Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by CJCollector on June 10, 2017 at 9:37am

Very sad day, Rich.

There was a documentary recently on one of the cable channels and it was fabulous.

Such a humble man.

RIP, Mr. West.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Bill Fraser on June 10, 2017 at 10:30am

Seeing videos of his appearances, he always had a great sense of humor. He was my Batman growing up. RIP Adam West

Attachments: No photo uploads here

• IMG_2453.JPG, 2.1 MB

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by CJCollector on June 10, 2017 at 10:34am

He was also my Batman growing up.  I think I was ten when Batman first aired.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Pete Bendu on June 10, 2017 at 1:14pm

If you were born before the 1980s, he was everyone's Batman. While he was great to his fans in the 1970's and 80's, he wasn't very kind to people in our hobby for the last 20 years or so, and he likely lost millions because of it. 

RIP Caped Crusader. Hopefully whatever higher power you believe in, won't charge you 5 times the price.... because Frank, Cesar and Burgess are already there. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by James on June 12, 2017 at 2:08am

I was about 2 and 1/2 yo when Batman started, so I can't remember if I was hooked immediately, but by about the age of 5 or 6 I sure was. And as I grew up, I stayed addicted to the show, campiness and all! Adam West was, is, and always will be THE Batman!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mike White on June 20, 2017 at 12:48pm

Adam West (and his convention agent) had a reputation of being hardasses.

As such, I'd like to share the story of the time I met them.

It was less than 10 years ago, but before convention prices were widely publicized. I had budgeted $50 for Adam (based on past reported pricing) & picked up a discounted autographed photo from Burt Ward's website. When I got in Adam's insanely long line at the convention, I learned 2 things:

1) Adam was charging $60

2) Adam didn't generally like signing anything already signed by Burt Ward, so you wanted to get Adam first then go to Burt (who was 2 seats down from him at the same convention)

So, I was in line with an item that I didn't know if he would sign and $10 less than his signing fee in my pocket (with no means to get more, as it was all I had to spend there, period--I was young). I figured I might as well meet try to meet Adam, if nothing else.

About an hour or so later, I finally got to the front of the line, and, before I could say anything, Adam's assistant took my picture and asked me the name to dedicate it to (Adam always personalized, unless you paid way more than his fee). At this point, I kind of freaked out because I didn't know what happened when you found yourself in debt to a signer, but I didn't want to find out. I actually told him to slow down and then explained my dilemma and how I was just hoping to meet Adam.

He and Adam both looked at me and smiled, then the assistant said "It's ok. We'll take $50. What name do you want it dedicated to?" So I, in total shock, thanked them both profusely and told them my name. Then, while Adam signed my picture, his assistant gave me $7 back in change. At this point, I was incredibly confused, but his assistant said "We can't take every dollar you have in your pocket; it's fine. We're giving you a break; you can use it to buy lunch." Adam then looked over at him & said "Are you giving Mike a break? I thought I told you to never give Mike a break."

Then Adam winked at me and gave me back my picture. I stuttered out a few words of appreciation to both of them and went on my way.

Here's the picture:

Since I got it discounted from Burt's website (only $10) & Adam signed it for $43, I ended up getting both signatures for less than Adam was charging at that convention.

I never found out if the "Make sure you get Ward second" thing was only a myth, but I get the feeling that's why it was signed in the color & location it was. Obviously it's not the best looking piece because of that, but after getting a $13 discount from a guy who was known for not being the nicest (see Pete's post), I'm not about to complain.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Pete Bendu on June 20, 2017 at 1:40pm

That is good to know, hopefully St. Peter or whoever is manning the Pearly Gates only charges him 3 times the fee.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Robert Babb on June 29, 2017 at 1:58pm

he also signed free ttm or someone else signed for him! I bought a signed book from his website a few years back and I asked him to sign it to the batmobile Robert! rest in peace mr. west!

• ▶ Reply