Batman is a very popular superhero, and he has been featured in many different movies and cartoons.  Once of the best versions of Batman is Batman: The Animated Series.  The series is available on DVD and I finally finished watching Batman: The Animated Series - Vol. 2.

Batman: The Animated Series is a half hour animated series made by Warner Brothers Animation that aired from 1992 to 1995 on FOX.  The series won some Emmy awards, created a few new characters who were ultimately added to the comic books, and gave new life to older characters.  The feature movie Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is connected to the series.  Episodes have aired on different stations over the years.  From what I have found out, the series is currently airing on The Hub.  The series is based on the DC comic book characters created by Bob Kane.

The episodes in Batman: The Animated Series feature Batman dealing with various criminals.  Some of the stories told are more connected, while others can stand alone somewhat.  I have heard that the order of the episodes has been changed at times, so I’m honestly not sure what the correct order is.  Some things may not make as much sense at first, but as more of the episodes are watched, those things will make more sense.  I don’t know if any of the stories told have been taken directly from the comic books.  I do know that the different origin for Mr. Freeze has been added to the comic books.  It is a wonderful addition, making the character more tragic instead of just a run of the mill wacky mad scientist.   

The series takes a darker look at Batman and his world, something that is a bit different for a cartoon.  The characters are dark and troubled, dealing with more complex issues than those that tended to turn up in cartoons before this series.  The material is handled in a serious manner instead of campy and silly like had been done with some of the other versions of Batman.  I think that is the main reason why the show has been so successful and loved.  Some moments of humor turn up every so often and they work for the show without turning into things too silly.  There is violence in many of the episodes, and that includes characters being shot or hurt in some way and blood is shown.  I don’t think the episodes are extremely violent, though some things may bother younger children.

Batman: The Animated Series has a unique look, with some things looking like they are from an earlier time - the 1940's I think - with other things seeming more modern.  The look of the series has been called Dark Deco, and I think that fits the look of things.  Darker, subdued colors are used, and that fits for the darker tone of the episodes too.  Background images were actually drawn on black paper.  The animation is very well done and I think it has held up well.  It doesn’t have the same look as some of the newer animation, but it is still very well done.  

The origin of Robin is shared in the wonderful two part episode Robin’s Reckoning.  The story is mostly the same from what I have learned was done in the comics, with how Dick Grayson was part of a circus act with his parents who were killed by a criminal.  Bruce took Robin in and they eventually started to fight crime together when Dick became Robin.  The episodes use a current investigation along with flashbacks to tell the story in a very effective way.  Robin’s Reckoning Part 1 won an Emmy and I think it was well deserved.  The episode is one of the best of the series.

Batman has a large group of villains, some of which are kind of odd.  Many of the villains from the comic books have turned up in episodes of the series.  The Joker is in several episodes, which makes sense since he one of the main Batman villains.  Harley Quinn, a character created just for this series, is back as well.  She is kind of a ditz, but completely devoted to her Mr. J.  She is usually around helping the Joker in some way.  Catwoman is back and in danger this time.  One episode, Almost Got ‘Im, has five of the villains at a poker game discussing how each of them almost got Batman.  It is a very entertaining episode with the way the different characters interact with each other.  The Riddler makes his first appearance in If You’re So Smart, Why Aren’t You Rich? and turns up again in more episodes.  Robin, Commissioner Gordon, and Alfred are all back.  Zatanna, a magician with a connection to Bruce’s past, makes her first appearance as well.  It is interesting to learn a little more about Bruce’s past.  

The voice cast for Batman: The Animated Series is great.  These portrayals of the characters are some of the best ever.  Kevin Conroy does a wonderful job with the voices for Bruce and Batman.  I say voices because he does different voices for each of them.  Conroy has gone on to do the voices in other animated DC projects.  Efrem Zimbalist Jr. does a really good job with the voice of Alfred, Bruce’s loyal butler who also knows about Batman.  Alfred is in most of the episodes at least briefly.

Dick/Robin is in several episodes, but he is missing from some as well since he is off at college.  Loren Lester does fine with the voice of the character.  Commissioner Gordon is in most of the episodes, though he doesn’t do as much in some of them.  Bob Hastings does a good job with the voice.  The Joker pops up with different plans, all of which go wrong in some way.  Mark Hamill does a wonderful job with the voice, conveying how twisted the character is.  Harley Quinn is only in a few episodes, but she is an entertaining character.  Arlene Sorkin’s voice is perfect for the character.  Other characters are only in one or two episodes and their voices are very well done.

DVD Information

Batman: The Animated Series - Vol. 2 has twenty-eight episodes of the series on four discs.  The case is a folding cardboard type, and each disc is on its own panel of the case.  I prefer when the discs are stored that way since it is easier to get to them.  There is a listing of which episodes are on each disc on the other panels of the case.  There are commentaries on a few of the episodes.  Robin Rising is focused on the evolution of the character of Robin.  Voices of the Knight has some of the voice actors talking about their work on the show.  Gotham’s Guardians is focused on supporting characters.  The extras are very interesting and definitely worth checking out.

Batman: The Animated Series - Vol. 2 is a great DVD set for fans of the wonderful series.  The show has held up very well and is definitely worth checking out for fans of the characters.

This review is part of elvisdo’s 2012 Funny Pages Write-off.

Batman Related Reviews
Batman: The Movie ~ Batman ~ Batman Returns ~ Batman Forever ~ Batman & Robin ~ Batman Begins ~ The Dark Knight ~ Batman The Animated Series - Volume One ~ Batman: Gotham Knight ~ Batman: Mask of the Phantasm ~ Batman & Mr. Freeze: Subzero ~ Batman: Under the Red Hood ~ Birds of Prey - The Complete Series ~ Superman/Batman: Public Enemies ~ The Essential Batman Encyclopedia ~ Batman: The Ultimate Guide to the Dark Knight ~ Harley Quinn Batman 2010 Hallmark Ornament ~

Other DC Comic Related Reviews
Green Lantern ~ Green Lantern: Emerald Knights ~ Green Lantern - First Flight ~ Jonah Hex ~ Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths ~ Justice League: The Next Frontier ~ The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen ~ Lois & Clark: The Complete First Season ~ Lois & Clark: The Complete Second Season ~ Lois & Clark: The Complete Third Season ~ Lois & Clark: The Complete Fourth Season ~ Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman ~ Red ~ The Spirit ~ Supergirl ~ Superman: The Movie ~ Superman II ~ Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut ~ Superman III ~ Superman IV: The Quest for Peace ~ Superman Doomsday ~ Superman and the Mole Men ~ Superman Returns ~ Superman: The Ultimate Guide to the Man of Steel ~ Watchmen ~ Wonder Woman ~ Wonder Woman - The Complete First Season ~

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD