The Batman Strikes #1 Preview Is Finally Up

[EJill34]

.......

[Salvor]

No more holding off judgment! This looks appalling :eek: I'm not putting into question Chris Jones's talent but the style really isn't my thing, and every single line of dialogue sounds laughable at best. God I hope the show will be better than this...

[Joker85]

hmm....I hope the show is better than that. The art was pretty decent I guess but the dialogue was terrible!!! Nothing about this new show or comic excites me. I may have to pass on both.

[Eddie G.]

I'm conflicted with my opinion on this one. The art is okay, nothing fantastic but I like the Penguin design. With the writing, hmmm... well yes, if Batman said "sweet" in the comics I would say there is a lacking in understanding for the character. However Bruce Wayne in the comics is around forty, so I mean having a twenty year old Bruce Wayne in 2004 is something that doesn't exist in the comics universe I'm afraid. I did like some of Bats's lines but overall I felt the whole thing to be a tad not right. I mean I'm supposed too feel certain things for Batman, I'm supposed to feel that he is a hero and that he is scary. I got neither.

[PaQ]

Wow, that's interesting. Bruce with a guitar, is different. I liked how the Penguin looked. Batman looks good too.

I still hope the show is better, but if it's like the comic, it will be at least decent IMO.

[Thanos]

"My fault, Irv. I shouldn't be playing it, but these old axes are so sweet. Especially with volume cranked and..."

That says it all. This is going to be terrible. I can no longer maintain my optimism towards this series with spontaneous story plots and dialogue like that.

[Douglas Fir]

Forgive my ingnorance but is this new show in continuity with Batman:TAS, Superman:TAS, Batman Beyond, and JL???

I don't really know much about it but I certainly hope it lives up to it's predesessors!

[All-Star 1.5]

"My fault, Irv. I shouldn't be playing it, but these old axes are so sweet. Especially with volume cranked and..."

That says it all. This is going to be terrible. I can no longer maintain my optimism towards this series with spontaneous story plots and dialogue like that.

But, it's not the series it's a comic book that doesn't have the same crew as the tv show.

[Thanos]

But, it's not the series it's a comic book that doesn't have the same crew as the tv show.
It's a comic based on the television show. You don't see JL or Batman Adventures differing vastly from their animated counterparts' dialogue or plots.

[ArtificialIdiot]

Ugh....

The art was decent, wasn't overly keen on the penguin. The dialouge was terrible, it had no feel to it... it's just felt camp really. In a BAD way. Honestly, I'd be more afraid of Superman doing the polka then that version of Batman. And why does the Penguin have japanese women working for him?

Anyway, I hope the show is better then THIS. As toonami here just took Batman of the Future off the air (at least at the decent time I could watch it) and if this is no good, looks like my only Animted fix of the Bat will be JLU and JL reruns.

[Eddie G.]

It's a comic based on the television show. You don't see JL or Batman Adventures differing vastly from their animated counterparts' dialogue or plots.RAGGGGAHHHH! You have angered the artist inside of me, now feel my wrath! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!

Okie dokie. First of all you made a point of JL Adventures, well it has been my experience that JLA isn't really that good at all. Not horrible mind you, just lacking. However the JL series is considered by many to be incredible, one of the best toons around, a great scifi series. But let's hold the phone, how can it be possible for JLA to not be good and JL to be very good. Both use similar stories and the exact same characters don't they? Well it is simple, any style, any plot, any character can be good granted the artist supports it. This comic could have been better if the writer was better, but should we consider that the writers on The Batman will be better than this guy?

Give the show a chance man, don't judge it on some preview by a writer who may no be involved in the show.

[Bird Boy]

Like Blue Wolf said, JLA is quite different from the show. Really REALLY different, in fact. So, just because a comic is based on a show, doesn't mean it's going to reflect the show itself (technically, though, it should).

As for the art...it reminds me alot of Batman Beyond. Nothing that bad--I'm still willing to give the show a chance...

-BB

[Marvel_Knight]

Basically what everyone else has said so far. Artwork was okay, but everything else, bleh. The price is 2.50 why? For 32 pages? But this might just be one bad issue. The past DCAU had bad issues as well (cough Batman Beyond cough). About the "sweet" line. I think Bruce is just maintaining his millionare playboy personality. Kinda like in "Year One". If not, I just hope the other issues are gonna be good. I'm still looking forward to the show a lot though.

[Phantasm]

I don't expect much from the show and the preview of the comic so far is laughable.this is NOT batman. That's all I have to say.

[TheScarecrow]

Looked okay to me, aside from the "sweet" dialouge from Bruce, and even that can be just him maintaining the playboy persona. Loved the Panquin though. He looks like a pretty nasty villain.

[Revelator]

They cancelled Batman Adventures for THIS?!

P.s. Orange hair on the Penguin--how stupid is that idea?

[EddieTheEditor]

...



The Penguin, at least, still has panache.


PANACHE!!!

[Eddie G.]

They cancelled Batman Adventures for THIS?!

P.s. Orange hair on the Penguin--how stupid is that idea?Well it is possible that it was a coloring error. But if it isn't... well I like the orange hair, and I mean it's not like B:TAS never changed things about characters.

[Silly McGooses]

Ugh...(the new) Batman Adventures has been by far my favorite DCU comic thus far. THIS is what it's dying for? :sweat:

[Revelator]

Well it is possible that it was a coloring error. But if it isn't... well I like the orange hair, and I mean it's not like B:TAS never changed things about characters.
Hey--he's called The Penguin...because he looks like a Penguin, all black and white. Giving him orange hair is sort of like giving Batman a hot pink cape. Orange is a color that has nothing to do with the Penguin--in any incarnation of his--nor with Penguins (even Rockhopper Penguins have yellow feathers, not orange).

[Eddie G.]

Hey--he's called The Penguin...because he looks like a Penguin, all black and white. Giving him orange hair is sort of like giving Batman a hot pink cape. Orange is a color that has nothing to do with the Penguin--in any incarnation of his--nor with Penguins (even Rockhopper Penguins have yellow feathers, not orange).Well actually Batman for the most part has worn a blue cape... ever see a blue bat.;)

But seriously he is still fat, he is still short, and he wears black and white suits. If they had completly ignored that it is his physical appearance that makes people call them the Penguin, well that is one thing, this is minor. And like I said, could be coloring error.

[Killtacular]

That says it all. This is going to be terrible. I can no longer maintain my optimism towards this series with spontaneous story plots and dialogue like that.
Why do people think it makes sense to judge a show by anything and everything that ISN'T the show?

[Eddie G.]

Why do people think it makes sense to judge a show by anything and everything that ISN'T the show?Because it makes more sense to pretend that these are fair judgments than just say the show is going to be horrible because we all love Bruce Timm so much we won't let a new generation of kids discover Batman for themselves.



I'm almost positive that it's NOT a coloring error. I think they were trying to relate it to an emperor penguin, but it just looks stupid. This cartoon looks stupid--I mean...I'm going to hold off judgment.
Ha, while I would like you to hold of judgment I admire your humor about not doing so.

Anyway yeah I'm almost certain it isn't a coloring error, it could be, but probably isn't. But either way I don't see how it looks stupid, it kind of gives him an Oliver Twist feel which works for someone who is a have in a city of have-nots. As long as The Penguin ain't no Brit.

[LegionsOfGotham]

EDIT: I officially hate this show now. Over at Legions Of Gotham (great site by the way), it was stated by someone who has gottten tons of info from the staff that these comics are taken from the episodes. So it looks like holding off judgment is over with. This show will suck.
lol. Thx for the compliment...but at least wait for the first episode to pass judgement! I know things may look VERY ify right now..and perhaps this toon will turn out to be a huge load of crap and I'll regret every promoting it so much..but I'm confident from my discussions with the creators, cast and crew that this will be different, but good. Of course if it sucks, I'll be deleting this post immediately and will deny all knowlege ;)

[ArtificialIdiot]

The show can't be ALL bad. I mean, just looking over the list of voice actors there is a lot of talent there. I'll admit this comic is poor, some of the designs I've seen are disappointing, however I'm willing to give it a chance. And if it's no good? No big deal, just have to buy that B:TAS box set to kep me happy. :)

[Killtacular]

How can you say that without seeing it?
That's the point.

[James]

Well I'm waiting to see the show. I've seen some fairly silly BTAS episodes. Aside from Wayne looking at a guitar I don't see the almighty issue here.

I'm not saying it will be great, but we will just have to see.

What makes me a little peeved at all the whining is that Bat fans are just so bloody fortunate to have ANY Batman. Batfans have been oh so fortunate to have their cartoon run in various forms for 10 years. How many shows can say the same? Even Spider-Fans haven't had such an enduring vision.

So Timm's vision ends - all good things must end.. but guess what? We're not without animated Batman because we get another version!

Whether this sucks or not remains to be seen. I doubt it will be as good as BTAS ever was, but I'm just thankful we get another Batman show.

It just seems to self indulgent to get upset over this guys. If it sucks, oh well, it's still Batman. Worth a look surely. Other comic fans would give their eye teeth for a 10 year run of one show and then an immediate spawning of another. AND at the same time still have the old character still running in JLU!

Sorry, if you don't think it's going to be as good, fine. But I think it will be better than most cartoons, so why get so upset over this.

In such a short lived market as childrens cartoons, a ten year run of Batman and the networks still continue to produce more Batman is a good thing. It's almost unbelievable that quality has lasted so long.

I'm not saying worship the ground of this new cartoon, but treat it impartially and stop trying to compare it to what you have and just enjoy it for what it is.

[Salvor]

Well I'm waiting to see the show. I've seen some fairly silly BTAS episodes. Aside from Wayne looking at a guitar I don't see the almighty issue here.

I'm not saying it will be great, but we will just have to see.

What makes me a little peeved at all the whining is that Bat fans are just so bloody fortunate to have ANY Batman. Batfans have been oh so fortunate to have their cartoon run in various forms for 10 years. How many shows can say the same? Even Spider-Fans haven't had such an enduring vision.I really don't understand what your point is.... even if new episodes of Batman suck, we should feel lucky because, yay, we see Batman in animation? I don't think so. Personally I could do without the animated Batman for ten more years without complaining... what I need is quality animation, not crappy animation "that pertains to Batman so just be happy with what you get"! Silly little Brit... ;)

What I judged in this thread was 4 horrible comic book pages. I've yet to judge the show. But no, I won't be happy if the show is half as bad as these pages... well actually, I won't even watch the show! Maybe I'm not as big a fan of Batman as I once was but I don't need to be "fed" with animated Batman, I'm just glad when I see Batman done right.

[Joker85]

I'll give the show a chance, just because it is Batman, but I don't like what I've heard and seen so far. I know for a fact though that I won't be getting the comic. As for being fed Batman Cartoons for the last 10 years, we have been lucky. But with the episodes of BTAS being slowly released on DVD, I don't need to watch this show to get a Batman fix. Nor do I need to be greatful that it is on. I'm greatful that I've had almost 12 great years of animated Batman that, for the most part, was excellent quality. I just don't have much faith in the new show, and if I'm not impressed with the first few episodes, I'll drop it like a bad habit.

[Hatter]

I find it funny that if the creators of The Batman posted on this board, this thread would probably be full of arse-kissing compliments.

It seems that we're only allowed to bash things whose creators don't post here.

[Somejerk]

I was not a big fan of the animated series comics, but i LOVE the animated serieses.
I have always seen Bruce Wayne asa cover, The filandering playboy, actaully does not spend all his nights out with the ladies, except for Poison Ivy, and catwoman maybe. So lets just say for arguements sake that this Bruce Wayne is just playing a role. Maybe he had intel that the Penguin was going to do something, perhaps he is just keeping up appearences.
I have my fingers crossed for the New Batman series, and i cant wait for my Vol. 1 DVD this Tuesday.

[James]

I really don't understand what your point is.... even if new episodes of Batman suck, we should feel lucky because, yay, we see Batman in animation? I don't think so. Personally I could do without the animated Batman for ten more years without complaining... what I need is quality animation, not crappy animation "that pertains to Batman so just be happy with what you get"! Silly little Brit... ;)Well that depends on your standpoint. Personally I don't see any evidence that any distance of time is any more likely to bring a better version - or quality version - of an animated cartoon. Essentially it seems to come down to who sits behind the wheel so to speak and what personal vision is brought it. Then it's a matter of how they can balance that with the companies need to sell toys.

I personally find there is a great deal of complaining that this new Batman isn't good enough already. My point is, compared to other comic fans, Batman fans have had it awfully sweet. We've been extremely fortunate yet we always expect more.

So yeah, we could have got nothing. If you want, you can not watch it and wait around until the next quality production. The fact is there is a Batman cartoon coming out where any other cartoon would have had to settle for nothing. Nada. Zero. Zilch.

The irony is, that by pulling support for the cartoon you don't tell the network you want Timm's vision back, it just sends a message saying Batman has lost one if it's target audience and it maybe waining in interest.

Be thankful we have another Batman to watch/hate/comment on. Other cult communities have nothing and have to sustain their community on memories alone. We have JLU and The Batman to talk on.

Whether it's good or bad, it's something. Furthermore, it's not connected to Timm's vision so it's not ruining the past, it just brings a different future.

Give the show a chance. Give Batman support. I don't think this will be half as bad as people here are saying. Expect the worst and you will enjoy it by half.


What I judged in this thread was 4 horrible comic book pages. I've yet to judge the show. But no, I won't be happy if the show is half as bad as these pages... well actually, I won't even watch the show! Maybe I'm not as big a fan of Batman as I once was but I don't need to be "fed" with animated Batman, I'm just glad when I see Batman done right.
I doubt I'll watch it religiously, but I will watch it with interest. I am interested in any take on a title I enjoy - even if it's bad, just to see how they interpret it and why I think it's bad. I don't see it as being "fed" Batman. If this was Timm's vision taken over and watered down I would agree on that. This is a new creative team, and like with even bad shows, certain amount of art is fed into the show. I'm interested to see how much. It looks like work has gone into it, I'm still not totally convinced it will be all bad - certainly not from 4 pages of an adapted story anyway.

I mean, imagine if the first TNBA story they had adapted before the revamp was "Critters"... Would that have meant you missed "Mad Love"?

[James]

That example doesn't hold up because the creative team was already established.I think it holds up more so as you have a basis of team comparison. If you're fav BTAS had been say, like mine and was "Bullet For Bullock" and you saw an excerpt from "Critters" - along with the new designs, one could assume that the show had been dumbed down.

Here we have no conceptions - or we shouldn't have. But we do compare it to Timm, and that's the problem. The creative team - in a way - HAS been established. Bruce Timm and co. Even though this is not them, fans are constantly comparing what they had with they have got rather than a show on it's own.

We have a new slate boys and girls. We've had 10 wonderful years of Timm and hopefully - TT and JLU - aside, we'll never have anything tarnish that. Here we have a new vision which we can enjoy happy knowing Timm's series is now safe from harm. We should be able to watch this for what it is and not what it is not. I'm not getting that vibe here, that concerns me.

Sure be critical - I'm not saying you should love it, but don't get bitter about it before it's started - especially don't compare it to what you had. What's the point? Would you have rather Warners had hijacked Timm's vision and made a sloppy Toy/movie cartoon from it? I'm sure they probably could have.

I think this really is the best of both worlds. Support Batman - in every form, or at least give it a chance. Show the Networks Batman is still popular and then maybe they'll demograph what sort of Batman the fans like.. maybe after the movie hype dies down and the DVD Timm sales rocket (I hope) they'll look at some DTV of the old lot.. who knows??

What I think would be damaging here is to boycott this before it's begun. That's a negative message and the only one that will be read from it is Batman is losing it's edge. Give it an objective chance beyond these four pages.



This new creative team doesn't have this advantage and by starting out with what is essentially a mistake, they have damned themselves to an eternity of complaining from fanboys.
No the fanboys have done that by not being able to accept the show before it even begins because they are trapped with visions of Mr Timm's creative work. That helps no one.

I understand reservations and that is totally cool. There are elements you are not comfortable with? Voice them. I do so with the Batman movie, I condemn the approach the studio has taken with the movie but I won't condemn the movie till I see it.

Same here, you may personally not agree with the companies motivations or choices here. I understand that, but don't condemn or boycott the product on the basis of that or the past.

[Samurai Rocko]

I'm not really interested in the comic. It seems mediocre. I can't wait to the new series come out. From what I've read, it looks like they got people on the show who love the character. It may not be as good as B:TAS, but I doubt it'll be just crap. I just hope they have some good story arcs, and the characters aren't campy. Overall, I'm excited.

[TheScarecrow]

Aside from that Bruce playing the guitar moment, I didn't see anything in that preview to really get upset about. The characters seemed on the money to me, from what I could tell, with Batman being the way he always has with villains - business like and focused on stopping the bad guys from doing their thing.

Penguin seems pretty ruthless there too, what with threatening to burn that guys nose off and all. If that is how the villains are going to be on this show, then it hardly sounds like they are going with a campy approach here. I just wonder how sick and demented Joker is going to be on this show!

[Simpler Simon]

Aside from that Bruce playing the guitar moment, I didn't see anything in that preview to really get upset about. The characters seemed on the money to me, from what I could tell, with Batman being the way he always has with villains - business like and focused on stopping the bad guys from doing their thing.
I had the exact opposite reaction. If Bruce Wayne wants to keep up outer appearances, strumming a guitar and "acting his age" is a pretty good way to go. Heck, even the BTAS Bruce (when he was more human) would probably have done something similiar.

What I didn't like was Batman's entrance and the dialogue with the Penguin. It just felt too campy compared to most of the DCAU, where Batman would bust heads first *before* launching into exposition about the villain's scheme. The Penguin design is fine, reminds me of Burgess Meredith from the 60's series for some odd reason. More bite, less waddling maybe.

Still too early to tell, but I think the brief glimpses from the KidsWB teaser are a better gauge than this.

[wrenchien]

are they updating the 60's batman for the 00's?!?! is that what they seem to be planning?

[nothing]

sheesh.

this thread reminds me of a discussion a friend and i had back when we first saw the teaser trailer for Batman (remember... it was just the Bat Symbol and nothing else).

the comic is an ancillary product of the show, as are the figures, and whatever other merchandising is tied with the show. it's not canon and while some events are in continuity with the show - i've yet to see Bruce play a guitar... but his entrance to the Cave is very cool.

this series is just a different telling of the Batman mythos with a new creative team. Matsuda's look is not the Timm look everyone is accustomed to... just like the Murakami version of Teen Titans is not like the Perez version everyone was accustomed to.

i'm not the biggest Batman fan in the world, but i do consider myself an enthusiast - and from what i've heard and seen... it will be another cool-ass show.

[The Penguin]

When does this book come out again? And will that be before or after the series premiere? I don't have the patience for my 56k to load the preview. :shrug: :o

[ArtificialIdiot]

What I didn't like was Batman's entrance and the dialogue with the Penguin. It just felt too campy compared to most of the DCAU, where Batman would bust heads first *before* launching into exposition about the villain's scheme.

Quite. It's very, very hard to inspire fear and be taken seriously when you are spouting cliches and upbeat quips... isn't it? :shrug:

[PaQ]

When does this book come out again? And will that be before or after the series premiere? I don't have the patience for my 56k to load the preview. :shrug: :oWell The Batman Strikes comic comes out in September. I have no idea about the show, probably around the same time..

[Karkull]

I find it funny that if the creators of The Batman posted on this board, this thread would probably be full of arse-kissing compliments.

It seems that we're only allowed to bash things whose creators don't post here.
You don't visit this board much, do you? Some board members kiss up to the creators, some rake them over the coals, and some are pretty balanced.

[LegionsOfGotham]

I contacted our friend Chris Jones, the artist on 'the Batman Strikes' about the Penguin design as shown in the 1st issue and the art style in general. He had this to say to Legions Of Gotham....

The current on-line preview of Batman Strikes #1 consists of some of the earliest pages I drew for this book, as the reference for the look of the new series was still coming in and I was working with a minimal amount of information about the new look of the show. It's pretty accurate, but I think as the book went on I was getting a stronger handle on the style and the individual characters. I think the artwork on the whole is pretty solid and should only get better from here. It's a treat to finally have a work with Terry Beatty, an inker whose work I've admired for many years.

...just thought this might be of interest. :) Chris Jones is a stand up guy and a great artist. If you don't like the preview, wait and check out the second or third issue, I'm willing to bet that it gets better. His past work speaks for itself.

[LegionsOfGotham]

EDIT: I officially hate this show now. Over at Legions Of Gotham (great site by the way), it was stated by someone who has gottten tons of info from the staff that these comics are taken from the episodes.
I've looked into this issue further, and I do have to clarify that these issues are set in the same continuity, but do feature original stories. So, everyone can unwind a bit until you see the actual toon, ok? ;)

Sorry for causing any confusion :sweat:

[Tyke]

i find it very, very sad that "certain individuals" post negative remarks about this show they've never seen...even after getting reamed by Bruce Timm himself for hating a show never aired yet. and what's even more pathetic is the fact that after posting hate posts concerning the unaired show (this thread in particular), the poster continually checks into the post, puts in a useles, negative 2 cents, and can't get over it. get a life. you said you have low expectations for the show 11 times. ok, we get your judgemental picture, already! sheesh.

doesn't look TERRIBLE. doesn't look PERFECT, either. but what's most important? IT LOOKS FUN. i can't wait for the whole thing to begin again (character development, toys, etc.). this will be a fun ride.

[Scary Terry]

Hey fellas -- can I ask you the favor of waiting until you see the whole of THE BATMAN STRIKES #1 before forming an opinion of it? Same goes for the new TV series. I'm as big a fan of the Bruce Timm version as anybody -- and was a big fan of the animated-style comic books long before I got to work on them. I understand the feelings of those who will miss BATMAN ADVENTURES -- I'll miss it too. But those of us working on the new book are giving it our all, and I think if you'll give it a chance, you'll find plenty to like.

Ok?

Terry Beatty

[Tyke]

Hey fellas -- can I ask you the favor of waiting until you see the whole of THE BATMAN STRIKES #1 before forming an opinion of it? Same goes for the new TV series. I'm as big a fan of the Bruce Timm version as anybody -- and was a big fan of the animated-style comic books long before I got to work on them. I understand the feelings of those who will miss BATMAN ADVENTURES -- I'll miss it too. But those of us working on the new book are giving it our all, and I think if you'll give it a chance, you'll find plenty to like.

Ok?

Terry Beatty
amen! :D

[The Penguin]

Hey fellas -- can I ask you the favor of waiting until you see the whole of THE BATMAN STRIKES #1 before forming an opinion of it? Same goes for the new TV series. I'm as big a fan of the Bruce Timm version as anybody -- and was a big fan of the animated-style comic books long before I got to work on them. I understand the feelings of those who will miss BATMAN ADVENTURES -- I'll miss it too. But those of us working on the new book are giving it our all, and I think if you'll give it a chance, you'll find plenty to like.

Ok?

Terry BeattyYou'll get no argument from me, Terry. Anything with The Penguin in it can't be all bad. :p

[James]

Hey fellas -- can I ask you the favor of waiting until you see the whole of THE BATMAN STRIKES #1 before forming an opinion of it? Same goes for the new TV series. I'm as big a fan of the Bruce Timm version as anybody -- and was a big fan of the animated-style comic books long before I got to work on them. I understand the feelings of those who will miss BATMAN ADVENTURES -- I'll miss it too. But those of us working on the new book are giving it our all, and I think if you'll give it a chance, you'll find plenty to like.

Ok?

Terry Beatty
I don't think people can say fairer than that. If nothing else, and you appreciate the work the BA/GA/JLAdv crews did, then support those artists and writers who are doing this new project - or at least give it a chance.

In a way we are all part of the same community - whether you are the writer/artist or a reader. I would like to think people will at least give it a browse. In someway, part of the DCAU comic family are working on this title so it would be worth giving it a chance just as you would support a friend acting in play that you are not keen on.

As Terry says - at least give it a look. :)

[Comic Book Boy]

THEY CANCELLED BATMAN ADVENTURES FOR THIS!AuAhHahAHgGh...

[The Penguin]

THEY CANCELLED BATMAN ADVENTURES FOR THIS!AuAhHahAHgGh...Well I guess the request to actually give the issue a chance was wasted on you SpyBoy. I expected more from you.

I doubt anyone is happy about Batman Adventures ending, but from a corporate standpoint I can see why they wanted the animated Bat-book to match the animated series. As the new cartoon progresses so should the new comic.