic]] to be "[[Titanic (1997 movie)|just a movie]]" and not real, thought the word touché to be pronounced 'toosh', and thought the word capisce to be pronounced ''capise''). As a result, he lacks the respect of his stepchildren, Drake and Megan.

====Audrey Parker Nichols ([[Nancy Sullivan]])====
Audrey is the mother of Drake and Megan and the stepmother of Josh. She, too, upsets Walter because of her preference to Bruce Winchill. She is usually telling the boys to try not to be so stupid. Because Walter is unable to discipline Drake and Josh, she usually has to punish the boys. Her name, never mentioned on the show, appears only on the Nick.com webpage. She, along with Walter, always believes Megan instead of Drake and Josh, even when they are telling the truth. It is unknown what her profession is or even if she works, as her job is never mentioned throughout the series.

==Recurring characters==
* '''Craig Ramirez and Eric Blonowitz''' ([[Alec Medlock]] and [[Scott Halberstadt]]): Craig and Eric are two stereotypical "nerdy" honor students that are always being exploited by Drake, mostly due to Drake's hare-brained schemes. Drake often mixes their names. The character of Eric was introduced (shown in "Pilot" before Josh and Buck fought) before the character of Craig and has made more appearances in the show than Craig. Eric looks "nerdier" than Craig, wearing a tucked-in button-up shirt, thick glasses, and pens in his pocket. Both, according to Drake, are Jewish. The first episode they are seen together is in "Pool Shark". They appear a few times in Seasons 2 and 3, but appear more frequently in Season 4.
* '''Mindy Crenshaw''' ([[Allison Scagliotti-Smith]]): Mindy was introduced in the episode ''Honor Council'' as Josh's rival at school; in fact, she enjoyed reminding Josh that she had beat him in the science fair for five years straight. Despite this, she eventually became Josh's girlfriend. Though they broke up in Season 4's "Mindy Loves Josh," they get back together in ''Drake & Josh: Really Big Shrimp''.
* '''Trevor Wilson''' ([[Taran Killam]]): Trevor Wilson is one of Drake's friends, who appears to be even more unintelligent than Drake. His only appearance is in "Dune Buggy" but he is mentioned a lot throughout the rest of the series. Trevor's voice can be heard in Season 4's "Josh Runs Into Oprah", but it is unclear if Taran Killam voiced him or not.
* '''Helen Ophelia Dubois Baxter''' ([[Yvette Nicole Brown]]): Helen is the manager at [[The Premiere Galleria]], a movie theater where Josh (and formerly Drake) has a job. She is known for her intimidation factor, due to her loud voice and orders for her employees. She adores Drake but seems to dislike Josh, despite the hard work he puts in at the theater. She first appeared in "Movie Job" and made a final appearance in the movie ''Drake & Josh: Really Big Shrimp'' in which she also gets married. Though Yvette Nicole Brown plays Helen normally, [[Frances Callier]] filled in for her and portrayed her in the episode "Little Diva".
* '''"Crazy" Steve''' ([[Jerry Trainor]]): "Crazy" Steve is an employee at '''The Premiere''' movie theater. He is hard working and pretty calm at times, that is, until someone (usually Josh) criticizes his work or does something he dislikes, and that is when he goes crazy. He is unusually nice and polite to Drake's mom. On Mondays, he goes particularly crazy, but calms down when [[She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain]] is sung and he gets a drink of milk (usually served warm). No one has an explanation why the song calms him down. He is shown wearing his uniform even when he's not at work. He was first seen in "Movie Job" and made an appearance in "We're Married", but became a regular recurring character in Season 4.
* '''Gavin''' ([[Jake Farrow]]): Gavin works with Josh at ''The Premiere'', and has a [[mullet]]-like haircut (in Season 4's "Who's Got Game" he got a perm). A running gag throughout the series involved Helen asking him to tell Josh to clean something unusual in the theater. He then cleans up the mess himself - telling Josh "I got it." He also has a crush on Audrey, Drake and Josh's mother. He can apparently get away with anything at work, like taking a nap on the [[roof]]. He first appeared in "Driver's License" and made a final appearance in "The Storm", in which he also does an offstage farewell.
* '''Leah''' ([[Cathy Shim]]): Leah is a female [[Asian]] employee at '''The Premiere''' [[movie theater]] who appears in Seasons 3 and 4. She seems to get along well with Josh, but seems to be afraid of Crazy Steve.
* '''Mrs. Hayfer''' ([[Julia Duffy]]): Mrs. Alice/Linda Hayfer is Drake and Josh's English teacher who adores Josh (due to his hard-working personality) but loathes Drake (because of his consistently poor performance in school). In fact, her catchphrase is "I hate you, Drake", with Drake responding, "I know." Mrs. Hayfer has a daughter named Kelly, who Drake briefly dated, much to the discontent of Mrs. Hayfer. She first appeared in "Mean Teacher" and made a last appearance in "Vicious Tiberius," where it was revealed that she also did stand-up comedy and was voted Ms. New Jersey.
* '''Mr. Roland''' ([[Tom Virtue]]): Mr. Roland is Drake and Josh's 11th Grade [[chemistry]] teacher. He is an extremely strict teacher; for example, if you are late to his class, you are not allowed to attend. He appeared in [[Josh is Done]] and [[Eric Punches Drake]].
* '''Dr. Glazer''' ([[Roark Critchlow]]): Dr. Jeff Glazer is a doctor who lives across the street from Drake and Josh. He is always called on whenever a serious emergency happens at their house. Although he always seems kind while performing medical procedures for Drake and Josh, he always leaves the two brothers with a ridiculously high bill for his services (he once charged $100 for diagnosing a sheep as pregnant ''after'' she had her baby, and an extra $50 not to tell Drake and Josh's parents). He first appeared in "The Bet" and last appeared in "Sheep Thrills".
* '''Bruce Winchill''': Bruce Winchill is a weather-man who works for Walter's competition's news station. He is never seen on the show, but is mentioned from time to time. He is described by Megan and Audrey as having good-looking hair and is hated by Walter so much that at times he orders his family never to mention his name in the house. Walter lost the Weather Man Award at the "News-ies" to him, because Winchill's forecasts were 100% accurate, compared to Walter's, which are 0-99%.
* '''Clayton''' ([[Joshua Sussman]]): Clayton is a nerd who mumbles alot and never properly speaks. He is also a isolated nerd that no one wants to be around. He is seen only in 2 episodes. Craig and Eric refer to him as a nerd (as seen in "Josh is Done"), despite the fact that they are nerds themselves.
* '''Dr Phyllis ''' ([[Gabrielle Carteris]]) She is a girl who has a show called The Dr. Phyllis Show and one of her Topics are called BICKERING BROTHERS

==Crew==
* [[Dan Schneider (TV producer)|Dan Schneider]] – creator, executive producer, and writer
* Joe Catania – producer
* Robin Weiner – producer

'''Occasional workers'''
* Virgil Fabian – occasional director
* [[Drake Bell]] – director of first half of ''"Really Big Shrimp"''
* [[Josh Peck]] – director of episode ''"[[Battle of Panthatar]]"''

==Episodes==
{{main|List of Drake & Josh episodes}}
{| class="wikitable"
!Season!!Ep #!!First Airdate!!Last Airdate
|-
| style="text-align: left; top" | [[List of Drake & Josh episodes#Season 1: 2004|Season 1]]
| style="text-align: center; top" | 6
| style="text-align: center; top" | [[January 11]], [[2004]]
| style="text-align: center; top" | [[February 22]], [[2004]]
|-
| style="text-align: left; top" | [[List of Drake & Josh episodes#Season 2: 2004|Season 2]]
| style="text-align: center; top" | 14
| style="text-align: center; top" | [[March 14]], [[2004]]
| style="text-align: center; top" | [[November 28]], [[2004]]
|-
| style="text-align: left; top" | [[List of Drake & Josh episodes#Season 3: 2005-2006|Season 3]]
| style="text-align: center; top" | 20
| style="text-align: center; top" | [[April 2]], [[2005]]
| style="text-align: center; top" | [[April 8]], [[2006]]
|-
| style="text-align: left; top" | [[List of Drake & Josh episodes#Season 4: 2006-2007|Season 4]]
| style="text-align: center; top" | 20
| style="text-align: center; top" | [[September 24]], [[2006]]
| style="text-align: center; top" | [[September 16]], [[2007]]
|}

==DVD Releases==

===Drake & Josh: Vol. 1 Suddenly Brothers===
(Release Date [[February 15]], [[2005]])<ref>http://www.amazon.com/Drake-Josh-Vol-Suddenly-Brothers/dp/B0006Q93C4/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1212415168&sr=8-1</ref>

*Contains 4 episodes.
*The episodes are the first four episodes of season 1 in production order.

===[[Drake & Josh Go Hollywood]]===
(Release Date [[January 31]], [[2006]])<ref>http://www.amazon.com/Drake-Josh-Go-Hollywood-Movie/dp/B000BYRCCE/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1212415168&sr=8-2</ref>

*Contains the movie.
*Contains 2 bonus episodes.

==Movies==

===[[Drake & Josh Go Hollywood]]===
Drake and Josh are left at home after their parents go on a cruise. They are told to bring Megan to the airport to visit her friend in Denver, but accidentally send her on a flight to [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]]. They go to Hollywood to get her back, and end up stopping a multi-billion dollar heist. The movie aired on [[January 6]], [[2006 in film|2006]], and, according to TV Guide, it became the highest rated program on all of cable during its opening week.

===[[Drake & Josh: Really Big Shrimp]]===
Spin City Records is wanting to sign Drake for their label. He is on the road to fame and fortune, but Josh's inexperience as a manager leads him to sign the contract without reading it (having been drooling over the really big shrimp), accidentally signing over creative rights for Drake's new song. Drake fires Josh, and a series of bizarre events follow. Meanwhile at the Premiere, Helen is getting married, so she gives Mindy Crenshaw the job as assistant manager, the job Josh was after for a long time. Later, Josh Nichols sneaks into Spin City Records and switches songs, which was against the law. This makes Drake a statewide superstar and his song "Makes Me Happy" gets played at Helen's wedding and at the Super Bowl. The movie aired on [[August 3]], [[2007 in film|2007]]. However, it is also considered an hour-length episode because it is treated like a typical episode with story elements based on films. The movie's premiere brought in 5.8 million viewers.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-News-Blog/Todays-News/Drake-38-Joshs/800019987 | title=Drake & Josh's Big Shrimp Nets Really Big Audience | accessdate=2007-10-22 | date=2007-08-07 | format= | work= | publisher=TV Guide }}</ref>

===Drake & Josh: Best Christmas Ever===
A new Drake & Josh TV movie tentatively entitled "Drake & Josh: Best Christmas Ever" is set to begin production in July 2008, with its premiere to be sometime in November or December 2008. Creator Dan Schneider is set to return as executive producer, with [[Marjorie Cohn]] and [[Lauren Levine]] co-executive producing. [[Michael Grossman]] is set to direct the feature. The film centers around Drake and Josh, who are working as Santa's helpers in a mall, as they promise a little girl that her foster parents and siblings will have "the best Christmas ever"—and then try to fulfill that promise.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.viacom.com/news/Pages/newstext.aspx?RID=1165313 | title=The Holidays Come Early for Drake & Josh Fans! | accessdate=2008-06-12 | date=2008-06-12 | work= | publisher=Viacom }}</ref>

==Books==
A book series based on ''Drake & Josh'' has been published by children's publisher [[Scholastic Corporation|Scholastic]] since [[2006 in literature|2006]]. The books are generally based upon content from the show and essentially novelize two episodes of material, with one being a novelization of a feature length film.

The books are written by author Laurie Calkhoven.
*''Blues Brothers'', based on the episodes titled "Blues Brothers" and "Number One Fan"
*''Sibling Revalry'', based on the episodes titled "The Bet" and "Peruvian Puff Pepper"
*''Drake & Josh Go Hollywood'', based on the movie ''[[Drake & Josh Go Hollywood]]''
*''Kid Trouble'', based on the episodes "Megan's New Teacher" and "Little Sibling"
*''Alien Invasion'', based on the episodes "Alien Invasion" and "The Demonator"
*''Surprise!'', based on the episodes "Josh Runs Into Oprah" and "Vicious Tiberius"
*''Josh is Done'', based on the episodes "Josh is Done" and "I Love Sushi"
*''Brother vs Brother'',based on episodes "Foam Finger" and "Dance Contest"

==Awards==

*2008 [[Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards]] Winner: Favorite TV. Actor ([[Drake Bell]])
*2007 [[Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards]] Winner: Favorite TV. Actor ([[Drake Bell]])
*2006 [[Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards]] Winner: Favorite TV. Actor ([[Drake Bell]])
*2008 [[Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards]] Winner: Favorite TV Show
*2007 [[Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards]] Nominee: Favorite TV Show
*2006 [[Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards]] Winner: Favorite TV show
*2005 [[Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards]] Nominee: Favorite TV Show

==References==
===Notes===
{{Refimprove|date=February 2008}}
{{reflist}}

===External links===
* [http://www.nick.com/shows/drake_and_josh/index.jhtml The official ''Drake & Josh'' page on Nick.com]
* [http://www.nick.co.uk/#/drake_and_josh/ Nick UK - Drake and Josh]

{{Drake & Josh}}
{{TEENick}}

[[Category:Drake & Josh| ]]
[[Category:2004 television series debuts]]
[[Category:2007 television series endings]]
[[Category:2000s American television series]]
[[Category:2000s Nickelodeon shows]]
[[Category:American children's comedy series]]
[[Category:American television sitcoms]]
[[Category:Celebrity duos]]
[[Category:Children's television series]]
[[Category:Television shows set in California]]

[[de:Drake & Josh]]
[[es:Drake y Josh]]
[[fr:Drake & Josh]]
[[he:דרייק וג'וש]]
[[nl:Drake & Josh]]
[[pl:Drake i Josh]]
[[pt:Drake & Josh]]
[[simple:Drake & Josh]]
[[fi:Drake & Josh]]
[[sv:Drake & Josh]]

Talk:Chao (Sonic the Hedgehog)/Archive 1

2008-06-07T04:58:37Z

71.182.145.40: /* Death */ new section

{{talkheader}}
{{cvgproj|class=Start|importance=Low}}
{{segaproject|class=Start|importance=Mid|tf=Sonic}}
==Chaos Baby==
I think Chao is short for Chaos Baby. Shouldn't we put that on the page?
[[User:Razor Rozar7|Razor Rozar7]] ([[User talk:Razor Rozar7|talk]]) 19:17, 6 May 2008 (UTC)

Only if you've got an official source to back that up.[[User:Fairfieldfencer|Fairfieldfencer]] [[User talk:Fairfieldfencer|FFF]] 19:24, 6 May 2008 (UTC)

My brother is a tester for Sega, and he says that's what he was told. Does that count? [[User:Razor Rozar7|Razor Rozar7]] ([[User talk:Razor Rozar7|talk]]) 18:15, 7 May 2008 (UTC)
:I don't think so.[[User:Fairfieldfencer|Fairfieldfencer]] [[User talk:Fairfieldfencer|FFF]] 18:59, 7 May 2008 (UTC)

==I didn't know this exsisted.==

I should contribute. =D --SonicChao [[User:SonicChao|userpage]] 22:51, 15 September 2006 (UTC)

----

<<; THIS HAS FANZ. LOOK. "his"? Lemme see, they're its. But.... I call lots of my Chao "she". <<; Replace it with it or something kthxbye. [[User:Alexie]]
:Done. Twasn't too hard :) -- [[User:RattleMan|RattleMan]] 05:33, 12 November 2005 (UTC)

==Chao Art Update==
I've replaced that old screenshot of the Chao from Sa2 with the art from Sonic Channel and added the character template thats on the other character articles [[User:UnDeRsCoRe|UnDeRsCoRe]] 17:12, 26 August 2006 (UTC)

==umm==
Needs to be rewritten, with some content moved to wikibooks. [[User:Ac1983fan|Ac1983fan]] 23:53, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

== Toss and rewrite ==

I'll probably toss and rewrite the whole thing, it's very, VERY messed up right now. I'm going to write on paper, if no one objects I'll post it by the end of the week. --[[User:Kinkoblast|Kinkoblast]] 15:12, 21 March 2006 (UTC)
:I have no objection. I tried my best, and I gave out as much info as I knew, as well as looking around. Yeah, this thing definitely needs a bit of a rewrite. -[[User:TonicBH|TonicBH]] 18:45, 21 March 2006 (UTC)
::I gave it a go, but the article still needs significant improvements to be considered "good". --[[User:hawkaris|hawkaris]] 05:06, 02 August 2006
:::So is what we have here the rewritten version, or was it never actually rewritten? I could rewrite it, but I'd basically just delete half of the article... [[User:Paul Haymon|Paul Haymon]] 08:37, 10 September 2006 (UTC)

== Chao Hacking? ==

I've heard about it, but haven't been able to find any tutorials on how to do it. I'm curious, as it is very interesting. I'm not using it to cheat, as I have good enough chao already. ~ [[User:DragonSparke|DragonSparke]] 17:39, 5 June 2006 (UTC)

It's fortunate the creator of the Chao Genome Project visits here ocassionally then. Go here to learn all about how to hack using the guide I made: http://www.freewebs.com/morpher333/hackachao.htm - "Tails Ohki" from GameFAQs. [[User:216.125.152.2|216.125.152.2]] 17:07, 13 June 2006 (UTC)

== CHAO 2006 ==

Will there be chao in Sonic the Hedgehog 2006.
From A PERSON{{unsigned|72.75.39.202|19:14, 9 June 2006}}

== No Chao ==

Does anyone know why they took them off the games? So I or anyone else can write it on the article? [[User:Mr.Willison|Mr.Willison]] 11:11, 16 October 2006 (UTC)
:They weren't taken off the games. There just aren't any chao gardens anymore. The thing is, I guess it was supposed to be a special thingy for the adventure and advance series. And if they were removed, no one knows why; it was never revealed. [[User:UnDeRsCoRe|UnDeRsCoRe]] 21:04, 16 October 2006 (UTC)
Oh <underbreath> those jerks.[[User:70.146.116.121|70.146.116.121]] 11:00, 17 October 2006 (UTC)

== Song ==

Ive been looking for that "instrumental song with Chao singing or making noises in the background" on a game rip music site but I cant find it. Does anyone know what its called? [[User:King Sweaterhead|-King SweaterHead]] 01:33, 14 November 2006 (UTC)

You can actually listen to it on TeamArtail's website. You'll need RealPlayer installed, though. [http://teamartail.com/music/sa2ost/] Click on either #28 or 29 in the Hero section (Left hand, Blue side.) --[[User:Tails0600|Tails0600]] 19:43 6 December 2006 (UTC)

== Revamp ==

For redoing this page, I had a few things we could do:
*Restructure
#Chao Intro
**Chao Ball
#Stats
**5 Basic Stats
**Grades
**Chaos Drives
**Animals
***Classification
##Life Cycle
**Birth
**Maturity (Evolution? Find a good term for chao evolution)
***Classification of Chao types
****Alignment
****Type (Second Evolution?)
**Reproduction
**Death
###Gardens
**Chao Key
**Types of Gardens

For the sources, the FAQ's on GameSpot are helpful, check out ConfusedGuy's, it's extremely comprehensive, research and all. It's in .txt, so I can't link to it directly.

== Chao Stat Maximums ==

Should anyone note that the Maximum Stat for a stat is 3299. Using the facts that the most one stat can get per level is 30 and you retain 10% of a Chao's stats when reincarnating, after 4 iterations, you get 3299.

I'll save you the trouble:

It's original research, you moronic imbiscile, There's no official thingamajig that says it, knucklehead!

I'll save someone else the trouble:

Did you just flame yourself?

Yes I did.

This was a colossal waste of time.

[[User:Sabre Knight|Sabre Knight]] 17:12, 7 February 2007 (UTC)

== Anyone planned to rewrite this yet? ==

ive baisically rewritten my website ([http://chao.hippotank.com/ Chao Island ]) to try and cover everything from a neutral point of view, covering beginner and advanced Chao advice. The Chao Wikipedia page can just use info from there if they like. Might save more time than a complete re-write.

P.S max stat is 3266 not 3299 @ above poster =)

[[User:NiGHTS|NiGHTS]] 12:22, 8 February 2007 (UTC)

First Life - 2970 (30 * 99)
Second Life - 2970 + 297 [2970/10 math.floor] = 3267
Third Life - 2970 + 326 [3267/10 math.floor]= 3296
Fourth Life - 2970 + 329 [3296/10 math.floor]= 3299

Thank you.

[[User:Sabre Knight|Sabre Knight]] 18:40, 15 February 2007 (UTC)

From the second life, you start from level 1, not level 0, so the max stats you can get is 2940, not 2970

No, Thank you. =)

[[User:NiGHTS|NiGHTS]] 20:03, 18 May 2007 (UTC)

I tried to rewrite it to make it look less like a stratagy guide, it still needs work but ive done all I can [[User:Darkness Mage|Darkness Mage]] 23:34, 28 May 2007 (UTC)

Done a lot of cleaning, now add references and check out the [[Wikipedia:Featured article criteria|Featured article criteria]] and FA status articles to give you more of a insight into what the page should be like. '''FMF<big><nowiki>|</nowiki></big>[[User talk:FullMetal Falcon|contact]]'''

== Rocky BS ==

Can someone remove the BS about the rocky the something-or-other? [[User:74.73.9.227|74.73.9.227]] 22:47, 19 October 2007 (UTC)

I just took care of it. --[[Special:Contributions/75.135.82.7|75.135.82.7]] ([[User talk:75.135.82.7|talk]]) 23:39, 25 November 2007 (UTC)

==Fair use rationale for Image:Sonichannel chao.png==
[[Image:Nuvola apps important.svg|70px|left]]
'''[[:Image:Sonichannel chao.png]]''' is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under [[Wikipedia:Fair use|fair use]] but there is no [[Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline|explanation or rationale]] as to why its use in '''this''' Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the [[Wikipedia:Image copyright tags/Fair use|boilerplate fair use template]], you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with [[WP:FU|fair use]].

Please go to [[:Image:Sonichannel chao.png|the image description page]] and edit it to include a [[Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline |fair use rationale]]. Using one of the templates at [[Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline]] is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.

If there is other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images lacking such an explanation can be deleted one week after being tagged, as described on [[Wikipedia:Criteria for speedy deletion#Images.2FMedia|criteria for speedy deletion]]. If you have any questions please ask them at the [[Wikipedia:Media copyright questions|Media copyright questions page]]. Thank you.

[[User:BetacommandBot|BetacommandBot]] ([[User talk:BetacommandBot|talk]]) 05:32, 24 January 2008 (UTC)

== Intro Paragraph ==
I think the part in the intro about mating Chao and specific recipes should be removed., It's irrelevant and doesn't belong in an intro section. Here is the specific paragraph I am referring to.

<blockquote>
Chao-raising and the main Sonic games tie together in a number of ways: items which you encounter in the main game can be used to raise your Chao, collected Rings can be used to buy things for them, and several unlockable features are related to Chao. Many different kinds of chao can be made, encluding a transparent chao (mating a shiny purple fly type devil with a silver jewel [only obtainable on gameboy game of sonic advance] power type chao. The silver one coming to the purple one, resulting in a regular looking chao that you can see through), an invisible chao (mating a shiny yellow chao with a pink jewel chao, resulting in an invisible chao [you can only see it's eyes, emotion ball, and wings]), and even a two toned shiny green chao (parents were a shiny two toned yellow and green shiny chao and a silver jewel chao). other sites have more rare chao recipes.
</blockquote>

--[[User:SonicEarth|SonicEarth]] ([[User talk:SonicEarth|talk]]) 05:29, 24 February 2008 (UTC)

== Death ==

Chao can die, right? If so, why isn't this mentioned? [[Special:Contributions/71.182.145.40|71.182.145.40]] ([[User talk:71.182.145.40|talk]]) 04:58, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

SegaSonic the Hedgehog

2008-06-07T04:40:58Z

71.182.145.40:

{{Infobox VG
|title= SegaSonic the Hedgehog
|image= [[Image:SEGASONICLOGO.jpg|250px]]
|caption=
|developer= Sega AM3
|publisher= [[Sega]]
|designer= M. Kusunoki, K. Miyagi, M. Hoshino, S. Yamagata
|released= [[Image:Flag of Japan.svg|22px|Japan]] [[June]] [[1993]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|22px|North America]] [[September]] [[1993]] [[Image:Flag of Europe.svg|22px|Europe]] [[September]] [[1993]]
|genre= [[Platform game|Platform]]
|modes= Up to 3 players simultaneously
|platforms= [[Arcade game|Arcade]]
|input= [[Trackball]], 1 [[Button (control)|button]]
|cabinet= Upright
|arcade system= [[Sega System 32]]
|display= [[Raster graphics|Raster]], 416 x 224 pixels (Horizontal), 16384 colors
}}
'''''SegaSonic the Hedgehog''''', known by various names including '''''Sonic Arcade''''', '''''Sonic the Arcade''''' and '''''SEGASONIC Arcade''''' was officially released into the Japanese arcades in June [[1993]]. Versions of the arcade game appeared in limited quantities in arcades in [[anglophone]] countries, such as London's [[Sega World]].

The game was [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'s first major arcade outing, and featured [[Sega]]'s mascot alongside two new characters:
[[Minor characters in Sonic the Hedgehog#Ray the Flying Squirrel|Ray The Flying Squirrel]] and [[Mighty the Armadillo]].
Mighty is one of the oldest characters in the ''Sonic'' franchise; he was a prototype for Sonic and thus bears an uncanny resemblance to him. ''Mighty'' would later feature in the low-profile ''[[Knuckles' Chaotix]]'' for the [[Sega 32X]];
''Ray'' has not appeared in any other official games. All three characters have identical controls and abilities.

In the game, Sonic, Ray and Mighty have been kidnapped by the evil [[Doctor Eggman]] and must run for their lives to escape Eggman Island, an island littered with tricks and traps that can be activated with the push of a button.

SegaSonic the Hedgehog was intendend to be a game in ''[[Sonic Gems Collection]]'', but was left out because the original game was controled by a trackball.

==Gameplay==
The premise of the game is to get to the end of an isometric course without dying. This objective is similar to other ''Sonic'' games, yet different in the sense that, instead of a typical platforming game, the game is entirely centered around running as fast as possible on a linear course from a never-ending barrage of threats, including giant boulders, lava flows, rogue gears, falling stalactites, and others. When the player is hit by a dangerous obstacle or hazard, he will lose health from a health bar which can be refilled with various rings found around the arena. Upon completing each level, the game tallies up how many rings were grabbed, and extra points are received if over half of the level's rings were found. The game only has one boss, who appears midway through the game.

The characters were controlled by one action button, allowing the player to perform a jumping spin attack, and a [[trackball]] is used to move around. The use of the trackball has subsequently led to great difficulty in both official and unofficial emulation efforts; in a recent interview, Yuji Naka stated that the reason it was not included on the recent ''[[Sonic Gems Collection]]'' was because of this. [http://xbox.gamespy.com/articles/654/654750p2.html] Each of the trackballs and their corresponding action buttons were color-coded (blue for Sonic, red for Mighty and yellow for Ray).

This game is notable for being the first to feature voices and dialog for the characters. It was also the first '''Sonic''' game to feature an ice level which would later become a recurring theme in the series starting with ''[[Sonic 3]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Ice Cap Zone.
Some of the tiles from the game are, when finished, used to show the version of "[[SatAM]] Robotnik" from [[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]. It is unknown what these tiles would be used for, though it is likely that it would have replaced the game's Eggman had the game been localized for the North American market.

==Levels==
The game is made up of seven stages:
#'''Volcanic Vault'''
#'''Icy Isle'''
#'''Desert Dodge'''
#'''Trap Tower'''
#'''Landslide Limbo'''
#'''Wild Water Way'''
#'''Eggman's Tower''' (final level)


Between stages, brief cutscenes show Dr. Robotnik panicking and plotting the player's demise as he tracks the latter's progress on a map of Eggman Island.


==Playable characters==
*[[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]] (voiced by Takeshi Kusao)
*[[Ray the Flying Squirrel]] (voiced by Hiroko Yoshino)
*[[Mighty the Armadillo]] (voiced by Yousuke Nomata)

==External links==
*[http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?game_id=9626 Sonic The Hedgehog Arcade] at the [[Killer List of Video Games]]

{{Sonic games (spin off)}}

[[Category:1993 video games]]
[[Category:Sega games]]
[[Category:Arcade games]]
[[Category:Sega System 32 games]]
[[Category:Sonic the Hedgehog games]]
[[Category:Sega arcade games]]

Talk:List of Mario role-playing games

2008-06-07T04:20:48Z

71.182.145.40: /* DS */

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{{NESproj|class=stub|importance=high}}

==Delete==
There is no need for a general character list because we have three game articles that cover the single game characters, and this one can easily handle a few paragraphs describing the recurring characters and the general trends (various party members, explorer stereotype, ect). Please remember that this isn't a vote, so only reasons involving the addition of non-trivial creation and development information will help your case. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 17:24, 30 September 2007 (UTC)
: No, a merge is not needed, because each game has a different variety of characters, each with different personalities, and characteristics. The general character list, is needed. [[User:Czarbender|C. Pineda (クリス)]] 01:28, 15 October 2007 (UTC)
::There are two reasons to make a list. The first is because real world information is available. That is not the case here. The second is that it is totally impossible to cover the topic within the series. This is also not the case. Each game has a fairly trivial cast of characters compared to other games, and there is no need for a separate article to deal with them when each game has a plot and characters section. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 01:39, 15 October 2007 (UTC)
These are not trivial characters. They are characters needed to guide the plot. Without them, there is no storyline. They ARE the storyline. [[User:Czarbender|C. Pineda (クリス)]] 04:04, 17 October 2007 (UTC)
:I said "compared to other games." The [[Characters of Final Fantasy VIII]] are notable and important enough to require an article, while this series's characters can be summarized in the text of the main articles. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 14:55, 17 October 2007 (UTC)
There's no infromation about ANY of the other characters! There's only four other mentioned characters, Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser! There's more than FOUR important characters! [[User:Czarbender|C. Pineda (クリス)]] 05:10, 19 October 2007 (UTC)
:::'''no merger/keep'''-Whereas a merger to incorporate the character list into the series, may be feasible, I feel such a merger would be too long for the Paper Mario (series) article. Merging in the fashion of [[User:TTN]], I do no feel is valid or appropriate after the recent decision of AfD of [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Paper Mario characters|the Paper Mario characters]], on Aug. 27 2007. which resulted '''no concensus.''' [[User:66.109.248.114|66.109.248.114]] 07:13, 19 October 2007 (UTC)

The main four characters and the two or so recurring characters (Kammy, Merlon, others?) will be summarized here, and the general trends can also be described afterwards. The rest of the characters belong in their respective games. No consensus is not binding at all; it can go either way afterwards. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 15:29, 19 October 2007 (UTC)

::As the article could go either way afterwards, it would be prudent to let discussion complete discussion before making sweeping changes to the Paper Mario characters list. There is clearly a validity to the article as it still exist versus being deleted. How that article should appear should be led in the discussion, rather than a blanket fold into an article. [[User:66.109.248.114|66.109.248.114]] 19:15, 20 October 2007 (UTC)

I support having a separate characters article. Merging imposes a needless restriction on the content. [[User:Everyking|Everyking]] 04:57, 22 October 2007 (UTC)

::I fully concur, a this point there is only one vocal advocate of the merge and three listed in this discussion against such. [[User:66.109.248.114|66.109.248.114]] 18:46, 22 October 2007 (UTC)

:::The characters are covered in the game articles, and only two or three characters jump between games. There is no reason that they cannot be covered there, so this cannot act as a special case to bypass [[WP:FICT]]. Numbers do not matter in this case. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 18:51, 22 October 2007 (UTC)

:::Many of these characters exist throughout the games, in addition games that have sold million of copies and brought in million of dollars, begin to edge in to notariety. Chiefly, the character list could be incorporated into this article, if it weren't for it size, which as part of that derivative aspect merits its own article. The argument that numbers do not matter is an easy statement when tryin to endorse your point; however there seem to be quite a few vocal editors who feel this is a valid article. Currently the previous edits, in contrast to this talk page are not harmonious, and appear to be a bit cavalier. [[User:66.109.248.114|66.109.248.114]] 20:13, 22 October 2007 (UTC)

::::The games are notable, but that doesn't extend to the characters without [[WP:WAF#Secondary information|real world information]] based on the characters. The only way that the list would not require real world information is if the articles could not cover the characters. The main four, Kammy, and Merlon are the only ones that play actual roles (not cameos) in multiple games. They are the only ones that would need to be covered here. The rest appear only in one game, and they easily fit in one article. Unless you provide real world information, numbers are irrelevant. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 20:22, 22 October 2007 (UTC)

[[User:TTN|TTN]], I think you're alone on this. This article is backed up by many editors, several wiki friends of mine (notably [[User:Malcolm]], a gentlemen who tried to delete this article but failed and then helped make it better) and also the WikiProject Nintendo. In one day, I'm going to revert it, and, if necessary, protect it, so you don't tamper with it anymore. Just give up, you've stated your case, and no one agrees with it. [[User:Czarbender|C. Pineda (クリス)]] 03:09, 23 October 2007 (UTC)

:Consensus is viewed from a large scale, not three people defending an article. The article does not satisfy [[WP:FICT]] (therefor failing [[WP:V]], [[WP:N]], and [[WP:RS]]), so unless you can provide ways to make it fit the guideline or a reason that makes it a special case, that consensus overrules this small one. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 14:18, 23 October 2007 (UTC)

::There has been vocal support both against a merge and deletion of this article by the wiki community. There then is not a clear consensus in regards to the articles, and the must be a more harmonious edit that can be done that the current blanket merge. Guidlines are guides, but that can be adjust to fit certain circumstances, thus the difference between guidline and policy. Policy being to discuss prior to making dramtic edits, without discussion first. [[User:66.109.248.114|66.109.248.114]] 16:56, 23 October 2007 (UTC)

TTN, Don't throw policy around, because you ignored it once before. Merging an article without discussion is against policy, but you did it anyway. I chose the higher route and made a discussion about it. Check [[Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Nintendo#Paper_Mario_Characters]] and you will see that the project, specifically aimed at this, is supporting of our case, not yours. I chose the higher route, and made a discussion, as I said before, and people have voiced their opinions, whether it be 3 people or a million people the point is, more than one person agrees to something, compared to the one person who feels they have more of a right than anyone else. not long from now, it's unmerged, and you need to leave it alone. Or else I will have an admin knock on your dorr faster than you can even receive this message. Discussion, is over. [[User:Czarbender|C. Pineda (クリス)]] 00:21, 24 October 2007 (UTC)
:I placed a merge tag, and left it for ten days, so there was plenty of time to attend. You would have been the only one attending the discussion if I had bothered to contact you, so nothing would be different. I see one user agreeing with you over at that project, and he is one of the three that I counted. Again, this has nothing to do with numbers as long as your side has nothing based in policy; you could have ten people on your side, and it wouldn't make a difference. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 00:26, 24 October 2007 (UTC)

::Ah I love this, time to use your words against you. You say that it fails verifiability? That article has resources, and I'm on my way to looking for more, in fact, I found some, so there we go. Notability, this is one of the biggest games of N64. This game did what rarely happens in the video game world, it was a hit near the end of that system's life. I think all it's characters are mention worthy, even if they do follow the "same standard" (like nothing else does that? give me a break.) And reliable sources? I think gamespot, one of the biggest gaming websites, is a reliable source. I don't know what your definition is, but its one of the best reliable sources out there. So, I believe i covered the three things this article "failed at". Secondly, if no one discusses, then that doesn't give you the right to just do what you will, that's called no consensus. An un-discussed merge isn't enough to merge, you need to wait, wait until people start talking. I see no merit on your side, and I see no reason why I should be stopped from reviving this article. The time is nearing when I will revert it. Say whatever last words you want to, they will probably mean nothing. [[User:Czarbender|C. Pineda (クリス)]] 00:38, 24 October 2007 (UTC)

:::"Sigh..." You need to verify the article's topic with reliable, [[WP:WAF#Secondary information|secondary sources]] that deal directly with the characters, not primary sources that have to do with just the games. The notability of the games has nothing to do with the notability of the characters at this site per [[WP:N#Notability requires objective evidence]]. You need to show that the topic is its own topic using the sources. Gamespot can give information on the games, but not the characters. You need to get down off of your high horse; you're not only rejecting our core principals, but you believe three editors and an anon can actually be considered a consensus. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 00:48, 24 October 2007 (UTC)

Oh? Gamespot not enough? well then...how about this website? "http://www.rpgclassics.com/shrines/n64/papermario/characternpc.shtml" See, I found this a long time ago, and I was going to put it in the article, but lo and behold it was gone, but I still have it. Hm....lets see....AH! All NPC characters in the first game! Wow, I'm so happy I found this. Also, just because someone's an anon, doesn't give anyone the right to put them down for it. This member has over 2500 edits, and is constantly encouraged to get an account, but doesn't (to the extent of my knowledge). Probably because that person doesn't want to deal with certain, unpleasant members of this website. Also, a 4:1 should be considered majority vote, as it is a 4:1 decision. [[User:Czarbender|C. Pineda (クリス)]] 00:57, 24 October 2007 (UTC)

:That site is not a reliable source and it does not provide '''[[WP:WAF#Secondary information|secondary information]]'''. An anon can be anyone, so it is hard to actually count them in a discussion, even if they edit a lot. As I have said, [[WP:NOTAVOTE|this is not a vote]]. Unless you actually provide something to fit the policies and guidelines, you have no case. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 01:00, 24 October 2007 (UTC)

::A) Provide reason why is isn't reliable, and B), who are you to say whether it is or not? And also, I may not have a case, but neither do you, as I have given you evidence, to the contrary of everything you say. [[User:Czarbender|C. Pineda (クリス)]] 01:11, 24 October 2007 (UTC)

:::Please look over [[WP:RS]]. The site is not a published, "scholarly" work (i.e. it's a fan site). Actually, you are the one that has yet to counter any of my points. If you want to argue over policies and guidelines, please actually be familiar with them. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 01:17, 24 October 2007 (UTC)

Actually, if you look at the bottom of the page, it shows a Copyright Symbol, meaning that it is published. And, no it's not a fan site. A fan site does not give details of all materials in said game. I know this because I am subscribed to tons of fan sites for Nintendo. Please check all your facts before making claims. [[User:Czarbender|C. Pineda (クリス)]] 01:54, 24 October 2007 (UTC)

:Published in this case means professionally (such as IGN and Gamespot). Each separate game "shrine" on that site is maintain by one person. No editorial oversight goes into it, and because of that it is a fan site (or fan "sub-site" if you want to be correct). That doesn't even include the fact that '''it does not provide [[WP:WAF#Secondary information|secondary information]]'''. Please follow that link, and actually read what it says. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 02:05, 24 October 2007 (UTC)

::It does not have to be professionally. That sounds like a capitalistic propaganda if i ever heard it! Just because it is not renowned across the country, doesn't mean it's not worthy. And ok, reading this list you handed me, Creator? Ok, easily verifiable. Foreign translations? yes we have that in our article, japanese names of characters, and I can just as easily obtain that somewhere else. Influence? oh yes, easily, because the Paper Mario Characters set the mold for the later characters for the Mario and Luigi games. so, all i need is simple websites to verify, and hm, i think we got that covered [[User:Czarbender|C. Pineda (クリス)]] 02:25, 24 October 2007 (UTC)

:::Again, please read over [[WP:RS]]. If you're going to claim that a fan site is reliable, it shows that you haven't even read the "In a nutshell part." The first two parts are examples that cannot build an article on their own, and you need reputable sources to compare to another series (the creators, major reviewers). You likely won't find that at all. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 02:35, 24 October 2007 (UTC)

That's merely a guideline, it's not policy. it's not set in stone, and can be flexible. [[User:Czarbender|C. Pineda (クリス)]] 03:06, 24 October 2007 (UTC)
:I think that TTN thinks he is doing what is best for the encyclopedia but his overly strict interpretation of guidelines is contrary to this project's spirit of collaboration. A similar discussion is happening at [[Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Pokémon#Bulbasaur|this section of the WikiProject Pokémon talk page]]. I concur with Everyking, merging imposes a needless restriction on the content.--[[User:Barnyard animals|Barnyard animals]] 08:28, 24 October 2007 (UTC)

::Please read the above discussion. There is not "limit" on content here. There are '''four available articles that can contain this information.''' The articles are '''nowhere near the point where they need to be split.''' If your only argument is "It's just a guideline", you admit that you have no actual case. Unless a reason is given, guidelines should be followed as you would follow any policy. This especially applies to RS, as it goes hand in hand with [[WP:V]] and [[WP:N]]. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 14:59, 24 October 2007 (UTC)

TTN, you are wrong to keep redirecting the page with consensus. Perhaps this article will remain whole or perhaps it will be split up and put into the pages for the individual games. Regardless, you are wrong to keep editing the page to redirect to a simple list of main characters that have no descriptions, pictures, or anything else. You are completely disregarding all of the information that has been compiled on this article. Most of all you are disregarding the rules of discussion and collaboration that Wikipedia is built upon, by acting by your own will and against the will of many other editors. -[[User:Zomic13|Zomic13]] 08:20, 26 October 2007 (UTC)

I propose a formal survey for future discussion purposes, in the advent another discussion to merge would rise, and to clarify opinions at this point. [[User:66.109.248.114|66.109.248.114]] 18:34, 26 October 2007 (UTC)

:This is not a vote; ''this is not a vote''; '''this is not a vote'''; this is NOT a vote; ect. You are four or five editors against two policies and various guidelines. It is not like you are twenty people, and I am one stubborn editor that hates the real kind of consensus. You either provide real world information, or this doesn't come back. That is it. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 20:45, 26 October 2007 (UTC)
::I feel you are minimalizing the concerns of some editors. I want a survey to have a clear idea of where opinions are at this point. [[User:66.109.248.114|66.109.248.114]] 21:01, 26 October 2007 (UTC)
:::Of course I am. I have no interest in the opinions of fans. The Mario wiki is right over [http://www.mariowiki.com/Main_Page here]. This is a [[tertiary source]] built mainly off of secondary sources, so unless you provide information from secondary sources, you cannot have a topic. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 21:09, 26 October 2007 (UTC)
This article/list looks terrible. I suggest either writing it in the same style as e.g. [[Characters of Kingdom Hearts]] or [[Organization XIII]] with real world info and reliable sources and a reception section. [[User:The Prince of Darkness|The Prince]] 21:17, 26 October 2007 (UTC)
::Articles about characters in a series are not uncommon. This page is extensive and warrants staying. Perhaps it needs to be reformatted as Prince stated, but it should not simply be deleted and redirected to a list of just a few major characters who don't even feature descriptions. -[[User:Zomic13|Zomic13]] 21:29, 26 October 2007 (UTC)
:::The fact that they are created by people that do not think about the policies and guidelines doesn't make it the correct thing to do. There are two reasons to have a list. The first is if it is modeled like [[Characters of Kingdom Hearts]]. If it would be possible to do that, I would not be trying to remove it. The second is if it would be impossible to cover the topic in other articles. I have already shown that that is not the case. We are not a fan site, so you need to meet one of those two criteria. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 21:34, 26 October 2007 (UTC)

We should also note that TTN is not arguing for the merging of the articles, TTN is arguing for the deletion of the article. -[[User:Zomic13|Zomic13]] 21:44, 26 October 2007 (UTC)

A change if format or style does not equate in to the essential deletion of an article. [[User:66.109.248.114|66.109.248.114]] 22:13, 26 October 2007 (UTC)

:Can you please actually read what I have written? [[WP:N#Notability requires objective evidence|"Noteworthiness"]] (follow the link) on this site requires sources to assert it. Can you please respond directly to this point: Throwing all other arguments away, why is there a need for a character article when there are '''four different articles that can easily contain the information'''? If you can add sources that provide real world information, then the article can stay. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 22:15, 26 October 2007 (UTC)

::Perhaps we would listen to your more if you weren't so adamant on deleting the article. No one, but you wants it deleted. If it is not notable enough for its own article, it still shouldn't be deleted. -[[User:Zomic13|Zomic13]] 22:46, 26 October 2007 (UTC)
::Also changes on Wikipedia are based upon discussion, collaboration, and consensus. I don't believe we can ever move forward on this issue, especially when you claim "''I am one stubborn editor that hates the real kind of consensus.''" That is not what Wikipedia is about. -[[User:Zomic13|Zomic13]] 22:54, 26 October 2007 (UTC)

:::If you would like to merge some of the information into the four articles, feel free. The article doesn't have to be around for you to do that. Most of the information already exists, so there is no need for a large merge effort. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 22:48, 26 October 2007 (UTC)

::::We don't want to merge the information into four articles, we want the article whole. Spreading the info across four articles is unnecessary (and it will only result in duplicate information being posted on multiple pages). -[[User:Zomic13|Zomic13]] 22:59, 26 October 2007 (UTC)

:::::This is how I know that you're not even reading my posts. I said that I am ''not'' that kind of editor (Well, I am stubborn). I like the real kind of consensus, which is based in policy. A lower consensus will never override that of the community. If you want to make this kind of article stay, you need to change [[WP:N]], [[WP:V]], and [[WP:RS]].

:::::You're thinking backwards with managing the information. The information will always be present in the four articles, so the list is the redundant part here. Where would there be repeated information? Only six characters have more than cameos in other games, and all of them will have space in the main article. The rest are one game characters, so there will be no overlapping. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 23:06, 26 October 2007 (UTC)

You can't go against the notability guidelines like you're doing, Zomic13. If you can provide the things I mentioned earlier, the article stays. If not, it gets deleted. It's as simple as that. [[User:The Prince of Darkness|The Prince]] 23:05, 26 October 2007 (UTC)

I'm not. I want this article to stay and do well, but as I stated below, I think the article needs to be worked on and possibly redone though. That can't happen though while it is locked and it can't be unlocked until there's a guarantee that it won't constantly be reverted back and forth. '''Proposal: We agree to unlock it for one week so that those of us who want the article and can be given a chance to fix the issues. If at the end of the week it still does not meet the requirements, we merge it somehow.''' Sound fair?-[[User:Zomic13|Zomic13]] 23:28, 26 October 2007 (UTC)
:I'm fine with that under the condition that you will not try to wikilawyer around the issues. To bring it up to standards, you will need to provide real world information that combines both words from the creators and reviewers. This information will have to directly relate to the characters as a whole, and it will need to be of good size and quality. That needs to be very, very clear. After that, you will need to condense the information down into succinct paragraphs for groups of characters, but work on the real world information first. Contact the administrator if you're fine with that. [[User:TTN|TTN]] 23:33, 26 October 2007 (UTC)

Holy crap people why do you care? —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/205.243.126.208|205.243.126.208]] ([[User talk:205.243.126.208|talk]]) 07:12, 5 February 2008 (UTC) 

== Actions to Take ==

We really need to decide what action to take, as otherwise this edit war will never end. Here are the options:
# Delete the article (the action that has been causing the edit war)
# Merge the article with [[Paper Mario (series)]]
# Keep the article as it is
# Keep the article, but rewrite and/or reform it

Please post your top option (and only post your option with a small comment as to why). Keep other discussion to the conversation above. -[[User:Zomic13|Zomic13]] 22:04, 26 October 2007 (UTC)

'''4''' - It is noteworthy (and long enough) to warrant its own article - but it needs to be redone. Merging it would make the other article too long and deleting it (as has been done) is unwarranted. -[[User:Zomic13|Zomic13]] 22:04, 26 October 2007 (UTC)

'''4''' - The icon nature of Mario warrants that major video games and series featuring the character are noteworthy. The length of the current subarticle is too long to be incorporated fully, but deletion some of this valuable information of these characters is not requeired. [[User:66.109.248.114|66.109.248.114]] 23:03, 31 October 2007 (UTC)

'''4''' - I guess it could have more sources. But I really don't know what else it could use. (P.S. Forgive my absence. I'm rather busy these days, and don't have time to edit Wikipedia everyday. Darn [[FIRST Tech Challenge|robots]] take up all my time. ) [[User:Czarbender|C. Pineda (クリス)]] 03:28, 16 November 2007 (UTC)

'''2''' - this either needs to be refer3enced and heavily rewritten in the next few weeks, or it will go back to AFD and it will almost certainly get deleted. [[User:Neil|Neil]] [[User_talk:Neil|☎]] 09:48, 3 December 2007 (UTC)

'''4''' - The article is prominent enough to stay, but some information is just not needed. Some of the information is also too confusing, hence the reason for a rewrite. [[User:Amazeedayzee|Amazeedayzee]] ([[User talk:Amazeedayzee|talk]]) 23:04, 6 January 2008 (UTC)

==DS==

I heard somewhere that the series will be coming to the DS as New Paper Mario. Can someone verify this? [[Special:Contributions/76.126.29.36|76.126.29.36]] ([[User talk:76.126.29.36|talk]]) 00:29, 1 March 2008 (UTC)

:Nothing about it on major sites. Where did you hear it? -[[User:Zomic13|Zomic13]] ([[User talk:Zomic13|talk]]) 05:31, 2 March 2008 (UTC)
::I can't remember. Perhaps Nintendopedia once. Fansites create these rumors. People have even photoshopped a DS version of Paper Mario that's already been uploaded to Google. [[Special:Contributions/76.126.29.36|76.126.29.36]] ([[User talk:76.126.29.36|talk]]) 05:58, 2 March 2008 (UTC)

Wikipedia itself references it [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_Mario#DS_remake here]. [[Special:Contributions/71.182.145.40|71.182.145.40]] ([[User talk:71.182.145.40|talk]]) 04:20, 7 June 2008 (UTC)