10 Lessons The DCU"s Batman Can Learn From Batman: The Animated Series

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Batman: The Animated Series was so quintessential and iconic that the DCU’s Batman should replicate its numerous strengths. Batman: TAS remains a defining portrayal of the Dark Knight, blending a perfect mix of storytelling, aesthetic, and characterization. It achieved a delicate balance between dark themes, emotional depth, and thrilling action while still being appropriate for younger audiences. As the DCU moves forward with its own Batman, there are essential elements from Batman: TAS that could greatly enhance the new cinematic version.
The first Batman movie in the DCU timeline is Batman: The Brave and the Bold, but many more projects are expected. This is separate from Matt Reeves’ The Batman, which falls under the umbrella of DCU Elseworlds. Details are scant regarding the DCU’s Batman: The Brave and the Bold, but by taking inspiration from Batman: The Animated Series, the DCU"s Batman can embrace a more timeless, compelling approach.
10 Sympathetic Villains Are More Compelling Batman: TAS Offered Some Of The Best Villain Adaptations Close One of the standout aspects of Batman: The Animated Series was its ability to humanize Gotham"s rogues. Many of the villains were not just evil for the sake of being evil; they were broken individuals whose tragic backstories made them relatable and, at times, pitiable. Characters like Mr. Freeze, whose quest for vengeance stemmed from a deep personal loss, or Two-Face, whose dual personality was a result of a traumatic event, are prime examples.
This added layer of sympathy made the villains more compelling and engaging in Batman: The Animated Series. The DCU"s Batman can benefit greatly from this approach, allowing viewers to connect with antagonists on a deeper emotional level. Rather than merely providing a physical challenge for Batman, these villains should embody moral and emotional dilemmas, making their defeat bittersweet rather than simply triumphant.
9 Gotham Should Be Timeless Gotham City in Batman: TAS Had A Very Distinct Design Close Gotham City in Batman: TAS is a city out of time. It blends futuristic technology with noir and art deco influences, creating a city that feels both contemporary and vintage. There are computers and robots alongside zeppelins and rotary phones, a visual style that is both unique and timeless. This timelessness allows the city to become a character in its own right, a dark and brooding backdrop that perfectly suits Batman"s vigilante justice.
The DCU"s Gotham should embrace this same approach. A Gotham that feels set slightly in the future but rooted in the past would offer a fresh take on the city. By avoiding the constraints of a specific era, the creative team could explore various stylistic choices and make Gotham feel like a place where both technology and tradition coexist. This would give Batman"s world a unique flair, setting it apart from other superhero cities.
8 Villains Should Be Imprisoned In Arkham (Not Killed Off) Batman: TAS Allowed Arkham Asylum To Flourish Close In Batman: TAS, villains are regularly imprisoned in Arkham Asylum rather than being killed off. This was partly due to the restrictions of being a children’s show, but it also made for a richer, recurring rogue"s gallery. Characters like the Joker, Poison Ivy, and Scarecrow were allowed to return for new stories, making them constant, looming threats.
Batman"s refusal to kill his enemies is central to his code, and seeing these villains survive only to haunt Gotham again reinforces the idea that crime is an ongoing battle. The DCU should avoid the temptation to kill off major villains for the sake of dramatic finality. Keeping them alive not only stays true to Batman"s character but also allows for more continuity and interaction between villains over time, giving future films a broader canvas to explore recurring threats.
7 A Gloomy, Noir Aesthetic Is Vital Batman: TAS Was Inspired By Tim Burton's Gothic Designs Close Batman: The Animated Series was inspired by Tim Burton’s Batman movies, and consequently introduced a gloomy visual tone. The animators dubbed the style "Dark Deco," blending gothic architecture with Art Deco elements, creating a city drenched in shadows and ominous gloom. Gotham felt dangerous, mysterious, and alive with a noir sensibility that perfectly matched the tone of the stories.
This aesthetic choice was one of Batman: TAS’ most memorable elements and helped cement Gotham as an integral element. The DCU"s Batman should embrace this darker, noir aesthetic more fully. While Matt Reeves" The Batman (2022) did take significant steps toward this tone, future DCU films should continue to focus on atmospheric, shadow-laden visuals that invoke a sense of dread and intrigue. Batman thrives in the shadows, and so should his cinematic world.
6 Audiences Can Handle Mature Themes Batman: TAS Explored Mental Health, Romance, And Grief Close While Batman: TAS was ostensibly aimed at younger audiences, it never shied away from mature, complex themes. Episodes explored issues like mental illness, loss, and the consequences of trauma, often in a way that was nuanced and thoughtful. The episode "Heart of Ice," which tells the tragic backstory of Mr. Freeze is a perfect example of how the series balances emotional depth with action.
This mature storytelling resonated deeply with audiences of all ages, proving that even a child-friendly show could handle weighty topics with grace. The DCU should not underestimate its audience"s ability to engage with deeper themes. While action and spectacle are important, Batman"s stories are at their best when they tackle complex moral questions and psychological depth. By weaving these elements into the narrative, the DCU can create a Batman that appeals to audiences both older and younger.
5 Style Is More Important Than Realism Many Batman Movies Focus On Realism Close In recent years, many Batman films have opted for a hyperrealistic approach, especially under the direction of Christopher Nolan. While this grounded tone has its merits, Batman: TAS proved that a more stylized world can be equally, if not more, effective. The series embraced the fantastical elements of Batman"s mythos - colorful villains, improbable gadgets, and a city straight out of a noir fantasy.
This style allowed for more visually striking and creative storytelling. The DCU’s Batman doesn’t need to be constrained by realism. By leaning into the inherent surrealism of Gotham and its inhabitants, the films can explore more creative and visually captivating set pieces. Batman"s world is, by nature, a place of heightened reality, where style often trumps the laws of physics. Embracing this could make the DCU"s take on Batman more visually and thematically distinct.
4 Batman And Bruce Wayne Should Be Distinct Batman: TAS Introduced The Two Batman Voices Close Kevin Conroy, the legendary voice actor behind Batman: The Animated Series" Batman, set a precedent by using separate voices for Batman and Bruce Wayne. His portrayal of Bruce Wayne was lighthearted and charming, while Batman was brooding and intense, with a much rougher voice. This approach was later adopted by actors like Christian Bale and Ben Affleck, but it’s a technique that the DCU should maintain in its Batman projects.
Batman"s dual identity is one of the most fascinating aspects of his character, and keeping the personas separate adds to the complexity of the role. In future DCU films, the contrast between Batman"s grim demeanor and Bruce Wayne"s public face should be more pronounced, allowing the audience to see how Bruce Wayne uses his civilian identity as a tool, while Batman remains his true self.
3 Alfred Shouldn't Be Sidelined Alfred Was Always Present In Batman: TAS Close In Batman: TAS, Alfred wasn’t just a passive butler - he was an active participant in Batman"s mission. Alfred often provided critical advice and assistance in the Batcave and even took part in the action when necessary. There were moments when Alfred in Batman: TAS had to rescue Bruce or take on some of the villains himself, demonstrating his resourcefulness and loyalty. This gave Alfred much more depth as a character and emphasized his relationship with Bruce.
In many Batman films, Alfred is often relegated to the background, acting as little more than a fatherly figure dispensing advice. The DCU can benefit from incorporating a more hands-on Alfred, one who isn’t afraid to step into the fray when necessary. This approach would not only make Alfred more integral to the story but would also enhance the emotional core of Batman"s world by emphasizing their unique bond.
2 The Villains Should Be Aware Of Each Other Batman: TAS Villains Often Interacted Close One of the great strengths of Batman: TAS was how the villains frequently interacted with one another. Whether they were teaming up, clashing over territory, or just sharing a scene, the rogues felt like they existed in the same world. The best example of this is the episode "Almost Got "Im," where several of Batman"s most iconic villains sit around playing poker and exchanging stories about their near victories over the Dark Knight.
This camaraderie, rivalry, and mutual awareness made the rogues feel like a community, even when they were at odds. The DCU"s Batman could benefit from making its villains more interconnected. Allowing them to interact, whether through team-ups or rivalries, would create a more dynamic and layered world for Batman to operate in. It also gives the films more opportunities for creative storytelling, where villains can plot against each other or form uneasy alliances, adding complexity to the narrative.
1 Humor Can Balance The Darkness Batman: TAS Was Funny In Places Close Batman: TAS managed to maintain a serious and dark tone without being overwhelmingly grim. A key reason for this was the careful use of humor. Characters like the Joker, Harley Quinn, and even Batman himself would inject moments of levity into otherwise tense situations. This humor never undermined the stakes but instead offered brief moments of relief that made the darker aspects of the show even more powerful.
In recent Batman films, the focus has been heavily on grit and realism, often at the expense of lighter moments. The DCU"s Batman should not shy away from humor. While it"s important to maintain a serious tone, injecting the occasional moment of wit or levity can help make the darker moments stand out more. Finding a balance between light and dark will prevent the films from becoming too heavy-handed and can make Batman"s world feel more rounded and complete.

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