‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ takes the vigilante detective back to his pulpy roots

As a seasoned Batman enthusiast who has witnessed the Caped Crusader’s evolution through decades of comics, TV shows, and films, I must say that “Batman: Caped Crusader” is an absolute delight. It masterfully blends the nostalgia-tinged charm of the 1960s series with the darker undertones of contemporary Batman tales, creating a unique fusion that resonates deeply with me.

There’s a new old Batman in town.

In a nutshell, “Batman: Caped Crusader,” a new cartoon series airing on Prime Video starting this Thursday, isn’t the initial effort to revisit Batman’s pulp origins. What makes it stand out is its decision to transport not only the character but also the setting back in time, roughly a decade following his debut in Detective Comics in 1939.

It appears that I’ve missed quite a few Batman cartoon series being released. In fact, this makes the tenth one with “Batman” in its title (excluding the 26 animated features). With all the live-action movies out there (and more to come), various spin-offs, and of course, the iconic 1966 ABC TV show (the only “Batman” that truly matters for me), it seems like Batman is one of the busiest intellectual properties in the entertainment industry.

Throughout its extensive timeline, various interpretations have emerged, tailored to fit the cultural zeitgeist, including revisions, reinterpretations, and even erasing historical events. Despite these changes, Batman’s body of work can essentially be categorized into two main styles: the “Bright Knight,” as portrayed by Adam West in the 1966 TV series, and “The Dark Knight,” originating from Frank Miller’s 1986 comic book series. This latter interpretation has significantly influenced the character’s development, as the struggle between good and evil morphed into a conflict between darkness and slightly less darkness.

The original series showcased a vibrant color palette, skewed camera perspectives, and sound effects like balloons, making it cleverly humorous, satirical, and even self-mockingly simple. It was a legitimate adventure tale, yet it embodied the essence of the campy, artful 1960s, similar to “Star Wars” in its nostalgic undertones; despite the technology, it drew inspiration from B-movie crime thrillers, old radio dramas, and the straightforward good-versus-evil narrative found in early Batman comics.

In my critique as a movie enthusiast, I must say that the intricate backstory of the Radiant Crusader, revealed in just a dozen panels six months post his cinematic introduction and omitted entirely from the television series, lacked psychological depth. Instead, he embodied an unwavering Boy Scout ethos rather than being haunted by complex personal struggles. The enigma surrounding his tumultuous bond with Catwoman was arguably his most profound internal conflict.

Created by Bruce Timm, who paid homage to the past with his mid-’90s “Batman: The Animated Series,” which showcased Batman and Robin in their original outfits and a setting that wasn’t tied to any specific timeline. “Batman: Caped Crusader” blends darkness and light by returning to the fundamentals, portraying Batman as a straightforward detective working tirelessly to keep order in a chaotic metropolis. The series weaves its comic book elements into a narrative shrouded in film noir, a genre where boundaries between good and evil often blurred. (Some episodes take inspiration from pulp and detective novels, like Jim Thompson’s “The Killer Inside Me” and “Savage Night,” and Nero Wolfe’s “And Be a Villain.”)

The pictures exhibit a mix of dull grays and browns, subtly accented with blues and pinks, surprisingly creating a brighter atmosphere – a nod to old films that serves as an emotional detachment yet remains playful. The scene is set in the post-war period, adorned with landlines, fedoras, and typical ranch homes reminiscent of the era; Batman’s hideout features a microfiche reader, while he resorts to using public libraries when seeking additional information.

In this rendition, Batman – often referred to as “The Batman” in a more traditional sense – is depicted much like Bob Kane initially drew him, before the advent of Kevlar, with his distinctive tall, sharp bat-ears protruding from his cowl. This version of Batman is relatively new to Gotham City, shrouded in enigma and seen as an outlaw, despite his tireless efforts in fighting crime and saving citizens. At this point, Robin isn’t present yet, but Alfred (played by Jason Watkins) is actively involved.

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I must say that we’re undeniably in the golden era of “Batman,” but what makes Paul Dini and Bruce Timm’s masterpiece stand out is the clever blend of classic characters with those from more recent eras. For instance, Minnie Driver breathes new life into the iconic villain, The Penguin, reimagined as a woman, while Christina Ricci delivers an unforgettable portrayal of Catwoman.

The episodes are short, usually wrapping up in about 24 minutes, which makes them engaging and fast-paced. There are also longer storylines. District Attorney Harvey Dent (played by Diedrich Bader), who’s running for mayor while accepting money from suspicious sources, is a recurring character, with a significant change coming up. (To put it another way, he’s got good and bad qualities, but he’s not completely evil.) Also, the relationship between defense attorney Barbara Morgan (Krystal Joy Brown), daughter of Police Commissioner Jim Gordon (Eric Morgan Stuart), Detective Renee Montoya (Michelle C. Bonilla), and psychiatrist Dr. Harleen Quinzel (Jamie Chung) evolves throughout the series. Dr. Quinzel aims to help Bruce Wayne confront his past traumas, but later intends to harm Batman as Harley Quinn.

As a longtime fan of animation and comic books, I must say that the film was visually stunning with its attractive design and painterly background effects, though I found the dialogue-heavy scenes reminiscent of “The Flintstones” in terms of fluidity. However, the extended chase scene through the fog was cinematically suspenseful, providing a thrilling experience while also offering some meaningful character development. The scripts were clever and managed to bring depth to the animation where it might have lacked otherwise. All things considered, I found myself pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this cartoon, as I had initially expected a simpler viewing experience. It seems that even in the realm of animation, the creators are pushing boundaries and bringing us closer to the world of comics, just as the medium was intended to do.

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2024-07-31 21:31