The way of things for DC comics seems to be simple, first you make a six part limited series, then collect that in one addition, after that you turn it into a straight to video DVD then sit back and collect all the money. It is a formula that has worked for DC in the past and shows no sign of failing in the future. The reason is because at each phase you get a quality product. DC’s animation department is first rate and have made some great cartoons recently. Superman/Batman: Public Enemies will be no exception.
Featuring a story based on the comic book written by Jeph Loeb and drawn by Ed McGuinness, Public Enemies goes back to the dark days when Lex Luthor was President of the United States. He has an agenda against the Man of Steel (naturally) and has actually enlisted other heroes to help hash it out. It’s up to Batman and Superman to put a stop to Lex’s evil plot.
The good news continues with the revelation that none other than Bruce Timm will be executive producing the film, along with Michael Goguen as supervising producer. Sam Liu (The Batman) will direct while Stan Berkowitz (Justice League: The New Frontier) writes the script. Tim Daly is back as the voice of Superman, along with Kevin Conroy to reprise his role as Batman, and Clancy Brown will also return as Lex Luthor.
The DVD will come in two versions, single disc and 2 disc special editions. The 2 disc special edition will come with a ton of extras like a preview for DC’s upcoming Blackest Night story arc, a Superman/Batman featurette with Jeph Loeb, A special dinner with Kevin Conroy featurette, an extended sneak peek at the next DCU film, and a digital download copy for your iphone/pod. Last but not least you get two full episodes of Justice League Unlimited handpicked by Bruce Timm himself!
“Warner Premiere is excited to continue this successful partnership with DC Comics, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Home Video to present feature-length PG-13 animated original films with the filmmaking and celebrity voice starpower of Superman/Batman: Public Enemies,” said Matt Bierman, Senior Vice President Production, Warner Premiere.
“Based on the past success of Superman Doomsday and Batman Gotham Knight, we know the pairing of the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight – pitted against both their DC Super Hero colleagues and the entire rogue’s gallery of DC villains – will offer fans the level of entertainment normally reserved for the big, summer blockbuster films,” said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President of Family, Animation & Partner Brands.
“This is the ultimate film for DC animation lovers featuring not only the cornerstone characters of comic book and Saturday morning heroes, but also returns the seminal voices of those characters – Tim Daly, Kevin Conroy and Clancy Brown – in a story that explores the Superman/Batman dynamic and allows Lex Luthor to shine in ultimate villainy,” said Gregory Noveck, Senior VP Creative Affairs, DC Comics.
The DVD will hit stores September 29, 2009. The single disk set will run for $19.98, the 2 Disc Special Edition will retail for $24.98, and finally the blu-ray will go for $29.99. Get one for your friend as an early Christmas gift.
