“This rich, privileged guy who doesn’t have to care”: Legendary Director of Batman: The Animated Series on Why the Show Makes Fans Tick
From its mature and engaging tone to the perfect voice casting, Batman: The Animated Series continues to remain one of the best versions of the Caped Crusader. But have you ever wondered how the animated series still sparks fandom?
The renowned director of Batman: The Animated Series Kevin Altieri once talked bout the legacy of his show, and what made it a massive hit and fan-favorite show. Many might think that the animated series succeeded only because the makers were faithful to the source material and perfectly described Batman. However, there’s more to it.
Kevin Altieri compared Batman with another fictional character Zorro as both characters share similarities in wealth, justice, and of course sending down shivers in the bad guys. The director praised Batman’s dual identity, and how perfectly he manages to be known as a playboy Bruce Wayne, while also working as the scary vigilante.
Why Batman: The Animated Series Still Ignites Excitement Among Fans: Explains Director Kevin Altieri
Is there any doubt that Batman: The Animated Series is the best and perfectly balanced animated series to this date? Absolutely not. Even dark knight enthusiasts, to this day, can’t get over the gothic but friendly series that emerged as a prominent project in the Batman franchise. Years have passed but the animated series remains on top, leaving a powerful impact on the adult audience.
Also Read: Real Reason Kevin Conroy Hated Voicing Batman for WB
The legendary director behind Batman: The Animated Series was asked to highlight the aspects that made the Caped Crusader’s animated series a huge success, continuing the legacy. Kevin Altieri mentioned similarities between Batman and Zorro, and how these two characters have balanced their dual identities. According to ScrenRant, Altieri said:
“I think it’s the whole Zorro thing… this rich, privileged guy who doesn’t have to care, yet he’ll stand up for the little guy, even though he doesn’t have to.”
The acclaimed director explained that Batman, being the most privileged guy, chose justice and his commitment to helping the oppressed. These decisions added complexity and depth to the dark knight’s persona, making fans love him even more. Kevin Altieri also highlighted the human origins of Batman, explaining that he didn’t master skills through some supernatural means, instead “he’s worked at it, and he puts himself in harm’s way on behalf of all of us”. Batman is the most complex DC character who flawlessly unleashes terror in every formidable adversary.
Also Read: Kevin Conroy’s Iconic Batman Voice Would Never Have Been Possible Without Michael Keaton
Batman: The Animated Series Explored Mature Themes in a Child-Friendly Format
While censorship can often affect the quality of an animated series, it paved the way for Batman: The Animated Series. Bruce Timm and the writers emerged as creative geniuses by ensuring no censorship violations, and content could still explore dark themes.
Since FOX promoted the show for a younger audience, they weren’t allowed to showcase life-threatening visuals like murders and deaths. Bruce Timm strategically found an indirect way to depict the required violence and murder. One of the examples of how Batman: The Animated Series duped censorship was seen in an episode titled Over the Edge.
This season three episode was supposed to depict how Batgirl met her end, and a little change in camera angle, allowed them to create a dramatic sequence that Batgirl has died. Though it wasn’t violent and harsh, fans could feel the depth and curiosity in the episode.
Watch Batman: The Animated Series on Max.
