10 Things We Want To See In The New Batman Animated Series

We want new (re-telling) origin stories to our favourite characters whilst exploring new ones.

Whilst sticking to the original origins and the comics, BTAS took strong influence from Tim Burton's live-action films, Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992). With the former still cited as the cornerstone for the modern age of superhero movies, there's no wonder why.

In Burton’s film we see a Gotham where characters have embraced the noir fashions and clashing architectural styles. But also among other examples, the use of “Jack Napier” as the Joker’s identity, where previously the comics have avoided this and integrated it within the character's mystery.

"If I'm going to have a past, I prefer it to be multiple choice."-The Killing Joke (1988)

It is also evident with another favourite, the Penguin. In an interview with Modern Masters, writer and developer of BTAS Bruce Timm said:

“We did get a call that the studio wanted the Penguin and Catwoman to look as much like the movie versions as possible.”

With the success of Batman Returns (1992), Timm would go to the set to meet Tim Burton and actor Danny DeVito during fittings. In addition, Burton even provided Timm with a quick sketch of his take on the character. With Matt Reeves also attached to The Caped Crusader and with the release of his rendition The Batman (2022), it would be tempting to merge the two into the DC Reeves universe.

In a very profound way Batman and the citizens of Gotham have a very fixed identity and part of the beauty about the rogues is they do not. For example, one of the reasons Danny DeVito's Penguin was so much more frightening than say Nicholson's Joker is you're never quite sure what the Penguin is. Was he a human? Was he an animal? Or maybe a hybrid of the two. He's quoted to even say himself

"I am not a human being. I am an animal. Cold-blooded "

This is because it now suits him to fit that identity in which case, anything is permissible. Part of the chaos each of these villains brings is that they don't really have that fixed sense of who they are. With a medley of chaotic villains to choose from, here's hoping this means the show packs in some new surprises and mystery into the re-telling. Who knows, there may even be a pinch of Nolan in there too? Let’s not get too excited. But I'd expect plenty of Easter Eggs!