Superhero comics are no longer just inspiring movie and TV adaptations; they're also fueling big-budget podcasts and audio dramas. DC has launched its most ambitious podcast initiative yet with the debut of *DC High Volume: Batman*, a series designed to bring some of the Dark Knight’s most iconic comic book storylines to life in audio form. However, if you're only tuning into *DC High Volume: Batman* itself, you're missing out on a richer experience. DC is also rolling out a companion show within the main *DC High Volume* feed, hosted by writer and journalist Coy Jandreau. This companion series offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the show, featuring interviews with the cast, crew, and the creators whose work inspired *DC High Volume: Batman*. The first companion episode, set to release on Thursday, April 24, includes interviews with Batman voice actor Jason Spisak and DC's Creative Director, Animation & Audio Content, Mike Pallotta.
IGN had the opportunity to speak with Jandreau about the series and how it enhances the *DC High Volume: Batman* saga. Continue reading to discover how these episodes can enrich your Batman experience.
What Is DC High Volume: Batman?
To fully appreciate the companion series, it's important to understand what *DC High Volume: Batman* entails. This series is a collaboration between DC and podcast giant Realm, presenting an ongoing audio drama that closely adapts iconic Batman comic books, such as *Batman: Year One*. The series features Jason Spisak as the voice of Bruce Wayne/Batman and Jay Paulson as Jim Gordon.
“*DC High Volume* is the first of its kind to this scale, essentially a one-to-one retelling of classic Batman comic books in an incredible audio long-format radio play,” Jandreau explained to IGN. “It's taking *Batman: Year One*, *The Long Halloween*, and turning them into a full, immersive audio experience with incredible production design, audio special effects, and super-talented voice actors. Each villain and hero has their own musical score, creating an entirely new way to experience stories I've been reading my whole life but now can hear in a new way.”
Jandreau further explained that the series aims to weave an ongoing narrative using seminal Batman graphic novels as key chapters. Starting with *Batman: Year One*, which covers Batman and Gordon’s shared origin story, it progresses into *The Long Halloween*, set in Year 2 of Batman’s career.
“The idea is to present the long-running Batman mythos in a new medium, allowing both die-hard fans and newcomers, who might only know Batman from movies or animated series, a fresh jumping-on point,” Jandreau said. “It goes back to the roots for a reason, playing the big moments in a shared universe, using the same voice actors, and ensuring the storytelling grows and evolves through these classic tales.”
As a lifelong comic book enthusiast, Jandreau finds great value in experiencing these iconic stories through a different medium, translating visual narratives into a purely auditory experience.
“Listening to these stories, the emotion and experience they evoke are incredible in a different way,” Jandreau noted. “I don't see it as subtracting from the art; rather, it's adding an audio dimension. You can listen to these stories by themselves, in a car, with headphones, or even with tower speakers for a unique experience. You can also listen while reading the comics for a dual experience, or enjoy them in a 1920s-style fireside chat. None of these methods detract from the original comics, which remain just as compelling.”
The High Volume Companion Series
Jandreau’s companion series complements the ongoing *DC High Volume: Batman* saga by exploring the behind-the-scenes process and challenges of adapting comics for audio. The series will be available in both audio format within the *DC High Volume: Batman* feed and as a separate video series. The premiere episode is scheduled for April 24, following the launch of the *Batman: The Long Halloween* adaptation.
“They've been developing this for years before I joined, but the goal was always to highlight the incredible talent behind the scenes,” Jandreau said. “Whether it's voice actors, composers, DC staff involved in the project, or the original comic writers and artists, it was important to showcase their contributions.”
Jandreau was brought on board due to his work on the *DC Studio Showcase* video series, making him an ideal choice to delve into the making of *DC High Volume: Batman*.
“I've been working on *DC Studio Showcase*, a bi-weekly show on Max and Max's YouTube, focusing on the studio side. With my role as the comic correspondent, it was a natural fit to take on this project. Comics are my passion, so having a show dedicated to them and their adaptations is truly exciting.”
In the first companion episode, Jandreau interviews Jason Spisak, discussing the challenges of voicing Batman in this new universe and how the character's voice evolves depending on his interactions with others.
“Not to spoil the first episode, but Jason Spisak, who voices Bruce Wayne/Batman, brought a fresh take on the character,” Jandreau shared. “In *Year One*, we hear Bruce Wayne transforming into the Bat, and it's fascinating to hear the Bat voice develop, adjusting like an equalizer. How Batman sounds with Gordon, Alfred, or even the voice in Bruce Wayne's head changes as he becomes Batman.”
Regarding the structure of the companion series, Jandreau explained that it's not strictly tied to each chapter of *DC High Volume: Batman* but rather focuses on key emotional and plot points.
“It's not just about following *Year One* with four issues and then moving to *Long Halloween*,” Jandreau said. “Our first episode follows a significant moment from the first issue of *Long Halloween*, right after *Year One*. This allows us to discuss the evolution from *Year One* to *Long Halloween*, focusing on character growth and emotional beats that resonate with our interviewees and enhance the audience's experience at the right moments.”
Jandreau also drew inspiration from various interview formats for his series, including *Inside the Actors Studio*, *Hot Ones*, and classic late-night talk shows.
“I looked to *Inside the Actors Studio* for inspiration, with James Lipton's long-form interviews being a significant influence. Combining that with Sean Evans's nuanced questioning from *Hot Ones*, and the energy of old-school talk shows like those hosted by Johnny Carson and Conan O'Brien, I aimed to create a unique blend of interview styles.”
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The Future of DC High Volume: Batman
Looking ahead, Jandreau expressed his desire to interview key DC creators, including *The Long Halloween* writer Jeph Loeb and his *Batman: Hush* collaborator Jim Lee.
“Jim Lee's creative oversight and his own work have been incredibly inspiring,” Jandreau said. “His insights are invaluable, especially since he's influenced so many stories I love. I'm eager to have him on the show.”
Jandreau also mentioned his interactions with Jeph Loeb at conventions and his desire to have an in-depth conversation with him about his contributions to Batman's lore.
“Jeph Loeb's work, like *Long Halloween* and *Dark Victory*, forms the backbone of many classic Batman stories. I want to explore his insights in a long-form chat,” Jandreau noted. “Plus, with him and Jim Lee working on *Batman: Hush* again, they're pivotal figures for me.”
Jandreau also hopes to interview Tom King, whose lengthy Batman run from 2016-2019 included the controversial, failed marriage between Batman and Catwoman.
“Tom King's background with the CIA and his unique perspective on Batman, Catwoman, and their relationship make him a fascinating figure,” Jandreau said. “His approach to writing love, women, and Batman's pain is how I see Bruce Wayne. I've spoken to him briefly at Comic-Cons, but I'd love to have a deeper conversation about his work, especially as he's involved in other projects like the Lantern show and *Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow*.”
Ultimately, Jandreau hopes his companion series will foster positivity within the Batman fandom, countering the often hostile environment found online.
“The internet can be a dangerous place, especially within fandoms where stories are fiercely protected,” Jandreau said. “These stories mean the world to people, which is why Batman has thrived for decades. We need to find the positivity in this, as there's already enough negativity in the world. I want this show to be a beacon of positivity, making comic fans feel at home and welcoming newcomers to explore the world of Batman without feeling gatekept.”
For more Batman fun, check out the top 10 Batman costumes of all time and the top 27 Batman comics and graphic novels.
