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{{Realworld}}'''Bat-embargo''' was the term used for the decision to limit or ban the use of [[Batman]]-related characters from any media source outside of the new ''Batman Begins'' movie franchise and ''[[The Batman]]'' animated series. This decision meant that only obscure Bat-villains such as the [[Clock King]], the [[KGBeast]], [[Gork]], Professor [[Milo]], or [[Blockbuster]]
would appear in the [[DCAU]].
+
{{Realworld}}'''Bat-embargo''' was the term used for the decision to limit or ban the use of [[Batman]]-related characters from any media source outside of the new ''
[[Wikipedia:The Dark Knight Trilogy|
Batman Begins
]]
'' movie franchise and ''[[
The Batman (TV series)|
The Batman]]'' animated series. This decision meant that only obscure Bat-villains such as the [[Clock King]], the [[KGBeast]], [[Gork]], Professor [[Milo]], or [[Blockbuster]] would appear in the [[DCAU]].
== Purpose ==
== Purpose ==
During a long time, it was unclear who enacted the embargo, but it was commonly believed to be either [[DC Comics]] or [[Warner Bros.]] In 2007, it was revealed via The World's Finest that [[DC Comics]] writer [[Wikipedia:Paul Levitz|Paul Levitz]] was the one who enacted the embargo. The reason Levitz supplied is that with the coming of ''[[The Batman (animated series)|The Batman]]'', children (their target demographic) would be confused to see two different versions of the same characters at the same time.
During a long time, it was unclear who enacted the embargo, but it was commonly believed to be either [[DC Comics]] or [[Warner Bros.]] In 2007, it was revealed via The World's Finest that [[DC Comics]] writer [[Wikipedia:Paul Levitz|Paul Levitz]] was the one who enacted the embargo. The reason Levitz supplied is that with the coming of ''[[The Batman (animated series)|The Batman]]'', children (their target demographic) would be confused to see two different versions of the same characters at the same time.
−
This reasoning does not explain everything associated with the embargo. A number of Batman characters reserved never saw use in ''[[The Batman (
animated
series)|The Batman]]'' (i.e., [[Two-Face]], [[Ra's al Ghul]], the [[Scarecrow]], and the [[Mad Hatter]]), most likely because they were to be used in the Christopher Nolan movies (except the [[Mad Hatter]]). It also does not explain why other heroes were also banned. Nor does it explain why Batman himself was allowed to continue appearing in {{jlu}}. These questions present (but by no means confirm) the possibility that there were other reasons involved in the ban.
+
This reasoning does not explain everything associated with the embargo. A number of Batman characters reserved never saw use in ''[[The Batman (
TV
series)|The Batman]]'' (i.e., [[Two-Face]], [[Ra's al Ghul]], the [[Scarecrow]], and the [[Mad Hatter]]), most likely because they were to be used in the
[[Wikipedia:
Christopher Nolan
|Christopher Nolan]]
movies (except the [[Mad Hatter]]). It also does not explain why other heroes were also banned. Nor does it explain why
[[
Batman
]]
himself was allowed to continue appearing in {{jlu}}. These questions present (but by no means confirm) the possibility that there were other reasons involved in the ban.
== Words from the creative team ==
== Words from the creative team ==
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* Originally, [[Batgirl|Barbara Gordon]] was to appear in the ''[[Justice League Unlimited (animated series)|Justice League Unlimited]]'' episode "[[Double Date]]". The episode would have her getting injured during a case as [[Batgirl]]. Since Bruce forbids her from participating, she would recreate herself as Oracle, and get in touch with [[Black Canary]] and [[Huntress]] to finish her case. Neither of them would meet her in person. Due to the Bat-embargo, the story was changed to include [[Green Arrow]] and [[The Question]] instead.[http://jl.toonzone.net/episode43/episode43.htm]
* Originally, [[Batgirl|Barbara Gordon]] was to appear in the ''[[Justice League Unlimited (animated series)|Justice League Unlimited]]'' episode "[[Double Date]]". The episode would have her getting injured during a case as [[Batgirl]]. Since Bruce forbids her from participating, she would recreate herself as Oracle, and get in touch with [[Black Canary]] and [[Huntress]] to finish her case. Neither of them would meet her in person. Due to the Bat-embargo, the story was changed to include [[Green Arrow]] and [[The Question]] instead.[http://jl.toonzone.net/episode43/episode43.htm]
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* The introduction of the [[Legion of Doom]] in season three of ''[[Justice League Unlimited (animated series)|Justice League Unlimited]]'' conspicuously lacks the major [[Batman]] villains the [[Scarecrow]] and the [[Riddler]], both of whom were part of the original Legion of Doom in ''Challenge Of The Super Friends''.
Ironically, that version of the Legion of Doom was also under its own version of a Bat-Embargo, as Filmation was producing The New Adventures of Batman in 1977 which kept A-list Batman villains [[Joker]] and [[Penguin]] off of that version.
+
* The introduction of the [[Legion of Doom]] in season three of ''[[Justice League Unlimited (animated series)|Justice League Unlimited]]'' conspicuously lacks the major [[Batman]] villains the [[Scarecrow]] and the [[Riddler]], both of whom were part of the original
[[
Legion of Doom
]]
in ''Challenge Of The Super Friends''. Ironically, that version of the
[[
Legion of Doom
]]
was also under its own version of a Bat-Embargo, as Filmation was producing The New Adventures of Batman in 1977 which kept A-list Batman villains [[Joker]] and [[Penguin]] off of that version.
{{Rquote|right|As you suspect, many [[Batman]] characters are unavailable for JLU, at least for the time being. It's only been a problem a couple of times [...] I wanted to use [[Hugo Strange]]<nowiki> [...his appearance in "</nowiki>[[The Doomsday Sanction|Doomsday Sanction]]<nowiki>"] was to set up a later appearance. The later appearance won't happen now.</nowiki>|[[Dwayne McDuffie]] on DwayneMcDuffie.com}}
{{Rquote|right|As you suspect, many [[Batman]] characters are unavailable for JLU, at least for the time being. It's only been a problem a couple of times [...] I wanted to use [[Hugo Strange]]<nowiki> [...his appearance in "</nowiki>[[The Doomsday Sanction|Doomsday Sanction]]<nowiki>"] was to set up a later appearance. The later appearance won't happen now.</nowiki>|[[Dwayne McDuffie]] on DwayneMcDuffie.com}}
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* The "Bat-embargo" started around the middle of the second season of ''Justice League Unlimited'', seeing as [[Hugo Strange]] was featured in "[[The Doomsday Sanction|Doomsday Sanction]]" but was unavailable onward. Dwayne wanted to use the character later in the second season, presumably for the interrogation scene in "[[Question Authority]]", but couldn't do it due to the embargo. His role was later taken by [[Doctor Moon]], a brain surgeon who is the go-to villain of the DC Universe when 'evil' brain-washing is required.
+
* The "Bat-embargo" started around the middle of the second season of ''Justice League Unlimited'', seeing as [[Hugo Strange]] was featured in "[[The Doomsday Sanction|Doomsday Sanction]]" but was unavailable onward. Dwayne wanted to use the character later in the second season, presumably for the interrogation scene in "[[Question Authority]]", but couldn't do it due to the embargo. His role was later taken by [[Doctor Moon]], a brain surgeon who is the go-to villain of the
[[Wikipedia:
DC Universe
|DC Universe]]
when 'evil' brain-washing is required.
* No more [[Joker]] appearances, which was unusual, since he had appeared prominently in earlier seasons.
* No more [[Joker]] appearances, which was unusual, since he had appeared prominently in earlier seasons.
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* The [[Penguin]] or other [[Gotham City]] influential mobsters like Black Mask, [[Two-Face]], [[Rupert Thorne]] or [[Ventriloquist & Scarface|Scarface]] did not appear in further episodes. According to [[Bruce Timm]], after his redesign of the character for {{tnba}}, the [[Penguin]] started to have a very influential role as a kingpin for [[Gotham City]] underworld, working behind the scenes a la [[Lex Luthor]]. His power and position was especially shown when he was last seen, on the ''[[Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman]]'' movie.
* The [[Penguin]] or other [[Gotham City]] influential mobsters like Black Mask, [[Two-Face]], [[Rupert Thorne]] or [[Ventriloquist & Scarface|Scarface]] did not appear in further episodes. According to [[Bruce Timm]], after his redesign of the character for {{tnba}}, the [[Penguin]] started to have a very influential role as a kingpin for [[Gotham City]] underworld, working behind the scenes a la [[Lex Luthor]]. His power and position was especially shown when he was last seen, on the ''[[Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman]]'' movie.
−
* During the
"
Batman Adventures
"
(2003–2004) story arc, the last comic book based on ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'', all the rogues evolved. The [[Penguin]] became mayor, Black Mask and Red Hood made their first appearances, and [[Poison Ivy]], [[Mr. Freeze]], [[Talia]], and the [[Riddler]] had also major changes in their lives. Although the comics based on the [[DCAU]] stories
are not
canonical to it, the producers have often adapted some of the plots to the actual [[DCAU]] in the past, especially when Timm was involved in the comic's production, like in this case.
+
* During the
''
Batman Adventures
''
(2003–2004) story arc, the last comic book based on ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'', all the rogues evolved. The [[Penguin]] became mayor, Black Mask and Red Hood made their first appearances, and [[Poison Ivy]], [[Mr. Freeze]], [[Talia]], and the [[Riddler]] had also major changes in their lives. Although the comics based on the [[DCAU]] stories
aren't
canonical to it, the producers have often adapted some of the plots to the actual [[DCAU]] in the past, especially when Timm was involved in the comic's production, like in this case.
* The long-anticipated reappearance of [[Ra's al Ghul]] and his related League of Assassins, which is already part of the [[DC Animated Universe]] continuity, wasn't possible.
* The long-anticipated reappearance of [[Ra's al Ghul]] and his related League of Assassins, which is already part of the [[DC Animated Universe]] continuity, wasn't possible.
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== Reaction ==
== Reaction ==
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Many fans were unhappy with this policy and expressed their discontent through petitions [http://www.petitiononline.com/gr4588/petition.html] [http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/batembargosucks] intended to reverse it, or at least to convince Warner Bros. to allow the inclusion of Batman's archenemies the [[Scarecrow]] and the [[Riddler]] in the [[Legion of Doom]]. However, it had no effect, because the show was ended before this ban could be lifted.
+
Many fans were unhappy with this policy and expressed their discontent through petitions [http://www.petitiononline.com/gr4588/petition.html] [http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/batembargosucks] intended to reverse it, or at least to convince
[[
Warner Bros.
]]
to allow the inclusion of
[[
Batman
]]
's archenemies the [[Scarecrow]] and the [[Riddler]] in the [[Legion of Doom]]. However, it had no effect, because the show was ended before this ban could be lifted.
== End of the embargo ==
== End of the embargo ==
−
Many web articles that refer to the Bat-embargo were last updated in the year 2005, meaning very little current news is available. The use of formerly banned characters in ''Batman: The Brave and the Bold'' suggests that the ban has been lifted or altered. However, with the closure of
''Justice League Unlimited''
and no other current media that would make effective use of these characters, details have not been widely circulated.
+
Many web articles that refer to the Bat-embargo were last updated in the year 2005, meaning very little current news is available. The use of formerly banned characters in ''Batman: The Brave and the Bold'' suggests that the ban has been lifted or altered. However, with the closure of
{{jlu}}
and no other current media that would make effective use of these characters, details have not been widely circulated.
== Other embargoes ==
== Other embargoes ==
* The [[Aquaman]] embargo:
* The [[Aquaman]] embargo:
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:DC Comics has asked the {{jlu}} staff not to use Aquaman or any of his family or characters, this is due to the recent appearance of the character on ''Smallville'', a storyline featuring the character on the television series ''Entourage'', and the announcement of a Smallville-esque
"
Aquaman
"
spin-off series. A pilot episode, "Mercy Reef", was filmed, but it didn't get picked up by the network.
+
:DC Comics has asked the {{jlu}} staff not to use
[[
Aquaman
]]
or any of his family or characters, this is due to the recent appearance of the character on ''
[[Wikipedia:
Smallville
|Smallville]]
'', a storyline featuring the character on the television series ''Entourage'', and the announcement of a
''
Smallville
''
-esque
[[
Aquaman
]]
spin-off series
with [[Wikipedia:Justin Hartley|Justin Hartley]] in the [[Aquaman|lead role]]
. A pilot episode, "Mercy Reef", was filmed, but it didn't get picked up by the network.
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::According to Television Without Pity, producers changed Black Manta to Devil Ray and removed Aquaman from "[[To Another Shore]]" because the rights to Aquaman were no longer available.
+
::According to Television Without Pity, producers changed
[[Wikipedia:
Black Manta
|Black Manta]]
to
[[
Devil Ray
]]
and removed
[[
Aquaman
]]
from "[[To Another Shore]]" because the rights to
[[
Aquaman
]]
were no longer available.
* The [[Wonder Woman]] embargo:
* The [[Wonder Woman]] embargo:
−
:Bruce Timm admitted in an interview shown on the {{jldvd1|first season DVD}} that he initially ran into some legal issues once he told Warner Bros. that he wanted to use Wonder Woman for the series. He was eventually successful in being able to use the character for the show, but later other animated series ran into similar road-blocks preventing the use of both the Wonder Woman character as well as established Wonder Woman supporting characters.
+
:
[[
Bruce Timm
]]
admitted in an interview shown on the {{jldvd1|first season DVD}} that he initially ran into some legal issues once he told Warner Bros. that he wanted to use
[[
Wonder Woman
]]
for the series. He was eventually successful in being able to use the character for the show, but later other animated series ran into similar road-blocks preventing the use of both the
[[
Wonder Woman
]]
character as well as established
[[
Wonder Woman
]]
supporting characters
, like [[Cheetah]] and [[Steve Trevor]]
.
Although it was never clear which was one of the main reasons of this embargo, it's believed that it could have been the production of the [[Wikipedia:Joss Whedon#Unrealized projects|Joss Whedon]]'s ''[[Wikipedia:Wonder Woman (2017 film)#Development|Wonder Woman]]'' , which was never made.
* The other heroes:
* The other heroes:
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* [http://jl.toonzone.net The Watchtower]
* [http://jl.toonzone.net The Watchtower]
* [http://www.dwaynemcduffie.com dwaynemcduffie.com]
* [http://www.dwaynemcduffie.com dwaynemcduffie.com]
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* [http://jl.toonzone.net/weblog/weblog.htm]
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* [http://jl.toonzone.net/ras/ras.htm]
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[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Definitions]]
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