First off all, I will say that I love this show. I always have, since being introduced to it around 12 or so years ago (probably more), and I always will.
Batman: The Animated Series is 25, yes 25 years old!!! First appearing in 1992 it still ranks as one of the finest animated series’ to ever grace the small screen. It certainly has the honour of being the greatest Batman, animated, series of all. It can also be argued that this features the best interpretations of The Dark Knight himself and the best version of The Joker, mainly thanks to the fantastic voice acting of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. How about the wonderful animation itself, influenced greatly by Tim Burton’s’ 1989 Batman movie; the Danny Elfman theme as well as the music used throughout the series; writers including Paul Dini and Alan Burnett; this show had everything needed to make it the huge success it was. Plus, let’s not forget the spin-off movies, Mask Of The Phantasm (1993), Batman & Mr Freeze (1997): Subzero and Mystery Of The Batwoman (2003).
The stories that came with it were not your typical kids stuff usually associated with cartoon shows; these were more mature, darker and far away from your Hanna Barbera type ‘toon usually associated with Saturday morning kids TV. Because of this, it is very easy for this show to appeal to viewers of all ages.
Standout episodes include Heart Of Ice, The Forgotten, Mad Love and Robins Reckoning; but these are just a few of so many. I do feel that I am missing one though. Ah yes, Jokers Favour goes down as a very memorable episode. Why? Because it introduced us to Harley Quinn, and look how that turned out.
To all those involved, I would like to say a massive thank you for creating something as timeless as this series is, and a very Happy 25th Birthday.
To anyone who reads this and may not have had the pleasure of this series, I recommend that you do. Trust me, you would not regret it, I certainly don’t.
As a treat, here are those wonderful opening credits, featuring the fantastic music of Danny Elfman. Enjoy.
