In episode 287 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Ian (@ibmmiller) and BJ (@bjshea33) read through three tales of the Batman universe meeting with the classic JSA member Wildcat! Batman/Wildcat, Catwoman/Wildcat, and Robin 80 Page Giant! Chuck Dixon, Beau Smith, Sergio Cariello, and Diego Barreto take on these brave and bold team ups – which is our favorite? Which would we like to see more of?
For our Bat-Family: Do these three stories make you interested in reading more about Wildcat?
Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here.

 
In episode 286 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Ian (@ibmmiller) and BJ (@bjshea33) take a look at the FINAL arc of Batman: Knightfall, as the Dynamic Duo faces a threat from Mother Russia! How do Chuck Dixon, Doug Moench, and Alan Grant wrap up the most ambitious Batman story of all time? What was Alfred’s love life like 20 years ago? And best of all, was it fun?
For our Bat-Family: Does Troika seem like a fitting ending to Knightfall?
Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here.

 
In episode 285 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Ian (@ibmmiller) and BJ (@bjshea33) take a look at the penultimate arc of Batman: Knightfall, in one of the first times Dick Grayson took the place of Batman! What was this collaboration between Chuck Dixon, Doug Moench, and Alan Grant like with a different central character? Was the juggling good or did some balls drop? And what artist really blew us away?
For our Bat-Family: Why do you think this arc is called Prodigal?
Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here.

 
In episode 284 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Ian (@ibmmiller) and BJ (@bjshea33) finish the second half of Matt Fraction (and artists David Aja, Annie Wu, Francesco Francavilla, and Javier Pullido, etc) on Hawkeye in preparation for Matt Fraction taking over the main Batman book with artist Jorge Jimenez in September! How did it all end? How does it compare to some other Hawkeye stories?
For our Bat-Family: What non-Batman TV show do you feel would provide a really good influence on a Batman comic run?
Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here.

 
In episode 283 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Ian (@ibmmiller) and BJ (@bjshea33) take a look at the first half of Matt Fraction (and artists David Aja, Francesco Francavilla, Steve Lieber, and Javier Pullido, etc) on Hawkeye! Why Hawkeye? Because in just one month, Matt Fraction is taking over the main Batman book with artist Jorge Jimenez, and we want to know what we’re likely to get! What did we think? Should you read it? (Yes!)
For our Bat-Family: What do we think is likely to see in Fraction’s Batman having read his Hawkeye?
Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here.

 
In episode 282 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Ian (@ibmmiller) and BJ (@bjshea33) review the brand new Superman film starring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan! What did we think? Should you go see it? (Yes!) And what was our favorite part!
For our Bat-Family: What do YOU think about Superman (2025)?
Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here.

 
In episode 281 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Ian (@ibmmiller) and BJ (@bjshea33) review DC’s three Retroactive Comics published in 2011 for Batman – the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s! By legendary writers Len Wein, Mike Barr, and Alan Grant, and including art by the stellar Norm Breyfogle, these three books looked back at DC’s history just before the n52 wiped it away for five years. Are they worth reading? What should you expect from them?
For our Bat-Family: If DC were to do Retroactive stories for the 2000s and 2010s, what standalone story and creative team would you like to see return?
Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here.

 
In episode 280 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Ian (@ibmmiller) and BJ (@bjshea33) review two comics in which Batman explores the mysteries of Ancient Egypt! The Elseworlds tale by Doug Moench and Barry Kitson – Batman: Book of the Dead pairs well with The Ankh by Chuck Dixon and John Van Fleet! What is it like when Batman finds mummies and ancient tombs and curses? And is there a surprise connection to the 2012 blockbuster 2012?
For our Bat-Family: What would be the most interesting crossover between Batman and Ancient Egyptian mythology for you?
Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here.

 
In episode 279 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Ian (@ibmmiller) and BJ (@bjshea33) review the Batman: Knightfall 3 hour radio drama by Dirk Maggs for the BBC! What is it? When did it happen? Is it worth listening to?
For our Bat-Family: Is there any part of the Knightfall comics arc that you think really should be deleted in an adaptation?
Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here.

 
In episode 278 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Ian (@ibmmiller) and BJ (@bjshea33) review four comics in which Batman and the King Arthur mythos collide! From 1946, Batman #36, World’s Finest #162 (1966), Batman: Dark Knight of the Round Table #1-2 (Elseworld) (1998), and ending with Batman: The Chalice (1999)! Which of these tales of knights and magic would we recommend?
For our Bat-Family: What would you like to see from a Batman and King Arthur story?
Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here.

 
In episode 277 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Ian (@ibmmiller) and BJ (@bjshea33) review the new audio drama podcast, DC High Volume: Batman – Year One. Who is this adaptation for? How does it compare to the comic and the 2010s animated adaptation?
For our Bat-Family: What Batman comics would you like to see adapted by DC High Volume?
Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here.

 
In episode 276 of The Batman Universe Podcast, Ian (@ibmmiller) and BJ (@bjshea33) decided to try to honor Val Kilmer after his recent passing with a discussion of his performance as Batman in Batman Forever (1994). Join us as we look at the highs, the lows, and the Schumachers of this (in our opinion) underrated Batman film!
For our Bat-Family: Which Batman Timeline is Your Favorite?
Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here.

 
In the TBU Podcast Episode 275, your host, Scott, is joined by Collin Colsher, a former TBU contributor and the founder of The Batman Chronology Project. By its own definition, “The Batman Chronology Project is a study of serialized storytelling in superhero comics. More specifically, it tracks the continuity of DC Comics via the lens of Batman by plotting his appearances into detailed timelines.”
For new readers or old, casual Batman fans or hardcore Bat-veterans, The Batman Chronology Project is an incredible site that goes well beyond cataloguing Batman’s various timelines. It’s an exploration of the truly unique experience of comic book storytelling, as well as a resource for fans looking to ask questions or pitch ideas. Bat-fans can contact Collin Colsher by email: ccolsher@gmail.com. 
In this episode, Scott and Collin discuss:

* The nature of comic book storytelling
* Favorite Batman storylines
* How many Bat-timelines The Batman Chronology Project has identified
* Relaunches and reboots
* And more!

For our Bat-Family: Which Batman Timeline is Your Favorite?
Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here. Explore The Batman Chronology Project at https://therealbatmanchronologyproject.com/.

 
In this week’s episode of The Batman Universe Podcast, your hosts, Scott and BJ, walk through a history of all of the times Batman retired. Depending on what sites you read, many lists and articles include times where Batman technically… *ahem* died. We talk about a couple of those times, but in our eyes, they don’t care. Death and retirement are not the same.
Batman Retired Storylines Covered:

* The Dark Knight Returns (1986)

* You can listen to our past episode on this storyline in Episode 259: Revisiting ‘The Dark Knight Returns’ Comic & Adaptation.


* Batman: The Cult (1988)
* Batman: Knightfall (1993)
* Batman: Prodigal (1997)
* Batman: Superheavy (2014)
* Batman ’66 Meets Wonder Woman ’77 (2016)
* Batman Annual #2 (2018)
* “Chemistry” episode of The New Adventures of Batman and Robin (1998)
* “A Better World” episode of Justice League (2003)
* Batman Beyond (1999-2001)
* The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
* Earth-2 Batman
* Batman Forever (1995)

* BJ is technically right that this one counts. Batman retires for like 30 seconds.



Please note: We do not cover Batman ’89: Echoes, as that story is not yet completed as of the time of this recording. 
 
Other Bat-Topics
We also discuss a few other news-worthy items this episode. We cover the rumor that The Dark Knight might be returning to IMAX in May, based on theories after this AMC Theaters link went live. We also spend some time talking about a State Farm advertisement, but it’s not any advertisement, it’s their new Batman vs. Bateman campaign.
 
For our Bat-Family: Which is your favorite Bat-Retirement story?
Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here. For more from your hosts, you can find Scott on Bluesky (@writerscott.bsky.social) or at ScottWaldynWrites.com and BJ on Twitter (@BJShea33).

 
Two episodes ago, your daring hosts, Scott and BJ, watched the 1943 Batman serial from Columbia Pictures. In this week’s episode of The Batman Universe Podcast, Scott and BJ watched the 15-episode sequel serial from 1949.
In Batman and Robin, a new cast dons the crime-fighting outfits of the Dynamic Duo, and viewers are treated to appearances from supporting players like Commissioner Gordon (who was absent in the first serial), Vicki Vale, and Alfred Pennyworth. They’re also up against an original villain who was solely created for this serial – a sinister character known as The Wizard! It’s an another action-packed romp filled with big-time heists, murder, corporate espionage, and a twist ending after the reveal of who’s the mystery man behind The Wizard’s hood!
If you want to join our podcast hosts and watch this serial, you can find it on Tubi. Otherwise, get ready as Scott and BJ tackle topics like:

* What’s changed between the 1943 serial and this one?
* Why does Vicki Vale have a brother, and is he canon or an original character?
* Who is The Wizard, and has he ever appeared in the comics?
* Two different actors portray Batman and Robin in this sequel serial. How do Robert Lowery and Johnny Duncan (the new Dynamic Duo) compare to Lewis Wilson and Douglas Croft?
* Do Batman Robin STILL not have a Batmobile?
* What Bat-gadgets appear in this serial?
* And more!

Other topics this episode include a catch-up on all of the DC Studios happenings recently spoken about by James Gunn and Peter Safran.
For our Bat-Family: Which Batman and Robin do you prefer — 1949 or 1997
Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here. For more from your hosts, you can find Scott on Bluesky (@writerscott.bsky.social) or at ScottWaldynWrites.com and BJ on Twitter (@BJShea33). Come back in two weeks for our episode on all the times Batman retired!

 
In this episode of The Batman Universe Podcast, Scott is once again joined by Rob from Comic Book Chronicles. The two chat about Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s canon-altering “The Court of Owls” storyline that first appeared in the revamped Batman #1 (from the New 52 era).
It’s been nearly 14 years since the debut of the Court of Owls. After a smashing success, it wasn’t long before the court was adapted into TV shows, video games, and other media. The court was also expanded, growing into a worldwide Parliament of Owls, as well as off-shoots like the Court of Eagles.
While the impact of “The Court of Owls” and subsequent “Night of the Owls” storylines have certainly left their mark, how do they hold up? Are they the worthy Batman adversaries we’ve been led to believe, and do they earn their place in the Batman mythos?
Listen in as Scott and Rob share their thoughts. Listeners can also find Comic Book Chronicles at:

* TikTok: @comicbookchronicles
* Instagram: @comicbookchroniclesrob
* YouTube: @ComicBookChroniclesRob
* Threads: @comicbookchroniclesrob

For our Bat-Family: Where Does the Court of Owls Storyline Rank Among Your Favorite Batman Stories? 
Tell us your thoughts about the Court of Owls. Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net or leave a comment. As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here. For more from your hosts, you can find Scott on Bluesky (@writerscott.bsky.social) or at ScottWaldynWrites.com and BJ on Twitter (@BJShea33).

 
In Episode 271 of The Batman Universe Podcast, cohosts Scott and BJ take a trip back in time to Batman’s FIRST live-action debut. No, we’re not talking Adam West. We’re going back further, talking about Batman and Robin as portrayed by Lewis Wilson and Douglas Croft in the 1943 Columbia Pictures’ 15-part serial simply known as Batman.
Did you know that the Batman serial introduced TWO major developments to the Batman canon?
Along with covering how this 1943 serial changed Batman comics forever, Scott and BJ explore:

* Characterization: How does this Dynamic Duo compare to their comic book counterparts?
* Bat-Gadgetry: From the Batmobile to disguises and crime-fighting tools, what kind of weapons and tools does Batman use?
* Plot & Propaganda: This serial came out in 1943, right in the middle of the United States’ involvement in World War II. Instead of a Batman villain, this Caped Crusader battles against the saboteur Dr. Tito Daka. How did the time period affect the story and portrayal of Batman, and how does that translate to how we view this serial in 2025?
* Favorite Scenes: Despite this being a lower-budget serial, Batman packs quite a wallop! Scott and BJ go over their favorite sequences, both the thrilling action sets and humorous moments.
* Did Robin Really Do That?: Yes. Yes, he did. We’ll talk about it.

 
For our Bat-Family: Where You Aware of the 1943 Batman Serial?
Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here. For more from your hosts, you can find Scott on Bluesky (@writerscott.bsky.social) or at ScottWaldynWrites.com and BJ on Twitter (@BJShea33).

 
Hosts BJ and Scott return to The Batman Universe Podcast after the holidays, primed and ready to talk about this year’s upcoming major Bat-events, including the arrival of Hush 2 from superstars Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee, Alex Sinclair, Scott Williams, and Richard Starkings.
For those who haven’t heard, the creative team behind the original Batman: Hush storyline are returning to the main Batman title for a follow-up story that will begin in Batman #158. Fans can plan to pick up this new 12-issue storyline on March 26, 2025.
But has it really been since 2004, when the original Hush storyline ended, since we’ve seen the titular Batman villain? Of course not! For those who remember DC Comics back when Batman #609 first introduced readers to this character, Hush became an instant hit, and for years afterward, he was constantly gracing the pages of Batman books, including Detective Comics, Gotham Knights, and Streets of Gotham.
In episode #270 of The Batman Universe Podcast, BJ and Scott go through Hush’s history, from his origin and introduction through subsequent storylines and appearances to get you up to speed. And if you want to listen to our episode where we revisited Batman: Hush for its 20th anniversary, you can find it here: https://thebatmanuniverse.net/episode-219-5/
 
Other Topics Covered This Episode

* Holiday Catch-Up

* .BJ and Scott share books they’ve read or things they did over the holidays.

* Scott mentions a Robert Eggers / Batman Returns connection that surfaced in a recent media circuit ahead of the latest Nosferatu remake. You can watch that here:







* Golden Globes Awards

* The Penguin was nominated for three Golden Globes (and the show won one).

* Nominees:

[Nominated] Cristin Milioti was nominated for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television
[Nominated] The Penguin show was nominated for Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television
[Winner] Colin Farrell was nominated for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television

* Watch Colin Farrell’s acceptance speech here:











For our Bat-Family: What’s your favorite Hush storyline?
Join our Discord, and share your thoughts. Prefer email? No problem. Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here. For more from your hosts, you can find Scott on Bluesky (@writerscott.bsky.social) or at ScottWaldynWrites.com and BJ on Twitter (@BJShea33).

 
In this episode of The Batman Universe Podcast, hosts Scott and BJ talk about their favorite Batman moments from 2024, as well as new Bat-related books and media to look forward to in 2025.
It’s a celebration of the best of Batman, along with a few nods to other comic books and video games that came out this past year. Along with the annual recap, the two discuss the announcement of the new Mike Flanagan-helmed Clayface movie, which you can read more about here. They also make mention of the Athena Finger-helmed campaign to get Bill Finger’s name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
 
Further Listening
In one segment, Scott mentions our sister site, TheComicBookSpot.com. Site editor Theo interviewed Space Ghost comic book scribe David Pepose, which you can listen to here. Theo also interviewed Jeremy Adams, writer of the current Flash Gordon comic from Mad Cave Studios. That interview is forthcoming.
 
For our Bat-Family: What were some of your favorite Bat-moments from 2024?
Join our Discord, and share your thoughts. Prefer email? No problem. Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. It’s a great way to show your support, and it’s quick and easy! Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here. For more from your hosts, you can find Scott on Threads (@Writer_Scott) or at ScottWaldynWrites.com and BJ on Twitter (@BJShea33).

 
In episode 268 of The Batman Universe Podcast, hosts Scott and BJ wrap up their discussion of The Penguin series on HBO Max. This episode covers a discussion on the following The Penguin episodes:

* The Penguin Episode 5: Homecoming
* The Penguin Episode 6: Gold Summit
* The Penguin Episode 7: Top Hat
* The Penguin Episode 8: Great or Little Thing

Scott and BJ talk about character arcs, favorite moments, least favorite moments, unexpected surprises, heartbreaking deaths (spoiler!), and whether or not they enjoyed the series as a whole. Did it need to be 8 hours, or would it have been better as a leaner, meaner two-hour film? Also, what did our dynamic hosts think the ending means for both the future of Oswald Cobb as a character as well as the upcoming The Batman Part II?
Listeners who are catching up on the series can listen to past TBU discussions on the show (Episode 264: ‘The Penguin’ Series Episodes 1 & 2 and Episode 266: ‘The Penguin’ Series Episodes 3 & 4).
Also, for those who need a refresher on a history of the character, Scott and BJ did a deep dive into Oswald Cobblepot a few months back. Check out Episode 253: All About The Penguin, which offers a timeline of the character’s evolution throughout each comic book age, as well as beloved Penguin-centric stories from the hosts.
Other Topics Covered in Episode 268

* Post-Thanksgiving catch-up
* Creature Commandos is NOW STREAMING on MAX, giving viewers their first glimpse of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DCU.

For our Bat-Family: Did you enjoy the finale to The Penguin?
Join our Discord, and share your thoughts on The Penguin. Prefer email? No problem. Drop us a line at TBU@TheBatmanUniverse.net.  As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe on the streaming platform of your preference. Thank you, loyal Bat-fans!
Find past episodes of The Batman Universe Podcast right here. For more from your hosts, you can find Scott on Threads (@Writer_Scott) or at ScottWaldynWrites.com and BJ on Twitter (@BJShea33).