Batman: Caped Crusader. Image from Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment
There are not many comic book characters that practically everyone knows, and Batman is one of them. Batman remains timeless, enduring countless reiterations, numerous makeovers, and nearly a dozen Batman live-action movies. However, a Batman animated series that focuses on the beginnings of Bob Kane’s Batman remains unexplored. And no, I do not believe, based on what I have seen and read, that this is an origin story. Instead, it takes you to the earliest battles of Batman against Gotham City’s most evil criminals.
The name of the soon-to-be-released animated series is ‘Batman: Caped Crusader.’ A little bit of history on how this much-awaited animated series of Batman came to be. Amazon reportedly acquired ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ following Warner Bros. Discovery’s discontinuation of the animated series’ production. Then, according to The Hollywood Reporter, HBO Max reportedly rejected the animated series due to the company’s cost-cutting initiatives. Unfortunately, ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ was one of those planned animated series that did not make it to the final cut to be released for streaming.
Nevertheless, following extensive deliberations with prominent streaming platforms such as Apple, Netflix, and Hulu, the animated series reportedly secured a two-season home at Amazon. This is a welcome development for all fans of Batman. Amazon would be a great home for ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ because its streaming service, Prime Video, has an excellent library of animation, anime, and cartoons. The new Batman animated series will feel right at home there.
To my absolute knowledge, there has never been an animated series that explores Bob Kane’s Batman, specifically from the very beginning. As evidence of this, the inclusion of Batman’s first nickname, “The Caped Crusader,” in the animation’s title provides a clear indication of what to expect from this animated version of Batman. While there have been several animated one-offs, there has never been an animated series that focuses on Batman in his first crime-fighting adventures in Gotham City.
Based solely on the official images released, I believe this to be the purest version of Batman I’ve seen besides Batman: The Animated Series (BTAS). Younger and newer fans often fail to understand that Batman has never faced moral dilemmas, posed a threat to other superheroes, confused friends with foes, forged friendships with The Joker (What a load of B.S. on that one, haha), or engaged in other bizarre scenarios depicted in recent comics, movies, and animations. This is Batman as he truly is: a crime fighter who believes in justice. Behind the cape and cowl, he is extremely wealthy and enjoys having relationships with women. Bruce Wayne is a normal straight guy when he is not Batman beating up criminals, super villains, and enemies of Gotham City. For me, that is as balanced as ever for any crime fighter because Batman is easy to understand, and I believe ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ will prove that.
For hardcore fans of Frank Miller’s Batman, this animated series may not be for you. It’s doubly true if you are a fan of the campy, cheesy, and goofy Batman from the 1960s. However, if you revere and cherish Bob Kane’s Batman, then ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ is your ideal adaptation. The story takes place in the 1940s, when Batman’s creator grew up and drew inspiration to create one of history’s most iconic and influential comic book characters.
On an added note, as it can sometimes be challenging, I would like to share some insight and advice on how to distinguish between the various iterations of Batman that have appeared throughout the decades. It is important to clarify that there is only one iteration of Batman, which began in the 1940s. Bob Kane, Batman’s creator and artist, extended the mask’s sharp-tipped ears. The cape itself presents a wider and more ostentatious appearance. His costume’s color is neither blue nor black. It is a grayish color.
I believe this is the first Batman animation that will delve deep into Batman as “The Caped Crusader,” rather than focusing on his transformation into his “Dark Knight” persona years later in his life. ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ will be the spiritual successor to the beloved BTAS (Batman: The Animated Series), with key animation elements, several individuals behind the scenes returning for ‘Batman: Caped Crusader,’ and beloved BTAS characters making a comeback. ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ incorporates Harley Quinn, an original animated character from BTAS. Additionally, you have Catwoman, and Bruce Wayne’s appearance is quite similar to BTAS.
I am excited about this one because it shows so much promise. Batman fans who have been dismayed for years by how Batman has been portrayed in animation should give this a chance.
“Batman: Caped Crusader” will debut on August 1.