Beware the Batman is a computer-animated television series based on the DC Comics superhero Batman. The series premiered in the United States on Cartoon Network on July 13, 2013 as part of their DC Nation block. It is the replacement for Batman: The Brave and the Bold.
The new Batman Series on Cartoon Networks DCU block is reminiscent of the recent Batman Earth One by Geoff Johns. If you have not read it I highly recommend it. The reason I draw your attention to Geoff Johns’ story is the Alfred Character is very similar to this version of Batman’s Alfred. He is not the “A” typical butler with a James Bond suave MI6 career long in his past. He is more like Jason Statham ex Special Forces MI6 character built like a brute ready to take down the enemy. I am not sure what the history is here between Bruce Wayne and this Alfred, but there it does seem there is some tension related to the training that has been given by Alfred and the quality of Batman’s escapades.
I do not want to go into the story, but it does seem we are early in the Batman career. Batman is a bit sloppy and a little too dependent on his gadgets. I do like that this Batman is still much untried, but does seem to have the grasped the concept of marking Batman a legend. In fact, the opening fight sequence one of the villains says, “What is it they say, oh yeah Beware the Batman…” so the mystic appears to be growing. It is too soon to see if this will be the contender the previous Batman series have and how long it will last. I am very fond of the DCU animation, but I am very aware they have a limited life. Some of favorites only seem to last a couple seasons and then they are gone. Legions of superheroes, Batman Beyond, Justice league, Superman, the ill-fated Batman the brave and the bold, Young Justice, and now Green Lantern. It makes me sad that the only cartoons that go on forever are ones about fart jokes. I look forward to more Beware the Batman and you should too. Your Comics Talk contributor Travis.