Warning: this article contains some spoilers for recent issues of Batman! [poilib element="accentDivider"] A major showdown is brewing between Batman and the Joker, and DC Comics has given it a name - Joker War. DC's solicitation for Batman #93 gives us our first taste of what Joker War entails. Issue #93 serves as the finale to new writer James Tynion IV's first major story arc, as Batman confronts Gotham City's newest supervillain, the Designer. But even as that battle plays out, Joker is planning his latest and greatest attack on the Dark Knight. [caption id="attachment_2289123" align="aligncenter" width="2062"] Batman #93 cover by Tony Daniel. (Image Credit: DC)[/caption] Here's the full synopsis for Batman #93: Batman faces off with the Designer as “Their Dark Designs” reaches its epic climax! In the last year, Batman has lost more than he could have imagined, and now he faces a cost so dear it will change the course of his life. And there is worse on the horizon. In the midst of all the horror, he can feel the drumbeat of battle. “Joker War” is coming, and Gotham City will never be the same. Recent issues of Batman actually give us a pretty good idea of what Joker has in store for his arch-nemesis. 2012's Batman: Death of the Family revealed Joker has known Batman's secret identity for years. To date, Joker has never bothered to act on that information, as he doesn't want to spoil his carefully cultivated relationship with Batman. But as shown in Tynion and Guillem March's backup story in Batman #85, Joker has suddenly realized he can use that knowledge to strike at Batman where he least expects. [caption id="attachment_2289139" align="aligncenter" width="936"] Art by Guillem March. (Image Credit: DC)[/caption] Batman #86's backup story continues that plot thread, showing Joker systematically destroying his headquarters and killing off his henchmen as he prepares for his criminal master stroke. As far as Joker is concerned, this is going to be his final battle with Batman, and he wants to make it a good one. It's probably safe to assume Joker War will deal directly with the Clown Prince of Crime's decision to target Bruce Wayne. Will Joker leak Batman's identity to the public? Will he declare war on Wayne Enterprises? Whatever happens, it sounds like it's going to be a rough year for Batman. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-25-greatest-batman-graphic-novels-of-all-time&captions=true"] Batman #93 is written by James Tynion IV and drawn by Guillem March and is scheduled for release on Wednesday, April 15. We're expecting Joker War to begin as early as May's Batman #94, likely culminating in Batman #100 later this year. For other big developments in the Batman franchise, see how DC is paying tribute to a fallen hero, find out how Flashpoint's Batman survived and learn which iconic Batman: The Animated Series villain is finally making their DC Comics debut. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/01/17/unboxing-dc-multiverse-action-figures-from-mcfarlane-toys"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.

Warning: this article contains some spoilers for recent issues of Batman! [poilib element="accentDivider"] A major showdown is brewing between Batman and the Joker, and DC Comics has given it a name - Joker War. DC's solicitation for Batman #93 gives us our first taste of what Joker War entails. Issue #93 serves as the finale to new writer James Tynion IV's first major story arc, as Batman confronts Gotham City's newest supervillain, the Designer. But even as that battle plays out, Joker is planning his latest and greatest attack on the Dark Knight. [caption id="attachment_2289123" align="aligncenter" width="2062"] Batman #93 cover by Tony Daniel. (Image Credit: DC)[/caption] Here's the full synopsis for Batman #93: Batman faces off with the Designer as “Their Dark Designs” reaches its epic climax! In the last year, Batman has lost more than he could have imagined, and now he faces a cost so dear it will change the course of his life. And there is worse on the horizon. In the midst of all the horror, he can feel the drumbeat of battle. “Joker War” is coming, and Gotham City will never be the same. Recent issues of Batman actually give us a pretty good idea of what Joker has in store for his arch-nemesis. 2012's Batman: Death of the Family revealed Joker has known Batman's secret identity for years. To date, Joker has never bothered to act on that information, as he doesn't want to spoil his carefully cultivated relationship with Batman. But as shown in Tynion and Guillem March's backup story in Batman #85, Joker has suddenly realized he can use that knowledge to strike at Batman where he least expects. [caption id="attachment_2289139" align="aligncenter" width="936"] Art by Guillem March. (Image Credit: DC)[/caption] Batman #86's backup story continues that plot thread, showing Joker systematically destroying his headquarters and killing off his henchmen as he prepares for his criminal master stroke. As far as Joker is concerned, this is going to be his final battle with Batman, and he wants to make it a good one. It's probably safe to assume Joker War will deal directly with the Clown Prince of Crime's decision to target Bruce Wayne. Will Joker leak Batman's identity to the public? Will he declare war on Wayne Enterprises? Whatever happens, it sounds like it's going to be a rough year for Batman. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-25-greatest-batman-graphic-novels-of-all-time&captions=true"] Batman #93 is written by James Tynion IV and drawn by Guillem March and is scheduled for release on Wednesday, April 15. We're expecting Joker War to begin as early as May's Batman #94, likely culminating in Batman #100 later this year. For other big developments in the Batman franchise, see how DC is paying tribute to a fallen hero, find out how Flashpoint's Batman survived and learn which iconic Batman: The Animated Series villain is finally making their DC Comics debut. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/01/17/unboxing-dc-multiverse-action-figures-from-mcfarlane-toys"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.

Following the news of the Cyberpunk 2077 delay was an investors Q&A with executive Adam Kiciński where it was confirmed CD Projekt Red developers will be putting in crunch hours to get the sci-fi RPG out by September. During the investor's call, a participant inquired, "is the development team required to put in crunch hours?" Kiciński responded, "To some degree, yes – to be honest. We try to limit crunch as much as possible, but it is the final stage. We try to be reasonable in this regard, but yes. Unfortunately." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/08/27/cyberpunk-2077-gameplay-demo"] In response to another question from the same participant about pushing back the release date, Kiciński elaborated more on why the team decided to delay Cyberpunk 2077 three months ahead of launch. "Why three months before release? Well, we have been waiting and there always comes the moment to decision. We are constantly evaluating the game and we decided if we are to delay this is the right moment, and that with the decision to add five months we would be really sure that we can deliver what we had planned." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=7-cyberpunk-games-to-play-while-youre-waiting-for-cyberpunk-2077&captions=true"] Cyberpunk 2077 was initially set to release on April 16, 2020. It was then postponed to September 17 despite President and CEO Adam Kiciński confirming it's, "complete and playable." The CD Projekt Red executive stated the reason for the delay is needing more time for "playtesting, fixing, and polishing." In the same investor's Q&A, it was also revealed the Cyberpunk 2077 Multiplayer Mode would likely not be playable until after 2021. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-2020-video-game-release&captions=true"] The ethical treatment of game developers has been a major topic of discussion over the years. Vulture's interview with Rockstar Games' VP Dan Houser shed light on crunch culture at Rockstar Games and propelled the issue into mainstream news. Since then, many more stories about game developers and crunch in studios have come to light, including one about CD Projekt Red. With increased awareness of the issue and efforts from game developers to unionize, we may start to see an increase in game publishers and developers taking more time to release their games in the best condition possible. For more on CD Projekt Red's upcoming sci-fi RPG, read up on everything we know about Cyberpunk 2077.

Following the news of the Cyberpunk 2077 delay was an investors Q&A with executive Adam Kiciński where it was confirmed CD Projekt Red developers will be putting in crunch hours to get the sci-fi RPG out by September. During the investor's call, a participant inquired, "is the development team required to put in crunch hours?" Kiciński responded, "To some degree, yes – to be honest. We try to limit crunch as much as possible, but it is the final stage. We try to be reasonable in this regard, but yes. Unfortunately." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/08/27/cyberpunk-2077-gameplay-demo"] In response to another question from the same participant about pushing back the release date, Kiciński elaborated more on why the team decided to delay Cyberpunk 2077 three months ahead of launch. "Why three months before release? Well, we have been waiting and there always comes the moment to decision. We are constantly evaluating the game and we decided if we are to delay this is the right moment, and that with the decision to add five months we would be really sure that we can deliver what we had planned." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=7-cyberpunk-games-to-play-while-youre-waiting-for-cyberpunk-2077&captions=true"] Cyberpunk 2077 was initially set to release on April 16, 2020. It was then postponed to September 17 despite President and CEO Adam Kiciński confirming it's, "complete and playable." The CD Projekt Red executive stated the reason for the delay is needing more time for "playtesting, fixing, and polishing." In the same investor's Q&A, it was also revealed the Cyberpunk 2077 Multiplayer Mode would likely not be playable until after 2021. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-2020-video-game-release&captions=true"] The ethical treatment of game developers has been a major topic of discussion over the years. Vulture's interview with Rockstar Games' VP Dan Houser shed light on crunch culture at Rockstar Games and propelled the issue into mainstream news. Since then, many more stories about game developers and crunch in studios have come to light, including one about CD Projekt Red. With increased awareness of the issue and efforts from game developers to unionize, we may start to see an increase in game publishers and developers taking more time to release their games in the best condition possible. For more on CD Projekt Red's upcoming sci-fi RPG, read up on everything we know about Cyberpunk 2077.

Hank Azaria, the voice actor responsible for iconic Simpsons voices like Moe, Chief Wiggum, and Comic Book Guy, will be dropping one famous character from his repertoire: Apu. Speaking to /Film, Azaria confirmed that while the future for the character Apu on The Simpsons is still being decided upon, he won’t be voicing the character going forward. “All we know there is I won’t be doing the voice anymore unless there’s some way to transition it or something,” Azaria said. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-25-best-adult-cartoon-tv-series&captions=true"] Apu is an Indian immigrant in The Simpsons who runs the Kiwk-E-Mart convenience store in Springfield. The character has come under controversy since comedian Hari Kondabolu released his 2017 documentary, The Problem with Apu, which dove deep into the character and representation. Azaria has gone on record to say that he’s seen the documentary and would step down from voicing the character. However, no concrete plans regarding Apu’s future on The Simpsons has appeared. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2015/08/20/history-of-awesome-the-simpsons"] And even though Azaria says he’ll not be voicing the character, it’s unclear whether Apu will be phased out of the show or if someone else will be voicing the character going forward. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Kim is a reporter for IGN. You can reach him on Twitter.

Hank Azaria, the voice actor responsible for iconic Simpsons voices like Moe, Chief Wiggum, and Comic Book Guy, will be dropping one famous character from his repertoire: Apu. Speaking to /Film, Azaria confirmed that while the future for the character Apu on The Simpsons is still being decided upon, he won’t be voicing the character going forward. “All we know there is I won’t be doing the voice anymore unless there’s some way to transition it or something,” Azaria said. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-25-best-adult-cartoon-tv-series&captions=true"] Apu is an Indian immigrant in The Simpsons who runs the Kiwk-E-Mart convenience store in Springfield. The character has come under controversy since comedian Hari Kondabolu released his 2017 documentary, The Problem with Apu, which dove deep into the character and representation. Azaria has gone on record to say that he’s seen the documentary and would step down from voicing the character. However, no concrete plans regarding Apu’s future on The Simpsons has appeared. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2015/08/20/history-of-awesome-the-simpsons"] And even though Azaria says he’ll not be voicing the character, it’s unclear whether Apu will be phased out of the show or if someone else will be voicing the character going forward. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Kim is a reporter for IGN. You can reach him on Twitter.

The Walt Disney Company is losing the “Fox” part of 20th Century Fox and its other studios as part of a big rebranding maneuver.

Variety reports that 20th Century Fox will be known as 20th Century Studios going forward, while Fox Searchlight Pictures will be Searchlight Pictures. However, no decision has yet been made about changing the names of 20th Century Fox Television and Fox 21 Television Studios.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2017/12/14/disney-officially-to-buy-21st-century-fox-for-524-billion-ign-news"]

Searchlight staff have apparently already had their email addresses changed, while the website fox.com will become searchlightpictures.com.

The first films affected by the rebranding will be Downhill, which will release with the Searchlight Pictures name and logo. Call of the Wild will similarly be released as a 20th Century Studios picture.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=fox-movie-and-tv-show-properties-possibly-headed-to-disney&captions=true"]

Disney completed its acquisition of 20th Century Fox in March 2019, making it the most powerful film studio of all time. The merger meant Disney acquired huge names, including the likes of Alien, Family Guy, Avatar, the X-Men universe, and many more.

[poilib element="accentDivider"]

Chris Priestman is a freelancer who writes news for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

The Walt Disney Company is losing the “Fox” part of 20th Century Fox and its other studios as part of a big rebranding maneuver.

Variety reports that 20th Century Fox will be known as 20th Century Studios going forward, while Fox Searchlight Pictures will be Searchlight Pictures. However, no decision has yet been made about changing the names of 20th Century Fox Television and Fox 21 Television Studios.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2017/12/14/disney-officially-to-buy-21st-century-fox-for-524-billion-ign-news"]

Searchlight staff have apparently already had their email addresses changed, while the website fox.com will become searchlightpictures.com.

The first films affected by the rebranding will be Downhill, which will release with the Searchlight Pictures name and logo. Call of the Wild will similarly be released as a 20th Century Studios picture.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=fox-movie-and-tv-show-properties-possibly-headed-to-disney&captions=true"]

Disney completed its acquisition of 20th Century Fox in March 2019, making it the most powerful film studio of all time. The merger meant Disney acquired huge names, including the likes of Alien, Family Guy, Avatar, the X-Men universe, and many more.

[poilib element="accentDivider"]

Chris Priestman is a freelancer who writes news for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Over the past week, Disney has issued takedown notices to a number of Etsy sellers who had listings for unofficial Baby Yoda merchandise.

The Verge reports that the Etsy sellers targeted by Disney were using the words “Star Wars,” “Mandalorian,” and “Yoda” to sell their unofficial Baby Yoda plushies and toys. Etsy acted on Disney’s request and deactivated the sellers’ storefronts until the copyright infringing words were removed from their listings.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/03/the-mandalorian-director-bryce-dallas-howard-on-keeping-baby-yoda-a-secret"]

However, that hasn’t stopped those sellers from fulfilling their backlog of orders, or from selling further products that resemble Baby Yoda. The difference now is they are using words such as “baby alien” and “The Baby Child.”

Baby Yoda merchandise has been highly sought after since The Mandalorian premiered in November 2019 on Disney+. There hasn’t been any official merch released yet as Disney wanted to keep Baby Yoda under wraps until the show went out.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=an-adorable-gallery-of-baby-yoda&captions=true"]

Fortunately, Disney has seen the huge demand for Baby Yoda merch and is going to be releasing it soon. Need something to tide you over until then? Have a look at a photo of George Lucas hugging Baby Yoda.

[poilib element="accentDivider"] Chris Priestman is a freelancer who writes news for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Over the past week, Disney has issued takedown notices to a number of Etsy sellers who had listings for unofficial Baby Yoda merchandise.

The Verge reports that the Etsy sellers targeted by Disney were using the words “Star Wars,” “Mandalorian,” and “Yoda” to sell their unofficial Baby Yoda plushies and toys. Etsy acted on Disney’s request and deactivated the sellers’ storefronts until the copyright infringing words were removed from their listings.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/03/the-mandalorian-director-bryce-dallas-howard-on-keeping-baby-yoda-a-secret"]

However, that hasn’t stopped those sellers from fulfilling their backlog of orders, or from selling further products that resemble Baby Yoda. The difference now is they are using words such as “baby alien” and “The Baby Child.”

Baby Yoda merchandise has been highly sought after since The Mandalorian premiered in November 2019 on Disney+. There hasn’t been any official merch released yet as Disney wanted to keep Baby Yoda under wraps until the show went out.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=an-adorable-gallery-of-baby-yoda&captions=true"]

Fortunately, Disney has seen the huge demand for Baby Yoda merch and is going to be releasing it soon. Need something to tide you over until then? Have a look at a photo of George Lucas hugging Baby Yoda.

[poilib element="accentDivider"] Chris Priestman is a freelancer who writes news for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.