Legendary Comic Book Artist Jim Lee and BATMAN Writer Tom King Join Stars of Warner Bros. Television's “BLACK LIGHTNING” and "THE FLASH" to Visit Real Life Super Heroes
12,000 Service Members in Kuwait Experience 80 Years of Batman as the Iconic ‘Tumbler’ Batmobile Rolled onto Military Bases in the Middle East, First Look at “PENNYWORTH” and More
In honor of Batman’s 80th anniversary celebration, DC has joined forces with The United Service Organizations (USO) to bring the World’s Greatest Detective to the nearly 12,000 U.S. military members stationed in Kuwait. Taking The Dark Knight’s 80-year cultural legacy to the Middle East, legendary artist Jim Lee and award-winning BATMAN writer Tom King (The Sheriff of Babylon) embarked on a multi-day tour alongside Nafessa Williams, who plays Anissa Pierce/Thunder on WBTV’s “Black Lightning” on The CW; as well as Candice Patton (Iris West Allen) and Danielle Panabaker (Caitlin Snow/Killer Frost) who star on “The Flash,” (Tuesdays 8/7c on The CW). In addition, DC brought the famed ‘Tumbler’ Batmobile – bringing an immersive Batman experience to active-duty service members currently stationed abroad.
To honor the service members in Kuwait, DC toured five military bases, including Camp Buehring, Camp Arifjan, Ali Al Salem, Camp Patriot and Al Jaber, giving dozens of military units the chance to meet and take pictures with the celebrity visitors as well as the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit inside the ‘Tumbler’ Batmobile. Service members were also treated to an exclusive first look at the highly anticipated “Pennyworth” television series. The DC origin story follows former British SAS soldier Alfred Pennyworth as he goes to work with billionaire Thomas Wayne years before Bruce Wayne is born. The series premieres on Epix on July 28, 2019.
“It was an absolute honor to meet with brave service members that exemplify real life heroism,” said DC Chief Creative Officer, Publisher and comic artist Jim Lee. “These heroes inspire the world every day with their valor and commitment to freedom, the same courageous qualities that Batman has symbolized for eight decades. DC is extremely proud to have joined forces with the USO to deliver an unprecedented Batman experience to our troops.”
In true superhero style, DC and the USO orchestrated exclusive screenings, cosplay contests, and special group panels where acclaimed DC writer Tom King shared his experience as a former CIA counterterrorism operations officer and his transition into comic books and writing Batman. Artist Jim Lee also taught an art masterclass for service members interested in illustration, while actresses Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker and Nafessa Williams met with fans, signed autographs, participated in panel discussions and made special unit visits to service members on the job.
In addition, service members had the opportunity to take photos with the legendary ‘Tumbler’ Batmobile and the Camp Buehring Base Commander, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kate Conkey, rode in the famed vehicle while service members posed alongside for photographs.
“The USO is honored to join forces with DC to bring this first-of-its-kind tour to service members in Kuwait,” said Alan Reyes, USO Chief Operating Officer. “As we close out Military Appreciation Month, this tour will strive to share America’s appreciation and support with our men and women in uniform. We are also excited to extend our partnership with DC beyond this tour by distributing Batman-themed USO2GO kits to service members across the globe.”
Later this year, DC and the USO are bringing Batman to service members around the world with a special Batman-themed USO2GO kit featuring comics, movies, TV shows, games and more. The kit will offer a fun diversion for service members stationed in remote locations around the globe, connecting them to home and all things Dark Knight.
For the latest news and updates on DC’s collaboration with the USO, visit www.Batman80.com. Fans can join the global Batman celebration on social media by following @Batman on Facebook and Instagram, and @DCBatman on Twitter.
