10 Reasons Batman Animated Is The Definitive Dark Knight

6. It's Shaped Batman Outside Of Animation

The fact that the show went onto impact the comics outside of its animated medium is a testament to its quality. It introduced both Harley Quinn and Renee Montoya to the mythos, with both going onto carve out their own roles outside of being Joker's sidekick and a GCPD officer respectively. Not only did it introduce these two characters to the wider lore, but it also came to redefine others as well, with Harvey Bullock being recast from a corrupt GCPD officer to a well intentioned if not arrogant detective. The show also then established a future timeline - one that would find its way into the DCU prior to the New 52's arrival. The adventures of Terry McGinnis as Batman Beyond have proven to be divisive amongst comic book fans, but no one can disparage the impact Return of The Joker and the prior series have had on comics since its debut. With Harleen now making her way to the big screen with next summer's Suicide Squad, doubting the show's significance 14 years on from its unveiling is an almost inconsiderable thought.