After some thinking I was able to find another example of transmedia, Batman. The most recent movie that was released was Batman Begins and prior to the movies release there have been comic books with some prior information that provided background information for the movie. For the newest movie that is currently in production Dark Knight this movie is based on another comic book as well called “Lore” mainly for the character of the joker (in order to make him as original as can be). Also in doing some research I found that the marketing campaign for the release of Dark Knight has transmedia all over it. A direct-toDVD anime has been released which contains information that happens between the Batman and Dark Knight series (pretty much fills the gap between the two films). Warner Brothers also released a website called “Anticipation” that had fans go through a scavenger hunt to find publicity clues for the next film. Six Flags Great Adventure is going to have a ride called “The Dark Knight Coaster” sometime in 2008, I assume before the movie is released. Mattel is also shelling out tons of different toys for hyping of the movie, such as action figures, costumes, board games, and UNO cards. Even though this seems like a lot, I feel that Batman is success and will be success because Batman has been around a long time. The newer movie Batman Begins which put life back into the series was successful because the producers were taking the story back to the way it should be told from the comic books and at the same time the story is simple and easy to follow. It is able to please die hard fans and newer fan at the same time. You don’t need to do your hw to understand what is going on, but if you do then you have more appreciation for the media that is being presented before you. I actually had the opportunity to visit DC Comics this summer with the organization that I am President of, Drawn to Diversity. We were given a tour and it was amazing. I was able to go to the Batman floor of DC and it was great. A comic book artist at DC Comics gave us the tour and we all talked about how much we love the new Batman. He commented on how successful the series is doing now and how the production people for the movie do work with the comic book artists because the want the movie to be as authentic as possible, which I thought I was great. Overall, again here is another example of transmedia and how it can be successful.
I believe that the Batman franchise is very successful. One of the reasons for this would be that even though it does work out its story through transmedia storytelling, it doesn’t recquire the consumer to participate through many different mediums. Yes, if you read the comics you have the background and may feel as though you have more insite into characters and events. However, unlike The Matrix franchise, a “newbie” or someone that just enjoys the movies can still get that gratification of watching quality entertainment, and it stops just at that. I feel that DC has done a fantastic job with bringing back Batman for the new generation. They also realize that not everyone is a fan of the cartoons, comics, or video games.
I also agree that the Batman franchise has been very successful. Batman has something that the Matrix doesn’t have and that is decades of exposure to fans. As a result of this Batman has a far greater amount of followers in both the loyal and casual categories. Everyone knows who Batman is and what the story is about. The story isn’t complex at all so it doesn’t require a lot out of you as with the Matrix. Another reason why the franchise has done so well across each of the mediums it engages is. Every few years the writers find a way to breathe a breath of fresh air into the franchise which essentially reinvents the Batman and the story as a whole to keep fans interested.