When people read something, it’s usually with their own thinking voice–you’re probably doing it now while reading this! One of the few times that changes is when we’re reading dialogue spoken by different characters, as we utilize a different voice that’s specific and unique for that character. For most of us who grew up in the ‘90s or early 2000s, any time we read a Batman comic, the voice we give Batman belongs to one man: Kevin Conroy.
Although Kevin Conroy’s portrayal of Batman is predated in live action by Adam West and Michael Keaton, his longevity as the voice of the Caped Crusader has made him the definitive Batman for some fans. Starting in 1992 with Batman: The Animated Series (BTAS) all the way to 2022 in the video game platform fighter Multiversus, Kevin Conroy as Batman has had 30 years worth of iconic moments–most of which you can stream on HBO Go with PLDT Home. Here are some of our favorite Batman moments from the legendary voice actor.
Courtesy of HBO Go
“I am vengeance. I am the knight. I AM BATMAN!”
It’s amazing to think that Kevin Conroy’s defining line as Batman was said only ten episodes into the first season of BTAS, entitled Nothing to Fear. But that’s to be expected when the voice actor is so in-tune with the character. His portrayal was iconic from the very beginning. Check out three seasons of Batman: The Animated Series on HBO Go with PLDT Home.
Batman flexes his vocal chords
The beauty of episodic television is that some episodes get to tone down the stakes. In the sixth episode of Season 1 of Justice League Unlimited, Batman has to bargain with the powerful sorceress Circe to turn Wonder Woman back to normal after being turned into a pig. Circe promises to do just that, only if Batman sings in exchange. If Batman had the singing voice of Kevin Conroy, we’d wish for that too. You can listen to the full version of Kevin Conroy singing Am I Blue? on his official website or stream all seasons of Justice League Unlimited on HBO Go with PLDT Home.
Batman saves the world with his compassion
Courtesy of HBO Go
In most iterations of Batman, whether it’s animated, live-action, or even in the comics, he saves the day with his intellect or his fighting prowess–or both. Rarely is Batman given the opportunity to end everything with just a conversation. In the Season 2 finale of Justice League Unlimited, Batman gets to do just that; and Conroy’s masterful performance of changing his tone of voice–instead of being the usual fear-inducing symbol of vengeance, he shows us his human side, displaying his empathic and compassionate side that just might bring tears to your eyes.
A battle of beliefs
If Batman has the Joker as his eternal rival, then Kevin Conroy has Mark Hamill as his eternal scene partner. The two have worked together as Batman and Joker in multiple titles that span television, movies, and video games. From Batman: The Animated Series to Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker and The Arkham video game series–all culminating in their amazing performance together in the animated adaptation of Alan Moore’s classic graphic novel, Batman: The Killing Joke. Watch Batman: The Killing Joke on HBO Go with PLDT Home.
A life well-lived
Kevin Conroy lives on through his wide body of work as the voice actor behind the Caped Crusader. Enjoy more titles starring Kevin Conroy by subscribing to HBO Go with PLDT Home, powered by our seamless and reliable PLDT Home Fiber Plus plans. With fast speeds anywhere at home, that’s true #EntertainmentMadeBetter.