Static Shock "The Big Leagues" Talkback (Spoilers) [Archive]

James Harvey

01-25-2002, 11:29 AM

Batman swings by to help Static!

http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/staticshock/episodes/14bigleagues/58.jpg (http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/staticshock/episodes)

Episode #24 - The Big Leagues
Original Airdate - January 25th/January 26th, 2002

Dakota gets a real jolt when The Joker comes to town, recruiting a band of metahumans to wreak his own special brand of havoc. Of course, with The Joker on the loose...Batman & Robin cannot be far behind. The biggest challenge for Static comes when he must help his heroes save the day... and earn the respect of the famed caped crusader.

Comments?

Joe Wagner

01-25-2002, 11:59 AM

It'd be even better if Aztek just happened to stop by and kick the snot out of the victorious Joker and took over the show himself. Anywho, since I am like a member of the very small group "A Fan of Static Shock" I can't wait to see this ep and have yet another new Batman Appearance added to my collection.

-Joe

Naraht

01-26-2002, 09:01 AM

Well, it wasn't great, it didn't completely stink up the TV screen...

Not sure if I like Robin's new voice....but then again, when else are we going to see Robin.

It had it's good and bad points, but now I gotta watch JCA.

I'll post more laters

Terminatah

01-26-2002, 09:01 AM

You know how Justice League is always on like 3 times a week...

When is this thing airing again?

-Terminatah

JL Man

01-26-2002, 09:02 AM

That was pretty good actually. The Joker and Batman worked better than I thought. I didn't like Robin's voice though. Favorite Quote: Static-"Can I help?"
Batman-"Probably not."
Now I've got to go watch Mystery Science Theater 3000, so that's all I'm going to say.

BeyondGotham

01-26-2002, 09:06 AM

Well, looks like I'm the first to ask... what did you all think of todays Ep. I kinda lke the new look of the Bat-Team. I really like the fact that Robin has grown a little. It might not fit in with ROTJ, but is was still nice to see the team in action again. The Commish and Bullock was a nice add too...

JusticeLeagueLegion

01-26-2002, 09:09 AM

I liked this episode...we see that Robin is growing up a little now. It was cool.

I can't beleive how well animated the Static Shock episode "The Big Leagues" was...I expected it to be a lot more cartoony. But it was ausome! By the way, what did you think of the new theme song? I'll have to get used to it myself.

I wish the commish and Bullock had spoken roles though. It would've been nice to hear Bullock say something mean to Joker and the Bang Babies.

Wing Zero

01-26-2002, 09:24 AM

It wasn't that bad actually, it was nice to see Batman again! But the Bat theme was err.....

JusticeLeagueLegion

01-26-2002, 09:33 AM

Originally posted by Wing Zero
It wasn't that bad actually, it was nice to see Batman again! But the Bat theme was err.....

You're right, but remember, the theme was supposed to be a cross between the Bat and Static.

Trent Lane

01-26-2002, 09:43 AM

Not too shabby, not too shabby at all. Like the long cape on Robin, and the B:TAS Batplane!!! That was pretty cool (and unexpected...) Would like to see them use Robin again in some way, but I doubt it'll happen... crossing my fingers for a Young Justice episode on JL...

Naraht

01-26-2002, 09:48 AM

Mummy..ugh.

Ok, I'm back. Twas nice seeing Gordon & Bullock (in TNBA Form) in a cameo @ the end...(although why would Gotham send both their chief detective & commish just to pick up criminals (and they were loading the Bang Babies....made no sense, but that's just me)

Batman's 1st smile when Static one-uped Joker with the Joybuzzer, I liked. I could see Bruce getting a kick out of that. The 2nd one seemed forced...

It was a new look for Tim...as out of costume, both he & Bruce were back in B:TAS form...cept Tim wasn't in B:TAS...looked a bit odd, but I could get used to the look.

Was it me, or was the Batwing very BB-Batmobile-esk?

The Guitar Slayer

01-26-2002, 09:49 AM

(double compound obscene curse!) Slept in! Dammit. The one Saturday I'm awakened at 8:00, I go back and sleep til nine. I missed it. Grrrrrrr. Anybody know when it'll be back on?

Peace and Rock 'n' Roll
The (very grumpy at the moment) Guitar Slayer :mad:

Blight

01-26-2002, 09:56 AM

I thought this was a good episode. I was worried about how Batman and the Joker would be handled in Static, but my concerns were quickly put to rest. Batman was as in-character as ever, and so was the Joker, who was particularly menacing (love how they kept his ROTJ design here). Robin had the most changes to him (his head is too narrow!) and his new voice was slightly annoying, but I'll get used to it. The only thing that dissapointed me was Batman's hip-hop theme, which was just...........wrong.

This was the first Static episode I ever saw, and I hope the other episodes have great stories and animation like this one! Of course, Batman's appearence probably helped it out greatly....... but the point is, it was an excellent episode, and I'm glad I woke myself up to watch it!

See ya!
Blight

Deltamon

01-26-2002, 10:01 AM

Excuse me a moment, I'm still a bit awestruck by the fact that nearly most, if not all, of my usual SatAM watching the KWB side (except for The Mummy and The Nightmare Room-those I don't touch with a ten-foot pole)) instead of my usual mix of FOX Kids and Kid's WB. It didn't help that there were no new eps for any of the FOX shows (that I know or care of, anyway).

But anyway, the Static ep. I'll be honest, I'm not a regular watcher-I don't hate it, but I don't exacly cringe in pain whenever I miss an episode either. But, since I heard of the Dark Knight making a cameo, I decided to give it a shot.

And it was not bad at all! Nothing revolutionary for either show, true, but at least it didn't affect either show's continuity to the point of an all-out cowpatty-fest.

I especially liked it in the end when the Joker, all battened and beaten, had the galls to try one last, lame shot at gettin' Batman-calling for help, he extended his hand, his lethal joybuzzer shown to the audience.

Instead of Batman taking his hand, it was Static-who didn't even feel the toy's electrical attack. "Hey, neat! Let me try!" Said Static, as he gave the Joker a *REAL* joy-buzz!

What can I say? I always dig little turnaround tricks like that. They're, well...neat :D :D :D

Naraht

01-26-2002, 10:05 AM

Originally posted by Blight
This was the first Static episode I ever saw, and I hope the other episodes have great stories and animation like this one! Of course, Batman's appearence probably helped it out greatly....... but the point is, it was an excellent episode, and I'm glad I woke myself up to watch it!

See ya!
Blight

Yeah, Static's actually a fairly decent show...the hip hop is a standard though...

My only complaint with the animation in this ep, was that some of the Jokers Dialogue didn't (to me) synch with his expressions...

I dunno. Give static a chance in a non-batman ep...you might just like it.

Failure

01-26-2002, 11:38 AM

I thought this was a pretty enjoyable ep. Entertaining. I guess the only problems I had with it was that Bats seemed to be hunched over a little too much and his theme, whoo, what the heck happened there. It really does sound like an old Nintendo game. Robin's new voice was a little weird to get used to. It sounds younger even though this Robin's supposed to be a little older. But otherwise it was good to see the Bat crew again.

I thought they portrayed Static really well too. Somewhat awestruck, but ultimately making his name.

If anything, this made me wish for the days BTAS used to come out with new eps.

Revelator

01-26-2002, 11:53 AM

A decent episode, but compared to a genuinely great crossover like World's Finest it doesn't quite wring all the potential from the premise as it could.

Mad Hatter's quote " There's no real surprises or intrigue here, " is basically the worst thing you can say about it.
Fortunately the writer, Len Uhley--who otherwise has had nothing to do with Batman--is able to write accurate thumbnail descriptions of the characters: Joker is florid, eerily jovial and simultaneously menacing (everything Batman is not); Batman is the hard-assed, cold, with-holding father figure who always asks for more than you can give and isn't ever satisfied when you give it, and Robin is the adventurous kid along for the ride--the human face of the dynamic duo. (Though he doesn't have the punkish insolence of the TNBA Tim Drake[which made him far more interesting than his comic counterpart, since the animated Drake is basically a likable Jason Todd].)

Does anyone know why Robin has a new voice? There's nothing wrong with it--the young actor is smooth and naturally subdued--except that it sounds lighter than Matt Valencia's.
My theory is simply that Valencia was unavailable, so the producers roped in Eli Marienthal as a replacement. I don't think anybody was trying to make Robin older at all--if they were why hire a younger-sounding actor? They just tweaked his design for the show, that's all. (Batman, with his newly nubby ears and smaller eyes, looks a bit dorky. Joker's design surprisingly works quite well here, given the cheaper animation.)

I'm glad that over-used floozy Harley Quinn wasn't brought in--there were already too many characters to work with here. After "Mad Love" the writers got so scared of having Joker beat up on her that she ended up emasculating Mr.J, especially in tripe like the Creeper episode. She's best kept on the sidelines.

I liked Static's anxiety over measuring up to Batman--which is to say that it was by far the best thing in the entire episode. When I was a kid I suppose I watched cartoons for the fight scenes and action, but nowadays all I'm really interested in are the relationships between the characters. Even the really well-done fights (like in last week's Justice League) tend to bore me. So while I yawned through all the action in Static Shock, the relationship between Static and Batman seemed worthy of even further exploration. Batman ended up being won over a bit too suddenly.

Still, it's so wonderful just to see new material featuring Batman and Robin on TV at all. I like Justice League, but all I really want are new Batman episodes. Specifically--a new season that takes place directly in the aftermath of the flashback scene from ROTJ, as the characters try to put their lives back together again.
I want to see how Tim recovered, how Barbara fell in love with Bruce, and how Dick fell out with both of them. All this is far more interesting than anything on Static Shock or Justice League.

DB

Naraht

01-26-2002, 11:57 AM

Heh, Old Robin's voice actor grew up...his voice changed =O which is why we now have a new voice.

Glad to see people are giving Static a chance...

Karkull

01-26-2002, 12:05 PM

It was okay. I liked Robin's new voice and the return of the vintage Batwing. Plus Batman's style didn't look too out of place on Static Shock. However, Batman's music was awful.

The Joker was great: "And I remembered that Dakota was lousy with young people!" :D

It was interesting to see Batman slumming on his old battleground...he'll have quite a story to tell his JL teammates Monday night, :p.

Revelator

01-26-2002, 12:08 PM

Originally posted by naraht
Heh, Old Robin's voice actor grew up...his voice changed =O which is why we now have a new voice.

Are we sure of that? The last time we heard from him was about a year and a half ago--we have no proof that he either sounds relatively same or different.
In any case, since the casting people probably saw Robin's design sheet, they could get away with having a slighly older actor play him.
Considering that Marienthal sounds quite a bit lighter than Valencia anyway, I'll consider my theory that the latter simply may not have been available.

DB

Sugar Daddy

01-26-2002, 12:20 PM

i thought the ep was ok. the robin voice is good, it will grow on me in time, it always is weird to hear something different for the first time. i dont really recall the theme. however, the ep was boring otherwise. i need more batman!

Naraht

01-26-2002, 12:24 PM

Originally posted by Revelator
Are we sure of that? The last time we heard from him was about a year and a half ago--we have no proof that he either sounds relatively same or different.
In any case, since the casting people probably saw Robin's design sheet, they could get away with having a slighly older actor play him.
Considering that Marienthal sounds quite a bit lighter than Valencia anyway, I'll consider my theory that the latter simply may not have been available.
DB [/B]

Yes, we have proof of that...there was a news article here on Toonzone about a month ago...
http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13854&highlight=robin+voice

anyway...

DerekPowers

01-26-2002, 01:21 PM

any chance theyll show it again in the near future?? i missed it!!! i cant believe it. i was out late last night so when i got home i totally forgot to set my vcr, and i just woke up now and had a horrible feeling that i forgot something, then it hit me.

oh well, but does anyone know when it airs again....hopefully this week???

Terminatah

01-26-2002, 01:35 PM

I've been taping the CN Marathon for my little brother and I wanted to include this Static Shock episode in the tape, but I woke up at 8:41 (how PERFECT is that). So I too need some news on when it's-- Oh, thanks Jim.

-Terminatah

Jimmy Kustes

01-26-2002, 01:36 PM

Dr. Doom

James Harvey

01-26-2002, 01:59 PM

Director (of the episode "The Big Leagues") Dave Chlystek wants to thank everyone for your kind and honest opinions. I'm putting up a "Fan Response" post in the newspage which will include a small bit by him as well as reactions from this thread!

Also he said: "Please let your members know that we do indeed read their posts. Their kind words meant alot. I'm glad they liked the episode."

I got a fan response thread up at the newspage - just click <a href="http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18053">HERE</a>.

DR. BELCH

01-26-2002, 04:16 PM

Revelator:
I'm glad that over-used floozy Harley Quinn wasn't brought in--there were already too many characters to work with here. After "Mad Love" the writers got so scared of having Joker beat up on her that she ended up emasculating Mr.J, especially in tripe like the Creeper episode. She's best kept on the sidelines.

But her picture is on the desk in Joker's office. Maybe he still loves her, even if she's in stir/gone straight. Well, insamuch as a psychotic bugger like that can love.

Batman was dark and deadpan...he didn't get visibly mad at Static's presence, playing it close to the vest. A less calculating hero might have lost his temper at Static's father calling in the sewer tunnel, saying the sound of the beeper would be amplified by the acoustics and draw the muties out. He is willing to work with others if he must, particularly when he's on their turf, and pick their brain for insights--he's no glory hog. Static tends to grandstand and want to be in the spoltlight, which is why the Bat's percieves snubs irk him. Maybe he realized that in the end, so he threw the boy a small bone--"We'll see"--showing that above all to be a good crimefighter you have to understand huamn psychology. Of course, if Static tries to cash in on the promise, he may not recall he made it...or agree to let him train under him, then discourage him with some of the rigorous backbreaking workouts that Dick and Barbara recall all too well....

Mister Intensity

01-26-2002, 06:51 PM

Originally posted by Revelator
[QUOTE]Originally posted by naraht
[B]Heh, Old Robin's voice actor grew up...his voice changed =O which is why we now have a new voice.

Are we sure of that? The last time we heard from him was about a year and a half ago--we have no proof that he either sounds relatively same or different.
In any case, since the casting people probably saw Robin's design sheet, they could get away with having a slighly older actor play him.
Considering that Marienthal sounds quite a bit lighter than Valencia anyway, I'll consider my theory that the latter simply may not have been available.

DB

That makes sense considering that the during the flashback scene of ROTJ the few lines Matthew uttered as Robin sounded awfully deep, much older than the design suggested. Considering that cartoon voice are usually done about a year before it is scene, by the time they recorded the Static Shock session his voice would sound way too deep for a 14-15 year old Boy-er, I mean, Teen Wonder.

Myron

Golden Age Flash

01-26-2002, 08:00 PM

I went into the episode not really expecting a whole lot, and actual enjoyed it. The Joker design looked a like a cross between the orginal BTAS design and the Dick Sprang design.

I felt that the tone of the episode was in line with TNBA and that they nailed the characters pretty well. I'm thinking that they made Robin a little taller so that he looked closer in age to Static which may have led to better interaction between the two characters.

Overall, I'd give it a 6.5 on a 10 scale.

ThePhantomBudget

01-26-2002, 10:10 PM

As much as I tried to catch this episode, I completely missed it. I had left on business, and set the VCR, but when I watched the tape, I had caught today's episode of The Mummy. Wish I had seen it, since crossovers are always interesting.

-ThePhantomBudget

superfriend

01-26-2002, 10:29 PM

Always enjoyed Static last season. This one was good too. Hopefully Batman's appearance will do what it is supposed to do, get others to watch Static's show on a regular basis.

I always wondered why we never got ANY toys of Static from anyone. Not Hasbro or DCDirect or ToyBiz or McDonalds or BurgerKing or Taco Bell or anyone. Maybe now...

SSNTails

01-26-2002, 10:32 PM

Can someone get a small MP3 of the Static Shock bat theme? I'm interested as to how crappy it really is. :p

JLU Dude

01-27-2002, 12:04 AM

I saw it and thought it was pretty cool. It was entertaining.

optimal321

01-27-2002, 10:18 AM

Well, it was okay. I hated the video game Batman music, like everyone else. Also didn't care for the new Robin voice. Even though Mathew Valencia is, what, 19, i still would have prefered him attempt a younger voice. I know it sounded deeper in ROTJ, but... it's his voice. :p

I also would have liked for Batman to have beaten a few more (if not all) of the bang-babies in the tunnel. But i guess this was a Static show, and his turf, but, i don't know... it just seems like he was beaten too easily. It was cool how Robin kept flipping away from that one guy though.

Despite my minor complaints, this was a decent ep. Entertaining. I'm glad i woke up early for it. :D

psycoliptic

01-27-2002, 11:32 AM

Originally posted by The Mad Hatter
Okay, I'll step in and kick off the review thread for the episode we've all been waiting for, since it'll be on in less than 24 hours! Also, because I got to watch it in advance but couldn't participate in the newspage TZ staff review. Nya.

Ever since this episode was announced, fans were wondering how the Static and Batman universes could be reconciled. Static comes from a fairly lighthearted, cartoony world, while Batman... doesn't. However, the blending in "The Big Leagues" works reasonably well. It's a bit lighter than a Batman episode, but darker than the Static norm. Yet it still "feels" like a Static episode, though with some show-stopping guest stars.

The plot, as you've surely heard by now, is pretty basic: Joker goes to Dakota to stir up some trouble with the usual bang-babies, with Batman, Robin and a star-struck Static in pursuit. There's no real surprises or intrigue here, but the action that unfolds is certainly interesting enough.

And the guest stars are absolutely true to character. Batman is his usual grim, man-of-few-words self from TNBA, and rumors that he's been "lightened up" have been greatly exaggerated. In fact, the conflict between Bats and Static is great... Static is awestruck and eager to help out one of his heroes, while Batman is seemingly dismissive and maybe a bit suspicious of Static.

The Joker absolutely chews the scenery as his character should, and the writers have given him deliciously verbose lines to chew. And while he doesn't really get to do anything too twisted, there's a hint of Return of the Joker menace in his delivery--in short, he actually comes off as a bit darker than the B:TAS and TNBA norm.

Robin--honestly, he doesn't do much in this episode. His new, "older" design works well, and doesn't distract at all. However, I wasn't thrilled with his new voice... it sounded "younger" than it was in TNBA, yet Robin now appears to be Static's age!

Static himself comes off well. Though his superhero banter doesn't work nearly as well as, say, Terry's in Batman Beyond, the episode gets a lot of mileage out of his attempts to be more than a kid who can fling electricity, and his demoralization when Batman doesn't exactly welcome him with open arms. He doesn't become too whiny or morose, it's played nicely down the middle.

As for the bang-babies... really, they're just Joker's cannon fodder.

"The Big Leauges" is animated well, as is the Static standard. I had mixed feelings about the music... the hip-hop fight music seems to have improved a bit over last season (then again, I've got to admit that I had only seen four episodes of Static before now). Joker's themes (not based on previous music) fit his character all right. But when the Batman theme kicks in during the final fight--ugh! I don't know what happened, but his music sounds like a bad MIDI file, or something from a game on the original Nintendo system! It's so bad it made me cringe.

But "The Big Leagues" comes together reasonably well. It's not a masterpiece that bat-fans will salavate over for years, but it won't offend these fans either.

Joe Wagner

01-27-2002, 01:20 PM

After watching this ep. I found that I really enjoyed it. I think Batman getting beaten down in the tunnel was fine, look at some of the older eps versus the Joker where he got taken down easily. You also have to remember that Bats probably didn't have any info on the villians he was facing. Overall I really liked the ep and wasn't even bothered by the Batman music everyone seems to hate.

-Joe!

Bird Boy

01-27-2002, 04:08 PM

I was looking at the pic of Batman from SS the other day and it looks like this:

His ears are stubbier-TAS
His symbol..it's huge-Frank Miller's Batman
The Rest of the outfit-TNBA

that's how I broke him down...

-BB

Sugar Daddy

01-27-2002, 04:13 PM

Originally posted by Bird Boy
I was looking at the pic of Batman from SS the other day and it looks like this:

His ears are stubbier-TAS
His symbol..it's huge-Frank Miller's Batman
The Rest of the outfit-TNBA

that's how I broke him down...

-BB

that makes sense, sounds right. i really like the tnba design the best, i wished jl used that one, im not too fond of the ears. but on the topic of ss, is anyone gonna now watch ss because of this last one. i would, but its on at 7:30 in the morning in ca, and theres no way im doing that every week. but i guess thats why cartoons are geared towards kids :mad:

Heehaw

01-27-2002, 04:30 PM

I had to tape it and watch later, but I finally found the time to view it. I thought it was quite possibly the worst half hour, involving Batman, ever broadcast on TV.

With few exceptions, everything that could go wrong did. First what I did like:

The use of the ROTJ design for "Uncle J". I also liked the fact that Hamill went with the movie's more sinister potrayal and not the overall silly one used in the actually Batman shows. Other than, than, well I hated it.

First the animation. I believe Dong Yang was responsible, and it was some of the worst I've viewed in quite some time. JL has this beat, though JL has come a long way since Secret Origins. It was choppy as heck and hard to watch.

The music: It sounded like a $50 Casio keyboard was being used. It sounded like bad MIDI circa 1993. And let's not forget the rap. I guess this is the the norm for this show, but it doesn't belong with this partcular story.

The voice acting and writing: I can't Andrea Romano was involved. I'm talking about Batman and Robin here, not the cast regulars. It's not that the delivery was all that bad, it was what was said. It was very unnatural for the characters and it seemed that everyone said about 5 or 6 words too many whenever they opened their mouth. It was very wooden and very formal. I hated the interaction between Robin/Static, Batman/Robin, and Batman/Joker. It just wasn't the same. Yes, it's a different show, but the same people are involved from the other ones, and for some reason they had an off day.

Robin pulls out a cell phone and let's Static use it, enough said.

The Joker and his new gang steal some firetrucks and dress up like firefighters and rob a bank. Why? Since when has a writer(s) had Joker do something like this. It's silly and ridiculous.

Commissioner Gordon and Bullock: There was no reason for them to be in Dakota. I think it's a cool appearance, but it's still a cheap way to get them in it. Why would they be transporting Joker's gang back to Gotham? Joker, yes, the gang, no. Someone else would take "Uncle J" back to Gotham and our old chums would meet them there. Chalk it up to lazy, kiddie stuff writing.

Joker's autographed picture of Harley. Out of character and cheap.

The entire Static/Batplane debacle. Garbage.

Tim's out of character remark to "badly-animated one armed push up Bruce" when he see's the "Batsignal". Garbage.

The episode. Garbage. "Uncle J". Garbage. Static Shock. Garbage.

Supernovametalstar

01-27-2002, 05:48 PM

Well, let's just say that I never hated Static Shock to the point where I wished it was off the air. Actually, considering how the show started, it's gotten better. In fact, I dare say I like it a little. The episode in question was good, but I think I paid more attention to it this time because of the anticipation factor.

Seeing Batman animated in that "rubbery" style was a little off for me. I'm used to more fluid movement, but it fits with the show I suppose.

I wasn't too put off with the music either. In fact I understand why they went for the "rap" theme in the sewer fight because he wasn't fighting the criminals he normally does. The remix of Joker's theme with the Static type music wasn't too bad, and actually if I wasn't listening for it, I would have missed it.

The voices were fine by me. Tim still sounds the similar to when he was on TNBA, except this time his older look matched up with his older VA.

All in all, it was a good episode of Static Shock. But now that I know that the show is connected to other DC heroes, I'm not too keen on seeing Superman or someone else show up just yet ;)

LazyReaper

01-27-2002, 06:43 PM

The episode. Garbage. "Uncle J". Garbage. Static Shock. Garbage.
Hmm... Yes yes. You seem to be going some where with this. :rolleyes:

Anyway, I loved this episode. Static Shock and Batman Beyond have always been my Favorite Superheros on WB ever since they've started.

I really don't know why alot of people disliked Static before, but it's nice to see a few more people coming more close to liking the show. Static Shock has a lot potential. The rap music is something nice to see. We really don't have a lot of shows out there (practically none) with this type of regular music anymore. Gives it a bit more originality to the show if you ask me.

The animation may not have been as detailed or as darker as Batman, but Static is a different show. It has a much lighter tone. You have to remember Static is just a regular 15-16 year old kid. There really is no obesession of revenge. The only reason he really even is a superhero is because of looking up and following other superheros.

"Virgil, you know you could be superhero!"
"Your right Richie; I could, couldn't I?"

He's a kid that accidentally got these amazing powers. I'm pretty sure we'd all be superheros if we got those powers aswell; Especially since alot of us read comics and watch Superman and Batman practically on a everyday basis ;)

The point is, we really shouldn't be comparing this show to another show, especially JL, which has a huge animation difference and a different tone rate. Comparing it to Batman makes sense, especially with this episode, but we should keep in mind, that Static Shock and Batman are two different shows. Batman is very dark and detailed with it's animation (Batman Beyond included). Static is a very light show. The animation has a different style, and the characters and the theme of the show is very toned down. He's just a kid (like I mentioned earlier), who's playing a superhero without any real objective. Besides his mom (who died of a natural cause), no one else has died in his family. Batman witnessed his parents killed and murdered. Anyone catching on where I'm going with this??

There both different shows with different themes. It's like comparing Zeta and Batman Beyond. Same Universe, completely different animation, music, and tone. We all remember the infamous Zeta episode "Shadows" with Bruce and Terry in it, don't we? Atleast in Static Shock we got Batman and Robin in much more of a better richer quality. It was a good crossover. We should be glad that the writers and animators are actually catching on from the mistakes made in the past. "Big Leagues" was an entertaining and fun episode. In my opinion anyway. ;)

-Aximlli-

jm5150bc

01-27-2002, 09:38 PM

I can't believe that I forgot to set my VCR !!!
(Kids WB airs on Sundays here in Chicago).

Anyone out there be willing to dub me a copy of this episode ??
I will gladly pay for tape, shipping, time. etc...

It seems that most of you didn't like it, but I woulld still LOVE to see it.

If anyone can help, please e-mail
jm5150bc@attbi.com

Sugar Daddy

01-27-2002, 09:41 PM

Originally posted by Supernovametalstar

The voices were fine by me. Tim still sounds the similar to when he was on TNBA, except this time his older look matched up with his older VA.

VA? sorry, im not sure what that is

Dwayne McDuffie

01-27-2002, 10:10 PM

"Besides his mom (who died of a natural cause), no one else has died in his family."

Actually, Static's mom was shot to death trying to help others (at least on the show. In the comic, she's still alive). You'll see in a future episode that Static shares Batman's strong disdain for firearms.

Back to lurking...

Heehaw

01-27-2002, 10:42 PM

The animation has a different style,

The art style, you mean. That doesn't mean the animation has to be choppy. The show was a ratings ploy and a failed experiment. It was nice to see the old Batman back at it, but it just didn't work overall.

Hmm... Yes yes. You seem to be going some where with this

If you would have bothered to read what was above that last line, yes yes you would have seen where I was going...to the dumbp.

Supernovametalstar

01-27-2002, 10:55 PM

VA= Voice Actor. I picked the term up while perusing anime message boards, where most of the posters hate dubs.

Naraht

01-27-2002, 10:56 PM

Originally posted by lasportsbiggie

VA? sorry, im not sure what that is

Virginia....

er umm...Voice Actor =D

HeeHaw, yourbirthday isn't listed, do you mind if I ash how old you are?

This show is geared towards a younger audience, than B:TAS was...even if it's aimed at the same "age group"

B:TAS came out about 10 years ago....and even on the new network, it's tone and audience remained primarily the same...

SS is geared towards Young Boys, 6-12...and caters to the Minoirty community. That doesn't make it a bad show, just diffrent. And this was a STATIC episode, not a Batman episode. Quit treating it like one.

Barb Gordon

01-27-2002, 11:03 PM

All in all, it was a good episode, least to me. I've only watched Static a handful of times, it's a neat show, and seeing Batman on it was definetly pretty cool. It seemed that Batman and Joker were very much in character. Robin was good too, and he did seem a bit older than when we see him on TNBA. But his voice kept throwing me off, beause it sounded so young. Also, he seemed more like how Tim should have been animated, and not a Tim/Jason mix.

Barb^-^

Sugar Daddy

01-27-2002, 11:37 PM

Originally posted by Supernovametalstar
VA= Voice Actor. I picked the term up while perusing anime message boards, where most of the posters hate dubs.

makes sense, thanks

LazyReaper

01-27-2002, 11:56 PM

Originally posted by Heehaw
If you would have bothered to read what was above that last line, yes yes you would have seen where I was going...to the dumbp.

It was just some sarcasm. A joke. I didn't mean to offend you or start anything with you. Just wanted to clear that up.

Originally posted by Heehaw
The art style, you mean. That doesn't mean the animation has to be choppy. The show was a ratings ploy and a failed experiment. It was nice to see the old Batman back at it, but it just didn't work overall.

My mistake, sorry. Either way, whatever you think about the show is fine with me. It's your opinion, I have nothing against that. ;)

Originally posted by Dwayne McDuffie
"Besides his mom (who died of a natural cause), no one else has died in his family."

Actually, Static's mom was shot to death trying to help others (at least on the show. In the comic, she's still alive). You'll see in a future episode that Static shares Batman's strong disdain for firearms.

Hmm.. I didn't know that. When was that mentioned?? Maybe I missed that episode... :(

tman

01-28-2002, 09:28 AM

WAS impressed i didnt expect a good epi but i tuned in anyway and was suprised how it turned out about the only complaints i have were Robin sonds like a girl and the music sucked

Bird Boy

01-28-2002, 10:36 AM

some of you are taking this a little too far.

Try to sit back, and just watch it. Don't get up close, watch their mouths move and everything else wrong with the episode.

Course, some of you could've gone in thinking this would be a bad episode, and that led to you view all the negative things about it.

I for one, loved it. Yes the animation could've been better, but hey, who cares, it's a cartoon for your ENJOYment.

Anyway....Robin's voice was alot better than I expected too.....and the music..eh, the music was weird..but it's Static's Show, not Batman's.

-BB

Joe Wagner

01-28-2002, 11:06 AM

Originally posted by Dwayne McDuffie
"Besides his mom (who died of a natural cause), no one else has died in his family."

Actually, Static's mom was shot to death trying to help others (at least on the show. In the comic, she's still alive). You'll see in a future episode that Static shares Batman's strong disdain for firearms.

Back to lurking...

Could this be the Dwayne McDuffie?! Sweet! Thanks for posting over here Dwayne. I for one am a huge fan of the Static Shock toon and have enjoyed the series since it first began. Any chance we'll be seeing any other guest stars in the future? (esp from the Milestone Universe). What about any action figures? I would love to be able to set up an animated Static to go next to my Batman Beyond, Superman and Batman stuff. Thanks again!

-Joe!

Heehaw

01-28-2002, 12:29 PM

I didn't mean to offend you or start anything with you.

You didn't, and I wasn't being mean-spirited in my reply. I can come off that way sometimes, but I'm not. I am just a very to the point type of person, and I don't sugarcoat my posts. I don't blindly pledge my liking to something simply because of who created it or what it is(i.e. Justice League or gimmicky appearances by everyone's favorite Bat.)

Yes, SS is different from the other shows, but that still doesn't excuse poor craftsmanship. The "it's a kid's show" excuse doesn't cut it with me. I've sat through too much crap animation these last 22 years. Sorry, I can't ENJOY crap.

LazyReaper

01-28-2002, 12:45 PM

Originally posted by Heehaw
You didn't, and I wasn't being mean-spirited in my reply. I can come off that way sometimes, but I'm not.

Well, I glad that we both understand each other now. :)

Dwayne! OMG! I didn't even notice that! ~waves~ Hi!! :D

Fantasie117

01-28-2002, 04:24 PM

Originally posted by Aximlli
Hmm.. I didn't know that. When was that mentioned?? Maybe I missed that episode...

It's in the pilot. Static is contemplating joining a gang, and Richie yells at him (paraphrasing here) "Your mom died 'cause of gang bangers!"

I really liked this episode. I'm not the biggest Static Shock fan in the world, but I enjoy watching it. It's entertaining.

The Robin/Static interaction was funny, especially in comparison to Batman's attitude. (And I laughed out loud when Robin pulled out the cell phone.)

Richie looks different: hooded sweatshirt, oval glasses, and an earring.

I prefer last year's theme more than this new one, and that's saying something.

optimal321

01-28-2002, 05:02 PM

Does Static Shock usually have shading on the characters? I couldn't remember about that from last season, but i know it was used in this ep. But maybe it was used last season. I can't remember, but it was a nice touch for the Batman appearance.

JusticeLeagueLegion

01-28-2002, 06:27 PM

Dwayne McDuffie

01-28-2002, 06:30 PM

"Do you know if Icon, Hardware, and that hot chick that Icon hangs around with will ever be on the series as guest stars?"

The "hot chick" is Rocket. None of the above are planned for this season but I have hopes for the future.

JusticeLeagueLegion

01-28-2002, 07:41 PM

Originally posted by Dwayne McDuffie
"Do you know if Icon, Hardware, and that hot chick that Icon hangs around with will ever be on the series as guest stars?"

The "hot chick" is Rocket. None of the above are planned for this season but I have hopes for the future.

Oh boy, I hope so too.

JohnStewart-GL

01-29-2002, 10:15 PM

Originally posted by JusticeLeagueLegion
I can't beleive how well animated the Static Shock episode "The Big Leagues" was...I expected it to be a lot more cartoony. But it was ausome! By the way, what did you think of the new theme song? I'll have to get used to it myself. I'll have to get used to it too. i really got used to the original. but i loved this ep. It was a spectacular premiere.
I love how Static interacted with the dynamic duo.
It reminded my how much i miss Robin.(I luv his older look)
Why isn't he mention at all in JL?

Originally posted by optimal321
Well, it was okay. I hated the video game Batman music, like everyone else. Also didn't care for the new Robin voice. Even though Mathew Valencia is, what, 19, i still would have prefered him attempt a younger voice. I know it sounded deeper in ROTJ, but... it's his voice. :p

I also would have liked for Batman to have beaten a few more (if not all) of the bang-babies in the tunnel. But i guess this was a Static show, and his turf, but, i don't know... it just seems like he was beaten too easily. It was cool how Robin kept flipping away from that one guy though.

Despite my minor complaints, this was a decent ep. Entertaining. I'm glad i woke up early for it. :D I like that scene too. Shiv was the guy he was doging.

WHY CANT ROBIN BE IN JLTAS.

Guys i say those of you who don't, give Static A chance. Static Is a rare cartoon in its own right. I didn't like it at first but the first 3 eps brought me around. He has a style all his own, its the only cartoon that use Hip-Hop music.
Watch it.
if we support it mabey hell have another cameo.

The Mad Hatter

01-31-2002, 09:52 PM

Not to mention the humiliation Static endured when he had to leave Batman and Robin--because his father wanted him to come home! Priceless.

TuxedoKamen

06-03-2002, 04:13 PM

Originally posted by BeyondGotham
Well, looks like I'm the first to ask... what did you all think of todays Ep. I kinda lke the new look of the Bat-Team. I really like the fact that Robin has grown a little. It might not fit in with ROTJ, but is was still nice to see the team in action again. The Commish and Bullock was a nice add too...

Mabye that's their signal to us not to worry, Batman Beyond (including ROTJ) is an alternate universe tale. :)

Originally posted by naraht
Mummy..ugh.

Ok, I'm back. Twas nice seeing Gordon & Bullock (in TNBA Form) in a cameo @ the end...(although why would Gotham send both their chief detective & commish just to pick up criminals (and they were loading the Bang Babies....made no sense, but that's just me)

It was a new look for Tim...as out of costume, both he & Bruce were back in B:TAS form...cept Tim wasn't in B:TAS...looked a bit odd, but I could get used to the look.

Was it me, or was the Batwing very BB-Batmobile-esk?

Was that what it was? I knew I hadn't seen that form of Bruce in a while. TAS Bruce was my favorite, though I seem to remember him having a wee bit more detail to his face.

Originally posted by JohnStewart-GL
I'll have to get used to it too. i really got used to the original. but i loved this ep. It was a spectacular premiere.
I love how Static interacted with the dynamic duo.
It reminded my how much i miss Robin.(I luv his older look)
Why isn't he mention at all in JL?

I echo your sentiments, and odds are Robin (and Batgirl...grr...) are there in JL. We're in Superman:TAS continuity, which, as proven by "The World's Finest" and "Knighttime" is also Batman:TNBA continuity. But we're going to both have a real problem when he shows up. We both seem to be fans of Robin's real uniform, not this red and black thing. Two: Robin's mabye 14 now, so he might have the Redbird, but don't count on it. Three: And the bostaff is where, exactly? :) Batgirl shouldn't be there at all, but since Jason Todd never seemed to to exist in the animated continuity, this is no surprise, so be ready when Barbara shows up in full Batgirl glory. Personally, I think it'd be a lot cooler if they'd show a wheelchair bound Oracle calling the shots from the clocktower. Of course, then they'd have to do a flashback episode with the Joker putting a bullet through her spine. And if they wanted to, they could bring in Cassandra Cain. But I'm dreaming now..... ah, well. Too bad we can't get a TV14 Batman. And it's time for the animation of that cool shot when Nightwing and Oracle finally kiss! The one where he's all banged up and holding her in his arms, or the one where he's just fine and is pulling her out of her wheelchair into his arms, I don't care! :)

JohnStewart-GL

07-06-2002, 12:59 PM

A great episode. Batman diffently stayed in character and i enjoyed seeing him in TNBA style again. the batplane look great.
Robins new look is great. i think its perfect for titans. static was cool in this ep also. and batman smile and "Not bad" was cool. and the Va work was great. the only problem i had was batmans theme.

Red

07-06-2002, 05:15 PM

This is the 2nd time I've seen this episode. I really liked it. I'm a Batman fan and so I'll give it....

6/5 (That wasn't a Mistake)

You can tell by my rating it was my favorite Static Episode!

Theking

07-09-2002, 05:51 PM

Well this is the first time I have seen this ep. I really liked it a plot and of course Static had to help save the day. the thing I liked most about it was how true to the characters the writters seemed to get it.

on a scale of one to 10 I would give it an 8 with 10 being great.

TheKing

All-Star 1.5

11-07-2002, 09:38 PM

I loved this episode , but it was not my favorite episode of the season. I loved the plot and the way the story moved along. So on a scale of about 1 to 5 I am going to have to give it a 4.

Redraptor

11-07-2002, 11:16 PM

When did this air??
Man I missed it again...but..I haven't heard of Static Shock being aired anywhere...i mean WB doesn't have it on anymore currently right?

James Harvey

01-24-2003, 11:53 AM

In honor of "Hard As Nails" airing tomorrow, I thought it only appropriate to bump up this discussion thread. The WF review (http://wf.toonzone.net/WF/StaticShock/Episodes/BigLeagues) has screenshots for those who can't remember the episode. So, any comments on the first Static/Batman team up "The Big Leagues"?

http://wf.toonzone.net/WF/StaticShock/Episodes/BigLeagues/Screens/t-25.jpg (http://wf.toonzone.net/WF/StaticShock/Episodes/BigLeagues/Screens/25.jpg)

Note: The Penguin will be putting up the Talkback thread for "Hard As Nails."

Anarky

01-24-2003, 11:55 PM

i THINK Static is going 5 days a week starting next week, starting w/ the premier. And I think "The Big Leagues" is airing on Wednesday.

Raziel

01-31-2003, 02:24 PM

Well, today will be the first time I see this episode. I hope it will be like Hard as Nails. That one ruled. But I heard Batman's design is different from TNBA/Hard as Nails.

Raziel

02-01-2003, 01:58 AM

I saw this episode finally today. It was great! The fight scenes were interesting, animation was great, although I hated Batman's slightly altered TNBA design (especially the Bat symbol on the chest. eck.) I loved seeing an older Robin though, wish he would have had more lines though. Overall, I like Hard as Nails more.

James Harvey

03-13-2003, 04:13 PM

http://wf.toonzone.net/WF/StaticShock/Episodes/BigLeagues/Screens/t-25.jpg (http://wf.toonzone.net/WF/StaticShock/Episodes/BigLeagues/Screens/25.jpg)
For those who have some how managed to miss this episode, Kids'WB! will reair "The Big Leagues," the first Static Shock episode that guest-starred Batman, on March 29th, 2003.

Read the The World's Finest review here (http://wf.toonzone.net/WF/StaticShock/Episodes/BigLeagues/)

Bird Boy

03-27-2003, 07:19 PM

oranthal

03-27-2003, 10:27 PM

In case everyone missed Jim's post on the 13th, here's another reminder!

-BB

thanks! i actually missed both parts. so are they showing part 1 & 2 back to back?

Bird Boy

03-28-2003, 09:37 AM

thanks! i actually missed both parts. so are they showing part 1 & 2 back to back?

Actually, I think you're confusing this with "A League Of Their Own", which featured the Justice League. Those aired earlier this month, and unless Static is on JL for at least another year, don't expect it to air again anytime soon.

This episode is the first one w/ Batman and Robin.

-BB

oranthal

03-28-2003, 05:16 PM

Actually, I think you're confusing this with "A League Of Their Own", which featured the Justice League. Those aired earlier this month, and unless Static is on JL for at least another year, don't expect it to air again anytime soon.

This episode is the first one w/ Batman and Robin.

-BB

i'm such a dolt. grrr. i guess i have to wait until it reruns.

maxnugget

03-30-2003, 03:45 PM

Hmm...something just occurred to me, and at the risk of asking a question that's almost certainly been asked before:

Doesn't having an older Tim Drake fighting against the (clearly ROTJ-inspired) Joker invalidate ROTJ's continuity, since Joker should be dead when Tim Drake is as old as he is in that episode?

Reptile_Orion

03-31-2003, 12:21 AM

I remember on Saturday morning. I actually decided to wake up early most likely because I didn't go out and party the night before. The life of a college student...heh and I decided to see what was on. Then I discovered Batman was going to be on Static Shock. I was thinking "What a great way to start off my Saturday." So I laid in bed and watched it. I thought the episode was pretty cool. I'm not a huge fan of the Static Shock show. I just like the Milestone comic better. But I like how the Joker was involved and I definitely like the awe in Static as he realizes Batman is in town...heh. I was loving ever second of it. Just watching an episode like that makes me want more Batman TAS...lol.