Loeb Discusses Recent “Superman/Batman: Apocalypse” Animated Feature Title
The World’s Finest caught up with famed comic and television writer Jeph Loeb for a quick Q & A to share his thoughts on the recent direct-to-video Superman/Batman: Apocalypse animated feature released under the DC Universe Animated Original Movie banner by Warner Home Video. The Superman/Batman: Apocalypse animated feature arrived on home video in September 2010. The animated feature adapted the six-issue “Supergirl” story arc, originally written by Loeb, from the Superman/Batman comic series currently published by DC Comics. The story features Superman and Batman discovering that Superman’s cousin Kara has survived the destruction of Krypton.
The Worlds Finest: So, any thoughts on the Superman/Batman: Apocalypse movie in general?
Jeph Loeb: It’s awesome. Bruce Timm and his entire team took our story and really brought it to (animated) life. Great voice work, beautiful scope, and a huge adventure which is an enormous compliment to the original.
WF: Many fans praised how close it stuck to Michael Turner’s designs. How do you think they did in that respect? Did they nail his style better as compared to the work of Ed McGuinness in Superman/Batman: Public Enemies?
JL: Seeing Mike’s work move for the first time was incredibly bittersweet. It’s very true to his spirit, but reminded me of how much I miss him. Ours was a real partnership and he’d have been very proud to see his style used with such care. If I have one regret about the piece was that they didn’t, for whatever reason, dedicate the film to him.
As to comparing it to Superman/Batman: Public Enemies, it’s entirely different. Ed’s look worked for that story in the same way that Mike’s worked for this one. I wrote two very different stories that were meant to capture the best of each artist. But it was their gifts that made the stories sing.
WF: In terms of story, was there anything you wish they kept in? Surprised by any of the changes made? In general, pleased with what Tab Murphy did with your work?
JL: As it was with Superman/Batman: Public Enemies, I’m equally surprised and delighted by how much remains. There are entire sequences, passages of dialogue, action and dramatic moments that were taken directly from the comic and brought to the screen. Tab had a gigantic task and it works wonderfully.
WF: This is the second Superman/Batman story penned by you to be adapted. What do you think attracts the DC animation crew to adapt your stories? Do you hope they’ll continue down this path?
JL: It’s very flattering of course. The original intent of the series was to be an entry point to the DC Universe — to show off the cool factor that could be mined there. I’d love to see the next story, “Absolute Power” with Carlos Pacheco brought to the screen and then, finish it off with “Vengeance” with the Maximums with Ed McGuinness! That’d be outrageously great!
WF:Any thoughts on the studio’s decision to go with the name “Apocalypse” instead of “The Girl from Krypton” (or “Supergirl,” as titled in the collection)? Do you think the title does disservice to the story?
JL: That’s a marketing thing. If more people got to see how inspiring Mike Turner’s gifts were by changing the name, so be it. That’s what really matters to me.
WF: A big seller already from Warner Home Video, any final words for those fans who still haven’t made the jump to pick up Superman/Batman: Apocalypse?
JL: It’s a terrific story that brings Supergirl back to the DCU and gives you just a hint of the magic that was Mike Turner. Enjoy!
The World’s Finest would like to thank Jeph Loeb for his participation!
A co-production of Warner Premiere, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation, Superman/Batman: Apocalypse is now available to own on Blu-ray and DVD. Click on the artwork above for further details on the animated title. The next title under the DC Universe Animated Original Movie banner, the direct-to-video All-Star Superman animated feature, debuts February 22nd, 2010 on DVD and Blu-ray disc.
Stay tuned for further All-Star Superman updates, including exclusive content and more, here at The World’s Finest.
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