Cool News
Reader reaction: "Batman Beyond" !!!
SPOILER ALERT !!
THIS PAGE IS RESERVED FOR "TALKBACKS" ABOUT THE WB’s BATMAN BEYOND !!!
Please feel free to post your thoughts, comments, likes, dislikes, creative input, etc. about this latest incarnation of the animated Batman franchise, which debuted the evening of Sunday January 10, 1999 on WB stations across the United States (including WGN).
Just scroll down to the "talkback" icon below, click, and get started!
A few perameters:
*Please* be aware that I will be monitoring the "talkbacks", and the deletion of a post could be a mouse-click away. Let’s be civil and responsible. Swearing is fine, but not at each other - and not about others. Say whatever you think, but always respect other people’s opinions and rights to disagree. Other than that, the sky’s the limit. This is your chance to review (and talk about) a big new show with other viewers & Coaxial readers as your peers. Have fun with it. Learn from it. And, ENJOY!!!
-
+ Expand All
-
Yo Harry, made props to you for what you've done with your site. You've taken it beyond all previous limitations and expectations. You've realized some of the true potential of the Internet as an instantaneous interactive communciation device, irrespective of the limitations of time (communication lag time) and space (everyone can logon and send/receive messages wherever they're located). You've done a great job creating what is essentially, an extension of your original (read, brilliant) concept. WB, which has always represented the DC characters Batman and Superman extraordinarily well, doing them great justice, has done the same with "Batman Beyond". It takes the "Robin" concept to the extreme, with the original "Mythic" Batman grooming a newcomer in the role of "Protector of the Innocent, Scourge of Evil", with a solid reason for wanting to do it. Let's face it, we all LOVE the original Batman, he's one of the all time greats. But everything must change with time, and WB has done a great job of ushering in change for the Batman animated series. They definitely have a fan in me, and I will continue to enjoy their well produced entertainment as I will yours. Ciao, James Goree
-
This new incarnation of Batman was actually more than I was expecting. I never got the impression that it catered to a younger audience; in fact, I felt that the action was very exciting and adult. The threat of the "Bad Guys" was very real and serious. My only complaint, is the lack of the older scores and architecture. I hope the writers, animators, and composers try to include the gothic atmosphere in this new, updated Gotham. We shall see...
-
First Chekhov and now Sulu, are there no heroes left.
Batman Beyond was very cool. The opening theme kicked some serious ass. Dini and company deliver yet again. -
I watched the new series with reservation, but it was really very good. The "new" Gotham was exciting visually. The storyline made sense, and gave hint of new villains (maybe old ones too?) to come. I will watch again!
-
If your're gonna steal, then steal from the best. Because if the respect I hold for the writers/producers, I regard "The Joker Gang" as an homage rather than a rip-off. as if they're ignorannt of their audience--they stole from Akira before, in "Robin's Reckoning."
The "Iron Man" boots,though, I can do without.
Furthermore, they...hey, the Simpsons is on!!! Later. -
Not bad at ALL. Is this intended to totally replace the usual Batman series? Regardless -- I VERY interested to see where they go with this, especially filling in the (history) blanks. If they keep the maturity level where it is (somewhat violent for a Saturday morning series. :)) it should make for some interesting new stories, unless they water it down. :P I'm still undecided about the music. At some times, it fit...but other times, I'd tell myself "Look out, here comes the techno!". I can live with it, I suppose. (Oh, and that bike Terry (was that his name?) rode during the bike chase...that HAD to be a conscious reference to Akira...;))
-
After reading the pre-air reviews, and now seeing it for myself...I'm glad to see the quality continues! There have been comments about the suit, which I think is great...Bat ears are supposed to be big...The wings could be bigger, but still it's a good evolution. Bruce looked better in the suit cause he's a big dude, but Terry is a kid and will beef up as he gets older. The music was great during Terry action, but as Batman it should be closer to the older score. Hopefully as the writers mature the character, the music and mood surrounding Batman will also mature. The best Batman shots are when he's standing in the shadows, looking mysterious and powerful, just his eyes showing with the cowl and cape outline. I hope BB gets it's own version of this type of shot. The Powers villian at the end was very cool.
I see that Columbia house is selling Animated Series collectors tapes...What do you think of the chances of DVD versions in the future? I'd love to have that set! -
First a little update Harry, that's "Mad Props", not "made props". Secondly, to the friends and fans who think the Batsuit is too powerful, I beg to differ. It mimics the abilities/powers of a real bat (a. hanging upside down, b. sonic hearing abilities through the finger tips (can you say "COOL") c. minimal flight capability (actually what the suit does if you look closely is glide/fly like a bat (or a flying squirrel), the boots are good, (when Bruce used them in the first shot, it was great, it was more like a "leaping ability" than a "flying ability") d. hyped up strength to deal with thugs and meta-humans on an even level. The score is "mod" and a little more updated, and I do like it (though admittedly, not as well as the "symphonic Batman score", that gives me chills!). The "Master/Student" relationship established in the first episode (after Terry had the balls to prove himself, I might add) was great, and I think it should play well also. To all the "diehards" who think the suit is "too powerful", look at the original Batman episodes, he had jetpacks, airplanes, sidkicks (Robin, Batgirl) multiple weapons (which he could create/modify to counter whatever foe/obstacle he was up against), he even had the cojones to take on Superman on Supe's home turf (speaking of crossovers), in the three part series "Worlds Finest", some of the best characterization and storytelling I've seen in a long time-"The Ghost in the Shell", no thanks-Akira's a classic, but there is always room for change/improvement. Once again, this one gest an A+! Ciao, James
-
I thought this was supposed to air on Saturday night, January 16. It didn't play here on our WB station, and we don't get WGN in Tulsa. Is it going to replay?
-
I really enjoyed seeing some NEW batman, and I thought the story was well done.
It had much of the same darkness that I came to love from the original Batman Animatedc Series.
The only thing it lacked was some history. I would have loved to have hear about Alfred's last days... When Batgirl bacam commisioner and when Nightwing hung up his tights.
But I assume that all this will be fleshed out over the comming months.
They did a great job with the death scene, and the action was well done.
Overall I would give it a 8 out of a 10. A ten being metaphysically impossible to reach.
Thanks,
Rick -
Overall, it shined with potential. But Bruce Wayne
-
Greets and Ghorks to the likes of ya. I have got to say that I found myself much, as in hey-isn't-this-cool, impressed with the likes of the new batyguy. All the dark shots of Wayne Manor were very nice, a rather dark manner. Music: me thinks it's very "adult", suresure, the old bats had a good score and whatnot, but I was impressed with the range and difference of this one. And okey, sure that technothang was kinda cliche'd, but in a good way...it's a good touch. Shots: was very impressed with several applications of the less-is-more theory. Sure some of it couldn't be seen cause there were kiddies about, but I think that really added to the whole. Beautiful pause as the old bats looked at the gun. Held our breaths we did. Another good touch when Terry was trying to get Wayne through the fence. Shadows over the intercomm. Is that drool on your mouth or are you just.... and we go on. Story: well, as I'm normally at work when the weekday version is on, I don't have much to compare it to, buts I thought this was really well done. Just enough guilt on Terry's part to make fer interesting storylines, but keeping his family aroung to torture inna future...economical it is. And sure we knew Wayne was going to unfreeze the suit, I think it was much more telling that he let it go on for that long. Jeepers, shaggy. Great visuals allaround, wanna see more of the city though. Mosta the neg's I can deal with, the only really bad touch I can think of is the beginning when the joker gang is onna subway. You'd think we'd have gotten past the whole bigbadguy spooks poordefenslessgirl. There were many other targets in sight, ignore the cliche fer once. Otherwise much impressed. And I agree with former members of this illustrious squeekycheese panel that are dancing the "homage" tango rather than the "rippoff" cha-cha. Allaround,I would definitely give it a lick of approval. slobber on dear folk.
-
A lot of fun - but the suit IS too powerful. IRON MAN uses a suit that augments his strength - not Batman. What makes Batman a true hero is that he's just a guy - sure, he's got jet packs, batarangs and whatever, but they're always add-ons - in the end, he's just a regular guy. This new Batman is not. Not that there's anything wrong with this (the original Batman occasionally wore armor), but that's what makes the original Batman different than, say, Superman. Superman is brave but that's easy because of his cool powers. Batman is brave despite the fact that he has no powers. Our boy Terry has it much easier. Again, not a major deal, I just like the character of Batman better when he has to use his brain more. Just my (not so) humble opinon. -peteski@spinninghead.com
-
Suit: I respect what you guys say, how Batman is a man, the whole reason he's so cool is that he doesn't have any super strength or powers or anything. But when he designed the suit he was 60 (or something), I mean, he almost got killed with the super powers, imagine with out them? Not much story. I think it was all right as long as there was that commitment/necessity factor. Now, with McGinnis with the suit? Well, I was reading a review last week and it mentioned the scene of the suit being shut off. I thought the power, i.e. strength would be shutdown, not the whole suit be paralyzed. I think that's what shoulda happened, then the unpowered McGinnis gets the friggin' crap kicked out of him, showing that a) he's an amateur, not trained like Robin or Nightwing, b) creating the same commitment/necessity deal. While it looks nowhere near as cool as the old Batman suit: especially the comic version, with the cape that cuts through stuff).I thought the finger sound thing was super awesome, and I don't have a problem with the boots as long as their for boosts, not for flying (I hate the jetpack idea in Batman, just bust out the wing man! you never use it anymore!). The wings are cool, like nightwing. The batarang, uh, prepper or whatever was cool too. Now about the show.
Animation: I thought this was an excellent achievment. The town looks awesome, like Metropolis cept higher. One of the main problems I have with the new Batman Series is, it looks cheap. The art is good, but it looks really rushed. You go to the old Batman series and the designs arn't as cool, but it's more art. The characters look like people, no giant heads, no anorexic women. I thought this was a nice conglomeration of the two. I think Terry's the best looking character, Powers and Fixx look a little shakey. Their clothes look wierd ttoo (Ruffled Sleeves, what the hell?).
Sound: I thought the sound acting was really good, especially by the McGinnis guy (I'll learn it sometime man). Bruce Wayne was good, but he sounds exactly the same, he looks bitter as hell, he needs to sound like it too. Maybe a little more grave. Music was all right, didn't really bother me as much as most people. I thought it was good when it needed to be. Feel: Hmm, All in all, it feels like Batman, there's alot of depth and emotion, and darkness to make it be Batman. All i'd like to see is a more Gothic look. Jokerz were all right, I think they'll be better as they show their intentions and how they're really influenced by the Joker. I didn't see how it appealed to kids at all. The only part was when the Jokerz clan stuck his tongue out. That's really all I can see. The rest of the show was dark, violent, and a harrowing look into a future where Batman is needed. Not the person, but the Spirit. What he stands for. I think a very powerful statement made, whether intentional or not, was that the Joker had more influence on society than Batman. Death was done very well. There is no need for graphic violence in Batman. The idea is strong enough. How many of you would have like to seen Batman's parents spilling blood all over Bruce, instead a very emotional seen (in the movie I mean) where they fall in slow motion, the pearls spilling aroud them. Much more moving.
Story: Why there still is a Batman Animated series. The stories carry this show, not the action, not the music. Not true for all the shows, but in it's entirity, the story is what the Animated Series is all about. That's what makes emotional stories (I am the night, old wounds) excell over pieces of shit action sories (Torch Song, Over the Edge). This show was not a disappointment. Right from the get go it's powerfull stuff. The shadow of Batman was striking, he looked really cool in the suit. I also liked the Venny Vrieland (sic) reference, showing how characters carry over into the future. The fighting was cool, Batman still kicking ass, but when he gets the heart attack. Really powerful, showing why this cartoon should exist, because Batman can't handle being Batman anymore. And the gun. Oh man, one of those parts you just go, wow. Like when Robin punched Batman in Old Wounds, or when Batgirl falls on the hood of her dad's squad car in Over the Edge, wow. I thought the whole McGinnis at school part was all right, no problem with that, wasn't groundbreaking stuff, but whatever. It's all steady untill the death of the father. A really powerful set of scenes, first finding out about it, then when his mother confronts him about the death. Exactly what Batman is, driven by the fact that if he could have done something. I liked how he found out about the cave. It's reasonable,not jackass like in Batman & Robin (Get a fuckin' clue Joel! Programmed my brain algorythms into the Bat computer my asshole.) The paralyzing suit part I explained. The action scenes were all good. The Powers/Nerve gas scene was unexpeted, as was Mr. Fixx not coming out of the boat. He's supposed to be a major villian right? And it's obvious that he won't be dead since he is Terry's whole reason for wanting to be Batman. The only thing I really had a problem with in this whole episode where the new Batman's motives. Bruce became Batman so no one would ever have to go through what he did. His parents death plagues him every day of his life, and I'd like too see how hard it was for him to break his promise by not being Batman anymore. i think it would be a really moving scene in front of his parent's graves. (That's why he wouldn't just get over it Joel, because there wouldn't be a Batman anymore. Jesus, just read one comic book, watch one show, you're doing a whole god damned movie, you can at least research, maybe just a little.) Bruce always had something driving him, it was his obsession, him being on the brink of sanity at all times, never falling into that abyss. It was what made him interesting, what made us care. But I don't see any of that in McGinnis, it was all about revenge, not really about saving people from the nerve gas, not really about preventing people from sharing his experience, just revenge. Vengence is a good story, vengence is a valid reason, but vengence is not all that Batman is. Learn that lesson folks, and you got yourself with a great series. Later. -
Wow, i finally have a reason to drag my lazy ass outta bed on saturday morning again (or at least set the vcr).
As for everyone's complaint that the new suit is too strong, keep in mind who it was meant for. Bruce was getting on in the years, and probably needed the "help". Since when was Batman shy of taking advantage of the latest technology anyway? The rocket boots make sense, since he can only glide so far without propulsion.
One thing kinda bothers me; Robin's suit is still kid-sized. An oversight, or a hint? -
I meant action storie like Torch song and Ultimate thrill, not Over the Edge. What was I thinking.
-
Honestly, I was a little worried I wouldn't like Batman Beyond all that much. I've been a big fan of The Batman Superman Adventures ever since it was just Batman back in the early 90s (Although I have to agree with Robogeek on the Livewire Episode.) Back when I heard there was another Batman Cartoon coming up I was really excited. Then I heard Bruce Wayne wasn't going to be Batman, that got me worried. Then I heard none of the original villians were going to be in it, that got me really worried (Batman without the Mark Hamill Joker isn't Batman). But what made me think it was really going to suck was the fact that it was geard towards little kids.
As I sit here I'm very happy to report, I LOVED IT! My only real problem with it was the Score (I have to agree with everyone who's said its distracting.) There were so many things I liked about it though, that I can't wait for more. They can do so much with this character and this new Gotham, that is make for some very interesting stories.
Next step, move Batman up to Prime time and ignore the censors.
-
Was it just me, or did Power's rebirth, copy the scene from the orginal movie, with Joker looking into a mirror and laughing. Does this mean Power's going to be the new Joker?
-
Hey, all...
"Moriarty" here.
I approached this show cautiously after reading the review by Glen, who seems to be of a mind with me on the original B:TAS. I think I liked BEYOND a bit more than he did, though. I thought the opening scene was very powerful, with the significance of Batman picking up a gun being a real surprise to me. Dini and Timm know the icons of BATMAN inside out, and that moment is such a great turning point for Bruce Wayne. I thought the way they introduced Terry and brought him together with Bruce was as natural as it could be. My only real complaint was the scene where Bruce "hires" Terry at the end. Was it just me, or was the the worst performance by Kevin Conroy ever? He sounded so stiff in that scene that I was almost embarrassed. Still, five weak minutes adds up to a pretty damn good pilot all the way around.
Can't wait to see where they take this all. The ending with the new Powers villain promises big things.
"Moriarty" out. -
Was I the only one who got chills at the end when Bruce said to Terry, "Welcome to my world"? Knowing what we know about the spooky, psychologically *off* life of Bruce Wayne, it made me wonder if Terry knows quite what's in store for him.
Brrr!!
Quillon -
that I think is too powerful. It's Terry. I mean, think about it. He's a kid. How likely is it that he is such a good acrobat (Dick Grayson was trained as one, remember?), so accurate with the batarangs (the suit isn't likely to augment THAT), such a tremendous stunt-cyclist (driving off the side of a bridge?), etc. It was all a bit much that he is such a perfect candidate for Batman. I'd like to see some imperfections besides a bit of a temper...
-
Well, those kooky WB animation guys have struck gold again. I was prepared to wince straight through Batman Beyond after I heard the premise. It sounded like an excuse to expand their action figure line. I should have known better. One of the greatest qualities of the WB Batman/Superman cartoons is that they are able to cater to both mature and immature audiences at the same time through great writing and spectacular production and character design. There are definitely some problems to be worked through. The new Batman personality was a bit generic, and no explanation was made of his rather extraordinary athletic prowess. Bruce started out well, but came around entirely too quickly and was almost too congenial (though looking like he was from Frank Miller's Dark Knight series was a lovely touch). It was never made clear why Bruce didn't just step in as a corporate entity to stop Powers. Still, many of these problems can be attributed to having to condense a story into such a short running time. I look forward to seeing where they take this. It continues the high caliber of work we have come to expect from these folks.
-
I thought "Batman Beyond" was pretty good but wish Dini and the others would give us more of what they were doing w/the original series.
I myself wrote an original Batman novel entitled "Maximum Torment," a dark, psychological drama where the Joker hooked up w/a deranged genetic scientist who created clones from the remains of Bruce Wayne's parents. It was an idea (all mine, mind you) that back in '96 was seriously considered by both Warner Books and DC Comics. After months of negotiations, they decided not to go with it due to my not being a previously published author or one who had any kind of sales track record. Of course, since then, I've been watching everything Time/Warner does with their Batman property. They own the character copyright but I own the story copyright to "Maximum Torment." With that frustration, I went back to the drawing board and created an all-new and original action/adventure character that I plan on running in a series of stories. The first novel of my planned series is entitled "Wings of the Valiant" and is currently available on the Internet with the electronic book publisher, Electric Works Publishing (www.electricpublishing.com).
As I watched the first episode of "Batman Beyond" it reminded me of "Blade Runner" and several other "tech noir" stories I've read and watched over the years. It was pretty good and like most, it made me interested enough to want to see more. The new costume was different and as to some complaining with "where's the cape," all I can say is that I'm glad to not see it.
WHY???
Because the hero of my novel "Wings of the Valiant" dons a uniform (one of extraterrestrial origin, I might add) that sports a flowing black cloak which upon command morphs into a set of wings. In fact, they sort of remind me of the futuristic Batsuit with the glider wings that's in "Batman Beyond."
Hey!
"Wings of the Valiant" is set a few years in the future too and partially in a high-tech city corrupted with evil!
Sounds like the powers that be at Warners has borrowed from one of my ideas (mine carries a 1997 copyright, by the way).
Let's keep watching this futuristic take on the Dark Knight and everyone's invited to check out "Wings of the Valiant" to see how much similar my story is to what DC/WARNER has come up with. -
Last night I watched this show called Batman Beyond on the WB(some of you might have heard about it) It was quite good. It will be interesting to see where this show goes after it gets out of legal troubles. LEGAL TROUBLES?? Yes folks...Marvel had this idea a few years back with {insert superhero name} 2099. Now we get to see what Gotham City has turned into when the big bad Bat isnt prowling the streets for 20 years. I kept thinking that this would make a better "Batman Animated 3" movie than series. A good idea, not quite original, very well done.
-
Overall the pilot was pretty good, and definitely different from the other batman future we've seen with those mutant gangs, and the girl robin.
The show could go either way though. It would depend on how memorable the villain characters turn out. It doesn't seem possible to create characters from scratch that would be as memorable as the clasic Batman villains which have had decades to evolve. Only time will tell. This powers guy better not turn into some Skeletor rip off. (by the way, does the mutant Powers still run the corporation?)
I'd also like to see some flashback episodes on what happened to Dick and Tim, and why Barbara left. There are just too many unanswered questions.
-
I have been a big fan of the Batman series for a while. I've been watching ever since Fox started it, and then when it moved to the WB. I have to admit that I feel they dropped the ball on the New Batman/Superman Adventures, in that the characters are drawn radically different than anything I was used to...but the show itself is still good, and I have been able to look past that little bit for the most part.
I was happy. Life was good. Then I saw the commercials for Batman Beyond and things were different. My initial reaction was "Neat, a new Batman...but can it replace the old ones?" Then I watched and taped the premier yesterday and decided that no, it cannot replace them but is a very very good companion to the series.
The anime influence is terribly obvious from the start to the end (why does everyone figure that the future has Japanese written all over it??). Not that this is such a bad thing; I happen to enjoy anime very much. My brother, also a batman fan, agreed that the intro style is much akin to a KMFDM video (e.g.Drug against war) and I think that if you just saw the intro you'd NEVER think it was a kid's show...which it kind of isn't anyway...
Bottom line, I loved it, and I want more! Bring it on, WB!! -
Last nights' premiere allayed any apprehension I may have had about the concept of the series.
I think that "Beyond" is a more than worthy successor to the best animated show on tv right now. I worried that Terry McGinnis would be nothing more than a punk kid trying to fill the cowl of a legend. I found this to be not the case, He is a very serious and driven individual, while his emotional scars may not run as deep as Bruce Waynes', feels an unshakable need to do the right thing and a tremendous amount of guilt for the nature of the relationship with his father with whom he will now never be able to reconcile with.
Even more interesting I think, is the history of Bruce Wayne between the previous series and this one. I am VERY curious to find out what happened to him other than "just getting old" as Terry puts it, What was the catalyst which turned Wayne into such a crochety old fart? Did someone die due to his inability to save them? (Robin, Batgirl, Comm.Gordon?) Or did he begin to realize he wasted the better part of his life doing good for an unappreciative city? I am anxious for the answer, but I hope it dosen't come too abruptly, I enjoy the idea of seeing it hinted at in the upcoming episodes. Finally, The new suit is AWESOME! it looks even more bat-like than the classic bat suit, and I like the idea of incorporating all of the gadgets into it, probably to compensate for it's aging user. Warner Bros. has scored big with "Batman Beyond" and I look forward to seeing where the writers and anamators take us in this Gotham of the future. P.S. For another interesting look into Batman of the future, find a copy of an older graphic novel called Batman:Digital Justice by Pepe Moreno. While its' computer-generated art is pretty primitive by today's standards, the story offers up some pretty intriguing ideas about the future evolution of Batman, some of which are loosely mirrored in Batman Beyond. -
Just to give credit where it's due (*no* offense intended) but Glen writes Coaxial, and Harry writes Cool News. Glen determines the content of Coaxial - hosting talkbacks on various shows was his idea. A good one, judging from its popularity.
-
I have read alot of posts about batman picking up the gun and saying how beat up he was. Did anyone realize he was having a heart attack at the time the thugs took advantage of him?
-
Clavius: Actually it was revealed that Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) is still alive and serving as the current Police Commisioner, presumably taking over the position after her father. I thought this was a nice touch - even after 20 years, Gotham City still has a Commision Gordon. :) As for Robin or the first Commisioner Gordon, I'm curious to learn what happened to them. The first Robin (Dick Grayson) becomes Nightwing. Jason Todd died?? And there was another Robin correct? I'm not sure since I stopped following the comics after high school.
I really enjoyed the premiere (or I guess it was actually a "sneak preview"), but I'm skeptical as to whether or not Terry McGinnis' character will be able to carry the show without other side characters (aside from Bruce Wayne) to help him along. Hopefully he will have more depth to his character than his whole tough kid act. I also hope Barbara Gordon will be a somewhat prominent character on the show similar to her father was in the original. I wonder if she still gets into her Batgirl (or Batwoman?) suite every once and awhile. :) I still think Terry needs a sidekick of some kind.
-
I thought the premiere episode of Batman Beyond demonstrated a lot of potential, but I take a issue with just a few minor points. First, as has been pointed out in earlier posts, the "music" - and I use that word very, very loosely - was abysmal. Instead of setting a mood, all it succeeds in doing is getting on one's nerves. If the creative team behind BB have any aesthetic sense at all, they will drop this noise after the first few episodes and attempt to find background music that actually fits the scene it's trying to support. Second, the idea of a Japanese infested America is very old hat at this point. Sure, this was cutting edge stuff back in the early eighties, witness BLADE RUNNER or author William Gibson's NEUROMANCER. But here at the edge of the century, when Japan is no longer the juggernaut that once terrified us so badly, all that neon kanji adorning the New Gotham City seems so out of touch. So unimaginative. So eighties. Remove please. Lastly, as to the new batsuit, I deeply sympathize with the folks who think it somehow runs counter to the traditional Batman, but we've got to realize that an aging Bruce Wayne would take advantage of new technologies to shore up his weakening frame. Wayne's a fascinating character, by the way; it was a helluva shock to realize that the legendary Batman will one day get old and die just like everyone else. Kudos to everyone involved with this incredible new project!
-
Have made me cry with anticipation of things to come. This one did, twice.
-
I enjoyed the sneak preview of Batman Beyond, but I wish it had been a feature length debut instead of an hour full of comercials. Everything just seemed rushed.
-
I think that the sneakpeak of "Batman Beyond" was pretty good,and I also think that the new batsuit isn`t too powerful because its alittle more realistic, so what he is slighty more powerful,from what I saw in in "REBIRTH" he could barely hold his own against "MR FIX" or whatever his name was. And as far as the new gliding ability and the jet booster boots are concerned, Batman has always used his cape to "glide" some, this was just the next logical step and the jet booster boots are "batman beyond`s" answer to the Bat grappling hook.The future Gotham looks even bigger and taller than the past Gotham, so to swing from one giaganto building to the next is just not right.But for all the things that I like about this new batman, I still think Bruce Wanye/Batman is impossable to replace in any form!
-
I enjoyed Batman Beyond more than I thought I would. I especially like the old Bruce Wayne and the nod to the chessy 40's/50's Ace the BatDog, by naming BW's dog Ace. The animation is great, as always, and the teenage Batman isn't *as* bad as I thought he'd be. The opening credits are superbly done, you can tell the slow-mo drawings of Terry's girlfriend were drawn by Bruce Timm. Especially if you see his regular detailed pencil drawings. (I'd give you the URL as to where the cool site that had all those pics up, but it moved, and I can't find it anymore. It's called the Bruce Timm Artwork Archive, and if you find it I'd love it if you could e-mail me...) And of course the music was techno-metal. HUH?! This is supposed to be Batman, future or not. Where's Shirley Walker when you need her?! The only negative comment I have so far on this show is the terrible, aweful, stupid music. Someone put a bullet through the head of the guy who let this music go on. (Note to wackos: DOn't actually do that. It's a figure of speech.)
-
And just one more thing, folks: why do great cartoons like Batman Beyond and Batman/Superman always end up in that awful Saturday morning cartoon ghetto? I'm sorry, but after a full work week I do not feel like getting up at some godawful hour on Saturday just so I can watch this stuff. Jeez, I remember when the Batman Adventures first premiered, it came on at 7:00 p.m. on Sundays. I wish to hell that the
Powers-That-Be would go back to a reasonable schedule where minor masterpieces like Batman Beyond and others could reach a broader, more mature audience. -
And how come Batman doesn't dance anymore? Do you remember the Battuisi? It's a new show with a new edge to it. It's good and it's cool that it's still connected to the original animated series.
-
Thanks for the info Annie, no offense taken, in that case, I have to give "Props" to Glen and Harry, because their site still got it goin' on! And as a final word on "BB" to Quillion, yeah that scene rocked, and what was really cool was that Terry looked him dead in the eye and accepted the challenge! Later folks
-
Now I could be wrong, but Sundays "preview" wasn't greatly advertised. I had no clue it was on sunday, seing as all teh poster and commercials said this coming Saturday. The only reason i knew it was on, was because i happened to turn to the WB at Seven and thre it was. I was able to see the first half before i had to leave and liked what i saw. My question, is Saturdays show the same as Sunday nights "preview?" Will I be able to see the next half, or forever watch the series, wondering how it all got started?
-
Well I didn't get this off right after the show because...well...I'm lazy. First off I would like to say that Batman Beyond looks like it will be a cool show. One would hope that the writers will keep up this level of quality in the shows to come. A few interesting things I noticed in this premiere of the show. The whole "Why I became Batman" was basically the same as with Bruce Wayne. The "How I found my arch rival by trying to destroy the guy who killed my family" was the same. As is "I have an old guy hanging out in the Batcave helping out where he can."
What I really enjoyed about this first show of BB, is how the transition was made between the two. AT the begining when Mr. Wayne finds himself having to use a gun to fend off a badguy because he is just to old to do it that old fashion way is really interesting. Also I noticed that the music in this first part was pretty much the same as in the series that we all know and love in the afternoons. Then it's the future and the techno starts up. I feel that the music fit well. I know this will be a show I will watch on a regular basis (as long as the writing doesn't go crappy.) -
I liked the sneak preview of Batman Beyond. The thing that was nagging me was the way the suit looked and functioned along with Terry's origin reminded me of how the Spiderman series should have been done. I know it is an apples and oranges comparison, but it really hit me when Terry was hanging upside down in the loading dock, or when he he threw batarangs. They outpreformed Spideytoon.
-
Just wanted to wish good luck to anyone from "Batman Beyond" who might idle onto this site (respect to Glen, may he continue the good work in perpetuity). I had fun watching "Batman Beyond," though it did slip here and there. Great ending. The writing has always been so much better on the animated series than the films and I think "Batman Beyond" will keep that going. Was very impressed by the sound design for the show and the opening title credits sequence. Loved the sequence where Batman raises the gun at the beginning and decides to quit. That's the difference between the animated show and the fucked up movie scripts. Wayne didn't have to say why he quit, it was understood. Let's hear it for subtlety. Wouldn't have seen that in the films. So, where's this going? I'll watch the show as long as they keep developing Wayne and the world of Batman in the future. And, of course, I have utter faith that they will. Tenative faith, but faith nevertheless.
-
Batman Beyond was yet another reason why the Warner/DC animation ventures work and why the Marvel shows don't. No unnecessary Hasselhoffing (intrusive tuff talk instead of actual dialogue) and the animation, for tv animation, is as good as it gets. My problem was the concept of the motorcycling clowns lifted directly from Akira. Yeah, the Joker emulation of the gang saves it from being out and out plagerism but the similarities were just too close for comfort. All in all, though, a great job and a good start. And a hint for Warner Animation: BRING BACK FREAKAZOID!!!
-
Great site guys, I've been a fan for about a year now but this is the first time I've spoken up. It was really cool when I heard MTV cite one of your reader polls regarding the prequels on their news program. I'm also a big fan of TAS and Bats/Supes, especially the new look Batman. Anyway, I've a few points to make regarding the Batman Beyond show that I don't think anyone else has brought up yet, sorry if y'all have.
Firstly, people are asking what happened to Bruce in the past to make him discard the cowl when we were shown in the first few minutes. Batman turned a GUN on his enemy. The weapon used by his parents murderer. This is a profoundly faith shattering move for Batman who swore never to use one. He called the gun a "cowards weapon" (in Miller's Dark Knight Returns I belive). Even though he used it to save his own life and that of the kidnapee, the fact that Batman never uses a gun is what makes him Batman. A gun's only purpose is to kill, even as a deterent it holds the threat of death. Batman is not supposed to kill, he is meant to check evil that the normal, current system of law cannot stop. Batman stops the unstopable and then hands them over to the authorities to be reformed, if they haven't already been scared straight by Batman and his utility belt of whoop-ass. It would be easy for Bats to kill every villian he comes across but then he would become that which he hates most, the man that killed his parents, a murderer. In Bruce's mind he caved, he gave in and crossed the line. In Bruce's mind he no longer deserved to be the Batman.
Secondly, I LOVE the old rouge's gallery but I also think the crew that invented Harley Quinn and could make the Weather Wizard even slightly bad-ass could come up with some kick-ass new villians (is Powers Blight? Can anyone confrim?). This is also a WB marketing strategy (but it works for everyone involved). See, Bob Kane came up with most of the old rouges gallery and those he didn't are DC Comics owned which means they own the legal rights too. There are SO many legal issues regarding rights of useage, royalties, yada yada, that for WB to make more money off of the Batman francise they need original characters created. Ones they can exploit how they see fit, without all those other middle men who demand money and their two cents worth on any and all product. Anyway they couldn't continue to make shows like this if they didn't wave more green carrots in front of the aesteticly deficient exectutives at WB. Truthfully I'm amazed they've sold it this far for this long. Sorry, I didn't mean to be so cynical but this point ties into my next issue.
Thirdly, the show is being aimed at kids who will watch and demand that their parents buy them the companion toys. The parents, who in many cases do not watch the show, will become interested in making sure that they are not buying anything too adult for their kids. If they won't buy anything too adult for their kids they won't let them watch anything they find reflects and promotes a negative influence for their children. Therefore WB loses both sales and ratings so they have a vested interest in aiming the show to children and putting it in a possitive, wholesome, family point of view (notice that Terry's Ma wasn't killed off). I hope and pray that this does not affect the ability of the storytellers to give us shows like Over the Edge, which has been in my oppinion the best animated and the most intense show to date. This episode was right up there with Dark Knight Returns and the 1st film. Batman should be DARK! If you want lighthearted adventure then go watch Supes! Although there is a place for light, warm stories to be told on Batman it's roots are in the dark, violent parts of the human soul. Superman always prevails, Batman does not always win and is not always right . He is more human because of this, which means he is more like us and that bonds us to his cause and his purpose. Although I worry that the show will become to kiddie oriented, I belive that the talented people who make these shows will strike a balance that will please all concerned. They have so far. -
Here's an old and obscure reference, but didn't the reborn Powers remind people of a radiation version of "The Phosphorous Man"? Betcha he's got the same 'burning touch'...
-
Hey, to anyone who missed the Sunday Preview of "Batman Beyond" it will be showing again on your local version of the "WB11" (Warner Brothers, Channel 11 in NYC). Please check your local listings for the exact newtwork and channel. The day will be Saturday, 1/16/99, from 9:30am to 10:30am. To my understanding it will be a repeat of the Sunday Preview that everyone here is raving about! P.S. Glen, how about making this a regular thing? I've rarely seen such overwhelmingly positive feedback for any show (and for a "cartoon" at that!). Later, James
-
Wow did that show kick some serious ass! The music is not distracting! Why not have a little bit of a change from the great Batman and Superman adventures? They use the classical music. This Batman is a little more hip so pump up the music. I agree with that guy up there...lets get into some primetime Bat stuff!!
If they decide to stop producing the Batman Animated I will be seriously pissed! Beyond is excellent and all but woah buddy! -
I loved it like everyone else. And I liked the akira-esque city a whole lot. It did work, and although it wasn't gothic, I don't think it was supposed to be. This is not the Gotham we knew. But I liked the Asian text on several of the buildings, that was something I wouldn't expect in a futuristic Metropolis, but this new Gothopolis, I would. To be honest, I think the new Gotham is based on the Moebius art from "The Long Tomorrow" graphic novel. The Japanese(I think that's what they are) symbols are homage to Akira, but I see the Moebius style too. And the Jokerz were as much based on A Clockwork Orange Full Flush gang and all as they were on the Clowns. But its all great to see it all in a animated cartoon in America. This stuff might pull in more kids(I sure would have watched this when I was eight), but it isn't stupid like power rangers in space!
And the New Bruce Wayne is cool too! Not a corny old jerk, but a moody old jerk! I too think the gun at the beginning was the real reason BW stops being Batman. I think something else bothers him too, I mean he was willing to let the POLICE handle it? The "doughnut-munching-morons" of Batman's world can't handle diabolical villains, even with Babs Gordon as the commish. Speaking of whom, I read an interview with Bruce Timm and Paul Dini, and they said they were saving Dick Grayson and Tim Drake for season two. That suggests they might both be alive, and that Babs WILL appear this season. So we should get our fill of them. I hope that Derek Powers(Blight?) stays in charge of his half of Wayne Enterprises. I'd hate for him to become another Metallo type thug. Howard Sherman rules as Powers's voice. The kid from Boy Meets World did a fine job too with Terry. I can't wait for that line: "You call me Robin and I'll slug you." -
I hope this person is mistaken but...I was just in my local WB studio store where the gentleman there told me he was under the impression that Batman Beyond was REPLACING the New Batman/Robin Adventures! The new show is good but not THAT good. The "new look" characters from last season are the best versions of the Batman crew ever! If this replacement deal turns out to be true...well...frankly...I just don't think life would be worth living anymore. Has anyone else heard anything to this effect?
-
Since I'm the new gal on the block here, I hate to be so bold on my first post, but that's how I am.
This series, seriously, kicks major ass. This cartoon would make a GREAT movie! The script was beautifully written for a cartoon. Even the music!! The music adds a great flair. What do you all think?? -
Well I saw and taped the "Batman Beyond" pilot "Re-Birth" and I must say it was quite well done..
Also I'm sorta tired of all these questions of Tim Drake, Dick Grayson, and other characters of the original Batman series.. You guys gotta remember it's a new series and probably all the side characters would be explained during the course of the new series..Also don't you think if Bruce was out of the game wouldn't he want the rest of his crew out also? I mean Bruce always went along with the side kicks idea because he always thought he was the safety net if things went wrong against his friends and he could be there to bail them out.
Um, and yes as far as his abilities Bruce was that arrogant,
always along the lines of either the big brother or father figure role..So what happens if he's out?
He of course talks them out of continuing, which would of course do one of two things estrange them from him and continue the fight, or quit...
As far as Batman and the gun? Oh man that was so classic..Batman so broken down that he would actually use the one weapon that he hates so much mostly for the fact that it was the type of weapon that took the lives of his parents..What a great way to end his chapter of Batman..
As far as Terry? I like him though I wish they took a litle more time with the whole death of his father thing. But probably later in the series..
The Akira homage was great and I dunno why people are so complaining about the Japanese characters I mean it doesn't mean the future is gonna be taken over by Japan It's more of the world becoming the global community like
every other Si-Fi writer writes about. Like Gibson we'll be able to jet here and there physically or net wise so easily that every electronically based culture (i.e. Japan) will be intergarted into our own.. Think of it as the next big immagrant move this time though of technology instead of actual people..I mean we use there computers, drive their cars, play their video games to death why not have their advertisments too? Just a likely conclusion is all.
I was sorta wishing for a Digital Justice graphic novel animated series cause I sorta think Terry's a bit young. And a Gordon in the Bats suit would be a natural conclusion too but whatever..
Plus is it me or would Terry's girlfriend and his little brother be perfect as future side kicks or what? What great conflicts it would bring up huh? How Terry's dads death would make him hate anyone he cares about being in the dangerous game too?
I also hope they do the Spiderman thing too where Terry's gotta sneak in and out of the house to fight crime? That would be funny.
Also I hate the Bat suit is too strong references..This is the future ok? Crooks are gonna be tougher too right? Also think about the guys Terry fought in the show? Mostly hack hired thugs? Yeah thugs with battle armor and lazer weapons!! Come on..It's not the idea of the hero being too strong it should the fact that as of now the villians were to weak ok? No master criminals have even been revealed yet..Powers as Blight? Nah I think he's the Martain alien from Scooby-Doo.. "lu-lu-lu-lu-lu!!!" anyone? Oh and the "Cool it Scooby it's just me.." reference (as well as Ace the Bat Dog name..)was actually real funny.
The Joker bike gang was great though I think maybe a Joker programmed leader like in "Digital Justice" graphic novels would be good to give them more of a purpose in the series.. Also how about bringing in the Batman cult from the Occult series too? Just ideas..
As far as the music? I dunno the whole gothic themed music with big orcestrated music just doesn't fit too well I mean it's too much of the old Batman, and this character needs to live in his world not the Batman of the original series.. Besides lets face it we are all just holding on a bit too hard to the Tim Burton like Danny Elfman picture of The Batman, and this isn't.. I think a KMFDM and Reznor type sound scape wouldn't be too off the mark. More industrial then gothic.. But I do agree it is distracting sometimes in the show but thats also the nature of the type of music though..
All-in-all it was great and has great room for improvement and growth, keep it up. A very (at this point, by fan responses, and over all look..) worthy addition to the Batman legend.. -
1st off I am glad thay did the akira reffrence, anything to get more aname to this shore is a good thing. I was wondering, I have only seen the 1st half hour premier, but has Babs been seen yet? and if so does anyone think she will have some kinda leg braces? I would drool over a "the killing joke" epesode, it was so twisted, and honest. I hope that they leave that at least open.
also, what about Tim... I wonder(and dread) that they will do "a death in the family" with him... he is soo close to Jason Todd's age, and they never did say what happened to his mom(I think) if not, then he did what he said he would do in the comics, he did his time as robin, and then setteled down. ANYthing could have happened with Dick, from taking over to going to bludhaven, to becoming president, who can honestly say, we havent seen enough in the batman superman adventures to guess at this.
as far as gotham itself? well if he ditched Batman, Bruce wane would dump ALL his cash and attention to building a better gotham, I wonder how much it costs to be batman... to his wallet and to his busnesses.
well thats my 2 cents, Email me if you like I dont get to talk about this stuff enough, and welcome comments.
-
Was it just me, or when they do a closeup on The Batman's face, does he look like a Transformer?
Why the dancers in the opening credits?
I must be getting old. I think anime can be cool and everything, but parts of this just seemed Too Cool to me.
That said, I did enjoy it. I miss the cape, though. =)
-Augie -
Internet Movie Database has updated
information on Batman Beyond, including
who's cast as the voice of Barbara Gordon. :} -
Thoroughly enjoyed the new Batman Beyond. Very interested to see what new vilians will emerge. I pray they don't attempt a "Son of..." , like Bane or Two Face would reproduce. Will not touch upon that which has already been mentioned prior. (Suit, Terry's natural abilities, musical score, etc..)
Now for my main gripe about the show, which I don't think anyone touched upon.
How in all blazes was Terry able to infiltrate the Batcave to steal the suit without Bruce Wayne knowing. Regardless if Terry knew the location of the cave and was friendly with Ace the Batdog. You would thing Wayne would have high tech security messures in place around his most precious secret?
That point and that point alone I could not get past. The other aforementioned items posted here by others I can work around. But Bruce Wayne that lax in his later years? He has a failing heart not a failing mind.
Readers Talkback
User Login
Top Talkbacks
- Whitney Houston 1963 - 2012 -- 419 total posts 209 posts
- WTF HOLLYWOOD: SOLARBABIES -- 131 total posts 129 posts
- Herc’s Seen Tonight’s Return Of THE WALKING DEAD!! Discuss Also DOWNTON ABBEY, FEAR FACTOR, PAN AM, ONCE, SIMPSONS, DYNAMITE, LUCK, SHAMELESS, BAIT CAR, THE GRAMMYS And More!! Sunday Is Sweeps Day 11!! -- 123 total posts 122 posts
- New JUDGE DREDD post production footage pops up -- 124 total posts 58 posts
- There's a STAR TREK video game that is going to lead into JJ's STAR TREK 2 apparently... -- 191 total posts 47 posts
- Avid Comic Reader Hercules Does Battle With Tedium During Kevin Smith’s COMIC BOOK MEN! -- 43 total posts 43 posts
- If the Behind the Scenes Pics of the Day drops her pen, pick it up, but don’t look at her legs or else it will be on your record. -- 60 total posts 42 posts
- I am The Behind the Scenes Pics of the Day! No, I’m the Behind the Scenes Pic of the Day! -- 27 total posts 27 posts
- To Commemorate The 3D Release Of STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE, George Lucas Wants You To Know...Greedo Shoots First!! -- 506 total posts 26 posts
- HANNA's Saoirse Ronan to boss around seven little people -- 77 total posts 24 posts