Iconic Joker voice actor Mark Hamill celebrates the beloved DC show, Batman: The Animated Series, hitting its 30th anniversary. While the superhero and comic book genre has taken over the big and small screens, that wasn't the case before the 2000s. Back then, the idea of shared universes and superhero crossovers were mere dreams as networks and studios hadn't fully invested in the comic book brand at that point. Even though it took some time for comic book properties to get their proper foot into live-action, there were multiple animated series based on DC that still holds up to this day.In September 1992, Batman: The Animated Series premiered and quickly became a massive success. The show took influence from Tim Burton's Batman and Batman Returns as they adapted one of DC Comics' most iconic superheroes from panel to screen. Created by Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and Mitch Brian, Batman. The Animated series became one of the most different cartoons of the 1990s, with a dark approach to these complex characters. While it was followed by countless Batman cartoons, Batman: The Animated Series is still regarded by many as one of the most definitive adaptations of the Gotham City vigilante, with Kevin Conroy voicing Bruce Wayne.RELATED: Batman: TAS' Penguin Perfectly Blends All Movie Versions (Even Farrell)Today, Batman: The Animated Series is officially celebrating its 30th anniversary since debuting on FOX Kids. One of the stars that became integral to the show was Hamill, who voiced The Joker and went on to portray the character in multiple DC properties for years. As fans on social media are showing their love for the DC series, Hamill also chimed in to congratulate the 30th anniversary of Batman: The Animated Series.

Despite Batman. The Animated Series ending in 1997, its legacy has continued to influence various DC media for almost three decades. Hamill has lent his voice for the Joker in numerous DC projects, including the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham Asylum games that reunited him with Conroy. Harley Quinn, who was an original creation for the show, was so well-received by viewers that DC Comics eventually brought her into the main canon. Conroy, who has voiced the Caped Crusader longer than any actor, even got to play Batman in live-action as a cameo during Arrowverse's Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event. While not a direct sequel, Timm is returning to the Batman franchise as he is teaming up with J.J. Abrams and Matt Reeves on Batman: Caped Crusader, which will put a bigger emphasis on the hero's noir roots.

Since Batman: The Animated Series is streaming on HBO Max - and other platforms depending on country - it is allowing new viewers to discover the show every day and grow its popularity. Had it not been for that show's success, properties like Superman: The Animated Series, Static Shock, and Justice League/Justice League Unlimited - which Timm was also involved in creating - would likely never have happened. With Batman being one of Warner Bros.' most profitable IPs, the studio will always find ways to reimagine him, whether it is in live-action movies or animation. But in one way or the other, Batman: The Animated Series will always continue to influence present and future media featuring the Dark Knight for years to come.

Source: Mark Hamill