Today brings good news for fans of Frank Miller’s 1987 Batman story arc Year One. Warner Bros. has just released a new trailer for more animated Batman action, this time in the form of a DVD/Blu-Ray release. Check the break for my thoughts on the book itself and for the trailer.

Batman: Year One has to be one of my favorite story arcs throughout the 72 years of Batman’s existence. While of course I haven’t read all 72 years worth, Batman: Year One was the first Batman comic I had ever read. By doing so, it  sparked a never ending intrigue for all things Batman, and has made my love for comics what it is today. Thank you Mr. Miller for increasing my nerd levels dramatically!

Frank Miller tells the story of Bruce Wayne’s first year as The Caped Crusader. This includes Bruce choosing a bat as his alter ego to inspire fear into the criminals of Gotham City, and the beginning of a friendship between Batman and the then Lieutenant Jim Gordon. While no big Batman baddies are present in this arc, we do see the origins of Selina Kyle, better known as Catwoman — I think this evolution is pretty sweet. If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading Batman: Year One, I’d highly recommend it. You can find a copy at your local comic book store or most big-named bookstores around these days.

It is such a good story that Christopher Nolan used quite a bit from this arc in Batman Begins, which shows a slightly different take on Bruce’s transformation into Batman. While I would love to dive into the comparisons between Batman Begins and Batman: Year One, I will hold off for those who haven’t read this book so that they can have the enjoyment of finding what was used for themselves.

The cast for the animated Batman: Year One is actually pretty decent. I’m a bit worried about a few choices — mainly one — but hey, it’s animated, so we don’t have to worry about horrendous acting. The OC‘s Ben McKenzie dons the cape and cowl as Batman/Bruce Wayne. The more I watch the trailer and hear his voice, I start to think he may not be too bad. He could pass for a young amateur Batman.  Bryan Cranston will voice Lieutenant Jim Gordon, and Eliza Dushku throws on the skin tight catsuit (better for jewel thievery obviously) as Catwoman/Selina Kyle.

Alright you’ve waited long enough. Here it is guys and gals. The trailer for Batman: Year One.

Batman: Year One will be a direct to DVD/Blu-Ray release. Also included on this DVD will be a Catwoman animated short. If you find yourself lucky enough to be at the San Diego Comic-Con, you will have the chance to see the movie first at its premiere. If you are unlucky like myself, you can pick up your copy on October 18th. This is also the same day that the new Batman: Arkham City video game hits stores. What a great day it will be for me! So make sure to get your copy of Batman: Year One and Batman: Arkham City.

What do you think? Will you be picking up your copy?