If anyone has the right to claim “I’M BATMANOpens in a new tab,” it’s Kevin ConroyOpens in a new tab. Forget Affleck, Bale, or Keaton, Conroy is the definitive Bruce Wayne, having voiced the character for 25 years. If you’ve ever watched Batman: The Animated SeriesOpens in a new tab (or any of its spinoffs) or played the ArkhamOpens in a new tab video games, you’ve heard Conroy’s baritone assuring the citizens of Gotham they will be safe.
[brightcove video_id=”5530475688001″ brightcove_account_id=”3653334524001″ brightcove_player_id=”rJs2ZD8x”]
However, the mainstream chooses Christian Bale as their go-to Batman, thanks to Christopher Nolan’s wildly successful Dark KnightOpens in a new tab trilogy. So what happens when those two Batmans collide? Simple, you get one of the coolest 90 seconds of Batman ever. On the AlphaOpens in a new tab show Talkin’ ToonsOpens in a new tab, Kevin Conroy and host Rob PaulsenOpens in a new tab (Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesOpens in a new tab, AnimaniacsOpens in a new tab) read the ending scene of The Dark Knight, in which Batman and Commissioner Gordon discuss the fate of Gotham.
The line “you either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain” was the trilogy’s greatest line of dialogue, and maybe even the best line in any superhero film. Personally, I didn’t think it could get better, but hearing Conroy’s gravelly Bruce Wayne recite the words evokes the same feeling of wonder I felt seeing The Dark Knight in the theater. And Paulsen does a great job as the commissioner, subtly bringing out Gordon’s skepticism, fear, and respect for Batman in only a few lines.What other iconic movie lines would you like to hear Kevin Conroy read? Let us know in the comments below and on TwitterOpens in a new tab.
Image: Warner Bros., Rocksteady
