Batman: The Animated Series 10 Best Characters

Couldn't very well have a list of the best characters without the man himself, could we?

For many, Kevin Conroy is THE Batman - the one they hear in their heads when they read comics or are comparing other voice actors to. Like with Bruce, Conroy made Batman a completely separate character, not just Bruce's voice in a costume.

Because of the time available and the cost of animation compared to live action, the series filled us in on Batman's backstory like never before. Where did he learn to fight? Who taught him escape artistry? What were his fears? Who takes care of his equipment?

Although certainly not a social worker, this version of Batman was played with empathy and understanding by Conroy. Batman of all people got the concept that one bad day could completely change your life. So, while he may apprehend a low-level crook stealing to feed his family, he was just as likely to make sure that crook was offered a job at Wayne Enterprises the next day. He also did his best to help villains who he felt were redeemable - The Ventriloquist, Two-Face, Mr. Freeze, for example.

The B:TAS Batman was the cornerstone of the DC Animated Universe, and rightly so. The show set the standard for mature, thoughtful animation, led by Conroy's outstanding portrayal of a haunted man who was never really that far away from being that little boy who watched his parents die in an alley and who keeps trying to find redemption by saving everyone, only to realize that's not possible.

Although there were Bat-Men both before and after, it can be easily argued that this remains the definitive edition of The Dark Knight.