Happy New Year! 2009 has finally come to an end and I am whole heatedly looking forward to 2010. I close out the year with a shot of Adam West as Batman in the Batcave from the TV series that I have never seen before. It is very similar to the Life magazine pose, but has the Batmobile's atomic pile in the background.
I am not sure if this is the source picture for the magazine cover or just a cool photo shop. Nevertheless, I thought it was cool to see a new photo.
In 2010 The Batcave Toy Room will begin to reveal more of my toy collection, movie memorabilia, and comic books. Plus whatever else genre and sci-fi related items that are of interest. If you have anything you would like to share, please send it our way. You can contact us at thebatcavetoyroom@gmail.com. Hope every one has a safe New Years Eve and be careful...Batman can't be everywhere.
Here's a Mego commercial from 1976 of the Batman related Comic Action Heroes Batmobile set. I had this set when I was a kid. I thought it was cool, but my activator never really worked. The spring was so stiff you could never get to stay locked down so you could pull the plunger and cause it to blow up the bridge. It only worked a couple of times for me so the fun didn't last long. I think my dad threw away the set (among tons of other collectibles). Wish I still had today. Need to try and pick one up off a eBay one day. The commercial says Robin is sold separately, but mine came with not only Batman, but Robin, The Joker, and The Penguin.
Hey Bat Fan's! We all loved when the "Wham's" and "Bam's" would pop up during a bat fight on the Batman TV Series, but take a look at these nails. Melissa over at The Daily Nail creates a new nail design for herself every day and today she chose to do a set comic balloons filled with Bam's, Gasp's, and Kapow's. Check out her site at daily-nail.blogspot.com. It's fun to see what she comes up with next.
There are some celebrities who have given their kids some off the wall names. Everything from Gweneth Paltrow's children Apple and Moses to Penn Jillet's little girl Moxie Crimefighter. Or how about Jason Lee's little boy Pilot Inspector. But the parents of the guy below really know how to name a child.
I love the fact that the majority of these trailers are sci-fi related.
Does that mean there more geeks like me out there than lead to believe? Or are the geeks just watching the trailers over and over? What do think? Were these the best trailers of 2009? Share others if they are not on the list.
I love seeing the original actors considered for different roles for TV series' and movies. For the 1989 Batman movie Sean Young was originally cast as Vicki Vale, but that role was won by Kim Basinger after Sean broke her arm falling off a horse before filming. Annette Bening was originally cast as Catwoman in Batman Returns, but lost the role to Michelle Pfeiffer when Annette became pregnant before filming began. Last but not least Renee Russo was cast as Chase Meridan when it originally looked like Michael Keaton was going to play Batman a third time in Batman Forever, but when Michael dropped out and Val Kilmer took over Nicole Kidman took over for Renee.
Well, the Batman TV series was no different. The producers had the roles Of Batman and Robin down to being played by Adam West and Burt Ward or Lyle Waggoner (who later went on to plat Steve Trevor on Wonder Woman) and Peter Deyell. Guess we all know who ended winning the parts. Here's a look at the screen test that were done for both sets of actors.
Check out Batman costume. It had the old version of the bat symbol on his chest before changing to the new yellow signal behind it. Just recently changed in the comics back then.
I love Peter Deyell's stunt audition better than Burt's, of course I can't break a board with my bare hands, but Peter's stunt fight is almost better and more exciting than the original bat fights on the show.
Here is the same footage of both screen tests inter-cut.
This isn't my collection, but it's from Modmart. This is the same guy who shared his 1966 Batman TV movie custom villian figures. It's fun to look at other collectors collections especially, with items you don't have yourself. My Mego 8" inch figures are primarily the DC Comic characters and I didn't have many of the 12" versions. If you have a collection you'd like to share let us know we'd love to post it.
I keep seeing this commercial for Pop Secret Popcorn with a grandma and grandson doing their best to out do each other with imitations of Batman in The Dark Knight. I think it's hilarious, but it's funny that Pop Secret is doing a Dark Knight commercial over a year after the movie was released. I guess Batman never grows old...at least it doesn't for me. How about you?
The song "Adam West" to came to mind today. I hadn't heard it in years. I think I first heard it was back when the 1989 movie Batman was released. As I recall I was watching the CBS Morning show when they were interviewing Adam West, Cesar Romero, and Burgess Meredith about the new movie and they played "Adam West" as the lead in.
Bat Fans will remember the controversy of Tim Burton casting Michael Keaton as the Caped Crusader. Even though Adam West's version is what made me a Bat Fan and I thought the casting of Michael Keaton was going to be a disaster, I think it worked out in the end.
I decided to look it up and was surprised to learn that this song was written by Bat Fan Wally Wingert. Wally Wingert is a voice actor and can be heard in everything from Family Guy to the video game Batman: Arkham Asylum, as the voice of the Riddler. The song is a parody of the song "Wild, Wild, West" by the Escape Club. Check it out. It's quite clever.
Christmas was great this year as usual and like every year included something Super Hero or Star Wars related. One of my gifts this year was the season twoof Wonder Woman TV series on DVD, provided by my wonderful wife.
Now some of you comic book fans out there might be saying, "You don't have season 2 of Wonder Woman, yet?" But yes it is true, up until now I only had season one, and really I don't have a definite answer to why that is.
I had always intended to buy all three seasons, but just never did. It could be that I just don't really have time to watch them. Another reason maybe that I was more of a fan of the first season of Wonder Woman than the other seasons. I guess I just liked the stories taking place during World War II and don't forget the first season included Debra Winger as Wonder Girl.
Over all the packaging for the DVD set is as well done as season one. The cover explains, What's Wonder Woman up to now? Flash Forward 35 Years from her stirring Season-One adventures defending America in World War II. Without missing a beat, Wonder Woman leaps from the big-band era to the disco decade, still miraculously young and still using wits, wiles and astonishing powers to fight evil.
Season Two (21 episodesfollowing a feature length season premiere) introduces Wonder Woman to a new America of nuclear power and computers. Teamed with Steve Trevor, son of the dashing major she worked with during World War II. She takes the name Diana Prince and takes on all kinds of danger from terrorists, mad geniuses, crooks and even a diabolical rock star while working for America's Inter-Agency Defense Command. Wonder Woman, we're proud you're on our side.
The inside of the boxed set includes a complete episode guide with story synopsis, director, writer and original episode air date. There is even a documentary entitled "Revolutionizing a Classic: From Comic Book to Television, The Evolution of Wonder Woman From Page to Screen." I popped in the DVD Christmas morning and watched the episode "The Deadly Toys", which had references from Christmas in it, but the episode actually aired December 30, 1977. A week after Christmas. This episode also starred Batman alumni Frank Gorshin as a sinister toy maker. This episode also included a Dynasty like cat fightas Wonder Woman battled her robot copy.
I need to get season three and complete the collection as truly did watch show the religiously whenever it was on. Whomever gets cast as Wonder Woman, if a Wonder Woman movie ever gets made, is going to have some big boots to fill. Maybe they should just cast Lynda in the new movie. She still looks great.
I came across PimpMyBatmobile.com for Batmobile model customizers and thought it was pretty cool. I loved building models when I was a kid, just haven't had the time to work on them these days, but would have loved to have had a resource like this back in the day.
Pimp My Batmobile offers tips, tricks, info and resources for collecting, upgrading, customizing, and modeling Batmobiles. If you are modeling enthusiasts or just love the 1966 TV series version of the caped crusaders crime fighting vehicle, check out this site for building the ultimate Batmobile.
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen, but do your re-call the most Exciting Super Hero Christmas Storiesof all?
I never owned this record from Peter Pan records, but I do remember the cover. The album produced in 1977has three separate stories with Christmas adventures for: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.
You can listen to each story below.
First up, Batman receives an ominous singing telegram on Christmas Eve but dismisses it as the work of a crank. He and Robin go off to a Christmas party at the South Side Mission down town, but soon learn the telegram was no prank when attempts on his life are made by Rudolph The Red Nose Hitman, and then Maxie the Minstrel and Sammy The South Side Santa.
Next, The annual tree lighting ceremony on the White House lawn is about to begin. As the president speaks of peace on earth and good will toward men, he and all around him are unaware that a vengeful, deranged scientist has secretly connected the button that turns the light on the tree to the button that launches missiles that can start World War III. Only Superman can prevent the greatest tragedy of all time.
Finally, As the world prepares to celebrate Christmas, a powerful nuclear submarine sails under the polar ice-cap to the North Pole. A laser drill cuts a hole up thru the ice, thru which Von Richter, as captain of the sub, enters the village above and kidnaps Santa Claus, taking him to Christmas Island, a barren atoll in the mid-Pacific. Only Wonder Woman can rescue him.
Merry Christmas from The Batcave Toy Room. Hope everybody got what they had on the there Christmas list to Santa.
Batman and Robin have meet all kinds celebrities during their famous bat climbs, but one year they actually met Santa Claus. The December 22, 1966 episode "The Duo is Slumming" featured Ole' Saint Nick during a bat climb. Santa was played by character Andy Devine, best known for is portrayals of comic cowboy sidekicks and his raspy voice. I need to remember to leave some cookies at the bottom of the bat poles tonight.
While looking at old vintage Batman CommercialsI came across this one for a Metro. Like other commercials I've seen, the producers did an alright job re-creating the Batpoles and Batcave from the TV series. They even had a pretty sweet looking Batmobile. I loved the extra thought of giving the Metro the vanity plate of Bat 2 to the corresponding Batmobile license plate Bat 1. But as for the notion of Batman and Robin riding around in a Metro...never happen.
After being disappointed by the false release of the Mego inspired classic fabric clothed figures of the 70's and 80's, Green Arrow finally went on sale at MattyCollector.comtoday.
Just like the original, Green Arrow comes with a 8" body with removable fabric outfit, bow, and hat. The first in the new line is only available at Matty Collector with rest of the first wave arriving at Toys R Us and other retailers in the Spring.
Should have mine in a few days. Get yourswhile you still can.
Getting in the Christmas spirit I found this commercial for Zayres starring Batman and Robin. It's totally a take on the old series that starred Adam West and Burt Ward. For what I am sure was relatively a low budget, I think they did a good job of capturing the spirit of the series. Love the Christmas wreath hanging behind the batpoles.
I am always amazed at the creativity of Mego collectors. Especially, when creating custom figures of unproduced characters. It would have been cool if Mego had done a Batman collection based on the TV series from the 60's.
Here we can see custom Mego style characters based on the Joker, Riddler, Penguin, and Catwoman from the Batman movie from the 60's with a very good likeness of the actors that played them. It would great if these were mass produced. Check out the video.
What do you think about customizing figures? Good idea or stick to the figures actually produced?
Television shows have been seeing new life in the form movies in recent years. Everything from The Flintstones and Scooby Doo going from cartoon to live action to shows from the 60's and 70's like Starsky & Hutch, Bewitched, and Land of the Lost. But as for our favorite Super Hero shows, we will probably never get to see updated treatments.
I mean there are fantastic movies like The Dark Knight and hopefully we will finally get a Wonder Woman movie soon, but we will never truly see updated versions of our favorite shows. This commercial for El Palacio de Hierro is probably the closest we will get to that happening. I think this gives the perfect modern look to shows we loved as kids and still do. Batgirl, Catwoman, and Wonder Woman all get a look of today with retaining their classic TV appearance.
One of the biggest things tourist like to do while they are in Hollywood is check out locations used in a TV series or movie. Have you ever wondered where the location of the Batcave from the Batman television series actually is? Well, the set for the Batcave was at Culver Studios in Hollywood, but the location that the Batmobile sped out from the secret entrance is at the Bronson Cave, which is located in Griffith Park.
BatFan Scott Sebringdid a short film called "Bat Tours: The Batcave" documenting the way to the Batcave and all the other Super Hero films that were filmed at that location. The Lone Ranger, Superman, and Wonder Woman all had scenes filmed there at one time or another.
The directions are easy to follow and will take you right to the cave. But don't make the mistake I did and follow the path straight ahead the path you want to take is the one across from the little parking area on the left.
Watch out the Batmobile can come out of there any second!
Another view of the secret entrance
Wait there's nothing in here. Must have moved the Wayne Foundation Batcave.
Not even a trace of the atomic pile.
I had always wondered where they had filmed the exterior shots of the Batcave entrance and if it wasn't for Scott's video I would never have found the location of the Batcave. Thanks, Scott.
It was cool to see the Wonder Twins on Smallville last month. Not quite what they looked like on the Super Friends, but fun nonetheless. It would have been cool to see Gleek too, but maybe some other time. After watching that episode I was reminded of the Wonder Twin shorts that appeared on Adult Swim a while back. This was the first episode "Joy Ride". If you haven't seen them before check this out. It's hilarious.
This Batman is so me. I thought this was hilarious. As an out of shape Batman, probably appearing for a party of some sort, tries to put the moves on some kids Mom.
There is a reason I don't own a PlayStation or a X-Box and that is because I would NEVER STOP PLAYING. The trailers for these games like the ones for Batman Arkham Asylum are awesome. It makes me want to watch what happens next. Makes you want more doesn't it?
We've all scene those motivational quote pictureshanging in someones office that really get you inspired, but these Batman inspired ones are just too funny. Superman is always such a practical Joker. Stupid question Robin. (love the grammar)
I have seen some off the wall comic character collectibles before, but when I came across this Batman squirt gunsomething just wasn't quite right about it. What do you think?
The Batusi is one of the most recognizable dances for me. The minute I saw John Travolta in Pulp Fiction dancing with Ema Thurman I saw the Batusi influence. I came accross this edited version of the Batusi dancein the pilot episode of the Batman TV series "Hi, Diddle Riddle." Check it out.
My nephew just had a super hero themed birthday party and he was reminded of how we used to dress up as Batman and Robin when we were kids (we are only two years apart). I found this video based on the 1966 TV seriesBatman starring children and it reminded me of when we were kids.
I thought this video was brilliantly done. The costumes were authentic and even some of the props, such as the William Shakespeare housed secret switch for gaining access to the Batcave and the Batphone were just like the on the show.
Even the mile marker for the distance to Gotham City looked just like it did in the pilot episode "Hi, Diddle Riddle." The kids aren't exactly Oscar material, but they do a great job for their ages. I especially chuckled at the child who played the Penguin attempt to mimic Burgess Meredith's signature bird squawk.
The music is lifted right from the Batman: The Movie soundtrack, which adds to the feeling of the old series. The inclusion of little Batgirlis great. Check out her Batgirl Cycle. They even included the memorable line "Some days you just can't get rid of a bomb."
I love the end with Batman showing up in the Batmobile. Man I need to get me one of those cars.
I just went to purchase my Retro Action Green Arrowfrom MattyCollector.comto find it will not be available until December 23 now. What a blow below the belt. Did I miss something? Wasn't it to be available on December 15 in time for Christmas? The Retro Action Green Arrow is to be the first release of the "re imagined" Mego World's Greatest Super Heroes figures we loved so much as kid, and still do today. Mattel will release three waves of four heroes in each wave. The next four DC characters will released this Spring at Toy R Us and other retailers. The next four will be: Superman, Lex Luthor, Sinestro, and Green Lantern.
I guess I'll be up bright and early on the 23rd to try again.
Barely Politicalhas compiled the hottest comic book girls of all time. It's a tough choice for me because I love them all, but if I had to pick it would probably be Wonder Woman or Batgirl.
After watching this, who do you think is the hottest comic book girl?
I came across this parody of The Dark Knightfrom Key of Awesomeand thought it was great. Seems Batman has some thoughts on there being some plot holes in the best Batman movie yet, The Dark Knight. Say it isn't so.
Lyrics:
KID Batman! Why is he running, Dad?
GORDON Because we have to chase him.
KID Why?
GORDON Because he can take it. Because hes not a hero, hes a silent guardian, a watchful protector, the Dark Knight
KID I don't get it.
GORDON Neither do I son, but it sounds cool.
BATMAN As I ride on my bike at the end of Dark Knight There's a few plot points that just don't feel right
Like why the hell did I agree to take the rap Harvey Dent killed those people. Who gives a crap?
And the Joker pulls crimes in such an orderly manner He must write it down in an evil day planner
His henchmen are psycho and expendable Yet somehow completely dependable
And why is Morgan Freeman all pissed at me? He seemed to resign kind of randomly
Its OK to build me an armored tank-car But ooh, tapping phones, that's going too far
Chorus This movie of my life just doesn't hold together At least is beats the crap out of Batman Forever
I enjoy car chases, explosions and suspense Is it too much to ask that it all make sense?
ALFRED No no Master Wayne, you don't understand You cant kill a symbol, but you can kill a man
BATMAN If I want to quit then that's my choice
ALFRED Were alone you don't have to use that voice And what about Ms. Dawes its like you just forgot her
BATMAN In Batman Begins she was so much hotter
ALFRED Joker, are you busy? Lets call a truce. I need you to help explain the plot to Batman
JOKER Call me insane, but I consider us friends I brought the DVD so we can watch it again
ALFRED Ill make the popcorn and pour the sherry Ooh, maybe we could watch it with the commentary
BATMAN How does Harvey Dent do total 180?
ALFRED Well they barbecued his face and he lost his lady
BATMAN When did you have time rig up both of those boats
JOKER Does talking that way ever damage your throat?
BATMAN Well at least they got rid of Joel Schumacher
JOKER You know movie is really good the Hurt Locker
BATMAN Oh I heard that was good. Ive been meaning to see it.
ALFRED Who's in it?
JOKER Anthony Mackie
ALFRED I don't know who that is.
JOKER He was in Eight Mile.
ALFRED Oh, he the guy who hosted the rap battles.
BATMAN No that was Mekhi Phifer.
ALFRED Joker youre getting white makeup all over the popcorn.
JOKER Sorry, Hey did I ever tell you how I got these scars?
BATMAN YES! Several versions.
ALFRED Maybe some other people would like to hear the story.
Finally on December 15 Mattel's Retro Action DC Heroes Green Arrowwill be available. The first in the "re-imagined" Mego style World's Greatest Super-Heroes collection. I for one will be ready to get mine Tuesday morning.
We are now able to see the package design for the new blister pack. Very much like the original Mego design, the new design is awesome. I was hoping to see more of a sneak peak of the future waves being released, but the only glimpse we get is of Batman, as he will most likely be a part of one of the future waves.
The back of the blister card only reflects the characters from the first wave. The remaining characters from the first wave: Superman, Green Lantern, Sinestro, and Lex Luthor will be available in the Spring at Toys R Us and other retailers. The other two waves will be released throughout 2010. Green Arrow is a MattyCollector.comexclusive. Be sure to order yours on December 15th.
