The Epic Legacy Unveiled: Unforgettable Realities of Reliving Batman: The Animated Series 25 Years Later

Summary

Batman: The Animated Series, while beloved by fans, has flaws that have become more evident over time, such as the outdated 4:3 aspect ratio and some weak episodes.

Certain character designs and outfits in the series have not stood the test of time, with specific costumes appearing outdated and out of sync with a modern setting.

The absence of Jason Todd, the infamous Robin, in favor of the less captivating Tim Drake was a missed opportunity for a darker narrative that would have aligned better with the show's overall tone.

Batman: The Animated Series is widely regarded as not just the best animated show featuring Batman, but also as one of the greatest Batman stories ever told. Taking inspiration from Tim Burton's gothic style in the 1989 classic Batman film, this DC series captured what fans consider to be the definitive portrayal of Bruce Wayne and his thrilling adventures. Alongside its faithful adaptation of existing Batman stories, Batman: The Animated Series also introduced its own compelling narratives that have had a lasting impact on various interpretations of Gotham, most notably with the creation of Harley Quinn and the exploration of Mr. Freeze's tragic backstory.

However, despite its many strengths, the series is not without its flaws. Originally airing in 1992, Batman: The Animated Series holds a special place in the hearts of Batman fans due to nostalgia. Nevertheless, upon revisiting the show with a modern perspective and the advantage of hindsight, it becomes apparent that there are some notable flaws that are hard to overlook in what was once perceived as the perfect representation of Batman.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

10 The Aspect Ratio Has Aged It Badly

Originally aired in the mid-'90s, Batman: The Animated Series adhered to the standard 4:3 aspect ratio of televisions at that time. The prevalence of wider screens was significantly lower, so the series opted for a traditional format. Despite the potential budget and ability to experiment, it was not advantageous to veer from the norm. As technology advanced over the years, the dominant aspect ratio for TV content shifted to 16:9, with affordable high-definition and widescreen devices becoming more widespread than ever before.

9 There Were Genuinely Bad Episodes

Despite its undeniable quality, Batman: The Animated Series was undeniably a product of its era. In today's age, viewers are faced with a choice between a stretched-out image or bothersome black bars when watching the show. While the animation's exquisite art style has stood the test of time, its original presentation has been surpassed by advancements in modern technology.

Although marketed as a children's cartoon, Batman: The Animated Series fearlessly delivered compelling narratives that mesmerized audiences far beyond expectations. With numerous standout episodes, it's a daunting task to choose a favorite, as even after 28 years, the show's finest offerings remain narratively powerful. However, not all episodes reached the same level of greatness, and there were a few plots crafted by Warner Bros. Animation that fell short of expectations.

It's difficult to assign blame to any TV show for producing subpar episodes, especially when it has aired as many as 85 episodes like Batman: The Animated Series. While certain episodes like "Almost Got 'im" and "Over The Edge" have been hailed as groundbreaking, others such as "Underdwellers" and "Forgotten" have been regarded as disappointing. Showrunner Bruce Timm has openly acknowledged the lackluster quality of some of these episodes in their official commentary, indicating that upon re-watching, the animated series will have its fair share of hits and misses.

8 Some Of The Outfits Didn't Age Gracefully

An intelligent decision made by Batman: The Animated Series was its choice of a timeless setting. Although technically taking place in the 1990s, Gotham's art direction for cars, buildings, and clothing combined elements of both the present and 1950s retro-futurism. This blend, characterized by Bruce Timm's distinctive minimalism, contributed significantly to the series' ability to withstand the test of time. However, a few outdated elements still managed to slip through the cracks.

At times, the character designs are excessively influenced by the '90s, displaying outfits that might have been considered fashionable and timeless at the time of their creation, but now appear dated. Alice, the object of the Mad Hatter's obsession, is a major example of this. Her peculiar combination of a pale blue blouse and oversized, brick red suit jacket is nearly criminal, to the point where even Batman might take notice. Unfortunately, Alice is not the only culprit in the series when it comes to designs that have not stood the test of time.

7 The Series Missed An Opportunity By Not Including Jason Todd

Throughout the duration of the original series, Dick Grayson served as Batman's sole and exclusive Robin. Staying true to his persona portrayed in the comics, he eventually distances himself from Bruce Wayne's tutelage and assumes the identity of Nightwing in the spin-off series titled The New Batman Adventures. Consequently, the role of Robin was then bestowed upon Tim Drake within this universe, thereby missing out on an exceptional opportunity to depict the most notorious incarnation of Robin.

Jason Todd is widely recognized for his demise at the hands of the Joker in the comics, only to make a comeback as the vengeful vigilante Red Hood. Amidst the somber undertones of Batman: The Animated Series and its offshoots, it becomes increasingly apparent how much potential was untapped in comparison to the immature prankster, Tim Drake. The series had already delved into the topic of Batman's sidekicks facing potential demise, as showcased by the fake-out death of Batgirl, indicating that such a storyline was indeed within the realm of possibility for the animated adaptation. While the animated series may have overlooked a few opportunities, the loss of Robin still lingers as the most heart-wrenching event to date.

6 Some Of The Fight Scenes Are Stiff By Today's Standards

Despite its target audience being children, the cartoon managed to incorporate a surprisingly high level of violence. Batman: The Animated Series skillfully avoided censorship, often enhancing action sequences with clever techniques to bypass network restrictions. While the stunning art style beautifully depicted thrilling fight scenes, they occasionally lacked fluidity, especially in the earlier seasons.

By today's standards, many of the fight scenes in the classic Batman series have aged somewhat poorly. Characters engage in stiff grappling, their punches land on offscreen opponents accompanied by repetitive sound effects, and villains often stand awkwardly waiting for their opponent to make a move. The show still manages to evoke some drama and stakes in its violent encounters, but there's no denying that animation has significantly improved since those clunky, cost-limited action scenes.

5 The Show's Understanding Of Mental Health Is Stuck In The Past

In line with the original comics, many of Batman's adversaries in his own animated series often end up in Arkham Asylum, a facility meant for emergency psychiatric treatment but functioning more like a prison than a place of rehabilitation. Batman's villains have faced criticism in the past for frequently misrepresenting and stigmatizing mental illnesses, and Batman: The Animated Series is not exempt from contributing to these negative stereotypes.

Many of Batman's adversaries in the series suffer from mental instability, often garnering sympathy, as the show portrays their real-world disorders as villainous traits. The portrayals of characters such as Two-Face and The Ventriloquist are particularly troubling, as their criminal acts are implied to be a result of their Disassociative Identity Disorder. The understanding of the human mind has progressed significantly since the broadcast of Batman: The Animated Series, shedding light on the questionable remnants of past beliefs.

4 Talia al Ghul Spends Too Much Time As A Damsel In Distress

Talia al Ghul, the daughter of supervillain Ra's al Ghul, has been a recurring love interest for Batman in various narratives. The complicated dynamic between her and Bruce Wayne is a common theme explored in many of her storylines, including her role in The Dark Knight Rises. However, the interpretation of Talia al Ghul in Batman: The Animated Series diverges from the traditional depiction, showcasing her as more driven by emotions rather than the calculated assassin she is typically portrayed as in other iterations of Batman's universe.

In the spotlight of her two-part episode, Talia appears to have lost her cutting edge, as her father kidnaps her as part of an intricate test to assess Batman's worthiness. Subsequently, she finds herself in imminent danger and requires Batman's intervention to save her once again. Ultimately, she utilizes her father's wealth to acquire a castle in Spain and spends her time yearning for Bruce Wayne. This drastic disempowerment of a character who is typically regarded as one of DC's most formidable assassins raises concerns for future viewers of Batman: The Animated Series.

3 The Show Is Undeniably Cheesy

Batman: The Animated Series is known for its dark and suspenseful atmosphere, fearlessly delving into unsettling scenes and tragic storylines. Despite its ability to capture these elements effectively, the series undeniably incorporates some cheesy moments. As an animated superhero show, it is expected to have a certain amount of campiness that even older audiences can appreciate. However, upon closer examination, some of the less celebrated aspects of Batman: The Animated Series reveal unexpected levels of corniness.

Not all of Batman's foes in the series possess the same level of empathy as Mr. Freeze or the same level of danger as the Joker. Displaying impeccable timing, the Clock King adorns his glasses with small clock faces before engaging in a confrontation with Batman. The show's presentation itself can be equally cheesy, as illustrated by an episode where Batman encounters a werewolf, whose entrance is accompanied by a hilariously sincere guitar riff. Batman: The Animated Series can be delightfully absurd at times, but it maintains a certain level of seriousness, yielding mixed results.

2 Batman Wasn't Always In The Right

Batman is renowned for his unwavering moral compass, his vigilance against crime, and his steadfast refusal to take a life. This straightforward portrayal of Batman's character is just one aspect in which the animated series surpasses its cinematic counterparts. However, there are moments when Batman's black-and-white worldview can inadvertently clash with the sensibilities of even the most ardent viewer. The series often presents scenarios where Batman's actions unequivocally veer off course.

In a standout episode of the series, "Mudslide" from Season 2, Episode 3, showcases the desperate struggle of Clayface as his deteriorating, mutated body threatens his existence. Having stolen a valuable isotope from Wayne Biomedical Labs, Clayface discovers a glimmer of hope in restoring his former self with the assistance of his devoted scientist partner. However, moments before the procedure's completion, Batman callously deactivates the life-saving apparatus, sealing Clayface's fate of certain demise. This particular incident exemplifies how Batman's unwavering adherence to his code of justice inadvertently inflicts harm upon others, a recurring theme throughout the show.

1 The Series Sowed The Seeds For Batman's Most Uncomfortable Romance

The fate of Batman's romantic relationships in Batman: The Animated Series has become a subject of debate among fans. Despite the show hinting at a romance between Batman and Catwoman, the canon relationship in the series has caused discomfort among fans. In the 2016 production of The Killing Joke, show runner Bruce Timm made the controversial decision to explore a romantic connection between Batman and Batgirl. This inclusion was met with strong disapproval from fans due to its questionable moral implications. However, Timm had already set the course for this relationship development since the first series.

Batman: The Animated Series dedicates a significant amount of time to the evolving relationship between Barbara Gordon and Dick Grayson, as Robin distances himself from Batman. However, as Robin becomes less involved with Batman, Barbara forms a closer bond with him. In the movie Batman: The Mystery of Batwoman, set shortly after the series concludes, Bruce Wayne finds himself engaging in flirtation with a college-aged Barbara. The sequel comic Batman Beyond 2.0 confirms that the two ultimately end up together and even have children. Although Batman and Batgirl's romantic involvement does not begin in the original run of Batman: The Animated Series, it is evident that these plans were set in motion to disrupt Bruce Wayne's familial connection with Barbara in favor of a forbidden romance.