Batman: The Animated Series is one of the greatest superhero adaptations of all time.
Here are the 15 best episodes of the classic cartoon.
Looking back, the early nineties were the best of times and worst of times forBatmanfans.
In 1989, fans got their first big-budget HollywoodBatmanmovie, followed by the 1992 sequelBatman Returns.
Both of these films boasted A-list talent and made huge money.
But they werent really interested in Batman, at least not the guy that comic book readers loved.
Photo: Warner Bros. Animation.
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So the series had to be judicious when trying to show the stakes of its villains actions.
The Poison Ivy episode Eternal Youth proves this point.
Photo: Warner Bros. Animation.
Everything gets a charge from the inclusion of the Joker.
Yes, hes overused, and yes, hes tiresome.
In between, the Joker subjects the Dynamic Duo to all manner of Yuletide chaos.
Photo: Warner Bros. Animation.
Like its central character, The Clock King unfolds with perfect timing, a tightly-wound clock of a plot.
When Batman disrupts the Clock King at the last minute, its a victory of mind, not muscle.
Nowhere is that more clear than in The Man Who Killed Batman, written by Dini and directed Timm.
Photo: Warner Bros. Animation.
This shift in perspective allows the viewer to see the protagonists effect on the larger city.
Appointment in Crime Alley
Season 1 Episode 12
Some might gripe that Batmans origin has become cliche and unnecessary.
The challenge of writing Batman, then, involves acknowledging his parents death without falling back on obvious imagery.
Photo: Warner Bros. Animation.
That moment reminded everyone that no one cares for Bruce like Alfred.
Director Dan Riba and writer Dini emphasize that compassionate quality by introducing an all-new character in Baby-Doll.
Baby-Doll features former child star Mary Dahl, whose child-like looks have stalled her career and driven her mad.
Photo: Warner Bros. Animation.
That set-up suggests another classic Batman villain, a person whose physical appearance makes them into a baddie.
The episode came from the dream team of Dini and Timm and won the series its first Emmy Award.
Heart of Ice deserves all of these accolades and more.
Photo: Warner Bros. Animation.
But the best part might be Conroys line reading after learning about Friess tragic back story.
Photo: Warner Bros. Animation.
Photo: Warner Bros. Animation.
Photo: Warner Bros. Animation.
Photo: Warner Bros. Animation.
Photo: Warner Bros. Animation.
Photo: Warner Bros. Animation.
Photo: Warner Bros. Animation.
Photo: Warner Bros. Animation.
