Batman Podcast Launches New Companion Series

Superhero comics are not only inspiring blockbuster movies and TV shows but are also making waves in the world of big-budget podcasts and audio dramas. DC has recently launched its most ambitious podcast initiative yet with the debut of DC High Volume: Batman, a series that aims to bring some of the Dark Knight's most iconic comic book storylines to life in audio form.

However, if you're only tuning into DC High Volume: Batman, you're missing out on the full experience. DC is also rolling out a companion show within the main DC High Volume feed. Hosted by writer and journalist Coy Jandreau, these episodes delve into the creation of the series through interviews with the cast, crew, and the original comic creators. The first companion episode, set to release on Thursday, April 24, features Jason Spisak, the voice of Batman, and Mike Pallotta, DC's Creative Director of Animation & Audio Content.

IGN had the opportunity to speak with Jandreau about how this series complements and extends the DC High Volume: Batman saga, offering listeners an enriched Batman experience.

What Is DC High Volume: Batman?

To fully grasp the purpose of the companion series, it's essential to understand DC High Volume: Batman. This series is a groundbreaking collaboration between DC and podcast giant Realm, delivering an ongoing audio drama that closely adapts iconic Batman comic books such as Batman: Year One. Jason Spisak voices Bruce Wayne/Batman, while Jay Paulson lends his voice to Jim Gordon.

"DC High Volume is unprecedented on this scale, essentially a one-to-one retelling of classic Batman comics in an immersive audio long-format radio play," Jandreau told IGN. "It's transforming stories like Batman: Year One and The Long Halloween into a full, immersive audio experience, complete with top-notch production design, audio special effects, talented voice actors, and a bespoke score where different villains and heroes have their own musical themes. It's a new way to experience stories I've loved my whole life."

Jandreau explains that the series uses seminal Batman graphic novels as key chapters in Batman's narrative arc, beginning with Batman and Gordon's shared origin story in Year One and moving into The Long Halloween, set in Year 2 of Batman's career.

"The goal is to weave the long-running Batman mythos into this new medium, offering both die-hard fans like myself and new audiences, who might only know Batman from movies or animated series, a fresh entry point," Jandreau said. "It's about going back to the roots and highlighting the big moments within this shared universe, maintaining the same voice actors to ensure the story grows and evolves through these classic tales."

As a lifelong comic book enthusiast, Jandreau is thrilled by the prospect of experiencing these iconic stories in a new format, translating a visual medium into a purely auditory experience.

"Listening to these stories, it's astounding how much emotion and experience comes through in a different way," Jandreau shared. "It's not about subtracting from the art; it's about adding an audio dimension. You can enjoy these stories on their own, in the car, with high-quality headphones, or through tower speakers, each offering a unique experience. You can even listen while reading the comics for a truly immersive experience, or enjoy them in a traditional storytelling setting. None of these experiences diminish the original comics; they enhance them."

The High Volume Companion Series

Jandreau's companion series serves as an extension of the DC High Volume: Batman saga, exploring the production process and the challenges of adapting comics into audio format. The series will be available both as audio episodes on the DC High Volume: Batman feed and as a standalone video series. The inaugural episode launches on April 24, right after High Volume begins its adaptation of Batman: The Long Halloween.

"This project has been in development for years before I joined, and the focus has always been on showcasing the incredible talent behind the scenes," Jandreau noted. "From voice actors and composers to DC staff and the original comic writers and artists, it's important for listeners to connect with these creators."

Jandreau's involvement stemmed from his work on the DC Studio Showcase video series, which made him an ideal candidate to delve into the making of DC High Volume: Batman.

"I've been working on DC Studio Showcase, a bi-weekly show on Max and YouTube, focusing on the studio side of DC under James Gunn and Peter Safran," Jandreau explained. "As a comic correspondent there, it's an honor to now host a show dedicated to comics and their adaptation into another medium."

In the first companion episode, Jandreau discusses with Jason Spisak the challenges of voicing Batman in this universe and how the character's voice evolves depending on his interactions with other characters.

"Jason Spisak brings a fresh perspective to Batman," Jandreau said. "In Year One, we hear Bruce Wayne's transformation into Batman, and it's fascinating to hear how the Bat voice develops and changes, whether he's talking to Gordon, Alfred, or even himself."

The companion series is not structured rigidly but is designed to complement key emotional and plot points from the main series.

"It's not about following a strict schedule of one episode per comic issue," Jandreau clarified. "Our first episode, for example, ties into a significant moment from the first issue of The Long Halloween, allowing us to discuss the transition from Year One and the character development. My aim is to hit emotional beats that resonate with both the interviewees and the audience, enhancing their experience with timely context."

For inspiration, Jandreau looked to shows like Inside the Actors Studio, Hot Ones, and classic late-night talk shows.

"I drew from James Lipton's long-form interviews, Sean Evans' nuanced questioning, and the energy of talk shows hosted by Johnny Carson and Conan O'Brien," Jandreau revealed. "I wanted to blend these elements to create a unique and engaging format."

The Future of DC High Volume: Batman

Looking forward, Jandreau is eager to interview key figures in the Batman universe. He hopes to feature Jeph Loeb, the writer of The Long Halloween, and Jim Lee, his collaborator on Batman: Hush, both of whom are currently working on a new Batman: Hush project.

"Jim Lee's creative oversight at DC and his own work as an artist have been incredibly inspiring," Jandreau said. "And Jeph Loeb's stories form the backbone of many classic Batman adaptations. I'd love to have in-depth conversations with them about their work."

Jandreau also expressed interest in interviewing Tom King, known for his extensive Batman run from 2016-2019, which included the controversial Batman and Catwoman marriage storyline.

"Tom King's background with the CIA and his unique perspective on Batman, especially his portrayal of Bruce Wayne's pain and growth, are fascinating," Jandreau noted. "He's also working on other projects like the Lantern show and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, making him a vital voice in the comic adaptation space."

Jandreau's ultimate goal with the companion series is to foster a positive environment for Batman fans.

"The internet can be a hostile place, especially within fandoms," Jandreau reflected. "But genre content thrives on passion, which is why Batman has endured for decades. It's crucial to highlight the positivity in these stories and the community. I want this show to be a welcoming space for all comic fans, whether they're die-hards or newcomers curious about Batman's world. We aim to make the comic book store door wide open and welcoming to everyone."

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