The ToonSeum in Pittsburgh, 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.
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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. .