"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.

Direct download: Monster_Squad_-_The_Tickler.mp3
Category:Monster Squad -- posted at: 12:29pm EDT
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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.

Direct download: Batman_43_Episode_11.mp3
Category:1940s Serials -- posted at: 7:28pm EDT
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"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.

Direct download: Batman_77_-_Professor_Bubbls.mp3
Category:Filmation 77 -- posted at: 7:02am EDT
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"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.

Direct download: Monster_Squad_-_Mr_Mephisto.mp3
Category:Monster Squad -- posted at: 3:08pm EDT
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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.

 

Direct download: Batman_1943_-_Episode_10.mp3
Category:1940s Serials -- posted at: 6:06pm EDT
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"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.

Direct download: Batcave_-_The_Scheme_is_Sound.mp3
Category:Some Days You Just Can't Get Rid of a Bomb! -- posted at: 3:04pm EDT
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"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.

Direct download: Batman_77_-_Sweet_Tooth.mp3
Category:Filmation 77 -- posted at: 7:21am EDT
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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.

Direct download: Batman_1943_Episode_9.mp3
Category:1940s Serials -- posted at: 8:19am EDT
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"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.

Direct download: Batman_77_-_Catwoman.mp3
Category:Filmation 77 -- posted at: 3:19pm EDT
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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

Twitter

We'd love to hear what you think.  Leave your comments here or write us at the batcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Direct download: Batcave_Podcast_-_Batman_66_Number_12.mp3
Category:Batman 66 Comic -- posted at: 11:10am EDT
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"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

Twitter

 

Direct download: WGSFP_-_The_Androids.mp3
Category:Preview -- posted at: 1:51pm EDT
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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.

Direct download: Batman_43_number_8.mp3
Category:1940s Serials -- posted at: 1:32pm EDT
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From the Files of the Batcomputer 49
Eric 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.

Direct download: Batcomputer_-_Batman_Meets_Godzilla.mp3
Category:From the Files of The Batcomputer -- posted at: 5:19pm EDT
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"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.

Direct download: Batman_77_-_The_Moonman.mp3
Category:Filmation 77 -- posted at: 7:01am EDT
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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.

 

 

Direct download: Batman_1943_The_Phoney_Doctor.mp3
Category:1940s Serials -- posted at: 10:13am EDT
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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.

 

Direct download: Batcave_-_Batman_66_11.mp3
Category:Batman 66 Comic -- posted at: 12:00am EDT
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"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.

Direct download: Batcave_Podcast_-_Filmation_77_The_Pest.mp3
Category:Filmation 77 -- posted at: 10:08pm EDT
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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?

Direct download: Batman_1943_-_6.mp3
Category:1940s Serials -- posted at: 7:45am EDT
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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.

Direct download: Bomb_7_-_Batman_XXX.mp3
Category:Some Days You Just Can't Get Rid of a Bomb! -- posted at: 7:35pm EDT
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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

Twitter

Direct download: Batman_1966_Comic_Issue_10.mp3
Category:Batman 66 Comic -- posted at: 5:24am EDT
Comments[0]

ewdg03.jpg"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.

Direct download: EW-DG_-_Empress_of_Evil.mp3
Category:Electra Woman and Dyna Girl -- posted at: 8:20am EDT
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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.

Direct download: Batcave_Podcast_-_Batman_1943_Serial_5.mp3
Category:1940s Serials -- posted at: 9:41pm EDT
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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.

 
 
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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.

 

Direct download: Batcave_File_048.mp3
Category:From the Files of The Batcomputer -- posted at: 1:14pm EDT
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