Written by Alex Peyton
The first Batman animated series appeared in 1992 after the success of the Tim Burton directed Batman films. Considered by many to be one of the definitive interpretations of the Batman mythos, it takes Batman and strips it down to the bare essentials. Batman was initially shown in the UK on Saturday morning TV and was amusingly the one thing that would get my entire family to get up and watch on a Saturday morning. Now unfortunately several years later with the release of the DVD box sets of the series (though not as yet the animated movies), I wanted to see if it was as good as my teenage memories recalled.
The series takes a back to basics approach to the Batman, billionaire Bruce Wayne as Batman, assisted by his English butler Alfred Pennyworth with the Police led by Commissioner Gordon. Gone are any aspects of the whimsical 60’s television show such as Chief O’Hara and in its place, a dark, broody, surprisingly adult and often macabre series that treats its audience with respect. The design took the look, style and atmosphere of the 1930s/40s and juxtaposes it with the use of modern technology. The animators developed a new technique that used black backgrounds known as “Dark Deco” which is what gives every scene in Gotham such an extraordinary look.
The basic concept means that it can be used for a variety of styles of adventures – Crime noir, science fiction, pure detective, outlandish and pulp style adventures (especially in the Ra’s Al Ghul episodes). Its intelligent, fast paced entertainment that actually looks at society’s ills and shows Bruce Wayne is socially conscious and willing to do something about issues. And doesn’t pander to the PC He-Man brigade of obsessing about morals.
They take inspiration from most eras of Batman, most notably the Dick Sprange and Bill Finger from the 1940s and Len Wein and Steve Engleheart versions from the 1970s. This is most notably seen when various stories from that era are directly transferred to screen, including the Werewolf, Joker Fish and more importantly Ra’s Al Ghul. And further taking its cue from the 1970s Batman, even many of the villains are from that sort of period with the mob led by reoccurring villain Boss Thorne a particular example. The series also redefines many of the villains for the nineties, providing a tragic background for Mr. Freeze, expanding on the Mad Hatter’s obsession with Lewis Carroll’s classic tale and turning the Clock King into a viable threat. Whilst happy to use Batman villains from the comics, the series is also happy to create a few new ones, such as Lock-Up, Harley Quinn and Baby Doll.
Unlike most series, there is no pilot episode setting the stage and explaining how the different character relationships have developed. Early episodes show that it was not instantly perfect but takes a few episodes before they hit their stride. The Joker, for instance, takes a couple of appearances to settle on a specific style of insanity that is evil, mad and over the top, without being completely ridiculous, whilst Alfred’s voice takes a few appearances to improve. Batman also knows some strange things for a man including being very knowledgeable about little girls’ toys. Initially, they also do not seem to be sure what to do with Robin; he is haphazardly in the series until his double episode origin and then brought more into the fray.
Most episodes are standalone with the occasional two-parters. There is no big overarching storyline and this is its strength offering accessibility and a complete story every time. Occasionally an episode is done that is out of the box and very different to the normal fare. These include the flashback to Jonah Hex in the Wild West and my favourite episode Almost Got ‘im with various bat villains discussing how they almost killed the Batman whilst also trying to lay low. Strong characters also mean that Batman does not always have to appear with Batgirl and Robin ably filling in.
There is some progression in terms of characters; most notably for Renee Montoya, the beat officer who as the series continues makes detective and for Batgirl, from Commissioner’s daughter to full blown hero and Batman’s partner as of Gotham Knights. Supporting characters also re-appear, making use of the shared continuity. None of the characters are specifically designed as comic relief in an attempt to keep things realistic and people well rounded. Unlike the films, the cartoon tries to avoid using any of the women in Batman’s life such as Vicki Vale and Silver St. Cloud. Selina Kyle (Catwoman) and news reporter Summer Gleeson are the closest we get to a woman in Batman’s life.
With the advent of Superman Adventures, Batman underwent a change in style; both in art and in character. Jumping forward an undefined period, Batgirl is now Batman’s partner whilst Dick Grayson has gone his own separate way to become Nightwing. Thrown into this situation is a new Robin; Tim Drake using the post crisis Jason Todd’s origin without the angst and bad attitude.
Shown alongside Superman, the revamp is a much darker version than before as a contrast to its more upbeat sister show. It is more willing to explore adult themes such as growing old, redemption of villains such as Ventriloquist and the dehumanisation of Mr. Freeze, who has lost all hope. Appearances include Etrigan the Demon, Klarion the Witch Boy, Jack Ryder who replaces Summer Gleeson as the main reporter used and a crossover with Supergirl and Livewire from Superman. The art style changes to become inherently darker with a now black and grey Batman costume, echoing the change in comic series. Also a greater level of violence is shown including previously unseen blows to the head and injuries to characters.
Things have also changed for the villains with Penguin becoming a legitimate businessman, providing a fence and contacts for the criminal fraternity and Mr. Freeze unable to return to his now cured wife. It ends strongly with Mad Love (the origin of Harley Quinn), Girls Night Out (crossover with Superman starring Batgirl, Supergirl, Livewire, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy) and The Creeper (Jack Ryder suffering almost the same fate as the Joker). The episode Legends of the Dark Knight rounds things off, exploring different people’s beliefs on who the Batman is, using two sequences based of the 1940s Batman and Frank Miller’s dystopian Batman of the future.
Whilst the creators do take inspiration from most eras of Batman, comic writers have in turn found inspiration from the cartoon. Characters such as Renee Montoya and villains like Lock Up and Harley Quinn have since found their way into the comics; Harley Quinn had her own title and Montoya is a major character in 52. The Penguin becoming a businessman and the revamped origin of Mr. Freeze have all stemmed from the cartoon series. Mr. Freeze’s origin was even the basis for the version in the travesty of the fourth Batman film, Batman and Robin.
The voice talent is strong, though not as famous as used later on by the Superman and Justice League cartoons. Kevin Conroy is perfect from the start as both the deep-voiced, authoritative Batman and the lighter pitched Bruce Wayne. He is aided by Efrem Zimbalist Jr as Alfred, Bob Hastings as Commissioner Gordon and Robin Lester as Robin/Nightwing. Rene Aubojonois, Michael Ansara (Mr. Freeze), Mark Hamill (The Joker), Adrienne Barbeau (Catwoman) and David Warner (Ra’s Al Ghul) all make guest voice appearances. In fact, this began a trend of famous voices on cartoons carried on by the likes of both Spiderman cartoons, Superman and Teen Titans.
Such is the strength of this version of Batman that even with the advent of a new younger version of the mythos, Kevin Conroy’s Batman is still in use in the ever-popular Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. Various Batman animated movies have still been produced with the most recent Mystery of the Batwoman only coming out in 2005. Because of its popularity, there was even a spin-off in the form of Batman Beyond (or Batman of the Future as it was called in the UK). Set about 40 years in future, Bruce Wayne, now an old man and a recluse, is forced to train a new Batman
Revisiting the animated series from an adult perspective, there are flaws, but it is still an excellent series that never talks down to the viewer. Intelligent and influential, the Batman animated series is well worth a look and at £25 for 28 episodes, good value.