If you love frequenting comic conventions like I do, then you may agree on how one of the worst parts of this pandemic has been the absence of them. Fortunately, virtual shows have popped up in their place to tide us over. Whereas some organizers have assembled online conventions and laid them out with panels and speakers like a regular show (San Diego Comic-Con and DC FanDome, to name a couple), others have picked up the slack when it comes to meet-and-greets with celebrities. In my view, nobody has been capturing that aspect better than GalaxyCon.
To provide some context, GalaxyCon hosts several free panels each weekend on their website, showcasing celebrities from various beloved movies, TV shows, and video games. Afterward, fans have the opportunity to pay for video chats and autographs from the participating celebrity of their choice. To date, I’ve probably watched at least a dozen of their panels, along with purchasing a personalized autographed photo from Smallville‘s Tom Welling last summer.
This weekend, as it so happened, came the Voices of Batman panel. As you probably surmised, it involved four talented voice actors who have lent their pipes to the Dark Knight over the years. Joining the fun were Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League Unlimited, Batman: Arkham Asylum), Roger Craig Smith (Batman: Arkham Origins, Batman Ninja, Batman Unlimited), Anthony Ruivivar (Beware The Batman), and Michael Antonakos (Gotham Knights).
Suffice it to say, it was a thoroughly entertaining way to spend an hour. The gentlemen shared some interesting tidbits from their time playing the iconic character, but one question posed to them stood out as one I’d like to share with our readers: Who is their favorite villain?
Although I kind of hoped each fella would have a different answer, it shouldn’t really surprise anyone that they unanimously agreed upon the Joker. After all, he is Batman’s quintessential archnemesis. And if we’re to get more specific, Kevin Conroy stated he prefers Mark Hamill’s Joker – as do probably the majority of people reading this article.
However, there was some branching out. Conroy was also quick to name-drop Michael Ansara’s Mr. Freeze, whom he worked with on the “Heart of Ice” episode. Some folks say that’s one of the best Batman tales ever told – and Michael Antonakos immediately said he wants to revisit that one – but let’s not forget about the animated film, Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero. That was quite the viewing experience, I must say.
Beware The Batman star Anthony Ruivivar, meanwhile, gave props to co-star Grey DeLisle for her performances as Magpie. I’d have to agree with him, for she took a C-list villain and made her one of the highlights of that particular series. Coupling DeLisle’s sultry voice with a sleek and sexy character design, that iteration of Magpie was truly unforgettable and underrated.
But who is your favorite Batman villain? Feel free to let us know in the comments below!
For listings of upcoming online events, check out galaxycon.com.
