The Just Plain Badman

[Crazy Penguin]

http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=121058

A review for the new The Batman animated series. Colour me unsurprised. And they cancelled the TAS based comic to make way for a comic based on this piece of shit. Now when are those TAS boxsets gonna hit the UK?...

[Ngangbius]

I don't know, I mean it too early to judge an entire series based on the pilot espcially when 90% of all shows have crap pilots.

I'll give it 5 episodes max 'til I'll make the decision to keep watching or drop it--unless the show bacomes too abyssmal for me to make it to the 5th episode.

[Crazy Penguin]

Those hideous character designs aren't just going to disappear though. =\

[Pepperidge]

Nor will the themesong.

[The Scarlet Scorpion]

http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=121058

A review for the new The Batman animated series. Colour me unsurprised. And they cancelled the TAS based comic to make way for a comic based on this piece of shit. Now when are those TAS boxsets gonna hit the UK?...

Yeah, it looked pretty craptacular to both myself and my Father when we first saw the designs for the show. The two of us have religiously followed the Animated D.C.U. for years, but we could tell that it was utter garbage from the moment we first came in contact with it in a copy of "Wizard" -- or maybe "Toyfare," I can't remember which.

Speaking of toys, as soon as I first heard of the "Batwave" I could tell it was just an cheap, assinine attempt to sell toys. Hell, the whole show comes across as such from what I've heard of it: a "fleet" of Batmobiles, endless (and pointless) gimmicks and gadgets, and, most disturbing of all, a system by which light from outside the human range of vision is broadcast through the television so as to communicate with the toys. This creeped me out when LEGO did it with their "Gallador" figures, and it still creeps me out (seriously, it's like that "Angel" episode, "Smile Time," with the satanic puppets sucking out childrens' life essances via psychic links through television. Hell, even before that program, it still creeped me out).

Oh, and the toys can't be moved with a forklift at any of the local stores I shop at, nor on eBay, for that matter. Ironic justice.

And yeah, Dad and I are pissed that they canned "Batman Adventures," too (what's not to love about an allagorical political satire with guys in tights?). Further injury to insult is that Paul Dini and Bruce Timm were going to contribute a story to the series. Damn. Kinda reminds me of when DC made the writers for the various "Superman" comics throw out a planned eighteen month story arc just so they could tie into Clark Kent and Lois Lane's marriage on "Lois and Clark: The Adventures of Superman". Yes, the same live-action show which went went belly up shortly thereafter (and unlike Clark/Supes, it didn't come back from the grave. Thank God).

Either way, we're not happy, and Dad and I both predict that "The Batman" will, probably very soon, get "The Canceled."

[Crazy Penguin]

Do you know whether there going to be any more Batman Adventures digests? I really dig those. Or the Harley and Ivy mini-series? I really don't want to have to go back-issue hunting.

Speaking of which, the bastard file size limit on the board wouldn't let me have this avatar:

[The Scarlet Scorpion]

I don't know, I mean it too early to judge an entire series based on the pilot espcially when 90% of all shows have crap pilots.

I'll give it 5 episodes max 'til I'll make the decision to keep watching or drop it--unless the show bacomes too abyssmal for me to make it to the 5th episode.

Conversly, the pilot to "Batman: The Animated Series," "On Leather Wings," was brilliant. Like the majority of the Animated D.C.U.'s thirty minute timeslot-fillers.

Sure, not all good shows have good pilots, but often times a bad pilot can still be a harbinger of doom for a show's quality control.

And Crazy Penguin: I must confess, your avatar is utterly adorable. I've been meaning to tell you this for some time, but every time I see it my mind is clouded by Alyson Hannigan's unrestrained cuteness.

Awww.

[The Scarlet Scorpion]

If the "Fox Kids!" network censors saw that, it'd be a toss-up as to which of these actions they'd do first: soil themselves in terror or begin masturbating heartily.


















EDIT NUMBER ONE: I slightly changed the phrasing in my witty one-liner by adding "in terror." Obsessive-Compusive Disorder is fun.

EDIT NUMBER TWO: Moved a period in the first sentence of my "edit" notation. Like I said, fun.

[j-man]

If the "Fox Kids!" network censors saw that, it'd be a toss-up as to which of these actions they'd do first: soil themselves in terror or begin masturbating heartily.

omglol You made an unintentional pun.

[Grant]

The Batman is very frustrating.

Did Warner Bros. honestly not want to bring back Timm and Dini? Were they, themselves, unwilling? Certainly, they'd be able to do a successful early Batman animated series, if that's what they wanted to do to tie into Batman Begins.

Hell, I'd "settle" for more of the old ones.

[Rlan]

They wern't stubborn in giving Timm and Dini more shows, heck, Justice League Unlimited is currently pretty damn good, and hopefully should rack up 52 episodes, like Justice League. I think WB is just trying to test the waters and see how other styles can go, I mean, the BTAS style has been going for 12 years.

I love BTAS, and I enjoyed STAS and love JL and JLU, but this is early times for TBM. Heck, BTAS started off with a man able to turn himself into a Bat, and Joker escaping prison on a rocket Christmas Tree.

[Esrever]

Last I heard, Timm was, in his own words, "done" with DC toons after the current season of Justice League Unlimited. As I recall, it was because he just wanted to move on to do other things, and not because he was actively fired... but I could be wrong. Either way, we won't be seeing much more from him on the TV, I'm afraid.

[chriscaffee]

The only good Batman show I've ever seen is that one cartoon. I think it was just called "Batman." You know the one. I watched one episode of Batman Beyond and said "What the hell is this shit?" and then I never watched another Batman show again.

[Zeta]

Did Warner Bros. honestly not want to bring back Timm and Dini? Were they, themselves, unwilling? Certainly, they'd be able to do a successful early Batman animated series, if that's what they wanted to do to tie into Batman Begins.

Hell, I'd "settle" for more of the old ones.

KidsWB doesn't like the Timm/Dini style because it focuses too much on plots they think kids won't be able to understand, and not enough on "cool stuff" that can sell toys. That's why Justice League had to be shown on CN and not on KidsWB. Seriously.

[SuperKnux]

I want a new season of Batman Beyond damnit!

[Neo Yi]

I'll make a judgement when I see the Batman cartoon. There normally hasn't been a Batman cartoon I hated, but I'll see. I personall like Joker's look...it's bizzare. Catwoman, however, I cringe at. Ugh...she has like freakin' Bat ears and I always hated those damn goggles.

Frankly, I wanna see more batman Beyond.
~Neo

[Zeta]

Actually, I like the way Batman Beyond ended - and it did seem to have an official end. Terry tries for several years to learn how to truly become the next Batman, and once he defeats the Batman's oldest and most dangerous foe - he becomes Batman on his own terms. Thus, the story of Terry's apprentenceship is completed.

[Crazy Penguin]

Can someone post a picture of Catwoman's design in the new cartoon? I LOVE her durrent design in the comics.

Also....

Criminals Cower In This Colossal DVD Collection from the Caped Crusader!

NEW STREET DATE - JANUARY 25, 2005!

BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES: VOLUME TWO

Fight crime day and night alongside the Dark Knight with this deluxe 4-disc set packed with 28 heroic adventures from the acclaimed series! Filled with gripping plots, multidimensional characters and superb voice talent, this Emmy®-winning series has defined Batman for legions of fans. Enjoy amazing encounters with Catwoman, duels with the Penguin, contests with the Riddler and of course, battles of wit with the Joker - plus Exclusive Extras from the minds that conceived this cutting-edge version of the classic hero! Grab your cape and swing into action with this quintessential Batman compilation!


28 Episodes in Volume Two of the popular Emmy®-winning animated TV series.

National Print and Online campaign targeting adults 25-49 and delivering 13 MM total impressions. Publications include DC Comics, Premiere, Cinescape, Wizard, and Entertainment Weekly. Websites include DCComics.com and About.com. (Subject to Change)

DVD bonus features include Robin Rising, Gotham's Guardians, and Voices of the Knight featurettes, and commentary on 4 episodes.

Escalating rebate coupon inside each package allows consumers to save $10 if they buy any two Collectible Animation titles, or $15 if they buy any three.

Street Date: 1/25
DVD / $26.99
Cat# 31897
UPC 085393189723



The Man of Steel Flies Into Action With This Powerful DVD Collection!

NEW STREET DATE - JANUARY 25, 2005!

SUPERMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES: VOLUME ONE

Your spirits will soar with this 2-disc/18-episode set from the popular TV series! Portraying the man and hero as human while keeping the comic-book action at full speed, each animated adventure is a fast-paced spellbinder. Beginning with his arrival on Earth, Superman finds his place in his adopted home and accepts his role as its champion - facing mortal enemy Lex Luthor and countless other criminals like the Weather Wizard and the Toyman. High-flying excitement, boundless thrills and revealing Exclusive Extras collide in this superior collection about the dynamic hero that inspires us all to strive for truth and justice.


18 episodes in Volume One of the popular animated TV series.

National Print and Online campaign targeting adults 25-49 and delivering 13 MM total impressions. Publications include DC Comics, Premiere, Cinescape, Wizard, and Entertainment Weekly. Websites include DCComics.com and About.com. (Subject to Change)

DVD bonus features include Superman Learning to Fly and Building the Mythology: Superman's Supporting Cast featurettes, commentary on 4 episodes, and pop-up trivia.

Escalating rebate coupon inside each package allows consumers to save $10 if they buy any two Collectible Animation titles, or $15 if they buy any three.

Not Rated

Street Date: 1/25
DVD / $26.99
Cat# 31897
UPC 085393189723

[Grant]

Sweet! I can't wait for BTAS Volume 2!

Actually, I like the way Batman Beyond ended - and it did seem to have an official end. Terry tries for several years to learn how to truly become the next Batman, and once he defeats the Batman's oldest and most dangerous foe - he becomes Batman on his own terms. Thus, the story of Terry's apprentenceship is completed.

I agree. Return of the Joker was very well done.

[Zeta]

Terry and the future JL will supposedly return in the season finale of JLU. Which is a show that jumps around in quality so much, I can hardly keep track of it.

Their main complaint for the first two seasons was that it was hard to juggle 7 characters around.

So naturally, in season 3 - they decide to add 100 more. Great idea, shitheads.

[Crazy Penguin]

Though I've yet to see it, I like the idea behind the new format - each episode having a different group of 3 or 4 DC heroes.

[Zeta]

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Naturally, it's mostly dependant on what heroes/situations are grouped together.

One of the episodes in the new season has Wonder Woman being turned into a pig, and B'wana Beast tracks her while Batman gets her turned back to normal by singing at a Karaoke bar. Seriously.

On the other hand - the trio of Green Lantern/Supergirl/the Question rocked. The Question is hilariously insane - imagine Batman if he had an even looser grip on reality? You'd have the Question.

There's this one scene that MADE the episode. The Question is trying to break into a secret lab, so he walks up to the door and carefully inspects the electronic system. He thinks for a few minutes, walks away, and then throws a chair through the glass door - calmly walking through it while singing a cheery pop song as the security alarm goes off around him.

GENIUS.

[Neo Yi]

Actually, I like the way Batman Beyond ended - and it did seem to have an official end. Terry tries for several years to learn how to truly become the next Batman, and once he defeats the Batman's oldest and most dangerous foe - he becomes Batman on his own terms. Thus, the story of Terry's apprentenceship is completed.

Eh, call me denial. I just love that show and damn it...I want an entire boxed set, damn it!
~Neo

[The Scarlet Scorpion]

If the "Fox Kids!" network censors saw that, it'd be a toss-up as to which of these actions they'd do first: soil themselves in terror or begin masturbating heartily.

omglol You made an unintentional pun.

Well bugger me, I did.

*T.S.S. notices he is being eyed eerily by a baseball bat-wielding Delphine.*

Not literally.

[Cuckooguy]

I actually liked the Wonder Woman turned into a pig episode. The episode was just so ridiculous that I couldn't help but find myself entertained, even though I really don't like the pairing of Wonder Woman and Batman. I don't mind mild flirting (as a matter of fact, I like mild flirting), but Wonder Woman doesn't have to go into a fit just to try to get a date with Batman, or it doesn't have to get to the point where Batman has to explain that dating is a really bad idea. But anyway, something that was ridiculous:

*Zatanna strikes Circes with table*
Circes: Insolent trickster, you dare to strike--
*chair strikes Circes*
Circes: Ughu! <i>You</i> dare to strike--
*table strikes Circes*
Circes: Ow! <i>You dare</i> to strike--
*piece of cloth strikes Circes*
Circes: Quit it!... Oh no...!
*piano strikes Circes*

Man, that was just such a ridiculous script it just had to be animated.

The episode Hawk and Dove can die, though.