Superhero comics are no longer limited to inspiring just movies and TV shows; they're now fueling high-quality podcasts and audio dramas. DC has recently launched its most ambitious podcast project yet with the debut of DC High Volume: Batman, a series that aims 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, you're missing out on a deeper experience. DC is also rolling out a companion series within the main DC High Volume feed. Hosted by writer and journalist Coy Jandreau, these episodes provide a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the series. They feature interviews with the cast and crew, as well as the creators whose work inspired the project. The first companion episode, set to release on Thursday, April 24, will include conversations with Batman voice actor Jason Spisak and DC's Creative Director of Animation & Audio Content, Mike Pallotta.
IGN recently had the opportunity to speak with Jandreau about the series and how it complements the DC High Volume: Batman saga. Read on to discover how these episodes can enhance your Batman experience.
What Is DC High Volume: Batman?
To fully grasp the purpose of the companion series, it's essential to understand what DC High Volume: Batman is all about. This series is a collaboration between DC and podcast giant Realm, delivering 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 voicing Jim Gordon.
"DC High Volume is the first of its kind on this scale, essentially a one-to-one retelling of classic Batman comic books, but in the form of an incredible audio long-format radio play," Jandreau explained to IGN. "It takes Batman: Year One and The Long Halloween, transforming them into a fully immersive audio experience with exceptional production design, audio special effects, talented voice actors, and a score where different villains and heroes have their own thematic pieces. It's a new way to experience stories I've been reading my whole life, now in a fresh auditory format."
Jandreau emphasized that the goal is to create an ongoing narrative using seminal Batman graphic novels as pivotal chapters in Batman's story. Starting with Batman and Gordon's shared origin story in Year One, the series then moves into The Long Halloween, which is set in Batman's second year.
"The idea is to present the long-running Batman mythos in a new medium, providing a jumping-on point for both die-hard fans like myself and new audiences who might only know Batman from movies or animated series," Jandreau said. "It's a return to the roots, showcasing big moments within a shared universe, using the same voice actors to ensure continuity and growth through these classic stories."
As a lifelong comic book enthusiast, Jandreau appreciates experiencing these iconic stories in a new way, translating visuals into a purely auditory experience.
"The emotion and experience these stories evoke in this format are incredible," Jandreau noted. "It's not about subtracting from the art; it's about adding to it with audio. You can listen while driving, with high-quality headphones, or even with tower speakers for a different experience. You can also listen while reading the comics for a combined experience, or use it as a backdrop for conversations. Each method provides a unique experience, but none diminish the original comic's allure."
The High Volume Companion Series
Jandreau's companion series serves as an extension of the DC High Volume: Batman saga, offering insights into the production and the challenges of adapting comics into audio. Available both in audio format on the DC High Volume: Batman feed and as a separate video series, the first episode will premiere on April 24, just one day after the series begins its adaptation of Batman: The Long Halloween.
"They've been developing this for years before I joined, but the focus has always been on showcasing the incredible talent behind the scenes," Jandreau said. "Whether it's voice actors, composers, or the people at DC involved from the start, including the writers and artists of the original stories, they felt it was important for listeners to get to know them."
Jandreau was brought on board due to his work on the DC Studio Showcase video series, which made him an ideal candidate to explore 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 of things," Jandreau explained. "DC Studios, led by James Gunn and Peter Safran, is building this world, and I serve as the comic correspondent there. Once that started doing well, they asked me to do this, and I was honored because comics are my passion. It's exciting to have a show that celebrates comics and explores new ways to adapt them."
In the first companion episode, Jandreau discusses with Jason Spisak the challenge of finding Batman's voice within this universe and how it changes depending on the characters Batman interacts with.
"Not to spoil the first episode, but talking to Jason Spisak, who voices Bruce Wayne/Batman, he brought a fascinating new take on Batman," Jandreau shared. "In Year One, you hear Bruce Wayne becoming the Bat, and it's fascinating to hear the Bat voice develop, like an equalizer discovering different levels. How Batman sounds with Gordon versus Alfred, how Bruce Wayne sounds with Alfred, and what the voice in Bruce Wayne's head sounds like as he becomes Batman."
The structure of the companion series is less rigid, focusing on key emotional beats and plot points from the main series.
"It doesn't strictly follow the comic issues," Jandreau said. "For instance, our first episode follows a significant moment from the first issue of The Long Halloween, right after Year One. This allows me to discuss the evolution from Year One into The Long Halloween, the character growth, and more. It's about hitting emotional beats that resonate with the interviewees and add context to the audience's experience at the right time."
Jandreau drew inspiration from various interview shows and podcast companion series, including Inside the Actors Studio, Hot Ones, and classic late-night talk shows.
"I drew from Inside the Actors Studio, with James Lipton being a hero of mine," Jandreau said. "It's a blend of Lipton's long-form interviews, Sean Evans' nuanced approach on Hot Ones, and the energy of old-school talk shows like Johnny Carson and Conan O'Brien. I wanted to combine these elements to create a dynamic and engaging format."
The Future of DC High Volume: Batman
Looking ahead, Jandreau hopes to interview key DC creators for the series, including The Long Halloween writer Jeph Loeb and his Batman: Hush collaborator Jim Lee.
"Jim Lee, now in his position at DC, has been incredibly inspiring with his creative oversight and artistic contributions," Jandreau said. "His work is some of my favorite, and his insights are invaluable. Since he's inspired so many stories I love and is involved in what DC is doing broadly, he's definitely someone I want to feature."
Jandreau also mentioned his desire to interview Jeph Loeb, with whom he has interacted at conventions.
"Jeph Loeb is responsible for many of the comics that serve as the framework for adaptations people know," Jandreau noted. "Long Halloween and Dark Victory have significantly influenced Batman stories, and I'd love to have a long-form chat with him to gain his insights."
Both Loeb and Lee are currently working on Batman: Hush again, making them essential figures for Jandreau's bucket list. He also expressed interest in interviewing Tom King, who wrote a notable Batman run from 2016-2019.
"Tom King's background, having worked for the CIA, adds a Batman-adjacent life perspective to his writing," Jandreau said. "His view of Batman and Catwoman, his approach to love, women, pathos, vengeance, and Bruce Wayne's pain and growth has always resonated with me. I'd love to have an in-depth conversation with him, especially since he's involved in other adaptations like the Lantern show and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow."
Ultimately, Jandreau's goal with the companion series is to foster positivity within the Batman fandom.
"The internet can be a hostile place, especially in fandoms," Jandreau said. "Genre content is tribal because people are protective of these stories, which are deeply meaningful to them. I believe it's crucial to focus on the positive aspects because there's enough negativity in the world. I want this show to be a source of positivity, sharing stories in an uplifting way. It's important to me that this series feels like a welcoming space for both die-hard comic fans and newcomers curious about Batman, ensuring the least gatekeeping and the widest open door to the comic book world."
For more Batman content, explore the top 10 Batman costumes of all time and the top 27 Batman comics and graphic novels.
