The scripts delve into Batman’s past and give us significant glimpses of the losses that he chose to accept in order to fight crime as a way of dealing with his parents’ murders.
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Although I watch and buy DVD editions of movies based on super-hero comics, I don´t follow comic books in general. However, I´m a big fan of Batman, and I occasionally buy Batman-related stuff (like my Batman-logo keychain). I guess I just identify with the guy--brooding, investigative, cynical-yet-hopeful, etc. Plus, that costume of his is some kind of wonderful.
As a child, Bruce Wayne saw his parents murdered on a cold, lonely night in Gotham City. Bruce vowed to devote his life to fighting crime, and he chose to wear a bat-inspired disguise at night so that he won´t be recognized and arrested for being a vigilante. The "Batman" narrative is careful to point out that Batman´s activities are technically illegal, even if he´s doing "the right thing".
The "Batman" universe is populated by shadows and dark-colored objects. You would think that such an environment limits options when it comes to creating a "look". Yet, "Batman: The Animated Series" is very distinctive and unique. Most animation is drawn/rendered on white backgrounds, but "Batman: TAS" was done with black backgrounds. Therefore, less-than-usual light passes through the cels, making the show feel very "dark" indeed. Since the animation is done in a vaguely Art-Deco style (sharp angles and long, sleek lines), the show looks either stylishly sinister or sinisterly stylish.
"Batman: The Animated Series" is not as dark or nihilistically violent as Tim Burton´s "Batman" (1989) and "Batman Returns". While this difference can be attributed to "TAS" appearing on TV during afternoon kid-friendly hours, it is something that improves the relationship between Batman/Bruce Wayne and Catwoman/Selena Kyle. Their courtship is playful, cute, and sweet rather than vengeful, ugly, and bitter. While you don´t lose sight of the fact that Batman and Catwoman each have deep psychological and emotional scars, the characters aren´t doomed to extreme gloom. Therefore, they get together for healthy reasons rather than because no one else understands their pain.
In Season 2, the show´s best episodes still involve the Joker, and his sidekick Harlequin gets several chances to show off, too. Season 2 also showcases Batman´s Japanese connections--the character´s training as well as the show´s ties to the Japanese animation industry. The scripts delve into Batman´s past and give us significant glimpses of the losses that he chose to accept in order to fight crime as a way of dealing with his parents´ murders.
Disc 1: "Eternal Youth", "Perchance to Dream", "The Cape and the Cowl Conspiracy", "Robin´s Reckoning Part 1", "Robin´s Reckoning Part 2", "The Laughing Fish", "Night of the Ninja".
Disc 2: "Cat Scratch Fever", "The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne", "Heart of Steel Part 1", "Heart of Steel Part 2", "If You´re so Smart, Why Aren´t You Rich?", "Joker´s Wild", "Tyger, Tyger".
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