15 Minutes 15 Minutes with Batman

[Batman]

Why didn't you stop Joker from capturing me?

Lives (and my secret identity) were at stake, man! I had to go into action! Plus, I just figured you'd best him with some sort of twisted morality scenario that would corrupt his view on the world and somehow justify your loss of faith in the system. Then I'd just jump in, remind you to flip a coin to make your decisions, and you'd lose the toss.

What? If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[Swordmaster]

Most powerful death scene in a TV show?

Cordelia's death in Angel. That may be the most depressing moment of television.

Spoiler

Fred's was worse.

 

[Swordmaster]

What are your thoughts on Morrison's Batman run (excluding Final Crisis)?

I hated it, at first. And I think unless you really read it closely, it was a justified reaction. He just went off the wall with a character that had been portrayed as gritty and noir as possible for a number of years beforehand.

But I've come to appreciate it for what it is, as time goes on. I even daresay it's one of the more impressive runs on the character's book in some time. Behind it's craziness, there's a deep connection to Batman's past stories, going way back.

Why did we never finish Hype High?

You couldn't think of a death scene for me that was humiliating enough.

Who is vengeance? Who is the night?

DAFOE

Dafoe is the answer to life. And Anti-Life.

And need I remind you it was Meatbag who was the buttmonkey of the group?

And having read the first three Morrison books (Batman and Son, The Black Glove, and Batman R.I.P.) back to back like five times, I find it genius. I love mind****s though. And I'm an unabashed Batgod fan.

And yes, I responded in reverse order to **** with you.

 

[Two-Face]

Who do you prefer Selina or Rachel?

 

[The Joker]

Why so serious?

 

[Batman]

Who do you prefer Selina or Rachel?

Tough one. It depends on who you're really asking.

To Bruce Wayne, Rachel represents the ideal companion who can both provide a key connection to a life before my parents were murdered, while maintaining a firm belief that justice can prevail and order can become a dominating factor in Gotham. But while we have that in common, she cannot agree with me that justice can be sought outside her system, which I still maintain is broken. Her line of thinking would possibly place Gotham into the hands of people like Falcone and Maroni, where the system can be paid for without consequence. And I can't stand by and allow that.

To Batman, however, there is a dark side. A blind spot, behind the veil of my crusade. Selina is the only woman that can penetrate that side of me and manage to bring out the best of my personality at the same time, but her dedication to independence and thievery have often brought contention into our relationship. I can't rightly condone the type of life she leads, and yet I can't deny my love for her. If only she could learn to accept my commitment to justice, then maybe... someday.

It's a tough decision. But Selina, I must admit, brings excitement into a life full of shadows. And for that, I'll never understand why we weren't together much earlier.

 

[Batman]

Why so serious?

YOU! *grabs*

 

[Two-Face]

Who do you prefer Selina or Rachel?

Tough one. It depends on who you're really asking.

To Bruce Wayne, Rachel represents the ideal companion who can both provide a key connection to a life before my parents were murdered, while maintaining a firm belief that justice can prevail and order can become a dominating factor in Gotham. But while we have that in common, she cannot agree with me that justice can be sought outside her system, which I still maintain is broken. Her line of thinking would possibly place Gotham into the hands of people like Falcone and Maroni, where the system can be paid for without consequence. And I can't stand by and allow that.

To Batman, however, there is a dark side. A blind spot, behind the veil of my crusade. Selina is the only woman that can penetrate that side of me and manage to bring out the best of my personality at the same time, but her dedication to independence and thievery have often brought contention into our relationship. I can't rightly condone the type of life she leads, and yet I can't deny my love for her. If only she could learn to accept my commitment to justice, then maybe... someday.

It's a tough decision. But Selina, I must admit, brings excitement into a life full of shadows. And for that, I'll never understand why we weren't together much earlier.

This is a great answer. No wonder why Gothamites call you "World's Greatest Detective"t:

 

[Marx]

You've said that you would max out your credit card at Borders...

Do you enjoy any specific book genre? Or do you read a wide variety of books?

What is your favorite book?

Who is your favorite author?

 

[Immortalfire]

Wow, THE Batman. Or is it just Batman?

What are you?

How do you divide 17 apples among 16 people?

Where were the other drugs going?

You ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?

Would you swear to me?

Are we talking Rottweilers or Chihuahuas?

Is it true that some days, you just can't get rid of a bomb?

Can I persuade you to take a sandwich?

You don't really think you'll win, do you?

 

[Batman]

Do you enjoy any specific book genre? Or do you read a wide variety of books?

I love a wide variety, but my tastes lend themselves more to horror and mysteries. For instance, I could read a chapter of Bram Stoker's Dracula and enjoy it just as much as The Drowning Pool. Graphic novels are by far my favorite type of book, however, and I have no real preference for those types of stories. I like most all of them.

What is your favorite book?

Tough to say. Really tough to say, honestly. I guess Dracula struck a chord with me the most because I had such misconceptions about what vampires were before I read that book. I always thought Bela Lugosi's version was what it was, but it turns out I was way off.

Who is your favorite author?

Stephen King is probably the most logical choice I could go with. It's kind of amazing how wide of a range he's gone for, with his stories, because it's difficult to label him under a specific category.

 

[Batman]

Wow, THE Batman. Or is it just Batman?

It's my choice, of course.

What are you?

Your worst nightmare.

How do you divide 17 apples among 16 people?

Make applesauce!

Where were the other drugs going?

They were shipped off to a dropoff point in The Narrows a couple of days before they went to the dealers, that much I'm certain of.

You ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?

Once, but he stopped calling after he learned I was only laughing on the outside; that my smile was only skin-deep. If you could see inside, I was really crying... you might join me for a weep.

Would you swear to me?

Only if you're this guy.

Are we talking Rottweilers or Chihuahuas?

I'm more of a cat person. I do fine against them.

Is it true that some days, you just can't get rid of a bomb?

God, is it never?

Can I persuade you to take a sandwich?

S'okay. Drive-thru's fine.

You don't really think you'll win, do you?

Things change.

 

[Marx]

What is your favorite Stephen King book?

Are you into horror movies? If so, which one is your favorite?

What are your thoughts on a new Scream trilogy?

 

[Batman]

What is your favorite Stephen King book?

The Green Mile. Also made a very good movie.

Are you into horror movies? If so, which one is your favorite?

The original Halloween. I'm a fan of making something out of simplicity, and I think that film excelled on doing that. That's also why I didn't really like the remake, or it's sequel.

What are your thoughts on a new Scream trilogy?

I'm on a 'wait-and-see' policy on that one. The first one was neat, but it really got old to me after the other two hit. Granted, I get what they were trying to do with the sequels, but I just didn't dig it as much. If they can do something new with the franchise, more power to them.

 

[Marx]

What are your thoughts on remakes and prequels?

What are your thoughts on the '3D' wave that's hitting Hollywood?

Do you think '3D' could become standard in filmmaking?

What do you think of '3D' tvs?

What your thoughts on Nintendo's plan to release a '3D' gaming system?

 

[Two-Face]

Do you hate Robin(s)?

 

[Batman]

What are your thoughts on remakes and prequels?

Good remakes can happen. John Carpenter proved that. I think what's ruined the current trend of remakes, though, has more to do with what Hollywood's standards for remakes have become. Alot of it is just filled with unnecessary edginess and not much else, when we're becoming a more intellectually-craved society.

Prequels can be good, too. But more often than not, those type of films are the more obvious 'cash-in-on-franchise' films than an interesting exploration of a popular story. "Hannibal Rising", for instance, was studio mandated... the author has stated he wouldn't have done it if not for studio pressure.

So when people stop thinking about the profit and start thinking about the quality of the product selling itself, there'll be less bad reviewed films and more quality cinema.

What are your thoughts on the '3D' wave that's hitting Hollywood?

When I first heard about it, my first question was "What is this, the 70's?". I just don't get what it offers more than IMAX or high-definition screens. It seems like more of a gimmick that Avatar started to get more attention. But I can't properly judge it myself until I've actually experienced the new technology, which I readily admit having not done yet.

So, yeah. We'll see how it goes. I'm not particularly thrilled that it's being forced on every DC film coming out in the next few years, but like I said, I haven't experienced what it has to offer.

Do you think '3D' could become standard in filmmaking?

I think it depends on how it's handled. If it's overdone, it'll be over faster than it began. If it's only used when essential to the project it's being put on, well, sure. I could see it becoming a permanent option for filmmakers.

What do you think of '3D' tvs?

I still have standard definition television, so I can't really comment. I'm still wanting to get an flatscreen LCD TV.

What your thoughts on Nintendo's plan to release a '3D' gaming system?

From a purely logical standpoint, it might be better to apply it to the gaming industry than the film industry. Especially since that business thrives on interaction.

 

[Byrd Man]

What is your religious preference (if any)

Who smells more, me or Green Lantern?

I know you like to piddle with scripts and stuff, so if you could write a screenplay for one superhero movie, what would it be?

 

[Batman]

Do you hate Robin(s)?

It's hard to hate any of them, because each one brought something different to the table.

Dick knew the risks of the job, and he displayed a courage that let criminals know that he wasn't afraid of the job at hand. His techniques were different, but I think that's part of why he's become the man he is. He's not living in the shadow of his teacher, because he's becoming a teacher of his own.

Jason was arrogant, and only had rage to drive him. He didn't care about justice or the fight against evil more than he wanted criminals to suffer. He was careless because of it, but an otherwise excellent combatant. If he could have let his logic prevail over his anger, he would have never died at the hands of The Joker. From day one, because of that, he was doomed.

Tim has evolved the most over the years. He was always a keen mind, but his athleticism has continued grow and his attitude has matured with time. He was the most human of the three, and his recent losses have only made him hardened. That drive from tragedy could very well make him the greatest crimefighter ever known some day. If I could pick out a flaw about him, it's that he's become too much of a protege, and not enough of his own person to stand him apart. But with work, that can be corrected.

I have never hated the Robin concept in itself, as it has served the Batman legacy for well over seventy years. And those who feel differently, I feel, don't quite understand the essential quality to the dynamic. To be constantly placed in darkness and faced with tragedy at every turn would make for some pretty depressing storytelling... sometimes you just need a light to balance out the darkness.

 

[Batman]

What is your religious preference (if any)

I'm not quite sure what I believe. I used to be in a family that practiced with Jehovah's Witnesses, but they've since mellowed on those beliefs and decided to take more of a zen-like outlook on everything. Not sure if I agree with that, but I'm not sure what my stance on everything is. Sometimes I believe in science over faith, other times it's the opposite.

If there is a God, I'm definitely waiting to find out.

Who smells more, me or Green Lantern?

*sniffs* Well, I can tell that you're the only one that actually wears deodorant.

But you used a bad brand, so you!

I know you like to piddle with scripts and stuff, so if you could write a screenplay for one superhero movie, what would it be?

Hmm. Well, Batman aside, I think I'd have a blast writing a script for a Superman movie. That character's world has always seemed to be the most enjoyable for me to write, from a standpoint of the variety of characters. I also think it's high time that we had a Superman movie that touched upon some issues facing our culture, especially since he believes in "Truth, Justice, and the American Way".

Of a property that hasn't been made yet, I'd take a crack at The Flash. The legacy aspect would be a great way to introduce Barry Allen or Wally West to mainstream audiences.

 

[Byrd Man]

One more question from me:

A post in the Ultimate DC RPG...when can I expect one?

 

[Batman]

A post in the Ultimate DC RPG...when can I expect one?

Sometime today.

Or when hell freezes over. I haven't decided!

 

[Green Lantern]

Death by CINO, who deserves it more, Byrd, myself or Joel Schumacher?

Favorite comic artist of all time?

Favorite comic writer of all time?

Favorite current artist?

Favorite current writer?

Favorite non-Batman series of all time?

Favorite Batman storyline?

Favorite non-Batman storyline?

 

[Batman]

Death by CINO, who deserves it more, Byrd, myself or Joel Schumacher?

That's kind of an oxymoron. Watching that... thing is a fate worse than death. That said, I'd make both Schumacher and the director of the film itself sit down and watch it for weeks at a time, letting Joel off the hook for his good movies after about six months.

Favorite comic artist of all time?

Hard to say. I enjoy Jim Lee's work, but he draws every face virtually the same. Michael Lark is a favorite, as are Steve Epting and Bryan Hitch. But if it boils down one particular artist, I guess I'd say my favorite artist is an artist that draws my favorite version of the Justice League, and that is Ivan Reis. And I need only one piece to show you why.

Favorite comic writer of all time?

Greg Rucka. I haven't read anything of his that I don't enjoy, and he especially writes the best Batman I've ever read. His current run on Batwoman has been intriguing and consistent in quality.

Favorite current artist?

Aside from Reis, Cameron Stewart's recent run on Batman & Robin really impressed me. So, him.

Favorite current writer?

Geoff Johns. I hate to push him because he gets so much praise already, but he really is the future of the medium. Blackest Night has been the best possible story it could have been, and his run on Green Lantern and the previous run on Flash have been exceptional. I can't wait for him to write Batman: Earth-One.

Favorite non-Batman series of all time?

Ed Brubaker's Captain America has been really solid until recently. I'd have to pick that, with a notable mention to the Bendis/Brubaker portion of Daredevil. And Kick-Ass, which I've found to be absolutely brilliant.

Favorite Batman storyline?

I'm gonna get flack for it, but I think Batman: Hush is definitely a story that I can read again and again without getting tired of it. I just think it brought alot of elements of Batman's world together in a great way, while adding new ones and answering a bunch of lingering questions up until that point. What would Batman and Catwoman be like as an actual couple? What would happen if he lost control and tried to kill The Joker? What would inspire him to be on the top of his game on all fronts, while a silent enemy came up and wrecked his life from the inside out?

My (up until I recently decided) favorite used to be Batman: Year One, for how grounded it was and what it did for the mythos of Gotham City and the relationship of Batman and Commissioner Gordon.

Favorite non-Batman storyline?

Watchmen.

But if it doesn't count, I think my favorite current storyline is Blackest Night, because of how well it blends facets of every portion of the DC Universe into what should have seemed like a Green Lantern-centric storyline. Superman: Birthright was also one of my favorites.

 

[ImWithTeamConan]

Who would play you in a biopic? And by you I mean......you.