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. Follow along as we go through the all 3 seasons and experience a Batman that can be loved by all. Plus, feel 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… “Rise of the Blue Beetle!”
1. The Cold Open
Green Arrow! Rise of the Blue Beetle! gives us our first glimpse of the Emerald Archer as he battles The Clock King alongside Batman. Hanging from the weight of a giant grandfather clock, our heroic pair are able to escape, as the Clock King’s complex killing machine gave them just enough time to untangle themselves before plunging into a vat of acid. The best part of this opening? Batman’s admittance that there’s no one he rather fight alongside than the Emerald Archer. I loved this Green Arrow intro and you immediately get a vibe for the series based on the retro, giant clock faced version of the Clock King. Plus, he’s sporting a crown. It’s ridiculous and awesome all at once. The patented Batman ninja moves and Green Arrow trick arrows feel perfectly at home in this teaser.
2. Spotlight on the Team-Up
As the title implies, Rise of the Blue Beetle!, features the Blue Beetle. Young Jaime Reyes is sporting a freshly acquired scarab. This means that he is neither experienced or fully in control of the suit. He’s got a lot of enthusiasm though, and he makes sure to give it his all in front of his idol, Batman. Overall Jaime has a really nice vibe to him. A bit reluctant to believe in himself, while a bit reckless with the power he wields. It ends up being a great character for Batman to bounce off of.
3. Things you wouldn’t think the Bat-Suit could do
In this episode, Batman picks up the Blue Beetle so they can stop a meteor from hitting a space station. While the Beetle’s suit can predictably grow a pair of rockets and propel him into space. Surprisingly, so can Batman’s! Bat’s cape conveniently becomes rigid, and from who knows where, his utility belt sprouts a pair of rocket boosters. This isn’t even the most amazing Bat-Suit ability within the episode! As they hit outer space, a clear mask covers up Batman’s mouth, making the suit spaceworthy. So if you’ve ever wondered if Batman can be an astronaut, the answer is yes.
4. And the Bad Guy is…?
The easily forgettable Kanjar Ro! There’s nothing particularly spectacular to Ro, nor is there anything really lacking. He’s an intergalactic pirate who strives to be a dictator and squeeze all the life juice out of the Gibbles. Thanks to his Gamma Gong, he possess just enough of a threat to keep the story going. Plus, throw in the fact that he had killed the prior Blue Beetle and he certainly makes the episode interesting.
5. Give me the Bat-Humor
As we’ll learn while watching the series, this Batman, is a bit of a smart-ass. I personally love it. It goes really well with the lighter tone while keeping him aloof compared to his sidekicks. Batman’s better than everyone here, and he’ll let you know it. It’s no surprise then that he shrugs off the Gibble’s diminutive Batman statue, noting that it’s the thought that counts.
Going forward we’ll tackle two or three episodes per pop. These are light, fun, and hopefully everyone will enjoy rewatching them. See you next week!
