Exploring the Animated Series of Batman

The Dark Knight Returns

Hello and welcome to Animated, the weekly newsletter about a famous and not-so-famous animation. Every Sunday, you’ll receive free animated knowledge to stun your friends and family, so why not subscribe and be the first to update your animated knowledge each week? This week, it’s the turn of Batman himself in his animated series.

History

The Batman animated series has a history that dates back to 1992.  First produced by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski, the show was a ground-breaking and influential series that altered the landscape of animated superhero adaptations. Titled Batman: The Animated Series, it quickly gained a dedicated fan base thanks to its stunning animation, dark and mature themes, and compelling storytelling in the 85 episodes shown between 1992 and 1995.

After the series ended its original run, a follow-up titled The New Batman Adventures began on Kids' WB in 1997 as a continuation of the series. This now featured a revamped animation style to match the style of Superman, which was now running simultaneously. It lasted 24 episodes and has now been included in the same re-run packages for home media releases.

The series became the first of the shared DC Animated Universe, which created further animated TV series, comics, video games and movies with much of the same creative talent, including the 1993 release Batman: Mask of the Phantasm.

The series was influenced by Tim Burton's Batman and Batman Returns of the late 1980s and early 1990s  and the Superman cartoons from the 1940s. In developing the series, Timm and  Radomski emulated the Burton films'  incorporating period features such as black-and-white title cards, police airships, and film noir flourishes.

The series' visual style was primarily based on Radomski's artwork, which developed the gothic look for Gotham City. In addition, Radomski’s designs used light colours on black paper instead of the industry standard of dark colours on white paper. The unique visual combination of noir imagery and Art Deco design was named Dark Deco by the producers.

Plotline

The Animated Series is well-known in animation for its detailed and intellectual storytelling that pushed deep into the psyche of Bruce Wayne, the billionaire playboy who transforms into Batman. The show also reveals the crime-ridden Gotham City and its villains, including the Joker, Two-Face, and Poison Ivy. Each episode features a unique story that deeply explores the roles of good and evil, illuminating brilliantly Batman's internal struggles as he fights to save his city.

Characters

It would be remiss not to mention Robin Batman's spirited protégé in the animated series. His unwavering loyalty complements Batman's brooding demeanour, adding levity to their crime-fighting partnership. Robin's agility and intelligence make him a vital asset, showcasing the significance of unity and mentorship in Gotham's dark crusade for justice.

The series introduced various developed and memorable characters synonymous with Batman folklore. Batman/Bruce Wayne was voiced by Kevin Conroy, whose deep and commanding voice embodies the Dark Knight. Mark Hamill voices the Joker, creating one of the character's most iconic, chilling portrayals.  Hamill found himself the biggest fan of Batman among the cast and credited the laughs he did on stage when in Amadeus in helping him land the role. In the reading of The Joker, he stood to deliver his lines where other actors would be seated, which gave him a real sense of ownership of the character.  

Other notable characters include Commissioner Gordon and Cat Woman, both of whom contribute to the depth and richness of Gotham City.  One of the series' best-known characters is Harley Quinn, the Joker’s assistant. This series made her so famous that DC Comics added her to their mainstream comic books. Penguin changed his appearance for the series being redesigned after the version seen in Batman Returns. Lesser-known villains like Mr. Freeze and Clay Face were altered to show their internal side and bring depth to their actions.

Merchandise

The success of the animation led to an explosion of merchandise.  There was an explosion of collectables, animated figures, and video games, to mention a few, with a whole clothing range being developed after the series' success. The show's artistic style appealed to old fans and a new generation of Batman enthusiasts, taking on a broader range of age demographics than previous superhero cartoons had managed.

Global Influence

The impact of the animated series crossed borders and languages, making it a global cultural phenomenon. The show was dubbed and subtitled in numerous languages, allowing fans worldwide to experience the adventures. This introduced Batman to a new generation and captivated audiences of all ages, making it one of the most successful and far-reaching animated series ever.

Bat Facts

Batman: The Animated Series received critical acclaim and even won several Emmy Awards, further solidifying its status as a ground-breaking animated series.

Harley Quinn debuted in this series before becoming a staple in the Batman and DC Comics universe. Created as the Joker's henchwoman, she gained immense popularity and eventually became a character with her comics, shows, and films.

Visual Influence: The show's distinctive visual style was heavily inspired by Art Deco and Film Noir aesthetics, giving Gotham City a timeless and unique appearance that set it apart from other animated series.

Bruce Wayne's Parents were called Thomas and Martha. 

Conclusion

Batman: The Animated Series stands as a monumental achievement in the world of animation and superhero storytelling. Its legacy thrives through merchandise, adaptations, and a devoted fan base. The series captured the essence of Batman's world and introduced it to audiences worldwide, solidifying its place as a timeless classic in animated television. It developed characters and drew in new audiences, brilliantly balanced on the core story theme and creative storytelling.

Coming Up

• Animated Anecdotes: Over 2024,  more people will share their anecdotes on animation that influences their lives.  Please let me know if you fancy writing a guest post to share with your readers and my readers.

• Essays: Later this year, a series of essays will shine a light on influential animations that have had a cultural impact.