The latest animated incarnation of Batman seems to break a lot of established rules when it comes to its depiction of the Dark Knight. The stories aren’t set in Gotham City, they don’t feature his established rogues gallery and we never even see Bruce Wayne or the Batcave. This version of Batman is less likely to be seen prowling rooftops in the dark of night and will more likely be walking down the street in full costume at high noon. Even the guest stars are out of the ordinary: no A-listers like Superman or Wonder Woman, but plenty of Green Arrow, Plastic Man and B’wana Beast. The latest episodes, however, break even the rules they’ve established for themselves as we get not only the first two-part story, but also our first look at the Batcave as well as an appearance by a seminal Batman villain. Actually, the seminal Batman villain.
In the first episode, “Deep Cover for Batman”, the Injustice Syndicate, an alternate reality version of all of the heroes Batman has teamed up with this season, are attempting to use a device that will allow them to jump dimensions. Their intent is to invade our world, but they are opposed by The Red Hood, a name familiar to most Batman fans as the nom de guerre of the criminal who eventually became the Joker in our reality. In this reality, however, he is a hero who seeks the aid of Batman to stop the group of evildoers from wreaking havoc across dimensional boundaries. Batman assumes the guise of Owlman, his criminal counterpart, in order to help the Hood and save not only our world, but countless other realities.
The second part of the story, “Game Over for Owlman”, sees Batman returning home only to find that Owlman has taken his place and has sullied the good name of the Dark Knight Detective by taking part in a crime spree! The Joker, dismayed by the upset of the natural order of things, decides to team with Batman in order to stop Owlman and set things right. Batman and the Joker must take on not only the devious Owlman, but also the combined efforts of Batman’s friends, who now perceive him as a villain.
I’m a huge fan of this series and I thought these two episodes were the best ones yet. I love the animation, which seems to be a mix of the styles of Dick Sprang and Alex Toth. I am completely enamored of the notion of throwing continuity out the window and spotlighting lesser known heroes and villains. I love the goofiness of the whole series and above all, I love that we’ve finally reached a point where its okay to show a Batman that isn’t so grim and serious that he’s unlikable. Wow, a superhero cartoon that is aimed at kids, what a concept!
But just because this Batman cracks the occasional smile, don’t think for a minute that the character is totally unrecognizable. His dedication to his mission is quite evident throughout the series and they even touch upon the darker aspects of his character: his paranoia is showcased in these episodes when it is revealed that he has devised methods for taking his friends out of action, should they become enemies, just as he did in the DCU proper. The series has even briefly touched upon his parents’ deaths and the effect it had on him. Even though this isn’t the darkest knight, it’s still the Dark Knight.
Anyway, back to the episodes at hand. I’m a sucker for alternate realities and parallel earths, so I probably would’ve liked this one even if it hadn’t been so well done. But it is quite well done: it’s non-stop action from beginning to end and puts Batman in the most dangerous situation he’s been in all season. These two episodes are by far the darkest and most violent we’ve seen in the series and they’re the most fun as well. The fact that we don’t usually see mainstream Batman villains made the appearance of the Joker all the more exciting, and the idea of Batman teaming up with not one but two versions of the Joker? Brilliant! This felt like sort of an “everything and the kitchen sink” episode, as we got to see all of the various heroes Batman has teamed with this season. I like it when all the toys in the toybox get used. They’ve also packed the episdoes (especially the second one) with a lot of neat little nods and winks to comic fans. There might not be an ongoing continuity in Batman: The Brave and the Bold, but it definitely doesn’t shy away from the characters rich history either. Well done. Well done, indeed.
I especially liked how the characters were portrayed. In keeping with the lighthearted feeling of the show, we got a Joker who was definitely evil but not the twisted, sadistic clown we’re used to. Not only did he resemble the opening credits of the old Batman television series, he played the part. Caesar Romero would be proud. Seeing the evil counterparts of the heroes was also pretty cool. A cocky Scarlet Scarab made an interesting counterpoint to the usually insecure Blue Beetle. It’s a nice little touch that makes the heroes seem that much more heroic. When you put the humanity-hating Silver Cyclone up against Red Tornado, it makes the Tornado’s desire to be human all the more important.
If you like good old fashioned fun with quirky animation and dashing heroes, you’re probably already watching this show. And if you’re a fan of Batman: The Brave and the Bold, you will not want to miss these two episodes.
I really enjoy it. It's obviously not BTAS or Justice League, but it's still good. Also I never really got into the other series, The Batman, I thought it was kinda lacking. I'll take this over Marvels halfassery, Ultimates, Avenger babies etc. any day.
A spot on review of a new direction for the Batman. I had to freeze and stop the preview just to stare at and appreciate the way the Joker looked. You are correct in mentioning Dick Sprang and Alex Toth, but it is obvious that Sprang's style is the basis for the character designs.
This is a great return to the 60's and it isn't done in a camp way, but a return to a time when Brave and Bold was originally concieved and a popular comic. Brave and Bold was a way for DC to introduce or play up underused characters. Things were more innocent., and this series demonstrates that this is one of many Batmans that have been around throughout the decades. Love that Batmobile...
Smart stuff that would not be created if it wasn't for the success of JLU. DC has been very good at throwing things at the wall and us, and they actually stick.
MJE,
Calm down brother. There is enough room in the world for all portrayals of Batman. If this is about the show not being dark, we have ample portrayals of a darker, grim Bats already. I am all for different styles, takes and interpretations of Batman, his Rogue Gallery and his sidekicks and other supporting characters. Its why I enjoyed the 60's series, Tim Burton's series, Nolan's movies, the Bruce Timm universe, The Batman and now this one. I keep wanting to get into the comics, but with so many, I don't even know where to start.
My only actual gripe about this whole thing is that while yes, I can appreciate the attention to detail and the representation of The Joker as echoing the Dick Sprang version... the voice actor is very definitely ripping Mark Hamil's much superior animated Joker... who I think should at least be either right up there with Heath or just a step down. Both have done such amazing work with the character, as is the same case with Kevin Conroy(who's voice I still here anytime I read a Batman speech ballon in a comic) and Christian Bale, all of whom have defined the character's so absolutely in their own way.
To me, the major issue that I think has divided so many people on this cartoon is that it kind of feels like a step backwards for some reason. I can't say why, and I have no issue with trying to present a different view of Batman to a younger audience. I will always think the work Timm and co. have done though is far superior in terms of an animated universe. This is good but it feels like its just a somewhat dimwitted younger brother trying to follow in the footsteps of a much smarter and stronger sibling.
Okay rant over and and in terms of good, the Sinestro Core nerd in em thought that was a kick ass design on the king of the yellow ring
How can anybody possibly have anything good to say about this garbage. & i thought "The Batman" was bad! This new batman cartoon is an absolute insult. theres absolutely no plausibility in the characters whatsoever, everything is extremely outlandish & colorful, & the stories have nothing to do with Gotham or Batman whatsoever. Im surprised this garbage made it off the drawing board. Joel schumachers batman movies look awesome by comparison! Thats how bad it is! batman doesnt look like the Dark Knight, he looks more like "The Jolly Warrior". The people behind this cartoon should be ashamed of themselves for how much they butchered batman in this cartoonish colorful crapfest!
This is a sad sad little show. I bailed on it after the first episode when they had Batman climbing a building "Adam West style" in the opening credits.
Can none of you people just sit back and enjoy something fun? When I first heard about this show, I was very skeptical, but having sat back and watched it, I'm finding it very enjoyable. Does it hold a candle to Batman: The Animated Series... no, not really. But it isn't trying to either.
Shock and horror, Batman isn't brooding all the time. Run for shelter, Batman actually smiles. This doesn't delve into Gotham and Batman's Rogues Gallery the exact same way everything else has for the last 20 years, it's the end of the world.
Does it feel like the Adam West Batman? Yeah, a little bit. The return to the gray and blue costume, the construction bar that drops to let Batman drive into the Batcave. However, it doesn't resort to the camp and cheese of that old show. It is respectful to the character while taking a lighter approach then what we've seen recently. Like someone else said, it's a superhero show that actually feels like it is targetted more toward kids. Which, let's face it, all the other superhero stuff is too, no matter how hard it tries to pretend it isn't (otherwise the toy aisles wouldn't be cluttered with superhero action figures, and the boys clothing section wouldn't be filled with marvel and dc shirts).
Not everything has to be super dark and depressing. If you honestly take yourself and Batman that seriously, then I feel a little sorry for you.
Every episode gets better and better especially when they do little nods to moments in the DC universe or the movies or tv shows. Like for example I loved how they did the "Just One Punch!!" with Batman knocking Gardner on his ass and this clip a nod to the Keaton Batman film with the voice command remote to the batmobile. I like how they use the Dick Sprang design for the Joker as well.
I am a fan of this show and I am unashamed of it. The beauty of Batman as a character is the rich variety in the interpretations available. Everyone say it with me...this is a kid's show. That being said the show is smart, awfully funny, faithful to the source material (silver age Batman and Silver Age Justice League of America), manages to have its own spin on its characters, and constructs its own ongoing mythology...all at the same time. In its own unique way, this show is more ambitious and takes more risks than either the Justice League or Teen Titans toons. They are actually re-introducing a new generation of kids to the Silver Age...but it's the Silver Age reinterpreted through the lens of a JLU sensibility. Yes, it's campy (on purpose) but it also provides nods to the grown-ups at some surprising times. A Batman story doesn't always have to be dark and emotionally challenging....remember, that is only part of this character's history. A long neglected part of Batman is the fact that the character can just be fun as well. The Brave and the Bold toon taps into that legacy and I for one like the results.
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I absolutely abhor this Batman cartoon. It makes me sick in the stomach. It's more of a cartoon version of Adam West's Batman than anything else I've seen. I wish it would fail hard.