shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Apr 2, 2021 11:24:20 GMT -5
The Super Power Team: Galactic Guardians (1985) I don't know how the other eras of Super Friends hold up, but this one still works. The Fear by Alan Burnett is the definitive Batman origin story (and the first time it was suggested that Alfred had been Bruce's butler since he was a child) and the look is modelled after Jose Luis Garcia's work. Adam West as Batman; Cyborg and Firestorm join the cast; mechanical Brainiac; Bizarro, Mxyzptlk, Joker, Penguin, Scarecrow; and it looks like a comic book. I'm so glad you brought this one up. That season was on such a different level than the others! So much surprising depth in a few of those episodes, especially the one where Firestorm believes he killed Superman. |
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Post by String on Apr 2, 2021 11:25:25 GMT -5
In no particular order:
Superman The Animated Series - I'm a bit too young to have seen the Adv of Superman. I recall watching sporadic re-runs of it in my youth but never really anywhere close to a daily viewing. So for me, this cartoon IS my Superman show, it's a great adaption and showcase for the character. Voice acting is top notch, in fact, I think this cast doesn't get enough credit for their fine portrayals. Daly's Clark/Superman is far from mild-mannered instead he displays the needed traits of courage, hope, and resilience. I would be perfectly happy seeing Dana Delany give a live action portrayal of Lois considering the strength and appeal she gave to Lois merely through her voice. Clancy Brown defines evil businessman Luthor as much as Hamill does a maniacal Joker.
Their adaptations of characters and stories were mature as well as funny and chaotic. In fact, I'd rank Legacy, the two part series finale as among the best Superman stories ever. Also, a near perfect theme song for Superman, right up there with John Williams soundtrack for the Donner films. How can you NOT feel hopeful and optimistic when you hear it?
X-Men (X-Men, X-Men Evolution, Wolverine & the X-Men) - I gather these three separate cartoons together for I am always up for seeing what's new and different for the Merry Marvel Mutants. There is no denying the impact and appeal of the original 90s X-Men cartoon. At the time of it's premiere, my friends and I had been reading the X-titles for about a decade so the idea of finally getting to see our favorite characters on the full screen seemed too good to be true. But boy, did the cartoon ever deliver on it's promise. Classic characters, adaptions of stories both new and classic, all wrapped up with 90s zeal and gusto, loved every minute of it.
Evolution and WaTX offered up their own unique takes and insights into the characters' relationships and problems for which I thoroughly enjoyed as well. Also, as much as Kevin Conroy IS the voice and heart of Batman, Steven Blum IS the voice and heart of Wolverine. 'Nuff Said.
Young Justice - While not the classic or even traditional line-up of the Teen Titans, I think this show succeeded in bringing Wolfman level drama and appeal to it's characters and stories. Sidekicks who are fed up with being sidekicks, they grew into their own stature eventually helping the League tackle an insidious alien invasion while dealing with their emotional growths and relationships. The action was great ranging from street level fighting to full on comic frenzy mayhem. The show also carried a great sense of humor throughout. Also, while Kevin Conroy IS the voice of Batman, for me, actor Bruce Greenwood who voices Batman in this cartoon, is a damn close second for me.
Flash (on the CW) - as a long time Flash fan and reader, this show is damn near amazing. The casting has been terrific and inspired, the special effects are great but just seeing what all they have adapted (from the Silver Age to the current age) and how they've adapted it, from his Rogues Gallery to the DC Multiverse plus, all the drama of the West and Allen families, it's just been a pleasure to watch.
Akira - the godfather of anime films. I remember the excitement of Archie Goodwin's announcements back in the day with Epic Comics releasing a new colorised adaption of Otomo's manga. The art, the story, it all looked great and I was hyped for it. I read the first half of the manga via Epic which made me want to watch the then-newly released anime film even more. And when I was finally able to see it (on ye ol VHS tape no less), blown away.
How Otomo was able to condense and compress his complex manga into this film while still holding onto it's underlying themes and maturity is masterful. (Yes, I can still identify some with Tetsuo). Plus, it has one of the all time classic soundtracks. I still feel sad yet joyous whenever I hear the funeral dirge from it.
Honorable mention:
Legion of Superheroes - this cartoon from '06 ran for only two seasons which is a shame for it was a great adaption of the group and the 30th century. A young Clark Kent is drawn into the future as a young Superman to help the Legion with their troubles. While it was not possible to focus on every single Legionnaire, the show did well in portraying core members while alluding to and mentioning plenty of the others. They adapted such classic elements as the Sun-Eater, the Fatal Five, the Legion of Super-Villains and even Grimbor the Chainsman. It was fun to watch.
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Post by codystarbuck on Apr 9, 2021 18:59:36 GMT -5
The Super Power Team: Galactic Guardians (1985) I don't know how the other eras of Super Friends hold up, but this one still works. The Fear by Alan Burnett is the definitive Batman origin story (and the first time it was suggested that Alfred had been Bruce's butler since he was a child) and the look is modelled after Jose Luis Garcia's work. Adam West as Batman; Cyborg and Firestorm join the cast; mechanical Brainiac; Bizarro, Mxyzptlk, Joker, Penguin, Scarecrow; and it looks like a comic book. I'm so glad you brought this one up. That season was on such a different level than the others! So much surprising depth in a few of those episodes, especially the one where Firestorm believes he killed Superman. I think the network just didn't care anymore and you had some younger talent involved, who would go on to work on Tiny Toons, which would form the nucleus of talent that would develop batman The Animated Series. |
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Post by codystarbuck on Apr 9, 2021 19:03:04 GMT -5
In no particular order: Superman The Animated Series - I'm a bit too young to have seen the Adv of Superman. I recall watching sporadic re-runs of it in my youth but never really anywhere close to a daily viewing. So for me, this cartoon IS my Superman show, it's a great adaption and showcase for the character. Voice acting is top notch, in fact, I think this cast doesn't get enough credit for their fine portrayals. Daly's Clark/Superman is far from mild-mannered instead he displays the needed traits of courage, hope, and resilience. I would be perfectly happy seeing Dana Delany give a live action portrayal of Lois considering the strength and appeal she gave to Lois merely through her voice. Clancy Brown defines evil businessman Luthor as much as Hamill does a maniacal Joker. Their adaptations of characters and stories were mature as well as funny and chaotic. In fact, I'd rank Legacy, the two part series finale as among the best Superman stories ever. Also, a near perfect theme song for Superman, right up there with John Williams soundtrack for the Donner films. How can you NOT feel hopeful and optimistic when you hear it? X-Men (X-Men, X-Men Evolution, Wolverine & the X-Men) - I gather these three separate cartoons together for I am always up for seeing what's new and different for the Merry Marvel Mutants. There is no denying the impact and appeal of the original 90s X-Men cartoon. At the time of it's premiere, my friends and I had been reading the X-titles for about a decade so the idea of finally getting to see our favorite characters on the full screen seemed too good to be true. But boy, did the cartoon ever deliver on it's promise. Classic characters, adaptions of stories both new and classic, all wrapped up with 90s zeal and gusto, loved every minute of it. Evolution and WaTX offered up their own unique takes and insights into the characters' relationships and problems for which I thoroughly enjoyed as well. Also, as much as Kevin Conroy IS the voice and heart of Batman, Steven Blum IS the voice and heart of Wolverine. 'Nuff Said. Young Justice - While not the classic or even traditional line-up of the Teen Titans, I think this show succeeded in bringing Wolfman level drama and appeal to it's characters and stories. Sidekicks who are fed up with being sidekicks, they grew into their own stature eventually helping the League tackle an insidious alien invasion while dealing with their emotional growths and relationships. The action was great ranging from street level fighting to full on comic frenzy mayhem. The show also carried a great sense of humor throughout. Also, while Kevin Conroy IS the voice of Batman, for me, actor Bruce Greenwood who voices Batman in this cartoon, is a damn close second for me. Flash (on the CW) - as a long time Flash fan and reader, this show is damn near amazing. The casting has been terrific and inspired, the special effects are great but just seeing what all they have adapted (from the Silver Age to the current age) and how they've adapted it, from his Rogues Gallery to the DC Multiverse plus, all the drama of the West and Allen families, it's just been a pleasure to watch. Akira - the godfather of anime films. I remember the excitement of Archie Goodwin's announcements back in the day with Epic Comics releasing a new colorised adaption of Otomo's manga. The art, the story, it all looked great and I was hyped for it. I read the first half of the manga via Epic which made me want to watch the then-newly released anime film even more. And when I was finally able to see it (on ye ol VHS tape no less), blown away. How Otomo was able to condense and compress his complex manga into this film while still holding onto it's underlying themes and maturity is masterful. (Yes, I can still identify some with Tetsuo). Plus, it has one of the all time classic soundtracks. I still feel sad yet joyous whenever I hear the funeral dirge from it.
Honorable mention:
Legion of Superheroes - this cartoon from '06 ran for only two seasons which is a shame for it was a great adaption of the group and the 30th century. A young Clark Kent is drawn into the future as a young Superman to help the Legion with their troubles. While it was not possible to focus on every single Legionnaire, the show did well in portraying core members while alluding to and mentioning plenty of the others. They adapted such classic elements as the Sun-Eater, the Fatal Five, the Legion of Super-Villains and even Grimbor the Chainsman. It was fun to watch.
My only reservation with Superman TAS was that it took quite a while for them to get a handle on the right kinds of stories that worked. it was pretty uneven for quite a while before it started to hit its groove, far longer than Batman had. Once they started weaving more of the 4th world into things it really started cooking, leading to the "Apokolips Now" 2-parter and just remained strong until the end. |
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Post by EdoBosnar on Apr 18, 2021 16:37:18 GMT -5
I'll have to think about it before coming up with a list, but honestly? pretty shocked not to see this mentioned at all. Easily makes my top 3 of best adaptations (vying for placement with "Walking Dead" and "Batman: the animated series" for top spot) yes, Season 1 hasn't even concluded yet - the finale is Wed. but it's already been renewed for Season 2, it's actually gotten *better* as it's gone, and it's got an EXCELLENT cast. I think I'm enjoying it more than the comic it's based off of: Just watched the first two episodes last night (where I am, with the tv package I have, it's being aired by Fox and only started about 2 weeks ago), but I agree with you that it's a great show. Tudyk is, as usual, awesome and I like the rest of the cast as well. I've never even read the comic by the way, although now I'm interested.
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Post by majestic on Dec 26, 2022 20:28:53 GMT -5
I have been binge watching Brave and the Bold TV series and I love it! It really captures the fun aspect of older comic book team ups.
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Post by codystarbuck on Dec 26, 2022 20:42:48 GMT -5
I have been binge watching Brave and the Bold TV series and I love it! It really captures the fun aspect of older comic book team ups. And it is fun, as hell. I mean, Detective Chimp! Ace the Bathound is actually pretty cool! A Freedom Fighters episode!! |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2022 16:27:24 GMT -5
My top 5 are all animated as I think comic books generally translate much better to that medium. If I were to pick a favorite live action show though, I'd give it to the Adventures of Superman from the 50's because it's just so darn charming and I love the cast.
1) Spider-Man '67
All-time favorite television adaptation and overall cartoon for that matter. A common theme with some of my choices is that it's not so much about the best "literal translation" but rather an overall aesthetic. This series, in particular Season 1 under Grantray Lawrence Animation, has such a great visual appeal to me. I like that a lot of scenes are at night, the painted skies in the background are a lost art IMO. The character animation itself was of course very economical, and downright silly in many cases, but I honestly love a somewhat campy vibe. The voice actors were also perfect, Peter/Spidey (Paul Soles), Betty (Peg Dixon), and probably the best J. Jonah Jameson ever (Paul Kligman).
I love all the regular comic book villains that appeared (Doc Ock, Electro, etc.), but some of the ones created for the show were so zany they are legends in their own right (Parafino, Dr. Noah Boddy, etc.). And there could not be a catchier theme song, there's a reason it's been paid homage to so many times. You hear those opening notes, and the screen shows the big web with "IN COLOR" in bright letters...could there be a better opening?
2) Aquaman '67
1967 yet again...something special about that year. Filmation was producing animations of several DC heroes (shown variously on the Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure), but my favorite was always Aquaman. And for very similar reasons to Spider-Man, there was just this amazing aesthetic to it. The adventures actually took place underwater in the deep sea, and again, the painted backgrounds created this amazing ocean with dark swirls of color not unlike the feel I get from Spider-Man's aforementioned nighttime skies. And while camp elements exist in this series as well, Aquaman seems much more like a confident and formidable hero here in his natural setting. I like this version of him a lot, plus seeing Aqualad and even Mera in various episodes. Plus, who can forget Ted Knight's booming announcer voice, including his distinctive "ack-wuh-man" pronunciation!
3) Fantastic Four '67
Yep...still 1967. This one for somewhat different reasons though. This one actually followed a lot more various classic FF comic book storylines, and while yet again there's undoubtedly that campy vibe typical of the era (many unintentionally hilarious moments in fact), it still just beams "60's Fantastic Four" comic books. Which is awesome when you think of all the great villains and plots they ended up adapting in some form. I find this one endlessly rewatchable.
4) Super Friends
For me it's the 70's era, with Challenge of the Super Friends being the high point. This is a harder one to explain, especially maybe to people who didn't grow up watching it. The voice cast I think had a lot to do with it, something about Danny Dark as Superman, Olan Soule as Batman, Casey Kasem as Robin, Shannon Farnon as Wonder Woman, and so on. They truly were "friendly sounding" (no pun intended) yet just heroic and distinctive enough that made them super likeable somehow. There was a cheerfulness and positivity to the show that made it so endearing especially to younger viewers (like myself at the time). And while my hat's off to the DC animated universe starting in the 90's with Batman TAS that brought an unprecedented level of sophistication and, well, plain awesomeness to that world of characters (I love all those shows all the way through Justice League Unlimited as well), my old Super Friends DVD's get rewatched a lot more. Probably a mix of heavy nostalgia along with my tastes tending to run towards light-hearted.
5) The Tick
Yeah, as mentioned by others, this show was just brilliant. My entire family drops quotes from the series all the time, one of the funniest series ever while capturing tons of superhero tropes in such a fun way. Spooooon!!!!
And I feel terrible this last one only gets an honorable mention, I think it's one of the best series of all time and has already been well represented here, I just ran out of room. Batman: The Brave and the Bold, a fabulous love letter to the Silver Age at face value, and yet somehow so much more. The perfect blend of wit, humor, action, camp...only a team who truly loves classic comics could have produced this, and it's a home run in every sense.
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