On September 5, 1992, Fox Kids aired “Batman: The Animated Series” - a critically acclaimed animated series based on the DC Comics superhero Batman. Developed by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski, the show would tackle the adventures of The Dark Knight and his ongoing crusade against crime - defending his hometown of Gotham City against the likes of The Joker, Penguin, and Two-Face while also gaining allies in his fight for justice like Commissioner Gordon, Robin, and Batgirl.
The series would jumpstart the DC Animated Universe, and would gain a significant following in the years leading many to consider it the definitive Batman series. The late great Kevin Conroy was cast as Bruce Wayne/ Batman, while also featuring Mark Hamill (aka Luke Skywalker) as the voice of The Joker. Additionally, the character of Harley Quinn made her debut in this show - first appearing in “Joker’s Favor” and played by the wonderful Arleen Sorkin, who sadly passed away just last month.
31 years later BTAS still holds up pretty well, and is the go to recommendation for anyone who wants to get into Batman and his world.
“Knock Knock Puddin’! Say hello to your new and improved Harley Quinn!” - Harley Quinn to Joker
Hollywood, the comic book community, and the world of popular culture has lost a true talent and gem - as screenwriter, actress, comedian, and original Harley Quinn voice actress Arleen Sorkin has sadly passed away at the age of 67. It was truly depressing news delivered by so many news outlets and those close to the entertainer who have known her, and the entire world mourns the loss of one of the brightest and energetic ladies to ever grace the entertainment scene.
Best known for her role as Calliope Jones in the NBC series “Days Of Our Lives”, Sorkin would explode into the critically acclaimed “Batman The Animated Series” by playing the role of The Joker’s female sidekick and girlfriend Harley Quinn - first appearing in the episode “Joker’s Favor”. The character was created by writer Paul Dini - who derived inspiration fron Sorkin herself as both were friends during college and the actress was cast in the role by him and BTAS series creator Bruce Timm. Harley’s role would prove so popular that she would return for many more episodes and appear in the rest of the DC Animated Universe - before being adapted properly in the pages of DC Comics and then appearing in several other forms of media, becoming one of the most prominent modern DC characters ever created and played by other actresses including Tara Strong and Margot Robbie in the DC Extended Universe.
Arleen would also reprise her role as the former psychologist turned anti-hero in the video games Batman: Arkham Asylum and DC Universe Online. She will be greatly missed, and the world would never know Harley Quinn without her as the source of inspiration for the character.
One of the most critically acclaimed Batman origin movies and adventures is getting a new release in time for its 30th anniversary. “Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm” - the DC animated movie released in 1993 will now be available in 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray and Digital - giving fans a new remastered release of the animated film set in the “Batman: The Animated Series” universe and seeing the Dark Knight face off against a new foe and The Joker while also rekindling his romance with a lost love from his past.
The new release will also have a new special feature spotlighting the late great Kevin Conroy, aka the voice of Batman himself who passed away late last year.
The world will never hear that same conviction and powerful performance delivered by Kevin Conroy - The Juilliard School trained actor who has been "The Voice of Batman" since 1992's Batman The Animated Series. Having voiced the character and played several different versions of The Dark Knight through various forms of media, the 66 year old fought a battle with cancer that ultimately claimed his life - and the world and entire Batman fandom mourns over the loss of one of the most prolific actors ever to bring the Caped Crusader to life.
The news of Kevin's passing first broke through social media among his fellow voice actors and peers, before eventually hitting mainstream news outlets such as THR that have verified the actor's death. Having played Bruce Wayne and Batman since BTAS and The New Batman Adventures, Kevin Conroy continued playing the role in the DC Animated Universe with spin-off shows like Superman: The Animated Series, Justice League, and Justice League Unlimited. His tenure as Bruce and Bats would continue with other projects (and usually paired with his BTAS co-star and Joker voice actor Mark Hamill) - including the DC Animated Movies and video games such as Rocksteady Studios Batman Arkham trilogy of games as well as NetherRealm Studios' Injustice: Gods Among Us and its sequel Injustice 2. Conroy would even get the chance to play a live-action version of Bruce Wayne - long retired as Batman and wearing an exosuit not unlike the version seen in Kingdom Come, during The CW's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" TV crossover event in 2019. One of Kevin's last projects was the video game "Multiversus" - where he once again played Batman with minimal effort and full of conviction.
Just a few weeks shy of what would have been his 67th birthday (November 30), the world has truly lost a true superhero and Dark Knight icon in the entertainment industry. No other man can say "I AM BATMAN" like Kevin Conroy - and there may never be another person who could step into the cape and cowl like he could.
RIP Kevin Conroy, and thank you for being our definitive interpretation of Batman.
One of the most iconic animated television series ever made debuted on this day - running a total of 85 episodes and introducing the world to one of the definitive interpretations of DC’s flagship superhero - The Batman!
Yes on September 5, 1992 - Batman: The Animated Series aired on Fox Kids, and was created by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski to bring The Dark Knight and his adventures to the small screen and capture the hearts and minds of kids and Bat fans across the globe. Hired to portray the iconic role of Bruce Wayne and Batman was Kevin Conroy - who led an all-star ensemble cast that included Mark “Luke Skywalker” Hamill as the voice of The Joker.
Batman: The Animated Series success cannot be understated, as it birthed the DC Animated Universe and led to the creations of Superman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond, and the Justice League animated series. It’s presentation of the character has transcended three decades of popculture and fandom, and even led to the introduction of Harley Quinn into DC Comics proper as well as other forms of media. That character also celebrates her 30th anniversary this month. What an impact and legacy this show has made - and the intro alone speaks volumes.
With one of the most iconic animated television shows and the beginning of the DC Animated Universe celebrating its 30th anniversary next month, McFarlane Toys and Todd McFarlane himself have unveiled a special "Batman: The Animated Series 30th Anniversary" Gold Label figure - complete with a light up diorama that mimics the end of the iconic intro sequence where the Dark Knight stands on a rooftop as lightning cracks the sky!
Here's Todd showing off the figure in the box, and it will be a Target exclusive in the US while other territories will also get it soon (it's in Hong Kong already as seen in the interwebz).
Pasko's career has spanned decades, working mostly with DC Comics on Superman titles, as well as stints in Action Comics, Justice League of America, and Saga of the Swamp Thing. He'd also be the co-creator of the mid-1970's revamp of Dr. Fate, and helped revitalize the popularity of Wonder Woman.
In addition to comics, Pasko also had a career in television and animated shows as a writer, contributing to programs like the sitcom Cheers, The Twilight Zone, and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. He also worked in animated shows like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, G.I.Joe, and Batman: The Animated Series. He co-wrote the story for the animated movie of the latter, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm too.
His creative legacy will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace and thank you, Martin Pasko.
Giving fans a little treat amidst the trying times, Batman: The Animated Series voice actor Kevin Conroy has taken to social media recently to read the first chapter of the new digital fist comic book series - "Batman: The Adventures Continue". As a sequel to BTAS and "The New Batman Adventures", it's fitting Conroy is the narrator and guiding us in the new adventures of the Caped Crusader and his Batfamily as they continue to defend Gotham City and the innocent against evil and villainy wherever it may be.
Kevin Conroy Reads Batman: The Adventures Continues #1
Batman: The Adventures Continue is written by Paul Dini and Alan Burnett, with Ty Templeton providing art duties.
Over 25 years after the critically acclaimed animated series first launched and spawned the DC Animated Universe we all know and love, DC Comics is once again stepping back into the world of “Batman: The Animated Series” and its sequel “The New Batman Adventures”, as a brand new six issue miniseries has been announced called “Batman: The Adventures Continue” - with show veterans and producers Paul Dini and Alan Burnett returning to write the series and Tye Templeton set to illustrate!
The new comic series serves as part of an initiative to help introduce the new line of BTAS style DC Collectibles coming into the market. Jason Todd, aka the second Robin and Red Hood, for instance never appeared in the animated series - but he is getting a toy and this comic series aims to help explain his existence in the DCAU! You can read more about this exciting new series coming from DC via the exclusive report via Entertainment Weekly!
Batman: The Adventures Continue begins this April!
Batman fans - REJOICE. Another big name has been added to the EPIC DC ON THE CW CROSSOVER EVENT coming this fall in "Crisis On Infinite Earths", and it's none other than Kevin Conroy - AKA THE VOICE OF BATMAN in "Batman: The Animated Series", its numerous spin-offs, and other forms of Batman media in film, TV, and games!
Reported by Comic Book.com, Conroy's casting comes in the heels of Brandon Routh returning to the role of Superman and Cress Williams confirming that "Black Lightning" will be part of the crossover.
His role hasn't been revealed yet... But he could be playing an aged Bruce Wayne/ Batman ala Batman Beyond (which just turned 20 years this year) or The Dark Knight Returns (Update: HE IS PLAYING OLDER BRUCE according to TV Line!). That would be AWESOME, and while the Batman from Batwoman's world hasn't been named yet - one has to wonder if Conroy will wear the Cape and Cowl somehow. If John Wesley Shipp could do 90's Flash, the folks behind Arrow and The Flash may figure something out and surprise us yet.
The Arrowverse's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" will debut this December 2019 and the crossover will run through Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Batwoman, and Legends of Tomorrow until January 2020.
Following on the footsteps of a critically acclaimed animated series based on DC's flagship hero is no small feat, let alone being a drastic idea of a sequel that pushes forward some decades past The Dark Knight's prime and seeing a new successor take on the mantle of the bat altogether. That pretty much sums up 1999's "Batman Beyond" - the futuristic sequel to "Batman The Animated Series" and "The New Batman Adventures" and created by the triple threat team of Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and Alan Burnett. Set primarily in the year 2039, the story follows Terry McGinnis - a young teenager living in Neo-Gotham who meets the elderly Bruce Wayne and stumbles upon his secrets during his days as the Caped Crusader. After crime and corruption claim the life of Terry's father and circumstances see the need for new blood to defend his city, Bruce reluctantly takes the headstrong youth under his wing and trains him to become the new Batman.
Released in 1999, Batman Beyond became a critical and commercial success - thanks in no small part to the brilliant writing and animation put together by the team of Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and the rest of Warner Bros. Animation. Reprising his role as Bruce Wayne of course is Kevin Conroy - the voice of Batman - who plays the mentor role this time around as the spotlight now turns to Terry McGinnis/ Batman Beyond, who is voiced by Will Friedle.
Batman Beyond Intro (HD Widescreen)
As the show explored a time when Bruce's life moved ahead and many of his allies and villains have either grown older, retired, or died - the series reflects the toll and consequences his crusade has taken on him - his last outing (ironically set in 2019 in the Pilot epiode "Rebirth Part 1") as Batman almost cost him his life and an act of desperation caused him to almost rely on the very weapon that took his parents life - leading to his subsequent retirement and life as a recluse. However because crime never sleeps and villains new and old continue to prey on Gotham and the innocent, he is forced to reevaluate his self-imposed exile and lend his knowledge and wisdom to a new ally in Terry McGinnis. Most of Batman Beyond's episodes deal with the growing relationship and respect Bruce and Terry have as mentor and student - as both face enemies from the past and a new rogues gallery that has risen in the wake of the new Batman's emergence. Terry's crusade would see him face off new opponents like Inque, Shriek, Spellbinder, and Wayne's corrupt business rival partner turned mutant Blight, while also encountering his mentor's own adversaries who have returned in the future such as Mister Freeze, Ra's Al Ghul, and later the Clown Prince of Crime himself in the animated movie feature "Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker".
As someone who grew up idolizing and admiring the adventures of the one true Batman, Batman Beyond is undoubtedly a worthy follow-up to the saga of The Dark Knight and now stands with its own legacy 20 years later. The show has spawned various merchandise, toys, and multiple comic book sequel series and spin-offs, and has become a part of the DC Multiverse canon altogether. As Frank Miller told the story of an elderly Bruce Wayne returning to fight crime in his "Dark Knight" universe of stories, Bruce Timm and Paul Dini have done the same with Old Man Wayne in their DC Animated Universe and giving him a worthy successor in Terry McGinnis. If you haven't watched this show - you are truly missing out. As they would say in 2039 - it is very "Schway".
One of the most beloved Batman animated movies is FINALLY coming to Blu-Ray, as Superherohype reports that Warner Archive has announced that "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" will be released in 1080p HD Remaster format this July. Those that remember this 1993 animated movie classic know that it is the first film featurette to spin off the highly successful "Batman: The Animated Series" continuity - and features Kevin Conroy as Batman/ Bruce Wayne encountering a new murderous vigilante called The Phantasm that targets crooked criminals with ties to his past - involving an old love and a certain Clown Prince of Crime that is iconically voiced by Mark Hamill.
No specific release date has come for Batman: Mask of the Phantasm yet in Blu-Ray.
On September 5th, 1992 - one of the most ICONIC characters in comic book history received what is arguably known as the "Definitive" TV Series adaptation of his world to date, as Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski developed "Batman: The Animated Series" - an animated feature that ran for 85 episodes and follows the exploits of the DC Comics character Batman as well as his world in Gotham City and beyond. After the success of Tim Burton's two Batman films, the series was developed by Timm and Radomski - using the Burton films as inspiration and developing a film noir style cartoon that continues to be a timeless classic any Batfan can watch and enjoy. The series was also known for bringing together a diverse cast of voice actors that brought the characters to life - with Kevin Conroy serving as the definitive "Voice of Batman" and Star Wars legend Mark Hamill becoming the certified voice of "The Joker" as well with his iconic insane laughter behind the maniacal portrayal of the Clown Prince of Crime.
Batman: The Animated Series Opening
The music, composed by Shirley Walker and adapted from Danny Elfman's iconic score to the Burton Batman films, is just something to behold.
Following the success of BTAS, film features were made as well as several other DC Animated shows that were set in the same universe, leading to Superman: The Animated Series, the futuristic sequel Batman Beyond, and the union of DC's super heroes with Justice League. 24 years later, Batman: The Animated Series' influence is without a doubt something that any Batfan can be very proud of. Happy Anniversary, BTAS!
September 11 will always be a day to remember and honor, but it's also a date that marks the birth of one of comicdom's most beloved female villains ever... Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel, aka Harley Quinn! That's right, DC Comics own lovable Batman villain and The Joker's girlfriend celebrates her 20th Birthday this month, and to commemorate the occasion we look back at her decorated and insane history!
Via Comic Book Movie, You Tube user TyphoonMovies has created this stellar looking tribute to the opening of "Batman: The Animated Series" by using footage and gameplay from the games "Batman: Arkham Asylum" and "Batman: Arkham City"! Check it out below, and it looks just as superb as the original source.
Batman: Arkham Asylum/ Arkham City styled BTAS intro
