Batman The Animated Series Sequel Coming?
Batman: The Animated Series looks to be getting a sequel series.
This article is more than 2 years old
Batman: The Animated Series is often considered to be one of the greatest American cartoons in the history of animation. It received immense critical praise during its original release in 1992 and has only become more revered over the decades. Many fans consider it to be the best iteration of Batman in any medium, including comic books and feature films. And if a new scoop ends up being true, the show could be seeing a sequel or revival of some sort.
Insider Daniel Richtman (via We Got This Covered) is reporting that a new Batman: The Animated Series sequel of some sort is in the early stages of discussion over at HBO Max. The WarnerMedia streaming service will be receiving all of Batman: The Animated Series and its follow-up show Batman Beyond next month. It is almost certain that this is why possible rumblings of a new show could be happening.
There is no question that fans of Batman: The Animated Series would be excited at the prospect of another foray into this particular iteration of the character. Granted, a lot of the show’s canon has been explored and finalized through a number of other projects. There was the exceptional Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker which offered one of the darkest moments in the entire show. There was also the animated feature film Batman and Harley Quinn which attempted to bring an adult spin to this version of Batman. That didn’t receive the warmest reception, so if a new project does happen, we hope it will be more in line with the original show’s tone.
The most appealing thing for many fans would be to hear Batman: The Animated Series alums return to voice these characters. Kevin Conroy has gone on to voice Bruce Wayne/Batman in countless other projects, and Mark Hamill has done the same with his iconic version of the Joker. However, having them back home in their original incarnations would be a huge treat and could offer them a sendoff that fans would rally behind. Some feel that happened when they played the characters in the Batman: Arkham games, but it would be more resonant if they returned to to the cartoon that gave them the characters in the first place.
Still, this is just a rumor at this point and there is an argument to be made that Batman: The Animated Series is best left where it is. Kevin Conroy is still a phenomenal voice actor, but his Batman performance has unavoidably changed with age. Would having him back only end up reminding people how long it has been since he first uttered those famous words, “I am vengeance. I am the night. I am Batman!”? Or would any return to this world be welcomed with open arms?
We will have to see if anything substantial actually springs from this Batman: The Animated Series rumor. HBO Max is about to become the home for all of the DC superhero properties, and you can bet they will find whatever ways they can to exploit them for old and new fans alike. But most importantly, we urge you to stream the series when it hits HBO Max next month. You won’t regret it. It’s as good or even better than it ever was.
