A NEW Batman series?

[Trent Lane]

AWESOME news! Glad to here that there's another chance an animated Batman show. Wondering if they'll keep somewhat to the cast set in B:TAS/TNBA or if they'll change things up a bit. Either way, I'm looking forward to this very much...

[The Penguin]

Where did you hear this at?

"I have to know!!!" -The Riddler in "Riddler's Reform"

[Maxie Zeus]

For those wondering, the reference is to the news in this news post. (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17459)

Hmmm. Something about the item strikes me as . . . odd.

I'll believe it when I see it.

[James Harvey]

Same here, Max. I don't believe it 100% either. It's gonna be one of those "I'll believe it when I see it" deals. I really can't see third working. It's possible WB is doing a Batman CGI series becuase of the new Spider-Man CGI series...but...I dunno.

[Karkull]

Uhhh...I'd rather not. I prefer the animated stuff we have right now (and I want nothing to steal Justice League's thunder).

[Barb Gordon]

It would be neat iftey made another go at Batman, provided it didn't really suck. But I haven't heard of this possibility of a new show anywhere else, so I'm quite doubtful. And if it was CGI or anything like that, I would scream.

Barb^-^

[James Harvey]

I'm not too fond of the whole CGI thing, either. Granted Batman: Vengeance looked really cool, but it would just seem weird. I'm holding my judgments until I see the MTV Spider-Man series, but it would be just...weird...

[Vin]

Interesting...I'd love to see a new, maturer "Batman" animated series on Cartoon Network, but I'd perfer if it would follow continuity from the previous and have the same staff. Of course, if "JL" is still airing when this proposed series premieres, it might have a new group working on board. Maybe even Dini would return.

I'm getting ahead of my self now. If the new series is CGI, it might be hard to follow continuity just because it looks different (I know they say it will look the same, but I don't know...).

Anyway, Jim, do you think you can ask Mr. Timm about this. I want to see if this thing has amount of truth to it.

[The Game]

I really liked what I saw in Batman: Vengeance, but I don't know...

It's hard to think of what a whole series would be like in that style. I'm extatic that they're doing it either way (if it happens), and I can' wait! :)

[The Guitar Slayer]

{raises eyebrow} "Fascinating, Captain."

One question would be, is Timm and Co going to design this and animate this, or merely design? The animation will effect everything; there is a difference between people like Ubisoft and people like Kemco (from what I hear...:rolleyes: ). You might have great characters on paper, but the transition is the question.

Another question: How much control will they get over the animation?

Peace and Rock 'n' Roll
The Guitar Slayer :cool:

[Blight]

Well, having a new Batman series would be really cool, but in CGI? I don't think that would work to well. I mean, it looks cool in a Batman videogame, but a whole series? I think it would be to weird for my tastes. In any case, a new Batman show would be great, CG or not! I just hope the rumour is true!

See ya!
Blight

[Nass]

Bruce Timm seemed to be expressing an interest in the CGI stuff but I cant see it being a full episode thing.

[Poison Carley]

With CGI you run into many problems. Just look at Transformers. When they used CGI, they only had a handful of characters. Then they go to cell animation and look how big the cast grows to. So like I dunno why they would do it for an entire series.

[Poison Carley]

btw- Why is Spiderman going to be on MTV?

[ZorBrak]

ughhhhh, I hate always being right, just YESTERDAY, I was telling my friends how it was sad that the days of 2-d gaming were gone, and then I said I bet one day all animation will go CG and how that will suck...and now I hear of two of my favorite characters going CG THE VERY NEXT DAY...ewww...the CG ninja turtles looked good, and I am a bit excited to hear of a 3D show in the style of TNBA, but I really liked my 2d, granted, I'll give the 3d a chance...if it's even true..Spiderman in 3D sounds nifty though as he does alot of aerial stuff, that should giev the animators more freedom in his movements, I only hope since its on MTV it's not full of politically correct genartion X versions of the character like everyone else on MTV is...

[Bird Boy]

hmm...interesting..

While Batman:Vengeance indeed rocked like no tomorrow...seeing TNBA in 3D was quite weird. I'd like it if they did any animated games in the "Cel" type style..

Ah wel..only time will tell!

-BB

[optimal321]

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... i don't buy into it. Of course, i could be wrong, but something just isn't right about it...

[Cassandra]

I'm with Zorbrak on this one, in fact, I can almost see it now...
this week, on our all-new-all-exciting episode of Spiderman, Peter Parker meets the Backstreet Boys!

[SoulQuarian84]

when u say cgi transformers ur referring to Beast Wars, yes? well, in that show's case, the cgi restricted a lot of characters being in the one scene at the same time, but the stories and characterisation were top-notch, especially in its second season. i don't recall the original cel animated TF show ever reaching the emotional heights of 'Code Of Hero' or telling such a compelling story as 'The Agenda' trilogy.

yes, as u can probly guess, this is/was my fav. show, batman (tas, tnba and beyond) come second, though sumtimes i beg to differ (with myself)...

V.

[optimal321]

Originally posted by SoulQuarian84
when u say cgi transformers ur referring to Beast Wars, yes? well, in that show's case, the cgi restricted a lot of characters being in the one scene at the same time, but the stories and characterisation were top-notch, especially in its second season. i don't recall the original cel animated TF show ever reaching the emotional heights of 'Code Of Hero' or telling such a compelling story as 'The Agenda' trilogy.

yes, as u can probly guess, this is/was my fav. show, batman (tas, tnba and beyond) come second, though sumtimes i beg to differ (with myself)...

V.

Cool, Beast Wars :p . I think BW worked well w/ CGI, and i can't imagine it any other way.

But Batman...

I guess i'm just full of skeptisism all over the place when thinking about it.

[peterparker05]

Originally posted by Karkull
Uhhh...I'd rather not. I prefer the animated stuff we have right now (and I want nothing to steal Justice League's thunder).

I'm with Karkull on this. I don't think a new Batman show should come out untill Justice League is done. It's be oversaturation. And if there is a new series, I don't like the sound of CGI. A redesign of the characters wouldn't bother me that much, but CGI is a whole different ball game.

[Trent Lane]

I'm not 100% sure on the CGI stuff, but if it was handled right, it could work. Personally, I'd like to see TNBA styles brought back with the characters aged a little more, and a little more hard hitting action. An Adult Swim Batman Animated, maybe...

[DCU Bat]

I'm not tryin to Discorage anyone but What the heck do we need another Batman show for!?

We already have 3 Animated Bat series (If you don't count JL/STAS) What's left for a show to do?

Except perhaps an animated version of Frank Miller's Dark Knight. Now, THAT would be cool!! Has anyone seen the DK2 Flash animation on DC's website?

As for the 3D thing, Well.........maybe, If they handled the style poperly, not too realistic but at the same time not too much exageration.

[Craig Crumpton]

Originally posted by flhero311
AWESOME news! Glad to here that there's another chance an animated Batman show. Wondering if they'll keep somewhat to the cast set in B:TAS/TNBA or if they'll change things up a bit. Either way, I'm looking forward to this very much...


Originally posted by optimal321
...but something just isn't right about it...

There's a whole lot that isn't right about it, my friend.

Frankly, I think this "insider news" is some fanboy's contrivance. Wishful thinking, that's what it is.

Also, the focus of this "insider info" is on a "feature", not a series. It says "Possible chance of a TV Show may also follow." [emphasis mine]

Before too many fans get their hopes up by this unfounded claim(no, we should call it what it is - a RUMOR), let's look at the facts:

1. "the team" is no longer a team. Dini has already stated that he is taking a break from the superhero genre - "nothing with pointed ears," he told me at the San Diego Con last summer. And other key members of "the team" have moved onto other projects, namely "Justice League." From my observation, there will be a JL feature considered before they'll consider doing another animated Batman feature.

2. The "origin of Batman" has already pretty much been covered in a previous animated Bat-feature: MOTP.

3. If memory serves, the "No Man's Land" story was one of the possible story lines being considered for the next live-action Bat-feature.

4. This rumor has yet to be confirmed by any official source, and I seriously doubt it will be.

5. Reality check: WB's box office track record for animated features is extremely poor. MOTP didn't even break 6 mil at the box office. Iron Giant was superb and scored huge with critics, but it was a box office failure. And Osmosis Jones bombed too (and kinda deserved to, IMO). Why would it even be reasonable to assume they'd try again with another animated Batman feature.

I say we ignore this rumor until it can either be debunked or confirmed by an official source.

[Terminatah]

Originally posted by ZorBrak
ughhhhh, I hate always being right, just YESTERDAY, I was telling my friends how it was sad that the days of 2-d gaming were gone, and then I said I bet one day all animation will go CG and how that will suck...and now I hear of two of my favorite characters going CG THE VERY NEXT DAY...ewww...the CG ninja turtles looked good, and I am a bit excited to hear of a 3D show in the style of TNBA, but I really liked my 2d, granted, I'll give the 3d a chance...if it's even true..Spiderman in 3D sounds nifty though as he does alot of aerial stuff, that should giev the animators more freedom in his movements, I only hope since its on MTV it's not full of politically correct genartion X versions of the character like everyone else on MTV is...

None of the networks wanted the new Ninja Turtles show as CGI; they were only interested in it if it was cel animated. There is the possibility of a future CGI Ninja Turtle project, like maybe a DTV feature. TMNT creator Peter Laird is anxious to get the CGI Turtles incarnation off the ground.

It's interesting that networks feel safer with cel animation, because feature films are definitely headed the way of CGI. With the recent successes of movies like Shrek thanks to Dreamworks' constant attempts to upstage Disney, there have been predictions in the business that many cel animators will soon find themselves jobless.


Originally posted by Gookie
3. If memory serves, the "No Man's Land" story was one of the possible story lines being considered for the next live-action Bat-feature.

You mean after Year One?

-Terminatah

[Calhoun07]

The only way I would want to see a new Batman series in CGI is if it departed from TAS in both style and tone. I would love to see a darker series for Batman made for cable that would NOT be a kids show, but more on line with what Spawn did. And if it looked as good as Final Fantasy or the Batman Vengeance game. But the current Timm style done in CGI is better suited for games or in smaller doses. Heck, I STILL don't care for that opening for Justice League.

[James Harvey]

The CGI would have to be completely different from the Timm style becuase I odn't think it would translate good overall. Yes, it worked to an extent in the video game, but...it's a video game. I don't think I could see a CGI series being as enjoyable. There's just something about CGI that seems to cold to me, and I don't think it would work right with Batman, in the Timm style. If it was a different style, then just maybe...

[Maxie Zeus]

CGI works well with toys, insects, and monsters. Even the hugely expensive Toy Story films have had a very hard time animating a good-looking human. With the cheap economics associated with a DTV, a CGI Batman would wind up looking like "Max Steel." And since I think that is one of the ugliest things I have ever been exposed to, I fervently hope that this rumor is the product of some deluded fanboy getting his rocks off.

[kid_flash]

After playing Batman: Vengeance, I'm convinced it would work in 3D, and I am hoping that more will come out of this. After BTAS and TNBA and BB in the regular (yet evolving) Timm-style, I'd love to see CGI as the next crack at Batman. Sad as it is, I think regular cartoons are on the way out, especially in movies (since TV has a smaller budget). At least there will always be Cartoon Network.

[Bobby Boy 101]

Originally posted by Gookie




5. Reality check: WB's box office track record for animated features is extremely poor. MOTP didn't even break 6 mil at the box office. Iron Giant was superb and scored huge with critics, but it was a box office failure. And Osmosis Jones bombed too (and kinda deserved to, IMO). Why would it even be reasonable to assume they'd try again with another animated Batman feature.



I know ppl are sckeptical about CGI, and I for one would hate Batman in a CGI series.

But if it was a movie, and it turned out to look like Final Fantasy, all realistic and stuff (the timm style, altho magnificient, wouldnt work in a CGI feature), they might have a nshot at a good movie and some money along with it.

Its the previews: MOTP had a crappy trailer action-wise, and with that narrator talking the whole time it seemed like a kiddie movie. I say make a CGI bat feature, rate it PG-13---and NOT 'BATMAN AND ROBIN PG-13', WITH 2 'DAMN'S AND 3 'HELL'S---but a real PG-13, with not-too-graphic graphic violense, cussing, and soe sex, and believe u me, ppl will see it, and they'll buy it and they'll watch it time and time again.

Im not saying pervert batman, but I mean, come on, whats that Mandy Moore movie that just came out--'a walk to remember'? I bet u that would make much more money if it was PG 13 instead of PG.

Anything PG nowdays basicacally tells ppl "THIS IS A KIDDIE MOVIE!!!! COME SEE IT WHEN YOU'RE BABY-SITTING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL KIDS!!!!!"

if WB gives it a try and gives it good previews and an adult feel, they just might be surprised

[James Harvey]

Shrek was PG and wasn't considered a family movie. Dreamworks refuses to put it in their "family" movie line. PG doesn't mean that it's a kiddie movie, far from it. The Indiana Jones movies were PG (well, morphed into PG-13 when the new rating system kicked in) and those were some high octane movies. (Really good, too -- I want those on DVD). Anyways, I really can't see this happening for awhile yet. Personally, there's a chance the whole 'animated Batman' thing can be overdone. I love the animated Batman as much as the next guy, but it may be soon time to retire the mantle.

[The Game]

DG, (or Jim Harvey :confused: ) the only reason the Indiana Jones movies were PG was because there was no PG-13 when they were released. As for Shrek... It wasn't a kid movie but it still kinda was...

What I'm trying to say is that I agree with Bobby Boy 1. I just don't think most teenagers (who make up the majority of the film-going audience) will see a PG movie unless its something like Shrek (Shrek rocks!).

Personally I don't think that an animated Batman feature will ever do well. There aren't enough Batfans to support an animated Bat-movie. If you rate it PG-13, less kids will see it, which is bad. If you rate it PG, less non-kids will see it, which is also bad. Basically I don't think Batman fits in to well with the mainstream. I know I'd never bring it up in front of my friends, they'd all make fun of me. :(

[X-human]

The Spider-Man series of the 90's used some CGI, though they didn't do any humanoid characters that way. The Spider-Man movie looks terrific, but there are some scenes where you can just plain tell it's CGI. The body just looks a tad off. And they had over a year of production, so I don't know how well a CGI TV series would work, with such limited time and budget.

TMNT will now be mostly like Batman Beyond, but a CGI mini-live action series will use CGI for all the mutants (including our heroes in a half shell).

Final Fantasy: Spirts Within bombed, there's not much more you can say about it. I don't think they've broken even yet, not to mention any form of earnings to mention. The production company was closed down, I don't think we'll see anything close to that movie in the works for perhaps an other 5 or 6 years. If anything could give exec's cold feet about a CGI project, it's Spirits Within.

I'll take the rumors of a CGI Batman film with a grain of salt, though I'd have a li`l more faith in it then what I've seen so far in this thread. I doubt it'll be a retelling, that's for Year One to do. I also can't see them jumping the gun to No Man's Land after Year One. It's to big, even a filming scheduel like Lord of the Rings trilogy might come short to tellings anything decent.

[Poison Carley]

Originally posted by SoulQuarian84
when u say cgi transformers ur referring to Beast Wars, yes? well, in that show's case, the cgi restricted a lot of characters being in the one scene at the same time, but the stories and characterisation were top-notch, especially in its second season. i don't recall the original cel animated TF show ever reaching the emotional heights of 'Code Of Hero' or telling such a compelling story as 'The Agenda' trilogy.

yes, as u can probly guess, this is/was my fav. show, batman (tas, tnba and beyond) come second, though sumtimes i beg to differ (with myself)...

V.

No like the one that was where like they came back to Cybertron. That one stunk. There were like 6 heroes and 4 villians.

[SoulQuarian84]

oh okay.
ur talkin bout Beast Machines?
yeh, that did kinda suck :)

i dunno, the animation was fine with me, it's just that the designs for that particular show were shoddy. it looked very anime to me, and seeing THAT wouldn't deter me from wanting a new CGI Bats series.
hell, ANY new Batman series is okay-dong-diddly with me.

V.