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Batman fans were distraught to learn that the newest animated series, Batman Caped Crusader had been canceled at HBO Max. They earned a reason to rejoice, however, when it was announced that Amazon Prime had picked up the streaming rights. The show finally has a chance to shine, and fans couldn’t be happier. To celebrate, fans are looking back at the color history of Batman in animated form. Today, we will take a look at each Batman animated series, both starring the Dark Knight and featuring him.
11. The Adventures of Batman (1968-1969)
The first fully animated series to feature the Caped Crusader was The Adventures of Batman. Following hot on the heels of the Adam West-led series, this cartoon carried the same campy tone as its live-action counterpart. Olan Soule voiced Batman and Scooby-Doo veteran Casey Kasam performed as Robin. Like several other shows on this list, this one was eventually retitled and branded as a new series, Batman With Robin the Boy Wonder, but it was still the same series. This series went on to have a memorable crossover with the gang from Scooby-Doo.
10. Super Friends (1973-1986)
When discussing Batman’s tenure in animation, often times this classic 70s time capsule is brought up. Super Friends was canceled and revitalized several times over the years, and each one has plenty of fans. The series is the first Batman animated series to feature the Justice League, although they shared their team name with the series. Like the previous entry, Super Friends was pure camp and was a product of its time. Batman and Robin were joined by Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and others.
9. The New Adventures of Batman (1977)
As the initial wave of Bat-mania was coming to a close, one last show was made to cash in on the waning popularity. On paper, The New Adventures of Batman was a continuation of the character’s previous solo cartoon. Only this time, Adam West and Burt Ward actually reprised their roles as Batman and Robin respectively. Despite featuring the original actors, the series failed to find its footing and was canceled after one season.
8. Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1999)
When mentioning the animated career of the Caped Crusader, the conversation will almost always include this classic series. After the success of Tim Burton’s Batman in 1989, it was clear the public was ready for a darker take on the character. This series followed the darker tone of the movie and was key in changing public perception of the character. The series was the debut of the late Kevin Conroy as the voice of Batman, who many say is the definitive voice of the character.
The third season broadcasted under the name The Adventures of Batman and Robin, although there were few other changes. The fourth season, however, known as The New Adventures of Batman, underwent a massive facelift. While the actors and writers stuck around, the characters all received new looks, some better some worse. Besides this, all four seasons are widely considered to be part of the same series and are usually included together when the series is released on home video. This show is still seen as the gold standard of animated shows and for good reason.
7. Batman Beyond (1999-2001)
The previous Batman animated series helped kick start what is known as the DC Animated Universe or DCAU. The show ran alongside Superman: The Animated Series and took place in the same continuity. The next chapter in the DCAU is Batman Beyond. Set 40 years after BTAS, the series sees a retired Bruce Wayne pass the mantle of Batman to a younger hero, Terry Mcginnis. The show takes place in a futuristic Gotham City and sees Bruce in a role closer to Oracle, while Terry takes to the streets as Batman. Like the previous show, this series has tons of fans, and they hope to see a continuation of it soon,
6. Justice League (2001-2004)
Batman and Superman had a couple of crossovers in their animated shows, but an episode of Batman Beyond teased fans of a bigger team-up. The two-parter The Call introduced the futuristic version of the Justice League, implying the team existed when they were younger. This series shows exactly that, and fans still love it. The show ran under the name Justice League for two seasons. The third season was known as Justice League Unlimited and introduced new heroes to the team. The later season even featured an episode set in the future titled Epilogue, which served as the finale to Batman Beyond.
5. The Batman (2004-2008)
This version of the Caped Crusader was originally marketed toward a younger audience. While the show is certainly more childish than the DCAU shows, more and more adult fans are finding enjoyment in this series. The Batman sees a younger Bruce Wayne in his earlier years as Batman. What draws many new fans is the stylistic art. The show clearly takes inspiration from BTAS but adds its own unique flair. For fans afraid the show is just for children, they should give it a shot. The show even spawned a straight-to-video movie, The Batman Vs Dracula, which many fans claim is one of the best animated Batman movies.
4. Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2008-2011)
Batman: The Brave and the Bold took the classic silver age of comics, and modernized them. This Batman animated series sees Batman team up with a new silver age hero in each episode. The show is like the version of the characters from the 70s got a major modern upgrade, and fans ate it up. What makes this show so well-regarded, is it gave forgotten comic book heroes a chance to shine. The show is filled with campy humor but isn’t afraid to get serious when the occasion calls for it.
3. Beware the Batman (2013-2014)
An underrated addition to Batman’s animated catalog is Beware the Batman. Taking inspiration from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the show was the first, and as of now only, fully CGI Batman series. The show took the character back to its darker roots but still felt unique. Take Alfred for example, instead of a proper gentleman butler, he is a hardened ex-military agent that actually trained Bruce in combat. Fans weren’t ready for a show such as this at the time, but more and more fans are discovering it.
2. Justice League Action (2016-2018)
Justice League Action saw Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman teach a new hero in each episode. This show is geared directly toward kids, and it does show. While adults may not find a ton to enjoy here, it is a fun take on the classic DC characters. The show does feature Kevin Conroy returning to voice the Caped Crusader, and he is as great as ever. While not as serious as other shows on this list, it is still a fun time for a younger DC fan.
1. Harley Quinn (2019- )
While not directly a Batman animated series, Harley Quinn features many characters from Batman lore, including the Dark Knight himself. This show seems to grow in popularity with each passing year. Harley Quinn sees the titular character as she sets out to find her own path after breaking free from the Joker. While Justice League Action is a children’s show, Harley Quinn is very, very adult. The show features plenty of coarse language and over-the-top violence.