MovieChat Forums > Superman: The Animated Series (1996) Discussion > Bring It Back

Bring It Back

posted 17 years ago by jgberndt
31 replies | jump to latest

GOD, this was the greatest animated series of the 20th century. They seriously need to bring this back or update it ala "The Batman". Is there a petition or any kind of rumors of a comeback besides the animated films they are doing now? I liked Superman/Doomsday but it's just not the same.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] jgberndt 17 years ago

Perhaps ur right. I've been very dissapointed with The Batman.It feels so dumb whereas TAS was very smart. And the characters look awful. What they were thinking, I don't know.

[–] Cyborg89 17 years ago

I don't know about Superman:TAS but I think they should definatly continue the DCAU.

Here's what I think they should do:

Aquaman: The Animated Series
Green Arrow: The Animated Series
Teen Titans
Captain Marvel: The Animated Series

They should at least do one of them.

[–] comicstu 17 years ago

'Teen Titans' has already been done, and it was done so well that no one would care to see a version in DCAU continuity.

[–] jgberndt 17 years ago

I would definitely love a Captain Marvel animated series

[–] Cyborg89 17 years ago

I would definitely love a Captain Marvel animated series

It would be a great show. I'd love to see Captain Marvel put the smackdown on Captain Nazi.

'Teen Titans' has already been done, and it was done so well that no one would care to see a version in DCAU continuity.

That mediocre kiddie anime wannabe crap? Please, give me a DCAU version anyday.

[–] PreachCaleb 17 years ago

Nah, Teen Titans was great all ready. No need to ruin it with another version.

Always-Severus Snape

[–] comicstu 17 years ago

That mediocre kiddie anime wannabe crap? Please, give me a DCAU version anyday.

Yep, that kiddie anime wannabe crap that not only nailed its target audience, but pulled in viewers from every demographic, featured better story-boarding than just about any DCAU cartoon, and had the best fight-scenes in any American superhero cartoon to date. Not to mention it had great animation and tried something different for a change: i.e., trying to make something fun and enjoyable and not realistic just for the sake of appealing to comic book fans.

No one but a Timm-fanboy like you would care to see a new less-fun unnecessarily serious DCAU version.

And saying that superheroes, especially superheroes named something as corny as the 'Teen Titans', shouldn't appeal to little kids is like saying that 'GI Joe' should appeal to girls.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] Cyborg89 17 years ago

Yep, that kiddie anime wannabe crap that not only nailed its target audience, but pulled in viewers from every demographic, featured better story-boarding than just about any DCAU cartoon, and had the best fight-scenes in any American superhero cartoon to date.

The same can be said for The Batman.

Not to mention it had great animation and tried something different for a change: i.e., trying to make something fun and enjoyable and not realistic just for the sake of appealing to comic book fans.

Yeah if I wanted to watch an wacky animated with exagerated expressions I'd watch Looney Tunes not one about epic heroes.

No one but a Timm-fanboy like you would care to see a new less-fun unnecessarily serious DCAU version.

Hey Paul Dini could produce it. It would still be good. And who said it couldn't be fun? The did show the Legion of Super Heroes in the DCAU and Static. Those were fun characters.

And saying that superheroes, especially superheroes named something as corny as the 'Teen Titans', shouldn't appeal to little kids is like saying that 'GI Joe' should appeal to girls.

And who said it shouldn't appeal to kids. Kids enjoy DCAU projects.

[–] comicstu 17 years ago

The same can be said for The Batman.

Yeah, and 'The Batman' isn't a bad show by any means.

Yeah if I wanted to watch an wacky animated with exagerated expressions I'd watch Looney Tunes not one about epic heroes.

I would hardly call the 'Teen Titans' epic heroes, and yes, I have read the comics. A series about colorful kids who fight crime really deserves to have a fun element to it that is provided for by Murakami's show (and note that Murakami worked very closely with Timm on DCAU projects). Additionally, the show wasn't ENTIRELY wacky expressions, there were plenty of serious character elements and again, the fight scenes were incredible.

Hey Paul Dini could produce it. It would still be good. And who said it couldn't be fun? The did show the Legion of Super Heroes in the DCAU and Static. Those were fun characters.

Paul Dini, being a close associate of Murakami, would more than likely not produce the show out of respect for the goals reached by Murakami in his version. 'Legion of Superheroes' was not a DCAU show and neither was Static. And Static was a terrible show, hardly what I'd call a fun character.

And who said it shouldn't appeal to kids. Kids enjoy DCAU projects.

You criticized it as being kiddie. And yes, kids do enjoy DCAU projects, but according to the ratings, they enjoyed 'Teen Titans' more, because 'Teen Titans' was a fun smart colorful show.

[–] Cyborg89 17 years ago

Yeah, and 'The Batman' isn't a bad show by any means.

Let's just say it's as good as Teen Titans.

I would hardly call the 'Teen Titans' epic heroes, and yes, I have read the comics. A series about colorful kids who fight crime really deserves to have a fun element to it that is provided for by Murakami's show (and note that Murakami worked very closely with Timm on DCAU projects). Additionally, the show wasn't ENTIRELY wacky expressions, there were plenty of serious character elements and again, the fight scenes were incredible.

Yeah, they should have somewhat of a fun element but not Tex Avery type of fun.

Paul Dini, being a close associate of Murakami, would more than likely not produce the show out of respect for the goals reached by Murakami in his version. 'Legion of Superheroes' was not a DCAU show and neither was Static. And Static was a terrible show, hardly what I'd call a fun character.

The Legion of SuperHeroes show wasn't DCAU but they did appear in this show and JLU. And Static Shock IS a DCAU show. And a hell of a lot better than Teen Titans.

You criticized it as being kiddie. And yes, kids do enjoy DCAU projects, but according to the ratings, they enjoyed 'Teen Titans' more, because 'Teen Titans' was a fun smart colorful show.

They enjoyed Teen Titans more because it's kiddie.

[–] comicstu 17 years ago

Let's just say it's as good as Teen Titans.

Nah, 'Teen Titans' has better fight scenes, is a lot funnier and better written, and has way better voice actors.

Yeah, they should have somewhat of a fun element but not Tex Avery type of fun.

I like Tex Avery type of fun. Nothing wrong with trying to blend two different style together to see what the product is. The wacky elements of the show in no way detracted from the serious elements.

The Legion of SuperHeroes show wasn't DCAU but they did appear in this show and JLU. And Static Shock IS a DCAU show. And a hell of a lot better than Teen Titans.

The ONLY reason that Static is in DCAU is because of cheap WB crossovers that were horribly written. It was not produced by any of the DCAU staff. The animation was garbage, the writing was horrible, and the amount of hip voice actors the show got just to appeal to children was sickening. 'Teen Titans' is ten times the show 'Static Shock' was.

They enjoyed Teen Titans more because it's kiddie.

Exactly, and there's nothing wrong with a kiddie cartoon about superheroes. Nothing at all.

[–] Cyborg89 17 years ago

I like Tex Avery type of fun. Nothing wrong with trying to blend two different style together to see what the product is. The wacky elements of the show in no way detracted from the serious elements.

I Tex Avery humor too, but not for a super hero show.

The ONLY reason that Static is in DCAU is because of cheap WB crossovers that were horribly written. It was not produced by any of the DCAU staff. The animation was garbage, the writing was horrible, and the amount of hip voice actors the show got just to appeal to children was sickening. 'Teen Titans' is ten times the show 'Static Shock' was.

It was produced by Duane McDuffie who also worked on JLU. The animation and writing was just fine. Static is a much better show than Titans. At least we see Static actually has a life and struggles outside of his time as a hero.

[–] comicstu 17 years ago

I Tex Avery humor too, but not for a super hero show.

Well, think about it this way: forty years ago, people would have thought that the idea of combining maturity and realism with superheroes was outrageous, but now that's completely accepted. Using wacky 'Tex Avery' type humor in a superhero show is the same way: it's not initially accepted, but it ends up creating huge appeal after people see what kind of humorous effect it can accomplish.

It was produced by Duane McDuffie who also worked on JLU.

And 'Teen Titans' was created by Glen Murakami who also worked on B:TAS, TNBA, S:TAS, and BB. No difference.

The animation and writing was just fine. Static is a much better show than Titans. At least we see Static actually has a life and struggles outside of his time as a hero.

Static's struggles outside of his being a hero were cliched teenage garbage, and no, the animation was awful. The designs lacked any artistic principles and the movement was stiff and boring; there was an absence of good effects, both special and traditional, and it was an overall mess. The writing in 'Teen Titans' is leagues above 'Static Shock'. The former didn't have to rely on popular celebrity voices nor did it resort to painful after-school-special type morals. It did pose interesting character conflicts and provided fully fleshed-out and believable characterizations. The fact that the superhero life is the only life any of the heroes lead is not a flaw, it is simply part of the framework of the show. Each character still deals with well-developed conflicts: Raven deals with isolationism and social detachment, Robin with extreme obsession and arrogance, Cyborg with the archetypal conflict of man vs machine and what it means to be fully human, and Starfire and Beast Boy lack much that is truly deep, but they both have very distinct character personalities that exist outside the realm of a single gimmick. Starfire embodies not only foreignness but extreme innocence as well as having the most capacity for emotional bonds, and Beast Boy is a funny comic relief character who is balanced between jokiness, the tendency to be pushed too far, and the potential to have deep feelings.

[–] Cyborg89 17 years ago

And 'Teen Titans' was created by Glen Murakami who also worked on B:TAS, TNBA, S:TAS, and BB. No difference.

I was just saying McDuffie worked on other DCAU projects since you said there was no DCAU staff on Static. But I guess since you said "no difference" you must feel Static is up to par with Titans.

Yeah superheroes going to sleep in their costumes and never going to school, that's pretty intresting not to mention very believable. I think Teen Titans was crappy garbage with cliche teenage characters: The Jock, The Goth chick, the hot foriegn chick, the arrogant pretty boy, and finally the comic relief. And if you don't like super heroes moving without goofiness, I guess Teen Titans is the garbage for you.

[–] comicstu 17 years ago

I was just saying McDuffie worked on other DCAU projects since you said there was no DCAU staff on Static. But I guess since you said "no difference" you must feel Static is up to par with Titans.

I didn't say there was no staff that had worked on the DCAU. What I meant was it wasn't headed by the main DCAU team at the time (Timm, Dini, Murakami). It still sucks and gave plenty of reasons as to why and you haven't refuted them.

Yeah superheroes going to sleep in their costumes and never going to school, that's pretty intresting not to mention very believable. I think Teen Titans was crappy garbage with cliche teenage characters: The Jock, The Goth chick, the hot foriegn chick, the arrogant pretty boy, and finally the comic relief. And if you don't like super heroes moving without goofiness, I guess Teen Titans is the garbage for you.

I totally forgot that superheroes have to be believable! Forgive me for thinking that a superhero sleeping in costume is more believable than aliens from Krypton with heat vision and super strength, or Amazon princesses, or anything else in the entire DCAU that is incredibly outlandish. If you think that superheroes HAVE to be realistic, then why do you like S:TAS or JL(U) when they are horribly UN-realistic. That's why people enjoy superheroes, because they are fantastical.

And yeah, I do think it's pretty interesting too, because TT is the one show where the superheroes lead no double lives. That's a unique angle that no one has thought up yet, and even though you probably hate it for being different than the typical formulaic way of doing a superhero show, I and most people who recognize quality animation know that its a cool, unique, and opens up interesting story possibilities.

And I pretty much described the multifaceted personalities of the Titans already, but given that Raven is not Gothic, Robin does not act like a pretty boy, Starfire's personality goes WAY farther than being 'hot' and foreign, and Cyborg, obviously, has way more depth to him, you are a venomous Timm-fan who loves generalizing anything that isn't written with absolute realism and believability (despite the fact that half the stuff from Timm cartoons are NONE of those things!).

Additionally, I could say the same thing about the 'Justice League':
Batman- the loner
Superman- the arrogant leader
J'onn- the foreigner
GL- the military badass
Wonder Woman- the female empowerment character
Flash- the comic relief
Hawgirl- the chick with an attitude

If the 'Teen Titans' are cliches, then so are the 'Justice League', plain and simple.

And given that I more than likely know much more about animation than you do, given that I've taken classes, studied its history and am an aspiring storyboard artist, not to mention that Murakami's expertise during the DCAU was his sharp visual eye, and the fact that other animation experts greatly appreciate the show, it's pretty obvious that 'Teen Titans' is visually well-done, and a regular guy like you who doesn't even care about animation quality but only cares about how realistic it looks is the least qualified person to call it 'garbage'.

[–] Cyborg89 17 years ago

It still sucks and gave plenty of reasons as to why and you haven't refuted them.

Titans still sucks as well. What do you want me to refute? It's not my job to make you like Static. If you don't like it, you don't like it.

I totally forgot that superheroes have to be believable! Forgive me for thinking that a superhero sleeping in costume is more believable than aliens from Krypton with heat vision and super strength, or Amazon princesses, or anything else in the entire DCAU that is incredibly outlandish.

That's ok son.

If you think that superheroes HAVE to be realistic, then why do you like S:TAS or JL(U) when they are horribly UN-realistic. That's why people enjoy superheroes, because they are fantastical.

Because it can be enjoyed by both kids, teens, and, adults as a serious series. Titans can be enjoyed by teens and adults the same way as the 66 Batman show.

you are a venomous Timm-fan who loves generalizing anything that isn't written with absolute realism and believability

There's no need for that kind of unthoughtout BS. I like Timm's cartoons but I also like MANY others. And obviously I don't mean things have to be completely realistic. Way to over analize my post.

And given that I more than likely know much more about animation than you do, given that I've taken classes, studied its history and am an aspiring storyboard artist, not to mention that Murakami's expertise during the DCAU was his sharp visual eye, and the fact that other animation experts greatly appreciate the show, it's pretty obvious that 'Teen Titans' is visually well-done, and a regular guy like you who doesn't even care about animation quality but only cares about how realistic it looks is the least qualified person to call it 'garbage'.

Good for you. But who died and made you king of these boards? I can post what I wantever I want. If one doesn't like a show you're free to say that on these boards. Who said I don't cae for animation quality? Quality animation is great to have in a show but doesn't automatically make the show great.

[–] comicstu 17 years ago

Titans still sucks as well. What do you want me to refute? It's not my job to make you like Static. If you don't like it, you don't like it.

Here's the difference. I gave reasons as to why Static sucks. You only use the same arguments against TT, which is 1) it's goofy 2) it's not realistic and 3) it's cliched, all of which I've refuted by saying 1) the goofiness makes it funny 2) superheroes aren't supposed to be realistic and 3) it's no more cliched than 'Justice League'.

That's ok son.

Nothing to refute my point? I'm so surprised.

Because it can be enjoyed by both kids, teens, and, adults as a serious series. Titans can be enjoyed by teens and adults the same way as the 66 Batman show.

Wrong, head over to Toonzone, TV.com, or even the boards here on IMDB. People love it because it's fun and well-animated, not because it's campy, which it isn't. I'm a teenager who enjoys it because it is a good well-written well-animated cartoon. And besides, it doesn't really matter why adults enjoy the show. The fact of the matter is that the show has a huge adult demographic, regardless of why they like it.

There's no need for that kind of unthoughtout BS. I like Timm's cartoons but I also like MANY others. And obviously I don't mean things have to be completely realistic. Way to over analize my post.

Well then tell me what you do think instead of bashing the show for having superheroes who have no alter egos, which definitely screams that you demand realism. You have yet to objectively criticize any aspect of 'Teen Titans' without me refuting you. As it stands it IS illogical to dislike something like supeheroes remaining in costume and then like something that is filled with aliens and other outlandish heroes and villains.

Good for you. But who died and made you king of these boards?

Red herring. It's a childish argument to attack my attitude instead of my argument. As it stands, I know more about animation than you. Call it arrogance if you will, but it's true.

[–] Cyborg89 17 years ago

Here's the difference. I gave reasons as to why Static sucks. You only use the same arguments against TT, which is 1) it's goofy 2) it's not realistic and 3) it's cliched, all of which I've refuted by saying 1) the goofiness makes it funny 2) superheroes aren't supposed to be realistic and 3) it's no more cliched than 'Justice League'

I gave you reasons why Titans suck as well. And Static is no more cliched than Spider-Man.

Nothing to refute my point? I'm so surprised.

What do you want me to say?

Wrong, head over to Toonzone, TV.com, or even the boards here on IMDB. People love it because it's fun and well-animated, not because it's campy, which it isn't. I'm a teenager who enjoys it because it is a good well-written well-animated cartoon. And besides, it doesn't really matter why adults enjoy the show. The fact of the matter is that the show has a huge adult demographic, regardless of why they like it.

It's fun like The Tick. And it's liked for the same reason why The Tick is liked.

Well then tell me what you do think instead of bashing the show for having superheroes who have no alter egos, which definitely screams that you demand realism. You have yet to objectively criticize any aspect of 'Teen Titans' without me refuting you. As it stands it IS illogical to dislike something like supeheroes remaining in costume and then like something that is filled with aliens and other outlandish heroes and villains.

I guess it should be considered a parody of the Teen Titans comic. And yeah I like realism there's nothing wrong with that. I like DCAU programs with "outlandish" stuff because it provides a realistic and dramatic take on "outlandish" characters and situations. And it doesn't seems like a parody of the original meterial either.

Red herring. It's a childish argument to attack my attitude instead of my argument. As it stands, I know more about animation than you. Call it arrogance if you will, but it's true.

"Red Herring"? Yeah, that's real mature, calling me "Red Herring" . You've been watching too many Scooby reruns. Yes a statement like "I know more about animation than you" screams arrogance. What makes you think you know more about animation than me? Because I don't like some kiddie parody of a comic anime cartoon? I know plenty about animation and how to enjoy a good cartoon.

[–] comicstu 17 years ago

I gave you reasons why Titans suck as well. And Static is no more cliched than Spider-Man.

I've refuted all of your points. As for your next point, it doesn't really matter. Static is still pretty damn cliched.

What do you want me to say?

Nothing. I was simply expecting a counter argument.

It's fun like The Tick. And it's liked for the same reason why The Tick is liked.

Not according to the people who actually like it. They like it because it's 1) well written and 2) well animated. The Tick was badly animated, but it had subversive comedic appeal that reached an older demographic. 'Teen Titans' aims for a low demographic, but in such away that it brings out the kid in adults so that they enjoy it for being fun.

I guess it should be considered a parody of the Teen Titans comic. And yeah I like realism there's nothing wrong with that. I like DCAU programs with "outlandish" stuff because it provides a realistic and dramatic take on "outlandish" characters and situations. And it doesn't seems like a parody of the original meterial either.

I have no problem with you liking realism. I LOVE DCAU realism. But it's flat out wrong to say that something is bad for not being realistic. The show does not aim for realism so you should not expect it to. It is not a valid criticism at all.

"Red Herring"? Yeah, that's real mature, calling me "Red Herring" . You've been watching too many Scooby reruns. Yes a statement like "I know more about animation than you" screams arrogance. What makes you think you know more about animation than me? Because I don't like some kiddie parody of a comic anime cartoon? I know plenty about animation and how to enjoy a good cartoon.

Do you know what a 'red herring' is? It's a logical fallacy in which you introduce an argument unassociated with the original argument. I brought up my superior knowledge of animation, and you attacked my arrogance, despite the fact that it didn't pertain to our argument. I know I know more of animation than you do because I research animation and take art classes on animation and am aspiring to become a storyboard artist in animation. If you can outline a history of American animated cartoons, tell me what a rotoscope is, break down the animation process, pinpoint visual differences between different cartoon studios, and explain regional differences in regard to animation, then you will prove that you are more knowledgeable than I.

As it stands, 'Teen Titans' is better animated than any DCAU cartoon, and you have not yet refuted it. And you say 'kiddie' and 'anime' like they're bad things.

[–] Cyborg89 17 years ago

I've refuted all of your points. As for your next point, it doesn't really matter. Static is still pretty damn cliched.

I refuted your "points" as well and what you say doesn't really matter either. I could make up some assumptions like you have as to why people like a certain show but why bother? Obviously you won't give it any thought and just would like to continue this silly argument. Teen Titans is aimed for younger brats and I guess maybe that's why it's so silly and why I don't like it too well. And as for it brinking out the kid in adults, I guess so because it brought out the arrogant brat in you. Another thing that turns me away from Teen Titans are the fans. Knowing the animation process is not really important to this arguement either (BTW Rotoscope is were they shoot live action actors directing them to run, jump, swim, walk, or whatever the situation calls for. Then they trace the framestracing the perimiter line of action and draw into those lines the animated character's face and features. And Finally they paint and photograph these scenes.)

As it stands, 'Teen Titans' is better animated than any DCAU cartoon, and you have not yet refuted it. And you say 'kiddie' and 'anime' like they're bad things.

Except JLU. It might be better because it's newer. It's just like the GCI in Subzero, it looks way out dated now compared to the newer stuff but the story was pretty good. Compared to some projects now that has good GCI and a bad story. And BTW I don't believe anime is a bad thing.

This argument is going nowhere. And we arguing about cartoon. So how about we just agree to disagree?

[–] comicstu 17 years ago

Fine, I'm willing to stop, but 1) saying it brings the brat out in people is a mean-spirited generalization and no more arrogant than anything I've said, 2) I didn't make up anything about the people who like 'The Tick'; all my info comes from Toonzone, where a certain layout artist gives constant info on demographic appeal, 3) there are just as many elitist Timm fans, and 4) knowing more about animation does give one more authority when it comes to assessing a show's artistic merit.

I guess I'm fine you not liking the show, as long as you say that you dislike it because unrealism and kid stuff don't appeal to you, but even you can't deny that you relentlessly criticize it with a bunch of exaggerations and stereotypes and almost say it's a bad show in and of itself for being the way it is, when really it's just your preferences that keep you from liking it.

But yeah, I'm hardly going to deny my arrogance, but I still don't think attacking my arrogance had anything to do with the argument at hand.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] 17 years ago

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[–] MetFanMac 16 years ago

Dare ya to go to TitansGo.net and say that. We'll be all over you like a ton of bricks.

Supermodels...spoiled stupid little stick figures mit poofy lips who sink only about zemselves.

[–] JosiahSilas 16 years ago

They seriously need to bring this back or update it ala "The Batman".
The Batman was awful.

The 90s was a great decade for superhero cartoons, but I don't agree with everyone saying they should be brought back. The studios that produce these shows just need to have higher standards.

Half Man/Half Amazing

[–] Cyborg89 16 years ago

The 90's the best decade so far for Action Cartoons, so far. So I don't see anything wrong with keeping a good show and/or universe going. It's too bad the Marvel Universe had to end before it's time due to bankrupcy. Still the cartoons made nowdays want to be PC and dumb it down for the kiddies. Well, if it ain't broke don't fix it. If these shows are too edgy for the wuss kids let them watch Barney. These shows may made to appeal to kids but they don't need to be dumbed down for wuss kids and overprotective parents. Teen Titans, The Batman, The Spectacular Spider-Man, Batman: The Brave and the Bold are all a step back from the great 90's shows. How Action Cartoons are suposed to be. They may not need to bring Superman or any other previous DCAU show back but they should continue the universe with other shows. A show about the Teen Titans team mentioned in Static Shock would be great. I'm sure a show like that would be a hit and have high standards that maybe other shows can pick up on.

[–] JosiahSilas 16 years ago

Shows like Static Shock were the beginning of the end.

Half Man/Half Amazing

[–] Cyborg89 16 years ago

And shows were toned down dubbed anime with bad voiceovers and wanna be anime crap were also the beginning of the end. And shows that tried to be like Static Shock spelled doom as well.

[–] JannTosh 16 years ago

I hate how people say we only prefer the 90's cartoons because of nostalgia. Bullsh*t! Most 90's shows are simply better than most crap today. Nostalgia has nothing to do with it. End of story.