Caped Crusader reimagines the world of Batman, but still planted in the world of Gotham as a crime-filled hellhole with cops and criminals taking it down on both ends. It pulls inspiration both in design and atmosphere from the 1940s adventures of Batman, treating the city like a crime-filled hellhole with corrupt cops and criminals trying to match his freak, taking it down on both ends.
Caped Crusader reimagines the world of Batman, but is still planted in the world of Gotham as a crime-filled hellhole with corrupt cops and criminals trying to match his freak, taking it down on both ends. It pulls inspiration both in design and atmosphere from the 1940s adventures of Batman, being helmed by Batman: The Animated Series co-creator and animation legend Bruce Timm at the helm once again.
It’s up to Batman (Hamish Linklater), who is just three weeks into his crusade against crime, to make things right. But can he? We know he does, but there’s an actual sense of insecurity weighing down on Bruce. He’s good, but he’s not great–just yet. Alfred does his best to assist the young man under the mask to get freed from his traumatized need for justice, but their relationship is strained throughout the show. That sort of tension is the first time we’ve seen something like this in an animated program. Also, Alfred’s look is based on his original, more portly design when the character was called Alfred Beagle in his early appearances.
The Batsuit is taken directly from Detective Comics #27, with long ears, black-and-gry color scheme and simple gloves. Some of the character designs are brand new, including a new look for Harley Quinn, who is exponentially more sinister, sporting a dead-eyed doll motif instead of colorful clown.
Like every show before it, there are a few creative liberties with the lore, but it doesn’t take away anything from the characters themselves. It feels like a modern-day radio show with Bruce trying to figure out how to improve the city without becoming part of the darkness enveloping it.
The animation feels very classic and has a similar vibe to Batman: The Brave and the Bold, with that Warner Bros. Animation house style. The show has been renewed for a second season, which is already in development, and with the Season 1 cliffhanger, Batman will have his greatest challenge ahead.
