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by Marc Gravelle

As the news shook my emotions violently, my younger sibling continued, “It’s so weird. You were just talking last week about how you thought that he didn’t have much time left.” It was true. She was reflecting on a conversation between the two of us where I had speculated that, after hearing of a recent appearance cancellation at a local convention, Adam West’s days may be numbered. At 88 years of age you certainly don’t need to be a fortune teller to speculate that a cancelled appearance may be related to health issues, but the news of his death still struck me hard. Talking about something happening and actually have it happen are two completely different things.

Phone calls from my sister informing me of celebrity deaths have been far too frequent lately. Strictly speaking from a sci-fi perspective, the world of fandom has recently lost Carrie Fisher and Roger Moore. With Carrie Fisher, the one and only Leia Organa, her death came unexpectedly – and in the middle of the cinematic resurgence of her most famous portrayal. In Roger Moore’s case, he was but one of many actors to portray James Bond. Roger Moore was my definitive James Bond, the one I grew up with as a child.


I’m very grateful that Adam West was able to revisit his career-defining role recently as Batman/Bruce Wayne’s voice over actor as Batman/Bruce Wayne for the animated movie Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders and the upcoming Batman: Two-Face. It’s simply a treat to hear West interact again alongside the most memorable of his former Batman cast mates, Burt Ward as Robin the Boy Wonder and Julie Newmar as Catwoman. I can’t wait to hear the chemistry between his Batman and William Shatner’s Two-Face. Adam’s voice may have shown definite signs of ageing in these final Batman portrayals, but I’ll gladly take it.
The words Same Bat-time Same Bat-channel may never be heard the same way again, but fond memories of Mr. West and his legacy will live on in the hearts of Rob, myself, my sister and the countless others who were fortunate enough to experience Adam West’s Batman growing up. If you haven’t experienced classic Bat-Man, you really should. His adventures, both old and new, are readily available on Blu-Ray and DVD to cherish over and over again.

I raise a glass of milk to toast your loving memory, Adam West.
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