Adam West was My Batman

I suppose I haven’t been paying much attention to the news lately, but apparently I missed the announcement that Adam West had passed on Friday.

Batman for me will always make me think of Adam West. He was my Batman, even though I wasn’t fortunate enough to watch the original series with him in the 60s.  I did, however, watch the series as it has played over the years and I’m pretty sure I’ve watched them all.  

His voice, his mannerisms, his camp, all combine to make up the real Batman for me.  Sure, I’ve enjoyed the other variations on The Dark Knight, but that’s it – they are The Dark Knight Batman, and not Batman.  Christian Bale and the others are the brooding and gritty Batman.  They’re more adult and more depressing, dealing with real life problems not the fun issues and crimes Adam West’s hero took on.  There’s nothing fun about a ‘Joker’ who wants to just watch the city burn – but there is fun in the fight scenes and capers the villains presented in the 60s series.  

While many may not appreciate the TV series, I really feel Adam West’s Batman has played a strong role in creating the character we know today, even with all his darkness and brooding.  Sure while Keaton, Clooney, Kilmer, Bale, and the other one have played Batman on the big screen, and some have played him well, I still think of Adam West whenever I think of Batman.

Rest In Peace Adam West.