The ToonSeum will be presenting several animated
and documentary film screenings in conjunction with their summer
exhibit Superheroes: Icons and Origins, a exploration of the timeless
characters of Marvel and DC Comics. All screenings are free an open to
the public. Donations are always welcome.
The first half of this series highlights the exceptional work of
animator and producer Bruce Timm. Having cut his teeth in early 80s
working with Don Bluth and Ralph Bakshi, and later on shows like He-Man
and G.I. Joe, Timm soon moved to Warner Brothers animation, where he
worked on the Tiny Toons series. Shortly thereafter, Timm stepped into
the spotlight as the writer, animator, and design artist behind Batman:
The Animated Series. His success led to a Superman, Justice League, and
several spin-off Batman TV series, as well as a on-going stream of
remarkable direct-to-video movies highlighting the best stories of the
DC Universe. In edition to his animated work, Timm and frequent
collaborator Paul Dini have won multiple Eisner Awards for their work in
comics.
May 26th, 7:00pm – Wonder Woman (2009) – The ultimate comics
superheroine gets a fierce update in this action-packed retelling of
Princess Diana's origin story. Dark, quirky, and thoroughly modern,
Timm's Wonder Woman follows Diana from her mystical birth to her arrival
as the sworn protector of the World of Men. Featuring Kerri Russell,
Nathan Fillion, Alfred Molina and Rosario Dawson. Presented with the
documentary Wonder Woman: A Subversive Dream chronicling the history of
the character from her creation in 1941 through the women's rights
movement of the 70s and today. The film is rated PG-13 for violence and
adult themes.
June 16th 7:00pm All-Star Superman (2011) A bold adaptation of Grant
Morrison's landmark 12 issue comic series, All-Star Superman finds the
Man of Steel facing the unthinkable: his mortality. The film was also
the final project of African-American writer Dwayne McDuffie who
redacted the epic series into a surprisingly funny, empathetic, and
explosive animated experience. Starring James Denton, Christina
Hendricks, and Anthony LaPaglia. Presented with several shorts,
including vintage 1940s Fleischer Studios masterpieces. The feature film
is rated is PG for adult themes, all others G.
June 30th 7:00pm Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000) One of the
earliest and arguably the best of Timm's DC features, Return of the
Joker expands the Dark Knight mythology thirty years into the future,
where an elderly Bruce Wayne acts as reluctant mentor to a new Batman,
Terry McGinnis. When The Joker somehow returns from the grave
deadlier than ever, Terry must unravel the darkest secrets of Bruce's
past to find a way to stop him. Starring Kevin Conroy, Will Friedle, and
Mark Hamill. Presented with a selection of shorts from Batman: The
Animated Series. The feature is rated PG-13 for violence, all others G.
July 14st 7:00pm Justice League: The New Frontier (2007) Based on
Darwyn Cooke's re-imagining of the formation of the Justice League, New
Frontier finds the iconic DC superheroes neutralized and hiding in the
wake of the Cold War and McCarthyism. Blending real historical events
with DC mythology (including JFK's landmark inaugural speech), New
Frontier shows the emergence of Hal Jordan and Martian Manhunter as they
must ally with Superman, Wonder Woman and the renegades Batman and the
Flash to save the world from an ancient evil. A unique take on the
Korean War and the Space Race, featuring the voices of David Boreanaz,
Lucy Lawless, and Neil Patrick Harris. Presented with selections from
JLA: The Animated Series. The film is rated PG-13 for violence and adult
themes.
July 21st 7:00pm Jack Kirby: Storyteller (2007) This feature length
documentary chronicles the life and career of The King of Comics, Jack
Kirby, from his rough and tumble childhood to his arrival as one of the
most influential artists of the 20th Century. Highlighted with in-depth
interviews with fans, experts, collaborators and fellow artists like
Neal Adams, Walter Mosley, and Stan Lee, Storyteller offers a unique
insight into the Kirby Universe. Presented with Superman/Batman:
Apocalypse, the 2010 animated film that features Kirby's Darkseid and
the New Gods facing off against the team of Superman, Batman, Wonder
Woman and Supergirl. All features are rated PG-13.
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