SEEKERS OF THE BAT

Another prime example of an animated character’s popularity forcing them back into the official comic book canon is Harlequin.  Harleen Quinzel was a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum who was assigned to the Joker. Not only did she fail to reform him, but her deep probing of his mind drove HER insane and she fell madly in love with him.

She was initially written as a desperate, clingy stalker used exclusively for comic relief. However, in recent continuity, she has grudgingly recognized that the Joker never loved her, and has become a thorn in Batman’s side in her own right.

Batman Beyond was an animated television show set in Batman’s alternate future. In 2039, Bruce Wayne has retired and Batman has been forgotten. Until 16 year old Terry McGinnis discovers the Batcave and borrows a futuristic flying Batsuit. After some initial distrust, Bruce allows Terry to continue on as the ‘Batman of the Future’, under his watchful, curmudgeonly eye.

In 2010, a limited comic book series was released that ties the Batman Beyond continuity into comic book canon. Assuming storylines unfold as planned, Terry McGinnis will be the 4th person to be inherit the mantle of Batman, after Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, and Damien Wayne.

Batman Beyond Intro

“Umm, Selina… Maybe we should hang out at my place next time.”

Batman stands guard over Gotham in the intro to Batman: The Animated Series. B:TAS  aired from 1992 to 1995 and was universally hailed as one of the best shows on television, animated or otherwise, culminating with Emmy wins for Most Outstanding Half Hour or Less Program and Outstanding Writing in an Animated Program.  Its 1940s- inspired “Dark Deco” art style and intelligent villain characterizations continue to influence interpretations of Batman to this day.