The Batcave Podcast: Recent Episodes
Lucky Shot Productions
Join host John S. Drew (The Chronic Rift, Cyborgs: A Bionic Podcast) on his journey as he explores each and every episode of the classic 60s series starring Adam West, Burt Ward, Yvonne Craig and a host of villainous guest stars as he attempts to justify his love for the series to himself.
The wait is finally over! The Filmation 1968 Batman Bluray set is now available for ordering! Follow the link here to get your copy from Amazon.
John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension get back to the Hall of Justice and open another case from The Filmation Files, this time discussing this long awaited Bluray release. In it, they talk about the wonderful clarity of the picture, the packaging both good and bad, and the disappointing menu.
Comment on the episode here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
A group of super villains have set a doomsday device to go off in one hour and the superheroes must find it before it's too late.
John and writer Jim Beard and filmmaker Robert Long are in the Batcave this Christmas Day and discussing the two episode series of specials featuring Adam West, Burt Ward and Frank Gorshin reprising their classic Batman 66 roles. The first episode is an actual story, of sorts. The second episode is a roast. Seriously, it's a roast of the heroes by the villains. In this episode, we look at the casting of heroes for this team, the lack of real action, and the range of Frank Gorshin.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Birds of a Feather Fool Around Together" May 7 1977
The Penguin and Joker are vying for the presidency of their underworld gang and Penguin's campaign promise is to corrupt Batman and Robin.
John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are back in the Batcave talking the penultimate story in the 1977 Filmation series. In it, they discuss the appearance, but not teaming up, of Penguin and Joker, the lack of energy awareness, and the only moll ever in the series, Gigi.
Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Vote for The Batcave Podcast and Comic Book Central in Podcast Magazine's Top 50 Podcasts. You can vote once each and every day! Click on the link here to take you to the page.
"Birds of a Feather Fool Around Together" May 7 1977 The Penguin and Joker are vying for the presidency of their underworld gang and Penguin's campaign promise is to corrupt Batman and Robin.
John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are back in the Batcave talking the penultimate story in the 1977 Filmation series. In it, they discuss the appearance, but not teaming up, of Penguin and Joker, the lack of energy awareness, and the only moll ever in the series, Gigi.
Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Vote for The Batcave Podcast and Comic Book Central in Podcast Magazine's Top 50 Podcasts. You can vote once each and every day! Click on the link here to take you to the page.
Detective #81 "The Cavalier of Crime" September 24, 1943 Writer - Don Cameron Pencils - Bob Kane Inker - George Roussos We've got a holiday special for you, Citizens! The 12 Days of Batmas where John and a special guest sit down and discuss an issue of Batman or Detective Comics and figure out to adapt it to the 1966 television show.
For the 10th day of Batmas, John and author Keith R.A. DeCandido get together to discuss a character that seems to have been created in 1943 with the 1966 TV series in mind - the Cavalier. They talk about who should play the role, the eccentricity of the crimes committed, and the placement of the cliffhanger.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Detective #345 "The Blockbuster Invasion of Gotham City" September 30, 1965 Writer - Gardner F. Fox Pencils - Carmine Infantino Inker - Joe Giella We've got a holiday special for you, Citizens! The 12 Days of Batmas where John and a special guest sit down and discuss an issue of Batman or Detective Comics and figure out to adapt it to the 1966 television show.
For the 9th day of Batmas, John and The Fortress of Baileytude's Michael Bailey get together to discuss another man mountain vs. the Dynamic Duo - Blockbuster. They talk about who should play the role as well as the brother, how to handle the flashback sequence and the fight sequence with Adam West.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Batman #75 December 19, 1952 "The Gorilla Boss of Gotham City" Writer - David Vern Reed Pencils - Lew Sayre Schwartz Inker - Stan Kaye We've got a holiday special for you, Citizens! The 12 Days of Batmas where John and a special guest sit down and discuss an issue of Batman or Detective Comics and figure out to adapt it to the 1966 television show.
The wonderful Billy Flynn of Geek Radio Daily joins John in the Batcave for the 8th Day of Batmas to discuss an unusual entry for consideration for Batman 66 - "The Gorilla Boss of Gotham City". They talk about who should play the role, the need to have the character speak, and the possibility of making it a third season Batgirl episode.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Batman #181 "Beware of...Poison Ivy!" April 19, 1966 Writer: Robert Kanigher Penciller: Sheldon Moldoff Inker: Joe Giella We've got a holiday special for you, Citizens! The 12 Days of Batmas where John and a special guest sit down and discuss an issue of Batman or Detective Comics and figure out to adapt it to the 1966 television show.
For the seventh day of Batmas, John and 13th Dimension's Dan Greenfield get together to discuss a fan favorite of speculation - Poison Ivy. They talk about who should play the role (and it's not who you think), the simplicity of the character in her premiere, and the timing of the premiere.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Detective #381 "Castle with Wall-to-Wall Danger" May 28, 1964 Writer: John Broome Penciller: Carmine Infantino Inker: Stan Kaye We've got a holiday special for you, Citizens! The 12 Days of Batmas where John and a special guest sit down and discuss an issue of Batman or Detective Comics and figure out to adapt it to the 1966 television show.
For the sixth day of Batmas, John and fellow podcaster Andrew Leyland discuss a fun, but plot thin issue of Detective Comics from 1964. It's the perfect vehicle to turn into a third season Batgirl episode. John and Andrew discuss how Batgirl could be worked in, the feasibility of all the settings of the comic, and the casting of the main villain.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Batman #81 "The Boy Wonder Confesses December 2, 1953 Writer: David Vern ReedPenciller: Sheldon MoldoffInker: Stan Kaye We've got a holiday special for you, Citizens! The 12 Days of Batmas where John and a special guest sit down and discuss an issue of Batman or Detective Comics and figure out to adapt it to the 1966 television show.
For the fifth day of Batmas, John and writer Jim Beard discuss Batman #81. In it, they talk about the look for Mr. Camera, the casting of the villain with gang members, and a means to make the ending a little more exciting.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
2001 PILOT NO AIRDATE
In 2001, the Krofft Brothers attempted to bring back Electra Woman and Dyna Girl for a more modern audience with, what appears they thought were modern sensibilities. Electra Woman has fallen on hard times as she lives in a trailer park and Dyna Girl has run off with her husband. A young college student whose Electra Woman had saved as a child makes it a point to return the favor, but she may wind up regretting that decision.
This time around, John and Kevin Eldridge of The Flopcast discuss the ever youthful Markie Post, the use of suggestive situations and language, and should this be looked upon as a sacrilege or as a possible contender for something worthwhile. Take a listen and let us know what you think by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Detective #110 "The Crime Clinic" February 22, 1946 Writer: Don Cameron Artist: J. Winslow Mortimer We've got a holiday special for you, Citizens! The 12 Days of Batmas where John and a special guest sit down and discuss an issue of Batman or Detective Comics and figure out to adapt it to the 1966 television show.
For the third day Batmas, John and writer/podcaster Kevin Lauderdale discuss Detective Comics #220. In it, they talk about how Alan Napier could become more involved in the plot of this late 40s comic as a 66 episode, the elements of Londinium that have already been established and the use of Venerable Ireland Yard.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"The Crime Clinic"
May 21, 1943
Writer: Bill Finger
Penciller: Bob Kane
Inker: George Roussos
We've got a holiday special for you, Citizens! The 12 Days of Batmas where John and a special guest sit down and discuss an issue of Batman or Detective Comics and figure out to adapt it to the 1966 television show.
For the second day Batmas, John and filmmaker Robert Long discuss Detective Comics #77. In it, they discuss the guest cast for this story, the character of Crime Doctor, and the added features needed to make this a two-part second season story.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"The Murders of Clayface"
May 7, 1940
Writer: Bill Finger
Penciller: Bob Kane
Inker: Jerry Robinson
We've got a holiday special for you, Citizens! The 12 Days of Batmas where John and a special guest sit down and discuss an issue of Batman or Detective Comics and figure out to adapt it to the 1966 television show.
We start off with Fire and Water Network podcast host, Chris Franklin and a look at Detective Comics #40. In it, they discuss the guest cast for this story, the handling or non-handling of the murders, and the flaw of often telling and not showing in the early Batman comics of the 40s.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF LITTLE BATMAN" Little Preston falls asleep one night after watching the news of four escaped inmates and dreams he is Batman facing the Riddler, Joker, Penguin, and Catwoman! Can he stop them from attacking the United World Organization?
John and Robert Long sit down in the Batcave and discuss a fan film that once again features children as actors, but this time, the producer went out of his way to give this as much of a feel of a 66 episode based on the steps he took with the visuals. Together, the two discuss the tricked out kids' Batmobile that we still want, the collection of Batman memorabilia seen in the production and the appearance of Scott Sebring as Batman.
Take a listen and let us know what you think by commenting here or writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Episode Fifteen "Batman Victorious" The noose tightens around the Wizard as he tries to maintain his invisibility as the police dragnet surrounds him. Will Batman catch him? Who will save Vicki Vale? And how is Carter still involved in all this?
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 15th and final episode of the 1949 Batman movie serial. In it, they discuss the terrible ending, the more organized Batman, and the uselessness of Vicki Vale.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Episode Fourteen "Batman Vs. Wizard" The Wizard's next target is Jim Gordon, but he also takes out a few others along the way.
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 14th episode of the 1949 movie serial. In it, they discuss how wrong Jim got the identity of the Wizard, the red herrings that abound in the story, and the science of the invisibilty for the Wizard.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"Return of the Pharaoh"
Aired: December 18/25, 1976
The Pharaoh returns and wants to trap the Voltage Vixens in King Tut's tomb!
This time around, John and Kevin Elddrige of The Flopcast discuss the lack of real plot in this episode, American ingenuity, and the premiere of the Wilfred Brimley Podcast. Take a listen and let us know what you think by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Episode Thirteen "The Wizard's Challenge" The Wizard develops an invisibility field that makes him impossible to stop!
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 13th episode of the 1949 movie serial. In it, they discuss the oddness of adding invisibilty to the story, the themes to both movie serials, and the goofy, but charming cliffhanger.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"The Dead Ringers"
April 30, 1977
Clayface is back and he's recruited a trapeze artist with a criminal past to help him impersonate the Dynamic Duo.
**John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are back in the Batcave talking about an episode that has much in common with a 1968 Filmation episode. In it, they discuss the history of Clayface, Robin and Batgirl working together, and how Batmite proves he is more than a cute cartoon character with this episode!**
Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"The Dead Ringers"
April 30, 1977
Clayface is back and he's recruited a trapeze artist with a criminal past to help him impersonate the Dynamic Duo.
**John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are back in the Batcave talking about an episode that has much in common with a 1968 Filmation episode. In it, they discuss the history of Clayface, Robin and Batgirl working together, and how Batmite proves he is more than a cute cartoon character with this episode!**
Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Episode Twelve "Robin Rides the Wind" The Wizard wants the neutralizer in order to continue his crime spree. Can Batman stop him?
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 12th episode of the 1949 movie serial. In it, they discuss the problem with Barry Brown, the midleading chapter title, and the waste of location that should have been Wayne Manor.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Episode Twelve "Robin Rides the Wind" The Wizard wants the neutralizer in order to continue his crime spree. Can Batman stop him?
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 12th episode of the 1949 movie serial. In it, they discuss the problem with Barry Brown, the midleading chapter title, and the waste of location that should have been Wayne Manor.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Chapter Eleven
"Robin's Ruse"
Robin must trick the Wizard's men in order to free Bruce. Will he succeed?
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 11th episode of the 1949 movie serial. In it, they talk the fast paced content in this episode, their list of suspects, and the silliness of the Wizard extending the power of the nullifier.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Chapter Eleven
"Robin's Ruse"
Robin must trick the Wizard's men in order to free Bruce. Will he succeed?
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 11th episode of the 1949 movie serial. In it, they talk the fast paced content in this episode, their list of suspects, and the silliness of the Wizard extending the power of the nullifier.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Chapter Ten
"Batman's Last Chance!"
Batman infiltrates an office building, where the Wizard's men are hiding out, in a quest to find Vicki Vale. But Vicki's brother Jimmy is there. Is he friend or foe?
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 9th episode of the 1949 movie serial. In it, they talk about Jimmy Vale's final fate, the use of footage from 1943, and the buidling the Wizard's men hide out in..
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Chapter Ten
"Batman's Last Chance!"
Batman infiltrates an office building, where the Wizard's men are hiding out, in a quest to find Vicki Vale. But Vicki's brother Jimmy is there. Is he friend or foe?
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 9th episode of the 1949 movie serial. In it, they talk about Jimmy Vale's final fate, the use of footage from 1943, and the buidling the Wizard's men hide out in..
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Chapter Nine
"The Wizard Strikes Back!"
Jimmy Vale is in need of rescuing as he plans to spill the beans on the Wizard. But is it all too good to be true?
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 9th episode of the 1949 movie serial. In it, they talk about Jimmy Vale, Bruce Wayne - Gordon confidante, and Batman's car program.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"The Spider-Lady"Aired: December 4/11, 1976 The Spider-Lady uses the ultimate disguise, that of Electra-Woman, to steal an idol.
This time around, John and Kevin Elddrige of The Flopcast discuss the creation of Spider-Woman and her relation to Spider-Lady, the special effects of the episode, and the effective use of henchmen in this episode. Take a listen and let us know what you think by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"The Spider-Lady"Aired: December 4/11, 1976 The Spider-Lady uses the ultimate disguise, that of Electra-Woman, to steal an idol.
This time around, John and Kevin Elddrige of The Flopcast discuss the creation of Spider-Woman and her relation to Spider-Lady, the special effects of the episode, and the effective use of henchmen in this episode. Take a listen and let us know what you think by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Chapter Eight
"Robin Meets the Wizard"
The Wizard threatens the railroad lines with his vehicle control device.
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 8th episode of the 1949 movie serial. In it, they talk about excessive padding in some of these episodes, the tiresome Batman trapped in a fire cliffhanger, and the dismissive nature of Batman towards Vicki Vale.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Chapter Eight
"Robin Meets the Wizard"
The Wizard threatens the railroad lines with his vehicle control device.
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 8th episode of the 1949 movie serial. In it, they talk about excessive padding in some of these episodes, the tiresome Batman trapped in a fire cliffhanger, and the dismissive nature of Batman towards Vicki Vale.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"THE ASTROLOGER" October 23, 1976 Monster Squad was a one season NBC Saturday morning live action show for kids in 1976. In it, Walt, who worked in his uncle's wax museum, discovered that he could bring the figures of Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the Wolfman to life. Wanting to atone for the sins of their past, the trio, with Walt's crime computer set out on a mission to stop evil wherever they found it.
We move on to the seventh episode with the villain - The Astrologer, masterfully played by Jonathan Harris of Lost in Space. His plan is to make one of his predictions, an earthquake rocking the city, come true by using a thirty year old atomic bomb.
John and Joe Crowe of RevolutionSF and the Dragoncon American SciFi Classics Track discuss the performance of Jonathan Harris, the parallels of the clam trap with Batman 66's Joker/Penguin meetup, and how this is the best Drac episode to date.
Take a listen and let us know what you think here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"THE ASTROLOGER" October 23, 1976 Monster Squad was a one season NBC Saturday morning live action show for kids in 1976. In it, Walt, who worked in his uncle's wax museum, discovered that he could bring the figures of Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the Wolfman to life. Wanting to atone for the sins of their past, the trio, with Walt's crime computer set out on a mission to stop evil wherever they found it.
We move on to the seventh episode with the villain - The Astrologer, masterfully played by Jonathan Harris of Lost in Space. His plan is to make one of his predictions, an earthquake rocking the city, come true by using a thirty year old atomic bomb.
John and Joe Crowe of RevolutionSF and the Dragoncon American SciFi Classics Track discuss the performance of Jonathan Harris, the parallels of the clam trap with Batman 66's Joker/Penguin meetup, and how this is the best Drac episode to date.
Take a listen and let us know what you think here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Episode Seven
"The Fatal Blast"
Batman must protect the life of a developer of a device that can counter the Wizard's device.
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 7th episode of the 1949 movie serial. They talk about the first ever great cliffhanger resolution, Alfred Beagle, and how fatal a blast we will see in this episode.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Episode Seven
"The Fatal Blast"
Batman must protect the life of a developer of a device that can counter the Wizard's device.
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 7th episode of the 1949 movie serial. They talk about the first ever great cliffhanger resolution, Alfred Beagle, and how fatal a blast we will see in this episode.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Episode Six "Target Robin!" Bruce goes undercover and is quickly found out so Robin has to come to the rescue. Can Bruce save his ruse by shooting Robin when he is captured?
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 6th episode of the 1949 movie serial. They talk about the poor cliffhanger resolutions, the shooting of Robin and their hopes with the cliffhanger for this episode.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"NO-FACE" October 16, 1976 Monster Squad was a one season NBC Saturday morning live action show for kids in 1976. In it, Walt, who worked in his uncle's wax museum, discovered that he could bring the figures of Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the Wolfman to life. Wanting to atone for the sins of their past, the trio, with Walt's crime computer set out on a mission to stop evil wherever they found it.
We move on to the sixth episode with the villain - No-Face. Here we have the Batman 66 equivalent to False Face.
John and Joe Crowe of RevolutionSF and the Dragoncon American SciFi Classics Track discuss the particularly scary look to No-Face, the perfect weapon against werewolves, and the upcoming Manimal podcast.
Take a listen and let us know what you think here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Episode Five "Robin Rescues Batman!" Vicki Vale gets a picture of several of the Wizard's men and so they enlist the aid of Vicki's brother Jimmy to retrieve it. But whose side is Jimmy really on?
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 5th episode of the 1949 movie serial. They talk about Batman's forensic process, more poor cliffhanger resolution and how the butler did it.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Episode Five "Robin Rescues Batman!" Vicki Vale gets a picture of several of the Wizard's men and so they enlist the aid of Vicki's brother Jimmy to retrieve it. But whose side is Jimmy really on?
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the 5th episode of the 1949 movie serial. They talk about Batman's forensic process, more poor cliffhanger resolution and how the butler did it.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"The Deep Freeze"
April 23, 1977
Mr. Freeze returns to chill in Gotham and he has a plan where he wants to take advantage of a new freeze weapon.
**John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are back in the Batcave talking about an episode that is much better than it has the right to be, considering how Filmation handled Mr. Freeze in the past. In it, they discuss how Mr. Freeze seems more like the Batman 66 character rather than the Filmation 68 one, how the cold puns were just the right amount and how Michael Uslan lands on Batmite.**
Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Episode Four
"Batman Trapped"
The Wizard captures Morton, the inventor of a new energy source. Batman and Robin save him, but not before the Wizard learns the location of the formula. Can the Dynamic Duo stop him from obtaining this power?
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the fourth episode of this 15 chapter series. In it, they talk about Vicki Vale, the Lois Lane of this serial, the sudden character shift in Bruce Wayne to accomodate the story (but not really needed) and the parallels with the comics of the time.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Episode Three
"Robin's Wild Ride"
Having successfully stolen the large scale model of the device needed to control vehicles, the Wizard's men need to obtain diamonds as well and Batman and Robin are poised to stop them!
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the third episode of this 15 chapter series. In it, they talk Alfred and how they like both Alfreds from the two serials, the wait for Robin's "Wild Ride", and the lackluster cliffhangers endings.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"The Pharaoh" Aired: Novmber 20/27, 1976 The Pharaoh steals the Pyramid of Ramsis in order to activate a being of pure energy - Solaris. John and Kevin Eldridge of The Flopcast are back in Electra-Base keeping Frank company.
This time around, they discuss the effects in the episode, the more subdued performance of Peter Mark Richman compared to Victor Buono's King Tut, and the terrifying cliffhanger. Take a listen and let us know what you think by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Episode Two
"Tunnel of Terror"
Batman finds himself atop a moving train, fighting the Wizard's men, but he's heading for a quick stop.
John and writer Jim Beard discuss the second episode of this 15 chapter series. In it, they talk about the literal ups and downs of the story, Johnny Duncan as Robin and how the "Tunnel of Terror" title may not be appropriate considering when the tunnel appears.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1949 - Episode One
"Batman Takes Over"
Batman and Robin are called into service when a device that can control vehicles is stolen by the Wizard. Who is the Wizard and what is his ultimate goal?
John and writer Jim Beard are back in the Batcave and we're discussing the 15 chapter movie serial of 1949. There are many elements that we would recognize from the comics, but in the end, is this finally proper Batman? We get into that and lament what wasn't to be seen in this serial.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"He Who Laughs Last"
April 16, 1977
The Joker is back in Gotham City and he's bent on revenge on Batman for putting him away previously.
**John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are back in the Batcave talking about an episode that ticks all the boxes when it comes to Filmation Batman 1977. In it, they discuss how this story seems more like a Riddler story, muse about Batman leaving Batgirl alone in the Batcave, and wonder how a Joker plane looks more like a helicopter.**
Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"The Return of the Sorcerer" Aired: Novmber 6/13, 1976 The Sorcerer returns and has plans to trap Electra Woman and Dyna Girl inside Merlin's mirror. John and Kevin Eldridge of The Flopcast are back in Electra-Base keeping Frank company.
This time around, they discuss the set design, the "science" behind the time travel take in this story, and cosplaying Frank Heflin. Take a listen and let us know what you think by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"Music Man"
October 9, 1976
Monster Squad was a one season NBC Saturday morning live action show for kids in 1976. In it, Walt, who worked in his uncle's wax museum, discovered that he could bring the figures of Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the Wolfman to life. Wanting to atone for the sins of their past, the trio, with Walt's crime computer set out on a mission to stop evil wherever they found it.
We move on to the fifth episode with the villain - Music Man. This one clearly has Batman 66 DNA all over it from the henchmen to the humor to the appearance of Stanley Ralph Ross.
John and Joe Crowe of RevolutionSF and the Dragoncon American SciFi Classics Track discuss "Primrose Lane", the humor of Marty Allan and Stanley Ralph Ross' desire to be an actor.
Take a listen and let us know what you think here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
The Adventures of Superman
Batman's Great Mystery Batman is not acting like himself. He's showing up at anti-American meetings and encouraging people to support the Germans in World War II. Robin and Superman team up to find out what is going on. Sounds like the makings of a great story, but is it?
John and writer Jim Beard are back in the Batcave as we're wrapping up our look at the 1943 serial as and taking a break between the movie serials of the 1940s by looking at one of the multiple appearances of Batman and Robin on the Superman radio show. The thing is, who is this man they call Batman? Jim has a lot of issues with this rendition he feels makes the 43 Batman look legit. It's so bad, we spend as much time talking about Superman as we do Batman. Plus, we briefly discuss the Batman Mystery Club pilot radio show.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"The Chameleon"
April 9, 1977
The Chameleon is in Gotham City, looking for revenge against Batman.
John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are back in the Batcave talking about this episode that they both clearly enjoyed. In it, they wonder why Marvel never sued Filmation for taking the names Electro and Chameleon. They also discuss the joys of introducing new villains to the Batman universe through vehicles such as this.
Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"Ali Baba" Aired: October 23/30, 1976 This might just be the episode that could be considered the best overall. It certainly looks and feels like a Batman 66 episode from the villain to the guest stars to the situation that Dyna Girl gets herself into. John and Kevin Eldridge of The Flopcast are back in Electra-Base keeping Frank company.
This time around, they discuss how Malachi Throne is the King of the Two-Part TV Stories, the career of Sid Haig, and the great turn Judy Strangis does as an evil Dyna Girl. Take a listen and let us know what you think by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"Star Trek Vs. Batman" The Dynamic Duo are given a taste of the future when the starship Enterprise is catapulted to the past. But the Joker and Catwoman are also aware of Kirk and Spock and the power at their command if they can take the ship. John and Robert Long sit down in the Batcave and discuss a fan film that clearly has a love for the material being presented. The question is, "Is this really a Batman fan film?" John and Robert argue that this film, while showing love for the Batman series, is primarily a Star Trek fan film with Batman playing a supporting role.
Take a listen and let us know what you think by commenting here or writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"THE RINGMASTER" October 2, 1976 Monster Squad was a one season NBC Saturday morning live action show for kids in 1976. In it, Walt, who worked in his uncle's wax museum, discovered that he could bring the figures of Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the Wolfman to life. Wanting to atone for the sins of their past, the trio, with Walt's crime computer set out on a mission to stop evil wherever they found it.
We dive into the fourth episode with the villain - The Ringmaster. This one is proving to be a dark episode as the Ringmaster holds 20,000 orphans hostage.
John and Joe Crowe of RevolutionSF and the Dragoncon American SciFi Classics Track discuss the unfortunate imagery of Bonnie Bon, the use of "Chekov's Gun" in this story, and a missed plot point that could have been developed into something more.
Take a listen and let us know what you think here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
WRITER JIM BEARD TALKS ANOTHER CHALLENGE FOR THE GREEN HORNET You thought it was the end of the podcast, but then writer Jim Beard presents another challenge for the Green Hornet, his aide Kato and their rolling arsenal the Black Beauty. John and Jim sit down to discuss Jim's Green Hornet novella from Moonstone Press, "How Sweet the Sting". They discuss the challenges and fun moments in writing the book, the unique vision Moonstone Publishing has for the character and Jim's preoccupation with the military in his writing.
Get your copy by ordering from Moonstone Press.
Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1943 - Episode Fifteen "The Doom of the Rising Sun" The final confrontation between Batman and Daka is actually their first confrontation as we discuss in the final episode of our look at the 1943 movie serial.
John and writer Jim Beard are back in the Batcave as we're wrapping up our look at the 1943 serial as we discuss the missed opportunities of the story, the unintended campiness, and the similarities with the 1966 TV series.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"Reading, Writing & Wronging" April 2, 1977 Penguin has started a school for criminals and in order to pass, you have to defeat Batman and Robin!
John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are back in the Batcave talking about this episode that is an odd duck. It has potential and it has some fun moments, but in the end it just doesn't hold up. The two discuss how this episode may be where some of the hate for Batmite comes from, John's dislike of the Penguin as a character in general, and the heavy use of "Holy" exclamations in this episode.
Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1943 - Episode Thirteen "The Executioner Strikes" The Batman is closing in on Daka, but will his search lead him to a crocodile grave?
John and writer Jim Beard are back in the Batcave as we're up to the penultimate episode of this serial. The two discuss the missing Colton, the far from normal cliffhanger, and Daka's preoccupation with his crocodiles.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"Bite-Sized" March 27, 1977 The alien Electro comes to Gotham City to shrink the Dynamic Duo and use them to discover America's defense systems prior to his invasion of the planet.
John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are back in the Batcave talking about this episode with a new villain with a familiar name. They discuss Nom Prescott possibly subbing for Adam West, Marvel's lack of attention to a villain named Electro, and the attitude of the Batcomputer.
Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1943 - Episode Thirteen "Eight Steps Down" Using some genuine detective skills, Batman and Robin are able to track the captured Linda to Daka's lair, but Batman falls into a deadly trap. Can he escape?
John and writer Jim Beard are back in the Batcave as we're coming to the end of our look at the 1943 serial. In this episode, they discuss the well used stock footage, the missing Colton, and the similarities with the trap in this episode and in an episode of Batman 66.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"Curses! Oiled Again!" March 20, 1977 Catwoman teams up with Clayface to steal all the oil in the world.
John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central welcome Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension back into the Batcave where they discuss the first team-up of the 77 Filmation series. They discuss the potential for toys based on the characters and the vehicles seen in the episode, they comment on the rotoscope used, and Joe tries to make a Batmite lover out of Dan.
Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1943 - Episode Twelve "Embers of Evil" Having escaped another exploding building, Batman and Robin find themselves on the trail of the missing Linda.
John and writer Jim Beard are back in the Batcave and the two are not at all impressed with this episode. There really isn't a whole lot to say as it's the shortest episode of the serials and of this podcast. We do continue to lament the loss and lack of sense of loss of Colton to this story.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"THE TICKLER" September 25, 1976 Monster Squad was a one season NBC Saturday morning live action show for kids in 1976. In it, Walt, who worked in his uncle's wax museum, discovered that he could bring the figures of Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the Wolfman to life. Wanting to atone for the sins of their past, the trio, with Walt's crime computer set out on a mission to stop evil wherever they found it.
For our look at the third episode of the series, we deal with the depressing villain with the misleading name - The Tickler. He's the first "returning" villain in terms of the Squad has faced him before, but he's new to the viewer. He wants revenge on Walter and the Squad for sending him away for a long stretch.
John and Joe Crowe of RevolutionSF and the Dragoncon American SciFi Classics Track discuss the darkness of The Tickler and his henchmen, the great humor that still works in the episode, and the potential for a Monster Squad/Batman 66 team-up facing The Tickler and The Joker.
Take a listen and let us know what you think here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1943 - Episode Eleven "A Nipponese Trap" As Chuck White, Bruce learns of one of Daka's hideouts, but the Dynamic Duo find themselves under attack as soon as they arrive.
John and writer Jim Beard are back in the Batcave where Jim has serious issues with a number of elements that go against the unspoken rules of the Batman comic. John is simply tired of the simple resolution of the cliffhanger ending, a staple of the 40s serials.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
**"The Bermuda Rectangle"**
March 13, 1977
Professor Bubbles is engaged in some real underwater deep sea piracy and it's up to Batman to stop him. Where is Aquaman when you need him?
John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are at odds with this fifth episodes of the 77 series and not in the way you would think. Usually, Joe can find the joy in the goofiest of plots, but he struggled a little with this one while John enjoyed every 70s cliche the episode threw at us, from the CB lingo to the sharks to the underwater base.
Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"Mr. Mephisto" September 18, 1976 Monster Squad was a one season NBC Saturday morning live action show for kids in 1976. In it, Walt, who worked in his uncle's wax museum, discovered that he could bring the figures of Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the Wolfman to life. Wanting to atone for the sins of their past, the trio, with Walt's crime computer set out on a mission to stop evil wherever they found it.
And in our second episode review, the Squad take on Mr. Mephisto (Barry Dennen) and his dolls, Baby Doll and Arlene Doll as he tries to subvert the political system in Metro City by replacing many of the major figures with animatronic dolls. John is joined in the Batcave by Revolution SF host and DragonCon American Sci-Fi Classics Track co-moderator Joe Crowe to discuss the parallels with this series and Batman 66. And there are quite a few.
They discuss the guest cast that includes two actors who appeared in Batman 66, how Walter may have been inspired to fight crime from Batman, and wonder what kind of media outlets are in Metro City that no one reports on the mayor's proclamation commending the Monster Squad for their work.
Take a listen and let us know what you think here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1943 - Episode Ten "Flying Spies" After escaping from another death trap, Bruce dons the guise of Chuck White once again in order to learn about a dropped shipment of radium that they must recover before Daka's men.
John and writer Jim Beard are back in the Batcave and talking about the possibility of there being more than one Batman, the frustrating resolution of the cliffhanger and the equally frustrating new cliffhanger.
It's all here and we want to hear what you think. Comment here or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"The Scheme is Sound" Batman and Robin must foil a new plot by the United Underworld to create and use the world's largest loudspeaker in order to rob a bank. John and Robert Long sit down in the Batcave and discuss a film that is the complete polar opposite of the film they discussed in the last episode. The Parkview Elementary School Music Club in Van Buren, Arkansas produced this 13 minute fan film complete with music and they clearly get the source material. The two discuss the plot, the portrayals, and the Batmobile that was used in the production.
Take a listen and let us know what you think by commenting here or writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"A Sweet Joke on Gotham City" March 6, 1977 We take a look at another Filmation original village for the 77 Batman series in the form of Sweet Tooth. Sounding like Paul Lynde and ready with a crime where he holds the city's water supply hostage (why does that sound familiar?), this is one of the crazier stories and yet our hosts are more than happy with how goofy it is.
John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are giving this fourth episode of the Filmation 1977 Batman series embrace this episode wholeheartedly even though it's got a number of problems, which they bring up in their discussion. In this episode, they discuss how good a Paul Lynde Lenny Weintraub does for Sweet Tooth, how Batmite is more useful than Robin, how Batgirl is better used in this version of the series, and the dynamics of the Bat Family in this series.
Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1943 - Episode Nine "The Sign of the Sphinx" Colton is dead, but there isn't time to mourn his passing as the Dynamic Duo get a lead on one of Daca's men's hideouts. John and writer Jim Beard discuss the odd title choice, the lack of concern for Colton's passing, and how bad guys never think to just shoot Batman.
"Trouble Identity" February 26, 1977 Catwoman is back and she's got a new scheme to make herself rich by stealing a revolutionary device that turns garbage into rich fabrics. And in order to throw suspicion off her, she dresses as Batgirl when committing the crime. While the GCPD are tracking Batgirl down, the Terrific Trio are dodging robot cats while trying to prove her innocence.
John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are giving this third episode of the Filmation 1977 Batman series equal parts love and equal parts, "What were they thinking?" In this episode, they discuss the new look Catwoman, the vocal talent of Melendy Britt, and the wasted talents of Catwoman.
Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Batman 66 #12 "The Queen of Diamonds' Big Heist"/"To Be or Not To Be" Published: June 25, 2014 We're back to a two-parter and backup story with two villains created for the series. First, Marsha, Queen of Diamonds has a new plan to get her hands on the Bat-Diamond. Then, the Minstrel robs Wayne Manor and takes only one thing - the Shakespeare bust!
John and Dan discuss the likeness issues of the characters in these stories, how John liked a story with a character he doesn't like and was disappointed by a story with a character he loves, and how far filling in the gaps of the Batman 66 series one should really go.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
We'd love to hear what you think. Leave your comments here or write us at the batcavepodcast@gmail.com.
**"The Androids"**
Aired: October 27, 1973
What gives? A Super Friends Podcast episode in the Batcave Feed. John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension have often pointed out how elements of the Batman 66 series fed the Filmation 68 cartoon series and then the Super Friends and this episode is a prime example as it has a great deal of the camp you found in the 66 series.
Make sure you check out the podcast via any of the great podcasting apps or by visiting our Libsyn page - http://wgsfp.libsyn.com/
A lunar mission returns to Earth, but the astronauts are missing. The Super Friends are brought in to investigate and soon discover that the entire space program is endangered by a scientist and his army of androids.
John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension are at odds over how good this episode is. Together, they discuss how much like a Batman 66 episode this story is, how much the space program meant to us, and how the cartoon was mirroring the Superman comics of the time.
John references The Ultimate Super Friends Companion by Will Rodgers. Check it out for yourself by purchasing a copy via Amazon.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
1943 - Episode Eight "Lured by Radium" The Colton movie serial guest starring Batman and Robin continues with a shocking cliffhanger ending for episode eight. Well, that's the way John and Jim Beard are looking at this series as Colton continues to be much more interesting character than either of the Dynamic Duo. Bruce and Dick track Colton, captured by Daka, to his radium mine where there is chaos in the cave system that leads to an explosive ending. We talk this, the good and bad story elements in the episode, and the heavy New England accent of Bruce Wayne.
From the Files of the Batcomputer 49Eric Elliott & Ian Miller on BATMAN MEETS GODZILLA John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension are back in the Batcave talking with two members of the creative team behind the fan produced BATMAN MEETS GODZILLA comic book, Eric Elliott & Ian Miller. They talk about the unusual origin of this comic book that is based on a proposed movie from the 60s, they talk spoilers, and they discuss trying to be as faithful to the movie pitch while also including more of the 66 universe's characters. Take a listen and then head on over to get your free copy of BATMAN MEETS GODZILLA.
"The Moonman" February 19, 1977 The Moonman is a strange, new villain the Dynamic Duo have to confront. Even with the help of Batgirl and the limited interference of Batmite, can they stop this super powered menace? And what does Bruce Wayne's friend, astronaut Scott Rogers have to with all this?
John and Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central are on differing sides when it comes to how much love to give this episode. And who loves it more may surprise you. They discuss the limited use of Batmite in this episode, the comedic romantic interest Batmite has in Batgirl, the comparisons with the 1958 World's Finest comic, "Menace of the Moonman", and those amazing gymnastic skills of the Dynamic Duo.
Let us know what you're thinking as you listen to the episode by commenting here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1943 - Episode Seven "The Phoney Doctor" The Colton movie serial guest starring Batman and Robin continues with episode seven. Well, that's the way John and Jim Beard are looking at this series as Colton continues to be much more interesting character than either of the Dynamic Duo. Colton is captured by Daka while Bruce and Dick investigate a Chinese laundry at night. Bruce and Dick? Not Batman and Robin? What gives? We talk this, the weak ending to last episode's cliffhanger, the detection skills of Batman and the payoff of the caveman guard outside Daka's hideout.
Batman 66 #11 "The Joker's Big Show" Published: May 21, 2014 It's a full-length story in which The Joker and Catwoman escape from Arkham with a plan to take over Gotham by instilling madness in the population.
John and Dan discuss actors who could have played mainstream Batman villains who appear in this comic series, the art style of Jonathan Case, and the poor portrayal of Robin in this story.
We'd love to hear what you think. Leave your comments here or write us at the batcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats, Lex and Zod.
"The Pest" February 12, 1977 The Joker has stolen a prototype energy efficient car that is unstable and could blow up. But that's the least of the Dynamic Duo's problems as Batmite only wants to help and his help is never helpful. It's a new era of Batman in the 70s, with two familiar voices, Adam West and Burt Ward.
John is back in the Batcave, ready to take on a new series of reviews, this time on the 1977 iteration of Batman from Filmation. And joining him is a familiar podcast voice, Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central. Together, they celebrate the good and the bad of the series. Of course, there is the case to be made for and against Batmite, but there's also a discussion of the vocal talents of Lenny Weinrib, the theme song, and peculiar theme of energy that runs through most of the episodes of this series.
Let us know what you're thinking as you listen by commenting here or writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1943 - Episode Six "Poison Peril" We take a look at chapter six of the 1943 Batman serial and it takes a turn with the introduction of a new character that Jim will find more interesting than Batman and Robin. Plus, Alfred gets to go undercover once again and the Battrap/cliffhanger is so elaborate, surely Batman cannot possibly survive. Or can he?
Batman XXX Is it possible that an adult film manages to create a Batman 66 homage that is more aware of the source material than other films that are just a cheap money grab? It is and John and Robert Long discuss on an all new episode.
John and Robert Long sit down in the Batcave to discuss a film that doesn't have the deepest plot and yet is still is deeper than Nora Clavicle. While they acknowledge this is an adult film, the focus is on the story and visual elements that any Batfan would appreciate and director Axel Braun manages to hit the right notes.
Take a listen and let us know what you think by commenting here or writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Batman 66 #10"The Summer of Freeze" & "Cleo-Bat-Ra" Published: April 30, 2014 Mr. Freeze returns to Gotham with a scheme to freeze the city based on the needs of the people. Plus, Batgirl searches for an antidote for a poisoned Bruce Wayne and faces Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile.
John and Dan talk about both stories work nicely in the Batman 66 universe, but John is disappointed that both stories weren't more drawn out. Plus, they get into the licensing situation with Lee Meriwether and the three Freezes and how one managed to get through even though there was no deal.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
"The Empress of Evil" Aired: October 9/16, 1976 In what has to be the oddest adventure for the Voltage Vixens, we take on a villain with no real plan and isn't what she seems. John and Kevin Eldridge of The Flopcast are back in Electra-Base keeping Frank company.
This time around, discuss how creepy it is that Frank just stays in the basement, the dodgy effects that mark this episode, and the lost opportunities in what is one of the more interesting and darker stories. Take a listen and let us know what you think by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1943 - Episode Five "The Living Corpse" Our look at the 43 Batman serial continues with a discussion of the actor who portrayed Alfred, plus confusion over why the Japanese would go to such lengths as they do in this episode to deliver a message.
From the Files of the Batcomputer 48
###### Holy Triple Feature! Burt Ward Returns to the Batcave!
Burt Ward returns to the Batcave to talk Robin, the Boy Wonder on the eve of his 80th anniversary as a character in the Batman mythos. But there's also much to celebrate with our own Boy Wonder as Burt tells us about his appearance on the recent Arrowverse Crisis crossover event, his upcoming star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, his Batusi charity event, and the latest news from his animal rescue, Gentle Giants. John is joined by Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension to share in the celebration.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
**ABOUT GENTLE GIANTS PRODUCTS, INC.**
This event is co-sponsored by Gentle Giants Products, manufacturer of Gentle Giants World Class Canine Nutrition Dog and Puppy Food (www.gentlegiantsdogfood.com). Natural Non GMO Super Premium Gentle Giants Dog and Puppy Food along with the Gentle Giants Special Feeding and Care Program helps dogs longer, healthier, happier lives up to 27 years with a wonderful quality of life. This amazingly successful nutritious diet was created by Burt and Tracy Ward along with expert pet nutritionists and in consultation with highly respected veterinarians. It is the charity of Burt Ward and Tracy Ward who take no salary from the sales of Gentle Giants pet foods to intentionally make it affordable so that all dogs can benefit.
Gentle Giants World Class Canine Nutrition Dog and Puppy Food is sold at Walmart Supercenters nationwide throughout the U.S. and Canada, at thousands of other retail stores nationally, including grocery stores, pet stores, veterinary clinics, and feed stores. Major retailers include Stater Bros, Ralphs, Gelson’s, Save Mart, and Lucky grocery stores, and in March 2020, Gentle Giants Dog and Puppy Food will be in Target stores nationally.
ABOUT SUPERHEROES TO THE RESCUE, INC.
This event is co-sponsored by Burt Ward's and Tracy Ward's Superheroes To The Rescue, a production company that produces family entertainment, educational materials, clothing, toys and other merchandise and products to make a better world for all of us to live in. We seek to empower everyone to do great deeds for others. We encourage kids of all ages to become Superheroes and do whatever we all can to help those in need – and to care for and protect animals. The goal is to encourage and empower each and every one of us to realize that We Can All Be Superheroes When We Do Whatever We Can To Help - to use our own special abilities and 'SUPER Powers' to help each other, to help animals, and to help the world.
ABOUT GENTLE GIANTS RESCUE AND ADOPTIONS, INC.
Burt and Tracy Ward operate the world’s largest giant breed dog rescue. www.gentlegiantsdogfood.com
Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non profit public benefit corporation that has rescued, cared for and found loving forever homes for more than 15,500 dogs during the last 25 years. Through decades for personally caring 24/7/365 for so many thousands of dogs, Burt and Tracy created their special feeding and care program along with their dog and puppy food to help all dogs live the longest, healthiest, happiest lives possible. Holy 'Quality of Life' Super Feast, Batman! Every day, Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions feeds more than 600lbs of Natural Non GMO Gentle Giants Dog and Puppy Food to rescued dogs.
1943 - Episode Four "Slaves of the Rising Sun" We continue our look at the 1943 Batman serial with the fourth episode, "Slaves of the Rising Sun". In it, we discuss the history of Bruce Wayne's romantic relationships, the sadistic nature of Dr. Daka, and Batman's relationship with the government. Plus, we look at the career of Shirley Patterson who plays Linda Page.
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jim Beard was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.
His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.
Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.
Websites
http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard
http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com
**Alyas Batman en Robin**
In 1989 Regal Entertainment, based in the Philippines, produced a musical comedy spoof of the Batman 66 series. At that time, Michael Keaton's Batman was about to hit the screens. DC Comics and Warner Bros. halted the release of the film for two years over copyright infringement. It should have been held back for the crime of being an awful film.
John and Robert Long sit down in the Batcave to discuss this film that is much more an homage to Batman than some of the other films we've discussed in the past. That doesn't make it a better film though. Despite this, they do find some points of interest to talk about such as how the costuming seems to mimic those of the Mego action figures of the 70s, how the music in the film are all plays on other popular songs, and how meta this film really is.
Warning: Just before posting the episode, John found a copy of the film with subtitles. He and Robert were fairly accurate with their interpretation.
Take a listen and let us know what you think by commenting here or writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1943 - Episode Three "The Mark of the Zombies" We continue our look at the 1943 Batman serial with the third episode, "The Mark of the Zombies". In it, we see the process by which Dr. Daka converts humans into his living zombies and we watch as Batman foils another attempt at stealing the badly needed uranium. Plus, we wonder how Daka ever came to being the diabolical leader he's supposed to be; we discuss the colorful career of J. Carrol Naish (Daka); and we comment on how Alfred may be the most interesting character in this serial.
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jim Beard was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.
His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.
Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.
Websites
http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard
http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com
"Queen Bee" September 11, 1976 Monster Squad was a one season NBC Saturday morning live action show for kids in 1976. In it, Walt, who worked in his uncle's wax museum, discovered that he could bring the figures of Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the Wolfman to life. Wanting to atone for the sins of their past, the trio, with Walt's crime computer set our on a mission to stop evil wherever they found it.
And in our first episode review of this Stanley Ralph Ross-helmed series, the Squad take on Queen Bee (Alice Beasley) and her bee drones, Spelling Bee and Bumble Bee as she tries to take over the world. John is joined in the Batcave by Revolution SF host and DragonCon American Sci-Fi Classics Track co-moderator Joe Crowe to discuss the parallels with this series and Batman 66. And there are quite a few.
They discuss the henchmen, the merchandise for this series, and attempts at layering the humor as was done in the 60s Batman series.
Take a listen and let us know what you think here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
It's July 29, 1966. The Batman movie is set to premiere the next day in Austin. The Austin Statesman provided a 16 page supplement filled with fun articles and advertisements for Batman. In an age of instant Internet access, we kids back then would have treasured such an insert.
Download the pdf.
Batman 66 #9 "Zelda's Great Escape" & "Showdown with Shame" Published: March 19, 2014 Zelda the Great is free and back to her scheme of coming up with inescapable traps that she needs the unwilling help of Batman and Robin to solve. Plus, Shame and Batman have a showdown on top of a moving train.
John and Dan talk about John's disappoint with Zelda returning to crime, the "poor deluded girl" lured into a life of crime and adventure, and how the Shame story could easily be a third season episode.
We conclude our look at the Filmation 68 Batman series. In it, we discuss the voice work, the animation, and our favorite stories. In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension talk about the times the series aired on cable, how the show managed to take some of the better elements of the 66 series while also leaning on the comics, and how the series got better as it progressed.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
1943 - Episode Two "The Bat's Cave" We pick up our look at the 1943 Batman serial with the second episode, "The Bat's Cave". In it, the Dynamic Duo bring a prisoner back to their secret base to interrogate and we see the grandfather clock entrance to the Bat's Cave. Plus, we learn that Bruce can be a little sadistic as he fires an unknown energy weapon near his butler, Alfred; we discuss the career and wig of Douglas Croft (Robin); and we comment on the duplicate cliffhanger so early in the series.
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jim Beard was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.
His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.
Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.
Websites
http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard
http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com
So how does one approach a Batman spoof that wasn't intended to be one? John and Robert are sitting in the Batcave and watching the infamous Ray Dennis Steckler film, Rat Pfink A Boo Boo. In it, our hero's girlfriend is being menaced in the first 45 minutes of the film. Based on the setup, one would think that our hero would turn detective to try and stop it, but when she's kidnapped at the halfway point, he and the gardener in his girlfriend's building enter a closet and come out as the masked avengers - Rat Pfink and Boo Boo.
John and Robert Long are watching their Bat-Monitors and are cringing at the turn of the events for this film as well as the costumes our heroes wear, while marveling at some of the directing choices and laughing at some genuinely funny lines. It all adds up to a movie that leaves you scratching your head and wondering what it was you just watched.
Take a listen and let us know what you think by commenting here or writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Robert Long is a full time graphic designer and independent filmmaker. As a first generation Batman syndication kid, he manages the 1966-68 Batman Television Series Group on Facebook. He has had the pleasure to meet and work with Adam West and Julie Newmar with various projects in the past. Visit Robert's production company - Smash or Trash Independent Filmmaking to learn more about it.
1943 - Episode One "The Electrical Brain" It's the start of a new series of podcast reviews looking at the serials of the 1940s. The serials are often cited as the inspiration for the 1966 TV series. John and writer Jim Beard sit down in the "Bat's Cave" to discuss just how true this really is. In the first episode, they discuss the racism of the time, the fighting style of the Dynamic Duo, the career of Lewis Wilson (Batman), and how Robin looks more like a Brady than a Greyson. Take a listen and let us know what you think.
"It Takes Two to Make a Team" & "Opera Buffa" ###### Aired January 1, 1969
Our final look at the Filmation Batman 68 series is a celebration of all that your hosts love about the series. It has a multi-villain story, Batgirl, Alfred, many nods to the Batman comics of the 50s, current pop culture references and so much more. In the first story, Riddler, Penguin and Joker team up to break up the team of the Terrific Trio by playing mind games with Robin. In the second story, the Joker thinks he has finally rid himself of the Dynamic Duo, but he finds himself haunted by their ghosts.
In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss how the second half of the series really hit its stride in terms of story telling and lament that there wasn't more after that. They also give a brief wrap-up by talking about their favorite comics adapted and original villains.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
"Glitter Rock" Aired: September 25/October 2, 1976 Glitter Rock has a plan to take over the world with his hypnotizing music. But how can his music reach our to the entire world? John and Kevin Eldridge of The Flopcast are back in Electra-Base and talking about the "Electra-Chicks" and their latest adventure.
This time around, they take a look at Electra Woman star Deirdre Hall, they talk about the potential backstory that was hinted at in this episode, and John clearly sees more hints not only of the Batman 66 series, but of the relationship between Adam West and Burt Ward compared to Deirdre Hall and Judy Strangis. Take a listen and let us know what you think by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
The Wild World of Batwoman John and Robert Long take on a Batman inspired movie that clearly was trying to cash in on the Batman craze with a heroine that calls herself Batwoman, has an army of Batgirls who help her fight crime, and that's about it. Producer Jerry Warren exploited not only Batman, but the women in this movie about a mad scientist who wants to create a better world by having beautiful women mate with monsters he's created. (At least, that's what we got out of it.)
John and Robert Long are watching their Bat-Monitors and are finding this one difficult to understand or appreciate even with thought it is in English.
Take a listen and let us know what you think by commenting here or writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Robert Long is a full time graphic designer and independent filmmaker. As a first generation Batman syndication kid, he manages the 1966-68 Batman Television Series Group on Facebook. He has had the pleasure to meet and work with Adam West and Julie Newmar with various projects in the past. Visit Robert's production company - Smash or Trash Independent Filmmaking to learn more about it.
"The Sorcerer's Golden Trick" Aired: September 11/18, 1976 As part of the Krofft Supershow, Electra Woman and Dyna Girl ran for 16 weeks in two part installments. The series clearly borrowed a great deal in terms of concepts from the Batman 66 television show. John and co-host Kevin Eldridge of The Flopcast take on these episodes, discussing them scene and scene and exploring what the "Voltage Vixens" have in common with the "Caped Crusaders".
In the opening episode, The Sorcerer escapes from a maximum security prison with a scheme to steal all the gold from Fort Knox. But there is something wrong with the scheme as it involves the use of mirrors. John and Kevin discuss the episode, the guest cast, and try to determine how the Electra Comps work and the extent of their powers. Let us know what you think by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
When is a Batman movie not a Batman movie? When is a wrestling movie not a wrestling movie? When it's the Batwoman. This 1968 gem may not have the elements one expects in a Batman ripoff film, but it still has much more going for it than the previous outings.
John and Robert Long are watching their Bat-Monitors and enjoying this movie with only a few reservations.
Take a listen and let us know what you think by commenting here or writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Robert Long is a full time graphic designer and independent filmmaker. As a first generation Batman syndication kid, he manages the 1966-68 Batman Television Series Group on Facebook. He has had the pleasure to meet and work with Adam West and Julie Newmar with various projects in the past. Visit Robert's production company - Smash or Trash Independent Filmmakingto learn more about it.
James Batman 1966 Our next look at those movies from around the world inspired by the 66 Batman TV series takes us to the Philippines. Mere months after the premiere of the television series, James Batman burst on to Filipino screens. In fact, the movie came out before the American theatrical one did. That in itself is impressive, but then there is the added wrinkle of Batman teaming up with James Bond.
That's right, two of the "Three Bs of the 60s" as Adam West once stated are featured in this film. It's a shame that the boys from Liverpool are not represented in this film. It might have made it more interesting.
John and Robert Long sit down once again in the Batcave and break down this film and it's not as pretty as the last one, even with the help of subtitles.
Take a listen and let us know what you think by commenting here or writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Robert Long is a full time graphic designer and independent filmmaker. As a first generation Batman syndication kid, he manages the 1966-68 Batman Television Series Group on Facebook. He has had the pleasure to meet and work with Adam West and Julie Newmar with various projects in the past. Visit Robert's production company - Smash or Trash Independent Filmmaking to learn more about it.
"The Jigsaw Jeopardy" & "Wrath of the Riddler" ###### Aired December 28, 1968
As you have heard before on the podcast, we're not entirely sure of the broadcast dates or order of episodes when it comes to Filmation Batman 68. We have been relying on Wikipedia for our schedule. Based on that, the penultimate episode features a double dose of The Riddler. In these two stories, he wants to blow up an art museum that refused to feature his artwork and then kidnaps Dick Grayson to stop the development of a crime lab by Wayne Enterprises.
In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss the inconsistent use of Batgirl in the series, the singular moments where the animation seems above average, and appeal of having Bruce Wayne be an actual character who continues the fight against crime, doing things Batman cannot do.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
Batman 66 MeetsThe Green HornetPublished: #1 June 4, 2014#2 July 2, 2014#3 August 6, 2014#4 September 3. 2014#5 October 1, 2014#6 November 19, 2014Collection: November 25, 2015 A fan favorite among the episodes of the 66 series is when Batman met The Green Hornet. Used as a means to promote the show, it didn't feature the strongest story or villain, but it was certainly cool to see two hero types having to work together unknowingly to fight the common enemy. And so it made sense that when the comic of the series was released, a rematch between the two would happen. And so, with the elements in play, plus the return of Colonel Gumm, now General Gumm plus The Joker, you have a six issue mini-series that has a lot to offer.
John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension get together in the Batcave to review DC and Dynamite Comics' offering. They discuss the fantastic artwork and likenesses of the series, the nice nods to the series and the Batman motion picture, and they compare how they view the work, one from the point of view of someone who has watched The Green Hornet series and one who only watched his appearance on Batman.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
For years, fans of Gotham City 14 Miles have been clamoring for a sequel. Jim Beard comes into the Batcave to explain why it hasn't happened and what he is planning instead - a "sidequel". Jim is kicking off an anthology of review essays on each and every episode of the Batman '66 series as seen through the eyes of a myriad of authors, some who contributed to Gotham City 14 Miles.
Jim explains the origins of the idea, what it will encompass, and how you can have a hand it making the three volume collection a reality. Take a listen and then head on over to the project's GoFundMe page to donate.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jim Beard was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.
His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.
Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.
Websites
http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard
http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com
Help make this three volume set a reality by making a donation to the GoFundMe page. Click here or on the image to be taken to the page.
It's the first in a series looking at other takes on Batman in other countries, influenced by the 66 series. We start with Betmen, a Turkish film that, on inspection, clearly should have been a spy film, perhaps even a James Bond one.
John is joined by independent filmmaker and the 1966-1968 Television Batman Facebook group moderator, Robert Long to discuss this film which, despite its flaws, is actually better than one of the episodes of the 66 series (Gasp! Blasphemy!) The two discuss the oddness of the stolen American soundtrack, but the lack of Batman theme music in the movie, the strange obsession with long, ponderous walking shots, and how Robin is in many respects a faithful adaptation of the character while Batman is simply horrible.
It's all here and we hope you'll enjoy this diversion, but we do warn you that the nature of the film is not family friendly and as a result, the discussion is not entirely either. Listener discretion is advised.
Robert Long is a full time grapgic designer and independent filmmaker. As a first generation Batman syndication kid, he manages the 1966-68 Batman Television Series Group on Facebook. He has had the pleasure to meet and work with Adam West and Julie Newmar with various projects in the past. Visit Robert's production company - Smash or Trash Independent Filmmakingto learn more about it.
Batman 66 #8"King Tut Barges In!" & "The Butler Did It!"Published: February 19, 2014 King Tut is back in Gotham, but he has done nothing wrong other than to steer a barge down Gotham Harbor. But Batman suspects the phony Pharaoh is up to something and he's proven correct as he pursues him through time to Ancient Egypt. Plus, Alfred's cousin Eggbert has served his time for his involvement with the Joker in the TV series and he realizes he would never have gotten in trouble if he had lived the life Alfred had. So he kidnaps Alfred and takes his place!
John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension get together in the Batcave to review DC Comics' eighth issue of the 66 series run. Join them every Wednesday for a new review as they go through every issue of the run and every special edition story as well.
John and Dan talk about how much the Tut on the page is like the Tut on the screen as Victor Buono made the role, the importance of getting Alfred to look like Alan Napier in this particular issue, and how much we want a United Underworld story featuring Archer, Minstrel, Puzzler and Siren.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
Batman 66 #7"The Fiend is False!" & "The Joker's Layoff Riot!"Published: January, 2014 False Face gets the return engagement many fans of the 66 series have always wanted and this is a story that could easily play out on the 66 seres with one exception (based on budget, that is). Plus, the Joker is the backup story in a tale that is a comedic take on our employment system. John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension get together in the Batcave to review DC Comics' seventh issue of the 66 series run. Join them every Wednesday for a new review as they go through every issue of the run and every special edition story as well.
John and Dan talk about how Christopher Jones' artwork nicely reproduces the backlots of the Warner Bros. Studios, how not only the heroes, but the villains are nicely captured in this issue, and the humorous look at how our economic and employment system works in the United States as told through a clever Joker story.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
Batman 66 #6"The Conqueror Bookworm" & "The Kissing Cossack"Published: December 18, 2013 The Bookworm is one of John's favorite villains in the Batman 66 universe and he's back in a story written by new to the series writer, Tom Peyer. Bookworm is researching Batman's every habit to determine who he really is and wants to sell the information to the highest bidder. Plus, Olga, Queen of the Cossacks, wants Batman to marry her since he put her Eggy in jail.
John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension get together in the Batcave to review DC Comics' sixth issue of the 66 series run. Join them every Wednesday for a new review as they go through every issue of the run and every special edition story as well.
John and Dan talk about how writer Tom Peyer manages to write a story that easily could have been a Batman 66 episode, the ability of artist Ty Templeton to capture the likenesses of the main cast so well, and the odd interjection of a future plot point in the middle of a backup story.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
"The Fiendishly Frigid Fraud" & "Enter the Judge" Aired December 21, 1968 It's the final appearance of Mr. Freeze on the Filmation 68 animated series and his record to date has not been well received by John and Dan. (They had to admit that the Christmas story did work, but mainly because it was a Christmas story for a frigid villain.) Here, Freeze still comes across as a thug and he's committing another fraud as he did previously with the Vikings, but there's something about the way this story flows that makes it a cut above the others featuring Freeze. Plus, there's the introduction of The Judge, an original Filmation villain.
In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss the odd animation choices Filmation would make in particular instances, including the Mr. Freeze story, the darker tone to the Judge and his story, and the missed potential with this really oddball villain.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats, Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
Batman 66 #5"The Sandman Says Goodnight" & "The Tail of the Tiger Topaz"Published: November 20, 2013 The Sandman is back in Gotham City with a plan to put the entire populace under his spell while trying to learn the location of the Batcave. Plus, Batgirl has her hands full taking on Catwoman by herself.
John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension get together in the Batcave to review DC Comics' fifth issue of the 66 series run. Join them every Wednesday for a new review as they go through every issue of the run and every special edition story as well.
John and Dan talk about the modifying of the Sandman character that works in this story, the lack of representation of African Americans in the Batman 66 series, and their happiness at seeing Batgirl and Catwoman cut loose in a knock down, drag out fight.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
"INVASION FROM OUTER SPACE" AIRED: MARCH 10 AND 17, 1967 It's the end of The Hornet's Sting and we go out with a bang as we review the two-part adventure, "Invasion from Outer Space". The city is gripped with terror as it appears an alien invasion is happening. When the aliens do show up at Britt Reid's home, Britt is certain the whole thing is a hoax and he's quickly proven right as the aliens steal an H-bomb and threaten the city with it. After watching 26 episodes of the 1966-67 ABC television series, The Green Hornet, John and Jim have developed a pretty good idea of what they think works and doesn't work in this series. They have their ideas of what would make the series better. And with that in mind, they take a look at this two-parter that is not exactly a fan favorite. And when all is said and done, from the discussion of the introduction being like Orson Welles' War of the Worlds radio drama to the last ditch effort by William Dozier to produce the show he wanted, John and Jim are at odds over the merits of this two-parter. Take a listen and see who feels this is a "must" watch and who feels this is a pass and that it's best to think the series ended with "Hornet, Save Thyself". The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series. Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.
Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Batman 66: The Lost Episode: "The Two-Way Crimes of Two-Face"Published: November 19, 2014 It's the Harlan Ellison Batman story that featured a never seen villain in the series, finally getting the 66 treatment. Or does it? John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension get together in the Batcave to review DC Comics' one shot story based on a submitted treatment by Harlan Ellison back in 1966. Join them every Wednesday for a new review as they go through every issue of the Batman 66 comic book run and every special edition story as well.
John and Dan talk the fantastic art of the comic and the one artistic choice that took John out of the story, the differing Two-Faces in the comics and other media, and whether or not this was ever really a Batman 66 story.
Check out Dan's Interview with the late Len Win, author of the comic adaptation of Ellison's treatment.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
"A Perfidious Pieman is Simon" & "Cool, Cruel Christmas Caper"Aired December 14, 1968 Filmation's original Batman baddie, Simon the Pieman, returns for more cross dressing villainy in a story that might just be better than his first appearance. Simon has a pie themed park for the kiddies all set to launch, but his plans are interrupted by Barbara Gordon and chaos ensues. Plus, what might just be the best Mr. Freeze story to date deals with Christmas in Gotham City and a scheme to steal valuable Christmas icons.
In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss the detail that went into creating a mythos for Simon the Pieman, the sadistic streak of Batgirl, and their wish for a full length Batman Christmas special from the 60s.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
"The Hatter Takes the Crown" & "The Clock King Strikes!"Published: October 16, 2013 The Dynamic Duo travel to merry old England to track down the Mad Hatter. There's a lot to love about this story, including the fact that the back up story is actually a follow-up to the main one featuring Clock King. John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension get together in the Batcave to review DC Comics' fourth issue of the 66 series run. Join them every Wednesday for a new review as they go through every issue of the run and every special edition story as well.
John and Dan talk about why Londinium is never mentioned and yet they're fine with it, the great nods to other aspects of pop culture in the story, and the familial connection between Mad Hatter and Clock King.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
"The Joker Sees Red" & "Scrambled Eggs" Published: September 18, 2013 There's a new villain in town, The Red Hood, and he's calling out the Joker. Batman must work with his greatest arch-villain in order to bring down the Hood and his gang. Plus, Egghead has captured the Dynamic Duo and placed them in an inescapable egg trap. But Batman has a trick and a Batcopter up his sleeve. John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension get together in the Batcave to review DC Comics' third issue of the 66 series run. Join them every Wednesday for a new review as they go through every issue of the run and every special edition story as well.
John and Dan talk the introduction of pre (The Red Hood) and post (Dr. Harley Qunizel) Batman 66 elements into the story, the art style of Joseph A. Quinones, and John's disappointment in the Egghead story.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
"Emperor Penguin" & "Chandell's Chanteuse" Published: August 21, 2013 The Penguin has his own little island nation in the form of an iceberg in Gotham Harbor. Because of this, he demands ransom for any cargo ship delivering supplies to Gotham City. And how does he manage to keep this little nation afloat? He joins forces with Mr. Freeze. Plus, Chandell is back in Gotham, under the spell of The Siren who has plans of her own. John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension get together in the Batcave to review DC Comics' second issue of the 66 series run. Join them every Wednesday for a new review as they go through every issue of the run and every special edition story as well.
John and Dan talk about the different art styles of the two stories, the Filmation setup of the Penguin story with a neat 66 series ending, and the various cameos in the Chandell/Siren story.
"The Riddler's Ruse" Published: July 17, 2013 The Riddler is back in Gotham City with a scheme to steal a series of art treasures that when put together will lead to a greater treasure. But Batman and Robin, with the aid of a ticked off Catwoman are on his tail
John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension get together in the Batcave to review DC Comics' first issue of the 66 series run. Join them every Wednesday for a new review as they go through ever issue of the run and every special edition story as well.
In the first edition of this review series, they talk about the art and art style used, the rendition of the characters, the inclusion of Catwoman in the story, and the variant covers issued to introduce the series.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
"From Catwoman with Love" & "Perilous Playthings" ###### Aired December 3, 1968
Catwoman returns for a double dose of treachery as she appears in both the double and single entry stories for this episode of the podcast. First, she presents the Dynamic Duo the gift of a cat that takes a shine to Robin. But what is the mystery behind this unexpected gift? Then, Catwoman takes over a movie studio and plans to trap the Dynamic Duo in the oversized props available to her.
In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss the creepiness of the cat, Valentina, the disappointment that Superman and Batman never teamed up in Filmation, and the parallels with elements in the one part story with an episode of Challenge of the Super Friends.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
"Simon the Pieman" & "A Mad, Mad Tea Party" ###### Aired November 30, 1968
Filmation introduces a new villain of their creation, Simon the Pieman. Simon's theme is pastry related crimes while cross-dressing as Mother Apple. He takes over the crime scene in Gotham City by capturing all the major criminals in Batman's Rogue's Gallery. How is it that such an odd villain would make such a perfect Batman 66 villain.
Plus, Filmation offers their version of The Mad Hatter, now with the Alice in Wonderland theme. But there are elements from the 66 show.
In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss the odd moll Simon has, the odd choice not to have any of the other villains that Simon captures speak considering all the voice talent were involved in this episode, and how Filmation was introducing new stock footage visual images to vary up the content on the show.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
"HORNET, SAVE THYSELF" AIRED: MARCH 3, 1967 Britt is accused of murder after he kills a former employee in a room full of witnesses. Now, he must break ranks with Scanlon and go rogue as the Hornet in order to prove his innocence. John and Jim use this episode as an example of a point they've been making since the very beginning of the podcast, the missed potential in only making these episodes thirty minutes in length. Despite this, one of the two ranks this episode as one of the best in the series, plus Jim does a wicked impression of Roger Corby from Star Trek.
The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series. Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.
Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"ALIAS, THE SCARF" AIRED: FEBRUARY 24, 1967 The Hornet takes on a killer from the past come back to life. In another unusual story that didn't fall under the Hornet's usual MO of operations, we're given the series first true rogue. Does The Scarf live up to the potential the story sets up? How does he compare with other figures who appear from the past in series such as The Flash and Batman: The Animated Series? What is it with Casey that her use in the series is so uneven? And what gets Jim and John all excited about Kato in this episode?
The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series. Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.
Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Catwoman finds a ringer for Robin and manages to get him to replace the real deal. But Batman doesn't appear to be buying it. Can it proves his suspicions before this ringer can reveal Batman's identity to Catwoman?
Plus, Mr. Freeze kidnaps a maharaja, right under the noses of the GCPD and Batman and Robin. Can they rescue him before he is frozen and tossed into Gotham Harbor?
In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss the gaping plot hole of what is one of the best stories of the series, the voice work of Casey Kasum, and the Bat Midget Car.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
It was a whirlwind three days as John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension jetted out to LA for the Batman 66 experience of a lifetime. And the two meet up in the Batcave to talk about the experiences they shared, from seeing Burt Ward getting a hot dog named after him to visiting Adam West's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, to visiting Bronson Canyon and seeing the Batcave entrance, to getting a chance to tour Barris Kustom Industries (where the Batobile was developed and built), to touring the Warner Brothers lot (where Gotham City Police Headquarters still stands) to spending an evening with Bat-Fans and Bat-Celebrities alike at the opening of the Hollywood Museum Batman 66 exhibit. The two share their thoughts on all they witnessed in the space of those short few days.
For ticket information on the exhibit head on over to The Hollywood Museum.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Burt Ward, Robin the Boy Wonder himself, returns to the Batcave to talk with John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension about the upcoming Batman 66 exhibit at The Hollywood Museum (opening January 12). He tells us who is really the inspiration for the exhibit, talks about his friend and co-star Adam West, and gives us the ingredients of the Robin the Boy Wonder Hot Dog that will debut at Pink's Hot Dogs on January 9.
Plus, Burt has exciting news about distribution of his Gentle Giants Dog Food, making it easier to obtain for your dog. Also, he tells us how Gentle Giants is branching into a new line of pet food for your felines.
Links to Gentle Giants
Homepage for Dogfood
Homepage for Rescue Service
For ticket information on the exhibit head on over to The Hollywood Museum.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"A Game of Cat and Mouse" & "Beware of Living Dolls" ###### Aired November 16, 1968
Catwoman pulls off an amazing crime as she not only steals a display of priceless jewels, but she steals the entire castle containing the jewels! Joker is impressed and wants in on the action, but Catowman refuses. A contest of wits ensues with Batman and Robin in the middle. How do they survive?
Plus, it's the debut of Dollman on the cartoon. But this is not the Dollman of DC Comics, but a villain created by Filmation exclusively for the cartoon. The story holds up, but the villain doesn't.
In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss the voice work of Jane Webb, the derivative nature of the Dollman villain, and their excitement at the upcoming Filmation created villains for the series.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
Voice actor and Batman aficionado, Wally Wingert joins us in the Batcave to talk about the upcoming Hollywood Museum Batman 66 exhibit. Wally gives us how the exhibit all came about, teases us with some of the displays we can expect to see, and tells us some great stories about the people who made the series possible, including a look at costume designer Jan Kemp.
For ticket information on the exhibit head on over to The Hollywood Museum.
Check out Wally's bio by clicking here or visit his homepage here to see even more of Wally's World.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"TROUBLE FOR PRINCE CHARMING" AIRED: FEBRUARY 17, 1967 The Hornet gets involved in international affairs when a visiting prince and his fiancé are targets of a coup. There is a great deal of potential in the idea of this story, but the limited time of the individual episode doesn't allow for it. In addition, Jim and John question if the motivation for the Hornet's involvement is practical with the way the series is set up.
Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension.com returns to the Batcave to share some of his best picks for holiday gifts for the Batman 66 fan. We discuss the Funco line of 3.75" figures, the Diamond Select busts, DC Comics 66 line, and Entertainment Factory's Batcave. It's all here, from the stocking stuffer to the "You love me, you really love me" gift! Happy holidays!
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Throughout the run of the podcast, we have often commented on the various locations used in the show and joked about how fora New York-like locale, Gotham City looked a lot like California. John decided to bring together two fans who have made an extensive study of the locations of the series to have a talk. They discuss the confusion some have over the locations at the Warner, Fox and Culver City lot, the fact that the front and rear of police headquarters are two different locations, and what locations a Bat-fan can visit today without causing any legal problems.
Check out the video tour Scott Sebring shot over at the 66 message board by clicking on the link.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"Ben Bentley is an internationally published music photographer and Bat-Fan based in the United Kingdom. When Ben isn't behind the camera, you can find him sharing his lifelong love of Adam West's TV Batman as a co-moderator over at the 1966 Batman Message Board (66batman.com). Having traveled to California several times to attend conventions and hang out with Bat-friends, Ben has been lucky enough to try on one of Adam's original screen worn Cowls, meet several surviving cast members from the show and even run up and down the steps of Gotham City Police Headquarters in his own Adam West Batsuit.
You can keep up to date with Ben's photographic work over on his blog... http://www.benbentleyphoto.tumblr.com or why not come and join Scott, Ben and the gang at the internet's longest standing 1966 TV Batman message board... http://www.66batman.com"
I’m originally from a place called Bradenton in Florida. I lived there until I turned twenty three and decided to move out to Southern California to pursue my musical ambitions. Musical ambitions? Yeah, I was one of those long haired rockers back in the eighties and into the nineties. The hair mutinied and decided to abandoned ship bit by bit as did the ambitions of being a rock star. I still dabble when the creative kick in the head won’t leave me alone. But, I’m not subscribing to Billboard to find out what’s the latest thing or hocking the furniture to buy the latest gear.
I am a freelance multimedia artist. Graphic design, web-mastering, audio engineering, video editing, photography, photo retouch or whatever seems to blur the lines of such things is what I do. Heck, even acting is in the mix. Prior to this,I spent years in various careers such as a full time recording engineer running tape machines (remember those?) and making albums (remember those?). Eventually I took a stab at the nine to five with benefits world of music instrument retail and did that for well over a decade. Won awards and stuff too while I was at it but quite honestly I was pretty miserable most of the time. I’ve learned so much at all my jobs. From mixing paint to cutting produce, the experiences and people along the way have taught me much.
Why a blog? Quite a few years ago, I started a website about the 1966 Batman television series starring Adam West at batfriend.com. Very soon after starting the site, I started to experience all kinds of adventures in the wonderful world of Batfandom. As I wrote about it online, the reaction and feedback prompted me to share more and more about it. The experiences were numerous and the adventures took me across the country many times as various people from all over the world wide web started to become close friends and colleagues in my real life.
So the question still exists. Why a blog now? Through my experiences, many other things happen or come to mind that don’t really fit simply in the Batman world. Batman isn’t my life. It’s just one of the fun parts of it. So, I’m finally gathering together the many different facets of my thoughts, experiences, and some here and there nonsense to share with those who might enjoy it. Batman’s still there punching away. Music is still there banging around in my head. But, there is even more.
I’ve said it before. The journey is everything. And if it’s a good journey, it’s best shared. Fortunately, I’m incredibly lucky to share so many of them with my wife, love of my life and soulmate, Vickie. She really is the girl of my dreams. As of this writing, we’ve been married for over twenty years. She’s my best friend.
It’s a fun life and I’m not done yet!
Writer/Producer James Tucker joins John and Dan Greenfield in the Batcave to talk about his involvement with both The Return of the Caped Crusaders and Batman Vs. Two-Face. James tells us how the projects came about, how they were actually developed at the same time, and how Lynda Carter almost appeared at the end of the second movie as a tease for a Wonder Woman 77 animated movie. Plus, James shares his memories of watching Batman, shares one of his favorite episodes, and previews the upcoming Scooby-Doo! & Batman: The Brave and the Bold animated movie.
Check out all the coverage 13th Dimension has given to this Batman vs. Two-Face by clicking on the link. Plus, check out James' top 13 episodes of the Batman 66 TV series over at 13th Dimension.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"Batman Vs. Two-Face" ###### Released October 10, 2017
How is it possible to top the success of last year's The Return of the Caped Crusaders? You add William Shatner to the mix! Shatner takes on the role of Harvey Dent/Two-Face in this new feature length film and just as with the previous film, the producers bring us an interesting take on the classic villain. In this episode, we discuss Adam West's final performance, just how couched in the first season this film is, and our thoughts on the possibility of the series continuing without its lead actor.
Joining John to breakdown this movie in a double-sized episode is Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension, Billy Flynn of Geek Radio Daily, and Ben Bentley of the Batman 66 Message Board.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
The Wonderful Billy Flynn brings the funny each week on Geek Radio Daily! His daytime alter ego is mild-mannered (well, that part is a stretch) radio station personality at WLEE in Virginia. He actually gets paid to sit on his butt and run his mouth! His “edumacation” is from UNC-Wilmington, the Columbia School of Broadcasting, and University of Phoenix. When he is not gracing the podcasting airways with his comedic stylings, you can find Billy Flynn on Xbox Live (flynn71), rockin’ out on Guitar Hero or Rock Band, watching movies, reading comics, working out, or posting on the forums at geekradiodaily.com (ding!).
"Ben Bentley is an internationally published music photographer and Bat-Fan based in the United Kingdom. When Ben isn't behind the camera, you can find him sharing his lifelong love of Adam West's TV Batman as a co-moderator over at the 1966 Batman Message Board (66batman.com). Having traveled to California several times to attend conventions and hang out with Bat-friends, Ben has been lucky enough to try on one of Adam's original screen worn Cowls, meet several surviving cast members from the show and even run up and down the steps of Gotham City Police Headquarters in his own Adam West Batsuit.
You can keep up to date with Ben's photographic work over on his blog... http://www.benbentleyphoto.tumblr.com or why not come and join Scott, Ben and the gang at the internet's longest standing 1966 TV Batman message board... http://www.66batman.com".
We conclude our weeklong look at the creative forces behind the Batman Vs. Two-Face release with interviews with producers Jack Tucker and Michael Jelenic and director Rick Morales. They discuss the making of this feature, the missed opportunities and the possibility of future projects.
Check out all the coverage 13th Dimension has given to this movie by clicking on the link.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
We continue our weeklong series of media roundtable interviews with the stars, producers, and director of Batman Vs. Two-Face with Burt Ward. As one half of the Dynamic Duo for over 50 years, Ward is still as enthusiastic about the role as he was when he first donned the cape and mask. Here, he talks about the movie and his friend Adam West. Thanks to Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension, who got to sit in on these roundtable interview events and recorded audio for all of them.
Check out all the coverage 13th Dimension has given to this movie by clicking on the link.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Last year's The Return of the Caped Crusader proved so popular, it only made sense that a sequel would be developed. And how does one raise the stakes for a sequel? You bring in the legendary William Shatner to voice a villain many fans hoped to see in the original run of the 66 series - Two-Face.
As we did last year, we're bringing you a series of interviews that were conducted at a press junket for the new movie, Batman Vs. Two-Face, at New York Comic Con 2017. Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension got to sit right next to Shatner and he was generous with his time in discussing the movie, how he approached the role, and the fascination of discussing the dual nature of man.
Check out all the coverage 13th Dimension has given to this movie by clicking on the link.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Factory Entertainment has an impressive selection of favorite genre collectibles from Game of Thrones to The Green Hornet to Ghostbusters to many more. And now they've created the ultimate Batman 66 collectible in the form of fully functional Batcave. Barry Eldridge, creative director for Factory Entertainment joins John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension to discuss how the project came about, what one can expect from the collectible, and how one can obtain a copy.
Check out all the coverage 13th Dimension has given to this fantastic project by clicking on the link.
Check out all the coverage 13th Dimension has given to this fantastic project by clicking on the link.
See exclusive pictures of the set.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"BAD BET ON A 459 SILENT" AIRED: FEBRUARY 10, 1967 The Hornet is shot when he stumbles on two crooked cops helping themselves to the leftovers from a robbery. How can he get medical help when every cop in the city is looking for him? Jim and John find this story fascinating as it puts the Hornet and Kato immediately into the action, gives Kato extra screen time, and features a scene that the recent Green Hornet movie would use as well.
The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series. Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.
Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
The Penguin gets himself a computer and begins plotting crimes with it. Soon, it's a battle between Penguin's computer and the Batcomputer and then with the Dynamic Duo themselves. Plus, we have the premiere of the Scarecrow on the cartoon. But he doesn't have the same MO as most fans are accustomed to seeing.
In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss Filmation's tech design in their cartoons, their love for Alfred when he gets involved in the case, and the good and bad of this version of Batgirl.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
**"ACE IN THE HOLE"** AIRED: FEBRUARY 3, 1967 The Hornet is trying to broker a deal between two rival gangs, but the arrival of Mike Axford nearly threatens the whole thing. A quick thinking Hornet makes it look like Axford's dead, when in reality he's holding him until the case is closed. But one of the gangsters discovers Oxford's alive and that the Hornet is double crossing them. If this sounds more like a comedy than a drama or adventure story, you might not be mistaken. John postulates to Jim that this could be The Green Hornet's attempt at humor that didn't go over very well. In addition, John and Jim talk about the different versions of Batman and The Green Hornet that we see over the course of their respective 1966-1967 seasons. Are they the same characters in each episode we see them in? Or are we looking in at alternate Earths?
The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series. Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.
Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
August 16 marks the birthday of Ms. Julie Newmar. Her role as the first Catwoman on screen still stands as the template that every other actress has followed as she defined the role. To celebrate, John invites Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension into the Batcave to talk about Ms. Newmar's Catwoman, her roles before and after the Batman 66 series, the characteristics that distinguish a Julie Newmar performance, and her love of gardening. Plus, Dan release how his friendship with Ms. Newmar developed.
Check out all the coverage of Ms. Newmar over at the 13th Dimension sight by clicking on this link.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"Hizzoner the Joker" & "Freeze's Frozen Vikings" ###### Aired November 2, 1968
This is an interesting duo of episodes. First, the Joker runs for mayor and wins in "Hizzoner the Joker". What is it like when a criminal holds a public office? And then, Mr. Freeze is back and using a Viking hoax to commit crimes in Gotham City.
WARNING: If you do not have a sense of humor about the current political situation, this episode of the podcast will not be for you.
In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss the potential for toys based on the characters and vehicles in the Filmation series, lament the fact that Mr. Freeze is not properly used in the series, and enthuse about how the series is hitting its stride at the moment with the excitement of new villains coming to the show.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
"CORPSE OF THE YEAR" AIRED: JANUARY 13 & 27, 1967 A two-part story brings us a cast of characters and a murder mystery where the Hornet is the prime suspect. This story has a lot going for it, but it also has a number of clumsy elements including a duplicate Hornet and Black Beauty which appears to have no real purpose to the plot other than it looks cool. John and Jim are pretty much on the same page when it comes to this story and John is happy to see, albeit briefly, actress Angelique Pettyjohn.
The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series. Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.
Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"Partners in Peril" & "The Underworld Underground Caper" ###### Aired October 26, 1968
We've had two villain team-ups, but what about three? Joker, Penguin, and Riddler get together and engage in a contest to see who will control Gotham City's criminal empire. Not interesting enough? How about Catwoman getting them to abandon their competition with a plan to cripple the GCPD, making the city ripe for the taking? It's all here, plus Barbara, Batgirl, and Alfred in "Partners in Peril," a story that could easily be a sequel to the 66 Batman movie or at least, if fleshed out more, a feature length animated movie. For our one part story, "The Underworld Underground Caper" we have another team up with Riddler and Catwoman committing crimes by tunneling under the city.
In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss the Bill Finger-esque situations of "Partners in Peril" and Dan proposes that the Filmation Catwoman is the most ruthless to date in comic or moving image form.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
A big thank you to all who downloaded and commented on The All-Star Adam West Tribute. It was a labor of love for John to put together and he's glad to see that it helped many who are coping with the passing of our Caped Crusader. In the rush to get it out though, John missed placing one of the contributions into the episode. He presents it here with his humblest apologies to illustrator Al Bigley (who was cool about it, but John wasn't having anyone who contributed miss out.). Here now is Al's thoughts on the passing of Adam West and his memories of meeting the man himself.
Award-winning illustrator Al Bigley has been working as an in-demand commercial artist since 1990, providing artwork to such clients as: Golden Books, DC Comics, CTW, Disney, Marvel Comics, Saban, Film Roman, Scholastic, McDonald's, Kenner Toys, and many more.
Al's work has been used in conjunction with toys, concept art, design, packaging, books , magazines and comics, posters, storyboards, apparel, style guides, and much more!
Adam West's passing has proven to be an even larger blow to the Batman 66 community than ever imagined. Here on the podcast, we've received numerous requests to join in on the first tribute episode we presented last week. It just wouldn't have been possible to have a coherent conversation with so many people.
In order to give everyone a chance to have their say, John is presenting a second tribute episode where each participant offers his thoughts on Adam's passing and what his role as Batman meant to each.
In addition, John sits down with multimedia artist and long time Batman fan, Scott Sebring. Scott attended the LA Bat-Signal lighting event and shares the experience with us as well as some stories of his encounters with Adam.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Contributors to the Tribute
Billy Flynn of Geek Radio Daily
Michael Falkner of The Weekly Podioplex
Michael Bailey of Views from the Longbox
Chris Franklin of The Supermates Podcast
Barry King of B.K. on the Air
Ken Holtzhouser
Jeff Andrews of Second Union
Kevin Eldridge of The Flopcast
Pat Evans of The Beat of the Bat
Cosplayer Bob DeSimone
Cosplayer Scott Sebring
It's the first new piece of equipment we see in Batman's arsenal against crime in the Batman 66 motion picture. It comes equipped with a Bat Ladder, Bat Shark Repellent Bat Spray, and a mobile crime lab. It's the Batcopter!
John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension sit down to discuss this aviation wonder. But unlike their previous discussion of the Batmobile, they have someone who is quite familiar with the workings of the Batcopter. He's owner/pilot Eugene Nock.
Eugene joins us to talk about how he first came to know Adam West and many of the cast on Batman back in 1966, how he acquired the Batcopter, and what the schedule is for its East Coast tour this summer.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Eugene Nock is the owner/pilot of the original Batcopter as seen on the 66 television show and the Batman motion picture. Eugene has logged in more than 14,000 hours in the air as a professional pilot. He is the owner of Nock Entertainment FMX, a group that specializes in aerial shows both with air vehicles and trapeze artists. Find out more by visiting his websites.
Main website
Facebook page
Adam West passed away on Friday, June 9th at the age of 88 after a brief battle with Leukemia. His passing came as a shock to many in the fan community and for John and his guests, it was something that hit them harder than they expected. John decided to bring 13th Dimension's Dan Greenfield, the Batman 66 message board's Ben Bentley, and Gotham City 14 Miles's Jim Beard together to talk about Adam, his life, his role in their lives, their encounters with the man, and their reaction on hearing the news of his passing.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"The Big Birthday Caper" & "Two Penguins Too Many" ###### Aired October 19, 1968
It's a team-up extravaganza in our two episodes for this podcast. First, Penguin and Riddler team-up to determine who Batman really is. There are some tropes one would recognize from the 66 series, including Alfred dressing up as Batman. The is followed by the Penguin and Joker teaming up, but a pair of pesky penguins get in the way and Penguin refuses to get rid of them despite Joker's protests.
In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss watching the cartoons in the 1970s on Channel 5 in New York as kids. This leads to a rabbit hole of discussion on afternoon television in the 70s that including Batman on Channel 11 while dealing with Batman the Movie on the 4:30 movie on Channel 7 during Superhero Week.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
Reis O'Brien joins John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension to talk about the upcoming release of the first wave of Batman 66 3.75 inch action figures. They discuss what was the thinking in the choices for the first wave releases and what might be seen in a second wave, plus a look at what the thinking is for action figures in general.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Some fun facts to know about Reis O'Brien:
- Funko Senior Product Designer
- Design Lead on all Funko Action Figures
- Has worked at Funko for over 5 years
- Collects way too many toys (and other weird stuff)
- Is incredibly handsome
Dan Greenfield has done extensive coverage on the Funko Batman 66 line from initial prototype shots to interviews with the designers. Click on the links below to find out even more info on this exciting new line.
The Inside Scoop on Funko’s New Batman ’66 Line -- with CONCEPT ART. Click here.
The Art of Sculpting BATMAN ’66: An Interview With Sculptor Shelley Rappleye -- with CONCEPT ART. Click here.
The Secrets of Funko’s BATMOBILE Revealed! -- with CONCEPT ART. Click here.
INSIDE LOOK: Funko’s CATWOMAN Figure. Click here.
Ordering Info on Funko’s BATMOBILE. Click here.
Ordering Info on Funko’s BATMAN ’66 Wave 1 is Coming in June. Click here.
SCREEN TEST BATMAN Will Be a Chase Figure. Click here
"Rubi, Rubi, Who's Got the Ruby?" & "1001 Faces of the Riddler" ###### Aired October 12, 1968
Catwoman and Penguin are at odds over a priceless ruby and the Terrific Trio are caught in the middle in our two-part story review. Next, Riddler is back in town and he's using disguises to thrown the Dynamic Duo off his trail even more so than his riddles.
In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss whether Ted Knight did the voice of Commissioner Gordon and how cool it would be if Funko's Pop Vinyl line did a series based on the Filmation cartoon. Plus, Dan talks about the relationship between Gordon and Bruce Wayne that started all the way at the beginning of the Batman comic in Detective Comics in 1939.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
"The Nine Lives of Batman" & "Long John Joker" ###### Aired October 5, 1968
The Catwoman makes her debut in the animated 68 series and there's a lot to like, a lot to dislike, and a lot to simply appreciate. In the story, Catwoman traps the Dynamic Duo in a series of traps that appears to ultimately lead to her desire to learn Batman's identity. And then it just gets more complicated. Plus, there's also a Joker story that could have come right out of the third season, complete with Batgirl!
In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss how the 66 series brought Catwoman back to prominence and how her appearance in the 68 series is a mix of good and bad. Plus, they look at the lyrics to the Batman Superman Hour theme song.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
A trio of Korean War vets hatch a plan to bust their sergeant out of prison with a stolen tank. Will the Hornet be able to stop them in time? John and Jim are back with an episode that they are once again decided on. They both agree the episode has merit, but one of them is overly enthused by the premise. Also, they discuss the influences of the Batman series on The Green Hornet and the music of Billy May.
The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series. Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.
Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"How Many Herring in a Wheelbarrow?" & "In Again, Out Again Penguin" ###### Aired September 27, 1968
Our series of reviews of the 1968 Filmation series continues as the Joker and Penguin return in solo stories for this episode. First, the Joker is committing a series of petty thefts from technology firms. It seems like a joke, but Batman suspects there's more to it than meets the eye. Plus, the Penguin is committing crimes while still in his jail cell. How does he do it?
In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension website clarify the airdates confusion of the previous two podcasts, revel in the joy there must have been at the Saturday morning offerings of superhero shows in 1968, and discuss the Larry Storch/Ted Knight voicing of the Joker in the series.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
"The Beat of the Bat" is a full-length documentary that tells the story of the music of the 1966 "Batman" Television Series and how composers Neal Hefti, Nelson Riddle & Billy May gave Batman his first real musical identity- and one that has remained inexorably tied to the character for over 50 years!
In fact, if you saw the just released "Lego Batman Movie" you might have noticed the numerous references to the music of the TV series.
And face it, you can go up to anyone, anywhere in the world and sing "Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na!" and they will instantly know what you are talking about!
The music was as important to the show as the bright colors, campy dialogue and tongue-in-cheek performances. Yet, strangely, the story of how it came to be has never been told...
Until now.
John is joined by the director of the documentary, The Beat of the Bat, Pat Evans to discuss the importance of the project and the Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds needed to make it a reality.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
The first album Pat Evans ever owned was Neil Hefti's "Batman Theme & 11 Hefti Bat Songs", which sparked his lifelong love of Bat-Music. "The Beat of the Bat" is Pat's way of giving back to the talented composers and musicians who created that music.
A talented Graphic Artist, Pat's works has been featured in The Hollywood Reporter and the late, lamented Defamer. Since 2012 Pat has worked as a casting coordinator on many large studio films including "Jason Bourne", "Straight Outta Compton" and "Steve Jobs".
"The Beat of the Bat" marks his directorial debut.
Websites
Facebook Page
The Beat of the Bat
"The Cool, Cruel Mr. Freeze" & "The Joke's on Robin" ###### Aired September 20, 1968
We continue our look at the 1968 Filmation series with a review of a pair of stories. First, we look at the premiere of Mr. Freeze on the cartoon as he plans to bring Gotham City to its knees with a frosty gamble that not only threatens the city, but the Wayne fortune as well. Next, Robin is thinking he's losing his touch but we quickly learn, "The Joke's on Robin" thanks to the Joker.
In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension website discuss the theme song and Ted Knight's contributions to the show and beyond.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
There's an arsonist on the loose in the city and the Hornet takes the case. But Mike Axford has a former police investigator with a specialty in arson that he'd like to bring in. He quickly learns that the man has more to prove than just the case. John and Jim are at odds over the merits of this episode. Take a listen and see
The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series. Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.
Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"My Crime is Your Crime" & "A Bird Out of Hand" ###### Aired September 13, 1969
We take a look at the 1969 Filmation series that shows the influences of the 66 series on its film cells. In the first episode of the series, we discuss "My Crime is Your Crime" in which the Joker and Penguin team up to confound Batman by switching their M.O. in order to commit their crimes. Next is "A Bird Out of Hand" as the Penguin goes straight, but it's clearly a ruse.
Joining John to discuss this episode, the voice actors, and memories of watching the Filmation series on New York television is Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension website.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
We take a look at another William Dozier pilot for another comic related property. This time, it's Dick Tracy - He's a Good Cop. This time though, Dozier went all out with a full length half-hour episode featuring Victor Buono as the villain, Mr. Memory - which starts the batter of questions about where this show was going.
In "The Plot to Kill NATO", Mr. Memory kidnaps three NATO ambassadors at the request of Major Powers. His method of operation seems interesting enough, but there is still something lacking in his character. And yet, despite this, the pilot is an enjoyable viewing experience with a lot of recommend including Jan Shulman as Liz and the well choreographed fight scenes.
John is joined by his The Hornet's Sting co-host, Jim Beard, to pitch these questions. Just how committed was Dozier to this property? What would a relationship with Chester Gould have been like had the show gone forward? Why wasn't one of the established villains used in the pilot? And why did Dozier still build in little nods to Batman and The Green Hornet when both shows were on their last legs?
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jim Beard was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.
His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.
Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.
Websites
http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard
http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com
We move into the post-review era with the first in a series of episodes looking at the Batman related works of the producers and stars of the show and at the pop culture influences from the series. First up, a look at William Dozier's attempt at adapting another DC property - Wonder Woman. In this curious short, "Wonder Woman: Who's Afraid of Diana Prince?" we are only given a taste of the potential of the series. Which begs the question, why wasn't a full pilot produced, especially in light of the fact that a full script was commissioned, co-written by Batman scribe Stanley Ralph Ross? This question and possibly a few more will be asked by John and his guest, Chris Franklin of the Super Mates Podcast.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Chris Franklin is a mild-mannered graphic designer by day, but at night, he retreats to his secret headquarters festooned with action figures, and podcasts with his long-suffering wife Cindy on the Super Mates podcast, a proud part of The Fire and Water Podcast Network. Together they take a look at all things geeky, such as comics, TV, movies, and toys, from a couple’s perspective.
District Attorney Scanlon is running for re-election and it looks like it's going to be a rough one as his life is threatened. The Hornet has to step in to investigate, but how does he do it without connecting himself to the DA? This is an interesting episode of the series as it addresses a number of questions, the least of which is why should one elect someone who has failed time and again to catch public enemy number one, The Green Hornet?
The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series. Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.
Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"FREEWAY TO DEATH" AIRED: DECEMBER 16, 1966 The Hornet and Mike Axford teaming up? How is this possible? When Britt orders Mike to work with the Hornet in order to bring down a construction racket, Mike has his own ideas that could threaten his life. John and Jim are in agreement that this is a "Must Watch" episode, but they're not entirely sure why. Is it the appearance of Jeffrey Hunter? Is it the Black Beauty versus three bulldozers? Is it the Hornet Mortars? Is it the Hornet and Mike working together? Take a listen and maybe you can help them figure it out. Also, the two take a moment to talk about the late Van William and his legacy of The Green Hornet.
The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series. Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.
Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
It's the end of the third season and John takes one last look before moving on to the next phase of the podcast. With the help of his listeners who have commented along the way via email and the Facebook page, John comes to a final conclusion about the third season. Plus, he reveals the plans for the podcast in 2017. Take a listen and don't forget, as John says on the podcast, if you are listening via iTunes, please take a moment to leave a review.
Here's the link to the Batgirl Bat-Trap Page that John mentioned in this episode and that has been referred to throughout the third season reviews.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
The Sally Bell returns to dock after having mysteriously disappeared. There's only one survivor who is now injured thanks to a Hornet's Sting. With the aid of a doctor, the Hornet tries to protect the man from his comrades who are all trying to discover the secret of the Sally Bell. John and Jim are back to being at odds over the merits of this particular episode. They do both agree though that the character of Honey Boy is absolutely useless. Take a listen and let us know what you think.
The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series. Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.
Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
John and Jim are back to being at odds with this episode. Mike Axford is accused of a murder he didn't commit and the Hornet has to prove his innocence. John found that the episode was slow to start, but picked up in pace greatly as it moved along. Plus, it has another challenge for the Black Beauty and Kato gets to use the Hornet's Sting.
The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series. Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.
ake a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"Minerva, Mayhem and Millionaires" ###### Aired March 14, 1968
Minerva has a plan to rob the richest men in Gotham City while using her spa as a front for her operations. It seems almost like a plausible story for the third season. In fact, John went into it dreading it and then found in watching it and then talking about it with guest host, longtime Batman 66 fan, Robert Long, that it wasn't all that bad. Robert goes so far as to point out that the episode has the beats of a condensed two-part second season story. They also discuss the relationship between Barbara Gordon/Batgirl and Alfred compared with his relationship with Batman and Robin. It may be the final review of the original series, but it's not the end of the podcast as John explains towards the end. Thank you so much for listening and thanks for your continuing comments here and to thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Robert Long is a full time graphic designer and independent filmmaker. As a first generation Batman syndication kid, he manages the 1966-68 Batman Television Series Group on Facebook. He has had the pleasure to meet and work with Adam West and Julie Newmar with various projects in the past. Visit Robert's production company - Smash or Trash Independent Filmmakingto learn more about it.
"THE HUNTERS AND THE HUNTED" AIRED: NOVEMBER 25, 2016 John and Jim find themselves reaching for things to even talk about this episode. A group of wealthy industrialists gather to hunt the most dangerous game and they've set their sights on the Hornet and Kato. It sounds like a great plot, but the execution leaves much to be desired. "The Hunters and the Hunted" Instead, the two spend more time talking about the salary disparities of the cast members of the show and those of Batman thanks to some trivia from The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson. Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.
Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"THE PREYING MANTIS" AIRED: NOVEMBER 18, 2016 It's another challenge for The Green Hornet, but for John and Jim, there's not much of a challenge in reviewing this episode. Both are excited by this story that gives Bruce Lee a chance to stretch a little as the Hornet and Kato investigate a protection racket by a tong in Chinatown. The thing is, there's more to the tong than simply an extortion racket. There's a great deal to like about this fan favorite as the two discuss. Plus, there's some trivia on this episode from The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson, including Green Hornet creator George Trendle's dislike for this episode. Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.
"The Entrancing Dr. Cassandra" ###### Aired March 7, 1968
It's the penultimate episode of the series and it seems to lack any spark or energy to it despite featuring Ida Lupino and Howard Duff as alchemist Dr. Cassandra and her groovy husband Cabala. That alone should make it exciting, but then add Batgirl in the Batcave and a prison break featuring six of the villains from Batman's Rogue's Gallery and you should have a classic - and yet, nothing.
Joining John to discuss an episode that's only thing that makes it stand out is the sexual innuendo is writer/editor Jim Beard of Gotham City 14 Miles.
NOTE: Thanks to listener Davis Maska for supplying us with the driving PSA that is featured at the start of the episode.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jim Beard was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.
His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.
Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.
Websites
http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard
http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com
"THE RAY IS FOR KILLING" AIRED: NOVEMBER 11, 2016 John and Jim are excited to be talking about this episode as it's another high concept episode that manages to work in the Hornet's usual angle of getting inside the criminal organization for a "piece of the action". A group of thieves have stolen a cache of artwork which they wish to ransom. They have everyone at bay though because they carry with them a powerful laser weapon. While Britt negotiates for the release, the Hornet goes inside to learn about who is holding the artwork. It's a tight, well-written adventure and has a great deal going for it as John and Jim discuss. Plus, we've got listener mail. We also introduce The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson. We'll be referring to this extensive tome from time to time in our discussions. Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today. Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"The Return of the Caped Crusaders" ###### Released November 1, 2016
It's the movie 50 years in the making (well, in the waiting). Adam West, Burt Ward, and Julie Newmar return to the Batman 66 universe in an all-new animated movie. Joker, Penguin, Riddler, and Catwoman have reunited to take control of Gotham City and the world once again with the theft of a duplicator ray. But it wouldn't be Batman 66 if there wasn't more to the plot and there certainly is as Batman becomes more aggressive in his pursuit of the villainous quartet. What is happening and will good triumph over evil in the end?
Joining John to breakdown this movie in a double-sized episode is Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension, Billy Flynn of Geek Radio Daily, and Ben Bentley of the Batman 66 Message Board.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
The Wonderful Billy Flynn brings the funny each week on Geek Radio Daily! His daytime alter ego is mild-mannered (well, that part is a stretch) radio station personality at WLEE in Virginia. He actually gets paid to sit on his butt and run his mouth! His “edumacation” is from UNC-Wilmington, the Columbia School of Broadcasting, and University of Phoenix. When he is not gracing the podcasting airways with his comedic stylings, you can find Billy Flynn on Xbox Live (flynn71), rockin’ out on Guitar Hero or Rock Band, watching movies, reading comics, working out, or posting on the forums at geekradiodaily.com (ding!).
"Ben Bentley is an internationally published music photographer and Bat-Fan based in the United Kingdom. When Ben isn't behind the camera, you can find him sharing his lifelong love of Adam West's TV Batman as a co-moderator over at the 1966 Batman Message Board (66batman.com). Having traveled to California several times to attend conventions and hang out with Bat-friends, Ben has been lucky enough to try on one of Adam's original screen worn Cowls, meet several surviving cast members from the show and even run up and down the steps of Gotham City Police Headquarters in his own Adam West Batsuit.
You can keep up to date with Ben's photographic work over on his blog... http://www.benbentleyphoto.tumblr.com or why not come and join Scott, Ben and the gang at the internet's longest standing 1966 TV Batman message board... http://www.66batman.com"
"The Joker's Flying Saucer" ###### Aired February 29, 1968
The final Joker episode for Batman 66 is not exactly a fan favorite, but there are things of merit in the episode that are worth discussing. There were missed opportunities in a story that went beyond even the insanity of Joker surfing by having Joker build an unidentified flying object to terrorize Gotham City. And who is Verdigris? Is being a Martian his shtick? Is he just a bomb expert? Or is he a bunko artist?
Joining John to discuss what could have been a two-part story based on the high concept ideas expressed but never fully realized is writer/editor Jim Beard of Gotham City 14 Miles.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jim Beard was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.
His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.
Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.
Websites
http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard
http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com
"Beautiful Dreamer"
Aired: October 22 and 28, 1966
This story has a lot of things that make it stand out from the others in the series. First, it's the first two-part episode for the series. Second, it's co-written by Lorenzo Temple. But the real question is - is there enough story here to warrant two parts? John and Jim discuss this as well as Britt's "type" of woman in the series. Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"I'll Be a Mummy's Uncle" ###### Aired February 22, 1968
We come to the last King Tut episode of the Batman 66 series and out of all the characters in the series, John has always struggled with his view of the Mad Monarch. There is much to praise in this stand alone story, but there is also much to note as simply bad. Tut manages to confirm that Bruce and Batman are one in the same and it's a battle royale in the Batcave to stop him from revealing it to the world.
Joining John to discuss the good and the bad of this episode, to lament the last appearance of the Batman fight theme, and to discuss the possibilities of a fourth season are writers/editors Robert Greenberger and Jim Beard of Gotham City 14 Miles.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Robert Greenberger (born July 24, 1958) is a writer and editor.
Greenberger was born in Brooklyn in New York City, the son of Edwin L. Greenberger and Joan Greenberger. A lifelong fan of comic books, comic strips, science fiction and Star Trek, he drifted towards writing and editing, encouraged by his father and inspired by Superman’s alter ego, Clark Kent.
While at SUNY-Binghamton, Greenberger wrote and edited for the college newspaper, Pipe Dream, moving from general assignment writer to Arts Editor, Managing Editor and ultimately Editor-in-Chief. He served an internship at Gannett’s Binghamton Sun-Bulletin as a feature writer and reviewer.
Upon graduation, he worked for Starlog Press as Managing Editor of Fangoria. He was also an Associate Editor for Starlog and while there, created Comics Scene, the first nationally distributed magazine to focus on comic books, comic strips and animation. The magazine lasted 11 issues before its first cancellation at which time Greenberger went to work on their sports magazines.
In 1984, he joined DC Comics as an Assistant Editor, working with Len Wein and Marv Wolfman on DC’s Golden Anniversary projects Who’s Who and Crisis on Infinite Earths. He went on to act as assistant editor to numerous titles for each editor until he was promoted to editor. During his tenure, his titles included Star Trek, Suicide Squad, Warlord, Doom Patrol, Lois Lane, Action Comics Weekly, Time Masters, Secret Origins, The Hacker Files and others.
By 1990, he had given up editing to become the company’s Editorial Coordinator, helping grow the Editorial Administration department. When he left the company, he was Manager-Editorial Operations.
In March 2000, he left DC to become a Producer for Gist Communications, television news and listings web site. After ten months there, he learned some new skills and got out before the dotcom bubble burst.
In January 2001, he joined Marvel Comics as Director-Publishing Operations. During his year with the company, he oversaw editorial schedules, Production, Manufacturing, the Print Library, and other departments.
In January 2002, he left Marvel and rejoined DC in May 2002 as a Senior Editor-Collected Editions. He helped grow that department, introducing new formats and improving the editions’ editorial content. He also managed DC’s ElfQuest publishing program.
He left DC in January 2006, becoming a freelance writer and editor. His clients included Weekly World News, Platinum Studios, scifi.com, DC and Marvel. By June, he was offered the post of Managing Editor at Weekly World News where he helped transition the newspaper from being produced jointly in Florida and New York to just NYC.
When the paper folded in August 2007, he resumed his freelance career which continues to this date. Along the way, he helped revitalize Famous Monsters of Filmland and served as News Editor at ComicMix from August through December 2008.
He is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America and the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers. He served on the final Nebula Short Fiction Jury.
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jim Beard was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.
His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.
Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.
Websites
http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard
http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com
"The Great Escape/The Great Train Robbery" ###### Aired February 1/8, 1968
Dedicated to the memory of Eric Cone
It's the final two-part story for Batman 66. It's also the final appearance of Cliff Robertson as Shame. And it's a shame, really. (Pun intended) This episode has almost all the elements that make it feel like a second season episode rather than a third. The only thing missing is a proper death trap. So why did it take so long to come up with something like this? Was it the fact that it was an established character that had proven popular? Was it Stanley Ralph Ross' writing? And what was with Adam West's poor man's Gary Cooper impression?
Joining John to discuss what worked and what didn't work in this story that made us long for the good old days is podcaster, The Hunnic Outcast.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
HunnicOutcasts offers a variety of podcasts. Whether it's unscripted/off the cuff or an in depth discussion, regarding T.V. films, literature, and/or video games.
Learn more at
https://www.facebook.com/hunnicoutcasts
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hunnicoutcasts/
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hunnicoutcasts/id913787694?mt=2
http://www.spreaker.com/show/hunnicoutcasts
Twitter @hunnicoutcasts
http://www.geekcastradio.com/show-guide/syndicated-shows/hunnic-outcast-podcast
http://tangentboundnetwork.com/network-shows/
Our week-long look at the premiere of The Return of the Caped Crusaders concludes with interviews with the producers of the movie. Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension joins John to share his Roundtable discussions with writers Michael Jelenic and James Tucker and director Rick Morales. They discuss how the movie came about and offer their favorite episodes from the 66 series.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
This episode has something for everyone! There are bootleggers for the Green Hornet and Kato to deal with! There's a killer helicopter for the Black Beauty to tussle with! And there's a new episode for John and Jim to review! But are they in agreement again? Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
�T��he Return of the Caped Crusaders is a 2016 straight to DVD release featuring the voices of Adam West, Burt Ward, and Julie Newmar in their iconic roles as Batman, Robin, and Catwoman. In the movie, Gotham City is once again plagued by the "core four" of villains from Batman's Rogues Gallery in a story that takes place on the streets of and in the air over Gotham City, plus into outer space! The movie had a world premiere at New York Comic Con and then was featured in a one-day theatrical release. John went with his family to experience it and is joined by Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension in this "Quick Thoughts" podcast offering their non-spoiler review.
The movie is now available in digital format through most online platforms such as Amazon and iTunes. It will be released in a DVD-Blu-Ray Combo pack on November 1. Take a listen to our thoughts on the movie and let us know what you think. A more detailed analysis with a cast of our own rogues will be released on November 1.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Just in time for the premiere of The Return of the Caped Crusaders, we're fortunate to bring you audio of a Roundtable discussion featuring Adam West at this past weekend's New York Comic Con. Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension was able to be among those in the Roundtable and he shares the audio with us. Adam is very thoughtful in this candid talk with the media about his role on Batman and the portrayal of the character in recent movies. Plus, as we try to do here with any interview we conduct on the podcast, Dan asks a question of Adam that he admits no one has ever asked him before. Take a listen to find out what it is and Adam's response.
Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"THE FROG IS A DEADLY WEAPON" AIRED: SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 Mysterious deaths by the water, Casey on the case, and a brief look at Britt Reid's past! This one appears to have it all despite the odd title and John and Jim are in agreement (for the first time) on the merits of the episode, but is it enough to earn the coveted "Must See" rating? Let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"CRIME WAVE" AIRED: SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 The Hornet investigates a series of crimes that were predicted by a super computer. Are they connected?
This is another of the high concept episodes that Jim likes to see on The Green Hornet, but even he admits this one has its faults. How close are the two to agreeing on this one? Let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"Penguin's Clean Sweep" ###### Aired January 25, 1968
It's the final appearance of Burgess Meredith as The Penguin and he doesn't exactly go out in a blaze of glory. The story involved Penguin trying to collect all of Gotham City's money that he has convinced the public is tainted with Lygerian Sleeping Sickness. Despite the hokey sounding plot, John still feels there are some things of merit in this one and talks about it with Batman at 45 author Chris Gould.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
"Programmed for Death"
Aired: September 23, 2016
A group of underworld leaders are planning something big and it's up to the Hornet and Kato to stop it. The two are drawn into the group's scheme when a Sentinel reporter is killed by a leopard in the Sentinel newsroom.
John and Jim are at odds with how good this episode is. Jim feels it shows the program's true potential by showing off such high concepts, but John is not as impressed. Let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
John is joined by Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension to celebrate the birthday of Adam West. In our tribute, we discuss Adam's style of acting when it came to pre and post-Batman series. We look some of his best moments on Batman and also discuss other roles outside the series. John enthuses on Lookwell, a pilot Adam starred that should have gone to series. Finally, they discuss his resurrection today as a pop-culture icon and how that has paved the way for the interest in the Batman series on its 50th anniversary.
"GIVE EM ENOUGH ROPE" AIRED: SEPTEMBER 16, 2016 An insurance racket has been operating in the city. The Hornet looks into the operation when an informant of Mike Axford's is killed as he's about to speak with Axford. Not only does the Hornet have a lot to deal with in this episode, but so does Britt as he must deal with the lawyer of the man Axford accuses in the pages of the Sentinel of running the insurance ring.
John and Jim have a lot to discuss what with the lame method of roping and killing the intended victims of the racketeers, the ethics of Britt having lunch with the lawyer of the alleged racketeer, and the fact that Miss Case has not been used to her full potential yet. Let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
A new weapon that can be fired silently has fallen into the hands of one of the city's most powerful gangsters and it's up to the Green Hornet and Kato to retrieve it before things get out of control. John is joined on this new 50th anniversary podcast celebration by Gotham City 14 Miles editor Jim Beard. Together, they discuss how this didn't feel like the first episode shot and the similarities the show has to Batman. They are split though on how good the episode is. Take a listen and find out how it fares with the two.
He's one half of the Dynamic Duo. He's known as the Boy Wonder. In addition, he's also the Canine Crusader. Burt Ward join John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension in the Batcave to discuss his time as Robin, his love for dogs and the steps he's gone to rescue as many canines as possible, and the upcoming The Return of the Caped Crusaders direct to DVD animated feature.
Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions is the largest giant breed dog rescue in the world. Located on a sprawling estate just one hour east of Los Angeles in Riverside County, California, Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions, Inc. is a California non-profit 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation, and is the charity of Burt and Tracy Ward.
Burt, who gained fame as the Batman’s sidekick “Robin, the Boy Wonder” in the 1960’s television series and in subsequent film and television roles, has built a luxurious home for the more than 14,600 Gentle Giants and Little Giants that he and Tracy have rescued and adopted during the last 19 years.
There is always a wide selection of Gentle Giants, including Great Danes, Borzoi, English Mastiffs, Greyhounds,Irish Wolfhound combinations, Neopolitan Mastiffs, Fila Brasileiro, Bullmastiffs, Spanish Mastiffs, American Mastiffs, Adronicus Mastiffs, South African Boerboel Mastiffs, Dogue de Bordeaux French Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundlands, Sasquatch, Leonbergers and other Large Lap Dogs as well as many Little Giant breeds, including Whippets, Silken Windhounds, Italian Greyhounds, Peruvian Inca Orchid, Xoloitzcuintle, Shelties, and Chinese Crested available for adoption at Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions.
The population of these Gentle Giants and Little Giants constantly changes each day as more are adopted and more are rescued from shelters and arrive from homes where their owners can no longer keep them, usually because of hardship or drastic changes in their lives due to divorce, illness, bankruptcy, job moves, military duty, etc.
These dogs are incredibly beautiful and perfect family members who have been dearly loved, but now are in need of qualified new homes where they will again be loved, cherished and safe. Burt and Tracy always have a large number of Gentle Giants and Little Giants of every size, age, color, and personality available for adoption.
There are too many Gentle Giant and Little Giant breeds at Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions to be listed individually. At any given time, there may be puppies available, but there is always a variety of youthful and mature Gentle Giants and Little Giants, male and female, in every official and unofficial color.
If you are interested in adopting a Gentle Giant or a Little Giant, please complete our Online Adoption Application at the following link: "Adoption Information and Application."
We will review your application and respond to you usually within 48 hours to discuss your application and to set up your appointment to adopt.
John takes a moment to discuss the trailer for the upcoming Return of the Caped Crusaders direct to DVD animated feature. Based on what he's seen and heard, he's hopeful this is going to be a good one. Take a listen and then offer your thoughts here or on our Facebook page or write us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
"Nora Clavicle and the Ladies' Crime Club" ###### Aired January 18, 1968
Feminist Nora Clavicle has plans for Gotham City as she takes control of Gotham City's police department. It looks, on the surface, that is a blow for women's rights as she replaces every male police officer with women. The problem is the women are ineffective when it comes to enforcing the law and nobody is aware of Nora's plan to destroy Gotham City.
John is joined by podcaster Chris Franklin of the Super Mates Podcast to discuss what may possibly be the worst episode in the entire series. (Yes, even worse than "Marsha, Queen of Diamonds".) They wonder if this is supposed to be camp, a spoof on women's lib, or just bad writing. They also try to figure out just how Batman, Robin, and Batgirl allow themselves to be turned into a human Siamese Knot by, and you'll excuse us here, a trio of women.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Chris Franklin is a mild-mannered graphic designer by day, but at night, he retreats to his secret headquarters festooned with action figures, and podcasts with his long-suffering wife Cindy on the Super Mates podcast, a proud part of The Fire and Water Podcast Network. Together they take a look at all things geeky, such as comics, TV, movies, and toys, from a couple’s perspective.
"Louie's Lethal Lilac Time" ###### Aired January 11, 1968
Louie the Lilac is back in Gotham City and this time he plans to corner the perfume market with the help of a kidnapped Bruce and Dick.
John is joined by podcaster Joseph Culp and they discuss how Berle actually works in the role of Louie and how this episode, warts and all, is not a bad little story. They also lament the missing Madge Blake, who doesn't appear in this episode, but her character Aunt Harriet gets a name drop.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
Pastor Joseph "Captain Scotland" Culp is a licensed and ordained minister. He serves as the Host of The weekly Podcast, The Highlander's Heart at www.highlandersheart.com. He is an expat from Turriff, Aberdeenshire Scotland who now lives in Pickerington, Ohio. He works with the the elderly in senior ministry at Abbington of Pickerington Ohio bi-weekly. He is a Batman '66 fan as well an an avid reader of history, mystery novel and old comic books from 1938 to 1977. His favorite shows are Batman with Adam West, The Avengers with Patrick Macnee, Shazam, Six Million Dollar Man and the Bionic Woman classic Doctor Who (the 1st 3 Doctors only) and the current show of Super Girl, The Flash, Arrow, Doctor Who. He is married to his lovely wife Serene of 24 years and is the proud father of 2 great cats, Princess Bella and Prince Caledonia. You can reach him at joseph.captainscotland.culp@gmail.com or facebook at https://www.facebook.com/joseph.culp.9.
"The Funny Feline Felonies/ The Joke's on Catwoman" ###### Aired December 28, 1967 & January 4, 1968
Catwoman is back in Gotham once again and this time she's teaming up with the Joker. She's hatching a plot to recover over 100 pounds of TNT. The thing is, this is a simple plot by either of their standards and the script reflects it as it starts out interestingly enough and then quickly slides into complete farce as we get a courtroom scene at the end of part two.
Joining John to discuss this episode is podcaster Michael Falkner (The Weekly Podioplex). This time they discuss just how painful it is to watch this when you consider the first episode is actually not that bad. They admire how Eartha Kitt purrs French so elegantly. And they wonder just how does a recent grad student with a librarian's salery manage to come up with the gadgets she does in her crimefighting spree, items that includes a universal antidote pill. Is Alfred involved in this somehow?
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
Michael Falkner's bio will be posted shortly.
"The Ogg Couple" ###### Aired December 21, 1967
It's the final go around for Vincent Price and Anne Baxter as Egghead and Olga in a story that should have been their first go around together. It's pretty much a mess and this has turned out to be the shortest podcast review ever because of it. But there are some hightlights including an opening that will have you talking and a discussion on how dangerous it is for Batgirl to be riding around on radioactive sparkplugs.
Joining John to work this all out is author and podcaster, Kevin Lauderdale.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
Kevin Lauderdale has written essays and articles for the Los Angeles Times, The Dictionary of American Biography, Animato, mcsweeneys.net, and teevee.org; and his poetry has appeared in Andrei Codrescu's The Exquisite Corpse. He has published fiction in several of Pocket Books' Star Trek anthologies, including Constellations, which celebrated the 40th anniversary of the original Star Trek. His original fiction has appeared in Neo-opsis magazine and Cthulhu Unbound, the cross-genre Lovecraftian collection from Permuted Press. He is a graduate of UCLA and a card-carrying member of SFWA. In addition, Kevin is a host of his own podcast here on the network, It Has Come to My Attention and co-host of Mighty Movie: Temple of Bad. Recently, Kevin took over as host of the old time radio podcast,Presenting the Transcription Feature. Follow Kevin's exploits through his LiveJournal blog - http://kevinlauderdale.livejournal.com.
Catwoman is back in Gotham, but she's looking a little different this season. Eartha Kitt takes over the role, replacing Julie Newmar who was appearing in a film at the time. Curiously, the dynamic between Batman and Catwoman is changed where the sexual tension is almost gone. Instead, Catwoman is obsessed with Batgirl.
Joining John to discuss this episode is podcaster Michael Falkner (The Weekly Podioplex). In addition to talking about the missed opportunities of this story (including the idea that Catwoman is literally invading a foreign country when she replaces the queen in her embassy), they also discuss the possible reasoning behind the change in the relationship with Batman and Catwoman.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
"The Londinium Larcenies/The Foggiest Notion/The Bloody Tower" ###### Aired November 23/30 and December 6, 1967
Batman, Robin, Batgirl, and Commissioner Gordon travel to Londinium at the request of the President to help Venerable Ireland Yard with a series of bizarre thefts throughout the city. Batman quickly realizes that the evidence points to Lord Marmaduke Ffogg and Lady Penelope Peasoup and her finishing school for girls.
Once again, we are faced with a three-part story so big, it needs three guests hosts to cover every detail. Jim Beard of Gotham City 14 Miles travels with John overseas to discuss the episode with Andrew Leyland of the HeyKids Comics Podcast and photographer and Batman 66 board moderator Ben Bentley. We know we like it, but why? It's a mess of a story and there are a number of missed opportunities. And does Batgirl really play a part in this story? It's all here on a double-sized episode.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
Andrew Leyland - Born. Reads comics. Watches bad TV. Somehow found a woman that puts up with him and had three kids. Puts out a weekly comics podcast called "Hey Kids, Comics!" With his eldest son every Thursday on TwoTrueFreaks.com.
"Ben Bentley is an internationally published music photographer and Bat-Fan based in the United Kingdom. When Ben isn't behind the camera, you can find him sharing his lifelong love of Adam West's TV Batman as a co-moderator over at the 1966 Batman Message Board (66batman.com). Having traveled to California several times to attend conventions and hang out with Bat-friends, Ben has been lucky enough to try on one of Adam's original screen worn Cowls, meet several surviving cast members from the show and even run up and down the steps of Gotham City Police Headquarters in his own Adam West Batsuit.
You can keep up to date with Ben's photographic work over on his blog... http://www.benbentleyphoto.tumblr.com or why not come and join Scott, Ben and the gang at the internet's longest standing 1966 TV Batman message board... http://www.66batman.com"
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jim Beard was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.
His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.
Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.
Websites
http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard
http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com
John is joined by Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension to celebrate the birthday of Burt Ward. While there are disputes over who is the best Batman, the best Alfred, even the best Commissioner Gordon, there is no disputing the definitive Dick Grayson/Robin is Burt Ward. John and Dan discuss how that magic begin right from the beginning with Burt's audition. They talk about what made him stand out, in particular his sense of timing when it came to humor. Finally, they discuss Burt's legacy as we are in the middle of the 50th anniversary of the Batman series.
The Joker plans to become king of the surf by winning the championships at Gotham Point. Didn't know he could surf, did you? Well he can, thanks to the reverseramator, he's been able to steal the surfing ability of champion surfer Skip Parker. It's all part of Joker's scheme to control the minds of the surfing community and in time, the world. We've seen a similar theme this season with the Riddler, the Penguin, and even Louie the Lilac and this one is the most outlandish - but it works.
Joining John to discuss this episode is Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension website. In fact, Dan will argue that this may be one of the best episodes, not only of the third season, but of the entire series itself. Take a listen and let us know what you think.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats, Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
"The Ogg and I/How to Hatch a Dinosaur" ###### Aired October 2/9, 1967
Vincent Price makes a welcome return to Batman as the villainous Egghead. He is joined by Anne Baxter as Olga, Queen of the Bessarovian Cossacks. Together they have plans for Gotham City. In fact, are there too many plans? What is the main scheme in this plot? Who is in charge as it seems to change from episode to episode? And what is the history of this two-parter in relation to the third episode that will follow in a few weeks' time?
Joining John to talk about Vincent Price's triumphant and yet not so triumphant return to Batman is author and podcaster, Kevin Lauderdale.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
Kevin Lauderdale has written essays and articles for the Los Angeles Times, The Dictionary of American Biography, Animato, mcsweeneys.net, and teevee.org; and his poetry has appeared in Andrei Codrescu's The Exquisite Corpse. He has published fiction in several of Pocket Books' Star Trek anthologies, including Constellations, which celebrated the 40th anniversary of the original Star Trek. His original fiction has appeared in Neo-opsis magazine and Cthulhu Unbound, the cross-genre Lovecraftian collection from Permuted Press. He is a graduate of UCLA and a card-carrying member of SFWA. In addition, Kevin is a host of his own podcast here on the network, It Has Come to My Attention and co-host of Mighty Movie: Temple of Bad. Recently, Kevin took over as host of the old time radio podcast,Presenting the Transcription Feature. Follow Kevin's exploits through his LiveJournal blog - http://kevinlauderdale.livejournal.com.
"Louie the Lilac" ###### Aired: October 26, 1967
Louie the Lilac wants to corner the flower market of Gotham City with the reasoning that if he does that, he can control the world. It sounds like something similar to what Riddler and Penguin came up with a few weeks ago, but in watching the episode, one finds it kind of makes sense this time. Also, John has stated he's not a fan of Milton Berle, but in discussing this episode, you'll see he actually appreciates Berle in the role of Louie. So what is wrong with this episode?
Joining John to discuss the good and the bad of this story is author Jay Smith.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
Jay Smith is the creator and executive producer for the Parsec Award-winning audio drama series HG World. Since 2009, Jay and his company of players and producers have been telling the story of survivors in the middle of a global zombie uprising. Now in its third season, this "satellite" production has featured dozens of actors across four continents making it a production truly on a global scale. Since its debut, episodes of HG World and its spin-off series, the Parsec finalist The Diary of Jill Woodbine and The Googies have been downloaded close to a million times.
Inspired by the golden age of radio, Hidden Harbor Mysteries presents a story inspired by stylish pulp era radio adventures like The Shadow, Sam Spade, The Green Hornet, and I Love a Mystery. Performed by a stellar cast, Hidden Harbor hopes to integrate classic radio storytelling with some modern twists. Jay draws from the work of Orson Welles, Arch Obelor and looks to modern audio dramatists like Douglas Adams and Dirk Maggs as inspiration to create a rich, realistic world of survival horror laced with dark comedy and compelling human drama.
Jay holds a BA in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and is working on his Master of Fine Arts from Seton Hill University’s innovative Writing Popular Fiction program. He attends and speaks at various science fiction and literary conventions about podcasting, writing, audio drama, and zombies. HG World can be heard by subscribing through iTunes or visiting the show web site www.goodmorningsurvivors.com.
John is joined by Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension to talk with comic artist Michael Allred. Allred recently completed his run as cover artist for the Batman 66 comic series. In this interview, he discusses how Batman and 60s television influenced his artistic endeavours, how he approached the assignment of cover artist, favorite cover assignments, and working with his family in the comics field. Take a listen and enjoy.
Michael 'Doc' Allred grew up in the 60's and 70's and was surrounded with the best in pop culture and a steady diet of music, movies and comic books including the three B's: Beatles, Bond and Batman to the point of obsession.
So it should come as no surprise that he keeps a hand in film and music (He's the lead singer and guitarist for The Gear), but comic books have always been a seminal source of joy for Mike and that joy remains the main ingredient in most of his work.
Allred first tasted success in the comics field with his wildly popular MADMAN series, which is currently being developed for a live action film with filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. His earlier work from GRAFIK MUZIK was turned into the cult hit movie G-Men from Hell directed by Christopher Coppola (featuring Robert Goulet as the Devil). Other work includes Red Rocket 7, his history of Rock and Roll told in the context of a sci-fi adventure storyl the Madman spin-off THE ATOMICS and his magnum opus, THE GOLDEN PLATES, where he's illustrating the entire Book of Mormon.
Mike counts the secret to his success to be his wife, and creative partner, Laura Allred, who is is considered to be one of the best colorists in the business.
John sits down with Deborah Dozier Potter, the daughter of Batman 66 executive producer William Dozier. They discuss his development of the series, the highs and lows, and his life after the series ended. In addition, they also talk about Deborah's life as an actress, a Hollywood agent, and an author. Finally, they talk about how Deborah overcame her Post Traumatic Stress Disorder thanks to the love of her dog, Buster, which led to her writing her book, Let Buster Lead.
Deborah Dozier Potter is a performing arts enthusiast and patron. She was raised in a family of respected film, television and theatre professionals in New York City, Beverly Hills and Los Angeles. She worked as a stage and film actress before becoming an actors' agent then starting her own talent agency and management company. She has lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, since 1979 and is an active partner in Hotel Santa Fe and Five & Dime general stores, a multi-state retail business. She authored the 2007 published memoir, Let Buster Lead, subtitled "my discovery of love, post-traumatic stress disorder and self-assurance". Ms. Potter is a volunteer faculty member of The New Mexico School for the Arts and a political, charity and arts supporter. Her husband, Earl Potter, is a prominent business owner and a retired attorney. Their son, H. C. “Cody” Potter, also lives in Santa Fe. Potter previously has served as a New Mexico representative to the President's Advisory Council on the Arts/Kennedy Center from 1993 until 2001 and from 2009 to the present.
"The Unkindest Tut of All" ###### Aired October 19, 1967
King Tut is back in Gotham City with a new set of predictions that includes the indentity of Batman. But just what is the purpose of all these predictions? Tut doesn't seem interested in gaining control of Gotham City as his new kingdom. He's more interested in gaining control of the universe and his scheme will ensure this happens. And where is Batgirl in all this?
Joining John to discuss this episode, one of the better of the third season and a fitting continuation of the Tut storyline, is Shazam/Isis Podcast host Richard F. Lee.
Richard Lee is a Batman fan who was first introduced to Batman '66 through the wide release movie and the View Master reels. Richard's biography was published in Who's Who in America, 2000 Millennial Edition. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington, a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Gonzaga School of Law, and a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is also a practicing member of the Washington State Bar Association. Richard is currently practicing law in his home state of Washington.
Links
Richard's website
Shazam/Isis Podcast website
Shazam/Isis Facebook page
January 7th is the birthday of the late Alan Napier. To celebrate, we here at the Batcave Podcast welcome author James Bigwood who contributed to Alan Napier's autobiography, Not Just Batman's Butler. James talks about his experiences with Alan Napier, the writing of the book, and some of Napier's better roles.
James Bigwood first met Alan Napier in 1975, when he interviewed him for a profile that eventually appeared in Films In Review in 1979. Building on his interest in film history, he co-wrote (with Stephen D. Youngkin and Raymond G. Cabana, Jr.) the book The Films Of Peter Lorre, published in 1982, as well as numerous articles on Salvador Dali’s largely unknown film career for such publications as American Film, American Cinematographer and the catalogue for the 1979 Dali retrospective at the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. After early attempts at an acting career proved less than successful, he moved into behind the scenes film production, starting as an assistant accountant on Francis Ford Coppola’s COTTON CLUB in 1983. He has worked variously as Associate Producer, Line Producer and Production Manager on such films as NEW JACK CITY (Warner Bros 1991), JUICE (Paramount 1992), BOB ROBERTS (Paramount 1992), POSSE (Gramercy 1993), ASSAULT AT WEST POINT (Showtime 1994), ROAD TO WELLVILLE (Columbia 1994), WAITING TO EXHALE (Fox 1995), DOUBLE PLATINUM (ABC 1999), BOYCOTT (HBO 2001), GATHERING STORM (HBO 2002), and the Emmy nominated BRIGHT SHINING LIE (HBO 1998). In 1995, he co-produced WIDE AWAKE for Miramax, in 1998, he produced THE TEMPEST, starring Peter Fonda, for NBC. In addition, he has produced six television series: TOUCHING EVIL (USA Cable 2004), THE BLACK DONNELLYS (NBC 2007), LIPSTICK JUNGLE (NBC 2008/2009), MERCY (NBC 2009/2010), THE RED ROAD (Sundance 2013) and BEING MARY JANE (BET 2014) and the mini-series REVELATIONS (NBC 2005). Along the way, he has managed to keep acting, playing small roles in THE TEMPEST, ROAD TO WELLVILLE, ASSAULT AT WEST POINT, POSSE, BOB ROBERTS, ROANOAK, BOYCOTT, REVELATIONS and LIPSTICK JUNGLE as well as in three films that he wasn’t already working behind the scenes on: SEVEN MINUTES IN HEAVEN, NICK AND JANE, and PANTHERS. In 1985, he directed the short film CHRISTMAS ON THE ROCKS WITH A TWIST, which he produced with writer Timothy Lonsdale.
It's very odd that Burgess Meredith returns so quickly in this early part of the third season. It's even more odd that they pair him up with Ethel Merman as Lola Lasagna in the first two-part story of the season. And in many respects, it's a wasted opportunity as the two are used more as a Vaudville act more than anything Batman-related. And yet, this look at Penguin trying to horn in on the horse racing world has more weight to it than Riddler's previous attempt to become the "King of the Ring."
Joining John to discuss what worked and what didn't work in this story that could have been a one part story is podcaster, The Hunnic Outcast.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
HunnicOutcasts offers a variety of podcasts. Whether it's unscripted/off the cuff or an in depth discussion, regarding T.V. films, literature, and/or video games. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/hunnicoutcasts https://www.facebook.com/groups/hunnicoutcasts/ https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hunnicoutcasts/id913787694?mt=2 http://www.spreaker.com/show/hunnicoutcasts Twitter @hunnicoutcasts http://www.geekcastradio.com/show-guide/syndicated-shows/hunnic-outcast-podcast http://tangentboundnetwork.com/network-shows/
We met her briefly in the last episode, but now The Siren takes the center stage as the villainess of the week. Joan Collins is one of the better guests and gives one of the better performances in the third season. In fact, there is much to be praised about this story which has more of the feel of a second season story and also has one of the better Robin/Batgirl team-ups.
Joining John to discuss what many consider one of the better, if not one of the best, episodes of the third season is writer/editor Glenn Greenberg.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
Glenn Greenberg is an award-winning editor and writer. He worked extensively for Marvel Comics and DC Comics on such properties as Spider-Man, the Hulk, Superman, Star Trek, Star-Lord, the Silver Surfer, Thor, Iron Man, and Dracula, as well as Web-based tie-in projects for the film Superman Returns and the weekly comic-book series 52. His work has also appeared in such publications as TIME Magazine For Kids, Scholastic News, Time Out New York, Back Issue, and Smoke. Glenn has also written several works of prose Star Trek fiction for Simon and Schuster, and is now making the jump to The X-Files for an upcoming fiction anthology that will be published by IDW. He avidly covers all aspects of popular culture on his blog, “Glenn Greenberg’s Grumblings” (http://glenngreenbergsgrumblings.blogspot.com), and welcomes anyone and everyone to check it out.
It's the holiday season and that means visions of Batman 66 merchandise dancing in our heads. But what kinds of gifts would really excite the Batfan in your life? Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension joins John to offer gift suggestions from the high end to the affordable to make the season more bright for all the good Citizens of Gotham City.
It's the 50th review episode of the podcast! And what a way to celebrate! Frank Gorshin is back as The Riddler! His latest scheme? To become the king of the ring by taking over the boxing world in Gotham...
Yeah, for this they brought Frank Gorshin back? As kids, John and his guest were just excited to see The Riddler, but they are not as loving of this episode now as adults. What's wrong with it? How has their view of it changed and how did it change from one of the earlier versions of the script?
Joining John to discuss this episode is Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension website.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
Links
13th Dimension Website
Facebook page
The Penguin is back in Gotham City with a scheme that seems foolproof - marry Commissioner Gordon's daughter Barbara and then he wil lbe immune from prosecution. Can Batman and Robin stop him from reaching the alter on time or will they need the help of Batgirl? Who's driving this plot and should it have gone as far as it did?
Joining John to discuss the first televised Batgirl episode and to ask the question, "Should this be a Joker episode?" is author Jay Smith.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Jay Smith is the creator and executive producer for the Parsec Award-winning audio drama series HG World. Since 2009, Jay and his company of players and producers have been telling the story of survivors in the middle of a global zombie uprising. Now in its third season, this "satellite" production has featured dozens of actors across four continents making it a production truly on a global scale. Since its debut, episodes of HG World and its spin-off series, the Parsec finalist The Diary of Jill Woodbine and The Googies have been downloaded close to a million times.
Inspired by the golden age of radio, Hidden Harbor Mysteries presents a story inspired by stylish pulp era radio adventures like The Shadow, Sam Spade, The Green Hornet, and I Love a Mystery. Performed by a stellar cast, Hidden Harbor hopes to integrate classic radio storytelling with some modern twists. Jay draws from the work of Orson Welles, Arch Obelor and looks to modern audio dramatists like Douglas Adams and Dirk Maggs as inspiration to create a rich, realistic world of survival horror laced with dark comedy and compelling human drama.
Jay holds a BA in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and is working on his Master of Fine Arts from Seton Hill University’s innovative Writing Popular Fiction program. He attends and speaks at various science fiction and literary conventions about podcasting, writing, audio drama, and zombies. HG World can be heard by subscribing through iTunes or visiting the show web site www.goodmorningsurvivors.com.
The second season has come to an end and what a long, strange trip it's been. John takes one last look at the episodes that made up the season and offers his thoughts on the season as a whole before moving forward into the third season.
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No airedate.
Killer Moth has come to Gotham to kidnap a millionaire to hold for ransom and it looks like he has the Dynamic Duo well under wraps thanks to his cocoon gun. Will he succeed or will the introduction of Batgirl help to save the day? Yvonne Craig makes her debut as the Dominoed Daredoll in this brief network presentation.
Joining John to discuss this never aired piece is author Jay Smith.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
Jay Smith is the creator and executive producer for the Parsec Award-winning audio drama series HG World. Since 2009, Jay and his company of players and producers have been telling the story of survivors in the middle of a global zombie uprising. Now in its third season, this "satellite" production has featured dozens of actors across four continents making it a production truly on a global scale. Since its debut, episodes of HG World and its spin-off series, the Parsec finalist The Diary of Jill Woodbine and The Googies have been downloaded close to a million times.
Inspired by the golden age of radio, Hidden Harbor Mysteries presents a story inspired by stylish pulp era radio adventures like The Shadow, Sam Spade, The Green Hornet, and I Love a Mystery. Performed by a stellar cast, Hidden Harbor hopes to integrate classic radio storytelling with some modern twists. Jay draws from the work of Orson Welles, Arch Obelor and looks to modern audio dramatists like Douglas Adams and Dirk Maggs as inspiration to create a rich, realistic world of survival horror laced with dark comedy and compelling human drama.
Jay holds a BA in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and is working on his Master of Fine Arts from Seton Hill University’s innovative Writing Popular Fiction program. He attends and speaks at various science fiction and literary conventions about podcasting, writing, audio drama, and zombies. HG World can be heard by subscribing through iTunes or visiting the show web site www.goodmorningsurvivors.com.
Cosplayer Bob DeSimone talks with John about his life as the Bat. He tells about the construction of his costume, how impressed Adam West was with it, and how his cosplay has helped him to help others, especially as Boba Fett. It's all here and a whole lot more on this special episode of the podcast.
Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension and Jim Beard of Gotham City 14 Miles join John to pay tribute to the late Yvonne Craig who played Batgirl/Barbara Gordon on the third season of the series. They discuss her warmth and charm that made the third season watchable, her other roles, and her chemistry with her costars, in particular Neil Hamilton.
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Mr. Freeze is back in Gotham City and he's not only changing his method of operations, but he's changing the way he looks once again. This time, the late Eli Wallach takes on the role of the frosty fiend complete with a new makeup job and a wig and an iceberg base of operations to complete his reign of frigid terror on the good citizens of Gotham.
Joining John to talk about Mr. Freeze's final turn at bat on the series and the second season ending episode is comedian and podcaster, Ken Reid of TV Guidance Counselor.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com. Take a moment to rate the episode by using our star system at the bottom of this entry.
Called a "pop culture maven" by the Boston Globe, Boston native Ken Reid has been performing for over 10 years in various capacities. In 1995 he formed the seminal Boston Punk Rock group "30 Seconds Over Tokyo" at Boston's infamous "Rat" club.
In 2003 while living in London, Ken Reid decided to try his hand at stand up. After performing around the UK he returned to Boston in late 2003 and has been a staple on the comedy scene ever since.
Ken's unique and very personal story telling style has gained him a loyal fan base in the area. Using photos, video clips, and his own brand of storytelling Ken has written and performed four one man shows. His first show "Ken Reid's Cusack Attack" was a sold out affair at the Boston Center for the Arts. His second show "Very Special Episode: Portrait of a Pop Culture Victim" was also a sell out in March of 2008. “Music to My Years” from October 2009 was widely praised and was the featured pick on Boston.com. His most recent show was "Shirt Tales" from May 2012.
Ken has performed at the Riot LA Festival, theCharleston Comedy Festival, The AltCom Festival, and The Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival. In May 2012 he also performed as part of a special performance of John Wesley Harding's Cabinet of Wonders variety show at Brown University called the "Cabinet of Unspeakable Wonders"
He hosted and presented at the Boston Music Awards, was the Comic in Residence at The Comedy Studio in September 2006 and was a founding member of comedy troupe The Untrainables. With the Untrainables he hosted and co-produced the "Great and Secret Comedy Show" at Improv Boston from 2006 until 2009. He is also the creator of "Lafta Obscura" a unique comedy show at the Paradise Rock Club that ran during 2006
From August 2008 to December 2012 Ken was the regular Friday night host at the Comedy Studio in Cambridge, MA.
In January of 2013 Ken Started his new show "Ken Reid's Secret Menu" every Thursday night at the Comedy Studio.
Ken has toured as the opening act for Todd Barry during Barry’s “Substantial Tour of New England”, was chosen by Eugene Mirman as the opening act at Mirman’s record release show, opened for Patton Oswalt at the Wilbur Theater and Northeastern University, opened for Bob Saget during his 2011 New England Summer shows, and performed a series of “live talk show” appearances with Jonathan Katz. Ken was also nominated by the Boston Phoenix as Best Comedian in Boston 2010 and 2012.
Ken has a weekly podioplex where he helps guide you in choosing weekly TV listings of the past with a comedian of note on TV Guidance Counselor.
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The Joker's latest scheme is art themed, but what is more important to Joker, the aesthetics of the art or the art of crime? There are a lot of sendups of pop art in this two-part episode loved by many and looked upon as the last real laugh of The Joker in the 66 series.
Joining John to talk about the Joker's last outing of the second season and what the show's stance on pop art is is author and podcaster, Kevin Lauderdale.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com. Take a moment to rate the episode by using our star system at the bottom of this entry.
Kevin Lauderdale has written essays and articles for the Los Angeles Times, The Dictionary of American Biography, Animato, mcsweeneys.net, and teevee.org; and his poetry has appeared in Andrei Codrescu's The Exquisite Corpse. He has published fiction in several of Pocket Books' Star Trek anthologies, including Constellations, which celebrated the 40th anniversary of the original Star Trek. His original fiction has appeared in Neo-opsis magazine and Cthulhu Unbound, the cross-genre Lovecraftian collection from Permuted Press. He is a graduate of UCLA and a card-carrying member of SFWA. In addition, Kevin is a host of his own podcast here on the network, It Has Come to My Attention and co-host of Mighty Movie: Temple of Bad. Recently, Kevin took over as host of the old time radio podcast, Presenting the Transcription Feature. Follow Kevin's exploits through his LiveJournal blog - http://kevinlauderdale.livejournal.com.
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Aired March 14/16, 1967
Hollywood legend Tallulah Bankhead gives her final performance as the menacing Black Widow. Her plot is so simple, even the Batcomputer can't work it out - robbing banks in Gotham in alphabetical order. As simple as the plot may seem, there is something very endearing about the episode, one that has remained a favorite of John's to this very day. He's joined in this discussion by Batman at 45 author Chris Gould.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
Chris Gould was born in the UK in 1983, and has lived in Japan since 2008. His career so far has seen him work as a political researcher, local government officer, sports journalist, business English teacher, translator and magazine writer. Introduced to Batman re-runs as a child, Chris would watch the show as a junior high-schooler, university student and mid-career professional, his appreciation taking on new forms at every step. Convinced that Batman constitutes the definitive guide to mid-60s popular culture, and is therefore an invaluable source of study for future generations, Chris took to researching the show in detail, eventually producing the ebook: Batman at 45: The Ultimate Tribute to Pow, Bam and Zap! The aim of his research is to underline the point that no matter how many years have passed, Batman, through its sheer diversity of stars and insightful lines, helps us fully understand how we got to where we are today.
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Aired March 8/9, 1967
King Tut returns to lay claim to Gotham City and to get his revenge on Batman. But he has a new wrinkle in his scheming. He is looking for his Cleopatra and he thinks he's found her in the form of Lisa Carson (Lee Meriwether). John and his guests have not been kind to Tut in the past. Will the third time be the charm for Monarch of Crime as John discusses the episode with longtime Batman 66 fan, Robert Long?
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
**Robert Long** is a full time grapgic designer and independent filmmaker. As a first generation Batman syndication kid, he manages the 1966-68 Batman Television Series Group on Facebook. He has had the pleasure to meet and work with Adam West and Julie Newmar with various projects in the past. Visit Robert's production company - Smash or Trash Independent Filmmakingto learn more about it.
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Aired March 1/2, 1967
The Green Hornet arrives in Gotham City and looks like he's gunning for a piece of the action. But to Batman, muscling in on the trading stamp racket seems low-key for such a high profile gangster. And what does the foreman of the Pink Chip Stamp Company have to do with it? Is the Hornet the real evil in this plot or is it the unusual Colonel Gumm with his penchant for alphabet soup? Van Williams and Bruce Lee guest star in this episode as their respective characters, The Green Hornet and Kato, from their own ABC series in this crossover as an attempt to generate better ratings for the fledgling show.
Joining John to discuss this episode and the most important character who doesn't get enough recognition is Justin Michael of Batman The Animated Podcast.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
Justin Michael is an actor, writer / director and LA native. He's one half of the sketch comedy group Tremendosaur, a member of the Harold team Winslow, co-host of the podcast Before You Were Funny at UCB Sunset, and host of Batman the Animated Podcast. His UCB credits also include: Wilhelm (the improvised movie), Tournament of Nerds, The It SUCKed! Awards, UCB Thanksgiving Day Parade, Urban Legends, Tremendosaur Sells Out, UCB Summer Blockbuster, CDR Sketch, Tremendosaur's Big Hollywood-ish Sketch Show, Sketch Cram, Let's Do This!, UCBWCW, Cagematch, The Passover Show, Mookie & Dave: It's a Guy Thing, Matt Besser's Prop 19 Show, and Not Too Shabby. He is the co-creator of Friendship All-Stars of Friendship, a stop-motion animated series he wrote, directed, voiced, and produced for L Studio and Stoopid Buddy. He has written/directed/acted for Comedy Central, Funny or Die, Above Average, Nickelodeon and Adult Swim. He was a staff writer on Matt Besser's Comedy Central special, "This Show Will Get You High." He's performed at San Francisco Sketch Fest, Austin's Out of Bounds Festival, The Del Close Marathon, and toured various colleges across the country. If you'd like to continue your relationship beyond this bio follow @heyjustin on Twitter.
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Aired February 22/23, 1967
Julie Newmar makes her final bow as the Catwoman in an episode many fans remember fondly. Catwoman decides to follow the straight and narrow as she enters college. But the theft of a statue of Batman from the college and a found beanie cap are all the clues Batman needs to figure out Catwoman is up to something.
Joining John to discuss this episode and Julie Newmar's legacy as the Catwoman is View from the Longbox's Michael Bailey.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
Michael Bailey has an illness. While most people would call his comic book collecting a hobby he knows what it really is - a hopeless addiction. Luckily he has harnessed this personality defect into a weekly Internet radio show. Mike is a DC guy but likes Marvel just fine. He prefers the super-hero genre but frankly as long as it is a solid read he’ll try just about any sort of comic.
Mike is a Pieces, (his birthday is February 29th as a matter of fact) enjoys cold weather and enjoys a variety of hobbies that rarely involve the outdoors.
Currently Mike lives in the Fortress of Baileytude, which is carved into the side of a mountain above scenic Fayetteville, GA. Somehow he has lucked into having a beautiful wife named Rachel, who is very much an enabler and, for some reason, puts up with his dumb ass. Together they own a small poodle named Boo, the cutest six pounds of evil you will ever see. His day job is acting like a department manager for a big box office supply store.
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Aired Febraury 15/16, 1967
The Joker returns to Gotham City with a scheme to take over one of the major financial institutions of the metropolis. And he's engaged the services of a group of unusual goons to help him - a group of robots. These robots are stronger and faster than the Dynamic Duo, but they're also mute, save for Mister Glee. This gives Josie, the moll, more of a role in this episode. And as all this is going on, Batman schemes to thwart Joker, but his plan backfires and he finds that he's placed Bruce Wayne in financial and mental jeopardy.
Joining John to discuss this episode is longtime Batman 66 fan. Robert Long.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
**Robert** **Long**is a full time grapgic designer and independent filmmaker. As a first generation Batman syndication kid, he manages the 1966-68 Batman Television Series Group on Facebook. He has had the pleasure to meet and work with Adam West and Julie Newmar with various projects in the past. Visit Robert's production company - Smash or Trash Independent Filmmakingto learn more about it.
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Aired Febraury 8/9, 1967
The Riddler is back in town and he needs $3,000,000 in order to acquire a device that will give him absolute control over Gotham City. Can Batman and Robin solve his baffling clues in time? Will they realize the Riddler's looking a little different this time around? The whole thing is heading for an explosive climax as John Astin takes on the role of the Prince of Puzzlers.
Joining John to talk about John Astin's performance and how it differs from Frank Gorshin's Riddler portrayal is Gotham City 14 Miles editor, Jim Beard.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
A native of Toledo, Ohio, **Jim Beard** was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.
His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.
Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.
Websites
http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard
http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com
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Aired January 26 and February 1/2, 1967
It's another three part adventure story as The Penguin and Marsha, Queen of Diamonds team up with a scheme that could only happen in Gotham City. For some fans, this is another example of where the show has been failing in its second season, but as John and his guest discuss, there are a number of elements that elevate this story if one looks closely enough. In some respects, it has the markings of a first season episode and at the same time, it's got some of the goofiest bits you would find in the third season episode.
Joining John to discuss this episode is professional photographer and co-moderator of the batman66 discussion board, Ben Bentley.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
"Ben Bentley is an internationally published music photographer and Bat-Fan based in the United Kingdom. When Ben isn't behind the camera, you can find him sharing his lifelong love of Adam West's TV Batman as a co-moderator over at the 1966 Batman Message Board (66batman.com). Having traveled to California several times to attend conventions and hang out with Bat-friends, Ben has been lucky enough to try on one of Adam's original screen worn Cowls, meet several surviving cast members from the show and even run up and down the steps of Gotham City Police Headquarters in his own Adam West Batsuit.
You can keep up to date with Ben's photographic work over on his blog...http://www.benbentleyphoto.tumblr.com or why not come and join Scott, Ben and the gang at the internet's longest standing 1966 TV Batman message board... http://www.66batman.com"
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Aired January 19 & 25, 1967
The Catwoman is back in Gotham City and she's training a protege in the form of sing Lesley Gore as Pussycat. Catwoman's scheme is to get Batman and Robin under her control with a new drug she's designed. With their help, she's hoping to rob the Gotham Mint. How does this episode fair compared to other Catwoman episodes? What did John and his guest think of the inclusion of not one, but two performances by Lesley Gore? Just how ironic was it that Robin was hitting on Pussycat?
Joining John to discuss this episode is Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension website.
This episode is dedicated to the memory of Lesley Gore.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod. Links 13th Dimension Website Facebook page Twitter
Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension joins John to discuss the Caped Crusaders' aide in the war on crime, the Batmobile. In this special episode, the two look briefly at its origins, its role as a parter of the two, memorable moments, merchandising, the Batman 66 comic, and personal experiences with the vehicle. Plus, they announce the winners of the East Coast Comic Con prize package giveaway.
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The Joker sneaks The Penguin into Gotham City to help him with his latest scheme, a series of crimes dictated by the astrological signs of the Zodiac. It starts with the Aries, the Ram and ends with Capricorn, the Goat. What or who is the final target in this scheme? What role or roles does the lovely Venus have in this scheme? Does this episode hold up as an anniversary story, celebrating one year of Batmania?
The answer to these questions and more will be answered in this double length episode as John is joined by Gotham City 14 Miles editor Jim Beard, writer Glenn Greenberg, and independent filmmaker and lifelong Batman fan, Robert Long.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com. Take a moment to rate the episode by using our star system at the bottom of this entry.
Glenn Greenberg is an award-winning editor and writer. He worked extensively for Marvel Comics and DC Comics on such properties as Spider-Man, the Hulk, Superman, Star Trek, Star-Lord, the Silver Surfer, Thor, Iron Man, and Dracula, as well as Web-based tie-in projects for the film Superman Returns and the weekly comic-book series 52. His work has also appeared in such publications as TIME Magazine For Kids, Scholastic News, Time Out New York, Back Issue, and Smoke. Glenn has also written several works of prose Star Trek fiction for Simon and Schuster, and is now making the jump to The X-Files for an upcoming fiction anthology that will be published by IDW. He avidly covers all aspects of popular culture on his blog, “Glenn Greenberg’s Grumblings” (http://glenngreenbergsgrumblings.blogspot.com), and welcomes anyone and everyone to check it out.
Robert Longis a full time grapgic designer and independent filmmaker. As a first generation Batman syndication kid, he manages the 1966-68 Batman Television Series Group on Facebook. He has had the pleasure to meet and work with Adam West and Julie Newmar with various projects in the past. Visit Robert's production company - Smash or Trash Independent Filmmaking to learn more about it.
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jim Beard was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.
His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.
Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.
Websites:
http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard
http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com
John returns with a look at the replacement discs Warner Brothers offered for the errors in the original discs for the Batman 66 DVD sets. What did he think? Take a listen and let John know if you agree with him by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
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Aired January 4/5, 1967
The Mad Hatter is back in Gotham City with a new scheme to get Batman's cowl. But will he want it once it's irradiated and turned pink? And will he be able to use his planned deathtrap, a water tower, before the end of the first episode, or will it be another afterthought as in his last outing? These questions will be answered on an all new Batcave Podcast!
Joining John to discuss this episode is Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension website.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod. Links 13th Dimension Website Facebook page Twitter
John sits down with the writer and director of Co-Creator: Bill Finger - The Man Behind the Bat. They discuss the origin of the the play, Finger's legacy, his contribution to Batman 66, and more. Take a listen and learn how you can attend the premiere of the play in April.
Lenny Schwartz is the writer/ director of such plays asSubject 62, Buster Keaton: Fade to Black, Lucy, The Wire Game, Higher Methods and Fidelity as well as many others. He is also the screenwriter of with Scorpio Film Releasing's film Murder University which is available on DVD in national distribution as well as the films Normal (going around to film festivals) and Accidental Incest (premiering March 22 2015 in RI) as well as Breaking Branches Pictures release Subject 62. He currently lives in RI and directs his plays in RI and NYC.
Daydream Theatre on Facebook
Arctic Playhouse Theatre
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Aired December 28/29, 1966
That European criminal, The Sandman, is in Gotham City with a scheme to rob the millions of heiress J. Pauline Spaghetti. But he needs someone to run interference with Batman and Robin while he lays out his plan. Who better than the Catwoman?
But is this story as exciting as it sounds? Is it as well executed as earlier Catwoman stories? These questions and more will be answered in this podcast review.
Joining John to talk about first of several villain team-ups the series would feature is author Robert Greenberger.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Robert Greenberger (born July 24, 1958) is a writer and editor.
Greenberger was born in Brooklyn in New York City, the son of Edwin L. Greenberger and Joan Greenberger. A lifelong fan of comic books, comic strips, science fiction and Star Trek, he drifted towards writing and editing, encouraged by his father and inspired by Superman’s alter ego, Clark Kent.
While at SUNY-Binghamton, Greenberger wrote and edited for the college newspaper, Pipe Dream, moving from general assignment writer to Arts Editor, Managing Editor and ultimately Editor-in-Chief. He served an internship at Gannett’s Binghamton Sun-Bulletin as a feature writer and reviewer.
Upon graduation, he worked for Starlog Press as Managing Editor ofFangoria. He was also an Associate Editor for Starlog and while there, created Comics Scene, the first nationally distributed magazine to focus on comic books, comic strips and animation. The magazine lasted 11 issues before its first cancellation at which time Greenberger went to work on their sports magazines.
In 1984, he joined DC Comics as an Assistant Editor, working with Len Wein and Marv Wolfman on DC’s Golden Anniversary projects Who’s WhoandCrisis on Infinite Earths. He went on to act as assistant editor to numerous titles for each editor until he was promoted to editor. During his tenure, his titles included Star Trek, Suicide Squad, Warlord, Doom Patrol, Lois Lane, Action Comics Weekly, Time Masters, Secret Origins, The Hacker Files and others.
By 1990, he had given up editing to become the company’s Editorial Coordinator, helping grow the Editorial Administration department. When he left the company, he was Manager-Editorial Operations.
In March 2000, he left DC to become a Producer for Gist Communications, television news and listings web site. After ten months there, he learned some new skills and got out before the dotcom bubble burst.
In January 2001, he joined Marvel Comics as Director-Publishing Operations. During his year with the company, he oversaw editorial schedules, Production, Manufacturing, the Print Library, and other departments.
In January 2002, he left Marvel and rejoined DC in May 2002 as a Senior Editor-Collected Editions. He helped grow that department, introducing new formats and improving the editions’ editorial content. He also managed DC’s ElfQuest publishing program.
He left DC in January 2006, becoming a freelance writer and editor. His clients included Weekly World News, Platinum Studios, scifi.com, DC and Marvel. By June, he was offered the post of Managing Editor at Weekly World News where he helped transition the newspaper from being produced jointly in Florida and New York to just NYC.
When the paper folded in August 2007, he resumed his freelance career which continues to this date. Along the way, he helped revitalize Famous Monsters of Filmland and served as News Editor at ComicMix from August through December 2008.
He is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America and theInternational Association of Media Tie-In Writers. He served on the final Nebula Short Fiction Jury.
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Aired December 21/22, 1966
Maurice Evans is the new guest villain, The Puzzler. Without even knowing the history of this story, one can see that this should have been a Riddler episode and there are many who feel the character is a poor replacement. But as you'll see in this podcast, there is a lot to recommend Puzzler as a worthy adversary for the dynamic duo and as one of the better villains created solely for the series.
Of course, that's not to say this episode doesn't have its problems, that include determining if this is an established villain in the Batman 66 universe or someone entirely new, the proper definition of monopoly, and a crazed Santa Claus.
Joining John to time out the beats of this story is author, musician, and podcaster Keith R.A. DeCandido.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
Keith R.A. DeCandido is a writer, editor, musician, podcaster, curator, voice actor, and probably some other stuff, too, but he can't remember due to lack of sleep. In 2009, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers, which means he never needs to achieve anything ever again.
He has written tie-in fiction in prose and comics form for more than twenty different universes ranging from TV shows (Star Trek,Farscape, Supernatural, Leverage, and many more) to movies (Cars, Serenity, Resident Evil, Kung Fu Panda), to games (World of Warcraft, Dungeons & Dragons, StarCraft, Command and Conquer) to comic books (Spider-Man, X-Men, Hulk, Silver Surfer). He is the author of the acclaimed Precinct series of fantasy police procedurals including Dragon Precinct, Unicorn Precinct, and Goblin Precinct, with 2013 seeing the release of Gryphon Precinct and Tales from Dragon Precinct, as well as a comic book and audios of all four novels.
Other recent work includes writing the monthly Farscape comic book with series creator Rockne S. O'Bannon; the SCPD novel The Case of the Claw, a novel about cops in a city filled with superheroes; the Leverage novel The Zoo Job; the comic book miniseries The Fallen; the short-story collection Ragnarok and Roll: Tales of Cassie Zukav, Weirdness Magnet, urban fantasy stories taking place in Key West; and short stories in the anthologies Apocalypse 13, Bad-Ass Faeries: It's Elemental, Defending the Future: Best Laid Plans, Liar Liar, More Tales of Zorro, Star Trek: Seven Deadly Sins, and Tales from the House Band Vols. 1 & 2. He has also contributed to several shard worlds: Steven Savile's Viral (the novella -30-), Aaron Rosenberg & David Niall Wilson's The Scattered Earth (the novel Guilt in Innocence), and Jonathan Maberry's V-Wars (the story "The Ballad of Big Charlie").
Keith is also a longtime editor. He was the supervising editor of the Marvel novels published by Penguin Putnam from 1994-2000 and the monthly series of Star Trek eBook originals published by Simon & Schuster from 2000-2008. His anthology credits range from Imaginings and Liar Liar to the Doctor Who: Short Trips anthology The Quality of Leadership to the Star Trek anthologies New Frontier: No Limits, Tales from the Captain's Table, and Tales of the Dominion War. Currently he edits for clients both personal and corporate via KRADitorial.
Keith is a musician, once the percussionist for the Don't Quit Your Day Job Players (musical guests of DragonCon in 1998), currently the percussionist of sometime DC filk guests the Boogie Knights. His work can be heard on the DQYDJP CDs TKB and Blues Spoken Here and the BK CDs Many a Sleepless Knight and Wasted Days, Wasted Knights.
Of late, Keith has become a serious podcaster -- he's part of the staff of The Chronic Rift, a pop-culture podcast, and has his own 'cast, Dead Kitchen Radio. He also provides voices for the audio dramas The Dome, Gypsy Cove, and the Parsec Award-winning HG World.
On top of all this, Keith is a black belt in Kenshikai karate and a devoted fan of the New York Yankees (in fact, he co-edited the 2013 Yankees Annual for Lindy's Magazines). He lives in New York City with a couple of humans and several animals. Find out less as his cheerfully retro web site of DeCandido.net, which provides links to his Facebook page, his Twitter feed, his blog, his podcasts, and many and varied other things that probably sound cooler than they actually are.
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Aired December 14/15, 1966
The Catwoman proves she has more than one life when she returns to Gotham City with a new scheme. But for once, she's not pussyfooting around by having a feline themed scheme. She plans to ransom the voices of England's premiere musical duo Chad & Jeremy. Can Batman and Robin stop her before an international incident brews?
Joining John to talk about how the Catwoman character has changed since her premiere last season as well as the impact having Chad & Jeremy on Batman had on the show is Gotham City 14 Miles editor, Jim Beard.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
A native of Toledo, Ohio, **Jim Beard** was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history. His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.
Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.
Websites
http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard
http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com
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Aired December 7/8, 1966
The Penguin has set up shop once again. This time he's playing the restauranteur, but he has an unsual system of placing an order at his high priced establishment. What is his game and why is he so eager to get back to prison that makes a lame attempt at lifting Aunt Harriet's bracelet? Batman and Robin have their hands full with this caper.
Joining John to figure out the Penguin's scheme is Geek Radio Daily's Billy Flynn.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
**The Wonderful Billy Flynn** brings the funny each week on Geek Radio Daily! His daytime alter ego is mild-mannered (well, that part is a stretch) radio station personality at WLEE in Virginia. He actually gets paid to sit on his butt and run his mouth! His “edumacation” is from UNC-Wilmington, the Columbia School of Broadcasting, and University of Phoenix. When he is not gracing the podcasting airways with his comedic stylings, you can find Billy Flynn on Xbox Live (flynn71), rockin’ out on Guitar Hero or Rock Band, watching movies, reading comics, working out, or posting on the forums at geekradiodaily.com (ding!).
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Aired November 30/December 1, 1966
Shame is stealing automobiles only to abandon them sans one part to the vehicle. What is his scheme and what strange ideas do John and Hidden Harbor Mysteries author Jay Smith cook up when they discuss this episode? How about Batman working with the Nazi to find escaped POWs in Gotham? How about the Joseph Campbell-esque journey of a young boy from villain to hero? How about the lack of care and guidance parents had in the 60s? It's all here and more on a new Batcave Podcast, just in time to send out 2014!
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
Jay Smith is the creator and executive producer for the Parsec Award-winning audio drama series HG World. Since 2009, Jay and his company of players and producers have been telling the story of survivors in the middle of a global zombie uprising. Now in its third season, this "satellite" production has featured dozens of actors across four continents making it a production truly on a global scale. Since its debut, episodes of HG World and its spin-off series, the Parsec finalist The Diary of Jill Woodbine and The Googies have been downloaded close to a million times.
Inspired by the golden age of radio, Hidden Harbor Mysteries presents a story inspired by stylish pulp era radio adventures like The Shadow, Sam Spade, The Green Hornet, and I Love a Mystery. Performed by a stellar cast, Hidden Harbor hopes to integrate classic radio storytelling with some modern twists. Jay draws from the work of Orson Welles, Arch Obelor and looks to modern audio dramatists like Douglas Adams and Dirk Maggs as inspiration to create a rich, realistic world of survival horror laced with dark comedy and compelling human drama.
Jay holds a BA in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and is working on his Master of Fine Arts from Seton Hill University’s innovative Writing Popular Fiction program. He attends and speaks at various science fiction and literary conventions about podcasting, writing, audio drama, and zombies. HG World can be heard by subscribing through iTunes or visiting the show web site www.goodmorningsurvivors.com.
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Aired November 23/24, 1966
Marsha, Queen of Diamonds has her sights on one of the largest diamonds in the world, The Bat-Diamond. But the fabulous jewel is kept in the Batcave and Batman has sworn no stranger will ever set foot there. (He did? When did that happen?) What to do? Marsha figures it out; she traps Batman into marrying her. How will the Caped Crusader get out of this most deadly predicament?
Joining John to discuss this completely messed up episode is longtime Batman 66 fan, Robert Long.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
**Robert Long** is a full time grapgic designer and independent filmmaker. As a first generation Batman syndication kid, he manages the 1966-68 Batman Television Series Group on Facebook. He has had the pleasure to meet and work with Adam West and Julie Newmar with various projects in the past. Visit Robert's production company - Smash or Trash Independent Filmmaking to learn more about it.
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Aired November 16/17, 1966
The Joker is back in Gotham City and his latest crime spree involves keys of all types. But there doesn't seem to be any real pattern to the Joker's scheme, even when he develops a box that allows him to control time. Can Batman and Robin unlock the mystery of this case or will it be too much even for them?
Joining John to discuss this disjointed episode is Gary Mitchel of The Revcastand DragonCon's American Sci-Fi Classics Track.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
Gary Mitchel is a writer, reviewer, geek blogger, gamer, sf/fantasy fan, comics reader, podcaster and International Man of Mystery (who’s too dangerous for the entire country of Canada) currently living near Seattle. He is co-host with Deanna Toxopeus ofRevolutionSF’s RevCast, the site’s weekly geek and pop culture discussion, which was nominated for a 2012 Parsec Award. It’s a convention panel in your iPod!
He has also appeared on the Shauncastic, Good to be a Geek, Cyborgs: A Bionic Podcast, Earth Station One, and Saturday B Movie Reel podcasts. He can be found on the Facebook and followed on the Twitter as @gary_mitchel (and yes, it’s his real name).
Gary is also a frequent panelist at Dragon*Con in Atlanta, where he is the Co-Director of the American Sci-Fi Classics Track. There, he has discussed Sci-Fi TV, zombies, movies, video games, zombies, cartoons, comics and zombies. Some attendees have stated that he is “hilarious,” and Gary swears that said people are not related to him.
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Aired November 9/10, 1966
Mr. Freeze returns to Gotham City and is looking for love in all the wrong places. He kidnaps a beauty contestant and promises she will love him by making her as cold as he is. Of course, he also has to deal with Batman, but he has a plan for the Caped Crusader that will tarnish his image.
Joining John to discuss this episode is Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension website.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod. Links 13th Dimension Website Facebook page Twitter
John offers his thoughts briefly on the release of the Batman 1966 television series on DVD and Blu-ray. When it comes to this set, there are three ways of looking at it - the good, the bad, and the dumb. Take a listen and let John know if you agree with him by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
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Aired November 2/3, 1966
It's election season once again and the fair citizens of Gotham City have the opportunity to vote for mayor. It would appear that Mayor Linseed would easily win as he is a fine, upstanding politician, but then the Penguin throws his top hat into the ring.
As with any political process, something new gets the attention of the public, even that of an arch-criminal running for office. There can only be one man who can stand up to this political machine - Batman.
Joining John to discuss this unusual episode that has many of the tropes of a Batman episode save for any real crime solving is writer/editor Glenn Greenberg.
Get your copy of Gotham City 14 Miles through our Amazon store. In doing so, you not only get a great collection of essays on the 60's Batman series, but you support The Batcave Podcast as well. Thank you.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Glenn Greenberg is an award-winning editor and writer. He worked extensively for Marvel Comics and DC Comics on such properties as Spider-Man, the Hulk, Superman, Star Trek, Star-Lord, the Silver Surfer, Thor, Iron Man, and Dracula, as well as Web-based tie-in projects for the film Superman Returns and the weekly comic-book series 52. His work has also appeared in such publications as TIME Magazine For Kids, Scholastic News, Time Out New York, Back Issue, and Smoke. Glenn has also written several works of proseStar Trek fiction for Simon and Schuster, and is now making the jump to The X-Files for an upcoming fiction anthology that will be published by IDW. He avidly covers all aspects of popular culture on his blog, “Glenn Greenberg’s Grumblings” (http://glenngreenbergsgrumblings.blogspot.com), and welcomes anyone and everyone to check it out.
John and Dan Greenfield of the 13th Dimension website complete the week of special podcasts by putting together ten stories from Batman 1966 that should be included in any marathon viewing. As the DVD and Blu-Ray sets are about to come out and the holidays are approaching, maybe it's time to sit around the TV with the family and have some fun fighting crime with Batman and Robin.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
For day three of our week-long look at the Batman 1966 series, John and Dan Greenfield of the 13th Dimension website discuss the sometimes elaborate, sometimes more mundate cliffhangers and death-traps the Dynamic Duo faced each week in their war on crime.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
For day three of our week-long look at the Batman 1966 series, John and Dan Greenfield of the 13th Dimension website discuss the sometimes elaborate, sometimes more mundane cliffhangers and death-traps the Dynamic Duo faced each week in their war on crime.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
It's day two of our week-long look at the Batman 1966 series and John and Dan Greenfield of the 13th Dimension website take on the gadgets of the series. As much as everyone likes to point out how much Star Trek was so futuristic, here was Batman, set in modern times, and featuring a number of futuristic gadgets.
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
In the first in a weeklong series looking at different aspects of the Batman 66 series, John is joined by Dan Greenfield of the 13th Dimension website to discuss the various villains that have appeared on the show. The two offered their thoughts on three villains each, for good or for bad.
Stay tuned to the rest of the week as we cover:
Bat-Gadgets
Bat-Traps
Bat-Moments
Episodes for a Batman Marathon
Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.
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Aired October 26/27, 1966
When is a Batman episode not really a Batman episode? No, this isn't a Riddler episode. Bruce & Dick and Batman & Robin are barely seen in the first part of this two-parter featuring Liberace as the Great Chandell. What brought that about? How well did Liberace fair with the Dynamic Duo? And was there really a plot in all this anyway?
Chandell, with the aid of the Doe, Rae, and MiMi, attempts to get hold of the Wayne fortune by seducing Aunt Harriet and plotting the deaths of Bruce & Dick. Can he accomplish this and rid himself of his twin brother's blackmail attempt? (Yeah, sounds like a plot to us.)
Joining John to discuss Liberace's performance both musically and thespian-wise is Mission Log: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast co-host John Champion.
Get your copy of Gotham City 14 Miles through our Amazon store. In doing so, you not only get a great collection of essays on the 60's Batman series, but you support The Batcave Podcast as well. Thank you.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
John Champion is co-producer and co-host of Mission Log: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast as well as co-producer and co-host of the long-running "DVD Geeks" podcast and its predecessor, the "DVD Geeks" TV show. He also produced the unabashedly geeky web-series "Bif! Bam! Pow! Wow!", numerous corporate and commercial videos and a number of DVD special features and behind-the-scenes featurettes. A lifelong science fiction enthusiast, John has moderated panels and hosted special events at fan conventions. In 2006, he started on a long series of video interviews and has produced segments featuring dozens of the creators and talent behind "Star Trek."
Thanks so much for listening to the podcast this past year. We finally have a promo! If you are a podcaster, please take a moment to consider running the promo. If you do, please let me know and send along your promo so I can reciprocate. Thanks again, citizens!
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Aired October 19/20, 1966
Vincent Price makes an eggs-cellent debut as Egghead. Egghead wants to take over Gotham City and has an eggs-acting plan to make it happen. He kidnaps the descendants of the three founding fathers of Gotham City, which includes Bruce Wayne, in order to make sure they can't deliver on their payment for the lease to the Last of the Mohicans. As an added bonus, he plans to eggs-stract the identity of Batman from one of them. Can he succeed in eggs-ecuting this plan?
Joining John to eggs-amine this episode is writer, teacher, and media eggs-pert, Dr. Arnold T. Blumberg. Together they not only discuss what was fun about the episode, but they look at the social commentary on racial tolerance that is worked into it as well.
Get your copy of Gotham City 14 Miles through our Amazon store. In doing so, you not only get a great collection of essays on the 60's Batman series, but you support The Batcave Podcast as well. Thank you.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Dr. Arnold T. Blumberg is an author, editor, book designer, and educator. He is the co-author of the Howe’s Transcendental Toybox series of Doctor Who merchandise guides from Telos Publishing, the designer of other Telos books including The Target Book, the author of “Stolen Days” in Short Trips: How the Doctor Changed My Life and “Mardi Gras Massacre” in Short Trips: Indefinable Magic, and the Doctor Who DVD reviewer for IGN.com. He co-wrote an exhaustive guide to zombie cinema, Zombiemania, contributed to Time, Unincorporated 3 for Mad Norwegian, and is launching his own small press, ATB Publishing, with the forthcoming Red White and Who: The Story of Doctor Who in America and Outside In: 160 New Perspectives on 160 Classic Doctor Who Stories from 160 Writers. He teaches courses in zombies in popular media and science fiction media at the University of Baltimore and a course in comic book literature at the University of Maryland. He also has a book on sword and sorcery movies in the works with co-author Scott Alan Woodard. You can find him online at atbpublishing.com.
John attended DragonCon 2014 in Atalanta, Georgia and participated in a number of panels. One of them was for the 75th anniversary of Batman. The panel was large and there are a lot of voices that you'll hear, but the content is worth it.
Panelists include:
Mike Gordon - writer, publisher, co-host of Earthstation One Podcast
Michael Bailey - podcaster, host of Bailey's Batman Podcast
Will Price - fan
Michael Falkner - podcaster, The Weekly Podioplex, The Chronic Rift
Geena Phillips - blogger, reviewer of the 66 Batman series
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Aired October 12/13, 1966
The Clock King plans a well timed crime spree that could go off without a hitch except for two things - Batman and Robin.
Joining John to time out the beats of this story is author, musician, and podcaster Keith R.A. DeCandido.
Get your copy of Gotham City 14 Miles through our Amazon store. In doing so, you not only get a great collection of essays on the 60's Batman series, but you support The Batcave Podcast as well. Thank you.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Keith R.A. DeCandido is a writer, editor, musician, podcaster, curator, voice actor, and probably some other stuff, too, but he can't remember due to lack of sleep. In 2009, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers, which means he never needs to achieve anything ever again.
He has written tie-in fiction in prose and comics form for more than twenty different universes ranging from TV shows (Star Trek,Farscape, Supernatural, Leverage, and many more) to movies (Cars, Serenity, Resident Evil, Kung Fu Panda), to games (World of Warcraft, Dungeons & Dragons, StarCraft, Command and Conquer) to comic books (Spider-Man, X-Men, Hulk, Silver Surfer). He is the author of the acclaimed Precinct series of fantasy police procedurals including Dragon Precinct, Unicorn Precinct, and Goblin Precinct, with 2013 seeing the release of Gryphon Precinct and Tales from Dragon Precinct, as well as a comic book and audios of all four novels.
Other recent work includes writing the monthly Farscape comic book with series creator Rockne S. O'Bannon; the SCPD novel The Case of the Claw, a novel about cops in a city filled with superheroes; the Leverage novel The Zoo Job; the comic book miniseries The Fallen; the short-story collection Ragnarok and Roll: Tales of Cassie Zukav, Weirdness Magnet, urban fantasy stories taking place in Key West; and short stories in the anthologies Apocalypse 13, Bad-Ass Faeries: It's Elemental, Defending the Future: Best Laid Plans, Liar Liar, More Tales of Zorro, Star Trek: Seven Deadly Sins, and Tales from the House Band Vols. 1 & 2. He has also contributed to several shard worlds: Steven Savile's Viral (the novella -30-), Aaron Rosenberg & David Niall Wilson's The Scattered Earth (the novel Guilt in Innocence), and Jonathan Maberry's V-Wars (the story "The Ballad of Big Charlie").
Keith is also a longtime editor. He was the supervising editor of the Marvel novels published by Penguin Putnam from 1994-2000 and the monthly series of Star Trek eBook originals published by Simon & Schuster from 2000-2008. His anthology credits range from Imaginings and Liar Liar to the Doctor Who: Short Trips anthology The Quality of Leadership to the Star Trek anthologies New Frontier: No Limits, Tales from the Captain's Table, and Tales of the Dominion War. Currently he edits for clients both personal and corporate via KRADitorial.
Keith is a musician, once the percussionist for the Don't Quit Your Day Job Players (musical guests of DragonCon in 1998), currently the percussionist of sometime DC filk guests the Boogie Knights. His work can be heard on the DQYDJP CDs TKB and Blues Spoken Here and the BK CDs Many a Sleepless Knight and Wasted Days, Wasted Knights.
Of late, Keith has become a serious podcaster -- he's part of the staff of The Chronic Rift, a pop-culture podcast, and has his own 'cast, Dead Kitchen Radio. He also provides voices for the audio dramas The Dome, Gypsy Cove, and the Parsec Award-winning HG World.
On top of all this, Keith is a black belt in Kenshikai karate and a devoted fan of the New York Yankees (in fact, he co-edited the 2013 Yankees Annual for Lindy's Magazines). He lives in New York City with a couple of humans and several animals. Find out less as his cheerfully retro web site of DeCandido.net, which provides links to his Facebook page, his Twitter feed, his blog, his podcasts, and many and varied other things that probably sound cooler than they actually are.
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Aired October 5/6, 1966
Ma Parker has made a name for herself throughout the United States as one of the most difficult to capture criminals. When she sets her sights on Gotham City, it doesn't take the Dynamic Duo long to round her and her "boys" up, depositing them in Gotham State Penitentiary. In fact, it seems a little too easy. What is her grand scheme and will Batman figure it out?
Joining John to talk about mother of all villains is HG World's Jay Smith.
Get your copy of Gotham City 14 Miles through our Amazon store. In doing so, you not only get a great collection of essays on the 60's Batman series, but you support The Batcave Podcast as well. Thank you.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Jay Smith is the creator and executive producer for the Parsec Award-winning audio drama series HG World. Since 2009, Jay and his company of players and producers have been telling the story of survivors in the middle of a global zombie uprising. Now in its third season, this "satellite" production has featured dozens of actors across four continents making it a production truly on a global scale. Since its debut, episodes of HG World and its spin-off series, the Parsec finalist The Diary of Jill Woodbine and The Googies have been downloaded close to a million times.
Inspired by the golden age of radio, Hidden Harbor Mysteries presents a story inspired by stylish pulp era radio adventures like The Shadow, Sam Spade, The Green Hornet, and I Love a Mystery. Performed by a stellar cast, Hidden Harbor hopes to integrate classic radio storytelling with some modern twists. Jay draws from the work of Orson Welles, Arch Obelor and looks to modern audio dramatists like Douglas Adams and Dirk Maggs as inspiration to create a rich, realistic world of survival horror laced with dark comedy and compelling human drama.
Jay holds a BA in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and is working on his Master of Fine Arts from Seton Hill University’s innovative Writing Popular Fiction program. He attends and speaks at various science fiction and literary conventions about podcasting, writing, audio drama, and zombies. HG World can be heard by subscribing through iTunes or visiting the show web site www.goodmorningsurvivors.com.
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Aired September 28/29, 1966
King Tut returns to Gotham City with what appears to be his usual bag of tricks as the Sphinx returns as well with new proclamations. But there's more to his scheme this time around. He has a plan to subjugate the entire population of Gotham. Can Batman and Robin thwart him?
Joining John to talk about King Tut's less than stellar return in author Julio Angel Ortiz.
Get your copy of Gotham City 14 Miles through our Amazon store. In doing so, you not only get a great collection of essays on the 60's Batman series, but you support The Batcave Podcast as well. Thank you.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Julio Angel Ortiz is a writer in both print and electronic media. Julio has had an audio drama released for the original sci-fi series The Dome with another to be produced shortly and short stories published in collections by Obverse Books featuring Iris Wildthyme and Señor 105. He also has several eBooks available for Kindle via his Vox Camera imprint. When not banging his head against his notebook in order to string words together, Julio works in Information Technology during the day and is also active blogging, posting on Twitter, and working at his photography.
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The Minstrel, a new villain, has appeared in Gotham City and he's holding the Gotham City Stock Exchange hostage with his extortion demands. The Caped Crusaders are on the case, but it turns out that the Minstrel is Batman's intellectual equal when it comes to technology. Can Batman outwit the Minstrel with the aid of his latest Bat-device, the Bat-Drone?'
Joining John to talk about The Minstrel and the lost potential in what should have been a recurring villain is Gotham City 14 Miles editor, Jim Beard.
Get your copy of Gotham City 14 Miles through our Amazon store. In doing so, you not only get a great collection of essays on the 60's Batman series, but you support The Batcave Podcast as well. Thank you.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com. Take a moment to rate the episode by using our star system at the bottom of this entry.
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jim Beard was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.
His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.
Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.
Websites:
http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard
http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com
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"Hot off the Griddle/The Cat and the Fiddle" Aired September 14/15, 1966 The Catwoman returns to Gotham City with another cat-themed caper. But what do a pair of rare Stradivarius violins have to do with this all? Will it get to hot for the Dynamic Duo to handle?
Joining John to talk about the return of Julie Newmar as The Catwoman is author Robert Greenberger.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com
**Robert Greenberger** (born July 24, 1958) is a writer and editor.
Greenberger was born in Brooklyn in New York City, the son of Edwin L. Greenberger and Joan Greenberger. A lifelong fan of comic books, comic strips, science fiction and Star Trek, he drifted towards writing and editing, encouraged by his father and inspired by Superman’s alter ego, Clark Kent.
While at SUNY-Binghamton, Greenberger wrote and edited for the college newspaper, Pipe Dream, moving from general assignment writer to Arts Editor, Managing Editor and ultimately Editor-in-Chief. He served an internship at Gannett’s Binghamton Sun-Bulletin as a feature writer and reviewer.
Upon graduation, he worked for Starlog Press as Managing Editor ofFangoria. He was also an Associate Editor for Starlog and while there, created Comics Scene, the first nationally distributed magazine to focus on comic books, comic strips and animation. The magazine lasted 11 issues before its first cancellation at which time Greenberger went to work on their sports magazines.
In 1984, he joined DC Comics as an Assistant Editor, working with Len Wein and Marv Wolfman on DC’s Golden Anniversary projects Who’s Who andCrisis on Infinite Earths. He went on to act as assistant editor to numerous titles for each editor until he was promoted to editor. During his tenure, his titles included Star Trek, Suicide Squad, Warlord, Doom Patrol, Lois Lane, Action Comics Weekly, Time Masters, Secret Origins, The Hacker Files and others.
By 1990, he had given up editing to become the company’s Editorial Coordinator, helping grow the Editorial Administration department. When he left the company, he was Manager-Editorial Operations.
In March 2000, he left DC to become a Producer for Gist Communications, television news and listings web site. After ten months there, he learned some new skills and got out before the dotcom bubble burst.
In January 2001, he joined Marvel Comics as Director-Publishing Operations. During his year with the company, he oversaw editorial schedules, Production, Manufacturing, the Print Library, and other departments.
In January 2002, he left Marvel and rejoined DC in May 2002 as a Senior Editor-Collected Editions. He helped grow that department, introducing new formats and improving the editions’ editorial content. He also managed DC’s ElfQuest publishing program.
He left DC in January 2006, becoming a freelance writer and editor. His clients included Weekly World News, Platinum Studios, scifi.com, DC and Marvel. By June, he was offered the post of Managing Editor at Weekly World News where he helped transition the newspaper from being produced jointly in Florida and New York to just NYC.
When the paper folded in August 2007, he resumed his freelance career which continues to this date. Along the way, he helped revitalize Famous Monsters of Filmland and served as News Editor at ComicMix from August through December 2008.
He is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America and theInternational Association of Media Tie-In Writers. He served on the final Nebula Short Fiction Jury.
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The second season of Batman 66 kicks off with a new villain. The Archer, a self-styled Robin Hood thief is robbing from the rich of Gotham City and distributing to the poor. Although the citizens are returning the money, they can't help but cheer for his exploits and it's affecting Batman's public image. Can he stop this malevolent marksman before it's too late?
Joining John to discuss this debut episode of the second season is author Kevin Dilmore. In addition to discussing the episode, as a representative of Hallmark, Kevin discusses the release of Batman related merchandise including this year's Christmas ornament.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com. Take a moment to rate the episode by using our star system at the bottom of this entry.
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KEVIN DILMORE has been getting his geek on for a good while now.
A journalist for more than 25 years, he enjoyed an eight-year run as a contributing writer to Star Trek Communicator, writing news and feature stories for the bimonthly publication of the Official Star Trek Fan Club. He also has contributed to publications including the Village Voice, Amazing Stories, Hallmark and Star Trek magazines as well as web sites including Hallmark.com and Star Trek.com.
Teaming with writing partner and heterosexual life mate Dayton Ward since 2001, he has co-written novels and shorter fiction based on television shows including “Star Trek,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “The 4400.” The pair has put more than 1 million words into print together. Their most recent novel, Point of Divergence, is the second in the Star Trek: Seekers series and will be published in September by Pocket Books.
On his own, Kevin recently has contributed a story to Native Lands, the latest ReDeus anthology published by Crazy 8 Press, and essays in Hey Kids, Comics! also by Crazy 8 Press, and New Life and New Civilizations: Exploring Star Trek Comics published by Sequart.
By day, Kevin works as a senior writer for Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, Mo., doing about everything from writing greeting cards to assisting in product development including pop culture-themed Keepsake Ornaments. His children's books for Hallmark Gift Books include the Cosmic Ray series, Superdad and His Daring Dadventures, and a series of Batman books to be published this fall.
In May, a short film written by Kevin, “Outside of Town,” was selected for screening in the Short Film Corner of the Cannes Film Festival.
A graduate of the University of Kansas, Kevin lives in Overland Park, Kansas. Keep up with his shameful behavior and latest projects on Facebook.
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We come to the penultimate episode in our weekly run of podcasts between seasons one and two of the Batman 66 series with a look back at the first season. John quickly reviews the first season of episodes, what worked and what didn't (which was very few as it was a strong season). He then interviews Sam Gras. Sam has submitted a Lego design of the 66 Batmobile for consideration and needs your help to make it a reality. Listen to the interview to learn more.
Click on the link to cast your vote to make this sweet Lego ride a reality. Remember, you have to sign up for a free account, but when you see the other projects you can vote for there, you'll be more than happy to do it.
Comment on the episode here or write batcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Father, Cosplayer, all around Geek - Sam Gras, the original Bat-dad, and his daughter "Robin" are the Dynamic Duo.
Sam is a lifelong Batman fan and loves sharing this passions with his four year-old daughter . As an accomplished Cosplayer, Sam's builds have always incorporated his daughter's needs and ideas. His creativity and ingenuity were recognized at the 2013 NYCC when his Soundwave costume was awarded 'Most Difficult Costume' and voted Fan Favorite in the AOL competition. His latest project, the 1966 LEGO Batmobile, was inspired by his daughter's desire for a Batmobile in which Robin and Batman could ride side-by-side. He is currently gathering supporters in hopes that Lego will make his daughter's dream come true.
Sam's Twitter - @cosplaydadSAM
LEGO Ideas Link - https://ideas.lego.com/projects/61339
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We continue our weekly podcast run in between the first and second season reviews with an interview with Jim Beard. Jim has been on the podcast twice before and will return for an early second season episode review. He is the developer, editor and a contributor to Gotham City 14 Miles, a collection of critical essays on the Batman 66 series. In this interview, Jim talks with John about the development of the book, the planned sequel, the role of race in the TV Batman universe, the sexuality of the three main villains, and the top three episodes to show the doubting viewer of the relevance of the Batman series.
Get your copy of Gotham City 14 Miles through our Amazon store. In doing so, you not only get a great collection of essays on the 60's Batman series, but you support The Batcave Podcast as well. Thank you.
Comment on the episode here or write batcavepodcast@gmail.com.
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jim Beard was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.
His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.
Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.
Websites:
http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard
http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com
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Penguin, Joker, Riddler, and Catwoman have all teamed up to hatch a plot that not only threatens Gotham City, not only threatens the country, but rather threatens the entire world. Their objective - the United World Organization main assembly. And only two people stand in their way - Batman and Robin. Can the Dynamic Duo stop the Fearsome Foursome with the aid of their newest entries in their crimefighting arsenal? Stay glued to your seats, Citizens. It's going to be a bumpy ride as John is joined by Geek Radio Daily's Billy Flynn, Cinefantatique Online's Dan Person, and Gotham City 14 Miles editor and writer, Jim Beard to discuss the 1966 movie.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com. Take a moment to rate the episode by using our star system at the bottom of this entry.
Bill Vernon, AKA the Wonderful Billy Flynn, brings the funny each week on Geek Radio Daily! His daytime alter ego is mild-mannered (well, that part is a stretch) on-air talent at WRAR Radio Station in Virginia. He actually gets paid to sit on his butt and run his mouth! His “edumacation” is from UNC-Wilmington and the Columbia School of Broadcasting. When he is not gracing the podcasting airways with his comedic stylings, you can find Billy Flynn on Xbox Live (flynn71), rockin’ out on Guitar Hero or Rock Band, watching movies, reading comics, working out, or posting on the forums at Geek Radio Daily.com (ding!)
In his twenty plus years as writer and film journalist, Dan Persons has interviewed the likes of Paul Verhoeven, Wes Craven, Stuart Gordon, Satoshi Kon and John Kricfalusi; published the well-received novella, "A Game of the Apocalypse", in The Ultimate Silver Surfer, edited by The Chronic Rift's own Keith R.A. Decandido; and been an occasional, and somewhat peculiar, guest on the public access incarnation of the Rift. He presently is the host of Mighty Movies Temple of Bad, Mighty Movie Podcast, and The Cinefantastique Podcast when he isn't haunting the dining room of his local Popeye's.
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jim Beard was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.
His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.
Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.
Websites:
http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard
http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com
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The Batcave Podcast has just completed its look at the first season of the 1966 Batman television series. Over the course of the first 17 episodes, the podcast has taken shape into something John hopes everyone enjoys. But there was a different format John considered before going ahead with the show you are listening to today. He tried out this format by sitting down with author Dayton Ward and the two recorded a commentary on the first episode of the series. Here is the first part, edited in its entirety for your listenening pleasure. Stay tuned, Batfans. Next week, we're looking at the 1966 theatrical release.
TheRiddler has plans for Batman in the form of a lawsuit claiming false arrest, but Batman knows the Riddler is not as innocent as he seems. Can Batman deduce the Riddler's scheme from the puzzles he's hidden inside the lawsuit? Can he figure out that Robin isn't Robin? And can we find all the ideas that would be repeated throughout the series that first led to its success and would ultimately lead to its downfall?
Comment on the episode here or write batcavepodcast@gmail.com.
Dayton Ward is the author of numerous media tie-in fiction works in such realms as Star Trek and The 4400. He is also the author of such original works as Counterstrike, The Last World War, Book 2 and The Genesis Protocol. When he's not writing or working for a software design firm, he's busy indoctrinating his two lovely daughters into the worlds that have so seriously warped his mind.
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The Penguin is back in town and his target is Alfred, the faithful butler of millionaire Bruce Wayne. Batman and Robin are called in to investigate, but a short time later, Alfred is released, safe and sound. What has happened to Alfred as he now has an odd twitch about him? Will Batman and Robin find out before the Penguin is able to execute his entire caper?
Joining John to talk about the final episode of the first season is Batman fan, Mike Fichera.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com. Take a moment to rate the episode by using our star system at the bottom of this entry.
Mike Fichera got his start as a Bat-fan during infancy when, according to his brother Victor, one of his first words was shouting "Batman! Green ones!" from the high chair while attempting to miscolor the caped crusader. As a fan of the 60’s Batman show, he learned to exclaim BIF! POW! BAM! with every stubbed toe, or tumble down the staircase. Years later, Mike became an occasional guest on the cable-TV Chronic Rift as a Spider-Man expert and as the “shameless guy who would dress in silly costumes” for sight gags. Since 2004, Mike has been a freelance writer and artist for Marvel Comics, putting his knowledge of Spider-Man to use for the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe. Though more a Marvel than a DC, he owes much of his riddle-deciphering skills to the Dynamic Duo, and his breathy acting style to Adam West.
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The Riddler returns to Gotham and confounds Batman and Robin with a new string of riddles. While the Dynamic Duo race about in response to the riddles, the Prince of Puzzlers is filming the entire thing. What is his ultimate plan? What is the purpose of the film? Will Batman figure it out or misinterpret the clues?
Joining John to talk about Frank Gorshin's last first season turn as The Riddler is author Robert Greenberger.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com. Take a moment to rate the episode by using our star system at the bottom of this entry.
**Robert Greenberger** (born July 24, 1958) is a writer and editor.
Greenberger was born in Brooklyn in New York City, the son of Edwin L. Greenberger and Joan Greenberger. A lifelong fan of comic books, comic strips, science fiction and Star Trek, he drifted towards writing and editing, encouraged by his father and inspired by Superman’s alter ego, Clark Kent.
While at SUNY-Binghamton, Greenberger wrote and edited for the college newspaper, Pipe Dream, moving from general assignment writer to Arts Editor, Managing Editor and ultimately Editor-in-Chief. He served an internship at Gannett’s Binghamton Sun-Bulletin as a feature writer and reviewer.
Upon graduation, he worked for Starlog Press as Managing Editor ofFangoria. He was also an Associate Editor for Starlog and while there, created Comics Scene, the first nationally distributed magazine to focus on comic books, comic strips and animation. The magazine lasted 11 issues before its first cancellation at which time Greenberger went to work on their sports magazines.
In 1984, he joined DC Comics as an Assistant Editor, working with Len Wein and Marv Wolfman on DC’s Golden Anniversary projects Who’s Who andCrisis on Infinite Earths. He went on to act as assistant editor to numerous titles for each editor until he was promoted to editor. During his tenure, his titles included Star Trek, Suicide Squad, Warlord, Doom Patrol, Lois Lane, Action Comics Weekly, Time Masters, Secret Origins, The Hacker Files and others.
By 1990, he had given up editing to become the company’s Editorial Coordinator, helping grow the Editorial Administration department. When he left the company, he was Manager-Editorial Operations.
In March 2000, he left DC to become a Producer for Gist Communications, television news and listings web site. After ten months there, he learned some new skills and got out before the dotcom bubble burst.
In January 2001, he joined Marvel Comics as Director-Publishing Operations. During his year with the company, he oversaw editorial schedules, Production, Manufacturing, the Print Library, and other departments.
In January 2002, he left Marvel and rejoined DC in May 2002 as a Senior Editor-Collected Editions. He helped grow that department, introducing new formats and improving the editions’ editorial content. He also managed DC’s ElfQuest publishing program.
He left DC in January 2006, becoming a freelance writer and editor. His clients included Weekly World News, Platinum Studios, scifi.com, DC and Marvel. By June, he was offered the post of Managing Editor at Weekly World News where he helped transition the newspaper from being produced jointly in Florida and New York to just NYC.
When the paper folded in August 2007, he resumed his freelance career which continues to this date. Along the way, he helped revitalize Famous Monsters of Filmland and served as News Editor at ComicMix from August through December 2008.
He is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America and theInternational Association of Media Tie-In Writers. He served on the final Nebula Short Fiction Jury.
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A failed writer with an obsession with books has his sites on a rare collection of priceless works in the Gotham City Library. But how does he plan to get past the near indestructible doors? Batman and Robin match wits with the leather-clad Bookworm as played by Roddy McDowell in an episode that offers a number of firsts, including the first use of the harpsichord (which we totally forgot to mention in the podcast).
Joining John to talk about The Bookworm is RevCast host and DragonCon American Sci-Fi Classic Track director Gary Mitchel.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com. Take a moment to rate the episode by using our star system at the bottom of this entry.
Gary Mitchelis a writer, reviewer, geek blogger, gamer, sf/fantasy fan, comics reader, podcaster and International Man of Mystery (who’s too dangerous for the entire country of Canada) currently living near Seattle. He is co-host with Deanna Toxopeus ofRevolutionSF’s RevCast, the site’s weekly geek and pop culture discussion, which was nominated for a 2012 Parsec Award. It’s a convention panel in your iPod!
He has also appeared on the Shauncastic, Good to be a Geek, Cyborgs: A Bionic Podcast, Earth Station One, and Saturday B Movie Reelpodcasts. He can be found on the Facebook and followed on the Twitter as @gary_mitchel (and yes, it’s his real name).Gary is also a frequent panelist at Dragon*Con in Atlanta, where he is the Co-Director of the American Sci-Fi Classics Track. There, he has discussed Sci-Fi TV, zombies, movies, video games, zombies, cartoons, comics and zombies. Some attendees have stated that he is “hilarious,” and Gary swears that said people are not related to him.
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William Omaha McElroy has once again reverted to his evil alter-ego, the malevolent monarch of crime, King Tut. He has created a giant Sphinx which emits his royal decrees to the citizens of Gotham from Gotham Central Park. One of those decrees is the death of Batman and Robin. But what is his ultimate goal in his latest caper? Can Batman figure it out before it's too late for him and Bruce Wayne.
Joining John to talk about King Tut and the actor who portrayed him Victor Buono, is Gotham City 14 Miles editor, Jim Beard.
Get your copy of Gotham City 14 Miles through our Amazon store. In doing so, you not only get a great collection of essays on the 60's Batman series, but you support The Batcave Podcast as well. Thank you.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com. Take a moment to rate the episode by using our star system at the bottom of this entry.
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jim Beard was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.
His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.
Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.
Websites:
http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard
http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com
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The Joker is back in Gotham City and he has a new scheme to hold the city for ransom while ruining Batman's good name. Can Batman figure out the Joker's plan before it's too late?
Joining John to talk about the Joker's last outing of the first season is author and podcaster, Kevin Lauderdale.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com. Take a moment to rate the episode by using our star system at the bottom of this entry.
Kevin Lauderdale has written essays and articles for the Los Angeles Times, The Dictionary of American Biography, Animato, mcsweeneys.net, and teevee.org; and his poetry has appeared in Andrei Codrescu's The Exquisite Corpse. He has published fiction in several of Pocket Books' Star Trek anthologies, including Constellations, which celebrated the 40th anniversary of the original Star Trek. His original fiction has appeared in Neo-opsis magazine and Cthulhu Unbound, the cross-genre Lovecraftian collection from Permuted Press. He is a graduate of UCLA and a card-carrying member of SFWA. In addition, Kevin is a host of his own podcast here on the network, It Has Come to My Attention and co-host of Mighty Movie: Temple of Bad. Recently, Kevin took over as host of the old time radio podcast, Presenting the Transcription Feature. Follow Kevin's exploits through his LiveJournal blog - http://kevinlauderdale.livejournal.com.
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The Riddler returns to Gotham with a supply of wax smuggled into the country. But what does he need the wax for? What does it all have to do with a book on rare Incan treasures?
Joining John to talk about one of the better Riddler episodes in the series is HeyKids Comics Podcast host Andrew Leyland.
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Born. Read comics. Watches bad TV, somehow found a woman that puts up with him and had three kids. Puts out a weekly comics podcast called "Hey Kids, Comics!" With his eldest son every Thursday on TwoTrueFreaks.com.
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The Penguin returns to Gotham City, but he doesn't appear to have a nefarious scheme to rob the citizens of their hard earned cash. Or does he? It all seems innocent enough. He opens a protection agency, offering his services to the wealthy of Gotham City. And very quickly, he is accepted into high society. And even worse, Batman and Robin are caught robbing the safe of one of Penguin's high caliber clients. What is going on here?
Joining John to talk about this unusual conundrum is RevCast host and DragonCon American Sci-Fi Classics track co-moderator, Gary Mitchel.
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Gary Mitchel is a writer, reviewer, geek blogger, gamer, sf/fantasy fan, comics reader, podcaster and International Man of Mystery (who’s too dangerous for the entire country of Canada) currently living near Seattle. He is co-host with Deanna Toxopeus of RevolutionSF’s RevCast, the site’s weekly geek and pop culture discussion, which was nominated for a 2012 Parsec Award. It’s a convention panel in your iPod!
He has also appeared on the Shauncastic, Good to be a Geek, Cyborgs: A Bionic Podcast, Earth Station One, and Saturday B Movie Reel podcasts. He can be found on the Facebook and followed on the Twitter as @gary_mitchel (and yes, it’s his real name).Gary is also a frequent panelist at DragonCon in Atlanta, where he is the Co-Director of the American Sci-Fi Classics Track. There, he has discussed Sci-Fi TV, zombies, movies, video games, zombies, cartoons, comics and zombies. Some attendees have stated that he is “hilarious,” and Gary swears that said people are not related to him.*
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The Catwoman has returned to Gotham City and it looks as though her crime seems pretty obvious, the theft of two gold cat statues. But there's something more to the statues and some books on the history of Gotham City provides the clues. Can Batman figure it out before the Catwoman clips his and Robin's wings?
Joining John to talk about the debut of the feline felon is The Podcast Cowboy, Clay Dugger.
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**Clay Dugger** is the host of *The Con Cast*, a podcast devoted to interviewing guests of various science fiction and fantasy conventions. Clay is also the host of *He Said, She Said*, part of The Chronic Rift Network, which he co-hosts with his wife Debby.
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The mysterious False Face and his elusive sidekick, Blaze, are back in Gotham City for a crime wave filled with confusion, false clues, and guises galore! But who is False Face? It's not just the identity of the villain that is in question, but the actor who portrays him as well.
Joining John to talk about this single outing for the master of disguise is HG World's Jay Smith.
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**Jay Smith** is the creator and executive producer for the Parsec Award-winning audio drama series **HG World**. Since 2009, Jay and his company of players and producers have been telling the story of survivors in the middle of a global zombie uprising. Now in its third season, this "satellite" production has featured dozens of actors across four continents making it a production truly on a global scale. Since its debut, episodes of HG World and its spin-off series, the Parsec finalist **The Diary of Jill Woodbine** and **The Googies** have been downloaded close to a million times.
Inspired by the golden age of radio, Hidden Harbor Mysteries presents a story inspired by stylish pulp era radio adventures like The Shadow, Sam Spade, The Green Hornet, and I Love a Mystery. Performed by a stellar cast, Hidden Harbor hopes to integrate classic radio storytelling with some modern twists. Jay draws from the work of Orson Welles, Arch Obelor and looks to modern audio dramatists like Douglas Adams and Dirk Maggs as inspiration to create a rich, realistic world of survival horror laced with dark comedy and compelling human drama.
Jay holds a BA in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and is working on his Master of Fine Arts from Seton Hill University’s innovative Writing Popular Fiction program. He attends and speaks at various science fiction and literary conventions about podcasting, writing, audio drama, and zombies. HG World can be heard by subscribing through iTunes or visiting the show web site www.goodmorningsurvivors.com
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Vending machines at Woodrow Roosevelt High are dispensing coins instead of candy or milk. It seems like a silly prank, but in Gotham City pranks are the calling card of The Joker. Batman is called in to investigate and he finds The Joker is recruiting students for his scheme. Dick has to go undercover to find out who is in the gang and what Joker's ultimate scheme is.
Joining John to talk about this unusual story is author Dayton Ward.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com or call 888-866-9010. Take a moment to rate the episode by using our star system at the bottom of this entry.
Dayton Ward is the author of numerous media tie-in fiction works in such realms as Star Trek and The 4400. He is also the author of such original works as Counterstrike, The Last World War, Book 2 and The Genesis Protocol. When he's not writing or working for a software design firm, he's busy indoctrinating his two lovely daughters into the worlds that have so seriously warped his mind.
A rash of kidnappings appears to have Gotham City's Police Department stumped. All the victims appear to have one thing in common, they wear hats. That alone points to the machinations of The Mad Hatter. But what is his scheme? Why take the people as well as their hats? What do they have in common?
Joining John to figure out The Mad Hatter's scheme is life-long Batman fan, Linda-Ali Cruz.
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Linda-Ali Cruz is a self-proclaimed GeekGirl whose love of superheroes has inspired her to teach her sons to appreciate the fantastic, in particular, the Caped Crusader and his pantheon of villains.
King Boris' visit to the United States is interrupted by an exploding bouquet of flowers that hide a riddle inside, the calling card of the Riddler. What is his scheme? Can Batman and Robin figure it out before an international incident can occur?
Joining John to figure out the Riddler's clues is author, musician, and podcaster Keith R.A. DeCandido.
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Keith R.A. DeCandido is a writer, editor, musician, podcaster, curator, voice actor, and probably some other stuff, too, but he can't remember due to lack of sleep. In 2009, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers, which means he never needs to achieve anything ever again.
He has written tie-in fiction in prose and comics form for more than twenty different universes ranging from TV shows (Star Trek,Farscape, Supernatural, Leverage, and many more) to movies (Cars, Serenity, Resident Evil, Kung Fu Panda), to games (World of Warcraft, Dungeons & Dragons, StarCraft, Command and Conquer) to comic books (Spider-Man, X-Men, Hulk, Silver Surfer). He is the author of the acclaimed Precinct series of fantasy police procedurals including Dragon Precinct, Unicorn Precinct, and Goblin Precinct, with 2013 seeing the release of Gryphon Precinct and Tales from Dragon Precinct, as well as a comic book and audios of all four novels.
Other recent work includes writing the monthly Farscape comic book with series creator Rockne S. O'Bannon; the SCPD novel The Case of the Claw, a novel about cops in a city filled with superheroes; the Leverage novel The Zoo Job; the comic book miniseries The Fallen; the short-story collection Ragnarok and Roll: Tales of Cassie Zukav, Weirdness Magnet, urban fantasy stories taking place in Key West; and short stories in the anthologies Apocalypse 13, Bad-Ass Faeries: It's Elemental, Defending the Future: Best Laid Plans, Liar Liar,More Tales of Zorro, Star Trek: Seven Deadly Sins, and Tales from the House Band Vols. 1 & 2. He has also contributed to several shard worlds: Steven Savile's Viral (the novella -30-), Aaron Rosenberg & David Niall Wilson's The Scattered Earth (the novel Guilt in Innocence), and Jonathan Maberry's V-Wars (the story "The Ballad of Big Charlie").
Keith is also a longtime editor. He was the supervising editor of the Marvel novels published by Penguin Putnam from 1994-2000 and the monthly series of Star Trek eBook originals published by Simon & Schuster from 2000-2008. His anthology credits range fromImaginings and Liar Liar to the Doctor Who: Short Trips anthology The Quality of Leadership to the Star Trek anthologies New Frontier: No Limits, Tales from the Captain's Table, and Tales of the Dominion War. Currently he edits for clients both personal and corporate via KRADitorial.
Keith is a musician, once the percussionist for the Don't Quit Your Day Job Players (musical guests of DragonCon in 1998), currently the percussionist of sometime DC filk guests the Boogie Knights. His work can be heard on the DQYDJP CDs TKB and Blues Spoken Here and the BK CDs Many a Sleepless Knight and Wasted Days, Wasted Knights.
Of late, Keith has become a serious podcaster -- he's part of the staff of The Chronic Rift, a pop-culture podcast, and has his own 'cast, Dead Kitchen Radio. He also provides voices for the audio dramas The Dome, Gypsy Cove, and the Parsec Award-winning HG World.
On top of all this, Keith is a black belt in Kenshikai karate and a devoted fan of the New York Yankees (in fact, he co-edited the 2013 Yankees Annual for Lindy's Magazines). He lives in New York City with a couple of humans and several animals. Find out less as his cheerfully retro web site of DeCandido.net, which provides links to his Facebook page, his Twitter feed, his blog, his podcasts, and many and varied other things that probably sound cooler than they actually are.
The Gotham City Police Department have an unusual criminal on their hands. For three years in a row, the April Fool's Bandit has been robbing banks of exactly $100,000, leaving behind millions more in the vault. The identity of this mysterious bandit is unknown and Commissioner Gordon has called in Batman and Robin to investigate.
Joining John to discover the identity of this mysterious bandit (if the title of the episode didn't tip you off) is Mighty Movie Podcast's host Dan Persons.
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In his twenty plus years as writer and film journalist, Dan Persons has interviewed the likes of Paul Verhoeven, Wes Craven, Stuart Gordon, Satoshi Kon and John Kricfalusi; published the well-received novella, "A Game of the Apocalypse", in The Ultimate Silver Surfer, edited by The Chronic Rift's own Keith R.A. Decandido; and been an occasional, and somewhat peculiar, guest on the public access incarnation of the Rift. He presently is the host of Mighty Movies Temple of Bad, Mighty Movie Podcast, and The Cinefantastique Podcast when he isn't haunting the dining room of his local Popeye's.
Ice on the streets of Gotham in July? It sounds like the calling card of the cool, cruel Mr. Freeze. He wants revenge on Batman for trapping him forever in the icy grip of his cold empty world, but first he will play with him "like cat with mouse". The question is, why is he doing that?
Joining John to try and answer this question is Hey Kids Comics's host Andrew Leyland.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com or call 888-866-9010. Take a moment to rate the episode by using our star system at the bottom of this entry.
Andrew Leyland - Born. Reads comics. Watches bad TV. Somehow found a woman that puts up with him and had three kids. Puts out a weekly comics podcast called "Hey Kids, Comics!" With his eldest son every Thursday on TwoTrueFreaks.com.
"The Joker is Wild/Batman is Riled"
January 26/27, 1966
The Joker "springs" himself from jail in time to exact revenge on the curators of a museum exhibit on comedy legends. He's upset that he wasn't included in the exhibit. But Batman's on the scene to stop him with the aid of his trusty utility belt. The Joker swears never to fall for the gimmicks of the belt by fighting fire with fire and creating his own. The belt proves to be a match for the Dynamic Duo as the city of Gotham begins to lose faith in them as they fall for the pranks from the Joker's utility belt.
Joining John for the first appearance of The Joker is Geek Radio Daily's Billy Flynn.
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The Wonderful Billy Flynn brings the funny each week on Geek Radio Daily! His daytime alter ego is mild-mannered (well, that part is a stretch) radio station personality at WLEE in Virginia. He actually gets paid to sit on his butt and run his mouth! His “edumacation” is from UNC-Wilmington, the Columbia School of Broadcasting, and University of Phoenix. When he is not gracing the podcasting airways with his comedic stylings, you can find Billy Flynn on Xbox Live (flynn71), rockin’ out on Guitar Hero or Rock Band, watching movies, reading comics, working out, or posting on the forums at geekradiodaily.com (ding!).
"Fine Feathered Finks/The Penguin's a Jinx"
January 19/20, 1966
ThePenguin is released from prison and comes up with a perfect scheme for his next crime - let Batman figure it out for him. Can Batman figure this out before it's too late?
Joining John for the first appearance of "that pompous, waddling master of foul play, the maestro of a million criminal umbrellas" is Restaurant Stakeout narrator and Cyborgs: A Bionic Podcast co-host Paul K. Bisson
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Wonder Woman, Star Trek, Six Million Dollar Man & Bionic Woman, and The Omen- for a poor kid growing up in Boston (where there wasn't much to do except watch TV or go outside and find trouble), they were doorways into the worlds of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and comics. And they remain the cornerstones of Paul K. Bisson's inner Fanboy.
Today, Paul is an actor, writer, independent media producer, and all-around Geek. He still collects comics (mostly DC and definitely Wonder Woman), he founded the member-rich Bionic Fan Network (http://www.bionicfans.net) and an ambitious online Bionic encyclopedia, The Bionic Wiki (http://www.bionic.wikia.com), he's the webmaster of The Omen Chronicles, the only fansite devoted to the Omen film series (http://www.omenchronicles.com), and he's developing http://www.fancommentary.com -- a social networking site where people can upload their own audio commentaries for their favorite movies and TV shows.
Paul is currently the narrator for Food Network's Restaurant Stakeout, the co-host of Cyborgs: A Bionic Podcast, and the voice of The Chronic Rift Podcast.
So, the premiere episode of the podcast is out there and I'm hoping it causes the kind of stir that the premiere episode of the actual series caused. But please don't take it this far. I mean a club that offers nude girls AND Batusi...it's a bit much for me.
If you listened to the first episode, you heard John talk about his taking a picture with the Batmobile at New York Comic Con. Here's the video of the event.
"Hi Diddle Riddle"/"Smack in the Middle"
January 12/13, 1966
The Riddler has plans for Batman in the form of a lawsuit claiming false arrest, but Batman knows the Riddler is not as innocent as he seems. Can Batman deduce the Riddler's scheme from the puzzles he's hidden inside the lawsuit? Can he figure out that Robin isn't Robin? And can we find all the ideas that would be repeated throughout the series that first led to its success and would ultimately lead to its downfall?
Joining John for the first episode of the podcast is author Dayton Ward.
Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.
**Dayton Ward** is the author of numerous media tie-in fiction works in such realms as *Star Trek* and *The 4400*. He is also the author of such original works as *Counterstrike, The Last World War, Book 2* and *The Genesis Protocol.* When he's not writing or working for a software design firm, he's busy indoctrinating his two lovely daughters into the worlds that have so seriously warped his mind.