Request Rat: Batman vs. Man-Bat (BTAS)

This is the fastest I've disagreed with myself after recording something. This review of the Batman: The Animated Series pilot episode is mostly centered around hating Man-Bat. But as a pilot episode it really is quite good.

So much of this show's greatness was present from the very beginning, and while Man-Bat is the lamest Batman villain ever created, upon further reflection I see the wisdom in using him for the introduction to this show. Not every story has to be complex and layered with pathos, sometimes it's cool to just have Batman punching a scary monster in the head.

Clearly the purpose of this plot was to show off the art style, and the level of animation the show would be capable of. The scenes of Batman evading the police and soaring through the skies with Man-Bat in a headlock are really awesome and atmospheric.

But that's something I didn't fully notice until splicing this together in editing. Re-watching the soundless, incredible footage over my asinine complaints made me feel like a crazy person for not praising it enough.

I was just too wrapped up in my hatred for Man-Bat, as an entity and as a living creature. He's a stupid character, and makes more sense as a villain for Spider-Man than Batman. I say that partly because I'd like to see the freakish beast get shot out of the sky and taxidermed by Kraven The Hunter.

I could have reviewed any episode, but there were too many good ones to choose from, so I chose the pilot. Obviously this show is a classic and I was bound to add it to my regular rotation of topics at some point. I have more than a few random episodes recorded, so I'm sure you'll get to hear plenty more manic Batman rants from me in time. But hopefully there will be no more Man-Bat ever.