No matter which version of Batman you love the most, you can be certain that at least one element transfers itself to The Animated Series. Now, this all encompassing approach to story telling would have been fudged under any other old creative team, but the minds behind BTAS managed to encapsulate what makes the character so special in a relatively short amount of time. Bruce Wayne gets almost as much attention as his alter ego, and in doing so produces a more human take on the character - one just as mythic as it is personal. The reason why this matters the most is because, despite their large audiences, comics and their film counterparts can never offer such a diverse and welcoming picture of the World's Greatest Detective - irrespective of their own level of quality. I absolutely adore Bruce Wayne's comic book misadventures, and though they may not be my favourite interpretations of the character there is much to admire about Burton's and Nolan's take on him and the world he inhabits - it's just that they're their own unique vision, with each one disregarding a certain trait in favour of something else. You won't be able to find a more inviting vision of the Dark Knight anywhere else, and that's what makes the series so special to the countless fans that have enjoyed it. Its lasting influence can only be a benefit to Gotham's protector, especially as he enters an entirely new realm of popularity once more.
Resident movie guy at WhatCulture who used to be Comics Editor. Thinks John Carpenter is the best. Likes Hellboy a lot. Can usually be found talking about Dad Movies on his Twitter at @EwanRuinsThings.
