DC will host a Batman birthday bash honoring the 80th anniversary of the iconic Super Hero Batman at this year’s WonderCon, taking place in Anaheim on March 29-31.
For the eight decades since Gotham City millionaire socialite Bruce Wayne donned the cape and cowl, Batman has served as a symbol of determination, bravery and justice to generations of fans across comic books, movies, television, video games and more. On Saturday, March 30 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., DC celebrates this incredible pop culture milestone by assembling a panel that will be the talk of WonderCon! This panel features legendary talents who have contributed to The Dark Knight’s 80-year legacy:
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David Mazouz, stars as a young Bruce Wayne on the hit TV series Gotham
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Kevin Conroy, renowned voice of Batman in the fan-favorite Batman: The Animated Series and Batman: Arkham video games
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Lee Meriwether, who starred in the 1960’s Batman movie as Catwoman
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Roger Craig Smith, the voice of Batman in the Batman: Arkham Origins video game and the popular animated film Batman: Ninja
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Jim Lee, DC Publisher, Chief Creative Officer and BATMAN: HUSH artist
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Grace Randolph, host of “Behind The Trailer” and Batman pop culture expert
Highlighted by the release of the publishing milestone issue of DETECTIVE COMICS #1000 and the retrospective hardcover DETECTIVE COMICS: 80 YEARS OF BATMAN: DELUXE EDITION, both out this month, Batman’s seminal history on the page will also be recognized at WonderCon with a “DC Celebrates 80 Years of Batman Comics” panel featuring top DC writers and artists including Greg Capullo, Sam Humphries, Tom King, Joëlle Jones, Scott Snyder and Peter J. Tomasi. Taking place Friday, March 29 from 3:30-4:30 p.m., this panel honors the comic book legacy of the most popular single Super Hero ever created.
WonderCon will also host several spotlight panels featuring top DC talent who have all contributed to Batman’s enduring legacy on the page including Capullo, Jones, King, Andy Kubert, Lee, Tim Sale, Liam Sharp, Alex Sinclair, Tomasi and more. For more details, a full list of panels can be found here. Furthermore, the cover to this year’s official WonderCon Souvenir Program will honor Batman and the milestone issue of DETECTIVE COMICS #1000 with an exclusive illustration by Lee Weeks (BATMAN, BATMAN/ELMER FUDD SPECIAL #1).
DC’s spectacular booth (#1101) will be a can’t-miss destination for fans, featuring DC’s iconic characters and exciting releases including special fan giveaways, a display of Batman cowls from Warner Bros Archives and a packed signing schedule with appearances from the biggest names in comics. Fans visiting the booth will also have the chance to put themselves on Jim Lee’s cover of the milestone issue of DETECTIVE COMICS #1000 with a special, must-see green screen photo booth experience!
Nearby, the Graphitti Designs booth (#1001) will also have exclusive variant issues of DC’s hottest comics including DETECTIVE COMICS #1000 with a variant cover by Jim Lee, Scott Williams and Alex Sinclair, available for $25 while supplies last. Other available variants will feature covers by artists Nick Derington (DIAL H FOR HERO #1), Mitch Gerads (HEROES IN CRISIS #7), Jorge Jimenez (JUSTICE LEAGUE #20), Jim Lee (SHAZAM! #4), Francis Manapul (ACTION COMICS #1009), and Lee Weeks (BATMAN #67). Each of these will feature a silver foil finish and sell for $15 apiece, while supplies last. Fans can pick up the official WonderCon T-shirt as well, featuring commissioned art by Weeks.
The Caped Crusader will be the cornerstone of the DC WonderCon panel schedule, with a DC Batman panel every single day of the show, alongside additional programming honoring the best characters in pop culture (panelists and panel times are subject to change).
Friday, March 29
3:30-4:30 p.m. DC CELEBRATES 80 YEARS OF BATMAN – Eighty years after his first appearance in DETECTIVE COMICS, Batman endures as one of the most iconic heroes in history. Join a star-studded panel of industry talent including Joëlle Jones (CATWOMAN), best-selling Batman creative team Scott Snyder & Greg Capullo (BATMAN: THE LAST KNIGHT ON EARTH), Tom King (BATMAN), Becky Cloonan (DETECTIVE COMICS #1000) and Peter J. Tomasi (DETECTIVE COMICS) as they discuss the World’s Greatest Detective at this must-see panel moderated by Sam Humphries (HARLEY QUINN). Room: North 200B
5:30-6:30p.m. THIS IS YOUR DC UNIVERSE – DC fans will get an in-depth look at the ground-breaking digital subscription service designed just for fans, DC UNIVERSE. The panel will feature the latest news on original live-action and animated series Doom Patrol, Swamp Thing and Young Justice: Outsiders, alongside a closer look at the incredible line-up of legendary DC films, epic animated movies, comic books, exclusive merchandise and more! Fans attending the panel will receive a show exclusive poster featuring the cast of the DC UNIVERSE series Doom Patrol! Room: North 200B
Saturday, March 30
12:00–1:00 p.m. DC SUPER HERO GIRLS VIDEO PRESENTATION AND Q&A – Fresh off their brand-new series on Cartoon Network, the DC Super Hero Girls are coming to WonderCon! The world may know them as Wonder Woman, Supergirl and Batgirl, but not-so-typical teenagers Diana, Kara and Barbara, alongside their Super Hero friends, have much more to deal with than just protecting the citizens of Metropolis from some of the most sinister school-aged Super-Villains of the DC Universe. After all, being teens is tough enough, what with school, friends, family and the chaos that comes with managing a social life. But add super powers and a secret identity to the mix, and things can get a lot more complicated. Join executive producer Lauren Faust (My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends) and other members of the creative team as they share new footage and answer fan questions! DC Super Hero Girls airs Sundays on Cartoon Network (check local listings). North 200A.
2:30–3:30 p.m. DC MEET THE PUBLISHERS – Come hear firsthand the latest on the World’s Greatest Super Heroes from DC publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee. Combining humor, breaking news and filled with lots of surprises, this panel is the perfect place to find out what the Publishers have in store for your favorite DC heroes and villains. Room: North 200B
3:30–4:30 p.m. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BATMAN! – Calling all Batfans! Batman’s official birthday bash will be the can’t-miss panel of WonderCon. Join the all-star panel featuring David Mazouz, Jim Lee, Lee Meriwether, Kevin Conroy, Roger Craig Smith, and Grace Randolph to celebrate the Caped Crusader and his many incarnations across film, television, animation, games and comics. Room: North 200B
Sunday, March 31
10:30-11:30 a.m. DC BATMAN ART ACADEMY – Sharpen your pencils and bring your notebooks because class is in session! To commemorate the milestone 80th birthday of the iconic Batman, a fan-favorite lineup of artists including Bernard Chang, Ryan Benjamin, and Mikel Janin will offer a unique look into their visual approaches to one of the greatest heroes of all-time – Batman! Room: 210
1:30–2:30 p.m. A LEGACY OF EVIL – CREATING DC VILLAINS – From The Joker to Lex Luthor, Black Manta and more, DC has created a legacy of the greatest villains in all of pop culture. A well-crafted adversary drives the plot of any story but most of all, they are the makers of Super Heroes. Come meet some of the writers and artists who’ve put their mark on the most wicked characters in the DC universe including Joëlle Jones (CATWOMAN), Scott Snyder (BATMAN: THE LAST KNIGHT ON EARTH), Sam Humphries (HARLEY QUINN), Joshua Williamson (JUSTICE LEAGUE ODYSSEY), Cecil Castellucci (FEMALE FURIES), and Adam Glass (TEEN TITANS). Room: 213AB
Indian cinema often delivers stories that resonate on both emotional and visceral levels. Kill, a gripping action-romance now streaming on Amazon Prime, is no exception. Directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, this high-octane thriller blends heart-wrenching emotion with relentless action, leaving viewers at the edge of their seats.
Set aboard a speeding train, Kill tells the story of Amrit (Lakshya), a loyal soldier returning home with a promise to reunite with his childhood love, Tulika (Tanya Maniktala). The couple’s tender, budding romance is the heart of the narrative, with scenes of their innocent exchanges juxtaposed against the chaos that soon engulfs them.
Their journey takes a dark turn when a gang of ruthless dacoits hijacks the train, intent on robbing and killing its passengers. What unfolds is a gripping battle for survival as Amrit transforms from a man in love to a one-man army, determined to protect Tulika and the innocent lives aboard.
The romance in Kill is as compelling as its action sequences. Amrit and Tulika’s relationship is characterized by a delicate vulnerability. Lakshya and Tanya Maniktala’s chemistry brings authenticity to their roles, making their love story feel real and raw. Their shared dreams of a future together contrast painfully with the brutal violence surrounding them, intensifying the emotional stakes.
The heartbreak lies in Amrit’s constant struggle to protect Tulika while confronting the fragility of their dreams in the face of overwhelming odds. The film poignantly captures how love can endure, even amidst devastation.
Lakshya delivers a career-defining performance as Amrit. Initially portrayed as a soft-spoken and unassuming soldier, his transformation into a relentless protector is both believable and inspiring. The action sequences are brutal and stylized, reminiscent of martial arts thrillers, but with a distinctly Indian flair. Amrit’s fight scenes are raw and unrelenting, embodying the desperation of a man with everything to lose.
The narrative subtly highlights themes of duty, sacrifice, and the lengths to which love can push a person. Amrit’s journey from a lover to a savior is as emotional as it is exhilarating, making him a hero worth rooting for.
The confined setting of a train amplifies the film’s tension, with claustrophobic corridors and dimly lit compartments serving as the perfect backdrop for the story’s chaos. Nikhil Nagesh Bhat’s direction ensures that every shot is purposeful, oscillating between tender romantic moments and pulse-pounding action. The cinematography and sound design heighten the stakes, immersing viewers in the characters’ perilous journey.
Kill masterfully balances romance and action, offering a visceral experience that tugs at the heartstrings while delivering adrenaline-pumping sequences. Lakshya’s standout performance and the film’s emotional depth make it a must-watch for fans of Indian cinema and action-thrillers alike.
Kill is more than just an action movie; it’s a testament to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. While its unflinching violence might not be for everyone, those willing to embrace its intensity will find a story that stays with them long after the credits roll. This film firmly establishes Nikhil Nagesh Bhat as a director to watch and leaves audiences eagerly anticipating what’s next for its talented cast.
Rating: 4.5/5 If you’re looking for a film that combines action, romance, and heart-pounding thrills, Kill is the perfect pick.
Violent Night (2022), starring David Harbour as a rugged, action hero Santa, delivers a wildly entertaining twist on holiday films. Combining dark humor, brutal action, and unexpected heart, the movie follows Santa as he defends a family held hostage on Christmas Eve. Harbor shines as a jaded yet surprisingly endearing Santa, bringing grit and charm to the role. The film’s blend of holiday magic and high-octane violence is reminiscent of Die Hard but with a festive twist.
Director Tommy Wirkola balances the chaotic fight scenes with moments of redemption and holiday spirit, creating a surprisingly satisfying narrative. While the film isn’t for traditionalists (its R-rating is well-earned), it’s perfect for fans of unconventional holiday fare.
Rating: 8/10: A bold, bloody, and refreshingly unique holiday film that’s destined to become a cult classic.
First aired in 1965, A Charlie Brown Christmas remains a timeless holiday classic that has captured the hearts of generations. Directed by Bill Melendez and based on Charles Schulz’s iconic Peanuts comic strip, this special blends simplicity, humor, and heartfelt messages in a way that few holiday films can match.
The story follows Charlie Brown, who feels disillusioned by the commercialism of Christmas. With encouragement from his friends (and a bit of sass from Lucy), he takes on the task of directing a Christmas play. Along the way, he discovers the true meaning of the holiday, culminating in Linus’s moving recitation of the Nativity story.
The film’s charm lies in its authenticity. The hand-drawn animation is modest yet endearing, the child voice actors bring an innocence that feels genuine, and Vince Guaraldi’s jazzy score—featuring “Linus and Lucy” and “Christmas Time is Here”—is nothing short of iconic. Its themes of community, humility, and spirituality resonate just as strongly today as they did nearly 60 years ago.
While its pacing may feel slow to modern audiences, this is part of its charm; it’s a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and appreciate the quieter joys of the season.
This timeless special is a must-watch every holiday season. Its enduring message and heartwarming simplicity remind us that Christmas isn’t about materialism but about love, kindness, and togetherness.
Rating: 10/10: A perfect blend of nostalgia, heart, and holiday spirit. A Charlie Brown Christmas is not just a holiday classic but a cinematic treasure that embodies the true meaning of Christmas.
Kill on Amazon Prime – A Heart-Stopping Tale of Love and Heroism
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Holiday Movie Review: A Charlie Brown Christmas
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