Batman Podcast Launches New Companion Series

Superhero comics are not only inspiring movies and TV shows but also making their mark in the world of podcasts and audio dramas. DC has recently launched an ambitious project with the debut of DC High Volume: Batman, a series that aims to bring some of the Dark Knight's most iconic comic book stories to life in an audio format.

However, if you're only tuning into DC High Volume: Batman, you're missing out on a richer experience. DC is also rolling out a companion series within the same feed, hosted by writer and journalist Coy Jandreau. This series provides behind-the-scenes insights through interviews with the cast, crew, and creators who have inspired the project. The first companion episode, set to release on Thursday, April 24, features conversations with Batman voice actor Jason Spisak and DC's Creative Director of Animation & Audio Content, Mike Pallotta.

IGN recently had the opportunity to discuss the series with Jandreau, who shed light on how the companion episodes enhance the DC High Volume: Batman saga. Dive in to discover how these additional episodes can enrich your Batman experience.

What Is DC High Volume: Batman?

To fully appreciate the companion series, it's essential to understand what DC High Volume: Batman is all about. This series is a collaboration between DC and podcast giant Realm, designed as an ongoing audio drama that closely adapts iconic Batman comics like Batman: Year One. The series features Jason Spisak as the voice of Bruce Wayne/Batman and Jay Paulson as Jim Gordon.

"DC High Volume is the first of its kind to this scale, essentially a one-to-one telling of classic Batman comic books but transformed into an incredible audio long-format radio play," Jandreau explained to IGN. "It takes stories like Batman: Year One and The Long Halloween, turning them into a full, immersive audio experience with top-notch production design, audio special effects, and a talented cast. Each villain and hero has their own unique musical score, creating a new way to experience stories that many of us have been reading our whole lives."

The series aims to weave an ongoing narrative using key chapters from Batman's story, starting with Batman and Gordon's origin story in Year One and moving into The Long Halloween, set in Year 2 of Batman's career.

"The goal is to present the long-running Batman mythos in this new medium, appealing to both die-hard fans like myself and newcomers who might only know Batman from movies or animated series," Jandreau added. "By returning to the roots and highlighting the big moments in a shared universe, we ensure continuity with the same voice actors, allowing the story to grow and evolve through these classic tales."

As a lifelong comic book enthusiast, Jandreau finds immense value in experiencing these iconic stories through a new lens, transitioning from a visual to a purely auditory format.

"Listening to these stories, the emotion and experience they evoke in a different way is incredible," Jandreau remarked. "It's not about subtracting from the art but adding an audio dimension. You can listen to these stories by themselves, in your car, with high-quality headphones, or even through tower speakers for a unique experience. You can also listen while reading for a different experience, or gather around a fire in the old 1920s style. None of these methods diminish the comic; instead, they enhance it."

The High Volume Companion Series

Jandreau's companion series serves as an extension of the DC High Volume: Batman saga, delving into the production process and the challenges of adapting comics into audio. The series will be available in both audio and video formats within the DC High Volume: Batman feed. The first episode premieres on April 24, just a day after the main series begins its adaptation of Batman: The Long Halloween.

"They've been developing this for years before I joined, but their aim was always to showcase the incredible talent behind the scenes," Jandreau said. "Whether it's voice actors, the composer, or DC staff involved in the project, along with the writers and artists of the original stories, they wanted the audience to connect with these creators."

Jandreau was chosen for this role due to his work on the DC Studio Showcase video series, making him an ideal fit for exploring the creation of DC High Volume: Batman.

"I've been involved with DC Studio Showcase, a bi-weekly show on Max and Max's YouTube, focusing on the studio side of DC, led by James Gunn and Peter Safran," Jandreau noted. "As the comic correspondent there, I was thrilled to be tapped for this project. Comics are my passion, so having a show that not only celebrates them but also adapts them in a new way is truly exciting."

In the first companion episode, Jandreau discusses with 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 found a fascinating new take on Batman," Jandreau teased. "In Year One, we hear Bruce Wayne becoming the Bat, a transformation we've seen in TV and movies, but hearing it is a different experience. It's fascinating to hear the Bat voice develop, how it changes with Gordon, Alfred, and even within Bruce Wayne's own mind as he becomes Batman."

The companion series is structured to align with key emotional beats and plot points from the main series, rather than following a rigid chapter-by-chapter format.

"It's not about matching each issue of Year One or Long Halloween with a companion episode," Jandreau explained. "Instead, we focus on significant moments, like the first issue of Long Halloween, to discuss the evolution from Year One, character growth, and other relevant themes. My goal is to enhance the audience's experience by providing context at the right time."

Jandreau drew inspiration from various interview shows and podcast companion series, including Inside the Actors Studio, Hot Ones, and classic late-night talk shows.

"I looked to James Lipton's long-form interviews, Sean Evans' nuanced questioning, and the energy of old-school talk shows like Johnny Carson and Conan O'Brien," Jandreau said. "I wanted to blend these styles to create a unique, engaging format."

The Future of DC High Volume: Batman

Looking ahead, Jandreau hopes to interview key DC creators like Jeph Loeb, the writer of The Long Halloween, and Jim Lee, his collaborator on Batman: Hush.

"Jim Lee's creative oversight and artistic contributions have been incredibly inspiring," Jandreau said. "His work is some of my favorite, and his insights are invaluable. Given his role at DC and his influence on the stories I love, he's definitely someone I want to feature."

Jandreau also expressed interest in speaking with Jeph Loeb, whom he has met at conventions and whose work forms the backbone of many classic Batman adaptations.

"Jeph Loeb's stories like Long Halloween and Dark Victory are foundational to many adaptations," Jandreau noted. "I'd love to have a long-form conversation with him to gain deeper insights into his work."

Additionally, Jandreau mentioned Tom King, who wrote a significant Batman run from 2016-2019, as someone he'd like to interview. King's unique perspective and his work on other projects like the Lantern show and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow make him a compelling figure.

"Tom King's background with the CIA and his approach to writing Batman, especially his portrayal of Bruce Wayne's pain and growth, resonate deeply with me," Jandreau said. "I'd love to discuss his long run on Batman and how it relates to our audio adaptation."

Ultimately, Jandreau's goal with the companion series is to foster positivity within the Batman fandom, which can often be overshadowed by negativity online.

"The internet can be a hostile place, especially within fandoms where people are fiercely protective of these stories," Jandreau reflected. "But there's so much passion and excitement that keeps these stories alive. I want to highlight the positivity and create a welcoming space for both die-hard fans and newcomers to enjoy Batman in a new way. It's about opening the comic book store door wide and inviting everyone in."

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