THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS! REMEMBERING 'BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES'

Gotham's ultimate guardian, BATMAN, patrols the rooftops. Images: WARNER BROTHERS ANIMATION.

There had been several successful animated series in which Bob Kane's legendary and distinctive crime fighting vigilante hero of the night, BATMAN, had been successfully involved, most notably during the seventies, but it would be the early nineties interpretation of the character-all stylistically noir, and combining the very best elements of it's creators early work, merged into a kind of updated, filmic treatment (of the kind exemplary set by Tim Burton in his then recent movie incarnations for the Dark Knight)- that would make BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES such an artistic and commercial triumph, as well as a highly respective tribute to its creator, when it debuted in 1992.

Here was a BATMAN series not played for laughs or cartoon simplistic: darker and more menacing than we'd seen before, well voiced by lead star Kevin Conroy, often involved in the kind of expertly staged action and drama we'd wanted to see done in live-action, in conflict with a memorable array of old and new villains, most notable being the brilliant and inspired performance of STAR WARS actor Mark Hamill in a completely stunning psychologically twisted interpretation of the Caped Crusader's arch-nemesis, the Clown Prince of Crime, the Joker, who, to many fans even today, remains the best actor to have inhabited the role, even if in the animated sense. Other old favourites locking swords, guns and high-tech weaponry against the hero of the night, equally well voiced by Hollywood's top vocal talents, would be Two-Face (Richard Moll), the Penguin (Paul Williams), Mister Freeze (Michael Ansara), Poison Ivy (Diane Pershing), the Mad Hatter (Roddy McDowall), Clayface (Ron Perlman), and, launching the series in an excellent two-parter that really set the tone for the series to come, the ultra sexy Catwoman (Adrienne Barbeau), in a persona similar to that realised by Christopher Nolan and Anne Hathaway in their recent worldwide smash hit conclusion to the Dark Knight movie trilogy.

Batman and his diabolical nemesis, the Joker.

Batman: The Animated Series - YouTube

The series, as well as having terrific animation (directed by the likes of emerging talents Boyd Kirkland Kevin Altieri and Bruce W. Timms (who developed the innovative show with Eric Radomski)) and a stirring music score from the late Shirley Newman (obviously taking some fine cues and tributes from Danny Elfman's sterling work for Tim Burton's first two BATMAN movies) had some clever and inventive, often classic, scripts, from special contributors including Paul Dini, MARVEL COMICS and DC legends Archie Goodwin and Len Wein, Martin Pasko and Jerry Robinson, many of which expertly explored the mysterious and multi-layered facets of the Dark Knight: his origins (via his true persona as orphaned millionaire-to-be Bruce Wayne), legacy and his almost apocalyptic thirst in fighting crime. Also well handled were experimental and ambitious episodes that didn't feature the titular hero, or at least putting him in a minor role, as other iconic supporting characters got their chance in the limelight, like the Wayne family's loyal butler, Alfred (voice with snobby but likable authority by Efram Zimbalist Jr.) and the Batmobile's secret mechanic. There was even a great episode where the Dark Knight's most fearsome baddies all gathered round to remember the time when they fell short of eliminating the pesky bat threat once and for all, in the excellent I Almost Got 'Im...

Distinctive key art for the early 1992 series.

Truly a revolutionary series, lasting into 1995, and spawning two stylish theatrical or straight to DVD movies (THE MASK OF THE PHANTASM and BATMAN & MISTER FREEZE: SUB ZERO), the series sadly lost a touch of its animation and scripting quality in later episodes, obviously dumbed down a percentage under orders from WARNER BROTHERS (wanting to make the seres more popular and accessible for the little 'un's), as Batman's equally legendary sidekick, the often painfully annoying Robin (voiced by Loren Lester), made his debut, followed shortly after by the sprightly and shapely form of Batgirl (Melissa Gilbert). It was here that I lost interest in the series-for me it's Batman on his own or not at all- but I respected all the quality work that had been done on the series previous episodes, recognising the fact that this had been a well-crafted show that would have long-lasting legs in future repeats and DVD sales, and, even more importantly, further revitalising the comic worlds supreme hero for years to come...

Episode Guide list: Batman:TAS Retrospective - Digital Polyphony

BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES is available on DVD.

LET BATTLE COMMENCE! 'THE DARK KNIGHT RISES'

Brute force! Bane (Tom Hardy) takes on the Caped Crusader (Christian Bale) for supremacy of Gotham City in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. Images: WARNER BROTHERS.

We're only a mere few weeks away before the Dark Knight- Batman- emerges from an eight years on-screen absence to begin his final battle against the mighty armies of scum and villainy led by the accursed terrorist Bane, in what will surely be Christopher Nolan's epic genre mixing action/drama fest swan song to his now iconic and box office gold re-imagining of the Gotham City super-hero vigilante, which began with BATMAN BEGINS and now reaches its anticipated and exhilarating closure with THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, blasting into UK cinemas (and IMAX) from July 20th. Will this be the pinnacle of superhero movies, as early US press screenings have indicated? And will anyone dare try and continue the Batman legend's film-life after Nolan's tremendous work in re-energising the character and his backstory/adventures has proved so successful and indomitable with audiences?

Here's a few more images and video clips to get you in the mood...

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES | Official Site – Trailer, Gallery, Downloads
Two More Banners for The Dark Knight Rises - ComingSoon.net
The Dark Knight Rises - Behind the Scenes HD - YouTube
'The Dark Knight Rises': IMAX poster and trailer revealed - Movies News - Digital Spy
Anne Hathaway Talks Catwoman
New posters for The Dark Knight Rises | Den of Geek

Back in action, the Dark Knight must fight a new terror on Gotham City.

The dreaded Bane- a superior physical opponent to Batman?

New girl on the block: the opportunistic Catwoman (Anne Hathaway).

A memorable poster debut for Catwoman in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES.

A grim discovery for Batman.

When titans meet. The first showdown between Bane and Batman?

Bruce Wayne (Bale) with his trusty servant/friend Alfred (Michael Caine) inside the restored Wayne Manor.

The Batpod is back in action...

The super character poster representing the new movie and the entire modern BATMAN film trilogy.

More on the various film and TV incarnations of BATMAN in the not too distant future...

GOTHAM'S RECKONING! 'THE DARK KNIGHT RISES'

The final battle. Christian Bale suits up for war in Gotham City, as THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. Images: WARNER BROTHERS.

He's fought battles against some of the most belligerent and dangerous foes ever to threaten his blighted, corrupted city of Gotham: from the sinister vagaries of the visceral nightmare machine that was the Scarecrow, the strongest must survive at all costs mentality of Ra's-al Ghul, the wanton destruction and anarchy of the totally insane and colourfully psychopathic Joker, and the twisted malevolence of the revenge fuelled and brutally scarred Two-Face, the once noble and dignified district attorney Harvey Dent. Now, from the ashes of such evil come Batman's most destructive and powerful physical threat yet, the anarchistic terrorist known as Bane, as personified by the breathing masked venom of Tom Hardy in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, the final film from mega-talent Christopher Nolan's written and directed world box office shattering intelligent action/drama blockbuster series featuring the caped crusader, Batman, originally created by Bob Kane, now so well on-screen personified by Christan Bale in a brave and bold cinematic vision far removed from anything previously seen in the character's long life on film and TV screens.

Good versus evil, and Gotham is in chaos.

In a dramatic up scaling of events parallelling whats happening in the real economic world the poor become poorer and the rich become richer in Gotham City, leading to a series of riotous and murderous events ripe for the emerging threat of Bane to take advantage and control of, using a calculated rebellion mixing the worse of Gotham's criminal low life with the embittered denizens of Gotham as a revolution begins, leading to the return of Bruce Wayne as Batman after ten years away from protecting the people, and having been previously branded a fugitive for the murder of Harvey Dent-a scapegoat role he himself decided to take on to preserve his late friends dignity as a moral crusader against evil and corruption, rather than be discovered for his terrifying final life as Two-Face. But, this time around, can even Batman be Strong enough to take on the strength and seemingly unceasing terror tactics of Bane and his life and death changing agenda? And how will his alter-ego of Bruce Wayne be personally and physically caught in the crossfire of the carnage that is Gotham's greatest modern-day nightmare?

Trailers: The Dark Knight Rises - Official Teaser Trailer [HD] - YouTube

The Dark Knight Rises Trailer 2 Official 2012 [HD] - Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway - YouTube

The Dark Knight Rises - Official Trailer #3 [HD] - YouTube

On screen Batman faces his toughest and darkest times yet, but behind the camera, Nolan also has several of his own huge challenges and responsibilities to live up to with his third and final entry in his dramatic crusade to make a realistic and darker hero for our times, not only having to dodge the third sequel is always the weakest syndrome/mantra that has affected Hollywood blockbusters over the last twenty years or so, but also build on and top the the fine work he brought to the previous 2008 movie, THE DARK KNIGHT, with its blitzkrieg of popular and critical success, and the wave of adulation and mourning/tributes that followed the late actor Heath Ledger in his impressive performance as the Joker, as well as the sensational modern sci-fi action hybrid Nolan followed that with: INCEPTION. From the trailers so far, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES certainly looks intriguing, has a story that is certainly sophisticated and relevant to our times, has formidable gritty action large and small scale, and looks set to have a physically formidable performance from the always enjoyable Tom Hardy, who has carved out a strong acting career since his early days on BAND OF BROTHERS and as the bald clone baddie Shinzon in STAR TREK: NEMESIS, as well as the aforementioned INCEPTION.

Heroes and villains! Batman, Catwoman and Bane in three great teaser banners for THE DARK KNIGHT RISES.

Friend or foe? Catwoman brings more explosive chemistry to the adrenaline mix.

Lending other anti-hero status to the film, and certainly raising the blood pressure for male viewers in her kinky combat leather, is the lovely Anne Hathaway who brings bitterness and criminal ambition to the role of opportunist high-stakes burglar Catwoman, aka Selina Kyle, whose soon antagonistic will they or won't they relationship with both Batman and Bruce Wayne looks set to be re-imagined and re-ignited in a way slightly different to anything previously established by the no-less impressive Michelle Pfeiffer, alongside Michael Keaton, when she inhabited and dominated the role in Tim Burton's gothic nightmare/black comedy vision that was BATMAN RETURNS. Other fine guest support in the film comes from top-tier INCEPTION stars including Joseph Gordon-Levitt as an impressionable and brave police officer, John Blake, Academy Award winner Marion Cotillard, adding sophisticated French glamour and seductive mystery as Miranda Tate (who may also be the revenge-fuelled daughter of the late Ra's-al Ghul) and maybe, if the on-set spoilers have been correct, a cameo from delightful JUNO actress Ellen Page, no stranger to super heroics with her debut in Brett Ratner's lively third X-MEN movie, rumoured to be playing Barbara Gordon-soon to be Batgirl. The film series regular heavyweight supporting star stalwarts of the series also make a much welcome final bow, including the always enjoyable British acting icon Michael Caine as Bruce Wayne's conscience and confidante, the ever loyal butler Alfred, Morgan Freeman as Wayne Enterprise's high tech industrialist and savvy weapons supplier-a modern day Q: Lucius Fox, and Gary Oldman, fresh from his success in TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY, bringing a fine sense of humanity, decency and bravery in the face of adversity as Commissioner Jim Gordon, whose beleaguered character, always a friend to Batman, faces his toughest challenge yet in leading the fight back against the seemingly overwhelming forces of Bane. More noteworthy genre favourites include Matthew Modine as a new Deputy Commissioner, GAME OF THRONES Aiden Gillen, LOST's Brett Cullen as a sticky politician, TORCHWOOD's Burn Gorman, STARGATE's Christopher Judge and PRISON BREAK's Reggie Lee.

Shattered mask. Is this the end of Batman?

Catching all the breathless action with big screen IMAX cameras (including a stunning mid-air hijack opener and a soaring new Batwing fighter in aerial action above Gotham), on the behind the scenes front Nolan brings his usual talented array from the previous two BATMAN films to bear with full creative force, including co-scripter brother Jonathan, composer Hans Zimmer (who has created an ominous new theme of moody chanting for Bane, as well as a true clash of titans movement for Batman and Bane's fist clashing), and cinematography from Wally Pfister. Released from July 20th in the UK by WARNER BROTHERS, custodians of the DC COMICS film and TV realised universe, expect the eagerly anticipated website crashing fan base of Dark Knight fans to rally, not just here but in their worldwide millions, to see, enjoy and speculate on what will hopefully be their favourite comic book hero's greatest on-screen hours.

Here's a few more links related to the film:

'The Dark Knight Rises' Trailer Teases Batman's Suffering, More Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Anne Hathaway (Video) - Hollywood Reporter

Six Amazing 'The Dark Knight Rises' Banners Storm The Web - Forbes

6 new photos from ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ - Batman-News.com

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