Batman: The Animated Series 10 Best Characters

One of the hallmarks of B:TAS was the emotional rollercoaster the show could take you on, a far cry from the like-vintage TMNT or Disney Afternoon. You don't have to look any further for evidence of this than the amazing character arc of Dr Victor Fries.

Fries was a scientist specializing in cryogenics whose work was completely dedicated to reviving his beloved wife Nora. A corrupt businessman not only pulled the plug on Victor's work, but caused the accident that left Victor permanent needing an armoured and insulated suit to keep him in a cold environment.

And so was born Mr Freeze.

While Batman didn't sympathize with many of his foes, he made an earnest effort to not only connect with Victor, but to help him, and Bruce never stopped trying as subsequent storylines continued Freeze's efforts to bring wife back.

Mr Freeze was voiced by Michael Ansara, a well-known actor whose deep, classically trained voice (with a bit of electronic modulation) gave Freeze a solemn and commanding presence whenever he was on screen. Possessing the most tragic arc of any Batman villain (and perhaps any character), Ansara brought noble life to a man who simply wanted his wife, and his life, back.

B:TAS took a joke character who had been known as Mr Zero in the comics and completely re-wrote his origin into a moving tale that was adopted as DC canon.