Legends of the Dark Knight (Batman TAS review)

Legends of the Dark Knight

In the second version of the Batman Animated series, the writers decided to make an episode about the different versions of Batman. In the episode, three kids decide to tell each other their takes on Batman with each one putting a totally different twist on their hero. The episode is charming and well written to a certain point, and the music and style of animation changes from each version of the Batman story.

The writers on the show also take a jab at Joel Schumacher in this episode. There are hints that this kid Joel is gay. They bash him so hard that I wonder why WB even let them get away with it; not that I’m complaining.

50's Batman
This version is actually drawn in the very old style of the Batman Comics and has a touch of the old Adam West shows in it. Batman and Robin fight The Joker and his goons in this one. The music in this segment is in mono and poorly edited on purpose to give it that 50’s vibe. Gary Owens provides the voice of the very corny 50’s Batman. It’s a cute segment.

80's Batman (Frank Miller’s Dark Knight Returns)

While it is listed as the 80s Batman, it’s actually set in the distant future with a much older, rougher Batman and a redheaded female Robin. This one is based on the very well written Frank Miller comic book. The music is a techno/rock mix that sounds strangely like Batman Beyond’s style of music. The kick ass Michael Ironside plays the voice of the 80’s Batman. This version of Batman uses a huge tank armed with rubber bullets. Carrie is the Robin in this version, but the younger version of her is the one actually telling the story.

The 90s Animated Batman

This portion is set in the real-world animated Batman format. This is where the show falls apart. Instead of putting their best villains forward, the writers use the extremely lame villain Firefly. They should have used the Joker.

Grade A-Hey! Who's talking about Batman? I love Batman. All those muscles, the tight rubber armor and that flashy car. I heard it can drive up walls.

Yes, this is an actual line from the episode. That’s the kid Joel (Schumacher), and that’s the writers showing their distain for Batman Forever.

_______________________________________________________Bruce Timm’s version of Frank Miller’s Batman. Frank Miller loved seeing this episode, BTW.
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Photos from http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/

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Robin as a Female.