Batman: The Animated Series Poll Showdown: 'Heart of Ice' Wins!

[James Harvey]

Well, given the controversy of the last poll and due to overwhelming negative criticism, I've decided to give these two episodes a head to head showdown. No extended deadlines and no exceptions. The two episodes battling it out for supremecy is Heart of Ice and Over The Edge. If the poll ends in a tie, then so be it.

And one more thing, don't take this poll too seriously folks. Alot of you are taking it extrmely seriously and takes away from the fun of this poll. Please, just enjoy the poll. That's all I ask. If there are anymore problems the poll WILL be shutdown and discontinued.

<i>Episode #014 - Heart of Ice
Original Airdate - September 7th, 1992.</i>

Mr. Freeze, thirsting for revenge against the sleazy CEO who destroyed his life, begins to steal various equipment from GothCorp. Batman's sympathy is with Freeze, but first he has to stop him from using the equipment to destroy a building filled with innocent people in order to carry out his vendetta. <a href="http://www.toonzone.net/worldsfinest/wfepisodes/heartofice.htm" target="_blank" >Click here for Review</a>

<i>Episode #097 - Over The Edge
Original Airdate - May 23rd, 1998.</i>

Commissioner Gordon blames Batman for the death of his daughter Barbara, and will stop at nothing to end Batman's reign as Gotham City's Dark Knight. <a href="http://www.toonzone.net/worldsfinest/wfepisodes/overtheedge.htm" target="_blank" >Click here for Review</a>

[Mattashell]

This has been so intence. Now it ends mired in contoversy.

It's down to two episodes. Which will be the all time favorite?

[Meow]

Not my favorite episode, but given the circumstances I'll vote for it anyway. It doesn't seem to have much competition... :rolleyes:


Anyways, it's "Heart of Ice" for me!

[Toddman]

I think you did the right thing, Jim.

You're right, it was clearly stated from the beginning that the deadline for the final (12th Round) poll was undecided. Just because it went longer than the previous polls shouldn't make a difference. Those polls had to be completed on time to make way for the next round. It would be like arguing that Barry Bonds' home run record is invalid because the current baseball season is seven games longer than when Babe Ruth played.

I will say, though, that I think a run-off vote for the two highest vote getters does seem more fair than just extending the current poll. So thanks. I've had a blast participating in these polls. Well done.

Toddman

[The Penguin]

"I failed you. I wish there were another way for me to say it. I cannot. I can only beg your forgiveness and pray you hear me somehow, someplace... Someplace where a warm hand waits for mine." -Mr. Freeze, Heart of Ice

http://www.toonzone.net/worldsfinest/wfepisodes/hoi_06.jpg


Out of these two I'm casting my vote for Heart of Ice. Both are great episodes, but I just like this one a little bit better. It has nothing to do with styles, dreams, or flashbacks; I just feel this one is the better episode and I also like it better.

I originally voted for Two-Face, Part 1 which is a very strong, character driven villain origin episode and I feel that Heart of Ice is cut from the same cloth a that one.

Michael Ansara just does a fantastic job as Mr. Freeze. You really feel his pain over the loss of his wife and even though he's going about it the wrong way, you just can't help but pull for him.


Please note I only said what I liked about my choice and not what is wrong (if anything) with the other choice. I hope the rest of you will do the same. :)

[MAXIMUS]

Man Heart of Ice was the First episode that really really got to me.
Over the edge was really good though and quite intense, but i just had to go with the classic Heart of Ice. I hope to see tat ep on DVD soon.

[MAXIMUS]

P.S. I dont think you could ever have a different guy to do the voice of Mr.Freeze. I so wholly believed i was listening to Mr. freeze and not just a guy playing him. That voice will stay in my memory forever man.... He was great. IMO there werent enuff of these eps and TNA didnt do Freeze justice

[Sugar Daddy]

I'm voting for Over The Edge.

[Exatron]

I had to choose "Heart of Ice."

There is a reason why this episode won an Emmy. It told a touching story that was well written and acted. The animation may have a few flaws, but they aren't significant enough to detract from the rest of the episode. Mr. Freeze is an incredibly sympathetic character- I actually wanted him to succeed. The chicken soup was the perfect symbol for the warmth and compassion Freeze lost.

This episode is the one to show to people who claim that animation is only for children.

"Over the Edge" was an interesting episode, but it always leaves me cold.

[Borg4of3]

Hey everyone! First off, I'm glad these polls have, in one form or another, been extended! :D Just remember, being rude is bad; it doesn't matter who wins; this isn't between TNBA and TAS.. etc. etc. blahblahblah, and all the life lessons we went thru already... :p


Now, if you guys have time, I'd like to show you a tribute I've done to Over the Edge. It shouldn't take too long to download - its only 20megs, and 3 min long, and I think I've done the ep some justice! In the spirit of fun and creativity, I give you:

The Over the Edge Music Video, to Linkin Park's In the End!
Download here and enjoy! (http://konekoanime.cjb.net/BTNS%20Over%20the%20Edge%20MV.mpeg)

I'll try to make one for Heart of Ice ASAP!


And once again, lets party like its poll 12 v2! :D

[Phantom Cruiser]

Over the Edge. Simply an incredible "what if" episode.

[Optimus81]

Originally posted by Toddman
I think you did the right thing, Jim.

You're right, it was clearly stated from the beginning that the deadline for the final (12th Round) poll was undecided. Just because it went longer than the previous polls shouldn't make a difference. Those polls had to be completed on time to make way for the next round. It would be like arguing that Barry Bonds' home run record is invalid because the current baseball season is seven games longer than when Babe Ruth played.

I will say, though, that I think a run-off vote for the two highest vote getters does seem more fair than just extending the current poll. So thanks. I've had a blast participating in these polls. Well done.

Toddman

I couldn't have put it better myself. I also agree, and have had a great time the last few months. Good work guys.

Oh, and I voted for HOI.

[Barb Gordon]

Decisions, decisions! On the one hand, HOI tugged at the heartstrings...but on the other hand, OTE totally messed with the mind! So completely opposite, depends on what a person prefers. Can't think of a reason, but I'm going to go with HOI for this one.

Barb^-^

[TemporalFlux]

I don't remember it being said, but is this contest going to go on for Superman The Animated Series, Batman Beyond and Justice League as well? Of course, it's not as appropriate for JL since they haven't aired everything by a long shot (season two to go); but you get my point. I've really enjoyed the polls and watching how it turned out.

Ah...and my vote went to "Heart of Ice" in this slug fest. ;)

[Mattashell]

Originally posted by TemporalFlux
I don't remember it being said, but is this contest going to go on for Superman The Animated Series, Batman Beyond and Justice League as well? Of course, it's not as appropriate for JL since they haven't aired everything by a long shot (season two to go); but you get my point. I've really enjoyed the polls and watching how it turned out.

Ah...and my vote went to "Heart of Ice" in this slug fest. ;)

Those polls will take place on the tenth aniversary of their respective premeirs.

[DisneyBoy]

I don't really understand what the controversy is... :confused: I'm just thrilled that I actually get a chance to vote!!! ;)

Sadly, though, I illiminated Heart of Ice in the process to getting down to my top three: Robin's Reckoning, Demon's Quest and Over the Edge. (Sigh) I guess I need to reconsider it now....decisions, decisions... :rolleyes:

[Joe Wagner]

Heart of Ice was the first Batman: TAS episode to completely engulf me and take me into the story. While I enjoyed a lot of the Batman episodes the ones starring Mr. Freeze always seemed to appeal to me more. The way that Mr. Freeze was changed showed that he was a victim and gave him power - after all how many of us could have turned out the way he did if we had both our loved ones and humanity stripped away from us? Not only that but we got to see a connection between Bruce and Friez - Bruce always had Alfred there when he was younger to look after him where as Friez had no one after Nora. Both Bruce and Friez shared a quest for vengance and both decided to fight against the causes of their grief - Friez just went to more extreme measures to try and make sure no one would be a victim again and was ready to kill to ensure that end, Bruce on the other hand refuses to take a life.

The loss of Friezs humanity showed all of us viewers just how important Alfred was to keeping Bruces link to his humanity alive. After all if Alfred wasn't there to take care of Bruce could Batmans methods become more like Friez's? Hmm...yet another reason this episode is considered the best Batman: TAS ever, IMHO.

-Joe!

[Blight]

I'm still voting for "Over the Edge". LET IT WIN!!!

See ya!
Blight

[RJLundeen]

Heart of Ice VS. Over the Edge? Very difficult. They're two such different episodes in so many ways. But, I find I CAN make a decision. The characterization in both is great, one focusing on the suffering of Victor Fries and the other, the suffering (if only imaginery) of Gordon. H.O.I. was more of a study in character and O.T.E. was more of a study in terror. But, where as H.O.I. was one of the first instances where the Bat-team showed what a great job they could do, O.T.E. showed the later, more polished product, with crisper, more dynamic animation. So, for me, Edge edges out the competition. I voted for each episode in it's own original polls but I voted for Edge in poll #12 and I do so again now.
Hey, whoever's running the poolls, how about voting for the best Bat-themed animated movie/video? We've got Phantasm, Sub-Zero, Batman Beyond, R.O.T.J., Batman/Superman movie and what the heck, put the Justice League movie in there too! -Rick

[sun]

As I have said many times, these polls are meant to be fun, exchange ideas, enjoy....I am sorry if too many have taken this too seriously, but some have. These are great shows, and they too have given pleasure and enjoyement.., as have many that did not make the finals...So let us lighten up a little, and give thanks to the moderators and Jim , especially, who gave us something special to consider besides the day to day news of the world and our lives. These toonzone forums have grown from an early website struggling to get the latest WB news, with a little chat. to a many sided discussions of many issues of all sorts, and just plain fun. Best wishes to all...Stuart

[James Harvey]

I am stoked at the outcome of this poll so far! Alot of people have been voted and the race is extremely close. I can't wait to see what the outcome is. And I'm glad this round is bringing back the light-hearted feel of the poll, which is something that makes them so enjoyable. It is great to see the two best episodes duking it out - I can't wait to see the outcome. Both have their strenghts and weaknesses, so it'll be interesting to see which comes out on top.

[Justice League 2000]

hello friends

I vote it for heart of ice. :)

[Bird Boy]

still went with Over the Edge...only because I really like that ep..lol

I haven't seen HOI in awhile..a LONG while..but, I'm sure it's just as good as OTE...in my point of view anyway..

-BB

[Borg4of3]

Although Gordon and Batman got the focus in Over the Edge, have you noticed that this episode also used every other character perfectly as well?

Batgirl - Even tho she dies at the beginning, we get to see the psyche of the real Barbara Gordon, and a slight bit of how she views all the characters.

Bane - Not even in Bane's focus episode have we seen him so ruthless, so cold, so powerful, and so truly evil. The bat might have already been broken when he entered, but every line he said just relished in that fact.

Nightwing - Name one appearance of Nightwing that had as much power as his torpedo-launching jetski rescue scene at the beginning. His theme here never sounded so heroic.

Robin - This episode showed how great a partner Tim Drake is to the Bat. 'Robin', in any form, has always been a character that brought humanity to Batman. To the very last, he stuck by Bruce's side, being the best representative of Bruce Wayne's human side, and, here, symbolic of Bruce's focus. Its doubly symbolic that he ran away at the end, when Batman simply gave up.
Next time you have the priviledge of seeing this ep, watch the final scene between Batman and Robin, and, instead, picture Batman looking into a mirror at Bruce Wayne. Its an amazing scene that works on a number of levels

Alfred - Unfortunately, he didn't get a lot of scenes, but the way he rescued Bruce at the beginning is something that he would do in reality - he deserved his own heroic theme right then :p

Scarecrow - Was that not the most heinous thing a non-Joker villain has done? And the way he laughed at the end - if you didn't at least have a smile when Batman smacked him into the wall, you're not human.

I think this episode defined, reconstructed, and truly looked into the entire Bat family and two of its greatest rogues.


PS: Has anyone watched the vid? Any comments? Any suggestions for the HoI music video?

[BLACKHEART]

I went with "Heart of Ice" over "Over the Edge."

Where as I am a big Scarecrow fan. I just can't take all of the hype that "Over the Edge" gets. The episode is way over exposed and gets too much credit. It is one of my favorite episodes, but you can't take away from the touching story of Mr. Freeze. He didn't ask for this life. It was forced upon him.

[Tmansdc]

I voted Over The Edge because I have not seen Heart Of Ice :( But I'm sure it will be on Bruce Timm's Top Ten list :)

[Bleu Unicorn]

I haven't seen "Heart of Ice" in literally years. But regardless, I do remember it being a great episode. Either way, I had to go with my favorite of the two "Over the Edge" -- I just can't say enough about it. But I truly love this episode.

-- Uni

[wonderfly]

How to say this...

I find that when people say they want the fun and politeness returned to the poll, what they're really saying is they don't want anyone to disagree with their view. As long as the attacks aren't personal, then I don't see what the problem is with voicing concerns?

I said that "Over the Edge" pulled a military coup. That wasn't aimed at anyone in particular, it was more voiced at my frustration that Over the Edge managed to pull off an 11th hour tie. Besides, that line doesn't make sense anyway.

As long as a poll is open, you'd better believe that I'm going to root and rally for an episode I think needs to win, AND THE EPISODE I WANT TO WIN IS: TWOFACE PT. 1!!!
:p

So that's who I voted for the last time around. But when I could see Heart of Ice or Over the Edge was going to win, you better believe I'm going to rally for the episode I think is more deserving: Heart of Ice. For the record, (again), I love both of those episodes. I just like Heart of Ice more.

Now I will take some blame and admit to egging on some Harley fans a few weeks back, specifically during the week "Harley's Holiday" won, (I think you all know how I feel about that episode by now). Still, I thought it made for an interesting discussion at the time. So I will apologize for any offense made then.


In the end, given the circumstances, I think an overtime poll featuring the two leading contenders is the best bet. Let the chips fall where the may.

Hope I've explained myself better. I'm all for feedback, if you feel my post warrants discussion. :)

[James Harvey]

Discussion about the episode, whether it be weaknesses or strengths, can be discussed. I just don't like seeing people unfairly criticised for choosing their favorite episode. I'm all for discussing the highs and lows of these episode, but attacking posters is something I don't like...and there has been a bit of that (thankfully very little) in these polls and it reached a fever pitch with last week's. You can disagree with someone's view, just don't make it personnel (ie: Calling them stupid, sheep, etc...). That's all I ask. We are supposed to respect each other here, and respect is crucial here. All I ask if for a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T (you all know what it means to me :)).

BTW - I voted for Heart of Ice.

[Trent Lane]

Over the Edge, without a doubt...

[dark knight acolyte]

Hey there.....

If I seemed too serious as it concerns the extension of the past poll, I apologize. I did not mean to compromise the enjoyability of the poll for anyone in the sake of accuracy. I guess for me, accuracy is what is fun. If I upset anyone (ahem), I do apologize.

With that said, I think this is the way to go....consistency is upheld (1 week exact for the initial poll, like the others) and it ended in a tie. Now, all those votes can go toward one of the two final deserved episodes. :-)...It should be great.

It's like polls 1-11 were the regular season.....round 2 was the playoffs....and here we are.....the Superbowl.

Representing the NFC, the original conference is an original Batman:TAS episode. It features the tragic villian, Mr. Freeze. It is thick with emotion and full of great dialogue. The sentiment that is stored within most of us for it makes it a true gem.

And in the AFC, we have Over the Edge, the dashing, youthful contender, who rallied all the way back from what was once an 11 vote deficit to make it to this point. It explores a very deep concept, otherwise unexplorable....deep in the psychological depths of Barbara Gordon. What if Batgirl died? This episode represents a scenario that in the back of our minds makes all of our hearts walk a tightrope. Mine almost stopped the first time I saw it.

Heart of Ice introduced us to what the animated series could be. Over the Edge showed us where it could go....a place our heroes never would want to go.

Sigh.....such a tough decision.

Animation goes to Over the Edge. Story goes to ??? But Heart of Ice redefined a legendary criminal who, until that point, had little depth.

In the end....

I had to go with Heart of Ice. The sentimental value it has with me is too much to ignore. Cat and the Claw got a "wow" from me. On Leather Wings showed me how deep into the rogues gallery Timm and co. were willing to go. Heart of Ice guaranteed we were seeing something that was revolutionary..a series that would redefine cartoons (compare this to SuperFriends!) and perhaps even Batman.

While Over the Edge opened my eyes and forced me to look at the haunting world of what if....(great ep, dream or not).....

I couldn't go against Heart of Ice.

It was so good that it would bring me to tears if I still had tears left to....

oh wait, I do. :( Sorry. What a great episode. :)

[Joker85]

I know that this is just a fun poll, but I really want an original BTAS to win, plus Heart Of Ice is better in my opinion, so thats what i voted for.

[Tmansdc]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey
Discussion about the episode, whether it be weaknesses or strengths, can be discussed. I just don't like seeing people unfairly criticised for choosing their favorite episode. I'm all for discussing the highs and lows of these episode, but attacking posters is something I don't like...and there has been a bit of that (thankfully very little) in these polls and it reached a fever pitch with last week's. You can disagree with someone's view, just don't make it personnel (ie: Calling them stupid, sheep, etc...). That's all I ask. We are supposed to respect each other here, and respect is crucial here. All I ask if for a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T (you all know what it means to me :)).

BTW - I voted for Heart of Ice.

(Agrees with everything said above)

[The Dark Knight]

Over the Edge was good, but the best Batman episode? I don't think so. It comes down to one basic fact: if I could, I would change parts of Over the Edge to make it better, but Heart of Ice is perfect in my eyes.

[peterparker05]

I said this in the last poll and I believe it still kind of fits:

I think that it is utterly wrong to discount Over The Edge just because it was produced in the TNBA era. That doesn't stop it from being one of the most gripping and powerful pieces of Batman animation ever produced. Personally, as a whole, I think it is one of the quinntisential Batman episodes and gives you a feel for the entire Gotham City universe even though it's a dream episode. Heart of Ice is a a great episode, but it really only showcases Mr. Freeze who, in my opinion, doesn't play as large of a role in the Batman mythos.

[Exatron]

Originally posted by peterparker05
I said this in the last poll and I believe it still kind of fits:

I think that it is utterly wrong to discount Over The Edge just because it was produced in the TNBA era. That doesn't stop it from being one of the most gripping and powerful pieces of Batman animation ever produced. Personally, as a whole, I think it is one of the quinntisential Batman episodes and gives you a feel for the entire Gotham City universe even though it's a dream episode. Heart of Ice is a a great episode, but it really only showcases Mr. Freeze who, in my opinion, doesn't play as large of a role in the Batman mythos.
I'm going to have to disagree about "Over the Edge." We saw Gotham from Barbra Gordon's point of view, not Gotham as it actually is. I didn't feel particularly attached to any of the characters in the episode because I knew Batgirl's death would be negated at the end. "Heart of Ice" defines Mr. Freeze.

I do agree that it is wrong to simply discount "Over the Edge" because it is part of TNBA, but I think the series should be judged on its own rather than putting it up against Batman the Animated Series.

[Mattashell]

Wow! Look at how close this is!

[dark knight acolyte]

Tight one.....

[Palin Dromos]

EVERY VOTE COUNTS!!!

And I voted for "Heart of Ice"

It set up Freeze for a great series of eps in both Batman and Batman Beyond, Not to metion a whole DTV Movie!

[zmanjz]

It's all been said (atleast my line anyway) so: HOI

[Joe Tully]

I guess this is running until Sunday like the rest of the polls?

I voted for Heart Of Ice. You just feel for Mr. Freeze. They did a great job of making him a tragic villain who you wanted to root for, to the point where I wanted to see him beat Batman. Over The Edge was very interesting, but it loses points in my book because it was a what-if story, and that was clear to me from about 5 minutes into it. What If stories tend to be good just because you can completely mess up the status quo, and they are an interesting look at what could happen, but at the end it sort of takes away from the whole experience that none of the story actually happened. It's much more difficult and, IMO, more interesting to shake things up without using an imaginary story to avoid the consequences.

[DisneyBoy]

I never really knew there were so many Mr. Feeze fans here! I guess I figured Over The Edge would have just walked away with the top prize. I wonder how things would have gone if Second Chance would have been a contender.... :yawn:

[Failure]

Wouldn't it be wild if we got another tie? :p

My vote went to OTE, if only because it's been too long since I've seen HOI.

[Bird Boy]

Originally posted by Failure
Wouldn't it be wild if we got another tie? :p

SHH!!! Don't say that! :p

Seriously though, if we did, I guess we'd have to declare them both fan favorites, as running ANOTHER poll would be crazy.. :)

-BB

[optimal321]

Well, i'm still sticking with Heart of Ice for the same reasons i chose it last time.

[Borg4of3]

Hio! I'm back!

First off a quick review: Making these two Music Videos have given me ample time to view both episodes about a dozen times over each. Both Over the Edge and Heart of Ice are masterpieces, truly the best episodes that Batman has to offer (speaking figuratively, literally, analytically, and by personal opinion). I don't think you could change either of these episodes - they're both absolutely perfect! Both tell heart-rendering stories that show off the masterful storytelling skills of the Batman: Animated creators. I've lost a lot of respect for people who have bashed either of these works, but I haven't lost any respect for those that made these episodes. Once again, both absolute masterpieces.

And in an inspired attempt to do them justice, I've worked long and hard to make Music Videos for both. For Heart of Ice, The Penguin has helped me discover a song that, while it might not be the first thought one might have, works perfectly for the episode. So, in the name of creativity and fun: I give you -

The Heart of Ice Music Video, to Papa Roach's Last Resort! (http://konekoanime.cjb.net/BTAS%20Heart%20of%20Ice%20MV.avi)
Length: 03:55-----Size: 38.7m
*WARNING: CONTAINS ADULT LANGUAGE!

And just in case you missed it last time...

The Over the Edge Music Video, to Linkin Park's In the End (http://konekoanime.cjb.net/BTNS Over the Edge MV.mpeg)
Length: 03:46-----Size: 19.5m
Hope you enjoy them both, and may the best episode win!

[BaTMaN-JL]

I voted for Over the Edge. That episode had everything I never thought I'd see in an animated Batman cartoon. It could've ended the series and I would have been "wow." Sure Heart of Ice is great but to me every villian is a victim of someone, thats the tragedy. Two-face, Clayface, Riddler, Scare Crow, even Batman and Robin are victims, the list goes on. So I hope OTE wins! :D

[The Penguin]

Originally posted by Borg4of3
And in an inspired attempt to do them justice, I've worked long and hard to make Music Videos for both. For Heart of Ice, The Penguin has helped me discover a song that, while it might not be the first thought one might have, works perfectly for the episode. So, in the name of creativity and fun: I give you -

The Heart of Ice Music Video, to Papa Roach's Last Resort! (http://konekoanime.cjb.net/BTAS%20Heart%20of%20Ice%20MV.avi)
Length: 03:55-----Size: 38.7m
*WARNING: CONTAINS ADULT LANGUAGE!

And just in case you missed it last time...

The Over the Edge Music Video, to Linkin Park's In the End (http://konekoanime.cjb.net/BTNS Over the Edge MV.mpeg)
Length: 03:46-----Size: 19.5m
4of3, I just have to say you did a fantastic job on both of them. I'm glad the song I came up with worked out. You did them justice.


And if you're one of the people out there who still hasn't voted I strongly encourage you to do it soon (you only have until Sunday) and if you haven't voted because you can't make up your mind I strongly encourage you to check out the videos. 4of3 obviously put a lot of work into them and they portray both episodes extremely well.

[Batman-Dark Knight]

to Borg4of3
Gordon: On JL Legends

How do you play your Heart of Ice Video? It doesn't play on my computer. Do I need to download something to watch it?

[Borg4of3]

Well, hopefully what I PMed you will help you out, but, for everyone who is having the same problems, I'm gonna reencode the HoI MV into MPEG as well and, once that is done and put up, I'll add a second link underneath the first HoI link.

And The Penguin, thanks for the comments, and the suggestion for the song - I probably would have still been scrambling to find a good theme if you hadn't chimed in. And I agree - vote soon everyone, we only have a few days left!

[Bird Boy]

woah...I just watched those videos.. DANG...those are nice! I always liked those music videos where sombody had music playing over the ep (like that Metallica "Unforgiven" song)...but MAN! Those were, by far, the best. I loved the fading, and when you lowered the music to let Freeze talk in the Heart of Ice one..just..wow. That was awesome!

Makes me sorta wish there were more than 2 eps in this poll.. :D

-BB

[Mattashell]

I downloaded Heart of Ice, but it won't play. Something about not finding the right filters. Over The Edge seems to be a broken link.

[Borg4of3]

Sorry for all the problems everyone! I don't really know whats up, but the host of the files is now down temporarily. If you'd like the files, you can IM me and I can send them via that way.

....Would it be too much to ask if WF or TZ would host them?


QUICK UPDATE: the host is back up


EDIT: If the HoI MV isn't working, try downloading the latest DivX codec, free, from www.Divx.com

[Batman-Dark Knight]

Mattashell
Stabbing West/Ward

Do a right click on the Over the Edge video and save target as..

[Condiment King]

:D I had to vote for Over the Edge again. I voted for it in the 12th Round poll. It was my ALL-TIME FAVORITE Batman:TAS/Batman & Robin:TAS/TNBA episode ever. I absolutely loved it. Not to mention, Bane is one of my favorite Batman villians because of his ruthless style. I am talking this would beat any Superman:TAS, Batman Beyond, or Justice League episode IMO. I love all those series but 'Over the Edge' has that certain little something that keeps you from going to the kitchen to get a coke in the middle even if you are taping it, you know? The first time I saw this my reaction was, "This is a regular episode??'. I even checked my TV Guide to make sure this wasn't a Batman:TAS movie even though I hadn't heard of one except World's Finest, Mask of the Phantasm, and SubZero. I never was a huge fan of 'What If?' stories as they never came true but this was certainly compelling even though I knew Batgirl would never really die. The Batman and Robin scene in the end was priceless. Tim was portrayed as the fateful sidekick that would go down in the end with the superhero if necessary. Nightwing had a great cameo and Batman was Batman. He was literally giving up.

[Caped Crusader]

I voted for "Over the Edge" in the 12th round poll as well, ionglkyle.

"Heart of Ice" and "Over the Edge" are two of my all-time favorite episodes, but like I said on the other poll, I've always thought "Over the Edge" was such a powerful episode, and I just had to give it my vote.

[JusticeLeagueLegion]

I voted "Over The Edge." But still...the art in the episodes from Fox Kids were much better than the ones from WB.

[Anubis C. Soundwave]

Keep HoI in the lead. :D

So many powerful and believable characters here. Sure, the vengeful ex-employee whose wife died because of a heartless [insert expletive of the day] wouldn't turn into a walking icicle that shoots ice beams at people [gross oversimplification], that employee would find some way of getting back at the heartless [et cetera].

The contrast between characters. The music and story. The way Batman handled his costume during the ep. Reactions were spot on.

The sandwiching with Freeze and the snowglobe at the beginning and ending of the episode, coupled with his leitmotif, really carries this piece for me.

[Mattashell]

Originally posted by Batman-Dark Knight
Mattashell
Stabbing West/Ward

Do a right click on the Over the Edge video and save target as..

FYI that's what I was doing. It wasn't working because, like Borg4of3 said, the sight was down at the time.

Now, after six hours of downloading I have both vids and I am very impressed with both. I'd say that I wish there were more, but I don't know if I'd have the patience to download them.

[Ruffian]

Originally posted by Borg4of3
Hio! I'm back!

First off a quick review: Making these two Music Videos have given me ample time to view both episodes about a dozen times over each. Both Over the Edge and Heart of Ice are masterpieces, truly the best episodes that Batman has to offer (speaking figuratively, literally, analytically, and by personal opinion). I don't think you could change either of these episodes - they're both absolutely perfect! Both tell heart-rendering stories that show off the masterful storytelling skills of the Batman: Animated creators. I've lost a lot of respect for people who have bashed either of these works, but I haven't lost any respect for those that made these episodes. Once again, both absolute masterpieces.

And in an inspired attempt to do them justice, I've worked long and hard to make Music Videos for both. For Heart of Ice, The Penguin has helped me discover a song that, while it might not be the first thought one might have, works perfectly for the episode. So, in the name of creativity and fun: I give you -

The Heart of Ice Music Video, to Papa Roach's Last Resort! (http://konekoanime.cjb.net/BTAS%20Heart%20of%20Ice%20MV.avi)
Length: 03:55-----Size: 38.7m
*WARNING: CONTAINS ADULT LANGUAGE!

And just in case you missed it last time...

The Over the Edge Music Video, to Linkin Park's In the End (http://konekoanime.cjb.net/BTNS Over the Edge MV.mpeg)
Length: 03:46-----Size: 19.5m
Hope you enjoy them both, and may the best episode win!

Those were awesome! And helped me decide which eps to vote for. :D

[DisneyBoy]

wow


I just voted for Over the Edge


I really didn't think I would, since it always seemed to be such a favorite, but given the choice between it and Heart of Ice, I just didn't want to see it lose.

Freeze's story falls short animation wise, and the chicken soup ending just bugs me. Barbara's dream just reveals so much about how she perceives those around her, and with amazing animation and music, I had to give it my vote.

In all truth, I'm kinda annoyed by how many people think Heart of Ice is perfect, so I'm hoping my vote will help take it down.

Out of the two, Over the Edge wins.

[wonderfly]

And the war between which of the two is better rages on... :rolleyes:

[Randy H]

Ok, I gotta' agree with DisneyBoy here... Why is Heart of Ice considered to be so perfect? I realize that it's a really great story (and on that count, I'd say it's probably about even with Over the Edge), but the production values of the episode were nill. In fact, I'd say this is one of the most poorly animated episodes of BTAS.

Over the Edge had a great story, that is equally as good as Heart of Ice, but its production values were much higher. In fact, it is probably the most well-animated show of both BTAS and TNBA. Not only the character animation, but the effects animation was outstanding as well. Remember Batman jumping down to the Batboat? Nice....

Say a "dream" episode doesn't affect reality? You're right. But it does delve deeply into the person's psyche (at least in this case), showing us how they think. And if I'm not mistaken, isn't that why most of you like Heart of Ice as well? I'd say that OtE delves deeper into Barbara's mind than Heart of Ice does into Mr. Freeze's.

Quality of animation shouldn't trump story, but when the two stories are equal, look at production value. This is a poll for the best EPISODE, not the best script.

Besides, BT and crew have said in several interviews that they all believe OtE to be the best episode of all, so why argue?

VOTE OVER THE EDGE!!!!!

~Randy H

[Salvor]

Originally posted by DisneyBoy
Freeze's story falls short animation wise, and the chicken soup ending just bugs me.
In all truth, I'm kinda annoyed by how many people think Heart of Ice is perfect, so I'm hoping my vote will help take it down.
[/B]
You find it weak animation-wise? What is good animation to you?? Cause honestly, I think the animation truly rocks. It's fluid, well paced, all the characters couldn't be more on-model, Freeze's design is cool (no pun intended) and looks great when animated...

Besides, is the chicken soup the only thing that struck you story-wise? Cause I gotta say, Freeze's tragic story and the script were very solid and the chicken soup thing is a wee-tiny plot twist, admittedly funny in its corny way.

[James Harvey]

I gotta agree with Salvor. I believe TMS even animated Heart of Ice (though is may have been Sunrise...) and the animation is sweet. Just becuase the bat symbol gets inverted it's not animated well? To be honest, the computer coloring in Over The Edge got really overbearing at times, especially when we see Gordon look down as he hangs from the ledge and the camera zoons into the ground. I know it frame is supposed to zoom in, but they just zoomed in on the cell, artifacting the scene abit and causing jagged lines. As many of you might know, I prefer cell animation over the current computer coloring. When computer coloring took over on Batman Beyond, I let my voice be heard I'm sure some of you remembered.

The only fault in Heart of Ice is the inverted bat symbol which barely lasts for more than a few seconds. The animation, like in the STAS episode 'World's Finest', is great. It's an early episode, one of the few early ones they got dead on. The stay on model throughout and the animation is fluid. The action is quick. The episode also contains one of my favorite scenes. We see Batman's face and a fist fly across. Zoom out and a thug falls down. Classic scene. To say this episode has bad animation is to compare it to poorly animated episodes like Moon of the Wolf (which also featured an mis-colored bat symbol) and Critters (sorry, Maxie). This is the episode that drew me into the animated series. It had a great plot, stirring animation, and an awesome finale ("Goodnight...humanitarian..."). It doesn't get any better than this.

No episode is perfect, but this one is as close as they get.

[jjbeach]

Sigh...

There's so much going on in my life that I'm
lucky that I got a chance to check in on how
the final voting actually came down, or I would
have completely missed that there was a run-off
vote. I wonder if others will find it in time?

Maybe the poll should have ended in a tie...

[James Harvey]

I'm gonna merge this with the poll thread. There where it belongs. In all honesty, I wouldn't mind if we ended it with a tie. It would have been a bit of extra work, but it would have been fun to research two radically different episodes. But I do have a plan for the other episodes, too...

[Randy H]

Dick, I gotta' admit you're right.. To an extent. It's been a while since I've seen the episode, but I do remember the shot of Mr. Freeze "flying" by shooting his freeze gun into the ground, propelling himself upward.. That was pretty nice... for some reason, though, as Mr. Freeze episodes go, I always liked Deep Freeze just a bit better... Dunno why, really, just never got much into HoI (I need to watch it again:)).

Still, I strongly disagree with you on the computer coloring controversy. Things like inverted bat-symbols can get fixed when you have a digital project, but with cels (not cells - these aren't microscopic body parts :) ) you have to repaint the entire thing, then reshoot it, etc. Not to mention that digital compositing allows much more dynamic camerawork, even with 2D artwork. What exactly is the advantage of using cels?

On the bat-symbol debate... It may not seem a big thing, but what is more basic to Batman than his bat-symbol? C'mon. That's the one thing in the whole show that should never get screwed up.

Oh well... To each his own...

Later,
Randy H

[James Harvey]

Cel! Gah! I always write is cell. Thanks for catching that, Randy.

For the whole cel/computer controversy, I really like the old fashioned feel of the original episodes. The computer coloring just sorta gets me at times. I love the old fashioned look. It's great. I just really enjoy seeing animation done the (ugh) "old fashioned way" as they say. The computer coloring, while used effectively at times in Over The Edge just sorta got to me at times.

But I guess I'm just old fashioned.

Personally, I voted for Heart of Ice for alot of reasons. Nostalgia. Great animation. Brilliant story (I even liked the chicken soup :)). Mor eimportantly, it hooked me into Batman's animated world. No other episode has done that, with 'On Leather Wings' in a close second. This is my favorite episode of all time.

I just love this episode.

[DisneyBoy]

I gotta admit Jim, you're one classy guy!

I really admire you defending your standpoint without being overbearing or condescending. I'm glad you voted for the one episode you loved most.

To be completely honest, I can't say I did the same (not that I want to change it like Catwalk/Second Chance LOL :rolleyes: :D :p ) I picked the one I preferred out of the two. Even then, I still really liked Heart of Ice, especially the final scene with Freeze in his cell (not cel LOL :D ...I am so funny today! :rolleyes: ) The inverted Bat-symbol isn't a huge deal to me, but rather the jagged, almost stop-motion-like ice effects. As the building was being frozen, I was really unimpressed with the way it was animated....but then again, I saw Deep Freeze and Subzero before seeing Heart of Ice. Generally, I preferred the animation in Second Chance, Catwalk and Shadow of the Bat to that used in On Leather Wings, His Silicon Soul and Heart of Ice. The one thing we do have in common, though, is a love for traditional cel animation. Things look so much deeper, more emotive and lyrical when you can almost feel the colors and textures. Computer stuff should be a seperate domain, not merged in. Toy Story and Sleeping Beauty should remain seperate forms of art, and always will, at least in my mind. It's one of the reasons why JL disappoints me. Different screen or computer = different colors. Ick.

Still, these polls have been great fun...even if I'll always be embarassed about the Catwalk/Second Chance thing :rolleyes: :o !

[wonderfly]

Going back to the debate over whether a TNBA episode should win or not, yes I would prefer it if an original BTAS episode won(but that's just me), but I have nothing against TNBA personally...well, except maybe for the Joker's eyes in TNBA's...that kinda creeped me out always. Since Joker wasn't in Over the Edge, and that episode still managed to pull off an interesting battle, (most of the time, the best battles are against the Joker) I really do see why Over the Edge was the best of TNBA episodes...but it's now THE BEST EVER.

Oh, and I think Over the Edge kinda overused that computer animation as well.

;)

[Randy H]

Jim,

Ironically, I basically voted for Over the Edge for the same reasons you voted for Heart of Ice! These eps are pretty evenly matched, but I like the TNBA aesthetic better. Then again, Mr.Freeze is probably one of two designs in BTAS (Freeze and Catwoman) that I would have preferred over their TNBA counterparts. The animation (read: movement, volume control, and performance) nearly always looked better in TNBA. The model sheets on paper, were sometimes less appealing, but they were much more effective in animation. Hopefully they'll release a new DVD for BTAS with Heart of Ice on it. I need to watch it again.

I disagree on the coloring debate, but it's cool. I think we can both say we agree that handdrawn animation is the best! I know I prefer it.

Someone said something about feeling the textures or something... I don't think that feeling comes from it being cels, but more from the separate styles of the shows. BTAS backgrounds were done in a very gritty, dark style, and TNBA was brightened and cleaned up quite a bit. To me the backgrounds are to be credited more for that "textured" feel than the cels themselves. If BTAS had been colored digitally, it still would have that feel, because the backgrounds would be the same style.

Later,
Randy H

[DisneyBoy]

I would be that "someone". ;)

I probably chose poor wording. I guess I feel more has been given to traditional animation than with computer done stuff. Batman in B:TAS had a sharpness to him that the JL never has, and probably never will. It's the power of the human body I guess and creativity. Drawing is passion. Computers are artificial.

[Randy H]

DisneyBoy- sorry I left your name off. :)

I think you may be a bit unclear. TNBA, BTAS, Beyond, and Justice League never had any CG artwork. The only thing they did digitally was the camera and color work. The characters are always hand drawn (aside from JL's opening titles), and the backgrounds (until BB:ROTJ) were all painted by hand. They only colored the characters in the computer. Even that stuff in Over the Edge was flat artwork, drawn and painted by hand. There was no CG wireframe in the backgrounds or the characters.

I understand what you're saying about drawn versus CG animation, but I don't think computer-coloring necessarily moves hand-drawn characters into the "artificial" category. You can tell a slight difference, but I'm convinced that most of that difference is because of the different visual style of the shows, not because of the digital coloring. Part of that texture you talked about is also because of poor camera work where cels get warped or aren't quite pressurized properly, so slight shadows happen between the background and the cel. Digital coloring eliminates those things. The computer can keep the artist's original intent even more correctly than a film camera, because everything can be adjusted and controlled.

All this to reiterate....

To each his own....

Later,
Randy H

[James Harvey]

With less than a day to go, the gap is getting pretty small. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow's results. This has been an interesting past couple of weeks, and I'm glad to see the poll finally reach it's end. You know, I knew from the first week it would come down between Heart of Ice and Over The Edge. I just wonder who will champion the other...

[Sable Phoenix]

I have to say that I voted for Over the Edge. Ironically, I'm exactly the opposite of what somebody mentioned earlier; there are things I'd change in Heart of Ice (chicken soup, anyone?), but there's nothing I would touch in Over the Edge. From the very first scene that ep had my heart pounding and I was wondering, "Okay, Batgirl can't be dead, can she? What's going on here?" Plus Batgirl falling off the bulding and landing on Gordon's car has got to be one of the most ballsy scenes ever done in Batman animation--I remember watching it and thinking, "This got by the network censors?!" Not to mention there were about twenty different instances where I was close to choking up in that ep. It was just SO... GOOD.

Was it the best Batman ep ever? Hard to say. I don't know if any ep can be decided as the hands down best ep. Between these two, however, I think Over the Edge is better.

[peterparker05]

Originally posted by Sable Phoenix
I have to say that I voted for Over the Edge. Ironically, I'm exactly the opposite of what somebody mentioned earlier; there are things I'd change in Heart of Ice (chicken soup, anyone?), but there's nothing I would touch in Over the Edge. From the very first scene that ep had my heart pounding and I was wondering, "Okay, Batgirl can't be dead, can she? What's going on here?" Plus Batgirl falling off the bulding and landing on Gordon's car has got to be one of the most ballsy scenes ever done in Batman animation--I remember watching it and thinking, "This got by the network censors?!" Not to mention there were about twenty different instances where I was close to choking up in that ep. It was just SO... GOOD.

Was it the best Batman ep ever? Hard to say. I don't know if any ep can be decided as the hands down best ep. Between these two, however, I think Over the Edge is better.

Right on friend!

[Randy H]

GO OVER THE EDGE !!!!!!! WHOOHOO!!!!! YEAH! The gap narrows.....

At this point, a tie might actually be pretty cool, though. One ep from BTAS, one from TNBA...

But I still have to cheer my favorite.....

GO OVER THE EDGE !!!!!!


~randy h

[Exatron]

Why do so many people complain about the chicken soup in "Heart of Ice?" Is it Batman's line? The use of the soup? Something I haven't noticed?

I can't say much about the line since it seems like an attempt at combining humor with some sort of moral, but I can explain the use of the soup. Freeeze was far too strong for Batman to fight directly, so he cracked Freeze's helmet. Rapidly changing the temperature of glass will cause it to shatter. It is debatable whether the circumstances would have allowed it to work in our world, but it is consistent with the physics of the average comic book.

One more thing.
GO, "HEART OF ICE!"

[DJRed]

wow.... 262 votes and it's still a tie...
That's impressive!

Anyway, I voted Over the Edge. But I don't stand a chance of making a good point in this debate, so I voted without the use of logic or reasoning.

[Mattashell]

It's going to be another tie.

[Salvor]

131 vs 131
Very close one :)

[peterparker05]

It's a tie! It's a tie! 133-133


I say we shutdown the poll right now and leave it. That way we'd get the special commentary on both episodes and not just one!





(P.S. If we do keep going, vote for Over The Edge!)

[Bird Boy]

this poll will stay open till 3pm (or later, depends if I'm home..LOL). If it is a tie, we're just gonna leave it at that. They're both winners...

-BB

[Good Ol' Batmanuel!]

Kinda sad that, as of my writing this, there have been 2498 views of this poll and only 266 votes! Unless my reasoning is skewed somehow... :)

[Exatron]

The number of views and votes won't necessarily be equal. Some people might look at the poll and vote later. Some might not bother to vote. Others might participate in the discussion and would view the thread more than once to check replies.

Go, "Heart of Ice!"

[James Harvey]

With an hour to go, Over The Edge leads by one vote!

As for the views/votes thing...that's different. The views count everytime a person (any person) views the thread. That can mean the same person looking at the thread over and over. I visit this thread many times a day to check out the results.

[Tmansdc]

Over The Edge was one of the best TNBA episodes period, it was better than some B:TAS episodes too. This is one of the reasons I think that TNBA was a good successor to B:TAS (but nothing will beat B:TAS although BB came close)

[Tmansdc]

Originally posted by Randy H
Jim,

Ironically, I basically voted for Over the Edge for the same reasons you voted for Heart of Ice! These eps are pretty evenly matched, but I like the TNBA aesthetic better. Then again, Mr.Freeze is probably one of two designs in BTAS (Freeze and Catwoman) that I would have preferred over their TNBA counterparts. The animation (read: movement, volume control, and performance) nearly always looked better in TNBA. The model sheets on paper, were sometimes less appealing, but they were much more effective in animation. Hopefully they'll release a new DVD for BTAS with Heart of Ice on it. I need to watch it again.

I disagree on the coloring debate, but it's cool. I think we can both say we agree that handdrawn animation is the best! I know I prefer it.

Someone said something about feeling the textures or something... I don't think that feeling comes from it being cels, but more from the separate styles of the shows. BTAS backgrounds were done in a very gritty, dark style, and TNBA was brightened and cleaned up quite a bit. To me the backgrounds are to be credited more for that "textured" feel than the cels themselves. If BTAS had been colored digitally, it still would have that feel, because the backgrounds would be the same style.

Later,
Randy H

The only desings i liked better in TNBA were Penguin's and Scarecrows. Scarecrow no longer looked like a thing made out of straws, he seemed like a creepy hoboish person from the 19th century, and the penguin didn't look like his movie counterpart anyumore, he looked like what he should have looked like in the first place. Sometimes I wish TNBA would have had more episodes (Critters was the worst of the 109 episodes though)

[BeastBoyWonder]

I voted Heart of Ice.

EDIT: Its a tie! 134 to 134!

[James Harvey]

I really hope everyone has voted, becuase the poll closes in just under 10 minutes, and no exceptions will be made. It'll be closing at exactly 3pm (ET).

[BeastBoyWonder]

135 to 134 in favor of Heart of Ice, with a minute or so left! I can already hear the wails for "recount".

[James Harvey]

The poll is closed. The winner, by one vote, is HEART OF ICE! Congratulations to the winner! This poll was a nail biter to the end!

[The Penguin]

"I failed you. I wish there were another way for me to say it. I cannot. I can only beg your forgiveness and pray you hear me somehow, someplace... Someplace where a warm hand waits for mine." -Mr. Freeze, Heart of Ice

http://www.toonzone.net/worldsfinest/wfepisodes/hoi_06.jpg

Congratulations to Heart of Ice! Winner of the Best Batman: The Animated Series Episode poll!

[RJLundeen]

When you get right down to it, one vote cannot clearly make a winner here. I say you proclaim them both winners. Because let's face it, they are. And , they show the extremes in the styles of the early show and the later show. At least we know what the two most popular shows are (according to 270 people anyway. I wonder who the winners would be if all the thousands and thousands of fans of the show had participated? In the meantime, I say the next poll be for which is the best Batman animated movie? Phantasm, Sub-Zero, Batman/Superman or Batman Beyond, R.O.T.J.? Classics all! -Rick

[BeastBoyWonder]

While Heart of Ice is not my favorite eppy, it is "up there", at least in my top five.

[Mattashell]

Congratulations to Heart of Ice who wins by one vote. Thanks to everyone who helped out by getting this poll at least 200 votes every week, special thanks to Jim Harvey and and BirdBoy for creating, running and moderating toe polls, Borg 4of3 for your sophisticated music videos, everyone who campaigned for your favorite ep, and of course, the writers, producers and everyone who worked on B:TAS, and TNBA and helped bring it to our televion screens for the past ten years. Congratulations to everyone, because we all win with eps like these to choose from.

[Sparvid]

Yay! :D (Though I am the Night will alwyas be the best, IMO ;))
But didn't HoI lead with at least 10 votes just yesterday?

[Failure]

Wow. What a classic finish.

Maybe Bruce Timm iwll be feeling generous and will give us his thoughts on both of the eps. We can dream right? :D

[GrayGhost]

I hate Mr. Freeze. Boo and hiss.

:D

[Blight]

Wow, "Heart of Ice" won by one vote! Too bad "Over the Edge" didn't win, but HOI is my second favorite episode anyways, so...

CONGRATULATIONS TO "HEART OF ICE"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't wait for the commentary!

See ya!
Blight

[Meow]

WOW! :eek:

My vote actually made a difference, aMAZing!

[Joe Tully]

Wow. HOI was losing by one vote a half hour before closing time, the last time I saw this. I was hoping HOI could pull it off but was expecting OTE to win.

I agree, this was practically a tie (135-134 votes, just 50.19% to 49.81%), but HOI was ahead at closing time, which is all that matters. If it had been left open for another half hour, who knows, maybe OTE would've won.

Anyways, like Mattashell said, thanks to everyone involved for the polls. It's been fun.

But let's not make it so damn close next time! :p

[Joker85]

WOW!! I can't believe it won by one vote!!! Well, YAY!!! for Heart of Ice. :D

[James Harvey]

Well, the votes have been counted and the winner determined. So, stay tuned soon for more developments. It's going to take me awhile to get everything prepared, but I'llhave the commetary page up as soon as I can. And don't worry, if I have the time, I plan to do some special (albeit smaller) pages for the other episodes as well. This is in early planning stages but I'll keep ya all posted!

[Lucky Bob]

Well, that's great. Now, we at last have the greatest Batman episode of all time.

After Harley's Holiday, of course. ;)

[sun]

One vote, a great poll. great points of view, congratulations to all, it was a lot of fun.

[wonderfly]

Well, I guess it's a good thing I didn't check the poll over the weekend: it looks like it would have had me on pins and needles till the very end!

Talk about your close votes! Election 2000 has nothing on this poll!

;)

Hmm...lets see here for the runners up:

1. Heart of Ice get's 1st place

2. Over the Edge gets a superclose 2nd place.

3. Almost Got Em barely walks away with 3rd place.

4. Twoface Pt. 1 gets 4th place, barely behing Almost Got em.

5. Perchance to Dream gets 5th

So those are the top 5.

6. Mad Love get's 6th place.

7. Robin's Reckoning pt. 1 gets 7th place.

8. Trial gets 8th place.

9. The Demon's Quest pt. 1 gets 9th place.

10. And Harleyquinade gets 10 place.

11. oh, and Harley's Holiday gets a distant 11th place.

And order and harmony are restored to the universe!
:D

[Bleu Unicorn]

Wow, what a remarkable finish! :) I'm not really surprised, they are both excellent episodes. But, either way. Congrats to "Heart of Ice" for managing to inch ahead just enough to squeeze out a victory! :D

-- Uni

[Theking]

Well if I had been around for the show down I would have voted for Heart of Ice, I voted for that one everytime it came up.

TheKing

[dark knight acolyte]

Heart of Ice vs. Over the Edge.....best Batman: The Animated Series (including TNBA) episode ever on the line. And it sure didn't disappoint.

I voted for Heart of Ice, personally....and like the other 135 of us who did I say, "Phew." After all, if 1 of 266 votes had been any different, we'd see a different winner. Truly, both episodes are champs, but I do feel the deserving winner is acknowledges, in lieu of both my opinion and the last poll contraversy (in the past, to be sure).

But I have something to say to all those who voted for Over the Edge. Excellent job; you voted, practically, for a co-champion and a gem in all of truest rights.

135-134......for every 1.34 votes for OTE, Heart of Ice got 1.35....that's the difference we're talking about......less than a full percent by far. An absolute grand finale....glad I could be part of it.


BUT......looking ahead, I truly anticipate the pages for these eps to the utmost decree. However, I really like the opinions expressed on these boards. I think it's time to start anther best of poll: to choose the character of the animated series we feel is most well-done, using main characters and the more important supporting cast. It would be interesting.....consider:

Unique characters born of animated series conception, such as Harley Quinn.

Classic villians interpreted such as Joker, Penguin and Catwoman.

Tragic villians such as Mr. Freeze and Two-Face.

"Monsters" like Clayface, Man-Bat, etc.

Supporting cast, etc......the list goes on and on.


I think it would be an interesting topic of discussion as well as an enlightening result to observe.

[Caped Crusader]

Wow! That was really close! :eek: Even though I like "Over the Edge" better than "Heart of Ice", "Heart of Ice" is still one of my favorite episodes, so I don't mind it winning too much. :)