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Gallery Two: Coming Soon (featuring the new look Harley Quinn and more)
Although the series borrows many elements from previous Batman storylines, it does not follow the continuity set by the comic books nor that of the previous Batman: The Animated Series or its spin-offs. Also, the animation style bears a strong resemblance to the pseudo-anime style of Jackie Chan Adventures, with the designs of many characters, like the Joker and Riddler, being very different from those of their comic counterparts. This has led to negative comparisons with the acclaimed aforementioned series, many of which criticize the poor animation style and the repetative nature of each episode of the show: Batman meets villain, villain defeats Batman, Batman creates solution, Batman defeats villain. Criticism also arises from the different interpretations of certain characters—with the best examples again being the Joker and Riddler. Criticism arises from the fact that nearly all the villains in the show are experts in martial arts - including the Joker and the Penguin, which is not only unusual, but completely out of character from their comic book counter-parts. This expertise in martial arts also contributes to the repetitive nature of the show's episodes. There is also controversy within the fandom that exists for the show, some embracing the recent changes in the theme (song and overall) and Batman now "bringing on" the time tested "Batman Family" route.
Others, however, feel that the first two seasons were a shaky, but gradually evolving throwback to Batman: Year One, and thus better that way. The Year One fans also preferred him solo, a situation which the addition of Batgirl in Series 3 (and soon Robin) makes almost impossible. Lastly, there is criticism of the decision to introduce Batgirl before Robin.
Some fans have recently become impressed with the show's upcoming direction due to the more direct involvement of producer Alan Burnett, largely because of the absence of Dwanye Capazzi, as well as the inclusion of several Batman: TAS voice talents and writers, such as Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill in guest roles.
The series made its world premiere on Kids' WB in the United States on September 11, 2004. First-run episodes are broadcast during Kids WB's Saturday morning lineup. Repeats of the show have aired on Toonami and/or Cartoon Network worldwide.
A spin-off comic book series, The Batman Strikes!, is based on the world of The Batman and is published by DC Comics.
Synopsis
In the first season of The Batman, Bruce Wayne (voiced by Rino Romano) is 26 and in his third year as the Batman, protector of Gotham City. A younger Batman confronts familiar foes for the first time, with the aid of Alfred Pennyworth (Alastair Duncan), who guides both Bruce Wayne and Batman when needed, and the technology he has secretly developed, such as the Bat-Wave.
In this series, Batman meets most of his major adversaries for the first time, many with character designs that differ markedly from their comic-book counterparts. Season One features new interpretations of Rupert Thorne (Victor Brandt), The Joker (Kevin Michael Richardson), Catwoman (Gina Gershon), The Penguin (Tom Kenny), Mr. Freeze (Clancy Brown), Clayface (Steve Harris), Firefly (Jason Marsden), The Ventriloquist and Scarface (Dan Castellaneta), Man-Bat (Peter MacNicol), Cluemaster (Glenn Shadix), and Bane (Joaquim de Almeida). The first season also introduces two new characters, Detectives Ethan Bennett (Steve Harris) and Ellen Yin (Ming-Na), charged with capturing the vigilante Batman for Chief Angel Rojas. This is somewhat reminiscent of Detective Harvey Bullock and Officer/Detective Renee Montoya of Batman: The Animated Series, who similarly sought to catch Batman, but eventually end up in a tenuous alliance against crime. At the end of season 1, Ethan Bennett, also an old friend of Bruce Wayne is turned into Clayface. Adam West, who played Batman in the live action series in the 60’s, provides the voice for Gotham’s Mayor, Ironically a role he also plays in Fox's 'Family Guy'.
Season 2 introduced other fan favorites with brand new origins, including a sinister version of The Riddler (Robert Englund), Professor Hugo Strange (the late Frank Gorshin, replaced by Richard Green after Frank's death), Ragdoll (Jeff Bennett), Spellbinder (Michael Massee), Killer Croc (Ron Perlman), and Solomon Grundy (Kevin Grevioux) (who was actually Clayface in disguise, but the real one might exist). At the end of the season, Ellen Yin is found out to have been working with Batman, and their partnership ends when Commissioner Gordon (Mitch Pileggi) is introduced. He changes the GCPD's view of Batman and tells Batman to make Gotham a safe place for his daughter.
Season 3 introduced more new villains to the series, such as Poison Ivy (Piera Coppola), Cosmo Krank/Toymaker (Patton Oswalt), D.A.V.E (Jeff Bennett), Gearhead (Will Friedle), Maxie Zeus (Phil LaMarr), Prank (Michael Reisz), and Temblor (Jim Cummings). The season also features a young Barbara Gordon, who becomes Batgirl (Danielle Judovits).
