New Animated DC Movies In Development For Justice League, Superman & Batman

Bruce Timm confirms DC have three new animated features in preproduction - including a JLA project, one for Superman and a hugely exciting adaptation of a Frank Millar classic...

By Tom Ryan /

'Man Of Steel' has been pushed back to a 2013 release date? Upset over the fact that after ten years 'Smallville' has wrapped up and is off the air? Frustrated by the new direction DC comics are taking Superman? Well fear not, some great news has come out of this weekends Comic Con in San Diego. While promoting the upcoming Batman Year One animated feature, Bruce Timm, the man behind the great Batman, Superman, and Justic League animated shows from the 90's onward, has revealed that DC's animation wing are currently in preproduction on three new titles- all of which will feature our favourite boy scout. First up is Justice League: Doom, which is loosely based on Mark Waid's classic JLA: Tower of Babel story which features Batman inadvertently betraying the team when all his confidential documents on his fellow League members, detailing all of their weaknesses, is stolen by Ra's Al Ghul. Following that, they also have in development a solo Superman animated feature - Superman vs. The Elite. Based on 'What's So Funny About Truth, Justice and the American Way' tale in Action comics 775. The story pits Superman against a team of super-powered vigilantes who gain notoriety for killing their enemies in vicious fashion. It's a great story which reminds us of how difficult it can be for Superman to stick to his morals and beliefs in a world that sees him as slightly outdated and behind in the times. It's a great re-examination of the character and nails the reason why he is so beloved the world over. Finally, and perhaps the biggest news of all, it was confirmed that the third title is none other than Frank Miller's insanely popular 'Dark Knight Returns' story. Planned as a two part animated feature, it tells of an aging Bruce Wayne who comes out of retirement and goes back into battle one last time. It is also famous for it's intense battle between Batman and Superman. It will be fascinating to see that on the screen. The track record for these DC animated movies has been flawless so far, having previously released Superman: Doomsday, Green Lantern Emerald Knights, All Star Superman and Batman: Gotham Knights. As of yet there are no release dates or casting news on these upcoming projects.

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