Batman: The Animated Series is one of the most loved and critically acclaimed animated shows of all time. The series first aired in 1992 and, riding off the success of Tim Burton’s Batman, managed to capture the attention of children and adults alike, with the creators of the series eventually creating a DC Animated Universe from the foundations of this series.
Despite the fact that the series ended in the '90s, recent blu-ray releases and comic book series have shown that Batman: The Animated Series remains just as popular today as it was in the 90s.
This article will list five reasons why we need another series of Batman: The Animated Series, along with five why it should be left in the past).
Need Another: Age Of Superheroes
The box office success of Marvel’s cinematic universe has shown that the superhero genre has never been more popular. While the DCEU had a rocky start, it has finally started to release movies to box office success and critical acclaim.
Consequently, this cinematic ‘age of superheroes’ is the perfect time for a return to Gotham with Batman: The Animated Series – there may never be a greater time for it.
Leave It: Make A New Series
The current trend in Hollywood appears to be remaking old classics or releasing sequels to classics. A remake is an easy investment for studios as it already has brand recognition and a wide fan base.
However, remakes and sequels don’t always work. Perhaps it would be more interesting to see a new, modern take on the Batman mythos that adheres to the same high standard of Batman: The Animated Series.
Need Another: Lack Of Superhero Cartoons
The '90s were full of superhero cartoons. Batman Beyond, Superman: The Animated Series, the X-Men, and even Spider-Man had fantastic animated shows during this decade that left lasting impressions on the culture.
However, recently there has been a distinct lack of memorable and successful superhero cartoons. Perhaps it is time for Batman: The Animated Series to return and fix this problem.
Leave It: Would It Work Today?
Batman: The Animated Series was a product of its time. Using the launchpad of Burton’s Batman, the creators of the series were able to produce a show that appealed to both Batman’s younger and older audiences. However, would they be able to do this today?
It isn’t only the appeal to audiences that would be an issue, perhaps the animation style of the series would also be changed. In adapting the series for a modern audience, the elements that made the series so loved in the first place may be altered to an unrecognizable degree.
Need Another: Adapt Modern Villains
The main issue with the fact that Batman: The Animated Series ended in the '90s is that it didn’t get a chance to adapt some of the fantastic villains that would come to grace the comic books in the 2000s and 2010s.
A return to the screen would allow the creators of the series to introduce villains such as the Court of Owls, Professor Pig, and Hush to the DCAU.
Leave It: Mixed Reception Of Modern DCAU
While some may believe that the DCAU ended with Justice League in the mid-2000s, the universe has continued through various animated specials across the years, with some of the most recent ones including Batman and Harley Quinn and Batman: Hush.
While fans were pleased to see the DCAU return, some were left disappointed by several creative decisions made during these animated movies.
Need Another: Enduring Popularity
Despite the fact that the show aired in the '90s, its popularity has not diminished; in fact, some would even argue that the show has even gained in popularity since the DCAU concluded in the early 2000s.
The release of the series on blu-ray, as well as the new lines of merchandise, have shown that there is a market for the series if Warner Bros wishes to explore it.
Leave It: Might Taint The Legacy
Batman: The Animated Series is considered perfect by many fans of the Dark Knight, with many heralding the voice acting of both Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill as the definitive versions of Batman and the Joker respectively.
If the series was to return, it would be taking a huge risk in terms of its legacy. If if the creators did not nail the return of the show, then this could dampen its legacy.
Need Another: New Comic Book Series
While this article is discussing the return of Batman: The Animated Series to the screen, the show’s universe has returned this year in the form of a comic series entitled The Adventure Continues.
This series introduces several new characters to the DCAU, with the most notable addition being Jason Todd. If the comic sells well then, perhaps, this will trigger a return of the series to the screen.
Leave It: Justice League Tied Off The Universe
Justice League and Justice League: Unlimited were the final series to be released as part of the DCAU and, as such, the two served to wrap up some of the overarching stories that had persisted throughout the DCAU’s run.
If the series was to return then this would unnecessarily dampen the ending provided by Justice League: Unlimited.