The best Batman series in 25 years takes a completely new direction

It has been four years since the animated series Batman: Caped Crusader was announced and it almost didn’t happen at all. A year after the series was ordered, production was stopped by Warner. Fortunately, Amazon stepped in and saved the project. Since August 1st, you can the latest Batman series now finally on Prime Video stream. And it hits like Bruce Wayne’s fist on the jaw of a crook.

Batman: Caped Crusader is a complete reinvention of the superhero myth

Caped Crusader was developed by JJ Abrams, The Batman director Matt Reeves and Bruce Timm, co-creator of the 1990s Batman series. A look at the IMDB rating of 9.0 reveals that there is hardly a more highly valued adaptation for fans of the Dark Knight. The expectations for a spiritual successor with the same creative force behind it were immeasurably high. But I can give you the all-clear: They were exceeded.

This dark crime noir version of Batman is differentthan anything we have seen before in series and films. Here we are in the 1940s. Crime, corruption and organized crime reign in Gotham City – and trench coats and hats are very fashionable. There are no superheroes and Batman is still at the very beginning of his career as a vigilante. At the beginning of the series, hardly anyone in Gotham knows what the name Batman means.

The new version of the Dark Knight lacks handy technological gadgets and pimped-out Batmobiles. In a nod to the character’s early comic book adventures, he must rely entirely on his skills as a detective – and his powerful right hook – to fight crime.

Caped Crusader is a refreshing change in the vast pool of streaming series. Although characters develop and some story elements are built up over the course of 10 episodes, the Batman series knitted according to the fall-of-the-week patternwith the episodic individual adventures exploring different genre corners. From serial killer thrillers to a supernatural ghost story, the series offers plenty of variety. And that’s not the only surprise.

Amazon’s Batman series surprises with new versions of well-known villains

Caped Crusader is not only an exciting examination of the duality between Batman and Bruce Wayne, who drift further apart with each episode. Just as important as the costumed crime hunter are the villains he faces. Even diehard fans will be surprised, because the Amazon series delivers unexpected interpretations for well-known baddies like Penguin, Harley Quinn or Clayface.

Harley Quinn in particular, who was once created by Bruce Timm as the Joker’s lively assistant, comes up with an exciting transformation that (for now) does without the gangster clown entirely – and weaves the comic character’s queerness into her story with sensitivity from the very beginning. It is all the more tragic to see how the likeable psychiatrist Harleen Quinzel falls for evil and ultimately takes drastic measures to treat ignorant patients and criminals.

A special feature that sets Caped Crusader apart from previous Batman series: The dreary urban juggernaut is only really filled with life by an exciting cast of characters. Because the title hero Batman himself is often used sparingly but effectively.

This gives supporting characters like investigator René Montoya and the (almost completely corrupt) Gotham PD team as well as lawyer Barbara Gordon more profile and room for development. This also applies to mayoral candidate Harvey Dent, the most complex and best villain of the first season.

Caped Crusader is the best Batman series since the 90s

The crime noir story not only inspires with characters and a mature tone. Caped Crusader is visually convincing across the board and, like the 90s series, relies on an Art Deco-inspired style for the dark Gotham

A direct comparison with the fantastic forerunner that shaped a whole generation of Batman fans would of course be unfair. But the stylistic and spiritual successor has already made a great start with the first 10 episodes and could become the new pioneer of animated comic adaptations with further seasons. One thing is already clear: Caped Crusader can be considered best Batman series in 25 years be referred to.

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The first season of Batman: Caped Crusader has been available in its entirety on Amazon Prime Video since August 1, 2024. The basis for this series check were all 10 episodes.