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DC Comics’ iconic vigilante returns to a familiar realm.
From various incarnations with the Justice League to the legendary Batman: The Animated Series (1992), fans have been drawn to the animated escapades of Bruce Wayne. Breaking into this arena has allowed for many creative opportunities. Some have hit. Others have not.
2014 was the last solo Batman series with Beware The Batman. Since then, pop culture witnessed his monster return to the big screen with Matt Reeves’ 2022 film, The Batman.
The back to basics feel won over the fandom. With an upcoming sequel, fans wanted more. It also created an opportunity to return to this universe in an animated form.
At a 2021 WarnerMedia event, BATMAN: CAPED CRUSADER was announced. JJ Abrams (Bad Robot), Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series) and Reeves were the three lead exec. producers for the new project.
In 2022, the series was picked up by Amazon Studios for Prime Video after Warner Bros. Discovery opted out of the project.
The series is slated to debut its’ first season on August 1st, 2024. Amazon Studios for Prime Video allowed the ODPH podcast and Nerd Initiative early access to the new animated Batman series. Let’s take a closer look at how this new entry fares.
This will be a SPOILER FREE review.
Knowing the trio of powerhouse creators producing, expectations are high. Add in Ed Brubaker, James Tucker, Daniel Pipski, Rachel Rusch Rich and Sam Register into the exec. producer mix and it only raises the bar higher. Much to fans’ delight, they don’t miss giving a fresh take to Gotham City’s favorite citizen.
The series carries a vintage feel to its’ surroundings. From the cars to the architecture, it brings the audience back to a simpler time. There will be instant comparisons to Batman: TAS. However, the series quickly breaks away from that correlation with its’ more mature and grounded themes. The complex dynamic between the Dark Knight and notable amoral characters (and their devious actions) leans heavy into the “real world” aspect of recent storytelling. It is a perfect compliment to Reeves’ movie vision.
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“Crusader” delves into the best of Batman’s early years with precision writing and voice acting. Not everything is perfect but the series nails the key points when mattered most.
Hamish Linklater (Batman/Bruce Wayne) delivers a strong performance with his take of the Dark Knight. There is a noticeable aura of an inexperienced Batman throughout the series. This plays well to the audience. It allows them to connect to the brand new landscape and evolving dangers it brings.
Linklater distinguishes Wayne’s calm demeanor with Batman’s gruff persona very well. By the time of the finale, it is very well cemented that Batman is really the hero the city deserves.
Photo via Prime Video
The series also dives and re-imagines some of Batman’s greatest rogues to much success. The Penguin (Oswalda Cobbelpot – voiced by Minnie Driver) and Harley Quinn (Harleen Quinzel- Voiced by Jamie Chung) are two magnificent character performances that steal the episodes that they are in.
Both give new creative directions that play up to their well known statuses. I really enjoyed the Quinn take because it comes across as a multi-layered approach that is rarely showcased on this level.
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Not everything is all new takes concerning the rouges. Christina Ricci’s Catwoman performance is as classic as it comes. It leaves a lasting impression that holds its’ own with the great company it keeps. The same can be said for Diedrich Bader’s Harvey Dent/Two-Face. With Dent’s evolution from start to the spectacular finale, fans will have much to rave about with the tragic rogue.
The only times the series steps back are when they dabble in the supernatural. While entertaining, the two episodes (Night Ride and Nocturne) that center around this theme seem to stray too far from the grounded epicenter. They still are quality viewings never the less.
There are also standout performances from Michelle C. Bonilla (Renee Montoya), Krystal Joy Brown (Barbara Gordon) and Jason Watkins (Alfred Pennyworth) stretching into each episode. They reflect the corrupt world of Gotham and the challenge to find its’ redemption.
Two episodes that bring this theme to the forefront are Moving Target and The Night of The Hunters. The latter, imo, defines what this series is all about: grounded, realistic struggles to fight the good fight. Isn’t that what Batman’s all about?
FINAL POINT: 9.7
The Bat is Back in animation in a big way. “Crusader” presents an innovative version of the Dark Night that fans won’t want to stop watching. With excellent voice acting, the world of Gotham flourishes with new visions. Favorite characters get revived with takes that mesh solidly with images that are sure to please new and seasoned fans alike. This one has all the makings to carve its’ own spot in the Batman mythos for seasons to come.
Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on Batman: Caped Crusader Season one by Prime Video. Thanks for reading!
