The Batman (TV series)
| The Batman | |
|---|---|
| Created by | Michael Goguen Duane Capizzi (supervising producers) |
| Starring | Rino Romano Alastair Duncan Danielle Judovits Evan Sabara Mitch Pileggi Adam West |
| Country of origin |  United States |
| No. of episodes | 52 (including the feature film, The Batman vs. Dracula) (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Running time | 20 to 24 Minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | Kids' WB |
| Release | September 11 2004 – present |
The Batman is an American animated television series produced by Warner Bros. Animation based on the DC Comics superhero Batman.
Overview
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 that of Jackie Chan Adventures (as both are based from designs by artist/producer Jeff Matsuda), with the designs of many characters, like the Joker, the Penguin and the Riddler, being very different from those of their comic counterparts.
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.
Synopsis
Season 1
List of The Batman episodes#Season 1: 2004-2005
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.
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, later replaced by Ron Perlman in Season Four).
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 (Edward James Olmos in his inital appearance, Jesse Corti in all his subsequent appearances). 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 a campy version of the Caped Crusader in the live action series in the 1960s, provides the voice for Gotham’s Mayor.
Season 2
List of The Batman episodes#Season 2: 2005
Season 2 introduced other fan favorite characters with brand new origins, including a sinister version of The Riddler (Robert Englund), Professor Hugo Strange (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). At the end of the season, Ellen Yin is found out to have been working with Batman, and their partnership ends when Commissioner James Gordon (Mitch Pileggi) is introduced. This is the last we see of Ellen Yin. Gordon changes the GCPD's view of Batman and asks Batman to help him make Gotham a safe place for his daughter.
Season 3
List of The Batman episodes#Season 3: 2005-2006
Season 3 introduces a young Barbara Gordon, who becomes Batgirl (Danielle Judovits) and plays a major role along with her father, James Gordon. More villains are added to the series, such as Poison Ivy (Piera Coppola) - who is originally Barbara's best friend in this continuity, a different version of Gearhead (Will Friedle), and a more threatening version of Maxie Zeus (Phil LaMarr).
Several brand new villains for the series are introduced this season: Cosmo Krank/Toymaker (Patton Oswalt), Prank (Michael Reisz) - Joker's response to Batgirl's addition to Batman's family, Temblor (Jim Cummings) and D.A.V.E. (Jeff Bennett) - a H.A.R.D.A.C.-like super computer created by Hugo Strange to emulate the worst villain minds in Gotham.
Season 3 brings the cliffhanger regarding professor Hugo Strange: in "A Fistful of Felt", Batman uncovers that the chief psychiatrist of Arkham cured Wesker only to turn him back into a criminal. In GUCM (Gotham Ultimate Criminal Mastermind) Strange is brought to justice but apparently following in season four Strange New World, Strange went to Arkham only because it was there he could bring up his new schemes.
Another part of the intrigue is Batgirl. The Dark Knight refuses to have a sidekick but in many episodes he works alongside Batgirl regardless. Although he is sometimes annoyed by Batgirl's presence, like in "The Apprentice," Batman seems to allow her to work with him but it isn't until the episode "Thunder" — under Alfred's advice — that he agrees to take Batgirl as an actual partner.
Season 4
List of The Batman episodes#Season 4: 2006-2007
Season 4 features a redesign of Bruce Wayne/Batman, that is more reminiscent of the DCAU (Bruce Timm) Batman. He is now drawn with a stronger chin structure and somewhat smaller nose. The season also introduces Dick Grayson as Robin (Evan Sabara) into the series as well as other characters such as Lucius Fox (Louis Gossett Jr.). More villains appear such as Tony Zucco (Mark Hamill), Killer Moth (Jeff Bennett), Black Mask (James Remar) & Number One (Diedrich Bader), Rumor (Ron Perlman), Everywhere Man (Brandon Routh), Harley Quinn (Hynden Walch), Francis Grey (Dave Foley), and a new Clayface (Wallace Langham). Batgirl returns this season as well, and is now officially part of Batman's team.
One episode is set in the future, taking place in 2027 Gotham, where Barbara Gordon has become Oracle (Kellie Martin), Dick Grayson is Nightwing (Jerry O'Connell), and Batman resembles Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns version of the character, complete with a new tank-like Batmobile. The season finale featured another superhero from the DC Universe; Martian Manhunter J'onn J'onnz and his alter ego Detective John Jones (Dorian Harewood) when he warned Batman of an invasion by an alien race called The Joining. Batman, Robin, Batgirl and the Martian Manhunter were successfully able to rid the Earth of The Joining. Hawkman, Green Arrow, Flash and Green Lantern, as the Justice League, also appeared in the Season 4 finale in a cameo at the very end where Batman agreed to join them. The fourth season of The Batman has been referred to by the creators as the most "Fan Friendly" season.
Season 5
As of Feb. 2007: The Batman has been renewed for a fifth season.[1] On February 8, 2007, information was released regarding the fifth season. Continuing from Martian Manhunter's appearance on the season finale of Season 4, Season 5 will include Batman meeting other members of the JLA. The two that have been revealed are Superman (George Newbern) and Aquaman. Among the villains are The Wrath and Doctor Phosphorus; Superman villains Lex Luthor (Clancy Brown), Toyman, and Metallo (Lex Lang); Hawkman villain Shadow Thief; Green Lantern villain Sinestro (Miguel Ferrer); and Flash villain Mirror Master (John Larroquette) are confirmed to appear.[2]
TV Guide reported that when The Batman returns for its fifth season, Martian Manhunter will be starting the Justice League. On the League is the Flash, Green Lantern , Green Arrow (Chris Hardwick), Hawkman, Superman and Batman.[3]
Jeff Matsuda recently announced on his blog he will not be involved with the production of Season 5, and neither will Michael Jelenic. Jelenic will be replaced as story editor by Alan Burnett.
On Wednesday, June 22, Comics Continuum reported "Superman will appear in the two-part season premiere of Kids' WB!'s The Batman.
The new season is scheduled to start on September 22, 2007 on Kids' WB!
Main characters
| Character | First Appearance-Last Appearance | Info |
|---|---|---|
| File:Batman 01.jpg | "The Bat in the Belfry" | Under the cape and cowl can be found a younger Bruce Wayne in his 20s. The media is more likely to catch him courtside at a Gotham Gators game or strapping on a helmet to drive his own racecar for a charity than in front of City Hall cutting a ribbon. But don't confuse the swinging bachelor persona for the real Bruce – he's intense, driven and completely focused on his life's mission to serve as the Dark Knight. Aided by technology he's secretly developed – including the operating system known as the Bat-Wave – and driven by the childhood memory of the loss of his parents, Batman takes to the streets in order to bring Gotham's new breed of super villains to justice. |
|
"A Matter of Family" | After the tragic loss of Dick's parents, Bruce Wayne took young Dick under his wing. To bring justice to the criminal’s responsible for his parents' death; Dick joined The Batman's side as Robin. A young but highly skilled and energetic acrobat, Robin has become an asset to the fight along side The Batman and Batgirl. In the year 2027, he is seen still aiding Batman and Barbera Gordon, though he now goes under the identity of Nightwing |
| File:Batgirl 01.jpg | "Batgirl Begins: Part 1" | Batgirl – known as Barbara Gordon – the teenage daughter of Gotham's Commissioner Gordon, is a strong-willed, stubborn teen with an ironic wit. Inspired by her first contact with The Batman, she dons the cape and cowl to become Batgirl to help save her father from the hands of former friend and now villain - Poison Ivy. She eventually gains The Batman's trust and he reveals his secret identity to her. In the year 2027, she is seen confined to a wheelchair acting in the role of "Oracle", using a vast sattelite network to advise both Batman and Nightwing. |
| File:Alfred 01.jpg | "The Bat in the Belfry" | Within the confines of his role as butler to the Wayne estate, Alfred raised Bruce and, on occasion, continues to provide him with veiled wisdom. The cape and cowl are new enough that Alfred is still growing accustomed to them. Thus, we witness his genuine concern for Bruce’s safety when Bruce goes up against the likes of Joker, Penguin, Mr. Freeze and the will of the Rogues Gallery. |
| File:Gordon 01.jpg | "Night and the City" | The new Commissioner Jim Gordon believes that The Batman is truly a force for good in Gotham City. Unlike Chief Rojas when The Batman is needed, Gordon will gladly allow The Batman to apprehend criminals that are considered highly dangerous and extremely difficult to apprehend. |
| "The Bat in the Belfry" - "Night and the City" | For Chief Rojas, The Batman is nothing less than a black eye to his police force. Believing there is no room for vigilante justice in Gotham, Rojas has made capturing the Dark Knight a top priority. | |
| File:Ethan 01.jpg | "The Bat in the Belfry" - "Clayface of Tragedy: Part 2" (as a main character) | If Bruce Wayne could call anyone his best friend, Ethan Bennett is it. They've been friends since high school. Whereas his partner, Detective Ellen Yin, sees things in black and white, Ethan sees the grey in most everything – and is more willing to allow The Batman to co-exist with the Gotham P.D. After being subjected to a gas from The Joker, Ethan was left physically altered - becoming The Clayface. Bennet becomes more and more corrupted by his power, making him one of Batman's most unpredictable and tragic adversaries. |
| File:Yin 01.jpg | "The Bat in the Belfry" - "Night and the City" | Detective Ellen Yin is as physically adept as any male cop she knows. Ellen may be new to the Gotham beat, but she's no rookie. Previously head of her department in Metropolis, she transferred to Gotham looking for new challenges. She’s a career cop at the top of her game, true blue and by the book. Not warming to Bruce Wayne so easily, Ellen doesn't have it out personally for The Batman. Yin no longer appeared after Season 2, though it is implied she becomes Police Commmisioner in the near future during the fourth season episode "Artifacts" |
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"The Joining" Part 1 | A friend of Bruce's father. After Bruce became an orphan, Lucius did his best to look after the boy with Alfred. When Bruce begins his vigilantee crusade, he help made numbers of his arsenal and gadgets, along with the construction of the Batcave beneath Wayne Manor and the Dark Knight's other safehouses throughout Gotham. He also runs Wayne Enterprises as its CEO. |
Justice League of America
At the conclusion of Season 4's finale "The Joining", Batman is taken to an orbiting satellite (resembling the Hall of Justice from SuperFriends) where he meets members of the Justice League of America. Season 5 will feature the JLA in major crossover episodes, with Superman also scheduled to appear in Season 5. He will be in the upcoming new episodes, and will be appearing with the Justice League.
| Character | First Appearance-Last Appearance | Info |
|---|---|---|
| File:The Batman Martian Manhunter.JPG | "The Joining: Pt. 1" | The last of the Martians, J'onn J'onzz came to Earth in an attempt to prevent alien race "the Joining" from destroying it. While undercover for the majority of his stay, he eventually joined forces with Batman to destroy the Joining once and for all. |
| File:Greenlantern1.jpg | "The Joining: Pt. 2" | In the comics, the Green Lantern is a member of the Green Lantern Corps. The Green Lantern (this incarnation visually resembling Hal Jordan) uses his power ring to fly or generate hard light constructs out of his imagination, such as various weapons or defensive shields. |
| File:Hawkman01.jpg | "The Joining: Pt. 2" | In the comics, Hawkman is a Thanagarian warrior who uses alien Nth metal to attain super strength and flight and uses an Nth metal mace as his main weapon. Which Hawkman appears in The Batman is unconfirmed, although Carter Hall was the first of several to join the League in the comics. |
| File:Greenarrow01.jpg | "The Joining: Pt. 2" | Billionaire playboy and orphan Oliver Queen is Green Arrow, armed with an arsenal of arrows including trick arrows which can serve a variety of purposes, such as grappling hook arrows or explosive arrows. Like Batman, the Green Arrow possesses no inherent superpowers but commands a vast personal wealth, fighting skills and an accuracy with a bow and arrow that is unmatched. |
| File:Flash01.jpg | "The Joining: Pt. 2" | In the comics, the Flash is a mantle used by four superheroes who protect the cities of Central and Keystone City. The Flash is hailed as "the fastest man alive", faster than Superman, derived from the extradimensional "Speed Force", from a which a variety of speed-applied powers originate. When asked about which incarnation of the Flash would be appearing The Batman, Alan Burnett said that he sees Flash as Barry Allen, though they're leaving it up to the viewer. |
| Superman | "Season 5 Premiere: The Continum" | Rocketed to Earth when the doomed planet Krypton exploded, Kal-El was raised by the Kent family and became Clark Kent. From the yellow sun, he was given superpowers such as flight, superstrengh, superspeed, heat vision among others. When he moved to Metropolis, he became a superhero dubbed "The Man of Steel"; Superman. He will meet Batman and appear on the show in the two part premiere of Season 5 where he presents a check from Metropolis to Gotham following the alien invasion in The Joining. Alan Burnett said in an interview that this Superman will be a tad bit less friendly, especially with Batman. Superman will be a little younger, remote and serious, more of a loner, and more reticent to join the League. Burnett also said that the Clark Kent identity will be based on the "loveable klutz" like Christopher Reeve, which Burnett said is his favorite Clark. Superman will team up with Batman in the two-part premiere where Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Metallo, and Lex Luthor are expected to appear. |
Villains
Batman, Robin and Batgirl have faced a slew of evil doers from the classic Batman Rogue's Gallery. Using some of the comics most famous villains, The Batman has created a unique spin on some classic characters (Poison Ivy’s origins for instance) – while introducing some of their own Arkham Asylum baddies.
The Batman Strikes!
The Batman Strikes! is a DC comic book series featuring Batman. It is a spin-off comic book series off of The Batman. It is different from other Batman titles in that it is set in the continuity (and style) of the television animated series The Batman as opposed to the regular DC Universe. So far 33 issues of The Batman Strikes, plus four specials are out.
DVD Releases
Crew
- Michael Goguen supervising producer
- Duane Capizzi supervising producer
- Glen Murakami producer
- Jeff Matsuda producer
- Linda M. Steiner producer
- Sander Schwartz executive producer
- Alan Burnett executive producer
- Kimberly A. Smith associate producer
- The Edge theme music creator
Trivia
 | This article contains a list of miscellaneous information. (July 2007) |
- Many of the voice actors on The Batman have previously played characters in other interpretations of the Dark Knight, which include:
- Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, who played Batman and the Joker respectively in Batman: The Animated Series/The New Batman Adventures, Justice League, and Justice League Unlimited, play John Grayson, Dick Grayson's father and Tony Zucco, again respectively.
- Will Friedle, who played Terry McGinnis, the second Batman, in Batman Beyond, plays the villain Gearhead.
- Adam West, who played Batman in the campy 1960s Batman series and the Gray Ghost in Batman: The Animated Series, plays Gotham's mayor, Marion Grange.
- Ron Perlman who played Clayface in Batman: The Animated Series played both Killer Croc and Rumor.
- Frank Gorshin, who played The Riddler in the campy 1960s Batman series, played Dr. Hugo Strange until his death.
- Kevin Michael Richardson, who played The Mutant Leader in the episode Legends of the Dark Knight, and Carlton Duquesne in Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman, plays The Joker.
- Tara Strong who voiced Barbra Gordon/Batgirl in The New Batman Adventures and Gotham Girls and Raven in Teen Titans, plays Vicky Vale.
- Jeff Bennett who played H.A.R.D.A.C. in Batman: The Animated Series, and The Creeper in The New Batman Adventures, plays D.A.V.E., Ragdoll, and Killer Moth.
- Mitch Pileggi, who played Dr. Stanton on Batman Beyond and crime boss Al Hawke on Birds of Prey, plays Commissioner James Gordon.
- Jerry O'Connell, who voices Nightwing on episode Artifacts, played Captain Marvel on Justice League Unlimited.
- In addition, actors from other DC Series have played parts in The Batman
- Clancy Brown who played Lex Luthor in Superman: The Animated Series,Justice League, and Justice League Unlimited, plays Mr. Freeze and will reprise his role as Luthor in Season 5.
- Jason Marsden, who played Snapper Carr in Justice League, Richie Foley/Gear on Static Shock, a young Clark Kent on Superman: The Animated Series, and a young Burt Ward/Robin in Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt plays Firefly.
- Hynden Walch, who played Starfire, Blackfire, and Madame Rouge in Teen Titans and Ace on Justice League & Justice League Unlimited, plays Harley Quinn to some critical acclaim.
- Robert Englund, who played Felix Faust in Justice League plays The Riddler.
- James Remar who played the the Manhunter robots in Justice League and Hawkman in Justice League Unlimited plays Black Mask.
- Phil LaMarr, who played the John Stewart Green Lantern on Justice League & Justice League Unlimited and Virgil Hawkins/Static on Static Shock, plays Maxie Zeus.
- Peter MacNicol who played Chronos on Justice League Unlimited on plays Kirk Langstrom, Man-Bat's human form.
- Glenn Shadix, who played Steven Mandragora on Justice League Unlimited and The Brain & Monsieur Mallah on Teen Titans plays Cluemaster.
- Grey DeLisle, who played both Downpour and Shifter of the Ultimen on Justice League Unlimited, plays Mary Grayson, Dick Grayson's mother.
- Allison Mack, who played Chloe Sullivan in Smallville plays Clea.
- Brandon Routh, who played Clark Kent / Superman in Superman Returns plays The Everywhere Man.
- George Newbern, who plays Clark Kent / Superman in Justice League, and Justice League Unlimited reprises his role as a darker Man of Steel in the fifth season.
- Dana Delany, who plays Lois Lane in Superman: The Animated Series, reprises her role in Season 5 two-part premiere.
- Nearly every villan in The Batman has considerable skill in hand to hand combat, or at least more than any other incarnation of a given character.
- In Season 4's episode "Clayfaces", after Basil Karlo is revealed as the second Clayface on the news, two of the diner patrons that flee are parody's of Clark Kent and Rocky from the diner sequence of Superman II.
Awards
The Batman received the Annie Award for Best New Animated Television Show 2004.[4]
In 2006, The Batman won two Daytime Emmy awards. One for Outstanding Achievement In Sound Editing and another for Outstanding Special Class Animated Program.[4]
References
- ^ http://www.batmanytb.com/forum/viewthread.php?forum_id=79&thread_id=2102
- ^ http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=11378
- ^ Sands, Rich. guide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Todays-News/Exclusive-Look-Superman/700017671 "Exclusive First Look: Superman Meets The Batman". Retrieved 2007-04-26.
{{cite web}}: Check|url=value (help) - ^ a b "The Batman Awards". Worldsfinestonline.com. Retrieved 2007-04-16.