For many, he was the iconic live action Batman. He called himself a Bright Knight as opposed to a dark one. And he never truly lost touch with the character who made him an icon.
As a kid, before Tim Burton and Michael Keaton, I always pictured Adam West as Batman. Even now, when I re-read a classic Silver Age Batman story, West’s voice is the one I hear. And like many, I was saddened by his loss. As such, I’ve been thinking back over how he turned what could have been typecasting on an old series into a legacy that still connects through the fandom of a major fictional character. So, here are the five best times he used his iconic role to remain connected to the legacy of the Caped Crusader.
Honorable Mention: Goosebumps
Technically not a Batman connection, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this. During the classic Goosebumps TV series, there was a two-part episode, “Night of the Mutant,” in which a comic fan finds himself pursued by the villain of his favorite series, the Masked Mutant. In the climax, the kid finds himself teaming up with the superhero from the book, the Galloping Gazelle. And yes, it’s Adam West at his most hammy. Basically playing the Gazelle as a blowhard version of Batman, it was one of the funniest highlights in the Goosebumps series.
5. Mayor Marion Grange – The Batman
The Batman is a bit under appreciated, basically being a kid-friendly action series that tracks Batman’s life from his first super villain to becoming a founding member of the Justice League. But one of the more funny characters was its mayor, Marion Grange, who was often a target of villains. Seriously, it’s enjoyable seeing Adam West voice an old friend of the Waynes who constantly needed help. It’s not much, but it’s just the start of our list.
4. Adam West in Peril – Lego Batman 3
I had many questions regarding this game. For example, why not just call it a Lego Justice League game? Why make the various Lantern Corps such a huge part of the story? But one thing I didn’t question was Adam West being this game’s Stan Lee. In the Lego Marvel games, Stan is often in various states of danger that requires your puzzle solving skills to rescue. So for this game, Adam West was cast in the role of being rescued. It kept bringing a smile to my face, especially because honestly, I couldn’t think of a more iconic celebrity to play the role of fan service cameo in a Batman game.
3. Thomas Wayne – Batman: The Brave and the Bold
BTBATB was a glorious love letter to DC’s Silver Age and its vast history. But one episode stands out the most: Chill of the Night, in which Batman is close to finally catching the man who murdered his parents. Watching on are the Phantom Stranger and the Specter (played by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill respectively), who at one point send the Dark Knight back in time to the night that set the death of the Waynes in motion. And playing Bruce’s parents in costume during a party are not only Adam West, but Julie Newmar. The best part is West basically playing the role exactly as he played Batman in the 60’s, right down to calling Batman ‘old chum’ during their epic team-up against gangsters. The episode is already a fan-favorite for the story and guest stars, and Adam West definitely deserved to play Batman’s father at least once.
2. Batman – Superfriends/Super Powers series (last two seasons)
In the 1980’s, Hanna-Barbera decided to change who voiced Batman, switching out Olan Soule (who had voiced the character in animated series from 1968 to 1983) for Adam West. It was definitely a big treat for fans of the live action series to hear West return to the character, and it was glorious, especially as the last two seasons allowed for more action closer to the comics. In essence, we got to hear Adam West play Batman as a member of the Justice League just as the series allowed the character to be closer to the comics at the time. Of particular note is the episode “The Fear,” in which West plays Batman in a story that dealt with his origin, meaning that Adam West played Batman in the first ever depiction of the character’s origin outside the comics. If you can, check it out.
1. The Gray Ghost – Batman the Animated Series “Beware the Gray Ghost”
In this epic and beloved episode, Batman is dealing with a criminal calling himself the Mad Bomber, who somehow can destroy any target regardless of precaution. When the cases triggers Bruce Wayne’s memory of his childhood hero, the Gray Ghost, he tracks down the original actor, Simon Trent, voiced by Adam West. What follows is a team-up between Batman and his hero as they investigate the case, and Trent being given both a chance to truly be a hero and realize that regardless of the role, it did have a positive impact on the world through inspiring a hero. Ironically, that is probably especially close to Adam West’s real world impact as the Caped Crusader.
Adam West was a prolific actor, and for a while he was sadly typecast. But in embracing his biggest role, not only did he get make a bigger impact on the fandom, but guaranteed his legacy for generations to come. There are many great actors who have played Batman, and made the role their own. But all would agree that they owe a lot to West. Rest in peace, old chum, because you will always be remembered.
