"Evening, Joker"
"You're supposed to say, 'Who's there'?"
By day Bruce Wayne (Romano) is the billionaire head of Wayne Corp and by night he protects the city of Gotham as Batman. His trusted butler, Alfred Pennyworth (Duncan), helps monitor the city from the Batcave, while keeping both Wayne and Batman on track. As the Batman keeps the city safe, a new brand of criminal takes to the streets of Gotham.
No one has ever seen the notorious Batman and the Gotham City Police Force does not believe he exists. With opposition from the crazy/masked criminals and the police, can Wayne stay a step ahead and continue to protect his hometown and his secret identity?
Batman was created in 1939 by Bob Kane and Bill Finger for DC Comics. The character quickly became a hit. the character has starred in animated and live action TV shows and movies and is still popular in comics and popular culture. He has also appeared alongside other DC heroes and as a member of the Justice League in various forms of media.
Every version of the character is a little different, while still being recognizable. The animated shows are great because they can have a new look and sound for each version of Batman and his allies. In 2004, Warner Brothers aired Michael Goguen and Duane Capizzi's version, The Batman, as part of the Kids WB. Artist Jeff Matsuda created the look of the characters, which was radically different than in the comics... and it works well here. It also helped to keep the tone dark, but not as dark / serious as previous versions. This one felt like a kids show that was fun to watch, while still showing the darkness that is associated with the character, and for that reason, I enjoy this one more than the Batman shows of my childhood.
The show features well-known as well as some obscure villains. Joker is the best of these villains and is voiced with glee by Kevin Michael Richardson. This is my favorite animated version of Joker. He is menacing, with a smile on his face, and has an iconic laugh. Rino Romano is fine as both Bruce Wayne and Batman. He keeps your interested in both characters. Tommy Kenny has the Burgess Meredith laugh down for his Penguin. Three main villains were not permitted to be on the show: Scarecrow, Two-Face and Ras Al Ghul. This show was happening at the same time as Christopher Nolan's Batman films, and these characters were used in the first two installments. The Joker was permitted to be in the show, even thou he featured in The Dark Knight, since he is the most iconic Batman villain (and this version is very different from the film version).
I also love this version of Barbara Gordon / Batgirl (voiced by Danielle Judovits). She is fun and funny, and gets introduced to the show an entire season before his usual partner: Robin. Robin is the traditional Dick Grayson, and they also hint at both his and Barbara's future name changes (in an episode that takes place in the future with an aging Batman).
The show also features the voice talents of past Batman actors. Adam West, the original Batman, voices Mayor Marion Grange. Frank Gorshin, who was the Riddler in the original TV show, voices Professor Hugo Strange. After Gorshin's death, the character was voiced by Richard Green). Kevin Conroy, who voiced Batman in numerous animated TV shows, voices John Grayson in this show.
There were 5 seasons of the show, and each season is a little different. Season 1 introduces Batman and his adversaries and puts him at odds with Detectives Bennett and Yin. Season 2 puts Batman at odds with the police force and gives him an ally in Yin. Season 3 introduces Batgirl and features a new theme song. Season 4 introduces Robin and Season 5 brings along the Justice League. While it was fun to see this version of the Justice League, it reduced the screen time for Batman's team and his usual roster of villains.
Definitely worth watching, especially to see a different look for the characters.
The Batman (2004-2008)
Creator: Michael Goguen & Duane Capizzi
Starring: Rino Romano as Bruce Wayne / The Batman
Alastair Duncan as Alfred Pennyworth
Danielle Judovits as Barbara Gordon / Batgirl
Evan Sabara as Dick Grayson / Robin
Kevin Michael Richardson as The Joker
Ming-Na Wen as Detective Ellen Yin
Steve Harris as Detective Ethan Bennett / Clayface
Tom Kenny as Penguin
Jesse Corti as Chief Angel Rojas
Mitch Pileggi as Comissioner James Gordon
Adam West as Mayor Marion Grange
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