‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ Reviews: Series “will thrill those looking for a new, noir-inspired adventure with the hero as it builds on the character’s animated legacy”

        On August 1, 2024, Amazon Prime Video premieres, ’Batman: Caped Crusader’, which has earned rave reviews from critics, holding fresh at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes alongside a Critics Consensus that reads, “Marking Bruce Timm's long-awaited return to the Batman mythos, Caped Crusader is a hard-boiled and retro treat for fans of the Dark Knight's previous animated adventures.” In the series, the title character works to protect Gotham City, creating alliances and enemies along the way. The ensemble cast includes Hamish Linklater, Jamie Chung, Christina Ricci, Krystal Joy Brown, Diedrich Bader, Reid Scott, Jason Watkins, Tom Kenny, and Minnie Driver. But what did the critics have to say?

        Nicola Austin of Radio Times praises the series, stating, “The creative team has impressively replicated the distinctive nostalgic art style of the iconic ‘90s show, channelling a film noir sensibility in a vintage 1940s setting.” Adding, “Streaming on Prime Video - which is also home to adult animated shows Invincible, The Legend of Vox Machina and The Boys Presents: Diabolical - has clearly given Timm the platform to finally tell the stories which didn’t quite make it to B:TAS, given the younger audience of Fox Kids. This is certainly apparent in the standout Harvey Dent two-parter The Killer Inside Me and Savage Night, and also the creepy carnival setting of vampiric Nocturne.”

Jarrod Jones of AV Club notes, “Caped Crusader isn’t satisfied with merely exploring this well-trod two-man war on crime. Timm, again working with Justice League producer James Tucker, expands their purview with a broad swathe of iconic do-gooders and ne’er-do-wells rejiggered past the point of recognition. Strong focus is placed on Barbara Gordon (Krystal Joy Brown), a bleeding-heart criminal-defense attorney stymied by a broken justice system, and shallow, polished District Attorney Harvey Dent (Diedrich Bader), whose quest for the mayoral seat is rife with dark insinuation and foreshadowing. Their personal and professional lives move the series’ plotlines nearly as often as its marquee attraction, sometimes even more so.”

Allyson Johnson of But Why Tho? A Geek Community writes, “Batman: Caped Crusader will thrill those looking for a new, noir-inspired adventure with the hero as it builds on the character’s animated legacy. However, it stumbles in the mechanics.” Continuing, “The basic story format runs like many a solo Batman adaptation. Batman (Hamish Linklater) is at the start of his work as a vigilante; his name and presence are mere rumors at the beginning of Batman: Caped Crusader Season 1. As Bruce Wayne, he’s known as the playboy philanthropist. But at night, he haunts the streets of Gotham in his crusade for justice. Alfred Pennyworth remains a put-upon butler who must tend to his whims while the villains and allies allow for spins on old foes. Everyone from Harley Quinn (Jamie Chung) to The Penguin (Minnie Driver) gets intriguing updates. This is necessary, considering the villains are the most exciting part of the series in terms of characterization. Some, like Catwoman (Christina Ricci), are complete misses. Selina Kyle makes for such a rich character study, as we’ve seen everyone from Eartha Kitt, Michelle Pfeiffer, Anne Hathaway, and Zoë Kravitz delight in their interpretations. Animated series, such as Sanaa Lathan’s version in Harley Quinn or Adrienne Barbeau in Batman The Animated Series, also fare well. Here, she falls flat with no real drive behind her character motivations or design.”

        Angie Han of Hollywood Reporter says, “Like any icon who’s been around long enough, Batman has appeared before us in a nigh-infinite number of permutations. There are Batmans who fly solo, and Batmans who have Robins. There are Batmans who’ve been at this a while, and Batmans who are new to the job. There are campy Batmans and gritty Batmans, wholesome Batmans and scary Batmans, and every single shade in between.” Concluding, “The first task of any new version, then, is distinguishing itself from the others. Batman: Caped Crusader achieves that easily: It’s a noirish animated take set in the 1940s, not long after the character’s real-world debut in the comics. The second task is persuading us that this new iteration has what it takes to stand on its own, and in that sense its success is more mixed. With a sleek, simple style and a consistently moody vibe, the Prime Video series feels almost as steady Batman’s broad shoulders. But it rarely soars to the level of spectacular.”

Photo by Cassidy James Blaede on Unsplash