Bob Kane\'s original version of Batman was dark (back when it was called "Detective comics"). Infact , Batman even killed someone in the original comics. He then went towards a more light hearted approach to the comics and eventually went back to the dark obsessive Batman that we know today.
As for the 60\'s show with Adam West, I\'m a huge fan of that series (even have the DVD movie). The show was about camp. It was never meant to be taken serious, Adam West and Burt Ward went through a lot to keep it that way durin\' all the shows different producers / directors.
Oh and I agree a hundred percent JoP. Bruce Wayne is the important side of Batman, but still, you need to have that stare..Ya\' know, that one dark intense stare. Michael Keaton had it, damnit.