Questions About The Batman Series and The Comic

[Wee67]

Here's everything you need to know about the tv series:


DIAL B for BLOG - THE WORLD'S GREATEST COMIC BLOGAZINE

Wow, this is a really great read! This is one of my all-time favorite shows so I appreciate the insight.

[The Toyroom]

One other question about the book almost being cancelled- Was it just the Batman title that was in danger, or were comic books in general in a bad place as the series began? And another question as I think of it- Did the entire comic book industry get a bump from the series? I'd imagine even Marvel was helped by Batman's popularity.

From all accounts, it was the Batman titles, "Batman" and presumably "Detective Comics" that were on the chopping block, prior to the "New Look" experiment that preceeded the TV show by 2 years. If anything, the "New Look" saved Batman from cancellation and the advent of the TV show just gave it the extra boost to maintain that momentum.

DC Comics definitely saw a bump other than just the Batman titles....an excellent example is the "Justice League of America" title...Batman was featured VERY prominently on several covers in succession during the Batmania period and often dwarfed his fellow JLAers in size. Many of the covers had that "campy"element as well.

Marvel and other companies all cashed in on that Camp Craze during the Batmani period in different ways but DC was probably the most successful.

[cdhall]

Awesome!

Here's everything you need to know about the tv series:


DIAL B for BLOG - THE WORLD'S GREATEST COMIC BLOGAZINE

I'll have to read that later. I got to part 2 but have to get to work.

[generic]

-The Riddler was just a minor and forgettable villain in the comics. This series is responsible for turning him into one of the most popular villains in Batman's rogues gallery.

The Riddler debuted in "Detective Comics" #140 (Oct. '48) and made his 2nd appearance in Dec. '48. After that he enjoyed a long hiatus until his 1st Silver Age appearance in "Batman" #171 (May '65). So, yes, Frank Gorshin's stellar performance is responsible for really putting the Riddler on the map as one of Batman's top 4 foes.

I didn't know that! Wow, you really do learn a lot of stuff around here! By the way, don't forget that John Astin (Gomez from The Addam's Family TV Show) played The Riddler on the 1960s Batman TV show as well!

-After the show was canceled, the character's comic series took on a dark and deadly serious tone that was reminiscent of the original comics in the late 1930s as a reaction to the TV show's light touch.

The Neal Adams era after the show is my absolute favorite Batman era! THAT is what comes to mind when I think of Batman.

I know Batgirl was brought in to pick up ratings, but I was under the impression she was first intended as a spin off companion series. When the pilot wasnt picked up it was decided to drop her into the Batman series?

Yes, I've seen the Batgirl pilot. I'm glad that the show lasted long enough for Batgirl to appear in the 3rd season since the Batgirl TV show didn't pan out. You've gotta love that Batgirl!

DIAL B for BLOG - THE WORLD'S GREATEST COMIC BLOGAZINE

Awesome!

[thunderbolt]

Astin only played the Riddler once, as a fill in for Gorshin.

[The Toyroom]

^ Actually when Season 2 came around, Frank Gorshin was done with the role, period. One of the Riddler stories of Season 2 was re-written for Maurice Evans as The Puzzler, while Astin picked up the role for the other Riddler story. Gorshin was lured back for just one appearance in Season 3, and it wasn't even a two-parter.

[thunderbolt]

I read an article about that somewhere where Gorshin was ticked that he was replaced in the Astin episodes.

[kingdom warrior]

Also Hadn't The Joker not made an appearance in the comics for a few years prior to the series ? I thought I read that somewhere.....Wasn't It the series that brought him back to Popularity......

[thunderbolt]

When Julius Shwartz took over the editing on the Bat Books, THe Joker dissappeared around 64. When the show came on, he started getting appearances again in the comics.

[johnnystorm]

I think most of the major supervillains (Penguin, Joker, Catwoman, Riddler) had not been seen for awhile in the comics- the early 60s were mostly imaginary stories, aliens,and petty criminals. If they did show up it wasn't often...occasional guys like Calender Man & Kite-Man were used instead. And lots of odd costumes for Batman.

If I recall correctly, Two-Face didn't come back until the 1970s, same with Scarecrow.

[thunderbolt]

Two Face sorta showed up in this issue, Batman was transformed into the villain he feared the most. Harvey didn't whow up again till 1971. There is some evidence around that Dozier considered using Two Face on the show and was going to cast Clint Eastwood to play him.

[Meule]

There is some evidence around that Dozier considered using Two Face on the show and was going to cast Clint Eastwood to play him.

I've heard that before, but never seen any evidence. What kinda evidence are you talking about? Would've loved to have seen Two-Face in the show

[thunderbolt]

There's some documents on that Batman 66 site.

[Meule]

Really? Must've missed that then, I'll look it up

[UnderdogDJLSW]

The most recent book that carries this notion forth is TwoMorrow's Batcave Companion

I got that book when it came out. It is a great read!