Mike Manley’s not the only creator reacting to comments on the upcoming Batman: The Brave and the Bold show coming to Cartoon Network. World’s Finest Online spoke with Batman: The Brave & the Bold director Ben Jones … Jones clarified some details about the tone of the show and the personality of Batman, in particular:
“I wouldn’t mind trying to allay some of the fears expressed on various message boards,” Jones told The World’s Finest. “First, there will be an element of comedy, but that doesn’t mean that we’re skimping on the action.
“We’re trying as hard as we can to make sure the action will be as amazing and exciting as any previous incarnation of the Batman,” he added.
Jones wanted to assure fans that the series won’t be making fun of Batman, but will instead tell stories about him in a slightly lighter style.
“Character-wise, Batman is still the same gruff perfectionist that he’s been for the last twenty-five or so years,” says Jones. “Everyone here is a Batman fan too, so we want to do right by him.”
April 9th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
I didn’t get the chance to respond to Mr. Manley’s comments in an earlier posting since I’ve been away for a days and didn’t go near a computer (a nice break, BTW)… I just saw what he had to say for the first time yesterday, fairly late in the day.
Perhaps I’ll post a response to Manley’s name-calling/baiting (Really, who’s the “Babyman” when you act like that?) later on today, if time allows. For now, I just want to say that Mr. Jones is a far classier act. He’s addressed fan concerns, acknowledged them without name-calling, and making it clear that he we respect the character of Batman.
Wow! Someone who can speak to the fans about a divisive issue (at least in our geeky world, something we all share in common) in civilized manner. Sounds like it just might be a good show for kids after all, and maybe even one that won’t totally insult the intelligence of the adults/parents who tune in. That would be a nice surprise.
Kudos to you, Mr. Jones! Perhaps you can give Mr. Manley a few pointers about dealing with fans (Y’know, not telling adults at a comic book site that comics today “suck a**” for instance… It’s not our fault that the industry doesn’t do much to reach kids today)while you’re at it.
April 9th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
This description of the show reminds me of how Teen Titans was described in the run-up to that show, and I really enjoy that program. It was fun and funny, with lots of action and character but a good deal of humor in it as well. I know some people didn’t care for it, but it seems a lot more did.
TBATB looks like it will be a fun series, and I am looking forward to it. Now, I can begin my own personal nerd-rage as I demand the inclusion of Geo-Force, Black Lightning, Katana, Metamorpho, and Halo, perhaps battling the Masters of Disaster in a 2-part episode.
April 9th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
What’s wrong with poking fun at Batman? I have always liked the character - whether in his Frank Miller neo-fascist phase, his Bob Kane avenging millionaire phase, or his Adam West incarnation. But in all these phases, there is something kinda silly about him. Why run away from it? Embrace your silliness, Batman! Release your inner goofball!
April 9th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Yay for action!
Yay for comedy!!
Yay for Batman!!!
Why are people so down on this show? It looks great!
April 9th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
“Why are people so down on this show?”
BECAUSE IT’S NOT PAUL DINI AND BRUCE TIMM AND KEVIN CONROY AND GOD I’M SO ANGRY WHY CAN’T THIS CHILDREN’S CARTOON BE AN EXACT COPY OF ONE FROM 15 YEARS AGO.
April 9th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
The sight of the Jaime Reyes Blue Beetle alongside old school Batman and Green Arrow hurts my head.
April 9th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
That was pretty classy of him, IMO. I’ll give the show the benefit of the doubt. I guess you could say it doesn’t look like Jackie Chan Adventures or Ben 10.
April 10th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
oh now this guy is quite a bit nicer about it. his art director, probably not very good with kids.