Overview: 'Batman: The Brave And the Bold' is a fun cartoon. It features every one's favorite caped crusader and a host of other interesting DC universe characters as good and evil clash. At its heart, it looks and views like a kid's cartoon, but the witty writing and neat characters (Equinox and Gentlemen Ghost to name a couple) are enjoyable for every age.

DVD Verdict: There have been many different Batman cartoons during my lifetime. Starting with the New Adventures of Batman and Robin in the 1970s, his appearance on SuperFriends, the amazing Batman: The Animated Series, and a 21st Century version, titled simply The Batman.

The newest cartoon to join their ranks in defending Gotham City is Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Now in its second season on Cartoon Network, the first season's first half already available on DVD, Season One, Part Two Two also now out. And what a true treat for either kids or adult fans of Batman it is.

This Batman series is a departure from the dark, gritty Batman of the last few decades, and is a tribute to the time when Batman was more fun--and funnier--than we saw him in The Dark Knight. While it's not quite the same level of camp as the Adam West series, it's definitely closer to that tone than Batman: The Animated Series. This Batman has fun fighting crime. And he's colorful. He's still Bruce Wayne, still a masked avenger, but he makes quips as he rounds up villains, and instead of being a loner, he works side by side with heroes from across DC Comics' vast roster of characters.

Sure I'm a "HUGE" fan of 'Batman: The Animated Series,' however, you simply can't compare that show with Brave And The Bold. This newest incarnation of Batman pays homage to the Batman of the early to late 60s. The character designs are also evident tribute to that of Batman creator, Bob Kane and Dick Sprang (*this show's Joker is definitely fasioned after Sprang's classic design*).

In addition to those Golden age Batman comics, there's also repeated nods to the Adam West television series of the same time period. (*Robin's holy this and that, the Shakespear bust, the hidden batpoles, Batcave atomic pile, Joker's giant clam, etc.*)

The show's writers are clever and the show's tongue in cheek humor is outstanding. And just when you thought that Kevin Conroy was the only man in the world to do Batman's voice, you're then introduced to Diedrich Bader's outstanding Batman. Anyway, a show that should not be missed, for sure.

1) Mystery in Space!
2) Trials Of The Demon!
3) Night Of The Huntress!
4) Menace Of The Conqueror Caveman!
5) The Color Of Revenge!
6) Legends of the Dark Mite!
7) Hail The Tornado Tyrant!
8) Duel Of The Double Crossers!
9) The Last Bat On Earth!
10) When Omac Attacks!
11) The Fate Of Equinox!
12) Mayhem Of The Music Meister!
13) Inside the Outsiders!

This is a Widesreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Official URL