The camp has been erased for a reason.

[Superwoman Prime]

I love TDK. The only thing is, is that it had the effect of making a lot of fans believe this IS the end all, be all of all Batman features. They'd never give other interpretations a chance, or children to have a chance to know about Batman.

"Selfish" was mentioned earlier, and that's the perfect way to describe it.

And I'm calling other's up on their claims and reasoning... not criticizing the actual people holding the claims/reasoning, or their personal preferances and opinions. It's when they go out of their way to push ignorant beliefs on everyone else that I have to admonish them.

I ask, that please, everyone consider that. Flaming and bashing of individuals isn't productive. On a good debate, it's all about setting ignorance right, not reverting back to gladiator days where we sick the lions on someone we don't particularly like.

 

[Swordmaster]

Hell, even in The Dark Knight he cracked a joke. Need I remind you?

Joker: A little fight in you. I like that.
Batman: Then you're gonna love me.

Really, so long as his humor's dry and not Deadpool or Spider-Man levels, I don't see the problem.

 

[Evil Twin]

I think people don't actually understand what "camp" is. Being light and fun isn't camp. Being self aware of the material and making fun of it is camp.

As others have said, it's a show aimed at 8 year olds. It's light, but it's not disrespectful of the characters. Batman is portrayed as the consumate professional. You're asked to laugh at the jokes, not at the characters.

 

[C. W. Saturn]

I think people don't actually understand what "camp" is. Being light and fun isn't camp. Being self aware of the material and making fun of it is camp.

As others have said, it's a show aimed at 8 year olds. It's light, but it's not disrespectful of the characters. Batman is portrayed as the consumate professional. You're asked to laugh at the jokes, not at the characters.

You heard the man.

 

[Holiday]

I'm glad we've got a lighter Batman cartoon because this show will introduce a new generation of kids to the character, TDK is too dark and mature to do that.

 

[CaptainClown]

I am so glad they made a series like this to balance out the "MY PARENTS ARE DEAD!" batman that we have been getting. I love a campy Batman as long as I have a dark Batman. I love the idea of a Batman who has a device for everything.

 

[MysterioMenace]

Firstly…since when was the campy Batman erased? I’m not particularly fond of the 50’s and 60’s era of Batman, but It hasn’t been erased. Neil Gaimen’s even doing a soon-to-be book apparently dubbed “Whatever happened to the Caped Crusader?” or something similar. Lets get one thing straight; Grim and gritty doesn’t always equate to superior or intelligent. Stories can be written well, be them serious or more light-hearted in tone. It’s up to the writer to add depth and meaning. It’s not the tone itself that determines a good story. Case in point: A Joker without his (albeit sadistic) humor is just a two-dimensional cookie-cutter killer. Apparently some kids want the Jokers sense of humor to be almost entirely abolished, but I ask where’s the fun in that? Homicidal murderers are a dime-a-dozen in comics, there‘s nothing inherently original or intelligent about that. But adding some twisted dark comedy and charisma…you’ve suddenly got something very special. You’ve now got arguably the most iconic villain ever created. It seems many writers, in an attempt to appeal to the dronish contemporary prepubescent designer-labeled dorks, having sacrificed character-depth for gratuitous violence and overly-dark plots. That’s disappointing.

There’s such thing as too dark. Once you start making everything too realistic, particularly when writing in a genre like superheroes, something that’s obvious fiction and no disguise can hide it, you’ve lost the initial appeal to begin with. Realism isn’t a bad thing by any means, but it’s completely relative to the topic at hand. There’s nothing realistic in a Bat-suited man jumping from rooftop to rooftop. You can add more or less creditability, but it’s still fantasy nonetheless. Don’t slather this hyper-realism on and condemn anything that’s even remotely “comic-book-ish”. . . because these are comic books. All too few seem to remember that these days, but there‘s no masking this fact. Some are just in denial. I got into some huge argument because someone felt that green suited Riddler would be so unrealistic. Suddenly even perfectly feasible colors are being considered too fantastical for Nolan’s vision? People are running with this trend way too far. Comic Book doesn't translate inherently to juvenile, nor does lightheartedness. For as much as I adore Nolan and his Bat films, he’s created a youthful contemporary fan fad that’s really limiting the industry and will have scarring effects. I don’t doubt this will end and Batman will go back to normal, but I think a blast of a more light-hearted and nostalgic Batman is far from a bad thing.

 

[Mister J]

Thank Poseidon for the majority of responses in this thread. I read the opening post, immediately went to :facepalm and figured to have to wade through several ignorant, insulting and unnecessary posts aimed at some stupid ass polarization of a fan base. I swear, if that 'real fan' nonsense had flared up, I was going to lose it.

That's a beautifully poignant first reply by Cain, as well as the responses that followed, echoing it. The word 'selfish' has been tossed around in here and its entirely accurate. The fact that some people choose to hold steadfast in that only an über-serious, dark interpretation of Batman is fit for production is so ****ing stupid that it's unbelievable. Not everyone has to like the approach of this show and there is certainly room for an aversion to it and a preference for something less 'cartoony'. However, to deem it as invalid is ridiculous. There's a way to utilize a well-prepared, impossibly disciplined character in a fun setting without destroying the property. Batman has often used a dry, biting sense of humor in response to some of the One of things that I like Batman is how dynamic and multi-layered he is. He can lend himself to scenarios as presented in this series and still be uniquely entertaining.

More importantly, and as touched upon, children deserve to have something to allow them to experience this character and become fans as well. The younger audience is what's going to sustain this character in perpetuity. My first impressions of Batman were syndicated episodes of the '60 show and SuperFriends. They were comparatively light and caught my eye in between throwing back juice boxes. That was enough to get me into the books as I got older and became more invested in the character. It was a natural progression and I wouldn't want to deny the opportunity to someone else to experience the same. Although that might not be the path to Batman fandom that all will follow, attempting to limit whatever route because of personal preference is just beyond selfish. An alternate interpretation of Batman, namely the DCAU version, is still viewable on DVD and varied cable channels. It hasn't been displaced. There's enough room for it all. It's all valid and it's ALL Batman.

Some people need to get over themselves.

 

[The Guard]

It's interesting...

People often condemn BATMAN FOREVER and BATMAN & ROBIN...but defend this. Odd what people will and won't defend.

While I agree that kids deserve something to watch, and can appreciate what they're doing with this series on a certain level (I have yet to see an episode)...I don't recall kids ever hating BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES because it was too dark.

 

[Jochimus]

It's interesting...

People often condemn BATMAN FOREVER and BATMAN & ROBIN...but defend this. Odd what people will and won't defend.

I don't think it's odd at all.

The producers of the show wanted to do a lighter show with more humor that respected Batman's 70-year history without trying to make a total mockery out of it.

By contrast, the makers of "Batman & Robin" pit a nipple-and-buttlock-laden Batman against an essentially-lobotomized Bane. That's almost worse than the Batusi.

 

[Cain]

It's interesting...

People often condemn BATMAN FOREVER and BATMAN & ROBIN...but defend this. Odd what people will and won't defend.

While I agree that kids deserve something to watch, and can appreciate what they're doing with this series on a certain level (I have yet to see an episode)...I don't recall kids ever hating BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES because it was too dark.

I love Batman Forever because it still tries to tell a story and has some great characterizations (Bruce/Batman & Dick Grayson). I even enjoy Batman & Robin for what it was meant to be a stylized overlong toy commercial with minimal plot and lots of exploitation.

No kids didn't hate TAS I remember when it premiered I was only 9 and I loved it as much as the movies. But at the same time Batman animated shows shouldn't be pigeonholed into that structure either. It wouldn't be fair and also quite unoriginal if every animated Bat show tried to stay within that lane. It's good that they decided to swerve to a different lane this time.

This is the first show I could think of specifically made to show that Batman himself is a part of a much more vast universe outside of Gotham City and his reactions to that fact. Kids didn't hate TAS and I doubt they'd hate weekly superhero team ups either.

 

[WOLVERINE25TH]

Campy? Hardly. I'm watchin' it now and I'm findin' it both amusing and enjoyable.

 

[3dman27]

i think people don't actually understand what "camp" is. Being light and fun isn't camp. Being self aware of the material and making fun of it is camp.

As others have said, it's a show aimed at 8 year olds. It's light, but it's not disrespectful of the characters. Batman is portrayed as the consumate professional. You're asked to laugh at the jokes, not at the characters.

qft

 

[Grommers]

The only thing selfish is those 8 year olds. You could have a cartoon that applies to all (B:TAS) or one to just the 8 year olds. I don't understand how come you guys are all saying "these people are selfish for wanting dark"....Umm, the TONE of the show doesn't have to be "DARK." no where did we say that. We said Batman was a dark character. Right now, after watching Brave & Bold, I can say its not watching batman but James Bond in whacky situations. Same humour, same amount of gadgets, different get-up.

You could of had a t.v. show put out, like B:Tas that ALL ages can watch, or one aimed at 8 year olds, and you guys call the people that want the show that is made for all ages to watch as SELFISH?

Really....this thread made me sick everytime wrote that word, and has probably made me more cheesed at this thread to take a stance on what Spider-bat had to say. That is a direct attack on his opinion, which isn't cool at all. Just because you don't like what he has to say doesn't mean its wrong or selfish at all, it MEANS what he said it means. "I DON'T LIKE B:B&B here are my reasons."


I generally like this forum because there are very few personal attacks, and more debating, but this thread is wow...

 

[Cain]

Right now, after watching Brave & Bold, I can say its not watching batman but James Bond in whacky situations. Same humour, same amount of gadgets, different get-up.

Here's the thing though you say it's Bond in wacky situations but it's also Batman. It's not my Batman and it obviously isn't yours either but it's still Batman. That version deserves a shot at being presented to a new generation too cause it's a part of the character history.

Judging by this post it seems like you have never read Batman comics by Gardner Fox (which feature a humorous and gadget centric Batman). Or even by the often praised Mr. Denny O'Neal (which feature a Batman with humor albeit more toned down and going on adventures all across the globe).

Well these are some of the comics the producers of this show grew up on. That was what they read as kids and teens all they're doing is paying tribute to that. I still haven't seen this show myself but going by what a lot of my fellow batfans who's opinion on Batman I greatly respect are saying here at the hype it very well may be worth my time.

 

[Captain Planet!]

You want something dark, gritty, and thought provoking like TDK or TAS? Go watch TDK or TAS (even though, he mad plenty, PLENTY of jokes in TAS)! This is entertainment, and some good entertainment at that. I would rather have good, pure entertainment than a failed attempt at another dark Batman.

Get over it, and stop being a whiney baby-man.



Thank you, I am now done with my morning cup of Ass-Flaming.

 

[souloffire]

I find it very humorous that some "grown ups" are "outraged" that a cartoon wasn't made for them.

 

[SHADOWBAT69]

Well, to all those *****ing and whining that they didnt put out a TDK or TAS clone, theres always the off button on the remote.

 

[Two-Face=Badass]

Too many great reasons have been put forward as to why this show is still Batman and that many fans are being selfish, so I'll just say something a little different:

To all those people who have become Batman fans through BTAS or BB or TDK and are complaining about this show "not being Batman" and "not being dark enough", try reading a comic. And no, not just The Long Halloween or Year One. I mean the first Joker appearance in Batman #1, the Ra's Al Ghul tales from Denny O'Neill and yes, the fun Dick Sprang campy stuff. Maybe then you'll understand that like all characters, Batman too is a flexible character who can be successfully campy (Adam West), humourous (BatB), Exciting and fun (BTAS), fantastical (B89/Returns) or rather dark (TDK).

And don't give me some crap about them not being the "true" Batman. There is no true Batman, only interpretations, and the sooner you get over your selfish desires to project YOUR image of how you feel Batman should be onto a show for 8 year olds that everyone can still enjoy, the sooner you can sit back and enjoy it too.

 

[Bathead]

This is exactly what I've been trying to tell some of the more intractable fans on these Batman boards for a long time, that Batman is more than Frank Miller and Tim Burton (for example) . I understand we all have our preferences, I know I do, but when some fans start acting as if certain versions or aspects of Batman's world have no value, and only theirs is valid, that really bothers me. It's kind of arrogant, if you ask me.

 

[souloffire]

I wonder if eight year old's go to the Dark Knight boards and complain that it was too dark.

 

[Hush]

This show is a action/comedy. My 11 year old bro likes it and he has seen all of BTAS and JL/JLU along with STAS. He pretty much watches what i put on and he thinks i have good choices in my shows. He often watches this before i can so he can review it for me. He isnt even the TARGET demograph! I mean my little 3 year old bro can watch this or sponge bob. Honestly I have to say this.

 

[DaRkVeNgeanCe]

I already knew it was going to be made for children to watch, so theres no need in whining about it, If I even did watch it, I know what im getting myself into.

 

[DJ Kornphlake]

This show is a action/comedy. My 11 year old bro likes it and he has seen all of BTAS and JL/JLU along with STAS. He pretty much watches what i put on and he thinks i have good choices in my shows. He often watches this before i can so he can review it for me. He isnt even the TARGET demograph! I mean my little 3 year old bro can watch this or sponge bob. Honestly I have to say this.

You sure about that?

 

[BubbaGump]

The only thing selfish is those 8 year olds.

Yeah, because they totally go on these boards and start hating.