The Definitive Batman: Redone

[Hush Little Batman]

In the original poll (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=148452), I neglected to provide the Bronze age as a choice so I'm including it this time around and I've removed the ones that received zero votes.

So, which is your definitive Batman?

[rick]

Bronze age = Aparo, Adams and Rogers, plus Denny doing the writing.

It's the Batman we all love.

[the goddamn batman]

I'd just like to vote for there not being a definitive Batman. Personally or otherwise. So I'll vote 'other'.

If there was a definitive Batman, there would be no pole.

I have no preference. I like all of them for different reasons. Why souldn't I have my cake and eat it too? ;)

[TheTen-EyedMan]

The Batman I most enjoy re-reading is that block from 1976 to 1986.

Ten years of very good stories. And nary a dead kitten, act of cannibalism nor Assclown Batman in sight.

[Kara Zor El]

I'd just like to vote for there not being a definitive Batman. Personally or otherwise. So I'll vote 'other'.

If there was a definitive Batman, there would be no pole.

I have no preference. I like all of them for different reasons. Why souldn't I have my cake and eat it too? ;)

Yeah that's the way I feel. They are all Batman. They are all good in their own way. As he said in Returns. "Things change."

[Hush Little Batman]

If there was a definitive Batman, there would be no pole.

The poll question isn't about choosing a Batman everyone else has to accept, it's simply to choose what you feel is the best version of the character you've ever seen portrayed. It's about personal choice; nothing more.

[Sean Whitmore]

Not to kibbitz, but I don't see how all of Post-Crisis Batman can be lumped into one category. That's 20 years. 1988 Batman is a lot different than 1994, which is a lot different than 2001 Batman.


SEAN

[The Shadow]

Bronze age = Aparo, Adams and Rogers, plus Denny doing the writing.

It's the Batman we all love.
Seconded.

:D

[the goddamn batman]

The poll question isn't about choosing a Batman everyone else has to accept, it's simply to choose what you feel is the best version of the character you've ever seen portrayed. It's about personal choice; nothing more.

Yes, I understand that. That's why I also said, personally, there isn't one definitive Batman for me. ;)

[The Shadow]

Yes, I understand that. That's why I also said, personally, there isn't one definitive Batman for me. ;)
So you like the cheesy Batman of the 1950's that fights aliens or the campy Batman from the 1960's the same as the Bronze Age (Adams-O'Neill) Batman or the more modern Batman?

[stealthwise]

I chose the Animated Series, because I've got the four volumes of dvds on my shelf, nearly perfect, and they're never going to get screwed over by retcons or unnecessary sequels (DKR-style).

[the goddamn batman]

So you like the cheesy Batman of the 1950's that fights aliens or the campy Batman from the 1960's the same as the Bronze Age (Adams-O'Neill) Batman or the more modern Batman?

I like them all.;)

[Reptisaurus!]

I think I voted Bronze Age last time, so now I'm voting Dick Sprang.

Who's... Golden? Silver? I never know where to put the fifties.

[shyguy]

Not to kibbitz, but I don't see how all of Post-Crisis Batman can be lumped into one category. That's 20 years. 1988 Batman is a lot different than 1994, which is a lot different than 2001 Batman.

For that matter, "Golden" and "Silver" ages aren't really very explanatory. Is Golden Age his first few appearances as an illustrated pulp hero, or when he lightened up and started hanging out with Robin? Is Silver Age the New Look or the Bat-Family stories?

Anyhoo, I'd vote for whatever category Dick Sprang would fit into. Now there's a Batman.

[Hush Little Batman]

Not to kibbitz, but I don't see how all of Post-Crisis Batman can be lumped into one category. That's 20 years. 1988 Batman is a lot different than 1994, which is a lot different than 2001 Batman.

Well, the polls are configured to only allow 10 choices max so you can't have it all.

[Jay]

Generally speaking (As people will haggle with specific comics that mark the turn of the Godlen Age to the Silver Age you can consider any Batman pre mid's 50's as Golden Age (Before Showcase#4 the first Silver Age Flash, So bascialy for Golden Age Batman we are talking Batman appearances in Detective from the issue#230's and down, and Batman issue#'s below the 120's.

I guess we could all disagree personally, buti if we are discussing prevalent industry opinion, it makes it easier.

Is Silver Age the New Look or the Bat-Family stories?

The Bat Family titles are definitely Bronze age (the beginings of which are again disputable petaining to exact issue, but the relative time frame isn't - Adam's Green Lantern, or Conan#1 being widely popular as candidates).

That said, I'm not old and I'm a product of the Modern Age (more aptly Copper and not modern, but I think the Copper tag is pretty stupid - it's all modern to me) and while not definitive the Bat that set the tone for the Batman I read were Miller's Dark Knight and Moore's Killing Joke - and I embrace both the Morrison and Dini run as well. I think what seperates the nature of Batman from other characters is that he can be liberally and drastically interpreted and recasted yet at its heart we still recognize Batman. These aren't what I'd claim as 'the best', but they are mean on the scale that I judge other books off (before or after, better or worse). The Batman that is equal friend and equaly dangerous to other heroes is the Batman I most enjoy. Th Batman who would create what became Omac is the Batman I enjoy, the Batman who doesn't have time for Dibny's funeral is the Batman I enjoy, the Batman other league members fear ticking of as much as Superman is the Batman I enjoy, the Batman that is trusted with the Supe's K-Ring is the Batman I enjoy (and that he wilj use it). I'm speaking about the basis/core character, not saying that's all he should exhibit, or capable of exhibiting, but it starts from there with me. Others call this the bat-dick version, but frankly the happy-go-lucky kid who saw his parent shut in front of him isn't a character that I can completely buy - called it semi-nihilism, call it jaded, call it modernist - call it whatever, but a Batman that isn't a reflection of his society isn't a Batman I'm interested in (and IMHO he has been in each era). I don't want 1950's Batman in 2006 and I certainly don't want early 80's Batman now although all had their place.

In saying that I think the Bronze Age was terrific. The Adams' work on Detective and Batman are some of my favorite all time books period. We are in an era of rampant overhyped poster and cover gallery atist who call themselves pencilers, it's just to see a true master at work. Adams may have defined the visual of Batman I consider definitive.

Give me the Dark Knight.

[CDB]

I sound once, I'll say it again....

Kevin Conroy is the goddamn Batman!! Bale comes in as a close 2nd.

[Chris Nowlin]

Not to kibbitz, but I don't see how all of Post-Crisis Batman can be lumped into one category. That's 20 years. 1988 Batman is a lot different than 1994, which is a lot different than 2001 Batman.


SEAN

This is incorrect. It could be subdivided into writer's runs space allowing, but it is not necessary. There is a "feel" (and repetetiveness) to these 20 years that is different from the 70's which is (thank god) different from the '60s.

My real objection is that I had to pick one. Bronze age won for me, but I love my animated series.

[TheLazy]

I'd say Frank Millars batman. But since Ive ignored most pre-crisis Batman stuff, probably out of ignorance, I wouldn't know about the 'metal' incarnations. I think Year One is better than DKR let it be said, and I think Batman Beyond has some of Millers Bruce Wayne in it.

[Sean Whitmore]

This is incorrect.

No it's not.

There is a "feel" (and repetetiveness) to these 20 years that is different from the 70's which is (thank god) different from the '60s.

This is incorrect.

(Obviously it's not, I'm being snarky. I just disagree)


SEAN