Received a press release from Warner Bros. Consumer Products unveiling a licensing program for the 1960s Batman TV series. Among the highlights:
“The Batman Classic TV Series celebrates an incarnation of Batman that for many fans was their first introduction to ‘The Caped Crusader’ and his many friends and foes,”said Brad Globe, president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “This new licensing program captures the playful and stylish spirit of the iconic Batman while bringing a fresh look that will appeal to the Batman enthusiasts and nostalgic fan base, as well as to a new generation of fans.”
As part of the new licensing and merchandising program, licensees will have the chance to bring to life some of the most recognizable elements of Batman, including the “Dynamic Duo” of Batman and Robin and an arsenal of archenemies such as The Penguin, The Joker and The Riddler. Batman’s famous high-tech gadgetry will be featured in the program such as the Bat-phone, the Bat-zooka and the Bat-signal, along with other ultramodern tools – and don’t forget the famous Batmobile.
WBCP now has the rights to license the likenesses of the actors from Batman as part of the Batman Classic TV Series licensing program. Throughout the duration of the 120-episode run of Batman, the venerable actors of the series include Adam West as Batman, Burt Ward as Robin, Cesar Romero as The Joker, Burgess Meredith as The Penguin, Vincent Price as Egghead and Eartha Kitt as Catwoman, among many others.
First off, it’s great that WB/DC is finally willing not just to acknowledge but to celebrate the 1960s Batman TV series, as it arguably raised the Dark Knight’s pop culture profile permanently. Hating on it because it made Batman into high camp is so late ’80s (call it GRITT NOT CAMPY).
Second and far more importantly, could an Adam West Batman action figure – from Mattel or DC Collectibles – finally become a reality? I bet we get a statue, at least, but it would be great to see a Batman 6″ figure with West’s finely-toned physique. Also, four words: Four Horsemen-sculpted Egghead.
Rich
I don't think the problem has been WB/DC not wanting to acknowledge the show, but rather rights issues w/ 20th Century Fox
ridureyu
What I want to see most is a diorama of the side of a building with little pop-open windows to stick random celebrities through.
ridureyu
Bookworm!!!!!!
Barbecue17
So awesome! Maybe a DVD release may finally occurr someday!
GalvaTRION
A release of that series on SOME form of home media is all I care about at this point. I haven't been able to watch these shows for years- I've got my copy of the movie they made, but outside of that…
T16skyhopp
The Hub airs it on weeknights if you get that channel.
PrfktTear
That was my immediate thought!
DavetheBrave
Yeah, but a Mattel Adam West Batman would probably just be a "slim" DCUC body with a new head, like that idiotic First Appearance Batman. Most 4-8" figures just end up having far to muscular of physiques due to either parts reuse or articulation – West would really need his own sculpt to capture the magic. HT is really the best outlet for something like this.
The Flash III
Also, three words: Cesar Romero's mustache. I hope Hot Toys gets a shot to do something with this–they would blow the doors off Batman, Robin, Joker, Penguin, and the Catwomen.
T16skyhopp
Hot Toys Adam West. Hot Toys Caesar Romero Joker (with painted mustache!). Hot Toys Burgess Meredith Penguin. Hot Toys Frank Gorshin Joker. Hot Toys Bat-Alfred. Hot Toys Vincent Price Egghead.
/dream