Property review: TMNT Vol. 1 (1987 animated series)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 1

Lionsgate Home Entertainment, 2004

Turtles fight bare bones DVD

True children of the ’80s will tell you that one of the things imprinted in their memory is what they watched on television. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were important then, and children soaked it up. So, imagine GI’s surprise when the DVDs were finally released for public consumption. Spanning nine seasons, some of the most important establishing material is found in the first season, and the DVDs provide a look at the opening five-part miniseries that launched the show. But, if you’re looking for a quality introduction to the Turtles, keep looking because this version isn’t all that great.

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

The quality of the presentation is terrible for starters. While it’s obvious this is a show from the ’80s and broadcast quality isn’t going to be as good as say 2004, when the disc was released, it still should be better than what’s here. Then, add in quite a few graphical errors, a lack of extras on the disc and the confusing inclusion of several episodes from the 10th and final season and you have a poor mess of a DVD.

Great voice acting and a killer soundtrack help, though. It’s something when a series can draw you in because of its soundtrack and perfect casting, and the first season of the show managed that greatly. Practically speaking, the first season’s merits save the DVD from most of its negative traits.

And, we can get around it all because it’s the Turtles, and having the series on DVD greatly increases the amount of problems we’re willing to put up with just to have the series in our collection. We can’t complain that much as children of the ’80s and as superfans of the series. We just wish the quality was a little better and some of the behind-the-scenes material had been added here. That would be have tubularly awesome.

Plot: 8

Like the comics: 3

Casting: 10

Total score: 21 out of 30 or 7

What to watch

The five episodes here are the five-part miniseries that introduced the Turtles in animated television.

1. Turtle Tracks: The introduction and origin story of the Turtles. Keep in mind that this origin story greatly differs from the comics and film.

2. Enter the Shredder: The introduction of Krang and Shredder, and also the creation of Rocksteady and Bebop.

3. A Thing About Rats: Baxter Stockman is introduced and joins with Shredder.

4. Hot Rodding Teenagers from Dimension X: Krang’s partial backstory is given and Dimension X is named. Michaelangelo gains a love interest.

5. Shredded and Splintered: Shredder and Splinter switch bodies, and Splinter’s bond with Turtles is fleshed out.

HOW WE GRADE

We score the properties in three categories: Casting (or voice acting in cases of animated), plot and similarities to its source material. Each category receives points out of the maximum of 10 and 30 overall.

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Property review: The Avengers (2012)

Photo courtesy of IMDB.com

Avengers assemble into a satisfying package

When GI first heard there was going to be an Avengers film made, we scoffed. “Seriously, who didn’t see that coming? And who’s going to be in it?” is literally what we proffered when we were told the news. We were initially skeptical in that we’d seen the offerings from the Marvel camp with regard to Spider-Man 3 and we weren’t buying. No way, no how. But slowly, things changed. The surrounding films were introduced and received warm reviews. The devil was in the details, as they say, and it seems the casting made the movies. Well, as luck would have it, The Avengers turned out pretty nicely. So nice, in fact, that we regret our early pronouncement and embraced the film with open arms. We even paid good money to see it twice.

Our love affair with the good folks at Marvel starts within the first five minutes as Samuel L. Jackson practically chews scenery with every move and line of dialogue. It doesn’t hurt that we are huge fans of Jackson, and thought he was the only choice for Ultimate Nick Fury. Throw in the subtlety that is Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye and the glorious deviousness that is Tom Hiddleston as Loki, and we would have been satisfied with everything that had transpired in that first few minutes.

But then, just as we thought we couldn’t be more amazed than Captain America stepping onto the deck of the S.H.E.I.L.D. Hellicarrier, in stepped the rest of the cast: Scarlett Johansson literally steaming up with the screen; Mark Ruffalo showing the tortured and vulnerable side of the Hulk and Bruce Banner; Chris Evans’ duty to his men, country and self as Captain America; Chris Hemsworth’s pained fight as Thor to redeem or stop Loki at any costs; and finally Robert Downey Jr.’s scene-stealing billionaire philanthropist playboy act as Iron Man. The parts, in this case, were strong on their own, but when combined hit every note and played every beat to perfection.

Of particular note were Ruffalo and Downey. It would take an entire review to point out the subtleties and nuance of Ruffalo’s portrayal of the Hulk, who had the character down to a fine science. Watching the two interact was like watching good poetry on screen. Though Downey has now had two movies to showcase his great timing and wit, it was on display here in all its glory and it was clear that he was the star from the beginning. We especially liked how both characters were dialed up when necessary but dialed down enough to share the space with everyone else. That’s a challenge for writers and directors, and Joss Whedon — who deserves just as much praise as the cast — made it work brilliantly.

Also that which deserves mention is the special effects. The Hulk looked believable, and it was accepted that Hawkeye lived up to his name. All of the characters looked and acted in character with their surroundings. Someone at Marvel must have taken notes from the Spider-Man 3 debacle, because the effects were outstanding.

If you’re among the three people on Earth that hasn’t seen The Avengers, it’s time to rectify the situation. Great casting, believable plot threads and superlative attention to detail and character history? You get that and more with The Avengers. Assemble some time to see one of the best comic book movies ever made.

Plot: 10

Like the comics?: 10

Casting: 10

Total: 30 out of 30 or 10

HOW WE GRADE

We score the prop­er­ties in three cat­e­gories: Cast­ing (or voice act­ing in cases of ani­mated), plot and sim­i­lar­i­ties to its source mate­r­ial. Each cat­e­gory receives points out of the max­i­mum of 10 per cat­e­gory and 30 over­all. The per­cent­age is the final score.

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Strip Talk #12: Superman does have real enemies

Superman does have real enemies

Lyndsey Hicks Mosley, editor-in-chief

For many years in my life, I have been a comic book fan. I like to think of myself as objective and impartial when it comes to my likes and dislikes, with the love I have for the paper fantasies of ink, crime fighting and justice split evenly between DC and Marvel. But there comes a time when you have to choose your favorites. The Caped Crusader is easily on my list of favorite characters, and the X-Men are tops any day of the week and twice on Sunday. But, so help me, if I had kryptonite I’d wipe Superman and his ilk off the face of comicdom.

I know it’s not popular not to have even the smallest modicum of respect for the Man of Steel. Heck, I can even think of a few people who’d revoke my comic knowledge badge of authority for making such a statement. But the entire time that I’ve known of the son of Krypton, I never have been able to get behind him as a viable candidate in the race for my comic character love.

What bothers me the most about Superman is this notion that he is literally unstoppable. I think about it this way: If you have Superman around, why would you need anyone else? Superman obviously has all of the bases covered.

Outside of the basic question of neediness regarding him, I have always had too many questions about his day-to-day interactions with the rest of his universe. Where does he sleep and does he even really have a need for sleeping, eating or other human functions? Are people really so dumb in the DC universe that they can’t tell Clark Kent is Superman? For Lois Lane to have been such an intrepid, hard-nosed reporter, she sure isn’t too bright if she can’t tell that the man she kisses who saves her life on a routine basis is the same man that she works with everyday and all he’s done is change his hairstyle and throw on a pair of glasses. The same goes for the rest of the universe, barring Ma and Pa Kent.

And then we get to the sorry excuse for a villain that is Lex Luthor. The question that I’ve been begging to ask for the majority of my comic-loving life is this: Why doesn’t Superman just kill Luthor? He’s done enough to be impeached as president of the United States, he’s maimed and stolen more times than anyone can count in his existence. He’s outright tried to kill Superman numerous times. What else does Superman need to pull off the prime directive in regard to Luthor? Maybe malevolent Joker-level shenanigans (Editor’s note: This is opposed to prankster Joker shenanigans. There is a difference), because I can’t understand why he’s allowed to keep running amok in Metropolis and getting away with the things he does.

I believe Kal-El is a little too nice sometimes. With my tolerance at an all-time low for stupid superheroes that lack logic behind their actions, Superman’s about to get the short end of the kryptonite.

Lyndsey Hicks Mosley is editor-in-chief of Gaming Insurrection. She can be reached by email at gicomics@gaminginsurrection.com

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Anime Lounge #02: School Rumble Ep. 1-10

Series: School Rumble

Episodes: 1-10

Premise: School Rumble is like most school romance anime: The protagonist, Tenma Tsukamoto, is a normal teenager who goes to school and has crushes. The difference is that School Rumble is a romantic comedy that revolves around multiple love triangles and quadrangles where there’s a lot of unrequited feelings. You’re introduced to Kenji Harima, a juvenile delinquent extraordinaire who is in love with Tenma. She doesn’t feel the same but it doesn’t stop Harima from bellyaching about it and what it means most of the time.

Is it worth watching?: In a word, yes. If you can get past Tenma’s inherent draw-on-your nerves cuteness and the fact that she spends a lot of time chasing Oji Karasuma, a dude that doesn’t appear to know she’s alive most of the time, the show is pretty funny. There’s a lot of gags that happen and the characters, as they’re introduced, have personalities. In the first 10 episodes, the humor is at the forefront and that’s where it needs to be.

Breakout character: Easily, in the first 10 episodes, it’s Harima. His appearance makes the episodes and his humor, intentional or not, is the draw.

Funniest episode: Episode 3 (“See and Sketch! Letter on an Arrow! Pajama Party Confessions!”). Tenma attempts to get Karasuma’s attention and confess her love for him through shooting an arrow with her confession attached to the end of the arrow. Karasuma has a seemingly supernatural ability to avoid the arrows, and manages to dodge them. Tenma narrowly misses hitting Harima who is nearby. Harima only avoids the arrow by dodging the shot with well-timed Matrix-like Bullet Time maneuver.

Where it’s going: Starting with episode 11, the focus shifts to the surrounding cast and how their relationships play out. Tenma’s still there fighting for Karasuma’s attention and Harima’s still fighting for Tenma, but I love the fact that Tenma’s friends, classmates and family are starting to develop deeper personalities.

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Otaku Corner #11: Mezzo Vol. 1

Mezzo combines gunplay, teamwork in mystery-drama

Brandon Beatty, editor-at-large

Hello, my fellow otaku, welcome back to Otaku Cinema. This is the section of Otaku Corner where GI brings you the best anime this side of the rising sun. In a previous issue, I presented the classic anime series Robotech. Don’t worry, good otaku, I will do another review of this masterpiece in a future issue. Right now, I’m reviewing a “new classic” series where you can get “Kill Bill” plus your favorite PI TV all rolled into good anime. The result of this concoction: Mezzo: Danger Service Agency from the good folks at ADV films.

In this mystery/adventure series, Mikura Suzuki, Kenichi Kurokawa and Tomohisa Harada are a team known as the Danger Service Agency, an investigative agency known to take up any job, no matter how dangerous. And, in the first volume of Mezzo, the DSA delivered no-holds barred action in the first five episodes ranging from stopping a vengeful lover to uncovering Mikura’s past life. The DSA gets though unscathed all the while busting a few heads and getting paid in the process.

As far as action goes, I’m impressed by the

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

perfect mix of martial arts, arsenal of guns and bullets and the references to classic mob movies provided by the Mezzo project team under the direction of Yasuomi Umetsu. I also liked that in each Mezzo episode, you can get to know more about the team. Mikura is the combat/expert marks woman of the team who is VERY trigger happy and will deal a healthy amount of fear into those who cross her. She also has a unique ability to see into the future in brief glimpses. Kurokawa is an ex-police detective who is a pasta fanatic with contacts in setting up the team’s assignments, inside knowledge of the criminal underground and getting much-needed ammo, making him top banana.

Finally, Harada is the team IT guy/inventor who’s a genius in robotic tech and whose love for useful gadgets has pulled DSA out of many a scrap. ADV has added good stuff to the first volume of Mezzo such as clean opening/closing animation scenes, previews of future ADV releases and sketches of each episode from person to object. Also, what I really like about this DVD is that the English and Japanese recordings were processed in Dolby Digital Sound. Finally, the ADV cast of voice professionals really sealed the deal for me. Luci Christian, Andy McAvin and Jason Douglas performed the English dub perfectly. I would really be a complete idiot if I did not include Vic Mignogna, whose performance of the villainous barber Mugiyama was enough to make me want to background check my own barber.

Fellow otaku, Mezzo is a series that is ESSENTIAL to your collection. Unfortunately, at press time, ADV is not in business, and Mezzo’s owners has not authorized a reissue of the series stateside. But, if you do see a copy, pick it up, get comfortable and enjoy it. Or, Mikura and company will employ ways to ensure that you don’t live long enough to eat dinner.

Brandon Beatty is editor-at-large of Gaming Insurrection. Contact him by email at brandonb@gaminginsurrection.com

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Top 5 on The Strip: Quotes from the Avengers

1. Tony Stark: You should come by Stark Tower sometime. Top 10 floors all R&D, you’d love it … it’s candyland.

Bruce Banner: Thanks, but the last time I was in New York I kind of broke … Harlem.

 

2. Tony Stark: That man is playing Galaga! Thought we wouldn’t notice. But we did.

*later in scene, a quick cut to an employee playing Galaga is shown.*

 

3. [Captain America puts on a parachute to go follow after Thor, Loki and Iron Man]

Natasha Romanoff: I’d sit this one out, Cap.

Steve Rogers: I don’t see how I can.

Natasha Romanoff: These guys come from legend, Captain. They’re basically gods.

Steve Rogers: There’s only one God, ma’am, and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t dress like that.

[Captain America leaps out of the Quinjet]

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Tony Stark: [toThor] No hard feelings, Point Break; you’ve got a mean swing.

5. Steve Rogers: Doctor Banner, I think now might be a good time for you to get angry.

Bruce Banner: That’s my secret, Cap: I’m always angry.

[Banner hulks out and punches the Leviathan]

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Marvel character highlight #11: The Incredible Hulk

Name: Dr. Robert Bruce Banner

Affiliation: Incredible Hulks, the Avengers, Worthy, Warbound, Defenders, New Hulkbusters, Pantheon, Titans Three, The Order, Hulkbusters of Counter-Earth, New Fantastic Four, Secret Defenders, Horsemen of Apocalypse

Special abilities: Radically altered molecular structure through gamma radiation exposure allows for Banner to transform into a hulking beast of virtually infinite strength when stressed, angered or massive amounts of adrenalin are released in his body. Originally, the transformations were limited to nightfall, and he returned to normal at dawn. Also, his intelligence and memories as Bruce Banner, of meta-genius-level intellect, were reduced or gone completely until Banner learned to control it. The Hulk is immune to all Earth-based diseases, has a regenerative healing factor far beyond Wolverine’s greatest level, omega-level mutant durability, stamina, speed and self-sustenance.

Background: Dr. Robert Bruce Banner was raised by his aunt after his severely abusive father, Dr. Brian Banner, killed his mother and was institutionalized. Because Brian Banner had been exposed to gamma radiation during work as a nuclear physicist, Bruce Banner was born mutated. The mutation did not show up until Bruce was caught in a gamma radiation bomb while attempting to save Rick Jones. Banner then began changing into the Hulk. In the beginning, Banner attempted to control his transformations using a Gamma Ray Force Projector; however, this didn’t sit well with the Hulk side of him, and he eventually had to explore other avenues to control the Hulk. Banner, as the Hulk, began working with The Avengers though in-fighting and mistrust led the Hulk to quit the group.

When not on the run from worldwide military forces, the Hulk has since worked with the X-Men and other individual superheroes, though he prefers to remain neutral in most fights.

Relationships: Dr. Brian Banner, father; Rebecca Banner, mother (deceased); Susan Drake-Banner, paternal aunt (possibly deceased); Elaine Banner-Walters, paternal aunt (deceased); Morris Walters, uncle; Thaddeus Ross (Red Hulk), father-in-law; Karen Lee, mother-in-law (deceased); Betty Ross (Red She-Hulk), first wife (estranged); Jarella, second wife (deceased); Caiera, third wife (deceased); Jennifer Walters (She-Hulk), cousin; Carmilla Black (Scorpion), possible daughter; Skaar, son; Hiro-Kala, son; Lyra (She-Hulk), daughter from alternate reality; Behemoth, clone

First Versus game appearance: Marvel Super Heroes

Appearances in other media: The Marvel Super Heroes (animated); The Incredible Hulk (television); The Incredible Hulk (animated); Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends (animated); Fantastic Four (animated); Iron Man (animated); The Incredible Hulk and She-Hulk (animated); Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes (animated); Wolverine and the X-Men (animated); Iron Man Armored: Adventures (animated); The Super Hero Squad Show (animated); The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (animated); Ultimate Spider-Man (animated); Hulk (film); The Incredible Hulk (film); The Avengers (film), Ultimate Avengers (animated film); Ultimate Avengers 2 (animated film); The Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow (animated film); Hulk Vs. (animated film); Planet Hulk (animated film); Questprobe featuring The Hulk (video game); The Incredible Hulk (video game); The Incredible Hulk: The Pantheon Saga (video game); Hulk (video game); and The Incredible Hulk (video game, Game Boy Advance); The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction (video game, multiplatform); Marvel Super Heroes: War of the Gems (video game, SNES); Marvel Super Heroes (video game, PSOne, Arcade); Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (video game, multiplatform); Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes (video game, multiplatform); Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (video game, multiplatform); Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (video game, multiplatform); Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (video game, multiplatform); Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (video game, multiplatform); Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 (video game, multiplatform); Marvel Super Hero Squad (video game, multiplatform); Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet (video game, multiplatform); Marvel Super Hero Squad Online (video game, PC); Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat (video game, multiplatform)

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Anime Lounge #01: Welcome

Hi, I’m new to anime

with Lyndsey Hicks Mosley, editor-in-chief

It wasn’t that long ago that I was a newbie to the world of anime and manga, or so it seems. I was in high school when Dragon Ball Z began airing on Cartoon Network’s Toonami block. The saga of Vegeta, Goku and the gang resonated with me and the folks that I hung out with at the time, so we all watched it faithfully. While my friends were mostly into DBZ, I was discovering other shows such as Sailor Moon. Say what you will about the show, but I could relate better to the relationship of Serena and Darrien more than anything else.

By the time I graduated from high school, Pokemon had hit the airwaves in America. Not knowing that this was considered anime, I was all over it in the form of the Gameboy’s Red and Blue versions. There was something about the RPG aspect of it that helped force me to nearly catch them all. But the real explosion in otakuism didn’t hit until college. It was then that I discovered and fell in love with a variety of shows off the beaten path.

Thanks again to Toonami, I got heavily into Inuyasha and Yu Yu Hakasho. Saturday nights were my immersion and escape into the other side of the world, or so I thought. A little Iron Chef, some anime and Chinese food to pig out on? I lived for the weekend and the Toonami Rising Sun block. At the time, I did watch a little Tenchi Muyo and Ronin Warriors, but not much.

Once I graduated and got out on my own, my anime tastes were refined. Toonami changed the lineup and new shows were in place. In came a new crop that sent my anime awareness soaring. In 2003 and 2004, I jumped into Cowboy Bebop, Big O, Trigun, Outlaw Star and His and Her Circumstances. Along for the ride was Witch Hunter Robin and FLCL. I got a feel for the unknown and tried new things, such as Read or Die and Ninja Scroll. I even watched a little Ruroni Kenshin. Sure, these are mostly mainstream titles — His and Her Circumstances excluded — but they were my way of staying sane and escaping into my own world of awesome characters. As I delved into anime, I was drawn to manga, as well. I decided to start two titles — Rurouni Kenshin and Love Hina — as a test to see if I could adapt to the printed form. I found that while I do love reading, taking in manga took some getting used to.

After my marriage, my ardor for anime suddenly cooled. I’m not sure why other than the fact that I suddenly had less time to watch TV. It was some years before I found the ability to devote time to watch TV again, and with the end of my marriage, I’m finding myself back where I started in terms of time to watch.

So, what do I watch these days? Well, through recommendations or having picked up brief snippets earlier, I’m watching or have completed several shows: Samurai Shamploo, Soul Eater, Death Note, Bleach, Afro Samurai, Naruto and Ouran High School Host Club. Again, these are mostly mainstream titles but take it from me, it’s better than nothing. The advent of video on demand is perfect for folks like myself. There’s nothing better than coming home from work, fixing a snack and watching a block of my favorite shows at my own pace. I’m thanking my lucky anime stars for Hulu Plus right about now.

So, here I am: The purpose of the Anime Lounge is to supplement Otaku Corner, which is written by one of our resident anime and manga connoisseurs, Brandon Beatty. I hope to discuss some of my favorite anime, give my insight into the plot — which may be different than the manga that Brandon may be chronicling of the same name — and tell you if it’s a show to give your time to or stay away from. I hope you will join me as I start out on my journey to delve deeper into one of my favorite pasttimes: Watching the animated best of the best from Japan.

Lyndsey Hicks Mosley is editor-in-chief of Gaming Insurrection.

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Top 5 on The Strip: Doom quotes edition

1. If you are still breathing, then Doom was merciful! — Marvel vs. Capcom 3

2. Failure is beneath Doom! — Marvel vs. Capcom 3

3. To face Doom is to face one’s end! — MvC3 intro

4. Now you face Doom! — Marvel Super Heroes

5. You are beneath me, and it shows! — Marvel vs. Capcom 3

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Property review: Batman (1989)

Photo courtesy of IMDB.com

Batman

Warner Bros., 1989

Batman’s exploits begin in excellent 1989 adventure

When the Tim Burton-directed Caped Crusader’s vehicle hit the silver screen, comic book movies were in their infancy. Sure, there was the Dolph Lundgren version of The Punisher and numerous Superman movies featuring the irreplaceable Christopher Reeve. But there was no big screen adaptation of arguably the next-most important DC hero: Batman. Enter the 1989 feature with big-name stars.

Nicholson. Keaton. Basinger. Those three names were omnipresent then and now. Jack Nicholson stole the show outright as the Joker from Michael Keaton’s lead. Once Nicholson makes his grand entrance as Jack Napier/the Joker, you can’t go back. Being fans of the Joker (and Nicholson as well; we affectionately refer to him as “Uncle Jack” because of a shared family name), GI wholly encourages taking this version of the clown prince of crime as an altogether awesome spin on the malevolent DC supervillain. Earlier and later takes on the Joker, such as the late Heath Ledger in the Dark Knight, were well done, but Nicholson holds a special place in our hearts as the first movie version of the character.

Keaton, despite a well-reported reluctance for his casting as Bruce Wayne/Batman, nails the part of the tortured playboy-turned-crime fighter. And though the comparisons to Christian Bale have been brought up, Keaton like Nicholson is special because he brought Batman to life with a thorough look at the inner soul of the man dedicated to avenging crime in Gotham City.

Kim Basinger rounds out the trio of leads and does an admirable job as Vicki Vale. It’s not often that someone can chew scenery with a man dressed as bat and another man sporting green hair, a menacing grin and face paint. Though we disliked the naivete of the character in the beginning, Basinger does a good job of leading you to believe in her gradual falling for Wayne as the story progresses.

It also doesn’t hurt that the chemistry between Basinger and Keaton is immediately palpable in their first scene together.

While Batman succeeds mostly because of the acting chops of its leading trio and surrounding cast, we would be remiss in not giving praise to the costume and set design. The background scenery and look of the movie is what really shines.

With the introduction sequence featuring Danny Elfman’s iconic score (later improvised upon in the equally iconic Batman the Animated Series) and Batman logo, you’re pulled into the world of Gotham from the beginning. It’s gritty and can be darkly humorous, much like Burton, but you know it’s right. Batman feels appropriately like Batman and the film is a template from which all comic book films could learn a lesson about quality showmanship.

Batman is, quite frankly, one of the best comic book films ever made. GI fell in love with the movie 23 years ago as it played in theaters and made its way home to VCRs. It’s stood the test time for film — far better than its later sequels — and stands admirably next to any of the modern-day reboots.

HOW WE GRADE

We score the prop­er­ties in three cat­e­gories: Cast­ing (or voice act­ing in cases of ani­mated), plot and sim­i­lar­i­ties to its source mate­r­ial. Each cat­e­gory receives points out of the max­i­mum of 10 per cat­e­gory and 30 over­all. The per­cent­age is the final score.

Plot: 9.5/10

Like the comics?: 9.5/10

Casting: 9/10

Total: 28/30 or 9.3

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