Brief Summary
This video explores whether "Batman: Caped Crusader" (BCC) can be considered canon within the DC Animated Universe (DCAU), examining its connections to "Batman: The Animated Series" (BTAS), "Batman: Strange Days," the Fleischer Superman cartoons, and the broader DC animated multiverse. It concludes that while BCC shares many similarities with these universes, key differences and the intent to create a standalone work make it a unique entity, a spiritual spinoff rather than a direct continuation or reboot. The video encourages viewers to enjoy BCC for what it is, a fresh take on Batman, regardless of its canonicity.
- BCC is a spiritual spinoff of the DCAU, not a direct continuation or reboot.
- Key differences in setting, character origins, and continuity prevent it from fitting neatly into established universes.
- The Fleischer Superman cartoons are a significant influence, with Lois Lane appearing in BCC.
- The DC animated multiverse, as depicted in "Crisis on Infinite Earths," allows for multiple interpretations and connections.
- Ultimately, BCC should be appreciated as its own unique and wonderful thing.
Intro
The video introduces "Batman: Caped Crusader" (BCC) as a new superhero show that challenges expectations, similar to "The Batman" and "My Adventures with Superman." It highlights the connection between BCC and "Batman: The Animated Series" (BTAS), both creations of Bruce Timm and James Tucker. The video aims to determine if BCC is a prequel, reboot, or something else entirely within the DC Animated Universe (DCAU).
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To a T
The video compares the opening page of the original Writer’s Bible for "Batman: The Animated Series" to "Batman: Caped Crusader," noting that the description fits both. It mentions Bruce Timm's admiration for the 1939 Detective Comics vibe and the glimpses of Bruce Wayne's original Batsuit in BTAS flashbacks, which are similar to the costume in BCC. The video establishes that "Mask of the Phantasm" indicates a ten-year gap between Bruce donning the Batsuit and the present day of BTAS, suggesting BCC could fill this gap.
Bat-Manifesto
This section discusses the intentions behind "Batman: Caped Crusader." Bruce Timm was initially hesitant to revive BTAS due to the public's high expectations. In 2021, rumors of a revival surfaced, but the official announcement of BCC was vague. Timm eventually revealed that he declined to create more BTAS, instead suggesting a "Justice League Unlimited" revival. James Tucker proposed a Batman series set in the 1940s, which Timm had always wanted to do, aiming to return to the original film noir aesthetic of the early Batman comics.
More BTAS Than BTAS
The video addresses Bruce Timm's statement that "Caped Crusader" would be "More ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ than ‘Batman: The Animated Series’," explaining that it aims to be more of what Bruce originally wanted BTAS to be, free from the limitations of adult content and violence at the time. The Writer's Bible for BTAS describes a darker setting and dramatic mood, which aligns more with BCC. Many guidelines for the setting and writing style are true for both series, but the early descriptions often better fit the image of "Caped Crusader" Batman.
Not Quite the Same
This section dives into the compatibility and incompatibility between "Caped Crusader" and "The Animated Series". The video emphasizes that different character designs and voice actors do not affect canon. It addresses inconsistencies such as the female Penguin, Harvey Bullock's rank, the Batmobile's design, and different appearances of characters like Clayface and Catwoman, providing potential explanations for each. The video also highlights elements that connect BCC to BTAS, such as Renee Montoya's father and Leslie Thompkins' history with Bruce Wayne's father.
A Long, Long Time Ago
The video addresses major discrepancies between BCC and BTAS, including Two-Face's origin, Barbara's age, and Harley Quinn's characterization, acknowledging that these require significant headcanon to reconcile. It argues that the DCAU already had inconsistencies, providing examples from "Superman" and "Justice League." The video suggests that "Caped Crusader" could be considered a version of Batman's early years in the DCAU, similar to "Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths." However, the video creator personally struggles to accept this due to the destruction of the police station, which contradicts "Batman Beyond."
On Stranger Tides
The video addresses the issue of "Caped Crusader" being set in the 1940s, citing a 1993 New York Times review of "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" that incorrectly placed it in the 1940s. It emphasizes that BTAS is set in the 1990s, referencing "Static Shock" and its real-world celebrity appearances. The video quotes Bruce Timm and James Tucker stating that "Caped Crusader" is explicitly set in a "timeless ‘40s world," with authentic clothes, hairstyles, and architecture. The video acknowledges that BCC's version of the 1940s includes anachronisms and advanced technology, but it maintains that the show is not set in the same time period as BTAS.
Crisis Averted
The video explores the possibility of "Caped Crusader" being a reboot of "Batman: The Animated Series," noting that franchises are frequently rebooted. It mentions the DC Animated Universe wasn't the first shared DC cartoon continuity, and the 2010s "Animated Movie Universe" and "Tomorrowverse" have also come and gone. The video addresses the question of whether the DCAU died at the end of the "Crisis on Infinite Earths" trilogy, clarifying that the development of BCC and the Tomorrowverse films were unrelated. The video explains that the "Crisis" trilogy created a new multiverse without Darkseid, suggesting that the Bruce Timm-looking characters in that movie are not the same as the DCAU characters.
Look Up
The video explores the possibility of "Caped Crusader" being connected to the Fleischer Superman cartoons, which are set in the 1940s and influenced "Batman: The Animated Series." It highlights that Lois Lane from the Fleischer toons makes two appearances in "Batman: Caped Crusader," dressed similarly to her ‘40s counterpart. The video suggests that Bruce Timm may have been inspired to set his new show in the same world he respects so much. The video notes that there are no contradictions between the two shows, but also not many reasons why they would be connected.
A League of Their Own
The video proposes that the Fleischer Lois Lane in "Caped Crusader" could be from another Earth, referencing the League of Lois Lanes introduced in "My Adventures with Superman." It notes that Lois Prime, the founder of the League, has a design reminiscent of the Fleischer cartoons. The video argues that Lois Lane's character in the Fleischer toons, who is constantly getting into trouble and solving plots, fits the idea of a multiversal protector. The video suggests that Lois Prime could have stumbled onto time travel or dimension-hopping technology, leading to her multiversal journey.
There is No Try
The video concludes that "Batman: Caped Crusader" is not canon to anything else in particular, but it is a unique and wonderful thing. It compares BCC to spiritual spinoffs like "Justice League: Gods and Monsters" and the "Crisis on Two Earths" universe. The video encourages viewers to enjoy "Batman: Caped Crusader" for what it is, a fresh approach to Batman, regardless of its canonicity. It emphasizes the importance of embracing new content and not focusing on what is missing from the past. The video ends by encouraging viewers to enjoy "Batman: Caped Crusader" for what it is.
