McLuhan could respect this Batman

    “I do my best work in the dark.” Batman, from Justice League unlimited, a spin off of the Animated series. McLuhen more than likely would have found an admiration for this beloved series. At a time before computers and high definition T.V., the show still makes a powerful impact nearly twenty years since it left air. The artists behind the look of the show were, Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski. They wanted the show to be dark. However at a time when true black on home televisions was impossible the duo had to be creative. McLuhen claimed that media is dictated by technology. In order for them to get the look they wanted they tired something completely different. They began with sheets of black paper instead of white. The show was then drawn over the already black paper. This richened the look and feel of the show. The show had to bend to the technology available at the time. The show went on to earn four Emmy Awards. Despite all the hard work of the animation team at the time animation was still limited slightly limited. There was not the same technology to help animated the show as we have today. Once again the show would have to play a strength to make up for a technical weakness. The show hired a cast of fantastic actors. These voices not only strengthen the show, but defined many of what the characters sounded like for numerous fans. The technology dictated a problem so the makers of the show had to play to their strengths. Among this cast are broadway actors such as Kevin Conroy, T.V. stars such as Bob Hastings, and Adam West, and Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill. In conclusion, I wonder if McLuhen would have thought about what creativity can be born from failings in technology. The impact of this show was a look, a sound, and a style all it’s own. Created by technology that made it impossible for the show to be done any other way, and as a fan, I’m glad the show was limited by the technology around. I think McLuhen could respect that.