Batman: Caped Crusader Poster and Trailer Released, Premieres August 1 on Prime Video

 

From the minds of Bruce Timm, J.J Abrams, and Matt Reeves - a brand new animated series featuring DC’s fan favorite Dark Knight vigilante will finally descend on Prime Video in a few weeks!

Check out the trailer to “Batman: Caped Crusader” - a new show that premieres this August 1!

Batman: The Animated Series Celebrates 31 Years Today

 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.

Happy 30 Years, Batman: The Animated Series!

 

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.

Happy 30th Anniversary, BTAS!

Batman: Caped Crusader ordered by HBO Max and Cartoon Network, Bruce Timm, J.J Abrams, and Matt Reeves attached

 

A new Batman animated series has officially been given the green light by HBO Max and Cartoon Network - and it comes from three of the best minds in film and animation! As reported by Variety, legendary Batman: the Animated Series creator Bruce Timm is teaming up with Lost and Star Wars director J.J Abrams and The Batman director Matt Reeves for "Batman: Caped Crusader"  - which will be a collaboration between Warner Bros. Animation, Bad Robot Productions, and 6th & Idaho!

No word yet on when this is coming out... But that is quite the stellar creative team! Let's wait and see where this new Bat series is going!

DC All Access: Bruce Timm talks "Batman: Gotham By Gaslight"

Set to be released as the next DC Universe Animated Original Movie from the creative minds behind some of the most popular DC Comics animated shows, Bruce Timm, Jim Krieg, and Sam Liu were interviewed by DC All Access to talk about "Batman: Gotham By Gaslight"  - which is based on the Elseworlds graphic novel story of the same name.

Check out the video below:

GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT: Bruce Timm Talks Upcoming Animated Film

Batman and Harley Quinn Day: DC releases "25 Years, 25 Harleys" video

In honor of "Batman and Harley Quinn Day" weekend and the jester girl's 25th Anniversary since her first appearance in "Batman: The Animated Series" - DC Comics has released a "25 years, 25 Harleys" video, which was shared by Comic Book.com and put up by DC Entertainment.

25 YEARS, 25 HARLEYS
As presented by co-creator Bruce Timm, that's a lot of outfits and appearances by The Joker's girlfriend and lovely adversary of Gotham's Dark Knight. Happy 25th Anniversary, Harley Quinn!

Happy 25th Anniversary, Batman The Animated Series!

25 YEARS... That's a long time coming since Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski collaborated together to create one of the most faithful and influential shows to ever present DC Comics' iconic Dark Knight vigilante to the small screen. Yes folks, the 1992 original "Batman The Animated Series" is now 25 years old, and along with that baggage comes a lot of classic moments, iconic portrayals, and memorable episodes and firsts for a TV Series that gave us a pretty awesome cartoon Batman - one who was voiced by the ever talented Kevin Conroy who has earned the title of being the one and only "Voice of Batman".

While the show is known for a lot of great stories and depictions of Batman's life and rogues' gallery, BTAS also introduced a lot of firsts - including the creation of The Joker's on-and-off girlfriend and iconic villainess Harley Quinn - aka Dr. Harleen Quinzel. She would spin-off the show to become her own prominent presence in the pages of DC Comics, and eventually be featured in live action as well through 2016's DC Extended Universe film "Suicide Squad". What's more Star Wars' star Mark Hamill signed on to voice the Clown Prince of Crime himself in The Joker - a role originally considered for Tim Curry but went to the Luke Skywalker actor instead.


Batman Animated Series Intro
While it certainly is all kinds of special, and influenced also by Tim Burton's Batman films (with star Michael Keaton celebrating his 66th Birthday today), BTAS is nothing short of groundbreaking and amazing... And will forever be a timeless piece of Batman lore that fans deserve and have gotten. Happy Anniversary!

ICYMI: "Batman and Harley Quinn" nine minute sneak peek released

With the release of "Teen Titans: The Judas Contract" in digital media and coming to Blu-Ray and DVD later this month, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment have released a nine minute sneak peek into the next DC Universe Animated Original Movie - and that's "Batman and Harley Quinn".

"Batman and Harley Quinn" Sneak Peek
Featuring Bruce Timm back in the director's chair and the return of Kevin Conroy as Batman and Loren Lester as Nightwing, the new film introduces The Big Bang Theory's Melissa Rauch as the new voice behind The Joker's girlfriend. No release date has been given for the animated movie yet, but it sticks to "Batman: The Animated Series/ New Batman Adventures" style animation... And is looking very impressive.

Batman: The Animated Series turns 24 years old this week

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!

SDCC '15: Batman: The Killing Joke and new DC Universe Animated Original Movies announced

In San Diego Comic-Con, anything can happen at a moment's notice... And after screening the newest DC Universe Animated Original Movie in this July's "Justice League: Gods and Monsters", Bruce Timm and the rest of the panel of Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment took the opportunity to announce the next upcoming project they have in store... And it's none other than the long awaited animated adaptation to Alan Moore and Brian Bolland's seminal Batman/ Joker story that is "Batman: The Killing Joke"!

As one of the most requested adaptations to be made, The Killing Joke is a story that has been incorporated into existing Batman canon, and sees Joker's possible origin explored as well as the paralysis of Barbara Gordon/ Batgirl and the torture of her father Commissioner Gordon.

Other DC Animated movie projects that were announced was another Batman movie in Batman: Bad Blood, as well as an epic Justice League vs Titans movie in the cards. For more information, visit the source post at Superherohype.

DC All Access: The Batman 75 Panel at Wondercon '14!

Pretty self explanatory... And THANK YOU DC ALL ACCESS FOR THIS!

Batman 75 Panel + Kevin Conroy, Jim Lee, & Kevin Smith (DCAA @WonderCon)
The Batman 75 Panel at Wondercon '14! Featuring Jim Lee! Bruce Timm! Kevin Conroy! Kevin Smith! And all things on The Dark Knight past, present, and future for the character's 75th Anniversary!

Batman: Strange Days: DC Animated short now online

After premiering in Cartoon Network's "DC Nation" block last April 9, Warner Bros. and DC Comics have released their newest Batman feature, Batman: Strange Days, in YouTube in commemoration of The Dark Knight's 75th Anniversary.

A near 3 minute short that harkens back to "old school" and portrays Batman in his early years, "Strange Days" sees The Caped Crusader rescuing a damsel in distress from one of his earliest foes, Hugo Strange. The short is helmed by Bruce Timm, creator of Batman: The Animated Series, and once again features the voice of legendary Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy.


"Batman: Strange Days" - Bruce Timm's Batman 75th Anniversary Short

Throwback Thursday: Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

Exactly twenty years ago, Warner Bros., DC Comics, and legendary Batman: The Animated Series creator Bruce Timm delivered quite the Christmas present to loyal Batfans on Christmas Day, as the very first full-length Batman animated feature was released in theaters and brought a new unique and original vision to The Dark Knight in cinema.

That movie was Batman: Mask of The Phantasm, released on December 25, 1993.

Heavily inspired by the classic Batman origin story "Batman: Year One" but spinning into an original tale of its own, Mask of the Phantasm saw the Caped Crusader taking on a mysterious new for called "The Phantasm", who left a trail of death on its path by slaying some old and retired mob bosses of Gotham City. Falsely accused of the murders, Batman relentlessly pursues this new criminal, but his mission is complicated by the return of a lost love, as well as the lingering presence of his eternal arch-nemesis, The Joker. In order to solve this case, The Dark Knight must piece together clues from his past and the present, and see whether he can rekindle an old romance at the same time...

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) - Theatrical Trailer

Literally a blast from the past and perfect for Throwback Thursday this Christmas week, Mask of the Phantasm is literally one, if not THE BEST Batman animated film that has appeared in the Caped Crusader's long and thriving history. Featuring the immortal voices of Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark "Luke Skywalker" Hamill as The Joker, this animated film opened doors and showed the potential of the then young and thriving DC Animated Universe, and helped keep the Batman hype and interest alive following the previous year's live-action release of Tim Burton's Batman film sequel, Batman Returns. The animation was luscious, and the OST was simply memorable and breathtaking, especially with music artist Tia Carrere's ending theme for the film, "I Never Even Told You".

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm - I Never Even Told You

Happy Twenty Years, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm... And prepare for Batman's 75th Anniversary next year!

NYCC '13: Superman 75th Anniversary Animated Short goes online

75 years of Superman was celebrated this year... And during this year's New York Comic Con, Man Of Steel director Zack Snyder and legendary DC Animated Universe creator Bruce Timm presented a beautiful short that not only follows the Last Son of Krypton's comic history, but looks at his legacy from all forms of media as well, from the late great Christopher Reeve's iconic portrayal to the latest man to carry the role with Henry Cavill!

Report: DC Animated producer Bruce Timm stepping down

The end of an era has arrived for DC Animation, as reports in the web verify that Bruce Timm, the legendary creator of the DC Animated Universe, has stepped down from his role as DC Animated producer.

Having been a prominent presence in Warner Bros. and DC Comics since the early 90's, Timm co-created and produced the critically acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series, which would help redefine and popularize The Dark Knight in mainstream media and usher in the creation of the "DCAU", which expanded its reach with the release of Superman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond, Justice League, and Justice League Unlimited.

Along with Paul Dini, Timm was also responsible for the creation of the beloved Batman character and The Joker's girlfriend. Harley first appeared as an exclusive character in BTAS, but her popularity and warm reception by fans soon allowed her to spill over to other DC media, including regular DC Continuity.

Bruce Timm's departure was first reported by Visions of Krypton, then subsequently by other popular comic news sites such as Newsarama. His recent works remain etched in the minds of fans, especially with him serving as producer for several of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies, including recent animated adaptation of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. Replacing him is former storyboard artist James Tucker, who has quite the experience and resume working in DC Animation. For more information, visit the source post at Visions of Krypton and Newsarama.

Green Lantern: The Animated Series cancelled by Cartoon Network

Sad news comes to DC Comics and Green Lantern fans who have tuned in religiously to Cartoon Network's "Green Lantern: The Animated Series", as the network has decided not to pick up the series again for a second season. The news comes directly from a very disappointed Bruce Timm, who created the series and sadly confirmed the news during his time in this year's Emerald City Comiccon, which was reported in Bleeding Cool. The series started in 2011, and despite being in 3D, was aimed to follow in the footsteps and vein of its predecessors such as Batman: The Animated Series and Justice League Unlimited.

Happy 20th Birthday, Harley Quinn!

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!