dark knight acolyte
05-21-2008, 09:11 PM
This is the first in a series of polls designed to let the fans choose which Batman villain was the most well-done in Batman: The Animated Series. This isn't meant to be a vote on the most powerful villain but more so it's meant to serve as a springboard for discussion on which villain the creators got the most "right!"
Certainly, best villain is a subjective term, but I am asking for voters and fans to consider each vote objectively before making their decision. Certainly, each individuals' factors for consideration may be different, so here are some of mine just to lay a possible framework:
1. character design (Is the design befitting of the character and does it hold the correct aesthetic appeal or non-appeal?)
2. voice acting (Does the voice fit the character?)
3. characterization (The writing element, per se. How well is the character portrayed?)
4. body of work (Not to be confused with volume of work, this is a consideration of the quality of the episodes in which the villain is involved. Does (s)he enhance the episode or the series?)
REMEMBER!!!: This is a poll of the most WELL-DONE villain in Batman: TAS, not necessarily the most recognizable or even favorite (though for some it may be both). Therefore, while many may think of Joker as the most iconic villain in the Batman mythology, that shouldn't play a factor in the decision as this isn't a poll for Best Batman Villain Overall, which the Joker would automatically win. IN fact, regarding Batman's most popular villain, I've heard many argue, including producers, that his early episodes didn't do the character justice and that it took far too long to nail his character down. Others would argue that when done properly, no villain outshined the Joker. It's all in how YOU choose to break it down. Just be sure to vote for best villain based on the criteria of The Animated Series and not just in general.
In comprising the list of baddies to use, I ultimately settled with 24. While some clearly have a better shot at winning than others, these 24 I felt had the best chance to promote discussion and keep things interesting. Criminals I eliminated after making a full list include: Hugo Strange, Zeus, Cat-Man, Vertigo, Farmer Brown, and that prophet from "Prophecy of Doom."
HOW THIS WILL WORK:
The 24 villains were drawn from a hat and placed into groups of three in eight polls, each currently open. Therefore, after the first round, there will be eight remaining villains, who will each be placed into a hat and drawn in random order. Based on that order, it will be 2 villains per poll, villain vs. villain, resulting in 4 remaining. We'll continue that process to get 2 remaining villains who will vie for the title of BEST BATMAN: TAS villain. Again, try to be objective about the decision.
This should be an interesting contest! Just remember: the standard, cliche' picks may not be the winners once you think things through and truly consider, "Is this really the best done villain?" Or, perhaps they will be the vote.... who knows?! But it will certainly be interesting.
EIGHT POLLS are now up for round one. Let the voting begin!
Certainly, best villain is a subjective term, but I am asking for voters and fans to consider each vote objectively before making their decision. Certainly, each individuals' factors for consideration may be different, so here are some of mine just to lay a possible framework:
1. character design (Is the design befitting of the character and does it hold the correct aesthetic appeal or non-appeal?)
2. voice acting (Does the voice fit the character?)
3. characterization (The writing element, per se. How well is the character portrayed?)
4. body of work (Not to be confused with volume of work, this is a consideration of the quality of the episodes in which the villain is involved. Does (s)he enhance the episode or the series?)
REMEMBER!!!: This is a poll of the most WELL-DONE villain in Batman: TAS, not necessarily the most recognizable or even favorite (though for some it may be both). Therefore, while many may think of Joker as the most iconic villain in the Batman mythology, that shouldn't play a factor in the decision as this isn't a poll for Best Batman Villain Overall, which the Joker would automatically win. IN fact, regarding Batman's most popular villain, I've heard many argue, including producers, that his early episodes didn't do the character justice and that it took far too long to nail his character down. Others would argue that when done properly, no villain outshined the Joker. It's all in how YOU choose to break it down. Just be sure to vote for best villain based on the criteria of The Animated Series and not just in general.
In comprising the list of baddies to use, I ultimately settled with 24. While some clearly have a better shot at winning than others, these 24 I felt had the best chance to promote discussion and keep things interesting. Criminals I eliminated after making a full list include: Hugo Strange, Zeus, Cat-Man, Vertigo, Farmer Brown, and that prophet from "Prophecy of Doom."
HOW THIS WILL WORK:
The 24 villains were drawn from a hat and placed into groups of three in eight polls, each currently open. Therefore, after the first round, there will be eight remaining villains, who will each be placed into a hat and drawn in random order. Based on that order, it will be 2 villains per poll, villain vs. villain, resulting in 4 remaining. We'll continue that process to get 2 remaining villains who will vie for the title of BEST BATMAN: TAS villain. Again, try to be objective about the decision.
This should be an interesting contest! Just remember: the standard, cliche' picks may not be the winners once you think things through and truly consider, "Is this really the best done villain?" Or, perhaps they will be the vote.... who knows?! But it will certainly be interesting.
EIGHT POLLS are now up for round one. Let the voting begin!