Superhero comics are not only inspiring blockbuster movies and TV shows but are now also fueling expansive podcast series and audio dramas. DC has launched its most ambitious podcast project to date with *DC High Volume: Batman*, a series dedicated to adapting the Dark Knight's most iconic comic book tales into an immersive audio experience.
However, if you're only tuning into *DC High Volume: Batman*, you're missing out on the full scope of the project. DC is also rolling out a companion series within the same feed, hosted by writer and journalist Coy Jandreau. This series provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the audio drama, featuring interviews with the cast, crew, and the original comic creators. The first companion episode, set to release on Thursday, April 24, includes discussions with Batman's voice actor Jason Spisak and DC's Creative Director of Animation & Audio Content, Mike Pallotta.
IGN recently spoke with Jandreau to delve deeper into the series and its role as a companion to the *DC High Volume: Batman* saga. Below, we explore what these episodes offer and how they enhance the Batman experience for listeners.
What Is DC High Volume: Batman?
To fully appreciate the companion series, it's crucial to understand *DC High Volume: Batman*. This project is a collaboration between DC and Realm, aiming to bring classic Batman comic books to life as an ongoing audio drama. The series, featuring Jason Spisak as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Jay Paulson as Jim Gordon, closely adapts iconic stories such as *Batman: Year One*.
Jandreau describes *DC High Volume* as a groundbreaking effort in scale, offering a one-to-one retelling of classic Batman comics in an expansive audio format. "It's taking *Batman: Year One*, *The Long Halloween*, and turning them into a full, immersive audio experience with incredible production design, audio special effects, and super-talented voice actors," Jandreau told IGN. Each villain and hero is accompanied by a unique musical score, creating a new way to engage with these stories that have been part of fans' lives for decades.
The series begins with *Batman: Year One*, which follows Batman and Gordon's origin story, and then moves into *The Long Halloween*, set during Batman's second year. Jandreau highlights that the series aims to cater to both die-hard fans and newcomers, offering a comprehensive journey through Batman's mythos in a fresh medium.
As a lifelong comic book enthusiast, Jandreau appreciates the opportunity to experience these narratives in a new auditory format. "Listening to this, it's crazy the emotion and the experience that comes out of these stories in a different way," he says. The audio adaptation adds to the original comics, rather than diminishing them, and can be enjoyed in various settings, from car rides to immersive listening with high-quality headphones.
The High Volume Companion Series
Jandreau's companion series complements the *DC High Volume: Batman* saga by exploring the creative process behind the show. It delves into the challenges of adapting visual comics into an audio format, featuring both audio episodes on the main feed and a separate video series. The first episode, premiering on April 24, coincides with the start of *Batman: The Long Halloween* adaptation.
Jandreau was selected for this role due to his work on the *DC Studio Showcase* video series, which aligns with his passion for comics and storytelling. "Comics are the reason I want to do any of this," he says, expressing his excitement about the project.
In the debut episode, Jandreau and Spisak discuss the nuances of voicing Batman, particularly how the character's voice evolves and varies in interactions with different characters. "It's fascinating to hear the Bat voice develop, to hear it play like an equalizer and discover levels in it," Jandreau explains, highlighting the dynamic nature of Batman's voice across different contexts.
The format of the companion series is flexible, focusing on key emotional and plot-driven moments from the main series. "It's more for me trying to hit an emotional beat that resonates with the people I'm interviewing," Jandreau says, ensuring that each episode adds context and depth to the listener's experience.
Jandreau's approach to the series draws inspiration from *Inside the Actors Studio*, *Hot Ones*, and classic late-night talk shows, blending long-form interviews with engaging, nuanced questions to uncover fresh perspectives from his guests.
The Future of DC High Volume: Batman
Looking forward, Jandreau is eager to interview key figures like Jeph Loeb, the writer behind *The Long Halloween*, and Jim Lee, who collaborated with Loeb on *Batman: Hush*. Both are currently working on a new *Batman: Hush* project, making their insights particularly relevant.
Jandreau also hopes to feature Tom King, known for his extensive Batman run from 2016-2019, which included the controversial marriage between Batman and Catwoman. King's unique perspective, given his background in the CIA and his approach to writing Batman's emotional journey, makes him a compelling guest for the series.
Ultimately, Jandreau's goal is to foster positivity within the Batman fandom. "I think it's important we find the positivity in that because there's plenty of negativity in the world," he says. The companion series aims to be a welcoming space for both long-time fans and newcomers, encouraging a more inclusive and uplifting community around these beloved stories.
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