Batman: The Animated Series is one of the most critically acclaimed and universally loved superhero adaptations of all time. First airing in 1992, the series adapted the Caped Crusader in such a way that it was enjoyable by both young and old alike, bringing out both the light and dark side of the Dark Knight’s adventures.
That being said, BTAS didn’t just adapt the comics for the TV, the show also added new elements and changed old characters, some of these additions and changes even filtered back into the comics.
Gray Ghost
One of the best episodes in the series was called Beware the Gray Ghost. This episode delved deep into the childhood of Batman, with the villain of the piece requiring Batman to work with the actor who played his childhood hero, the Gray Ghost.
The Gray Ghost was voiced by Adam West, giving further significance to the link between the Gray Ghost and Batman.
Sewer King
While not typically remembered as being one of the best episodes of the series, the Underdwellers acted as a kind of Batman-inspired retelling of the classic Charles Dickens story of Oliver.
In this episode, Batman learns that a man named the Sewer King has been capturing orphans in order to use them as thieves in the sewers.
Clock King
The Clock King may be the most underrated villain from Batman: The Animated Series. Prior to this series, the character was seen as a gimmicky villain who was obsessed with clocks and stealing them.
However, BTAS gave the Clock King a more nuanced backstory, showing that his life was turned upside down when Mayor Hamilton Hill suggested he throw away his rigorous schedule.
Gotham City’s Aesthetic
In the best Batman adaptations, Gotham City is a character in itself. The city is a dark, gothic metropolis that appears to bleed the crime that Batman has taken it upon himself to combat. Batman: The Animated Series gives its own unique twist on Gotham.
Gotham, and much of BTAS’ style, is a clash between Art Deco and modern design, giving the series a timeless style. Gotham itself benefits from this timeless style, with the city existing in its own world with police blimps floating overhead.
Red Claw
Red Claw is one of the most underrated villains from Batman: The Animated Series. Despite appearing in some of the most memorable episodes and posing real threats to both Gotham and the world, she isn’t often considered to be one of the best villains.
Red Claw’s origins are mysterious, with all that is known about her identity being that she is from somewhere in Eastern Europe. Additionally, Red Claw is one of the most powerful villains, with the character leading an international terrorist group.
Mad Hatter
Batman: The Animated Series has built up a reputation for taking slightly ludicrous characters from the comics and giving them new origin stories that make them a far more compelling character.
In the case of the Mad Hatter, the show made him a creepy scientist who was obsessed with his boss’s assistant. The Mad Hatter used his mind control technology to try and get his boss’ assistant to date him.
Mr. Freeze Origin
Much like with Mad Hatter, Mr. Freeze was a slightly comical villain until Batman: The Animated Series got its hands on the character. Prior to his appearance in the series, Mr. Freeze was simply a villain with an ice-themed arsenal.
However, the animated series gave him a tragic backstory that was both poignant and emotional, making Mr. Freeze to be more of a tragic villain than a gimmicky one. The origin story was so good that the comics even adopted it.
Renee Montoya
In addition to changing the origins of some pre-established characters, Batman: The Animated Series also helped to introduce some new characters into the wider DC Comics Universe.
One of the most notable characters introduced by the animated series was Renee Montoya, who would eventually go on to become the Question in DC Comics and even star in the Birds of Prey film.
Harley Quinn
Naturally, Batman: The Animated Series will always be remembered as the series that introduced Harley Quinn to the world. Originally, the character was only going to appear in one episode, but the creators liked her so much that they brought her back.
The character would eventually make her way into the wider DC Comics universe, appearing in Suicide Squad and even her own TV series.
Poison Ivy And Harley Quinn
Due to the fact that Batman: The Animated Series introduced the Harley Quinn character, it could also introduce some of the relationships that would eventually become synonymous with the character. While Quinn’s relationship with the Joker will always be the most prominent, her relationship with Poison Ivy was also established in the show.
While recently Ivy and Quinn’s relationship has been shown to be romantic in some adaptations, the show never explicitly said this was the case, instead showing a close bond between the two. That being said, BTAS certainly set the groundwork for what their relationship would eventually mature into in future adaptations.