Who’s the best Batman?
I would have to say it’s — what’s his name? Adam West! He’s the best. [laughs] I’m sorry, but I find it irresistible not to include myself. In all seriousness, though, my Batman was entirely different from all the other incarnations. The TV series was pretty much all tongue-in-cheek, rueful silliness. The other guys who’ve played Batman — and I’m not trying to be politic — have their own viewpoints about the character.

The series was on the air for only three seasons, but it had a huge influence. Why?
Well, it was in color and, for the time, produced very expensively — probably one of the most expensive shows in TV history. Much of the credit goes to our remarkable list of guest villains — which was put together by our executive producer, Bill Dozier, who had a great knack for finding talent.

What an incredible experience it must have been.
It was very nerve-racking and yet, you’re right, it was a great experience. I’d done a series before called The Detectives, but the challenges of playing Batman in costume and making it both fun and interesting were a little difficult.

Batman is one of the few TV series not on DVD.
I’m glad you mentioned that. I’ve heard that the shows will be released on DVD and that I’ll be asked to do something for them. But then I hear that there’s some kind of legal entanglement. I don’t really know who owns the series and why they’re holding it back, especially when I get so many e-mails and fan letters asking for it.

What would be a neat extra?
A visit with some of our writers and directors, and maybe a prop guy — even a best boy, someone who made the coffee and was there the whole time. But there aren’t many of our villains still alive. Most of those great performers are gone, so it might be hard to reach them.

How did you get involved with Family Guy?
My agent got a call from [series creator] Seth MacFarlane and his partner — they’d written a pilot for me a couple of years before — and they thought I’d be a good mayor for Quahog. I read the script, fell down laughing, and said yes.

Have you seen the Mayor West action figure?
Unfortunately, yes. [laughs] I can laugh at it, that’s all — and it is nice when they send the money.

Can you give me some details about what will happen next season?
No, I can’t. It really is kept under wraps. But there’ll be more of the same cutting-edge, whimsical silliness. And I like that. I’ve done everything — theater, TV, and 50 or so movies — and I prefer to deliver the laughs, even though it’s more difficult than drama.

I’ve heard you’re doing a reality show?
It will be on TV Land later this fall — a day in the life of Adam West and other nonsense. They’ll follow me working, being interviewed at K-Rock, walking in the woods, fishing, writing — just things I do every day.

What are some of your favorite TV shows and movies?
I enjoy watching lots of different programs. Like a lot of men, I feel I’m better than anyone else with a remote, and don’t try to take it — especially if you’re a woman. Recent movies I’ve watched are a small French film called The Chorus and Lost in Translation, which I thought was remarkable. I also like Being There, My Favorite Year, and Red River. I like a movie with layers, otherwise you should just go see Kill Bill or something.

Do you go to the movie theater, or do you prefer to watch movies at home in your Bat Cave?
[laughs] Well, we turned the Bat Cave into a neo-tango club. I live in a small town, but there’s a multiplex, so usually I go there. It’s hard to find time to see every movie I want to, so frequently it’s a matter of going the DVD route. We have a big-screen TV, but if I’m watching an epic movie, I want to be in a movie theater where there’s an epic-size screen.

Your site (adamwest.com) has the Batman theme playing in the background. What else do you listen to?
I have eclectic tastes, but mostly it’s jazz. I have XM satellite radio for most of my listening. You can flip around and hear anything.

Now that you’re a cultural icon, what’s left for you to do?
Early in my career, I directed live TV. When I got to Hollywood and got a contract with Warner Brothers, I decided I wanted to pursue acting, so I stopped all my directing ambitions. But if I found something that really excited me, I’d like to direct again so I could put something together my way. That’s a frustration most actors have — you come in, do your part, get the check, and go. You have no more influence. But I’ve been very lucky. I could have been typecast as Batman, but I haven’t allowed that.

Are you going to be in Gotham City any time soon?
I get there once in awhile. Would you like to take a little spin in the Batmobile?