I probably don't have anything to say about this show that hasn't already been said in another review. BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES single-handedly revolutionized weekly animated series. Gone were the cheesy animation and lackluster storytelling that had dominated the cartoon during the 60s, 70s, and 80s (though there were notable exceptions during that time). Batman introduced the American public to a new bread of animated show, one that featured detailed stories, top-notch animation, excellent voice work, and feature film-quality music.
What could have been a total disaster turned out to be the best animated series ever. Following in the path of B:TAS's success was a number of series that attempted the same thing, most notably THE X-MEN, a series that also featured excellent animation, writing and voice talents. But B:TAS was the show that survived, receiving numerous Emmy nominations and critical acclaim. Many hailed it as the most faithful (not to mention most amazing) adaptation of the character ever. Quite a statement, but the show more than lived up to peoples' claims.
Though some episodes fell below fans' expectations, the series featured numerous memorable episodes and stories. The team of writers did an excellant (and impressive) job faithfully adapting characters and their stories from the comics. A great deal of credit must also be given to the cast for providing not just great vocals to their roles, but to giving their parts one of the most crucial elements of any role, animated or otherwise .. . character. Kevin Conroy *is* Batman, and Mark Hamill *is* The Joker. Every single character was well-cast, though some were recast; Melissa Gilbert remains my favorite Batgirl.
Another talent deserving of mention is head musical composer Shirley Walker, who each week (along with her rotating team of co-composers) delivered music unlike anything ever heard in any previous animated series. Walker has composed music for television series and feature films (she also conducted the orchestra for the original Tim Burton BATMAN film), but the animated Batman contains her greatest work.
The show should (and most-likely will) always be remembered as an excellent bookmark in the history of daytime animation, and as far as I'm concerned, BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES is *the* greatest animated series ever produced for American television.
What could have been a total disaster turned out to be the best animated series ever. Following in the path of B:TAS's success was a number of series that attempted the same thing, most notably THE X-MEN, a series that also featured excellent animation, writing and voice talents. But B:TAS was the show that survived, receiving numerous Emmy nominations and critical acclaim. Many hailed it as the most faithful (not to mention most amazing) adaptation of the character ever. Quite a statement, but the show more than lived up to peoples' claims.
Though some episodes fell below fans' expectations, the series featured numerous memorable episodes and stories. The team of writers did an excellant (and impressive) job faithfully adapting characters and their stories from the comics. A great deal of credit must also be given to the cast for providing not just great vocals to their roles, but to giving their parts one of the most crucial elements of any role, animated or otherwise .. . character. Kevin Conroy *is* Batman, and Mark Hamill *is* The Joker. Every single character was well-cast, though some were recast; Melissa Gilbert remains my favorite Batgirl.
Another talent deserving of mention is head musical composer Shirley Walker, who each week (along with her rotating team of co-composers) delivered music unlike anything ever heard in any previous animated series. Walker has composed music for television series and feature films (she also conducted the orchestra for the original Tim Burton BATMAN film), but the animated Batman contains her greatest work.
The show should (and most-likely will) always be remembered as an excellent bookmark in the history of daytime animation, and as far as I'm concerned, BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES is *the* greatest animated series ever produced for American television.