Batman: Mask of the Phantasm - Group Reaction

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#batman #reaction #maskofthephantasm

[@arturohigginbotham9231]

R.I.P Kevin Conroy. He was my Barman throughout my life and will always be remembered in my mind and whenever I try to do an impression it's his voice his legacy.

[@ImAlsoMerobiba]

I too love Barman. 😏

[@arturohigginbotham9231]

@@ImAlsoMerobiba Oh wow....I didn't even realize that. That's what happens when your working and texting at the same time lol.

[@tjjordan4207]

Barman. Lol! But yes, Kevin Conroy is the definitive Batman. Just as Mark Hamill is the definitive Joker.

[@Faction.Paradox]

To this day it's still one of the best Batman films

[@abelnunez4868]

TO THIS DAYYYY

[@DanielGonzalez-vo5ni]

I personally like BB Return of Joker best but this movie is really good I also liked Subzero but its not as good as the other two

[@kel8955]

My favorite is under the red hood

[@grkpektis]

Even the title is genius. Bruce Wayne is the real mask Batman wears to hide his true identity, just like Andrea is the real mask

[@Mike_Dark]

it was better then the Clooney and Val ones

[@amaelboisson5439]

It's not a different timeline, it's canon to the show and the DCAU, I think there was a comic to explain what happened to the Joker and why he returned later, the show had a comic series to tell shorter stories released at the same time ( *Mad Love* was an issue of this comic series before becoming an episode of TNBA) and The Phantasm has a cameo much later in another show... :)

[@sombrashadow0013]

Alfred seeing Batman for the first time makes me simultaneously hype and cry

[@a_fine_edition2746]

Agreed. That whole scene just hits harder now that Kevin’s gone.

[@MikeP828]

Fun fact: Bruce Timm and Paul Dini loved Andrea’s voice actor so much they brought her back to play Lois Lane in the Superman animated series.

[@forastero54321]

For anyone wondering what happened to Andrea and Joker at the end, there’s a tie-in comic that reveals this question. Andrea and joker duked it out underneath the sewers, and when Andrea had the upper hand an explosion from above separate the two and that’s how joker got away.

[@christopherking4932]

Thank you for the comment, I really wanted to know.

[@shainewhite2781]

RIP, Kevin Conroy, the best Batman we ever had.

[@wizofauzz]

The conclusion is Bruce Wayne being alone forever

[@SuperDud3ed]

Good reaction guys. Navi this is canon because she is both featured and referenced in Terry McGuinness's origin story later, in Justice League Unlimited.

[@jacoblofthus7908]

Rest in Peace, Kevin Conroy. You left too soon, but you will still always be Batman.

[@ShutEmDownNow]

(1) In the comics (pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths), there was a LONG tradition of the Joker seemingly dying under circumstances where he could not possibly have survived... and then turning up alive many issues later. The Joker's "death" in this movie follows that tradition. (2) To find out what happened to Phantasm/Andrea Beaumont, watch the Justice League Unlimited episode "Epilogue" very carefully.

[@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive]

The tradition still continues. It happened many times in BTAS/DCAU, where the Joker disappeared in a shark tank, fell hundreds of feet into a smoking smokestack, blew up in a plane and etc…

[@jonmercano1138]

This movie works as a standalone and as part of the show. Even in the show Joker has come back after it seemed like he might’ve died, I’m pretty sure. And Andrea managed to get out of the explosion Andrea has a silent cameo in a Justice League episode as the Phantasm for like 3 seconds I haven’t watched all of Batman Beyond, but the Return of the Joker movie is great! The first two episodes are probably a good precursor

[@johnnyfive4436]

Yeah she becomes a Mercenary hired by Amanda Waller. It was cool cameo and she was hired to take out Terry's parents but didn't go threw it. I liked that.

[@TheBoondocksaint117]

I met Kevin Conroy at my local comic-con a few years ago. Of all the celebrities I've met at cons, he's the only one I've ever been starstruck by. But when I managed to get my words out, we talked about this movie and how it's both of ours favorite Batman movie. I was gutted when I heard that he passed. Far too soon.

[@grkpektis]

If you're wondering what the title means just think Bruce Wayne is the real mask Batman wears to hide his true identity, just like Andrea is the real mask

[@cryhwks]

The origin in this is amazing. I don't think a live action film could capture this battle inside of Bruce "I didn't expect to be happy." One of my all time favorite scenes.

[@williambeckett6336]

Batman: He won't kill you, but he'll break your collar bone like a damn chicken wing.

[@hankhill4101]

27:24 There's a Batman Beyond comic set decades in the future where they reunite. It's actually really touching.

[@troggdorthesecond]

Joker just escapes. This isn't the first time the Animated Series made it look like he died.

[@bradybimson9106]

I love that you don't know what she did with him. It makes her character extremely complex, did Bruce get to her? Did she let joker go? Did she try to kill him and he escaped? The moral question is for the audience, her choice isn't super important because we know that Joker lives. Obviously there will be comics that fill it in, but the vague end serves the purpose of the story.

[@jollyrayda]

A combination of timing and circumstance meant that I saw this movie before I saw Tim Burton's Batman - and to say that influenced how I see Batman for the rest of my life would be an incredibly massive understatement. "I didn't count on being happy..." was an angle 12 year old me had never considered. R.I.P. Kevin Conroy - he wouldn't be Batman forever, but he is Batman, forever.

[@darnell7871]

This movie was originally suppose to be the ending to the animated series but it managed to give the show a couple more seasons in.

[@ProDaKah]

*Thanks for watching this* ! Brought back fond memories of your Batman reactions. Your crew should REALLY consider watching Flashpoint Paradox; it *won't* disappoint.

[@nudvnci]

I had this movie on vhs as a child so I've seen it a thousand times, never gets old!

[@Patrick-jd1ku]

Joker grabbed the bologna because he's committed to the bit. He will almost always do what makes a better joke, rather than what's tactically advantageous

[@KIRA-EL]

I used to always think at the end with the Batsignal "oh damn can you imagine the beating somebody is gonna get that night?

[@MikeP828]

26:38 we didn’t get to see your reaction to the greatest Mark Hamill Joker laugh ever 😢

[@uckerroni]

i remember this being the one of the first dvds my mom bought for me and my little brother and being so awesome we used to put whenever we had guests staying over

[@theodorelandryiii9281]

We love you, Kevin. You'll forever be the hero we needed then. Our watchful protector. The Dark Knight.

[@scottalynch]

My local comic shop gave away tickets to see this for free in the theatre. It was great to see on the big screen

[@MiniSerloneBurger]

I found a video after Kevin Conroy's passing where he was talking about how the scene in this movie where Bruce was pleading to his parents to release him from his vow was favorite scene that he ever recorded because of the depth of emotion you see from Bruce. RIP my Batman

[@lelouchvibritannia7647]

a series where i can relive my childhood with the Normies??? I’m so here for it😭❤️‍🔥

[@natechenry]

To Kevin Conroy, the best batman voice ever. His work on the Arkham Games made my experience as a kid-teen days fun. And the animated series a genuinely memorable and happy time as a 6 year old. He’s the reason i love the batman character. Him and keaton any way.

[@hb413]

Really glad you reacted to this! I’ll never forget what the Joker did to those two guys lol. Scary

[@michaelanderson1476]

Andrea Beaumont has always been my favourite character in the Batman series and films. Such a tragic but incredible and beautiful character. Forever Andrea Beaumont 🦇😔😥👏🙌👍❤🎉

[@michaelnemo7629]

Not a separate timeline. Batman & Robin Adventures Annual #1 from November 1996. This issue was a direct sequel to Mask of the Phantasm titled Shadow of the Phantasm.

[@alex.9398]

She becomes a professional assassin and she chooses not to kill her most important target.

[@tylerboyce4081]

"Andrea" is a reference to the incomparable Andrea Romano, who was voice director for (among other things) Batman: The Animated Series, Pinky and The Brain, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, and more.

[@grkpektis]

I hate in 89 that Joker killed Batman's parents but I love in this how the Joker accidentally created Batman and doesn't even know it

[@Kickinthescience]

15:12 SPEAK THOSE FACTS

[@AlanSizzlerKistler]

This movie was considered canon and occurred in the middle of BATMAN THE ANIMATED SERIES, so we all assumed Joker escaped her (as is his talent) and had it confirmed when he showed up in later episodes. In BTAS they had multiple episodes that indicated their Joker was a gangster named Jack Napier just like in the Burton movie. The Justice League animated series later confirmed this adventure was canon with the DCAU. Before then there were also comics taking place in the BTAS universe that answered some lingering questions, including one comic that did a follow up on Andrea after this adventure.

[@batsignal3469]

Batman Beyond and Justice League Unlimited answer those questions

[@RedHood._.]

in this movie we see one of the best batman ever

[@melmacianmage]

The first time I watched this, I liked it, but I grew to love it over subsequent viewing. There's so much depth and symbolism hidden in this film that becomes apparently on rewatches. Not only is this a crime thriller, but it is also a tragic gothic love story in which two people are unable to let go of their trauma and find love/happiness. The birth of Batman scene is haunting. On a first viewing, it appears to be a triumphant moment, but upon reflection, it is a tragic reveal in which his self-destructive tendencies are embodied, becoming Batman, a terrifying figure who sheds his humanity to become a symbol. I like the ambiguity of the ending regarding Joker and Andrea's fate. It is a very sad film about self-destruction. Maybe the best written Batman film I've seen.

[@pigpiggypigbigpig681]

I know they did a *few* episodes of Batman the Animated series until their fans let them know that they're not interested. Never knew that the Normies saw Mask of the Phantasm. This is great!!!

[@jpa5038]

I love this movie. BAS holds a special place in my heart due to my childhood. I still hear his voice when I think back on those days.

[@TheDunnDusted]

This actually is canon to BTAS since in Batman Beyond, they brought Andrea back still in the guise of the Phantasm and she acknowledges her past with Bruce.

[@zeldagameryt4018]

Fun fact (if nobody in this comment section said): Dana Delaney, the women who plays Andrea in the movie, was so good in this movie that she was later brought back to play Lois Lane is Superman the Animated Series

[@allmightylowercasejay1138]

Kevin Conroy was the voice i'd hear in my head when i'd read batman comics growing up. My heart was broken when i heard he passed away.

[@geetadhumane5793]

This is the Best Batman film period....no one beats it....

[@peterkoester7358]

This film is considered canon in the DCAU. Reference is made to the events and characters in both the Justice League series and Batman Beyond.

[@tinal8447]

Nothing makes me feel old like hearing people talk about how their first encounter with this show was through reruns whereas I watched them as they aired.

[@shawnstewart6148]

I woke up today feeling meh, slightly irritated, but this absolutely made my day

[@dalo267]

Fun Fact: This is actually Kevin Conroy's favorite Batman Movie

[@drakedarkstar5422]

I love that we never get to know how Andrea was teleporting. And no, she doesnt kill Joker. In smth like comic book addition she beats the shit out of him but realises that he lost his mind totally and he is not essentially the same person anymore. So she doesnt kill him and thus doesn't get the revenge satisfaction. It was supposed to be the finale of the animated series. But they decided to continue so apparently Joker survived.

[@kaybaumann4989]

This is still my favorite Batman movie, the voice acting is so damn good. This was supposed to be a tv presentation but got bumped up to a cinema release when they already had made big part of it. That’s why it looks better then your average BTAS episode but, not quite ready for the big screen. The writing, voice acting and music are still top noch. The main title theme by Shirley Walker is one of my favorite Batman themes. The comic adaptation of the movie explains that while Andrea felt to the sewers with Joker she did decide to not kill him since, he wasn’t the same man that killed her father due to his insanity/different personality. She shows up again in the DCAU many years later in the JLU episode “Epilogue”. Bruce pleading with is parents at the grave is easily one of the best Batman moments in any media.

[@fynnthefox9078]

This movie is DEFINITELY canon to the DCAU. Same art style, same voice actors, same crew. And the Phantasm makes a cameo in Justice League Unlimited.

[@justincaine1264]

Joker doesn't die but they have a "movie death" for him in Batman Beyond Return of the Joker

[@edvinrosenqvist524]

Batman: mask of the phantasm is probably the best Batman movie ever.

[@s0lgewds0lgewd16]

There's a justice league unlimited episode where they explain the real connection between Bruce and Terry as a continuation of batman beyond that shows the phatasm again. It also shows batmans legacy from past to present(or future depending what era your in), and it shows that Bruce left an imprint on her even in her old age. Shes the one hired by Amanda Waller In that episode. I would recommend that episode of justice league ulimited entitled epilogue, along with the Batman beyond future justice league episode titled the calll, and the batman beyond return of the joker movie. The justice league and justice league unlimited had some great episodes tho, like the man who has everything or the one where superman is transported to the future with Vandal savage.

[@NeddyMontz]

Mark Hamill was phenomenal as The Joker

[@Scufflegrit]

I have the early 90’s novel adaptation of this movie in a box somewhere in my parents’ basement, and I can assure you-it also doesn’t answer shit. 🤣

[@jackwitt7430]

This movie is canon. Andrea reappears in the episode "Epilogue" of Justice League Unlimited which also connects this film and Justice League to Batman Beyond (the show that shows how Mark Hamill's Joker dies) the distant sequel to this show.

[@Gyasipk]

The best Batman movie with the best Batman actor (Kevin Conroy) R.I.P. Kevin and the best Joker actor (Mark Hamill).

[@grown_teen]

Oh! Glad y’all watched this!

[@johnnyfive4436]

In Justice League Unlimted we see what happens to Andrea. In a episode titled Epilogue which is a conclusion episode to Batman Beyond. We see Andrea much older but a Mercenary now killing people on contracts. She still uses the Phantasm Costume. She is a lot older of course but Amanda Waller hired her to kill Terry's parents just like Bruces but she couldn't go threw it because it was wrong. It's a good episode. So in one way she went the darker way of Vengence. And Bruce went the lighter way of Vegence.

[@georgeprchal3924]

Best Joker laugh ever there at the climax.

[@bobbydelacroix1515]

My favorite theatrically released Batman movie ever

[@leo2nd261]

Kevin Conroy will ALWAYS be the best Batman: The Dark Knight and nobody will ever be able to replace him. I remember watching the original series on tv when premiered and have the whole series on dvd and Batman Beyond also and still love it today in 2023. RIP to Kevin Conroy and to the best music, RIP to Shirley Walker who made a unforgivevle score in the film and series. RIP to other cast from the series we have lost along the way who defined the best character performances.

[@forastero54321]

22:34 no you wouldn’t want some of joker’s toxin. It literally causes you to slowly but instantly laugh yourself to death with a permanent contorted monstrous face resembling a painful smile.

[@Ghost8386]

Today is my birthday. This movie was spoiled for me when it came out. Another thing is that this movie came out after my 10th birthday back in 1993. Amazing film.

[@claytonsackett8237]

The comic tie-in explains that she didn’t kill the Joker. She was about to and an explosion in the sewers separate them. It also explains that she uses smoke from her gloves among other tricks to make the Phantasm come to life

[@kenjutsukata1o1]

The difference is that Batman's 'vengeance' is on criminals in general, and he simply makes sure that they get their comeuppance under the jurisdiction of the law. The Phantasm was specifically targeting those who wronged them personally, and was killing them to boot. So yeah, pretty significant difference.

[@ArmandoMPR]

The GOAT of all Batman versions!

[@thedefinitionisthis]

The movie is canon with the series (and the rest of the DCAU). There was a tie-in comic that explained what happened to the Joker. Because obviously he notoriously survives even the craziest situations. As for Phantasm, this is the last we see of her until YEARS later in a cameo appearance in “Justice League Unlimited”.

[@AnotherScribbler]

But Bruce, Alfred was always waiting for you to come home.

[@phillipscott6054]

He took the hit from the bat on purpose.

[@monsterking1973]

The best movie to watch to honor the Great Kevin Conroy

[@tentaclecorner9841]

if you guys wanna react to more movies in this specific universe definitely check out Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (uncut)

[@jpa5038]

In the Batman ethos, Bruce actually thinks his parents don't want him to be happy because he failed them. Yes, the death of his parents fucked him up that much and he carries that guilt forever.

[@erockbaby3000]

I don't know how true it is but I heard a rumor years ago that this was supposed to be the end of Batman the animated series or like a wrap up for it cause they didn't know they were going to get more airtime, the Joker was supposed to stay dead but because the series got greenlit for more episodes this movie was considered "non-canon" until one of the later Justice League unlimited episodes had her make a cameo as the phantasm again

[@jerraldwest8531]

They actually continue Andrea's story a bit in Justice League unlimited. After the events of mask of the phantasm, she becomes an assassin for Amanda Waller....Yes, THAT Amanda Waller.

[@limonsoda]

Its canon, she was going to kill him, she didnt, she lived a long live as a mercenary, but changed her ways for Batman, so...stopped killing, but still did her mercenary wok, just more as a vigilante for hire. There. Not necessary to grasp this movie, but if you keep watching the movies and shows, you can actually peace a lot of it together...including what will happen to Joker by the end. ;-)

[@GoobiesFunZone]

The plot was inspired by Mike W. Barr's Batman: Year Two comic book story arc, but features an original antagonist, the Phantasm, in place of the Reaper, while also borrowing elements from the Batman: Year One graphic novel

[@acidrain92]

Andrea actually shows back up in the Justice League Unlimited episode "Epilogue" which basically serves as the true finale for the entire DCAU. (SPOILERS) She was hired by Amanda Waller to kill Terry McGinnis's parents, to recreate Batman's origin leading into Batman Beyond, but she ultimately decided against it. I saw Epilogue very late in life, so seeing the Phantasm again after being a fan of the movie for so long was a major trip. All that said, they never explain her powers, or what happened with Joker. Just chalk it up to her getting her own weird batman training off screen, and Joker somehow surviving fatal encounters like he always does.

[@Rock-n-Rolla369]

I'd argue that this is best Batman film after "The Dark Knight."

[@venomz8888]

Mask of the Phantasm is canon to Batman The Animated Series which is why Joker survives at the end even if it’s left ambiguous. We sadly never see Andrea Boulmont again except for a very cool cameo way later on. After the success of Batman the animated series, a new series would be made called Batman Beyond which takes place in the future with an old Bruce mentoring a new Batman. They were never able to end the show properly during its run time, but were allowed to make its epilogue episode in another DC series Justice League Unlimited titled “Epilogue”. In it they go over how the future Batman is technically Bruce’s son and Amanda Waller wanted to ensure that Batman would always exist. She wanted to have this new Batman’s parents killed to become Batman like Bruce did. She hired an old Andrea Boulmont to kill them, but couldn’t go through with it. I thought it was an awesome cameo even though it was brief.

[@matthewcronin2325]

She threw the joker into the explosion

[@slothkng]

she does make a cameo in batman beyond near its end

[@tjjordan4207]

In this movie, Andrea only killed one person. Another could be argued as manslaughter, but he drove like crazy in an area he knew he was limited with space in. The other was killed by Joker. And Joker... depending on how you view this movie, whether as a stand-alone or within continuity of the animated series (it can be seen as either one), she either killed him or let him go. I believe an episode in Justice League: Unlimited revealed that Andrea became an assassin for hire (I believe it was called 'Epilogue', which serves as a series finale for Batman Beyond). However, I tend to view the separate series in one of two timelines. Timeline 1: It's just the first 2 seasons of BTAS and the two cartoon films in connection to it. Timeline 2: It's BTAS, Batman Beyond, the two Justice League series, and the cartoon films.

[@michaelevans5852]

So, solely within the context of the story for "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm", Andrea (for all intents and purposes) killed the Joker. However "Mask of the Phantasm" is part of an anthology that includes "Batman: The Animated Series", "Superman: The Animated Series", "Justice League", "Justice League: Unlimited" and "Batman Beyond" as well as the films "Batman and Mr. Freeze Subzero" and "Batman Beyond Return of the Joker". In that context Joker escaped before Andrea could finish him off, and the circumstances surrounding his fate were handled in "Batman: Beyond Return of the Joker". The character of Phantasm was created for the film, though she does bear a resemblance to "The Reaper" from the comic "Batman: Year Two". However I'm not aware that any of the film's writers have ever gone on record as confirming "Year Two" as a point of inspiration. The Phantasm doesn't show up in a major way in any DC Animated anthology tie-ins subsequent to "Mask of the Phantasm", though she does have a cameo in the "Justice League: Unlimited" episode "Epilogue", which at the time it aired was meant to serve as the grand finale for the anthology as a whole (which at that point had been going for thirteen years).

[@moriellymoproblems7842]

If I'm not mistaken, this was the first animated comic film to get a theatrical release.

[@missourigreen051]

Yes it is, I was 7 years old old at the time and I remember seeing the tv spots for this movie. I wanted to see it but at the same time I had more interest in Bethoven 2nd and ended up seeing that, but I remember my parents renting it for me(referring to Mask of the Phantasm) as soon as it came out on video.

[@davidbluehope9276]

21:58 if you listen you hear Mark Hamills normal voice there, like Jokers previous self comes back for a moment.

[@Beaze17]

I own this movie on VHS lol I need to grab a blue ray. But yeah like you guys said Kevin Conroy is my favorite batman portrayal . R.i.p. to the greatest.

[@0Hammerhead0]

The Phantasm was Darkwing Ducking it w those smoky exits

[@krimsinrose7120]

Literally saw the thumbnail and said 'oh bitch' y'all ain't ready

[@missourigreen051]

These people in the video probably don't know this but this actually got a theatrical release in 1993. I remember as a little kid wanting to want to see this movie and I even remember seeing the tv spots for this movie.

[@Harri927]

It's one of my top five favorite movies of all time and it's one of the best Batman movies.

[@Frostbite08]

In a comic based on the animated series, it showed Andrea hesitated in the moment she was going to kill Joker, because she realizes he's not the same guy who killed her dad anymore. There's another explosion, and Joker escapes. Andrea shows up again in one episode of Justice League Unlimited, so this is canon to the other animated series and she did survive.

[@dakotaturpin8816]

I know I'm WAY late to the party but if you like animated DC stuff you might want to check out the animated Superman series they did in the late 90s. If nothing else you might consider the 3 part Superman/Batman crossover World's Finest. They actually started producing new Batman cartoons with the same voice cast and staff (but for the WB instead of Fox) several years after the original BTAS just to pair with Superman. I remember reading an interview with either Paul Dini or Bruce Timm where they said this was their favorite era of the show because WB let them get away with way more than Fox ever had.

[@TheGundamsword]

This is the best Batman movie ever made.