quote of the day (July 8, 2008)

Since we gave away our top choice of Batmen yesterday, we'll just go ahead and get this out of the way. To start off our Batman rankings, we'll begin with the great Adam West.

Batman competes in the Jack Rabbit Slim's Twist Contest

Adam West, Batman tv show 1966-68, Batman: The Movie 1966

Typical quote: (about some ruffians in a bar) "They may be drinkers, Robin, but they are still human beings, and can be salvaged."

Strengths: Unflappability, excellent dancing ability (he's served more than one super-villain in his day), the ability to punch out villains and their henchmen so powerfully that sound effects like "Biff!" or "Zow!" are actually visible, secure enough in his manhood to wear a grey suit with a bright yellow utility belt.

Weaknesses: Questionable athleticism (Mel Kiper, Jr. claims that he does not have the physical upside you'd like to see in your super-heroes), creepy relationship with Robin, susceptibility to Catwoman's charms (can you really blame him?)

Overall Rating (0-100): 94. Adam West is clearly the gold standard of Batmen. If he'd just spent a little less time at the discotheque and more time at the gym, he'd score a perfect 100.