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They say parody is the best form of flattery.
If that's the case than Batman, maybe more so than any
other character, gets his lion’s share of the love quite often. So much so that there are far too many to document in a single blog.
From past homages of nostalgia to current trends on the Internet, get a load of just a handful of the best Batman Spoofs, Riffs and Parodies this side of Gotham City!
NOTE: Watching the Video Supplemental is certainly required!
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"BATMUNK"
From past homages of nostalgia to current trends on the Internet, get a load of just a handful of the best Batman Spoofs, Riffs and Parodies this side of Gotham City!
NOTE: Watching the Video Supplemental is certainly required!
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"BATMUNK"
Directed by Don Spencer
Written by Bruce Morris and William J. Thutt
Based on the DC Comics Characters Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger
Ross Bagdasarian Jr. … Alvin Seville/Simon Seville/Dave Seville (voice)
Janice Karman … Theodore Seville/Brittany Miller (voice)
Frank Welker … Additional Voices
Thomas H. Watkins … Additional Voices
Simon Seville … Brice Wayne/Batmunk
Alvin Seville … The Jokester
Brittany Miller … Micky Male
Theodore Seville … Happy the Butler
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By the late 80s, Alvin and the Chipmunks were arguably riding the peak of their success and soon enough a new cartoon series was conceived out of a combination of desperation and a need to sustain relevance with “Chipmunks Go to the Movies.” From “Star Wreck” to “Robomunk,” the episodes set out to playfully lampoon the box office juggernauts of the day and Batman was no exception. Riffing on director Tim Burton’s 1989 blockbuster, “Batmunk” is one of the more coherent and charming installments of the series as it features wealthy toy inventor Brice Wayne (Simon), with the aid of faithful butler Happy (Theodore), battling both the curiosity of Chipmunk Quarterly reporter Micky Male (Brittany) and the antics of the Jokester (Alvin) as Batmunk. One of the best scenes early on features a Chipmunk rendition of Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone” as Batmunk has a run-in with the Jokester’s henchmen. The only genuine issue I have, knowing that the piece was meant for children, is the handling of Happy. Man or Chipmunk, there’s just no way the loyal butler would ever have aspirations to put on the costume and be the masked hero himself; that contradicts his purpose in the scheme of things and it doesn’t really hold true, even as a parody, to the character of Alfred. That bit aside, I love “Batmunk.” It’s a fun and kitschy piece of fluff that, given the right mood, can be just as thrilling to the kid in all of us today. If anything, it’s a fond morsel of nostalgia just so long as you can get past those damn Chipmunk voices.
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"Batman's Gonna get Shot in the Face"
Directed by Larry Longstreth and Jacob Drake
Written by Larry Longstreth and Clint George
Based on the DC Comics Characters Created by Bob Kane, Bill
Finger, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, William Moulton Marston and Gardner Fox
Vince Bruno … Batman
Larry Longstreth … Superman
Clarissa Paciotti … Wonder Woman
Aaron Longstreth … The Flash
Clint George … Nightwing
Larry Longstreth … Robin
Rachel Belvin … Batgirl
Andy Gasper … Hawkman
Nick D'Amico … James Gordon
A hilarious animated riot overseen by internet animation guru Larry Longstreth (also check out his “Greatest Fan Film of ALL TIME”), “Batman’s Gonna Get Shot in the Face” is a crudely conceived but heartfelt gut-buster of a mockumentary that taps into the sidekick’s and Justice League’s true feelings about the caped crusader featuring interviews with Batman himself as well as Nightwing, Robin, Oracle, Superman, Wonder Woman and most laughably outrageous, the Flash. Key moments definitely include Batman pulling a disappearing act on Commissioner Gordon just to be found by Gordon huddled under his desk waiting for Jim to leave so he can make his exit. With its pitch-perfect voice cast and dry wit, it so perfectly encapsulates the grain of truth concerning the character; that several of his emotional hang-ups and angst are just tremendously absurd. From how long it takes to symbolically suit up in the costume to his obsession with taking in youngsters and training them to his constant need to intellectually upstage everyone, no stone in the Batcave is left unturned or unspoofed!
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"Batfollies"
Vince Bruno … Batman
Larry Longstreth … Superman
Clarissa Paciotti … Wonder Woman
Aaron Longstreth … The Flash
Clint George … Nightwing
Larry Longstreth … Robin
Rachel Belvin … Batgirl
Andy Gasper … Hawkman
Nick D'Amico … James Gordon
A hilarious animated riot overseen by internet animation guru Larry Longstreth (also check out his “Greatest Fan Film of ALL TIME”), “Batman’s Gonna Get Shot in the Face” is a crudely conceived but heartfelt gut-buster of a mockumentary that taps into the sidekick’s and Justice League’s true feelings about the caped crusader featuring interviews with Batman himself as well as Nightwing, Robin, Oracle, Superman, Wonder Woman and most laughably outrageous, the Flash. Key moments definitely include Batman pulling a disappearing act on Commissioner Gordon just to be found by Gordon huddled under his desk waiting for Jim to leave so he can make his exit. With its pitch-perfect voice cast and dry wit, it so perfectly encapsulates the grain of truth concerning the character; that several of his emotional hang-ups and angst are just tremendously absurd. From how long it takes to symbolically suit up in the costume to his obsession with taking in youngsters and training them to his constant need to intellectually upstage everyone, no stone in the Batcave is left unturned or unspoofed!
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"Batfollies"
Written and Directed by Gary Payton
Based on the DC Comics Characters Created by Bob Kane and
Bill Finger
Dan Feldmeier … Batman
Dusty Westbrooke … Robin
Bob Perry … Commissioner Gordon
Gary Payton … Bane
Rick Landaluce … Nightwing
Jessica Star … Catwoman
Mandy Link … Harley Quinn
Steve Payton … Street Thug
Just like “Batman’s Gonna Get Shot in the Face,” Gary Payton’s “Batfollies” is so ridiculously brilliant in its representation of Batman, using him as the butt of several cultural and social jokes. Looking devilishly dapper with his long, scraggily goatee, an overweight and lazy-ass dark knight (wonderfully played up by Dan Feldmeier) is presented in several vignettes that poke fun at Batman’s allies, his rogues, his gadgets and the sex lives of his partners; namely Nightwing, who let’s just say hits the Jergens WAY too often, among other things. Another great scene features Selina Kyle (Jessica Star) who informs Bruce of her current plans for the day (while writing ‘Kick Halle Berry’s ASS!’ in a day planner!). Even the “Knightfall” storyline gets lampooned when Bane (the writer/director himself) rolls into town, leading to Bruce’s concern that he name a successor; the one and only Adam West! (after Martha Stewert is vigorously declined of course). With a great sense of humor pandering to the stylish roots of the 1966 TV series (they even get Bat-Hombre in there for god’s sake!), “Batfollies” is just too damn funny to ignore.
Dan Feldmeier … Batman
Dusty Westbrooke … Robin
Bob Perry … Commissioner Gordon
Gary Payton … Bane
Rick Landaluce … Nightwing
Jessica Star … Catwoman
Mandy Link … Harley Quinn
Steve Payton … Street Thug
Just like “Batman’s Gonna Get Shot in the Face,” Gary Payton’s “Batfollies” is so ridiculously brilliant in its representation of Batman, using him as the butt of several cultural and social jokes. Looking devilishly dapper with his long, scraggily goatee, an overweight and lazy-ass dark knight (wonderfully played up by Dan Feldmeier) is presented in several vignettes that poke fun at Batman’s allies, his rogues, his gadgets and the sex lives of his partners; namely Nightwing, who let’s just say hits the Jergens WAY too often, among other things. Another great scene features Selina Kyle (Jessica Star) who informs Bruce of her current plans for the day (while writing ‘Kick Halle Berry’s ASS!’ in a day planner!). Even the “Knightfall” storyline gets lampooned when Bane (the writer/director himself) rolls into town, leading to Bruce’s concern that he name a successor; the one and only Adam West! (after Martha Stewert is vigorously declined of course). With a great sense of humor pandering to the stylish roots of the 1966 TV series (they even get Bat-Hombre in there for god’s sake!), “Batfollies” is just too damn funny to ignore.
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“Batman XXX”
Produced by Vivid Entertainment
Based on the DC Comics Characters Created by Bob Kane and
Bill Finger
Adapted from the Television Series Executive Produced by
William Dozier
Dale DaBone … Batman
James Deen … Robin
Lexi Belle … Batgirl
Tori Black … Catwoman
Evan Stone … The Riddler
Randy Spears … The Joker
Stewart Tain … Alfred
Jack English … Commissioner Gordon
David Alan … Chief O’Hara
Alexis Texas … Molly
Kimberly Kane … Lisa Carson
Ron Jeremy … Ron Jeremy
Not even the caped crusader could avoid what many could
see as inevitable. After all, as most clearly evidence by the efforts of
director Joel Schumacher, there’s no denying the air of sex appeal that comes
with the territory of anatomically alluring men and women running around in
form fitting and revealing costumes. To ignore it would be an exercise in
ignorance. For better or worse, it can at least be said that Batman is one of
the few comic book characters that can afford a presence in the porn industry
(Wonder Woman can as well, given her early history of S&M and bondage;
surely becoming a vulnerable victim to a dominant man by having her bracelets
bound together would serve as a…*ahem*…worthwhile premise for an erotic
feature).
I’ve yet to see “Batman XXX,” only watching the Censored Trailers, and from that minimal observation it’s clear that the parody seeks to lampoon the Adam West/Burt Ward television show more than anything else. As crazy as it might sound, noted adult stars such as Lexi Belle, Tori Black and “Pirates” star Evan Stone actually appear to provide somewhat genuine performances in their respective roles as Batgirl, Catwoman and the Riddler if the trailers are any indication. This is a real surprise given that pornography is infinitely notorious for having the laziest, most cringe-worthy acting since asking a cast to give authentic portrayals in addition to performing meticulously staged endurance sex is most likely a tall order.
I’ve yet to see “Batman XXX,” only watching the Censored Trailers, and from that minimal observation it’s clear that the parody seeks to lampoon the Adam West/Burt Ward television show more than anything else. As crazy as it might sound, noted adult stars such as Lexi Belle, Tori Black and “Pirates” star Evan Stone actually appear to provide somewhat genuine performances in their respective roles as Batgirl, Catwoman and the Riddler if the trailers are any indication. This is a real surprise given that pornography is infinitely notorious for having the laziest, most cringe-worthy acting since asking a cast to give authentic portrayals in addition to performing meticulously staged endurance sex is most likely a tall order.
In the time since its release there have actually been a
number of ‘Batman’ and DC Comics porn parodies, including a version parodying
the darker, grittier Batman as well as Catwoman, Wonder Woman and the Justice
League; the latter even goes so far as to feature porn legend Ron Jeremy as
none other than the Penguin (!!!). I’d talk about these but, frankly, to
discuss one “Batman” porno is to discuss them all. There’s just no getting past
the fact that this material involves graphic hardcore sex.
I’m not a prude by any means, but it’s just a matter of taste. Perhaps Batman is just a little too coveted for me.
If nothing else, the film clearly showcases (even more
than Schumacher’s “Batman & Robin”) that the character has enough cultural
resolve to withstand even the most intrusive of iterations. Not even being
transcribed to pornography could slow down Batman’s popularity; in fact, the
mere existence of the parody seems to suggest more than otherwise.
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“Bat Thumb”
Directed by David Bourla
Produced by Paul Marshal
Steve Oedekerk … Wuce Bayne/Bat Thumb (voice)
Mark DeCarlo … Fred the Butler (voice)Paul Greenberg … Blue Jay (voice)
Jackie Harris … Vicki Nail (voice)
Rob Paulsen … Commissioner (voice)
Jim Jackman … Police Chief (voice)
Rob Paulsen … No Face (voice)
Mark DeCarlo … Narrator (voice)
A much looked over gem from 2001, “Bat Thumb” is a
hilarious homage to the caped crusader done in the tradition of “Thumbs!,” the
line of short films created by Steve Oedekerk for O Entertainment in which live
action thumbs are the stars, complete with the faces of their voice actors
superimposed across their ‘heads.’
From “Thumb Wars” and “The Godthumb” to “Thumbtanic” and
the as-yet unreleased “Thumbatrix,” the concept lampoons popular mainstream
entertainment and blockbuster films with irreverent humor and goofy satire and
slapstick.
In the urban sprawl of GaaaThumb City, criminals run rampant. But there’s a new Bat in the town and he’s got his name written all over their mothers. By day, millionaire Wuce Bayne spends his time throwing lavish galas and romancing Vicki Nail. But as darkness falls, Bayne dons the cape and cowl of Bat Thumb (“I’m carrying some major baggage and I have an odd way of dealing with it”), fighting forces of evil such as No-Face.
In the urban sprawl of GaaaThumb City, criminals run rampant. But there’s a new Bat in the town and he’s got his name written all over their mothers. By day, millionaire Wuce Bayne spends his time throwing lavish galas and romancing Vicki Nail. But as darkness falls, Bayne dons the cape and cowl of Bat Thumb (“I’m carrying some major baggage and I have an odd way of dealing with it”), fighting forces of evil such as No-Face.
A hybrid parody of the 60s show and, most specifically, Tim Burton’s 1989 feature film and Joel Schumacher’s sequels, “Bat Thumb” is one of the more concise pieces in the series. It takes an acquired sense of humor to find it as funny as it can be. It’s clear that fans of previous incarnations will likely find it most enjoyable; there’s a wonderfully exaggerated take on Chief O’Hara, complete with the most overcooked Irish accent you could ever hope to hear.
A lot of the jokes are quite crude but they seem to poke
fun at the possibility that a wealthy man dressing up in a rubber suit to fight
crime would definitely be a misogynistic womanizer. There’s a hilarious moment
where the Police Commissioner calls Wuce on the Thumb-Phone (a nod to the
hotline of the 60s show) and informs him of a robbery at the GaaaThumb City Savings
and Bank.
Wuce instantly asks whether or not there are any women
present in the bank, to which the Commissioner assures him there is. Oh and by
the way, this conversation is taking place while Wuce lies in bed with Vicki
following a late night romp.
There’s also Fred, Wuce’s drunken butler, and his
desperate plea that Wuce wear a sweater outside because of Bacon. Absolutely
hysterical BECAUSE it makes no sense (the same could be argued for the 60’s
Television series though, couldn’t it?).
One of the more outlandish parodies, “Bat Thumb” is a hilarious spoof done proper. It doesn’t take itself seriously in the least, but it does so affectionately because, in spite of the pseudo-serious melodrama that the character usually is handled in, there’s no getting around some of the sheer absurdity of the concept.
One of the more outlandish parodies, “Bat Thumb” is a hilarious spoof done proper. It doesn’t take itself seriously in the least, but it does so affectionately because, in spite of the pseudo-serious melodrama that the character usually is handled in, there’s no getting around some of the sheer absurdity of the concept.
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Now, here are a handful of the more inspired Internet
parodies and spoofs:
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THE KEY OF AWESOME: “THE DARK KNIGHT” Music Video
With the release of Christopher Nolan’s 2008 sequel, several fans felt that, for all the awesomeness and brilliance, “The Dark Knight” didn’t stand up as well as it should’ve in the plot department, and that many audiences were just too blinded by the film’s smash success to notice. In a comical semi-rap Alfred and the Joker work together to try and make sense of the film for their title character, which is wonderfully put together and holds merit quite convincingly. Personally, I don’t find the film so complex that it gets confusing but its complex enough to make the claims valid and thusly, make this joint funny as hell!
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“The Dark Knight” – Interrogation Spoof
Given with much joy and acclaim to the masses by MonkeyandApple, a popular YouTube member, his overcooked and outrageous spoof of the infamous Interrogation scene between Batman and the Joker in "The Dark Knight" hits the nail right on the head with its stab at Batman actor Christian Bale’s almost borderline-obnoxious approach to the voice of the caped crusader. There’s really not much more I can say so the video will have to speak for itself. Watch out though; it might have a very severe case of throat cancer!
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The "Kid-Batman" Trilogy
Equipped with a Batman costume, young Max begins to live out the fantasy of power and intimidation that the dark knight gets to enjoy in the comics and films. But things quickly escalate as the costume makes him think that he actually IS Batman. The production isn’t flashy or whatnot but who cares; this stuff’s GOLD! Best moment? Easily whenever Max is faced with his deadliest arch-rival. HAHA!
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Canadian Batman
With an angry roar of “MY PARENTS ARE DEAD!,” Toronto’s very own caped crusader welcomes tourists and citizens alike as a recognized ambassador for the city, making his merry way as he attempts to stir morale, open beef jerky and otherwise bring a smile and some laughter to the table for his fellow Canadians!
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The ‘College Humor’ Batman Collection
Online Comedic epicenter College Humor has taken their fair share of cracks at the dark knight, specifically at the incarnation presented in the Christopher Nolan films. From failing to comprehend riddles to going nuts during a mistaken interrogation of a birthday clown instead of the Joker, the target seems to be in painting a portrait of a Batman who takes his brooding outlook on life so deathly seriously that he’s observed as being little more than a blithering idiot, discussing his twisted soul and grunting in an over exaggerated rendition of Christian Bale’s notorious ‘Bat-Voice’ while allies and villains alike stare at him in bewilderment.
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“Batman & Robin” Rifftrax!
Ever wanted to hear Joel Schumacher’s Technicolor travesty be taken over the coals in the tradition of “Mystery Science Theatre 3000?!” Well, for a small charge and some video/audio synchronization, you’re in LUCK! “MST3K” alumni Bill Corbett, Kevin Murphy and Mike Nelson oblige with a script of jokes written by fans to finally stick a nail in the coffin of the most notorious Batman film in history. But don’t count yourselves out, Nolan-Batman fans. The guys didn’t forget you; there’s a Rifftrax commentary for “The Dark Knight” as well.
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To close out the essential collection, check out some of these doozies of inspiration!
Bat-Manuelle/Die Fledermaus
A hilarious spoof character from the live action television adaptation of Ben Edlund's superhero parody "The Tick."
In the animated version, there's also a Batman parody in the form of Die Fledermaus.
Dark Claw
What happens with you combine DC's Dark Knight Detective with Marvel's mutant death machine? This'll give you an idea. From the short lived "Amalgam Comics" stunt of the 90s, it's Dark Claw!
Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy
The heroic icons for Bikini Bottom’s resident SpongeBob
SquarePants, Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy not only stand as clear homages to a
certain caped crusader and boy wonder from the days of the Bill Dozier 60s TV
show; they were created and conceived in obvious visual reference to Aquaman
and Aqualad, another DC Comics duo.
Batmantis
Who knew that Space Ghost’s nefarious villain and resident keyboardist had a passion for the caped crusader that translated into a dual identity of his very own?
“Bat’s All Folks” / “The Return of Batduck” – Plucky Duck as Batman
Prior to creating “Batman: The Animated Series,” show runners Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski had achieved some moderate success with their work on Warner Brother’s zany “Tiny Toon Adventures;” a cartoon about a host of next generation Looney Tunes seeking tutelage from their legendary predecessors at Acme University.
But even then, as they were eventually given the green
light for their dream project, Timm and Radomski’s enthusiasm for Batman was
clearly apparent and no pair of episodes made that as clear as “Bat’s All
Folks” and its sequel “The Return of Batduck.”
“Bat’s All Folks,” with a story co-conceived by Timm
himself, follows Plucky Duck on a hilarious parody of Batman’s creation and
history, lampooning everything from the 1960s television show to Frank Miller’s
“The Dark Knight Returns.”
“The Return of Batduck” takes it a topical step further with an interesting premise that finds Plucky attempting to claim the title role from Michael Keaton after learning of Tim Burton helming a sequel to the 1989 blockbuster! Keep your eyes open for a hilarious jab at actress Sean Young and her notorious obsession with nabbing the role of Catwoman!
“The Return of Batduck” takes it a topical step further with an interesting premise that finds Plucky attempting to claim the title role from Michael Keaton after learning of Tim Burton helming a sequel to the 1989 blockbuster! Keep your eyes open for a hilarious jab at actress Sean Young and her notorious obsession with nabbing the role of Catwoman!
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