The Chemical Syndicate

In this episode, David and Shane review and discuss the DCU's first theatrical film release of James Gunn's Superman and how it affects the future of Batman in cinema! As well as news updates and rumors on The Batman Part II , DC's Absolute comic book line, the state of the MCU and more!

Your favorite BAT-BOYS from the Syndicate are BACK!!! After a long break, Shane and David have returned to discuss life, the DCU , the MCU , comics and of course, BATMAN . New studio space, hot topics and as always, talkin' Batman! Find us on our socials @ChemSyndicate

On time for Halloween, Shane and David take a bite at reviewing the 2005 animated feature film, The Batman vs. Dracula . Diving into The Batman 2004 animated series universe, Batman must stop a reanimated Dracula from turning Gotham City citizens into his personal vampire army. In a race against time and battling familiar foes from his rogue's gallery, Batman faces his ultimate challenge against t...

HAPPY BATMAN DAY!! Join David and Shane as they commemorate this year's Batman Day by talking about the 85 year history of Batman. The past, present and future is explored, as well as the good, the bad and the ugly of why we all love the Dark Knight!

The Joker is back in Gotham City! After disappearing one year earlier following the removal of his own face, Joker has returned with the sole intent of dismantling Batman's associates with every dangerous method possible. In this episode, David and Shane review and discuss one of the most popular stories to come out during DC's New 52 era, "Death of the Family."

In the final part of our month-long celebration of 1989's "Batman", David and Shane talk about the aftermath of the film's success and long-term impact on the movie industry. "Batman" revolutionized how the entertainment world viewed the comic book genre as a basis for great live-action and animated stories on the big and small screens. From the hits and misses througho...

On the 35th anniversary of its release, David and Shane talk about and break down some of the most memorable moments in the Tim Burton directed film, "Batman." Soaring with anticipation, fans were finally getting a live-action adaptation that took the Batman character seriously on the big screen. Filled with a lot of action, comic book references and iconic dialogue, "Batman" in 1989 was an event...

Continuing with our celebration with the 35th anniversary of Tim Burton's "Batman", Shane and David talk about the film's development and the phenomena that was Bat-Mania throughout 1989. Despite the time spent in development hell, the "Batman" movie was finally in full swing as all of the pieces fall into place with a director, production teams, music and some controve...

This year marks the 35th anniversary since the release of Tim Burton's 1989 "Batman" film. Its legacy and success still resonates with fans and pop culture today. We begin our month-long celebration of this great movie by commemorating it with how it all started. Through one dedicated fan's dream that became a reality with a consistent belief in his hero, our caped crusader, the...

It all started with Detective Comics issue 27, released in 1939 and features the very first appearance of Batman. 85 years later and the Dark Knight is a mainstay in pop culture and modern mythology as we know it. In this episode, Shane and David review the first-ever story starring the caped crusader and discuss the lasting impact the character's had since his debut.

With all of the tools and resources available to him, probably one of the most important elements to Batman's war on crime is his trusted butler, Alfred Pennyworth. Throughout the past 85 years, Alfred has been Bruce Wayne's loyal servant, confidant and above all, a father figure. In this episode, David and Shane talk about all of the live-action portrayals of Alfred Pennyworth and the impact thes...

In an era in which the comic book industry had to find ways to maintain their fanbases and to create new interest to appeal to a broader audience, DC Comics and Image Comics came together to give us an unthinkable team-up. What was given to the world was an inter-promotional crossover event between two of the hottest commodities both companies had to offer: Batman and Spawn! Shane and David discus...

It's that special time of year to enjoy the holidays with your favorite bat-boys, David and Shane! But they're not alone, as they are joined by a coupe of special guests, Tone and Jeff, to help celebrate the holiday season and to commemorate our two year anniversary. In addition, they have a special surprise topic to talk about. Join in on the fun and enjoy A Chemical Syndiate Christmas wi...

Sins of the past come to Gotham City to haunt its criminals. An old flame returns and reminds Bruce Wayne of his promise. And the Joker has his biggest laugh yet. Celebrating 30 years since its release, Shane and David review and discuss the legacy of the 1993 animated film, "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" . Taking place in "Batman: The Animated Series" universe, Batman must sto...

The finale of our Halloween season long celebration is here! In this episode, David and Shane review the second part of "Batman: The Long Halloween" animated film adaptation. With creative changes from the source material and the cliffhanger ending in the first part that takes things in a new direction, does this animated feature stick the landing? We also reflect on the legacy and impor...

In this third installment of celebrating the Halloween season, we're moving onward with our exploration of "Batman: The Long Halloween" with the first half of its animated adaptation released in 2021. Shane and David discuss and review the film's use of the source material as well as the liberties they take with the story. Does the first half of this adaptation live up to the leg...

In the second part of our month-long celebration of the Halloween season, David and Shane continues with their review of one of the greatest graphic novels in comic book history, "Batman: The Long Halloween." Having left off on a disturbing (yet amusing) cliffhanger in our last episode, the story moves onward as Batman juggles his alliances with police captain Jim Gordon, district attorn...

In the first of four episodes to help commemorate this year's Halloween season, Shane and David will be talking all things "Batman: The Long Halloween." One of the most celebrated stories in Batman's 80+ year history, as well as one of the best series in DC Comics' company history, written by Jeph Loeb and artwork by the late great Tim Sale. This 13-issue series takes readers...

Staying in the DC animated television universe a bit longer, Shane and David review the two-part episodes of Batman: The Animated Series called “Two-Face.” These episodes introduce a legendary villain from Batman’s rogues gallery, Two-Face, to a whole new generation of fans. Exploring the Harvey Dent character’s duality with amazing storytelling and an incredible voice cast, adds an excellent chap...

By the request of the powers-that-be of Warner Bros. Studios, Bruce Timm, Paul Dini and others come together to create a sequel series to Batman: The Animated Series with Batman Beyond . Focused on a younger Batman in an ultra-futuristic Gotham City, the series adds another layer to the legacy of one of the most beloved television shows of all-time. Shane and David review the two-part episode prem...

In the mid-1990’s, DC and Marvel collaborated together to create an epic crossover event that saw many of their flagship characters join forces or be on opposing sides. When it was all finished, DC and Marvel took it one step further by creating Amalgam Comics that featured select characters from the respective companies merged as one. In this episode, David and Shane talk about Dark Claw, a chara...

Coinciding with the theatrical release of its namesake, the Batman Forever soundtrack provided a combination of some very unique music choices. From U2, Method Man, the Flaming Lips, Brandy and Seal, this fascinating compilation had it all. Shane and David go over every track and dish about some of the most interesting facts behind the tunes of 1995's Batman Forever . No need to worry, they do...

After a long 9 year wait, DC's "The Flash" has finally been released! Directed by Andy Muschietti and starring the controversial Ezra Miller, "The Flash" saw Michael Keaton reprising his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman on the big screen for the first time since 1992. Join Shane and David in this Chemical Syndicate Special as they review and talk about the movie itself, the troubled journey of its produ...

In the second installment of this two-part episode, Shane and David discuss and review the 1995 film, "Batman Forever." A stylistic change from the previous regime, Joel Schumacher and the cast look to introduce audiences to a new live-action interpretation of the Caped Crusader. With a mix of exciting action sequences, comedic and dramatic performances and eye-catching scenery, does &qu...

In the first installment of this two-part episode, David and Shane talk about the background, production and reception of the 1995 film, "Batman Forever." Through the changing of the guard from Tim Burton, to the new stylish aesthetic Joel Schumacher introduces, the celebrity casting boost and behind-the-scenes drama that made this next chapter of the Batman anthology one to be remembere...