CRUSADER

There’s one animated series that has impressed me a lot recently, and that is – Batman: The Brave and The Bold.

This show is based on an old DC comic book serial of the same name. The concept this serial features Batman teaming up with a guest hero to take on the guest villain of the story. The caped crusader has different chemistry with each of his temporary teammates as Batman and the guest hero will either: get along, argue, or have a competitive clash.

Batman will either join forces with the likes of The Blue Beetle, The Red Tornado, The Green Arrow and so forth. Those less Batman literate like me get to learn a little more about these characters in the DC Universe through watching the episodes. The featured villains themselves are not the regular occurrences of The Penguin, The Riddler, The Joker etc we are used to in previous televised Batman adventures. I must admit, I didn’t hear much about villains such as The Black Manta, Gentleman Ghost, and Funhouse until I started watching Brave and the Bold.


Another unique execution from The Brave and the Bold is that you never see Batman as Bruce Wayne. There is no Wayne Manor, No Batcave, No Alfred, No Aunt Agatha, or anything like that. It is just straight in the action with Batman as Batman from a perspective of how an everyday citizen would probably see him.

However, Bruce has been in the show a couple of times, but only as part of a flashback sequence or two. Yet these were compromised by one sequence depicted in black and white featuring Bruce as a boy and the other showing Bruce training at a temple with his face hidden by a mask.

The art style itself is a fusion of old school comics rounded off with modern day pointy edges. The design is solid enough to animate well and be made bright and attractive enough to younger spectators. This has probably got to be the most colourful Batman cartoon yet!
Each episode starts off with a minute and a half mini adventure before the beginning title, featuring Batman sometimes with a partner getting themselves out of a situation. The main story after the title sequence is the bulk of the show and a stand-alone episode, meaning these don’t have to be watched in order.

So what we have here is a Batman cartoon that daringly dodges a lot of clichés and is a great product as a result. This is a fresher take on the ‘dark knight’ in animated form that should be enjoyed by all if not most Batman and comics fans.

A show that is both Brave and Bold in its own right.

TITCH

Today I received the very sad news that one of the litter of 1 Mum & 6 kittens that we helped to rescue passed away, having to be put to sleep on Boxing Day. His owners are obviously devastated, as are we since we gave that little baby a chance to live by taking our two very early, as Titch was so tiny and not getting enough from their Mum. He did well after Zip and Star left the litter to come home with us, and was soon homed with his brother Bob (now Bobby).

At least we know two things:

a) He was loved all his short life by a loving family, including a child who I am sure had many awesome times together with Titch

b) He didn't suffer very long at all - on the same day he first fell ill he was untreatable and so bad the terribly hard decision was made

We are very sad to hear of this news, and wish the family that homed him every success in introducing Bobby to a potential newcomer. You can never replace a loving pet, but you can add to your memories with more friends.

RIP Titch - You made us smile



(Titch is the little grey guy on the left)

SHINDIG

I spent a large portion of this Saturday attending and helping out at the TGI Kids Christmas Party.

The TGI Friday kids party featured: food (of course), games, a Veggie-tales Christmas DVD showcase and the most outstanding of all a Punch & Judy display. The Punch & Judy was in its true traditional, non-PC performance (aside from the omission of the hanging scene) and was loved by kids and adults alike. Seeing a Punch & Judy act again after 2 decades was quite cheerful to say the least. I’m glad no sensitive types complained, especially as PC Plod confirmed to the audience that Judy and the baby were still alive and well from being thrown down the stairs by the naughty Mr Punch.

Of course ‘Santa Claus’ appeared at the end with a bag of goodies for the young uns. Every kid got a present to take home too. Afterwards ‘Santa’ waved goodbye to everyone as he left though the back door or the Pastor’s office and onto his vacation. :P

Having a Christmas Party in early January is a great way to give Christmas and the holiday period good send off. I think its good of TGI to do this event at this time every year, since it provides a last Christmas related highlight for the kids who have to go back to school the following week. For me, I am happy to help out and be a part of it and most importantly, its great to see those kids happy.