In the past few decades, Kevin Conroy has done quite the job of becoming synonymous with the Dark Knight, having voiced him in various animated series and video games. And though other fine actors have run with the torch in a number of animated movies to follow, it’s impossible to overlook the fact that some of the best offerings featured him in the titular role.
Of course, people like you and I could debate all day about which among the pack is the best, but odds are the flick we’re here to discuss today tops more than a few lists. And as you may have figured, even Conroy himself is able to choose a favorite Batman film of his own.
While appearing at a panel this past weekend at Michigan Comic Con, Kevin was asked by Red Hood cosplayer Nathan Kile which of the pictures he starred in was best in his view. After the Jason Todd enthusiast named Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, Conroy agreed with him by saying the following:
“I think it’s such a great movie. I think it’s the best Batman movie, even [among] the live action ones.”
Not long ago, my esteemed colleague Sergio Pereira gave nine specific reasons why that one reigns supreme. Conroy, however, was a little more succinct:
“You get the whole backstory of Batman. You learn his whole genesis in that story – and then he finds love.”
Had you seen the picture for yourself, then you’re well aware of how Bruce Wayne, as Conroy put it, “can’t escape his destiny,” thus further cementing the tragic legacy that is the Caped Crusader’s. But that just goes to show how Mask of the Phantasm succeeded on so many levels.
Though this movie in particular was Conroy’s favorite overall, he did give honorable mentions to Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero and The Killing Joke, for both possessed artwork and performances given by both him and his fellow actors that resonate with him to this day.
Tell us, do you also think that Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is the cat’s pajamas? Or do you prefer something like, say, Under the Red Hood starring Bruce Greenwood? Sound off in the usual place below!