"Batman Podcast Launches New Companion Series"

Superhero comics are no longer just inspiring movies and TV shows; they're now the foundation for big-budget podcasts and audio dramas. DC has recently launched its most ambitious podcast project yet with DC High Volume: Batman, a series dedicated to bringing some of the Dark Knight's most iconic comic book stories to life in an audio format.

However, to fully appreciate the depth and creativity behind this project, fans should not limit themselves to just the main series. DC is also rolling out a companion show within the same feed, hosted by writer and journalist Coy Jandreau. This companion series provides an in-depth look at the creation of DC High Volume: Batman through interviews with the cast, crew, and original comic creators who inspired the series. The first companion episode, set to release on Thursday, April 24, will feature conversations with Batman's voice actor Jason Spisak and DC’s Creative Director of Animation & Audio Content, Mike Pallotta.

In a recent phone interview with IGN, Jandreau discussed how the companion series enhances the overall DC High Volume: Batman experience. Let's delve into what makes this project so unique and how it's set to redefine the way fans engage with Batman's legendary tales.

What Is DC High Volume: Batman?

DC High Volume: Batman is a groundbreaking collaboration between DC and podcast giant Realm. This ongoing audio drama faithfully adapts iconic Batman comic books, starting with classics like Batman: Year One. The series features Jason Spisak as the voice of Bruce Wayne/Batman and Jay Paulson voicing Jim Gordon.

Jandreau describes the project to IGN as "the first of its kind to this scale, basically one-to-one telling of classic Batman comic books but in this incredible audio long-format radio play." He highlights how the series transforms seminal graphic novels like Batman: Year One and The Long Halloween into immersive audio experiences, complete with sophisticated production design, special effects, and a score tailored to each character.

The goal is to weave these stories into a continuous narrative, beginning with Batman and Gordon's origin in Year One and moving into The Long Halloween, set in Batman's second year. Jandreau emphasizes the appeal of revisiting these iconic stories through audio, allowing both die-hard fans and newcomers to experience Batman's saga in a fresh and engaging way.

The High Volume Companion Series

Jandreau's companion series complements the main DC High Volume: Batman saga by exploring the behind-the-scenes process and the challenges of adapting comics into audio. Available in both audio and video formats within the DC High Volume: Batman feed, the first episode premieres on April 24, closely following the start of The Long Halloween adaptation.

The companion series aims to spotlight the talent behind the scenes, from voice actors and composers to the original comic writers and artists. Jandreau, who also works on the DC Studio Showcase video series, was a natural choice to lead this project, given his passion for comics and his experience in the industry.

In the debut episode, Jandreau discusses with Spisak the nuances of voicing Batman, exploring how the character's voice evolves across different interactions. This conversation delves into the intricacies of portraying Batman's development from Year One through The Long Halloween.

The structure of the companion series is flexible, focusing on key emotional and plot points from the main series rather than a rigid episode-by-episode breakdown. Jandreau explains, "It's more for me trying to hit an emotional beat that resonates with the people I'm interviewing that ties into where the audience is getting that interview, and I always want to make sure what I'm doing is additive to their experience."

Drawing inspiration from Inside the Actors Studio, Hot Ones, and classic late-night talk shows, Jandreau aims to blend long-form interviews with innovative questioning and the energetic feel of a talk show.

The Future of DC High Volume: Batman

Looking forward, Jandreau hopes to interview key figures like The Long Halloween writer Jeph Loeb and his collaborator on Batman: Hush, Jim Lee. He also expresses interest in speaking with Tom King, known for his extensive Batman run from 2016-2019, which included the controversial Batman and Catwoman marriage storyline.

Jandreau's vision for the companion series extends beyond just providing insights into the production. He hopes to foster a positive environment for Batman fans, countering the often negative atmosphere found online. "I think it's important we find the positivity in that because there's plenty of negativity in the world," Jandreau says, emphasizing the need for a welcoming space for both long-time comic fans and newcomers.

Ultimately, DC High Volume: Batman and its companion series are designed to be inclusive, inviting everyone to explore and enjoy the rich world of Batman's adventures in a new, immersive format.

For more Batman content, check out the top 10 Batman costumes of all time and the top 27 Batman comics and graphic novels.