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Well haven't done one of these in a while.

Yeah, as you guys could tell by this, the last issue I did, and all of the other stuff I've posted on this channel, it's that My Kevin Conroy tribute is finally complete and the reason I wanted to do this is to say goodbye to this show cause I think I did them all and well what can I say that everyone else hasn't said about this show already?

Complex, dark, and filled with a neo-noir aesthetic, “Batman: The Animated Series” is the peak of animated superhero perfection. This influential and classic series followed the Dark Knight as he pursued his never-ending quest to keep Gotham safe. The show put as much work into developing Batman and his allies as they did into creating sympathetic and truly terrifying villains. While the film-noir tone of the show could’ve flopped with audiences, its serious nature was praised by viewers. Every episode takes time to dive into the psyches of the heroes and villains. Thanks to detailed writing, audiences often end up feeling sympathy for the antagonists. Not only did the series kick off the DC animated universe, but it also spawned several films and shows like “The New Batman Adventures" and “Batman Beyond” Batman’s pivotal series ultimately paved a way for numerous superhero stories.

However, I have to admit after looking back on all 109 episodes and 4 movies, while also reviewing all of the tie in issues I've come to the realization that (and this might be insanely sacrilegious for some people but here it goes)....

It's surprisingly a lot more flawed than I remember it being.

I don't know given the fact that the series was mostly episodic there were so many plot threads and storylines that kind of went nowhere and made no sense. Some of them were even rushed or even left on the cutting room floor before they were even finished like:

1. Will characters like Harvey Dent ever find redemption.

2. What's up with Batman after the events of the first series.

3. Why is Catwoman's hair suddenly Raven

And some of these questions were answered in the comics but if you could choose between being told and seeing what happened most people would pick the latter.

Tonally meanwhile, yes, it's kind of a disaster with so much of the goofy campy elements cranked up to insanely high levels in parts in what seems to be the creator's way of compensating for how rich and adult other parts of the show are. Not that I mind goofier batman stories. I love the Adam West Show and some of my favorite episodes of this series had a more lighthearted tone compared to others. It just feels a little underwhelming coming back to this show years later after so many other DC shows and movies like Young Justice and Joker cater explicitly to teens and adults while leaving children in the dust entirely.

With a few exceptions here and there its evident that DC, Warner Bros, and even Fox Kids considering that's where the show originated from never really had the courage to lean as far into the adult audience as they wanted to with this because well frankly how could they make something that wasn't marketable to young kids? And yet at the same time for all of its flaws, weaknesses, and even cringe worthy elements, it's very evident watching this that no other adaptation of the caped crusader has ever been or will ever be as perfect as this one.

You really get the sense that the franchise artistically peaked with some of the ideas and choices present:

From the iconic voices of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill whom many have gone on to consider the definitive Batman and Joker for many people

To the introduction of characters like Baby Doll and Harley Quinn the latter of which has gone on to be a fan favorite in the franchise.

To the updated backgrounds with characters like Two-Face and Mr. Freeze to which many other writers have taken inspiration from.

To batgirl being a Carrer highlight for famous voice actress Tara Strong who's gone on to voice many other characters across the DC universe.

To the entirety of Mask of the Phantasm whom many consider to be the best Batman movie ever made even outdoing The Dark Knight in certain aspects.

To pretty much anytime they deconstruct Batman's philosophy and him as a character.

The iconic character designs, the surprisingly great action, the sweeping camera angles, the glorious chanting, the deep colors, the incredible combination of 2-D and 3-D animation. I can't believe this still holds up after all these years. How were they able to make something so profound, mature and Striking? All under restraint I might add. This is the kind of show I can never see anyone making again for obvious reasons but I'm so glad it exists. The music is stellar, the animation is revolutionary for a tv show, the characters are incredibly sympathetic for the most part. This is something that has to be seen to be believed not just in the sense of how they got away with this but more so how is this so phenomenal. Is it Perfect? obviously not and I do think a lot of the tie in comics help make this a technically better and more compelling work of art, but I love it nonetheless. I can definitely stomach its flaws because even in spite of those it still remains one of DC's greatest artistic achievements.

And after months of looking back on his work I think I'm finally ready to accept that Kevin and all the others passing. It was a fun ride but good things do come to an end.

Description
Well haven't done one of these in a while.

Yeah, as you guys could tell by this, the last issue I did, and all of the other stuff I've posted on this channel, it's that My Kevin Conroy tribute is finally complete and the reason I wanted to do this is to say goodbye to this show cause I think I did them all and well what can I say that everyone else hasn't said about this show already?

Complex, dark, and filled with a neo-noir aesthetic, “Batman: The Animated Series” is the peak of animated superhero perfection. This influential and classic series followed the Dark Knight as he pursued his never-ending quest to keep Gotham safe. The show put as much work into developing Batman and his allies as they did into creating sympathetic and truly terrifying villains. While the film-noir tone of the show could’ve flopped with audiences, its serious nature was praised by viewers. Every episode takes time to dive into the psyches of the heroes and villains. Thanks to detailed writing, audiences often end up feeling sympathy for the antagonists. Not only did the series kick off the DC animated universe, but it also spawned several films and shows like “The New Batman Adventures" and “Batman Beyond” Batman’s pivotal series ultimately paved a way for numerous superhero stories.

However, I have to admit after looking back on all 109 episodes and 4 movies, while also reviewing all of the tie in issues I've come to the realization that (and this might be insanely sacrilegious for some people but here it goes)....

It's surprisingly a lot more flawed than I remember it being.

I don't know given the fact that the series was mostly episodic there were so many plot threads and storylines that kind of went nowhere and made no sense. Some of them were even rushed or even left on the cutting room floor before they were even finished like:

1. Will characters like Harvey Dent ever find redemption.

2. What's up with Batman after the events of the first series.

3. Why is Catwoman's hair suddenly Raven

And some of these questions were answered in the comics but if you could choose between being told and seeing what happened most people would pick the latter.

Tonally meanwhile, yes, it's kind of a disaster with so much of the goofy campy elements cranked up to insanely high levels in parts in what seems to be the creator's way of compensating for how rich and adult other parts of the show are. Not that I mind goofier batman stories. I love the Adam West Show and some of my favorite episodes of this series had a more lighthearted tone compared to others. It just feels a little underwhelming coming back to this show years later after so many other DC shows and movies like Young Justice and Joker cater explicitly to teens and adults while leaving children in the dust entirely.

With a few exceptions here and there its evident that DC, Warner Bros, and even Fox Kids considering that's where the show originated from never really had the courage to lean as far into the adult audience as they wanted to with this because well frankly how could they make something that wasn't marketable to young kids? And yet at the same time for all of its flaws, weaknesses, and even cringe worthy elements, it's very evident watching this that no other adaptation of the caped crusader has ever been or will ever be as perfect as this one.

You really get the sense that the franchise artistically peaked with some of the ideas and choices present:

From the iconic voices of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill whom many have gone on to consider the definitive Batman and Joker for many people

To the introduction of characters like Baby Doll and Harley Quinn the latter of which has gone on to be a fan favorite in the franchise.

To the updated backgrounds with characters like Two-Face and Mr. Freeze to which many other writers have taken inspiration from.

To batgirl being a Carrer highlight for famous voice actress Tara Strong who's gone on to voice many other characters across the DC universe.

To the entirety of Mask of the Phantasm whom many consider to be the best Batman movie ever made even outdoing The Dark Knight in certain aspects.

To pretty much anytime they deconstruct Batman's philosophy and him as a character.

The iconic character designs, the surprisingly great action, the sweeping camera angles, the glorious chanting, the deep colors, the incredible combination of 2-D and 3-D animation. I can't believe this still holds up after all these years. How were they able to make something so profound, mature and Striking? All under restraint I might add. This is the kind of show I can never see anyone making again for obvious reasons but I'm so glad it exists. The music is stellar, the animation is revolutionary for a tv show, the characters are incredibly sympathetic for the most part. This is something that has to be seen to be believed not just in the sense of how they got away with this but more so how is this so phenomenal. Is it Perfect? obviously not and I do think a lot of the tie in comics help make this a technically better and more compelling work of art, but I love it nonetheless. I can definitely stomach its flaws because even in spite of those it still remains one of DC's greatest artistic achievements.

And after months of looking back on his work I think I'm finally ready to accept that Kevin and all the others passing. It was a fun ride but good things do come to an end.