With its dark neo-noir aesthetic and brooding characters,Matt Reeves’The Batmanbrings the caped crusader to the big screen in one of the franchise’s darkest and stylistic films to date. But before the Dark Knight patrolled the shadows in Reeves' film, there was another stylistic take onBatmaninBatman: The Animated Series.
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Airing from 1992 to 1995,Batman: The Animated Seriesemerged onto television airways with its style heavily inspired byTim Burton’s 1989Batmanfilm. The series was recognized for its distinctive visuals, echoing noir and Art Deco styles, otherwise known as “Dark Deco”. With its darker tone and noir aesthetic,Batman: The Animated Seriesis the perfect watch if you just can’t get enough of Reeves’The Batman.
“If You’re So Smart, Why Aren’t You Rich?” (Season 1, Episode 40)
This episode introduces us to the early beginnings of the Riddler. After being fired from his job at a computer software company, Edward Nygma seeks revenge on his former boss Daniel Mockridge. As Mockridge consults with Wayne Enterprises to bring his company to Gotham, Batman and Robin get caught in Riddler’s scheme when Mockridge goes missing after receiving a threatening riddle. As Batman and Robin pursue Riddler to a maze armed with riddles and traps, Batman needs to use his brain over his brawn to put an end to The Riddler’s tricks.
AfterPaul Dano’s chilling performanceas Riddler inThe Batman, this episode reveals what makes Riddler one of Batman’s most cunning villains. He makes it very clear that he isn’t interested in money, but rather enjoys boasting his own intelligence.
“Blind as a Bat” (Season 1, Episode 59)
When Batman is left temporarily blinded after the Penguin attacks during a military aircraft showcase, he refuses to sit back while Penguin holds Gotham hostage. With a device altered from the sonar sensor technology in the military aircraft, Alfred and Leslie construct a helmet that allows Bruce to digitally see his surrounding environment.
Much like this episode,The Batmanmakes great use of Wayne Technology with special contact lenses. Technological enhancements to Batman’s vision have appeared throughout his appearances and show just what helped him gain the nickname “World’s Greatest Detective.”
“Cat Scratch Fever” (Season 1, Episode 36)
While on probation, this episode sees Selina Kyle tracking down her missing cat Isis. When confronted in an alley by a couple of Daggett Industries goons who are stealing stray cats, Selina gets caught up in a fight that leaves her in police custody. Batman knows Selina wouldn’t break probation without good reason, so he bails her out, warning her to not get caught up with Daggett. However, desperate to be reunited with Isis, Catwoman breaks into Daggett Industries and finds all the captured stray animals have been given a violent virus. When Isis bites her, Selina falls seriously ill, and it’s up to Batman to find a cure to save Selina, and put an end to Daggett’s plans.
Catwoman has always been a complex villain - committing crimes but often with good purpose. WithZoë Kravitzplaying Selina Kyle inThe Batman, Catwoman’s complexities shine yet again as she’s desperate to find her missing friend and is willing to kill whoever is responsible. This episode also shows the uniquerelationship between Batman and Catwoman, showing that there’s just as much compassion between the two, as there is chemistry.
“The Mechanic” (Season 1, Episode 55)
After the Batmobile gets demolished in a high-speed chase with Penguin’s henchmen, Batman takes his car to his personal mechanic only for it to be intercepted by the Penguin. Seizing the opportunity, Penguin tampers with the Batmobile, giving himself remote control of the vehicle and a competitive edge over their next high-speed encounter.
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During the thrilling car chase sequence inThe Batman, the Batmobile withstands immense damage and firepower much to the Penguin’s disbelief. This episode highlights how the Batmobile was specially designed to withstand almost anything, showcasing its strength, power, and ingenuity when going up against Batman’s foes.
“Almost Got ‘Im” (Season 1, Episode 46)
As Penguin, Two-Face, Killer Croc, Poison Ivy, and the Joker all take turns describing how close they each have come to defeating Batman, this episode highlights each of the iconic villains' unique set of skills when facing their common enemy. Debating during a game of poker, the stakes are high as it’s not just the villains' poker winnings on the line, but more importantly, their pride.
Batman’s no kill policy is a principle that has enabled the longevity of his villains throughout their appearances. While the existence of other iconic villains were teased inThe Batman, fans are eager to see the familiar foes from Batman’s rogues gallery interact in Reeves’ darker Batman universe.
“Riddler’s Reform” (Season 2, Episode 14)
After his release from Arkham Asylum, Riddler is welcomed back into Gotham as a celebrity, releasing his own line of children’s toys. While his new-found fame comes with many riches, he’s still bitter that he’s never managed to beat Batman in a battle of wits. As Batman suspects Riddler is up to something, the Riddler secretly hatches his own devilish schemes hoping to outrank Batman once and for all.
WhileThe Batmansees Riddler locked up in Arkham Asylum, their battle of minds continues from within his prison cell. This unique intellectual battle between Riddler and Batman makes their dynamic evermore compelling, truly showcasing the strengths of The World’s Greatest Detective.
“I Am The Night” (Season 1, Episode 49)
After Commissioner Gordon gets seriously injured during a raid while Batman was busy visiting the site of his parents’ murder, Batman falls into a deep state of depression and is consumed by self-doubt. In a city riddled with crime and injustice, Batman believes his efforts to be fruitless. But with the help of Alfred, Robin, and an ex-criminal who Batman helped turn away from a life of crime, Batman learns what he is really fighting for - hope.
WithThe Batman’s darker take on the titular figure, Reeves’ movie shows the masked vigilante questioning his role as a superhero in a city that seems beyond saving. But it’s the emotional moments like these that show Batman’s human side, and what it takes to restore not just his faith in humanity, but also his faith in himself.
“What Is Reality?” (Season 1, Episode 48)
Riddler begins erasing all traces of his former life as Edward Nygma. When a mysterious computer arrives at the GCPD Headquarters, Robin discovers it’s a virtual reality simulator, but after showing it to Commissioner Gordon it traps him inside the virtual world. To save Gordon, Batman enters the virtual world and must use his wits to overcome the Riddler’s deadly puzzles.
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Fans ofThe Batmanwere delighted to uncover thesecret website revealedduring the film’s post-credits sequence. While Reeves’ movie showed a Riddler with a unique digital presence, this episode proves how the iconic villain has always been crafty when utilizing technology.
“Beware The Gray Ghost” (Season 1, Episode 18)
As Gotham is under attack by a series of bombings, Batman realizes the pattern of the attacks follows a TV show from his childhood, “The Gray Ghost”. Batman visits the show’s has-been actor Simon Trent for information, and encourages him to reclaim his role as The Gray Ghost and join him in saving the city.
This episode pays homage to one of the earliest depictions of Batman withAdam Westvoicing Bruce Wayne’s TV hero.The Batmanhas an easter eggto the campy 1966BatmanTV series featuring the iconic Shakespeare bust used to conceal the passage to the BatCave.
“Heart of Ice” (Season 1, Episode 14)
One of the most heartfelt episodes of the series, this episode introduces Mr. Freeze and his tragic backstory of seeking revenge for his wife that gains Batman’s sympathies. It’s a more emotional take on the character compared toJoel Schumacher’sBatman & Robin, grounding him as a complex villain fighting for love.
As Reeves has expressed interest in adapting Mr. Freeze into later Batman sequels, fans hope to see this more melancholic take on the character interact with Reeves’ brooding take on Batman.
