I remember watching the first episode of Batman: The Animated Series, and being thrilled that Man-Bat was featured. It was a choice that firmly set the show apart from any other Batman project that viewers had seen before. Here was a villain that had never been seen outside of the comics, in a story presented with seriousness and suspense. I automatically knew that the show was going to be something special, and indeed, it certainly was. Now, let's get Man-Bat into the movies!
These two first crossed paths in STF #2883...
Just a week until STF #3000 - I have some extra features I hope you will like:
- Oversized cover featuring two iconic teams clashing for the first time
- And now, a word from our sponsor
- You get a ring! And you get a ring! And you get a ring!
- Public Service Announcement
- Oops, I did it again!
- Coming Saturdays this fall!
... all in the spirit of STF: The Lost Issues!
17 comments:
Agreed!
I always liked Kirk Langstrom as a tragic hero. B:TAS handled him pretty well, but by The Batman, he was flat-out a rogue, which I thought was a shame and found disappointing. I never got that sense from early appearances - especially since he was a part of The Batman Family line-up. I remember his wer-jaguar transformations...
First off, another good 'un. The first born child element is a brilliant touch!
Second off, 3000! Amazing. Your super powers are Tenacity, Perseverance, Stamina...and of course, Creativity.
I'm looking forward to the event. Thanks for doing these covers, especially in these difficult days. They are a joy.
I look forward to the tri-millenial issue with anticipation.
As for today's cover? Interesting choice for a sequel! The overly prolonged transformation mentioned in the cover-sim for their first team-up could have been Mephisto's doing. The result of one of his long-range plans, you might say!
Will Doc and the Man-Bat save the day?
Strange-r things have happened. ;-)
René Auberjonois was a guest at a SHORELEAVE con some yrs back. He got introduced, came out on stage, but his head was fixated on where he was. Before his intro, they played a segment of "On Leather Wings". When he came out, he said it was the first time he had ever seen it - on the monitor. He had no idea of how good it was.
As actors, they did their lines long before the drawings were done. He wanted to keep watching it.
The animated series, based on the Superman/Fleischer Studios style took America by storm in ways that the fans wouldn't know about until much, much later. Your feelings were strongly shared about that series Ross.
Looking at the various places where Batman is being featured (directly or indirectly), I think the most likely place for us to see a live-action Man-Bat is probably one of the The Batman sequels. The DCEU is de-emphasizing the character, Titans is rightly focused on the team's enemies, and Batwoman isn't likely to have the SFX budget. For me, though, any of them (especially the last) would just need to mention the name Kirk Langstrom and I'll get plenty excited.
My recollection of Man-Bat's early days in the comics is similar to what we saw on his B:TAS appearance: he started as a sort of Jekyll/Hyde figure in the mold of the Lizard (which is part of why I campaigned to see them together, which we got in #2606 and is something I'd like to see more of).
For today's cover, this is a well-composed piece that I seriously can't tell wasn't originally drawn this way. Even better, it unexpectedly features Dr. Langstrom on "Take Your Daughter to Work Day." I have a vague (though perhaps false) impression of having read the original comic, but I'm curious what the situation was there; maybe someone can refresh my memory.
Re: the "ring" teaser on #3000: I'm guessing it has something to do with either Middle-Earth or the Green Lantern Corps. Whether I'm right or not, maybe some future cover can combine the two. (Maybe Sam Gamgee is recruited into the Corps when Boromir returns as a Black Lantern?)
PS: An early team-up that I still love to think about featured Mister Fantastic, Mister Incredible, and Mister Terrific. This is another team-up that I'd like to see revisited, perhaps battling the likes of Mister Sinister and Mister Mind.
I like the pairing, but you're only partially right about the Man-bat's media exposure in that he did appear on one of those record/comic book thingies from the seventies. I had that one and a Spider-man/Man-wolf one that I also quite liked...
a guess for #3000....
The Green Lanterns vs. The Mandarin and Thanos????
or Shazzan vs. The Thing with the Thing rings????
what ever it is i'm sure it will be great fun, Ross.....
Thanks in advance....
PSA : The neighborhood watch ( You get a doorbell ring, and you get a doorbell ring)
vs the Muppets on Sesame Street! Brought to you by the letters G R I M M, makers of fine whines. Coming to your networks this summer on Saturdays. Be there.
That, or The Mandarin marries a Red Lantern in: With these rings we did it. Wed!
IT'S A P H O N E RING. It's a call two arms. (why? how many arms do you have?) Why would you think that? A T& T told me.
It's in extra features - It's a 3 Ring Circus... activity in each ring.
....it's a boxing ring, wrestling ring, and more. That's 3 rings in 1. Order now and we'll give you a 2nd set of 3rings in 1. Just pay shipping and handling for each.
Have an onion ring on him.
Wow, this cover is seamless!
...And as a kid I always loved Man-Bat.
@masked Horsefeathers: Drew Carey is the self-proclaimed Lord of the Onion Rings.
@Anon 2:11, Then don't Carey it any further. Activate the Onion Ring!
Yes, by all means; "Sauron" to new heights!
Can't wait for Issue 3000!
Just five days left, Chuck!! :-)
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