Batman’s had a lot of different animated incarnations over the past 30-years, and while Batman: The Animated Series and Justice League are certainly iconic, one should not overlook Batman: The Brave & the Bold. Is it a bit campy? Yeah, but that’s what makes it so utterly charming. This entry marks our final installment for Season 1, so we’ll be taking a short break but fear not, we’ll jump back in for Seasons 2 and 3 soon. Free to comment down below and make this as interactive as possible, because Batman: The Brave & the Bold is first and foremost, fun. And now… “Mayhem of the Music Meister!” & “Inside the Outsiders!”
1. The Cold Open
These two episodes were pretty spectacular and the teaser for “Inside the Outsiders!” was probably the best teaser of the season. While we had seen a glimpse of Catwoman before, this is our first proper introduction to the iconic character. Everything about her felt perfect to the world of The Brave & the Bold, having her sporting of kind of noir inspired 1920’s look that is both sultry and playful without looking the same as Black Canary or The Huntress. She comes across as extremely playful and flirty and easily has Batman wrapped around her finger. We’ll see more of Catwoman in Seasons 2 and 3 and I can’t wait to see how silly she’ll make Batman look. Hell, I’m pretty sure she could make most of the men in The Brave & the Bold come across as bumbling fools.
2. Spotlight on the Team-Up
The team-up with The Outsiders was a solid revisiting of those characters as we got a deeper understanding of each. While I don’t feel they are the strongest inclusions from the show, they work well enough with Batman. If anything I’d like to see more of Katana, or possibly see her on a solo outing with Batman. There’s nothing particularly wrong with either Black Lightning or Metamorpho, but they are clearly not as interesting as Katana.
3. Things you wouldn’t think Batman could do
Sing! Not only sing, but really belt out some deep tones. Ultimately, we know Bat’s was faking it, but it wouldn’t have come out from left field. He can basically do anything, right? While we are on the subject of singing, there are some really strong performances. We know that Neil Patrick Harris is at home in a Broadway setting, but James Arnold Taylor, John DiMaggio and especially Grey DeLisle were nothing short of spectacular.
4. And the Bad Guy is…?
The Music Meister! What an incredible episode. A new creation just for this series. If you have told me that they would create a character who’s ability was to use his singing to get others to do his bidding. Well, it sounds pretty ridiculous. But this is The Brave & the Bold, and ridiculous is par for the course. What was created was not only the best episode of the season, but what I feel is one of the best Batman cartoon episodes of all time. Right next to “Heart of Ice” from Batman: The Animated Series. Brought to life by Neil Patrick Harris, the Music Meister’s Broadway inspired songs were wonderful. Equal parts ” West Side Story” and ” Phantom of the Opera,” he’s not quite Gene Kelly or Frank Sinatra, but The Music Meister captures the essence of that style of musical perfectly. It’s a great example of how Batman can work in almost any medium as long as the story is crafted lovingly. Now… How come Spider-Man get s a Broadway show and Batman doesn’t?
5. Give me the Bat-Humor
We already mentioned how great the Catwoman teaser is, but let’s take a moment to appreciate how ridiculous she made Batman look. The banter between the two characters was witty and just dripping in flirtatious undertones. And it was as transparent as can be. Best of all is that Green Arrow calls out Batman on the flirting right away. Yet, Batman can’t help himself. He’s simply mesmerized by her. In a universe where virtually all the super-heroines and female villains are essentially off the scale gorgeous, they were able to add that extra bit of playfulness to Catwoman that allows her to easily manipulate Batman. It is hilarious to see him flounder when around her.
That’s it for now everyone! We’ll be back soon to continue chronicling the adventures Batman in Seasons 2 and 3. Until then, remember that if The Brave & the Bold can work as a lighthearted and merry representation of Batman, then anything in your life can be viewed from a positive and joyful perspective. Take Care!
