Top 5 Best Man-Bat Stories

[@therealsupersam6800]

Man Bat is probably the most underrated A List Batman villian. Like the Spider-Man villian Chameleon. Man Bat needs more creative writers. Great video. And yes, I too think he is like the Spider-Man villian Lizard.

[@abegarfield3754]

The Real Super Sam, Agreed. If they can make a fairly decent character out of Killer Croc, then why not Man bat? At the very least he's different.

[@toganium4175]

Man-Bat really needs good interpretations. I like this guy, and I feel like he can be an amazing character when done right.

[@tayojones9460]

Man Bat isn't tgat underrated. More overlooked, which is understandable

[@lking1540]

Or like the incredible hulk and that'd after he had a whole comic series written about him.

[@nope5657]

Read the current Justice League Dark. They use him brilliantly.

[@Dhampir101980]

I know you normally only read classic “ old school” comics, but if you want to see a good modern take on Man-bat, then you should definitely check out the current volume of Justice League Dark, where Kirk is a member of that team, and used to great effect. He’s sympathetic and has a purpose.

[@mr.rogues4145]

Yeah, I saw he appeared in that and was a bit curious.

[@tayojones9460]

I like Man Bat, but the problem I have with him is that his arc is very repetitive. Similar to the Lizard, every man bat story usually revolves around Kirk struggling with his animal side and getting cured in the end. Honestly, these stories (while good) are pretty redundant. At least Kirk didn't eat his family (looks like Curt Connors) Nice to see a top 5 list again I hope this means you will eventually make a list for Arnold Wesker in the future.

[@VonWenk]

Unfortunately, Marvel seems to ignore my favorite Lizard story, by Paul Jenkins and Damion Scott, where Curt Connors deliberately used the Lizard against his enemies.

[@tayojones9460]

Really? That sounds interesting. Which issues of Spidey did that story take place in?

[@VonWenk]

@@tayojones9460 I can't remember the issue number off the top of my head, but here's a link to a trade paperback version: www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/340625.Spectacular_Spider_Man_Vol_3

[@Merdicano]

@@tayojones9460 I feel there must be some ways to try and give fresh different approaches to Man-Bat without going into the route of the usually archetype of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". I know some people don't like when they turn villains into good guys, but I think internally, the approach of having him as an anti-hero wouldn't be too bad

[@GreaterGrievobeast55]

@@VonWenk to each their own, That story always left a rotten taste in my mouth. It really didn’t match up with all the schemes the lizard had previously when it came to controlling reptiles like some mad scientist conqueror or his fits of feral destruction against civilians.

[@bwanabeast3169]

Justice League Dark is making some great growth with Man-Bat!!! He is almost the straight character in the magical world around him.

[@makisdimakis333]

Every time I hear Victor Zsasz, I remember the side mission from Arkham City, the "Cold Call Killer ". Unfortunately I don't remember any good comics with him so i m looking forward to a video with Zsasz

[@abegarfield3754]

Makis Dimakis, He needs more coverage. I think the writers just forget about him. He has a very small inclusion in Knightfall, it's great but only brief.

[@makisdimakis333]

@@abegarfield3754 Agree 100%. He has so much potential. Too bad that Batman T.A.S. is not around anymore. They knew how to create interesting stories.

[@damianprock1650]

Don't forget his part in "Batman:Arkham Asylum"

[@Psycopathicus]

I actually have a soft spot for those old 'heroic Man-Bat' tales, although I will agree with you that there haven't really been any stand-out ones so far. I do think it's an underutilized part of the character these days, though. Langstrom, you may recall, actually started out as a big-time Batman fan who idolized the Dark Knight and was inspired to start his experiments by a desire to emulate his hero - and when he initially does get to fight alongside him, he's stoked ("It's... SKREEK... what I've always dreamed of, Batman!"). Of course, it doesn't WORK; he becomes a monster from it and that's undeniably a big aspect of his character - but still, I can see why he did become a hero for a while. I think ol' Kirk should always be portrayed as an idealistic man, who really does want to do some good in the world, if only he can. My take on the whole business, were I to write one, would probably be something like this: Langstrom, again, is a major Batman fanboy who was inspired to work with bats due to his hero's influence (because of this, I would make him a slightly younger man than he's often portrayed as - maybe a brilliant graduate student or something. Someone who is actually young enough to have been inspired by our boy Bats during his youth, without running into the old 'shouldn't the hero be really old by now' problem that comics keeps having to grapple with). But, as in the Legends story, he's deaf, and that's where his initial experimentation comes in: he hates having a defect when there are people like his hero around, who seemingly don't. He doesn't like suffering in the comparison. So he invents the Man-Bat serum, and, here's the twist: initially, it works PERFECTLY. Yes, it turns him into Man-Bat, but his hearing is fixed in or out of monster form, and when he's in it, he has full control of his faculties and he can change back whenever he wants. He's elated - at last, he can emulate his idol! Heck, he can even work alongside his idol, punching bad guys to his heart's content! The trouble is, Batman is, well, Batman. He has high standards, and while he grudgingly accepts Langstrom's help, he can't help but get a little snappish at the 'new kid' for his inevitable mistakes. Kirk takes umbrage at this. After all, didn't he invent this amazing new serum all by himself? Isn't he young and fit and everything? Heck, he used to take karate classes! He should be more than good enough to fight a few stupid crooks! Again, he hates suffering in comparison - especially since he's fixed his earlier defects. So he gets arrogant, and then he gets sloppy. He starts depending on the serum. He takes it a few many times in rapid succession. He takes a few too many shortcuts. He leaves out an important ingredient. And then something goes wrong. My Man-Bat, following all this, would be defined as someone who, in the pursuit of greatness, cursed himself with a fatal flaw that he can't quite get past. He's not just a tragic monster, he's a tragic monster who desperately wants to be a hero - because, briefly, he WAS. He's still a little more lucid than the standard animalistic modern version, but he can't recapture his earlier successes - somehow, he's messed up his body chemistry, and what used to be perfect keeps failing in one way or another. His animalistic side keeps creeping in; he'll mutate in weird ways, he'll go crazy and start spouting gibberish, he'll get weird, bat-like obsessions like seeing people as bugs he wants to eat, or just go straight-up megalomaniacal and declare himself Man-Bat, King of Gotham. Clearly, this is all terribly bad for him, but he can't stay away from the serum - he keeps tinkering with it, keeps trying obsessively to be the champion he used to be. And sometimes, briefly, he succeeds - and that's all the more heartbreaking, because chances are, it'll only be temporary, and he'll have to start all over again. Again. And again and again until he gets it right.

[@mediabaron2416]

Man-Bat. One of my all time favourite Bat-rogues. Guess I've got a thing for tragic monster scientists. Although, with how much people compare him to The Lizard, what's funny is what happened when DC and Marvel did their "Amalgam Comics" event where they fused their characters together. We got combinations like Captain America and Superman forming Super Soldier, or Storm and Wonder Woman forming Amazon, or Sabre-tooth and The Joker forming Hyena, or Nightcrawler and The Creeper forming Nightcreeper. So you'd expect Lizard and Man-Bat to get amalgamated, right? Wrong! Man-Bat actually ended up getting combined with Man-Thing, creating Bat-Thing, and interestingly putting Man-Bat on the heroes side of that event. Not sure is Lizard actually fused with anyone.Might have done. I mean even Dr Bong managed to get in on that event. Got fused with Scarface..... to create Bongface... That actually happened. Look it up.

[@scottfree2248]

Thanks for this one. Man Bat is in my personal top five favourite Rogues of the Dark Knight. I completely agree with you. The definitive Man Bat story is the original Trilogy. Neal Adams art in it is beautiful. I would love to see the original Man Bat Trilogy adapted into an animated movie!

[@damianprock1650]

You just wait til Kraven gets a hold of him

[@MsSharkDemon]

I knew it! I knew it had to be Man-Bat or a rogue you hadn't covered yet.

[@jlcrproductions301]

I recently bought the 2nd neal Adams comic collection whichand pretty much all the stories are including man bat if you want man bat stories i would recommend buying it

[@samgawkslawk1827]

U should do a forgotten rogues video on mirage from batman

[@lemmerest3477]

Another well made vid! Been watching for 2 years. Keep em going!

[@taichimokubaful]

We will always remember manbat as part of the Best pilot episode ever. Srsly, that transformation Sequence?? Still rocks even 30 years later

[@erykcharmuowicz89]

Man-Bat also too really deserves his own movie !!!!

[@jaumeblanco5632]

In "The Batman" (2004), Kirk knows that the serum will turn him into a monster and he likes being Manbat (I think, I haven't seen the show since I was a kid). I know that series wasn't the best, but I have a soft spot for it, and I honestly like this version of Manbat (or at least the idea behind it; again, I saw the episode years ago)

[@uzzab6937]

I’m proud to say I’ve read all of these except Wings and I agree with your choices.

[@shuichisaiharatheultimated6754]

This is awesome thank you for this

[@wilfreddellschau2557]

The Kite-Man fan disliked this

[@damianprock1650]

Particularly, Charles Schultz

[@damianprock1650]

@@samuelwilliams1619 I mean it, Charlie Brown was his creation, not DC's

[@damianprock1650]

@@samuelwilliams1619 just trying to make sure

[@spencermalley10]

Your uploads always brighten my day.

[@dfcsons]

I think an underrated character, but works best in small doses or in a supporting role. He had a supporting role in something I read recently (books of magic, maybe?) with all of the mystical characters in the DC Universe and I really enjoyed him. He'd be a great henchman for an evil mastermind.

[@bryanzarazua7221]

Nice video, i wasn't expecting you to do top story about manbat, i thought he will be last at your list and yeah i don't like the detective version of him. I saw that version somewhere in the detective chimp comic series i believe. He was teaming up with wonderwoman and some other heros.

[@glentalbot9166]

I liked Man-Bat Over Vegas. I liked the vampire theme.

[@godzillasingularpoint5653]

Me Is Not Vampire me Is bat no Vampire

[@mistermr6145]

Man bat is a great character

[@damianprock1650]

IKR

[@JL-fp1oe]

I think there should be a man-bat story when he doesn’t turn back and gets stuck slowly regaining his sanity while in his new form and getting depressed and remorseful over the many he’s killed and how many lives he’s taken.

[@randomericthings7506]

Sometimes Man-Bat looks so cute and then other times it’s like, holy crap what heck is that thing!!!?

[@RadinV1]

I really like the original trilogy but I think wings fixes some of it's issues and my pitch for a movie

[@randomericthings7506]

Despite being one of my favorite Batman villains it’s really hard to write for Man-Bat because he doesn’t really have any motivations when transformed, he just sort of flies around terrorizing and killing people.

[@GhostRider747]

Ayyy here we go!

[@randallflagg3700]

Pour me a Duff, and turn up the volume, Moe \o/

[@damianprock1650]

Bring on the booze Moe, I'm ready to binge

[@skippy6536]

Man-Bat is at his best IMO when he's a bit of a strange selfish outcast as a man, who then later becomes a horrifying part of the status quo after he turns himself into a bat monster. Like some sort of modern Gotham cryptid that isn't too much of a threat as long as you don't poke the hornet's nest.

[@randallflagg3700]

My favorite Man-Bat "forgotten story" might be the 1995 Elseworld tale *"Manbat - The Subterraneans"* (in 3 parts). A Batman story that has its problems, but I just love the landscape and the chara-design or the Langstrom family (great work by John Bolton), the story might be a bit too ambitious/"big" for its own good, but the characters interactions are so interesting that I give it a pass. That's a story that I really like to re-read once in a while... Another one that you didn't mention in the 2006, 5- issue miniseries simply called *"Man-Bat: The Return"* I can't really tell much about the story because of spoilers, which is a shame since some characters that I love -and are not used very often- have some nice parts in this one. Now that's a proper detective story for our favorite vigilante to work on, I really have a soft spot for this story; I wish I could say more, but you guys will have to find out by yourselves ^^ Thank you for another great video Mistah Rogues, can't wait for Mr Zsasz next! (get ready to be pestered about watching *Gotham* once more, Anthony Carrigan is just adorable as our favorite cutter

[@mr.rogues4145]

Each to their own I guess; I'm not the biggest fan of either of those storylines; both Batman and Man-Bat are written way too out of character in the 95 miniseries imo, and the 06 mini was pretty forgetable imo. Well, good that someone is full of hope for the movie at least... :P

[@randallflagg3700]

@@mr.rogues4145 - I totally understand how these 2 stories could be underwhelming for other Bat-fans, I do see their weaknesses (the main character in "The Subterraneans" is very annoying, for example), but I still enjoy them ^^ And about "Birds of Prey" yeah, it will take a lot to make me lose hope in a movie in which Black Mask is the main villain =p (even if the "leaked" news about him aren't very encouraging) Thanks again for the video, keep up the good work!

[@damianprock1650]

@@randallflagg3700 like Margot Robbie reprising her role as Harley Quinn

[@sandro.B.]

I like how they portrayed man bat in justice league dark (James Tynion lv)

[@emmanuelmorris7653]

Can't wait for zsasz! Cane you Jane doe after that.

[@abegarfield3754]

Emmanuel Morris, Oh yes. Zsasz is so underrated.

[@mr.rogues4145]

Some day I may do a Jane Doe video, but got no plans for it right now.

[@damianprock1650]

@@abegarfield3754 not as underrated as you think

[@jhngrg8132]

You should do top 10 obscure bat villains

[@johnsinth8261]

ooooo I love Zsasz, cant wait :)

[@damianprock1650]

Me neither

[@Blofeld001]

Another great list sir! My first exposure to Man-Bat was a book & record of the Neal Adams' stories. Always felt he was an underrated villain. I agree, much like Lizard there's only so much you can do with him. Ever consider doing a top 5 Deadshot stories?

[@mr.rogues4145]

I have, but don't think I've read enough Deadshot stories to make a proper list. He's in so many SS comics that I haven't read.

[@thomasdelaney8194]

I've got the arkham manbat collection which collects the best man bat stories and Yea the original trilogy was the best out of them all plus I like that he is now part of the new justice league dark

[@firestarter6488]

Sort of like the Clayfaces, Man Bat needs another person to take up that mantle that's more evil with it. That way Kirk's arc stays resolved, while the new Man Bat becomes a new proper rouge with more of a reason to come back!

[@MrGretzky9966]

This is awesome I need to get more man bat

[@bwanabeast3169]

I like what The Batman tv show did with Man-Bat. They had the penguin in control of him with the same tool for his birds.

[@damianprock1650]

Crazy once you think about it

[@tomoldg]

To me Man-Bat was a filler villain like many others. But I feel like he could be something more. Also, could you do a video on Killer Moth? I feel that he has plenty of potential if the writers would stop bullying him.

[@damianprock1650]

Exactly, even his daughter, Kitten participates in his nefarious schemes

[@SuperAsdke]

Top 5 Killer Moth Stories

[@damianprock1650]

Interesting, maybe he should even do top 5 Teen Titans villains

[@castantino]

Awesome video on Man-Bat. Tbh as for the next video I've been thinking of Zsasz recently and wondered why they never gave him the moniker of Tally Man. Obviously would make a ton more sense

[@thecommaking]

Kelley Jones phoned in the artwork for that Man-Bat story arc.

[@mr.rogues4145]

You think so? I've seen worse by him.

[@jester9217]

Man bat is an awesome character and to tell the truth if i had done a film or series I'd place manbat in the background doing his thing while bats is focused on something else. Man bat being one half of the urban legend that is the batman. Even having the gpd and batman having an adversarial relationship until batman contacts Gordan.

[@wallygator92]

Rest in peace Neal Adams Man-Bat's co creator

[@mikeface1]

Thanks again Mr.Rogues looking forward too Victor Zasz video.

[@damianprock1650]

Same here

[@RadinV1]

Dude imagine a man bat trilogy movie

[@srstriker6420]

V dog And people what him to be a movie

[@skurvay3429]

In the animated series "Beware the Batman" Man-Bat's design bares a closer resemblance to how he originally looked in his first ever appearance, and he manages to retain his human intelligence, and is more of an ally to Batman who has been placed under mind control a few times, but unlike previous incarnations, Dr. Kirk Langstrom was researching Bat DNA not to find a cure for deafness, but instead to learn more about the bat's super strong immune system so that he could try to create a Life-Saving Serum that could make Humans far more resistant to various diseases and ailments, which sounds like a much better reason to study bats in the 21st Century, what with the fact that lately we've been having to deal with all this COVID-19 crap going on 3 Years at this point.

[@deshawnedwards6412]

Do Top 10 Best Talia al Ghul Stories.

[@ignitionfrn2223]

0:45 - N°5 - Leviathan 2:20 - N°4 - Darkest night of the man bat 4:05 - N°3 - Man bat vol 2 6:00 - N°2 - Wings 7:50 - N°1 - The original trilogy

[@Invidente7]

You forgot about that Batman: animated series episode, that was pretty good. Also he made appearences on The Batman as well.

[@mr.rogues4145]

We're talking comics here.

[@damianprock1650]

@@mr.rogues4145 ok then, maybe down the line, you'll do a top 5 cartoon episodes video about him

[@damianprock1650]

@@samuelwilliams1619 interesting

[@damianprock1650]

@@samuelwilliams1619 Mad Hatter

[@damianprock1650]

@@samuelwilliams1619 exactly

[@srstriker6420]

So overlooked penguin and Riddler stories and then go back to the Forgotten and underrated heroes and villains

[@mr.rogues4145]

No.

[@srstriker6420]

Mr. Rogues why not?

[@goblintributemaker2539]

Because he doesn’t want to and doesn’t have to do what you tell him to do.

[@srstriker6420]

Great Goblin right so what’s next anyway?

[@goblintributemaker2539]

He said what’s next in the fricking video.

[@damianprock1650]

5.I don't know Rogues, he was on the side of good on Beware the Batman, especially after being roped into Professor Pyg and Mr Toad's schemes 4.those activities could end up catching Kraven's attention 3.kinda reminds me of an episode of Samurai Jack 2.something that could lead to Francine becoming the She-Bat 1.the one that started it all Also, I'm really looking forward to Zsasz

[@CurtRose]

Great video. Not going to lie, I’ve never read a Man-bat comic. But I’ll give it a go. Can’t wait for Zsasz. He’s a favorite.

[@damianprock1650]

Exactly

[@kyleellis9177]

Since batman refuses to kill, eventually every single A, B, and even some C Tier rogues needs some form of redemption arc i would almost say it determines whether a villain stays a single note villain on the bottom tier or moves up becoming a real rogue. Batman fails if he doesn't try to fix them. Honestly i would love a mini series were the league is killed by waller and the government and batman has to redeem his rogues and some of flashes since they get thrown on the suicide squad so the can go after waller for vengeance

[@sugarcaneinsaneasylum8138]

Funny you said you would do Zsasz, because I was going to ask if you could do Top 5 Zsasz Stories.

[@sugarcaneinsaneasylum8138]

Recently I made a video myself talking about Top 10 Lex Luthor Stories, but I am still working on how to my videos shorter. So I decided that maybe making a short summary would help, one on the main point of the story and why I like it or don't like it so much, so pros and cons from my opinion.

[@nooctip]

O.k. confession time. I have never read a Manbat comic, so I can't really comment on the issues. But as far as the character goes I've always seen him as Batman' version of Spidey's Lizard. True the formula kicks in and Manbat goes on a rampage would be the go to story for the character, but I see that s just a lack of the writer's imagination. Going from the Manbat as Lizard stories. Obviously there is the transform all humans into man bats, the Use his sudden ability to control bats to drive people out of Gotham, and the he remembers about the whole deafness thing, an tries to make everybody deaf stories. But you could also have one of his transformations keep some of his human intelligence. Leading to his teaming up with th trio, or at least Vulture. Orginizing the night bat mob to take over the Gotham underworld. Or stealing a page from Cheeta's playbook and stealing various bat themed items from a museum to unleash a BatGod.

[@wdcain1]

I really liked "Corporate Raider" from _Batman: The Dark Knight_ #28-29 where Kirk's father Abraham Langston becomes the Man-Bat. The guy is evil, a social Darwinist, he hated having a deaf son and thinks he has the right to hurt the poor and weak. Worse of all, his lawyers get him off scot-free. At least Kirk overcomes his fear of his monster father and Batman keeps his eye on Abraham for future crimes.

[@trainerredcharizard7982]

Oh and even though you do videos about VILLAINS of Batman..can you maybe do top 5 stories/moments of BAT FAMILY members? or your favorite look for a Robin/Batgirl something like that?

[@mr.rogues4145]

That's something I SHOULD do... but I don't know if I want to...

[@trainerredcharizard7982]

@@mr.rogues4145 Cool :)

[@damianprock1650]

Or Robin/Starfire

[@j.j.hatter8444]

So, fun fact: the Original Man-Bat Trilogy was one of the first comic storylines I ever read. In fact, the first issue of that series was one of the first comics I ever read PERIOD. I have probably mentioned this before, but when I was a kid, I purchased (or got my parents to purchase as a gift, I should say) a book entitled "The History of Batman," which covered the complete history of the character up to the date it was published, which I believe was 1999. (Yep; it's about 10 years old now.) Now, while I obviously wanted it because of that simple fact, the REAL reason tiny little kiddy me wanted it was because the book came complete with THREE full, unabridged comics inside its pages: "Joker's Millions," the first Man-Bat tale, and a Two-Face story from Batman: Black & White I'm sure you already know. (And trust me, THAT story was...um...IMPACTFUL at an early age). Up to that point, I hadn't read ANY comics. I'd seen movies and cartoons and even read some kids books based on Batman (a couple of which I still have in my possession, incidentally), but I hadn't read any ACTUAL COMICS. So those three stories are very special to me...and yes, I still own the book. (Incidentally, the book is also responsible for how I first found out about a certain Shadowy customer, but I digress.) ANYWAY, while "Joker's Millions" was and probably still is my favorite story of the three...most likely due to the simple fact it's "Joker's Millions," let's face it...the Man-Bat story was really interesting, and I was determined to read the rest of the tale. I had (and still have) a close friend who collects comics, and on occasion he has allowed me to borrow issues from his collection to read, provided I don't damage them, of course, and return them to him within a certain amount of time. After a few years, I was able to convince this friend to let me borrow their copies of the remaining two Man-Bat stories...which, coincidentally, were among the first comics THEY collected. Needless to say, with all this told, the first Man-Bat trilogy holds a special place in my heart, and I'm pretty sure I agree with you. I'm glad Man-Bat GOT other stories, simply because I think if he hadn't, he wouldn't be as well-remembered or as beloved today. Let's face it, the more appearances you have, USUALLY the more well-known and/or enjoyed you are. That's pretty much the reason the Joker is so popular, but also seems to get on people's nerves more and more recently; he may be overused, but at least he's not scavenging for work. :P ANYWAY, my point is that the original trilogy is decidedly the best, in my opinion, too. In fact, while I've read several comics with Kirk Langstrom in them, I've only read a small number of Man-Bat stories...and in this case it's not so much for lack of reading in general, but simply because I've found there's not much new to be found, as you yourself pointed out. And coincidentally, most of the ones I have read are mentioned here. I haven't read the "Final Night" storyline, and I'm not entirely sure I want to, but I have read the rest...and I think I'd probably put Leviathan at third for me, with Vol. II lower on the list...mostly because, like you, I don't especially care for the artwork. :P

[@goblintributemaker2539]

I’m pretty sure that the real reason that Man-Bat is so well-remembered is because he actually appears quite a lot in other media. He was even the FIRST villain to appear in Batman TAS which was a pretty weird decision by the writers. Most people don’t really seem to care about his comics though.

[@j.j.hatter8444]

@@goblintributemaker2539 I think it's a mixture of both, personally. Bane has a lot of comics, Ra's Al Ghul has a lot of comics, and both have numerous appearances in other media. And I think the reason most characters appear in other media is because they have a lot of comics, and vice-versa sometimes they start appearing more in comics because they frequently pop up in other media. Point being, if Man-Bat had only one story, I somehow doubt too many people would know about him nowadays.

[@goblintributemaker2539]

@@j.j.hatter8444 True. Honestly, now that I think about it, there was a big chance that Man-Bat could have ended up just being a one-shot villain. If someone didn't decide to use him again he might have really just appeared in just that one story. Although I still think his inclusion in TAS played a big role in his popularity especially how he was the very first villain to appear on that show.

[@Anonymous-bu5bk]

Kirk: I want to be like the Batman! Bruce: You- want to be a crime fighter? Kirk: No Mr Wayne! I want to be feared! Your interference has forced me to accelerate testing. It's a pity that Batman himself can't be here... for the birth of Man Bat!

[@sugarcaneinsaneasylum8138]

I forgot to say that I did a video myself , but it was more on Top 10 Stories about Lex Luthor. When I did my channel, I wanted to do similar things that you and The Real Super Sam did, I thought it was pretty cool, and so I am doing that now .

[@vanhestell8329]

Mr. Rouges, give us five masterpieces of *Handsome Surgeon of Swine* , please.

[@srstriker6420]

I love Kelley Jones art work

[@jonathancrane952]

Nice video!

[@solarflare9562]

Do you still pan on reviewing more episodes of Batman TAS, The Batman and Brave and the Bold?

[@VonWenk]

My biggest problem with Man-Bat is DC ignoring the Bruce Jones story where his whole family is killed. I do the story where Man-Bat and the Demon team up against Morganne Le Fay (mostly for the Michael Golden art), Man-Bat 2, where he fights the Ten-Eyed Man, and the story from the '80s where he kidnaps Jason Todd (with art by Gene Day and Don Newton). Isn't Man-Bat almost interchangeable with the Lizard though?

[@damianprock1650]

I don't know, last time I checked, it was the Joker who kidnapped and killed Jason Todd

[@VonWenk]

@@damianprock1650 This was Doug Moench's second Batman issue, back in July 1983, before Jason Todd dyed his hair black.

[@damianprock1650]

@@VonWenk I don't recall anything like that, besides, you spelled "dyed" wrong

[@randallflagg3700]

@@damianprock1650 - I, for one, do recall something like that; the story was called "The Most Successful Species", and it's famous for being the return of Harvey Bullock after spending almost 10 years in comics limbo. And indeed, Jason used to have blond/redish hair; He even mentions that Bruce used to dye his hair black when he comes back as the Red Hood, so people wouldn't notice that Robin isn't Dick Grayson anymore.

[@damianprock1650]

@@randallflagg3700 just kinda seems wonky to me

[@rbswords2353]

Yeah DC stole The Lizard only they made him a bat then stole it again to make Killer Croc after Marvel stole Catwoman to make Black Cat.

[@meltedcopper9247]

He is like dr.conners in spiderman who turns into a lizard to eat his family every couple of years

[@damianprock1650]

No, that's not it, they both had noble intentions, their serums just had nasty side effects to em

[@aidanhever3369]

I don't know why Mr. Zsasz never appeared in any animated series.

[@randallflagg3700]

I miiight have an idea... =p Seriously, I don't really see a way to make his shtick work in a kid-friendly animated show... I know they managed to adapt Professor Pyg in "Beware the Batman", but they completely changed his character to remove all the crazy stuff. Even in the *Gotham* TV show, they had to cut down (ha) on Zsasz' more disturbing traits, and they only showed him cutting himself once (even if he referred to it again in season 5). I just don't see him working in either TAS, Beyond, The Batman, BatB, or BTB... they would have to change him so much that, like Pyg, he wouldn't even be the same character anymore; so what's the point?

[@Cobra_125]

@@randallflagg3700 Maybe have him go after Penguin for ruining his life, and just not explain his tally marks or show him killing anyone? Future appearances based around killing batman and taking hostages?

[@abegarfield3754]

It would be tricky to try and feature a homicidal extremist on any of the animated shows but they did attempted to bring him to life in Batman begins, he's nothing like the comic character apart from he enjoys the occasional murder, so he's unrecognisable and not named in the movie (I don't know if he's mentioned in the credits or not) basically he's an Arkham resident. If a darker animated series came along, Zsasz would be a perfect reoccurring character.

[@mr.rogues4145]

Becasue he's too brutal for a kid's show. No serial killer has ever appeared in a Batman cartoon.

[@goblintributemaker2539]

Professor Pyg appeared in Beware the Batman though.

[@yaboicameron77]

Plz do a forgotten bat rogues episode on metalhead from Batman I believe it is 456 it’s in the knight fall prelude book the one where Bruce’s noise will not stop bleeding

[@dannybuckle3763]

I've spent years looking over Man-Bat's history at this point, and yeah, I've basically come to a similar conclusion to you; the origins of Man-Bat's all you really need. However, I do think that there's room for some great stories with Kirk & his family; he has a young son whose physiology's mutated to be similar to a bat - why wasn't he in that 'Gotham Academy' book from a few years back? Why not have the Langstrom family become the defacto biologists that Bruce turns to? Why not have either Kirk, Francine or his son attempt to be a full-fledged superhero with an improved serum and actually have it stick for a while? Hell, Tynion made f*cking Basil Karlo of all characters into a hero for a short time (about a year and a half I think, but still), so why not do the same with Man-Bat? My point is this; telling the same old story of "Oh no, Kirk's gone batty again! Whatever will we do?!" only makes the character look tired & stale in the eyes of most readers, so please DC; experiment around with this weird family a bit more.

[@goblintributemaker2539]

He basically became a hero in the Beware the Batman cartoon.

[@dannybuckle3763]

@@goblintributemaker2539 I was actually thinking about that show while writing that comment. The thing is that he was set up to be a member of the Outsiders, which is great...then the show was cancelled. He didn't get to do much beyond his introductory episode unfortunately, so I tend to look at that as a well-intentioned step in the right direction that was fumbled by the network canning the show.

[@goblintributemaker2539]

@@dannybuckle3763 True, it really was a tragedy. That show was really overlooked which led to its cancelation which was the same deal with Green Lantern TAS. Although its version of Man-Bat is probably the best adaptation of Kirk that we've ever gotten.

[@scottfree2248]

You might want to check out some of the old giant size Batman Family Books from the middle to late seventies. Man Bat had a great back up series in them where Kirk was a Hero. He could control his transformation by taking a pill to change back and forth. The stories were pretty cool. In one he teams up with The Demon. Michael Golden did the Art. His version of Man Bat is my favourite after Neal Adams.

[@damianprock1650]

@@goblintributemaker2539 an anti-hero you mean

[@pierceluigi4147]

I kinda want to see a story where Kurt Langstrom was Batman (like in Gods and monsters) and he is fighting Bruce Wayne as Man-Bat. Would Kurt help Bruce or use him for his own needs?

[@erykcharmuowicz89]

Actors WHO really must Play Man-Bat are Doug Jones , Rhys Ifans and Andy Serkis , guys !!!!!!!

[@raven3067]

OMG I would pay a fortune to see a man-bat horror tragedy movie.

[@damianprock1650]

I would to, in fact, I even had in mind for Kraven to face him

[@raven3067]

@@damianprock1650 kraven is marvel not Dc

[@damianprock1650]

@@raven3067 that never stopped them from crossing over, just look at when Batman teamed up with the Punisher for example

[@raven3067]

@@damianprock1650 yeah but that was only in other media. I'm talking about live action. Plus I'm only talking about a stand alone live action horror/tragedy Man-Bat movie. No unnecessary crossover, no other DC characters, JUST MAN-BAT.

[@damianprock1650]

@@raven3067 that, yeah, but of course when it comes to animation, a crossover is bound to happen, just look at "Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", as for the live action take, the bigger question is who should play him and will She-Bat be in it

[@RadinV1]

HOLY FLINT HENRY HATER BATMAN!

[@cole6843]

I really like Manbat :D He's like a horror movie icon. Also oooo Victor Zsasz >:3

[@damianprock1650]

You just wait til Victor appears in the 6th season of Teen Titans

[@erykeryk279]

Actors who should really Play Man-Bat are Doug Jones , Benedict Cumberbatch and Andy Serkis !!!!

[@armiproductions5680]

Top 1 Manbat villains: The ten eyed man.

[@goblintributemaker2539]

That guy is Kirk’s arch-nemesis.

[@ThayneGill]

Honestly i don’t mind man bat stories being repetitive, if the formula works keep using it.

[@isaiahkayode6526]

You should do Top 5 The Lizard stories

[@mr.rogues4145]

Maybe.

[@damianprock1650]

An interesting idea

[@dcmarvelcomicfans9458]

I like origin retellings of supervillains there second ones were always better

[@Donielism]

Id like a batman spin off movie where batman is showing more of his detective side and is a bit more like iron man so his suit covers his face and looks less obnoxiois when he is actually fighting crime, id also love for there to be a mystery about manbat in gotham, always loved the character and id want him in a really good and unique movie interpentation

[@thecommaking]

I say this as a Kelley Jones fan.

[@XX-sp3tt]

I don't know why, but Zsasz is a lot scarier to me when he was blond and wore sunglasses.

[@randallflagg3700]

The scariest thing is that these were not sunglasses... but his *eyebrows!* (°o° )

[@damianprock1650]

@@randallflagg3700 so in a nutshell, he's a long lost relative of the Monarch, the main villain from the Venture Brothers?

[@jacoblara7613]

Is the Amygdala (DC) is the Forgotten Batman villains?

[@alexlemonds2838]

Never been a huge fan. Always wrote him off as a KO of The Lizard.

[@trainerredcharizard7982]

Hmm..Some stores sound good But i still dont are much about Man-bat..its "Doctor Jekyl and Mr Hyde" story all over..though i could also critisize Joker stories being the same Deep-ish/joker acting like a Ex Gf of Batman

[@Tedis_P_Apache]

What happend to the sound

[@OnceUponaCrimes]

Looking for a great man bat story can drive you baty

[@jordanhorne1173]

any plans on a killer moth video?

[@mr.rogues4145]

Maybe... ;)

[@damianprock1650]

I hope it's a good one

[@jordanhorne1173]

Damian Prock All rouges videos are good so I have no doubt lol

[@damianprock1650]

@@jordanhorne1173 very well then

[@scotia7326]

Hello, Rogues. It’s me, “Scotia” I wrote a story for Hillbrook Asylum a while ago. Showing my terrible acting skills in a pitch black video that took me 10 minutes to make and half an hour to upload. I’ve since written a few new stories and, I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a good enough actor but I’d love someone else to perform them for me. So, I propose an idea to you, Dr. Wickman, would it be courteous of me to donate some Hillbrook tales to your Facebook page, and maybe leave them for someone else to perform? Honestly, feel free to perform the story and read it aloud yourself. Be my guest. Is that reasonable?

[@scotia7326]

Please, Rogues, do with this story as you will, you may repost it on your page or on your community part of your KZbin channel, Facebook, etc. I would love if someone else were to record themselves reading this patient file. Patient #397; Rita Jarvis; “The Screech.” A quiet night was had at the vaudeville home of Rita Jarvis. Let me refresh that, the vaudeville mansion of Rita Jarvis. Yes, it would certainly appear the ageing Rita had come into some money in her hay day. Rita stood in a powerful stance, wearing a luxurious robe she was given as a birthday present. 49 years on planet Earth, eh? Certainly felt that way for Rita. 49 years and she looks no better than how she did 34 years prior. Rita glanced at her sleek figure in the oval shaped mirror onlooking her fabulous outside dining table. She wasn’t as good as she thought she was. She never had been. 34 years ago it happened, and 34 years later it still follows her. As Rita sits adjacent the mirror and places her bare feet on the study to paint her toe nails, she can just barely make out Sarah’s agonising voice that echoes in her head; “My, What lovely nails you have, darling.” Said Sarah’s reverberated echo. “Not in the mood tonight, Sarah.” She replied, blowing on each toe to dry. “Guess what, my friend.” Sarah spoke, a frail Rita twitched her head in discomfort. “What is it, Sarah?” She replied. “It’s our anniversary.” Said Sarah. “A-anniversary?” Rita replied, voice cracking under the heat of the moment. “Why, yes, of course. Don’t you remember our little charade a while back.” Sarah’s voice felt wicked and determined. No reply from Rita. “34 years ago, my dear. You can’t forget what happened. Believe me, you can’t.” “Shit up, Sarah, shut the hell up!” Shouted Rita at her own reflection in the mirror. But, then again it was never her own reflection in the mirror, was it? For 34 years she had never seen her own reflection, she had only seen the body of the life that inhabits her mind. That voice spoke once more; “34 years ago you took my life to prove to yourself you could take a life. Your family were involved in my disposal, weren’t they? But they couldn’t stop me from taking you, could they?” Rita stood, clutching her head with every finger she had. Praying to the skies to make It stop. 34 years and not a second longer was she prepared to take this nonsense. Rita’s prayers were avoided, however, as she suddenly fell to her bare knees, hearing the same voice, but this time, no reverberated vocal would be surrounding the speech pattern. This time, the voice harboured a body that stood above Rita Jarvis. “Hello, Rita.” Sarah said. “S-Sarah? How are you-“ “Here?” She replied. “Don’t worry, I won’t be here for long.” “You...you’re leaving?” Rita spoke, a hint of happiness in her voice. “Yes, my dear.” Said Sarah, kneeling down to face her lifelong companion. “I’m leaving this...thing. You put me in. I believe you call it a skull.” Sarah Said. “So...so you’re still in my head?” Rita softly spoke. “Yes. But, in about five minutes, I’ll be the only voice in that brain of yours.” Suddenly, Rita’s Head jolted Back, strain could be seen in her neck as veins pulsated from under her skin. Rita tried to speak; “S-S-Sarah...what are you...” “I’m taking back what’s mine, darling.” Said Sarah, slowly removing the gloves on her hands to reveal her bare hands. Rita’s feet began to strain as she shrieked a scream of pain unlikely to be found anywhere but in the back catalogue of a serial killer. Rita managed to stare at her hand, noticing it wasn’t her own hand, instead the hand of the woman she had seen in the reflection of a mirror every night. “I learned a few things in your head, Rita.” Sarah spoke. “The main one being that after 34 years of dedicated service by, essentially an overpaid chauffeur - that’s you, by the way - the passenger gets off.” Rita screams again at the thrust of Sarah’s hand into her stomach. Becoming one with Rita’s body, causing Rita to speak her final words; “...no...” A pair of eyes open, a head jolts awake to realise they wear nothing but a straight jacket and underwear. Rita’s Head hurts from...even she doesn’t know. The woman manages to stand. Leaning against the darkened cell walls, she screams; “Anyone! Anywhere! Tell me where I am!” Alas, it appears her prayers have been answered by the shackles of the cell room door opening. An ominous pre-recorded voice speaks; “Dr. William Wickman.” “Hello, Rita.” Said the good Doctor. “Please, Doctor. What am I doing here? I can’t stop having these-these dreams... these nightmares... they won’t stop...” Rita is now pleading with the man. “Please, my dear. Let’s not become unsettled at such a time, we have work to be done.” He spoke, a wisp of enjoyment in his pale toned voice. “...work?” She said. “Of course, our new therapist is so looking forward to meeting you, my dear.” Says the Doctor, tucking his tie below his waistcoat. “She’s the one that donated that nail polish you enjoy so much.” “Nail polish?” Said Rita, staring down at her mucky-unpolished feet, with only a glimpse of the same turquoise nail polish as before. “Hello again, Rita.” A familiar voice rang through Rita’s ears as she looked up to see Dr. Wickman standing outside the cell with a sleek and independent blonde woman with a clipboard and turquoise suit. Rita’s mind nearly shattered at the sound of the metallic door slamming shut, the woman in light blue now inside with Rita, who was now shivering with fear at the sight of the woman she sees every night in her dreams, who takes over her body and uses it as her own. Wickman can be heard talking to his protege outside; “The same dream again, Dr. Wickman?” Spoke the humble young man studying under Wickman‘s law. “It would certainly appear so, my boy. Unlike our dear friend, Eileen, Lovely Rita has no idea of just how disturbed she really is.” Said the good doctor. “Well, isn’t that why she’s here, Doc? To get better?” The naive young boy spoke. Staring at the elderly doctor, who says; “Of course, my boy, Of course, that’s why I hired miss Jarvis’ favourite clinical psychologist. You know, the one she dreams about?” “Oh.” Said the young one. “Well, at least we can leave her to her dreams, ain’t that right, Doctor?” The doctor removes his glasses to the sound of Rita’s haunting screams from beyond the steel fleshed Hillbrook walls. “Yes, my boy. Yes it is, and yes we can.”

[@mr.rogues4145]

I'll post this story in the FB group, and we'll see what happens :)

[@johnnydc7478]

next video should be top 5 zebraman stories

[@sosu6227]

How can you be a Batman fan with Batman being called Laederlappen in sweden :O?

[@mr.rogues4145]

'Läderlappen' it was, actually. Truly a horrible name. I was born in 1990 though, and by then no one called him Läderlappen anymore. ;)

[@sosu6227]

@@mr.rogues4145 I have heard that "ae" should be used in english for ä :) and that's a good thing! I never understood why he was called there that, läder probably means bat (know that from german) but the lappen part is pretty random :D

[@diegodankquixote-wry3242]

Man-thicc

[@dcmarvelcomicfans9458]

I didn't know there were good man bat story seen man bat always seem repetitive doing the same story where the scientist inject heself and become a monster superhero fights them cures him then he goes back to his family or no family at all goes back to his normal life kind of the same thing with the lizard they never bothered going into other better interesting stories on cartoons or live action adaptations

[@sharkdude7]

Didn’t the new 52 make Francine pure evil?

[@mr.rogues4145]

Yepp.

[@sharkdude7]

Mr. Rogues yeah New 52 did a lot of weird stuff that Rebirth fixed. Like Emo Killer Moth(which I would admit was funny)

[@randallflagg3700]

@@sharkdude7 - Emo Killer Moth was awesome ^^

[@user-nb8tk6hh6x]

@@sharkdude7 they WHAT???

[@User-lo6sx]

Didn't you say you'll get to Lex Luthor?

[@mr.rogues4145]

Luthor? Whenever did I say that?

[@srstriker6420]

Mr. Rogues I guess he wants a top 5 lex stories and speaking of have you seen his transformation in the year of the villain?

[@User-lo6sx]

@@mr.rogues4145 At the beginning "Top 5 Best Toyman Stories ", you said how there's a lack of best story lists for non Batman villains and mentioned Lex Luthor. Because of that I thought you'd get to him.

[@thecommaking]

Neal Adams' Man-Bat art is cheesy

[@timsmalley7432]

Sounds like Marvel's Lizard