Batman TAS in an Alternate Retrospect

[Spike Spiegel]

Okay guys, we know for a fact that a lot of people at this forum absolutely loved Batman the Animated Series (and Batman Beyond, I guess), correct? It has been mentioned in many, many threads even during my short time here. I myself am a huge fan of it, I've watched these shows since the age of three or four.

Many of us seem to feel that it hasn't gotten the credit it deserves especially when compared to "The Batman," which isn't so bad in itself (Kevin Conroy as dick Grayson's dad and Mark Hamill as Tony Zucco is pretty neat, as well as the few other guys from TAS that have appeared on the show). But consider this: what if it had lasted longer? Would we still be satisfied with the series, or would we complain about a lagging continuity? Would we complain that we wanted something fresh?

So anyway, my point is this: the shows had spectacular runs, and it is blessing that they are on DVD. Enjoy the living crap out of the DVDs and videos, read or write fanfictions, read some of the old comics. It is how I manage to live without these spectacular contributions to both animation and the comics. Look at it this way: Because these shows were so groundbreaking and irreverantly awesome (I think there was an ep of BTAS where Montoya mentions a "crack house?"), perhaps its success will pave the way for other shows to follow in its footsteps.

[ZariusTwo]

I don't get this thread at all.

Batman: TAS is number one in almost EVERYONE'S f*cking book, in any top ten of any animated series poll, period. What the heck makes you think it does'nt get any credit?

[LogicDonny]

He;s basically telling us his opinion how awesome this show is. I would do the same.. Considering the fact Batman TAS was made for kids but the show was designed to be written in such a great and clever way making people of all ages to enjoy. Heck even my friend who past his 40's enjoy the cartoon as well. We have good talks about it and enjoy discussing the episodes.

You shoudl also give respect to justice league also.

[ZariusTwo]

He;s basically telling us his opinion how awesome this show is

He's claiming the show does'nt get credit when it does.

[Shark]

The series lasted mostly forever, and I wish it continued lasting forever. There was TAS, Batman Beyond, then Justice League (which people chew me out when I mention this as part of TAS, but it was the same damn Batman, with the same damn voice actor). Started in what, 1992, 1993, and ended last year? I'm going to miss the hell out of it, and The Batman will never fill the void, although lately it's a good subsitute.

[Spike Spiegel]

Of course the show gets credit, that's why I started this thread! It will always be the definitive Batman cartoon. It is sad that it's over, but my point was that it will always hold a special place in my heart, even when we get to the point where no one remembers it but us, the hard core fans.

[Anarky]

I don't get this thread at all.

Batman: TAS is number one in almost EVERYONE'S f*cking book, in any top ten of any animated series poll, period. What the heck makes you think it does'nt get any credit? Unless you're in Germany where officially, Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs is everyone's number one. :D

And I see how Marty can think that more seasons of BTAS and not just more Batman could have ruined the show and dragged it down to, say, mediocre level. I mean, the writers are bound to run out of good ideas eventually, and that's where it starts going downhill.

I still love BTAS for what it was, I'm even trying to find me a cheap importer of DVDs to get that show on DVD, but no such luck so far.

[Dr. Doom]

I recently sat down at my friend's house and watch 3 episodes of TAS (Heart of Steel 1 & 2 and Joker's Wild). I hadn't seen anything from TAS in a very, very long time, likely since it was last on Cartoon Network, so what I'm most used to at this point was Batman how he appeared in Justice League (which as far as I'm concerned was perfection, minus some length on the ears). Anyways, I was shocked to find that these episodes were....well...terrible. Everything about them. The animation, the story, the dialouge, the voice acting (with a few exceptions) was all just bad. I was shocked, because this is supposed to be this landmark achievement in animation and it looked, sounded and played out like crap. My question is, are these just 2 really poor episodes, or have I discovered that I actually don't like this show anymore? (Perhaps this could be compared to my eventual distaste for most of what TMNT '87 has to offer after enjoying it so much as a kid)

[Fledermaus]

I recently sat down at my friend's house and watch 3 episodes of TAS (Heart of Steel 1 & 2 and Joker's Wild). I hadn't seen anything from TAS in a very, very long time, likely since it was last on Cartoon Network, so what I'm most used to at this point was Batman how he appeared in Justice League (which as far as I'm concerned was perfection, minus some length on the ears). Anyways, I was shocked to find that these episodes were....well...terrible. Everything about them. The animation, the story, the dialouge, the voice acting (with a few exceptions) was all just bad. I was shocked, because this is supposed to be this landmark achievement in animation and it looked, sounded and played out like crap. My question is, are these just 2 really poor episodes, or have I discovered that I actually don't like this show anymore? (Perhaps this could be compared to my distaste for most of what TMNT '87 has to offer)

Joker's Wild was okay, not the best, but I don't think it was crap by any means. As for Heart of Steel 1 and 2 -- I think those are actually among the most beloved Batman episodes, especially part 2. And I really, really... really disagree with you on this one. I thought these two episodes held together beautifully. The voice acting was superb. As for animation -- the animation in Batman TAS was "good" (as in no cheap errors, or awkwardness) but didn't exactly break boundaries. The strong DESIGN and visual PACING made it beautiful to watch.

I'm actually sort of glad the show had a run of only 3 years (I'm not counting the visually simplified version that came out in '97). Good stuff comes when you're inspired and when there are stories to be told.

[KROW]

My only gripe is that the show isn't in syndication enough.

[Dr. Doom]

Joker's Wild was okay, not the best, but I don't think it was crap by any means. As for Heart of Steel 1 and 2 -- I think those are actually among the most beloved Batman episodes, especially part 2. And I really, really... really disagree with you on this one. I thought these two episodes held together beautifully. The voice acting was superb. As for animation -- the animation in Batman TAS was "good" (as in no cheap errors, or awkwardness) but didn't exactly break boundaries. The strong DESIGN and visual PACING made it beautiful to watch.

I'm actually sort of glad the show had a run of only 3 years (I'm not counting the visually simplified version that came out in '97). Good stuff comes when you're inspired and when there are stories to be told.

I wouldn't ever belittle the show conceptually, it just seemed like it practice something ended up being lost, I don't know. Again, I can't begin to express how shocked I was that I came to these conclusions. It may have something to do with the fact that, as I mentioned, I'm used to (and very happy with) Batman as he most recently appeared in JL/U, and he's certainly changed a lot since 1992.

[ZariusTwo]

Darn those Latverian Teen Titans marathons! Cloud the mind! CLOUD!

But yeah..."Heart of Steel" is amongst the best episodes ever developed for television period. I'll take a majority consensus over someone wowed by Teen Titans "clever" series finale anyday.

[Dr. Doom]

If you can find a quote of me saying that, then I'll have to go ahead and retract such a statement. Otherwise, you're just putting words into my mouth. Nice e-peen ya got there, chief.

[Anarky]

Now gentlemen, why don't we keep this off the personal level? Different people have different tastes. Arguing over them isn't really going anywhere.

And because I often seem to be misunderstood, this, once more, wasn't a friendly suggestion.

[愛]

Next time don't sound like such a superpower when attempting to stop the arguments.

Carry on.

[Spike Spiegel]

*chuckles*

Anyway....what else do you guys like about the series?

[kerfootw]

All I can tell is that anyone who can't seem to like Batman TAS must have problems.

[Dr. Doom]

I really can't thank you enough for that.

[ZariusTwo]

All I can tell is that anyone who can't seem to like Batman TAS must have problems.

Yeah. I don't know HOW he goes to the John in that armour...