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mydogsnameispoop t1_jd2q3a0 wrote

No discussions in the comments about this great series that I took for granted as a kid?

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Sovonna t1_jd3og6a wrote

I loved watching it. My Dad, who recently passed away, would get up with us and we would all watch it together. It's a beautiful memory ❤️

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Ledstones t1_jd3sqpg wrote

Had the same experience with my son who recently passed away. VCR was always ready to go and I'd meticulously edit the commercials out when they aired on FX. Felt like Xmas whenever it wasn't a rerun. There is no other Batman IMHO.

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throwaway939wru9ew t1_jd5n2mc wrote

Sounds a lot like one of the few really good memories I have of my dad as well. It’s one of the few movies I remember him taking me to.

It was one of those days that just felt like we actually shared some interest, and he was being a friend instead of the usual short tempered jerk he is.

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Sovonna t1_jd5naft wrote

I'm lucky, my Dad was amazing and we had many common interests. If he wasn't so awesome it wouldn't hurt this bad.

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throwaway939wru9ew t1_jd5nrue wrote

I have so many complex emotions about him - he was an excellent provider, yet flawed in his handling of emotions and connecting with his children. He had the capacity to be very kind, yet rarely chose to show it.

Even at 40 years old now, I find I don’t quite understand what made him this weird mishmash of qualities.

I’m happy you have fond memories, I try to be that kind of father for my son now. I take the good memories I have of my dad and try to amplify those… all while avoiding the things I hated.

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hectorconcarnedank t1_jd303ce wrote

I have great memories of this as a kid . Though it shows your age if your remembering it being played . Had to look up premier was in 92’ , although I am sure it was played as reruns for a long time . Can’t beat the artwork and soundtrack

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mydogsnameispoop t1_jd327yi wrote

I didn't fully appreciate this series until I was a bit older because the tone and elements of the show was so dark.

I played with all the toys no problem though.

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Clobber420 t1_jd3k5pp wrote

This show was such an entertainment tone setter for me growing up. Helped me recognize real quality and pushed me to seek that out even more. Even the Mask of the Phantasm movie set me up to like more adult and complicated themes when I was like 10 years old.

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RononSweets t1_jd37lx5 wrote

“I am vengeance! I am the night! I am Batman!”

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ThomasMaxwell2501 t1_jd5ilir wrote

I totally thought they were gonna use this line in the latest Batman film with Pattinson, since he kept saying, “I am vengeance”.

I was very disappointed….

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derps_with_ducks t1_jd69esq wrote

It's going to be a trilogy.

The next film he'll get round to saying "I am the night". Won't spoil the last film though.

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Babablacksheep2121 t1_jd3zf91 wrote

Kevin Conroy will always be my Batman. Mask of the Phantasm is still one of the greatest Batman movies of all time. I’ll put it up there with The Dark Knight.

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MrLeHah t1_jd4az2y wrote

All other Batman movies are inferior compared to Mask Of The Phantasm.

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iwant2be5again t1_jd6lj9u wrote

The Dark Knight returns part 1 & 2 we're great

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MrLeHah t1_jdapdox wrote

I’m counting every Batman movie, animated or otherwise

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Throwaway-account-23 t1_jd38qwb wrote

Still can't believe Kevin Conroy actually died.

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stfleming1 t1_jd3f8n0 wrote

He will always be Batman to me. His voice is what I hear when I read comics. The man may be gone but a part of him will live on forever.

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PurpleSunCraze t1_jd4xt6q wrote

Think I'll binge watch TAS soon.

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Frickelmeister t1_jd53pmn wrote

I recently rewatched the series in its entirety while working out in the home gym. It still holds up.

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Whimsical_Hobo t1_jd5z0vt wrote

If you haven't read it, he collaborated on a comic just before his death detailing his journey as an actor and developing the character of Batman. Definitely a must read.

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Cruzifixio t1_jd4qqvz wrote

He didn't.

He's in every Batman TAS episode.

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ricorgbldr t1_jd56bc5 wrote

And so much more. I love the justice league series.

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Reizal_Brood t1_jd3pfjg wrote

When I was a kid, around 9 or 10, my cousin was in town visiting on leave from his military job and I idolized him. I don't remember how the conversation came up, but he asked me what my favorite Batman stuff was, and I said TAS. He asked why, and I couldn't really answer, except that it was, to me, the core heart and soul of Batman. As an adult I've only realized more and more how true that was.

I'm always a little disappointed when I hear a Batman that isn't at least trying to sound like Kevin Conroy or a Joker that isn't Mark Hamill. And I have absolutely no idea who the VA for Superman was during the equivalent series run.

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Gravelsack t1_jd3r2fm wrote

>or a Joker that isn't Mark Hamill

Forget Luke Skywalker, The Joker was Mark Hamill's greatest role.

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dowdymeatballs t1_jd52tpj wrote

The world might not know that, but I think Mark Hamill himself does.

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Busterlimes t1_jd5fae6 wrote

Oh, he absolutely does. Mark has said in interviews how much he loves that role.

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imgrandojjo t1_jd56ou3 wrote

That's why mARK HAMill

Literally born to the role.

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citoloco t1_jd5ufha wrote

Yeah, but did The Joker get to make out with his sister? Roll Tide!

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MrLeHah t1_jd4avvs wrote

Tim Daly, best remembered from NBC’s WINGS, voiced Superman

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gretschenwonders t1_jd66ssv wrote

Also voiced by George Newbern in Justice League. George also voiced Sephiroth in various media

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MrLeHah t1_jd67lpr wrote

He said “equivalent series run”

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gretschenwonders t1_jdadpr4 wrote

Im not disputing what you said, just adding related info for those who might find that neat.

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Pirate_of_Dark_Water t1_jd4gyld wrote

I don't blame anyone for wanting more Mark Hamills Joker, but I do think people need to appreciate the bar he rasied for future actors to live up to in an animated setting.

Like John Dimaggio, and Kevin Michael Richardson after him, Mark Hamill made the character his own, he would practice in the car his different laughs and mannerisms, he said it must've been funny seeing a man maniacally laughing in the mirror at himself at red lights.

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metatron5369 t1_jd5y57t wrote

Batman is first and foremost a detective, without the camp of the 1960s or the angst and edge of the modern era and even the later cartoons.

You could go at lengths about the art direction of the show, but for me, the soul is always in the writing. Batman is just trying to fix Gotham the only way he knows how.

Almost all of the villains were fleshed out and well acted, turning even jokes like Mr. Freeze into some of the greatest comic book characters.

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PurpleSunCraze t1_jd4x459 wrote

Some of the dialogue in TAS will live rent free in my head forever.

Batman:

I saw what happened to your wife. I'm sorry.

Mr. Freeze:

I am beyond emotions. They've been frozen dead in me.

Batman:

That suit you wear - a result of the coolant?

Mr. Freeze:

Very good; a detective to the last. I can no longer survive outside a sub-zero environment. Tonight, I mean to pay back the man who ruined my life... our lives.

Batman:

Even if you have to kill everyone in the building to do it?

Mr. Freeze:

Think of it, Batman: to never again walk on a summer's day, with the hot wind in your face and a warm hand to hold. Oh, yes. I'd kill for that.

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Eledridan t1_jd5eyw1 wrote

“Heart of Ice” is so good. I like how there are fans the reject the New 52 Mr. Freeze origin and only accept the “Heart of Ice” origin.

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TheresNoCakeOnlyFire t1_jd3ysmz wrote

I've been on a Batman kick the last month or two and it kicked off with watching BTAS on HBO with my kiddo.

Since then, I've watched nearly every single Batman related movie/show within 4 weeks. My favorite episode of BTAS is "Beware* of The Grey Ghost", it was posted on another sub couple weeks ago.

The nostalgia of Adam West and the connection between Bruce Wayne and the actor made me cry, because I've been watching Batman since I was a kid too. It all started with the live action version with Adam West and 35 years later I'm still simping for the bat. 🦇🦇🦇

Edit: I found the post I was thinking about, lots of good mentions of great episodes in the comments

Also, if you wanna watch the episode, it's season 1, ep. 32 on HBO max. I also highly recommend the Dark Knight Returns 1 and 2 animated movies.

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PurpleSunCraze t1_jd4y5lx wrote

>My favorite episode of BTAS is "The Grey Ghost"

I'll just assume that's your favorite because you haven't seen "Almost Got 'Im". It's the only thing that makes sense.

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Vidar34 t1_jd4lkzj wrote

Batman TAS was the one Saturday morning cartoon that didn't feel like it was talking down to me. All the other cartoons felt like they were trying to just entertain me. Batman felt like it was teaching me about human nature in some way.

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saddetective87 OP t1_jd4nm7x wrote

What I find interesting is that the Superman documentary I posted has gotten zip response. But I guess Batman is more popular.

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DarthMailman t1_jd3t9k3 wrote

Is this the one they released on their wb YouTube a while back? It's actually pretty entertaining and it's always nice to be able to hear Kevin again.

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SloppityNurglePox t1_jd448hy wrote

Getting to see Mask of the Phantasm on the big screen was a highlight of childhood.

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Writerhaha t1_jd6e4y3 wrote

I’m jealous.

Had to do the then “Hollywood video” check the returns lottery to get a copy.

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2ichie t1_jd4tzok wrote

Ahh this is what I sub for. Anyone got any other docs or behind the scenes videos of DC or really anything.

DC is KILLING it with three animated stuff. Marvel can’t compete with it. HBO max opened a new world for me and I’m loving every show as a 30 year old

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BreathBandit t1_jd4z25m wrote

DC for the animation, Marvel for the videogames. That's how I came to love both of them.

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NtheHouseNaheartbeat t1_jd6t10s wrote

The Arkham series of games is near flawless. Shame what the latest DC games have turned into. Hopefully they make a teen titans or batman beyond game similar to the arkham series and not live service or monetized to f and back.

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BreathBandit t1_jd74wm6 wrote

Yeah, DC has the Arkham games and Injustice, but besides that they really haven't had any standouts to my knowledge.

Marvel has multiple great Spiderman games, Ultimate Alliance, Marvel Vs Capcom, Midnight Suns, Guardians Of The Galaxy, Hulk Ultimate Destruction and the arcade games are generally more well regarded than DC's.

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Hobbes10 t1_jd4dhpk wrote

This was dark this was so Batman!

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TheRealBrewballs t1_jd6701m wrote

It's not just how dark but also the deco styling. It didn't know what clicked but as an adult the sweeping batmobile thay was a cartoon, was less "cartoony" than the Burton movies. The architecture of the buildings, Batman being dark but not humorless, and the relationship with Alfred were so much real feeling.

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motes-of-light t1_jd6q1cf wrote

They literally inked on black so that dark would be the default.

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suhail_ansari t1_jd692vf wrote

90's was golden era for animation, I used to watch this series on TV when I was a kid.

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Busterlimes t1_jd5f304 wrote

One of the guys behind the original batman animated series also worked on the music for Star Craft II and I'm convinced that's why the soundtrack slaps. You can definitely hear the similarities in the music if you pay attention.

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LifeOfTheParty2 t1_jd5l03j wrote

I used to watch this show all the time as a kid. One thing I sometimes think about that really annoyed me about this show was there was one episode where Bruce Wayne and batman had to both be seen at the same time, so Robin wore a suit and prosthetics with a fake bruce wayne mask. It would have been so much easier for Robin to fake being batman as he's literally already wearing a mask than for him to fake being Bruce Wayne. I'll try to find the episode and link it if I can find it.

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Itdidnt_trickle_down t1_jd48rx3 wrote

Batman dominates DC because there were so many episodes of batman out there. Far more than superman or any of the others alone.

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BolinTime t1_jd533o3 wrote

Man. I was watching that recently and came across an episode with the clock king.

Clock king deserved his own movie. He was a gd menace.

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InternDarin t1_jd42mrh wrote

Mondo put together a great book on this series, would highly recommend picking it up

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Director_Coulson t1_jd5xy7b wrote

Thanks for the recommendation. I checked it out online and just ordered it.

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kneezNtreez t1_jd80ylg wrote

The DC animated universe with Batman, Superman, Justice League and Batman Beyond is so strong. Honorable mentions to Static Shock.

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Column_A_Column_B t1_jd58m30 wrote

This is a fantastic documentary. Check it out if you liked Batman TAS.

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Gizimpy t1_jd5elbt wrote

I just finished this. I realized halfway through how much this show impacted me as a kid and thus throughout my life. Particularly the display of villains as understandable, tragic figures who have been hurt themselves, I think is part of what drew me to criminal defense work. Sometimes there isn’t a happy ending but you try to do what’s right regardless. Timeless work and a great documentary.

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bleeetiso t1_jd6hgu2 wrote

the first Mr Freeze episode still hits me

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NtheHouseNaheartbeat t1_jd6t5u4 wrote

To anybody reading this comment, if you have been putting off watching this or dont really have interest in it... Give it a chance. It is very interesting and so worth it. I put it off for a while and when I finally caught time to watch it, I regretted having waited so long.

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S0NNYY t1_jd6yo22 wrote

In somewhat related news: Amazon Studios has ordered two seasons of “Batman: Caped Crusader.” The animated series is being billed as a reimagining of the Batman mythology via executive producers Bruce Timm, J.J. Abrams, Matt Reeves, Sam Register and Ed Brubaker... the initial pitch offered up to fans at the 2021 DC Fandome was, to quote Bruce Timm, “more ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ than ‘Batman: The Animated Series.”

https://www.thewrap.com/batman-caped-crusader-show-amazon-jj-abrams-matt-reeves-bruce-timm/

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gdetter t1_jd7426t wrote

I used to watch BTAS as a teen in the 90s. I don't remember it being on Sat morning cartoons in our network area though, as others noted. I'm pretty sure it was on mid- to late-week, but this was 30+ years ago. So, memory being what it is, take it with a grain of salt.

I believe it was on what was the WB network at the time, as I think The Animiacs was on the same channel around the same time as Pinky and the Brain. I'm fairly certain the line-up was The Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, (or flip the previous two shows) and BTAS... because the WB did this phenomenal transition with their WB water tower and theme music into the BTAS intro music/scenes, which resonated with me for some reason.

Even at 47(m), I can still see it in my mind's eye and hear the first five bars, (pardon me if not the right musical term)... maybe a French or some other horn instrument... of the BTAS' very-orchestral intro as animators faded from the WB tower, which went from cheery "Animaniac" colors and music, to a much darker color palette and feel, into the BTAS theme song.

The approach mentally prepared viewers for the shift from fun and cheery -- I almost added "mindless," but, in retrospect, neither The Animiacs nor Pinky and the Brain (while mired in slapstick and 'Narfs') were truly mindless shows (the layers the shows offered, many of which I appreciated as an older teen vs. what a much younger viewer might understand) were phenomenal -- to the much more serious feel/nature of the show (BTAS) to come. I only now truly appreciate this in hindsight... superbly executed.

All that to say, while BTAS was pure gold the whole way around -- I haven't seen it since the 90s, but remember it, and especially Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, fondly... sorry, remember I was a teen boy at the time... not sorry) -- the episode that resonated with me most, even now, is the one where an android version of Batman was created. I had to look this up online... episode 62, "His Silicon Soul." Original air date, November 20, 1992. I was 16 at the time.

I can still "see" the android Batman throw the real Batman into the Batcave's chasm (to Batman's supposed demise) and hear "him" say, facial expressions and voice wracked with pain, grief, and disbelief at the realization of what "he" just did, in a manner that even I could feel to my core at the time as a self-absorbed teen, something along the lines of, "I've taken a man's life."

The voice work. The anguish communicated in those lines made me feel awful for the android. It was like the floor dropped from under my feet. Not an exaggeration... even if for a brief moment, it was a very strange feeling for me at the time. The moment was so impactful, I can remember looking out our sliding glass window after the credits, struck by what I just experienced, trying to process it, and seeing the gray, overcast sky and red- and yellow-toned fall leaves, pasted by a recent rainfall on our Central PA deck. For a 16 year old, that's saying something.

The viewer sees... only after the android sacrifices itself, essentially commiting suicide because it couldn't come to terms with having killed a man (something the BTAS version of Batman would never do)... Batman climb up from the chasm. The discussion that Alfred and Bruce have when Batman reaches the top -- the android having just sacrificed itself/committed suicide -- about the android having a soul... hit me hard for some reason. It was philosophically deep, especially for a teen boy... and for an animated series.

The storyline re-read resulting from the air date research resonated with me and brought it home. I remember thinking, no feeling, that the android believed it/he (the viewer can't help but come to think of it as more man than machine at that point, especially with how writers masterfully set up the storyline) WAS the Batman. Creators, and the fantastic voicework, made you feel the android's belief, which made its grief, and the eventual suicide, so much more meaningful. Amazing.

And, just as Kevin Conroy will, at least in my mind's eye/ear, always be the voice of the Batman, Mark Hamill's fantastic voicework will forever hold a place as the quintessential Joker.

Man, I need to watch this series again.

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Mindcrome t1_jd7styo wrote

Heart of Ice is such a great example of how good this show was.

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