The Batman
Series, 2004, Animated, Set in Year three as Batman
The Batman is #10 of 26 in release order and #18 of 26 in chronological order in the Batman.
The story
A young billionaire Bruce Wayne fights crime and evil as the mysterious vigilante, The Batman.
The Batman recap
Bruce Wayne is 25 and in his third year as Batman, working alone, while Gotham's police treat him as a criminal. Detective Ethan Bennett, Bruce's friend, is turned into Clayface by the Joker, and Detective Ellen Yin hunts Batman before becoming his secret ally. The show gives every villain a new look, including a dreadlocked Joker, Penguin, Mr. Freeze and Bane. Over five seasons the cast grows: Commissioner Gordon arrives in season 3 with Barbara, who becomes Batgirl, Dick Grayson becomes Robin in season 4, and the last seasons bring in members of the Justice League as Batman faces an alien invasion.
The Batman ending explained
The series ends with the two-part "Lost Heroes" (2008): the alien Joining returns and steals the Justice League's powers for its androids, and Batman, Robin and Green Arrow help the League take them back. Batgirl finishes the code that shuts the Joining down, and the heroes celebrate on the Watchtower, with Batman now a full partner of the League he met at the end of season 4.
Where to watch The Batman
The Batman is streaming on HBO Max and Tubi in the US. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 7.4/10
Where it fits
- Release order: after Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, before Batman Begins.
- Chronological order: after The Penguin, before Batman: The Brave and the Bold.
What to watch before The Batman
Nothing. The Batman (2004) doesn't continue an earlier version, so it stands on its own.
Cast
- Rino Romano as The Batman (voice)
- Alastair Duncan as Alfred Pennyworth
- Danielle Judovits as Batgirl (voice)
- Ming-Na Wen as Detective Ellen Yin (voice)
- Evan Sabara as Robin (voice)
- Kevin Michael Richardson as The Joker (voice)
- Steve Harris as Detective Ethan Bennett (voice)
- Mitch Pileggi as Gordon (voice)
- Tom Kenny as The Penguin (voice)
- Jesse Corti as Chief Rojas (voice)
- Adam West as Mayor Grange (voice)
- Gina Gershon as Catwoman (voice)
Created by Duane Capizzi.