Superman: Animated Film Series (TV Series 1941-1943)

A lone baby alien survivor of the planet Krypton is sent to Earth moments before the planet explodes. Growing up he discovers he has strange powers and later becomes Superman, protector of justice. Under the alias of Clark Kent, a news reporter, he leads a double life and keeps his true identity and powers a secret from all. Superman made his animated debut in this series of seventeen classic Technicolor short films produced by Fleischer Studios and its successor Famous Studios in the 1940s. They were so ahead of their time with some animation that was worthy of and ended up being nominated for the 1942 Academy Award for Best Short Subject: Cartoons. I love these short films most especially because they have some of the cleanest animations I have ever seen which still manages to hold up to today's standards. I would even go as far as to argue that they are even better than some modern-day animated projects and looking at the quality of them, it is plain to see they were leagues ahead of their time. What made this series all the more incredible is the fact they were released during the period of World War 2, and yet, the visuals of these shorts are just breathtaking, which is most likely due to them being lavishly budgeted. I would have thought that a show like this wouldn't have had such a grand budget, let alone being made in colour but thank goodness it did because they are simply fantastic. There are however elements of the current ongoing period featured within, whilst of course being set in the modern day of that time during the 1940s, there are later episodes which featured some war propaganda. In the episode Jungle Drums, it featured Nazis whom Superman naturally defeats and at the end of the episode, we see a disheartened Hitler who is listening to the news of his plans failing. These propaganda episodes were obviously included as a means to boost morale and rally viewers, especially the younger audience during such trying times. This show is responsible for many great feats, from not only being one of the best-animated projects ever made but also accomplishing so much more in changes to the original design of the character which would alter the character forever going forward! These very cartoons were responsible for Superman being able to fly. When they started working on this series, Superman could only leap from place to place in great bounds however, they deemed it as "silly looking" after seeing it fully animated and decided to have him fly instead, after getting permission for this change. This has since become one of Superman's most recognisable abilities, being able to fly, and thanks to this series, he has ever since. One of the most interesting processes used by the team in creating this cartoon was the method of Rotoscoping. It is the process of tracing animation drawings from live-action footage, which was used extensively to lend realism to the human characters and the man of steel himself. I found this immensely fascinating and I began to wonder what other projects out there have used this technique. However, some of Superman's actions could not be done with this method like, for example, flying or lifting incredibly large objects and therefore had to be figure drawn. One of the greatest achievements from this show's legacy would be the inspiration of two phenomenal shows also set in the DC universe, Batman: The Animated Series (TV Series 1992-1995) and Superman: The Animated Series (TV Series 1996-2000). They were both made using the hand-drawn animation style and in the case of the Batman show, it was made to look like it was set in a futuristic 1940s period, inspired by this very show and that show would go on to have the follow-up Superman series coming almost full circle. Although with the later Superman show they chose not to keep the 40's style of Batman because of this show's existence. Overall, I adore this animated superhero cartoon. It has achieved so many technical feats that was able to deliver content like nothing ever seen before and I have nothing but respect for it. Undoubtedly one you should watch especially with them all being available on YouTube.

Seasons & Episodes: 1 Season - 17 Episodes

Creators: Dave Fleischer, Steve Muffati

Genre: Action / Adventure / Animation / Family / Fantasy / Sci-fi

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Batman Vs. Two-Face (2017)

A botched experiment by Professor Hugo Strange to extract the evil from Gotham's criminal masterminds goes disastrously wrong, leaving the noble District Attorney Harvey Dent horrifically scarred both physically and mentally as the dichotomous supervillain, Two-Face. After multiple incursions, Dent is captured by the Dynamic Duo and is seemingly cured of his injuries to help him restart his life as an honest citizen. However, there is a new wave of crimes by other of Batman's conniving criminals that have the manner and formula of Two-Face, even while Dent still seems to be innocent. Robin, already jealous of Bruce's older friendship with Dent, is not so sure of Dent's innocence and a rift begins to grow between the duo as they disagree about their suspicions. This is the second of the animated films following the popular show: Batman (TV Series 1966-1968) and even introduces a new character/villain, who never appeared in the show, Two-Face. Adam West, Burt Ward and Julie Newmar all return again for their roles and do a fabulous job but like the last animated feature, my only slight issue was there are times when the actor's older voices sound off coming from their animated younger counterparts but it didn't ruin my overall enjoyment as I quickly brushed it off when the nostalgia began to hit me. This is unfortunately, the final work of Adam West, who sadly passed away on the 9th of June 2017, which was 5 years ago today (as of writing this) and just to think of all the happy memories he has brought us as Batman, he will never be forgotten. The credits also end with a dedication: "In loving memory of Adam West (1928-2017). Rest well, Bright Knight." I couldn't think of a better send-off to his character than this enriching addition to his version of the beloved crime fighter. The animation is just as good as its predecessor: Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders (2016) and looks incredible. Introducing a new villain was a great choice, especially in the case of Two-Face, who was a long-established character, who had never before been featured in the 60s show. His appearance and presentation in this film definitely make me feel as though he could've been a part of it. His creation from Harvey Dent to the two-sided maniac was very in line with the 60s theme and style having an evil extractor machine going awry after the villains overload it with their evil thoughts and cause it to explode. As it does so Batman hurls his cape to protect Harvey but only half of his face and body are left uncovered creating this alter ego. I felt that the whole creation of the character was extremely reminiscent of everything I associated with the series and how it would have handled the situation had it been done. More new additions arrive to the 60s Bat-verse in the form of Professor Hugo Strange, who is also a well-known bad guy from the Batman universe and made for another brilliant addition to the story. Even other underused characters from the show like the Bookworm have a small part to play, which was very fun to see giving lesser-seen villains a chance to shine. We also get a really good mystery to solve in this film that kept me guessing from the start to its eventual reveal and makes for an exciting plot to indulge in. Overall, this is another great Bat-Movie, like the last following the incredible 1966 series. This final addition to the 60s rendition of Batman is definitely one for fans of the original show to check out, especially with it being Adam West's last performance as the beloved caped crusader. With such clean and smooth animation with some amazing action, heaps of references and intense mystery, this film makes for a climactic finale to Adam West's Batman. So strap on your utility belts and crime fight your way into Batman Vs. Two-Face for a final look at this rendition of a delightful era.

Runtime: 1h 12m

Director: Rick Morales

Genre: Action / Animtaion / Comedy

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Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders (2016)

Batman and Robin spring into action when Gotham City is threatened by Penguin, The Joker, Riddler and Catwoman. This time, the four supervillains have combined their wicked talents to hatch a plot so nefarious that the Dynamic Duo really have their hands full. Together they try to stop the conniving criminals to save both Gotham City ... and space. This animated film is fantastic as it nails the feel of the 60s show: Batman (TV Series 1966-1968) and is a love letter to the brilliant series as well as its fans. Having Adam West, Burt Ward and Julie Newmar return to voice their respective roles as Batman, Robin and Catwoman was very cool and amazing to hear them back as their iconic characters. Even the voices of the other characters were really well done, sounding exactly like the original actors and were very well cast into the roles. I remember hearing the riddler and fully believing it to be the original guy. The laugh he so frequently did in the show was so on point in this movie that it had me fooled. However, with the original cast returning they are now a lot older than when they first played their roles and at times it can be a bit strange seeing their young counterparts in the animation speaking as older people. Of course, that can't be helped and didn't ruin my enjoyment of the film but it can throw you off now and then. The animation of this film is also really good with characters moving quite fluently and looking very sharp. I really enjoy the animated projects from DC and I have many of them I wish to talk about in due time. In the beginning segment of the film, the first fight was so reminiscent of the original just like how it would play out in the show that I couldn't help but grin throughout the whole sequence. There was a nice addition where batman is based upon the head whilst facing Catwoman and begins to hallucinate seeing three variations of her, which were all the different actresses who have played the role in the show over the years. Just little details like that show the love and care for the legacy of the original series that has been put into this film. More attention to the source material comes in the use of the huge letters that explode onto the screen whenever there is fighting (like CRASH or POW), which is taken straight out of the original show, which was great. There is also a sequence later on, which leads to the duo using the never before seen bat-rocket and going into space that was an extremely crazy idea that they pulled off. Such an idea would not have been possible in the show and this movie takes full advantage of it by giving us these bizarre and delightful ideas, giving them life in a way never before seen or thought likely to happen. We even get a segment of the film where Batman is compromised and tries to take over the city now becoming evil after a special drug was used on him by Catwoman. He then later creates many duplicates of himself to run the city to the point where Robin teams up with Catwoman to put an end to his plans and restore him with an antidote. It leads to a fantastic sequence where the two recruit all the other villains to help fight the numerous Batmen and each has a moment to display their usual weapons and gadgets in the same style as the show, which was absolutely great. Having all the technology, vehicles and very specific antidotes that have the word 'Bat' in front was just very much like the show, which was another nice touch and homage. Overall, this is a great addition and tribute to the 60s show, which felt like a continuation of the silly, fun, action-packed bat-adventure. If you loved the original series and the film then this one and its follow-up: Batman Vs. Two-Face (2017) are a must-check out for fans. It may take things in a wackier situation but it still holds the heart of what it is honouring.

Runtime: 1h 18m

Director: Rick Morales

Genre: Action / Adventure / Animation / Comedy / Crime

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Batman: The Movie (1966)

An unusual alliance! Gotham's most dastardly villains have teamed up to take on the crime-thwarting duo Batman and Robin. Who are these fiends, well they are none other than The Joker, Penguin, Riddler, and Catwoman. Together they launch a plan in which to gain control of the entire world. From his secret submarine, the Penguin hijacks a yacht carrying a dehydrator that has the power to extract all the moisture from humans, reducing them to particles of dust. These villains use this very device to turn the 9 Security Council members into particles that they stash into vials, kidnapping them all as multicoloured crystals. It is up to our dynamic duo to put an end to this horrific plot and restore the council members back to their original state, whilst capturing these crooks. This movie was first shown on the big screen on its release, which was a great feat for the show due to its popularity during its first year. This film has everything that you love about the show but on a grander scale. It has just as many memorable scenes as the show like the iconic moment when Batman is jumped upon by a shark whilst hanging from a helicopter ladder and using the Bat-Shark repellent to ward it off. Also, there is the sequence in which Batman tries very hard to dispose of a bomb at a pier to no avail with there always being something in his way, from nuns to ducks in the water below. Batman running around trying to find a place to dispose of the bomb has to be the most brilliant and iconic part of the film, alongside the shark scene, with his incredible line: "Somedays you just can't get rid of a bomb." Such a hilarious line. I love this film, it's very epic whilst also being extremely hilarious and I enjoyed every bit of it so much. There are some huge-scale moments especially when it comes to the final showdown with a huge fight aboard the Penguin's submarine, which is really exciting and fun to watch. Penguin's submarine is also an amazing sight, which looks incredible from the way it moves with flippers on the back acting like propellers. It was also really interesting seeing 4 of the duo's enemies form an alliance and work together to bring the world to its knees and take on Batman and Robin. It was definitely the right move to pin them all together as it led to some great interactions. Just seeing their hideout with sections for each of their belongings marked with names and characteristics like the Riddler's question marks and Joker's joke items made for some funny background visuals. The team behind the film had a much bigger budget to bring the crusaders to the big screen, thanks to the popularity of the show: Batman (TV Series 1966-1968) it allowed for some grand location shots as well as the use of many vehicles, new and old like the Batboat and Batcopter. We also got to see fights in the Batcave, which is really unusual to see and was a sequence I thoroughly enjoyed. As well as the TV Series, I found this film to be so engrossing and I had such a delightful time. It captured the same energy that we have come to love from the show and is just all-in-all great viewing, even if you haven't previously seen the show it is sure to entertain you. Although I think fans will enjoy it more. It's very exciting, has lots of action, great laughs, and there is fun for all the family. Overall, I definitely would recommend watching this colourful caped crusader adventure. If you are a long-time fan of the show or you are just wondering what the show is all about, then this film will give you a taste of everything the show has to offer. So strap on your utility belts and crime-fight your way over to Batman: The Movie! Also if you want more from the 60s Batman universe then check out the two animated films with some of the returning cast Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders (2016) and Batman Vs. Two-Face (2017).

Runtime: 1h 45m

Director: Leslie H. Martinson

Genre: Action / Adventure / Comedy / Crime

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Batman (TV Series 1966-1968)

Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American playboy, and entrepreneur has a secret double life. He is the crime-fighting vigilante Batman and his youthful ward Dick Grayson as Robin. Together the duo protects and serves Gotham city. At Wayne manor, a hidden pole transports them to the Batcave, where our heroes operate as their alter egos. On the trusty red Batphone, Commissioner Gordon summons them with the latest emergencies threatening their great city. With their trusty utility belts attached and ready, they race to Gotham in the Batmobile. Batman and Robin face great numbers of criminals and their many archenemies like the Joker, Penguin, Catwoman, Riddler, King Tut, Mr Freeze, and many more. This show offers an incredible amount of fun but also a very silly take on the character of Batman during the 60s era, bringing the comic book crusaders to life. Its hilarious depiction however is what makes it so charming, not to mention how actors, like Adam West who played Batman, act very seriously making it all the better. There are so many iconic things to take from the show too, like the huge lettering exploding on the screen with each punch, as well as Batman and Robin climbing up the side of buildings (often bumping into famous faces at the most random of times and places). The Batmobile is also an iconic symbol that is so recognisable, even showing up in the vast line of references in Ready Player One (2018), as one of many cars that is visible in a huge race sequence. I have so many fond memories of seeing the show when I was younger on TV when at school and was delighted when I was given the whole box set as a gift, which I watched in full with the rest of my family. This version of Batman is definitely a great family show as you can have a lot of laughs and enjoy all the crazy costumes and characters, which make it so enjoyable and entertaining. Not only that, but the villain's plans and traps would end up being bizarre and ridiculously entertaining. Characters such as Alfred and Chief O'Hara also bring great comedy and delight to the show. Alfred is undoubtedly the best butler you could ever need, constantly being there for Bruce & Dick and aiding them in their crime-fighting needs, and Chief O'Hara delivers some great performances, which always make me laugh. Scenes like Bruce talking to himself as Batman over two phones to fool the Commissioner and Chief will always be the most incredible scenes from the show that I'll never forget, as it looks so ridiculous. Despite its silliness, this show is simply amazing and I can see why it was popular in its time, enough to gain a movie too with Batman: The Movie (1966). Towards the third season, which would end up being the last, the show tried to introduce the character of Batgirl, who was the Commissioner's daughter, to try and boost its ratings but ultimately didn't do very well. They gave Batgirl a theme song and a bike, which she rode to fight crime, frequently helping the duo or taking things into her own hands. She was an alright addition to the show, but wasn't as much a favourite of mine as the original duo. This show has had such an impact in recent years too as it went on to inspire two animated movies that featured some returning cast to voice over their iconic roles in Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders (2016) and Batman Vs. Two-Face (2017). Overall, Adam West's adaptation of Batman is a great, making for a delightful show that you can easily get lost in with its crazy stories and characters. If you want silly, fun entertainment, this show is the one to check out. If you aren't a fan of the colourful 60s version of the caped crusader then there are so many other interpretations of darker, grittier versions in all kinds of media to enjoy. But if you want some relaxing, laid back and chill television for the whole family, this is one to put on.

Seasons & Episodes: 3 Seasons - 120 Episodes

Creators: Lorenzo Semple Jr. & William Dozier

Genre: Action / Adventure / Comedy / Crime 

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Series Intro:

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