Batman Legends (retitled to simply Batman for its third and fourth volumes) was a monthly anthology comic book series published in the UK by Titan Magazines as part of their DC Comics 'Collector's' Edition' range. Initially published by Panini Comics for 41 issues between October 2003 and November 2006, Titan subsequently took over publication with the launch of the comic's second volume. [1] The title reprinted Batman-related comics originally published by DC Comics in the United States, typically including three stories per issue in a serialised format.
Batman Legends was the first DC Collector's Edition published for the UK and followed Panini's successful Marvel Collector's Editions. Titan followed their own success with several other DC titles, including Superman Legends , Justice League Legends , DC Universe Presents Batman Superman , Batman: The Dark Knight, Arrow, DC Super Heroes: The Flash, DC Comics Showcase: Supergirl and DC Legends: Wonder Woman. Titan also published a Batman Annual in August 2013. [2]
Titan ceased publication of all their DC Comics titles in December 2018, ending a fifteen-year run for 'Batman'. [3]
The first volume reprinted numerous recent and classic Batman story arcs. The key storylines serialised were as follows:
It also contained numerous creator profiles, competitions and a review of Batman Begins .
Volume Two was published by Titan Magazines and was edited initially by Rona Simpson, later by Ned Hartley. [4] Along with the customary three strips per issue, Batman Legends included a fan letters page, along with a feature on Batman-related merchandise titled 'Inside the Batcave'. As with each of Titan's DC titles during this time, each issue also included the 'Roll Call' feature which spotlighted various DC graphic novels and included a 'Hero of the Month' panel.
Volume two reprinted the following material as well as several miscellaneous issues from various Batman comics:
Volume two ended after 57 issues in June 2012 and was retitled to simply 'Batman' for volume three. Now edited by Andrew James, the first issue of the new format was released on 5 July, the same day as the first issue of Titan's new secondary Batman title, Batman: The Dark Knight. The title began printing the New 52 Batman and Robin series whilst also continuing to reprint ongoing pre-New 52 storylines. It later showcased strips from Nightwing and Batman Eternal , as well as other Batman-related spin-off series. Some longer US issues such as annuals and those with 'back-up' strips were published across several issues by Titan due to page count restrictions. Titan celebrated fifty issues of Volume 3 in April 2016. [5]
Volume 3 reprinted the following US issues:
Titan would relaunch 'Batman' from issue #1 once again in October 2016, now printing stories from the DC Rebirth publishing event. [6] This fourth volume ran for fourteen issues and would also prove to be the title's final, with Titan ceasing publication of all their DC Comics titles in December 2018. [7]
Volume Two, issue #18 featured an All-Star Batman and Robin story which caused controversy due to the Joker referring to Gotham as "a sad old whore" and choking a woman to death. Furthermore, the Joker's assistant was a topless woman sporting swastikas on her breasts (a character who previously featured in The Dark Knight Returns ). The issue featured no warning of this content and the issue was discussed by parents on the Irish Radio Talkshow Liveline, hosted by Joe Duffy. It criticized stores for featuring the magazine on the bottom shelf alongside conventional children's comics such as Postman Pat. The issue was defended by fans, who stated that it was merely an adult storyline.
Issue #20 of Batman Legends featured a warning stating that the magazine is 'Recommended for children of 12 years or older'. Some later issues had a "VIOLENT IMAGES" or a "Rated T for Teen" warning on the front cover of the magazine.
Titan followed the success of Batman Legends with several other DC Comics titles following the same format, beginning with Superman Legends in March 2007. [8] Justice League Legends and DC Universe Presents Batman Superman followed later in 2007. [9]
Titan launched a secondary Batman title in July 2012, initially titled Batman: The Dark Knight and occasionally referred to as simply The Dark Knight, which began by reprinting the US New 52 titles Batman: The Dark Knight and Detective Comics . [10] The title would be rebranded several times before its 2018 cancellation, first relaunching in January 2014 as Batman: Arkham. [11] Gotham Central would subsequently replace that title, before it was again rebranded as All-Star Batman in February 2017, coinciding with the launch of DC Rebirth. [12]
Batman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in the 27th issue of the comic book Detective Comics on March 30, 1939. In the DC Universe continuity, Batman is the alias of Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American playboy, philanthropist, and industrialist who resides in Gotham City. Batman's origin story features him swearing vengeance against criminals after witnessing the murder of his parents Thomas and Martha, a vendetta tempered with the ideal of justice. He trains himself physically and intellectually, crafts a bat-inspired persona, and monitors the Gotham streets at night. Kane, Finger, and other creators accompanied Batman with supporting characters, including his sidekicks Robin and Batgirl; allies Alfred Pennyworth, James Gordon, and Catwoman; and foes such as the Penguin, the Riddler, Two-Face, and his archenemy the Joker.
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Star Wars Comic was a British comic book series published monthly by Titan Magazines from 1999 to 2014. For its first five volumes of publication, the title featured comic strips reprinted from Star Wars comics originally published in the United States by Dark Horse Comics. From volume six onwards, each issue featured an original comic strip based on the Star Wars franchise.
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