Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

Dirs. Eric Radomski + Bruce Timm

MotP was the first film in the DC Animated Universe (TAS). The excellent voice acting, dramatic noir lighting, stylistic art deco designs, and Shirley Walker music all help elevate the work beyond a typical PG rated animation of the era.

Bruce isn't just an angry orphan fighting against a world that he feels took something irreplaceable from him, he's a flawed dark avenger, suffering emotional conflicts as he weighs the lure of a normal, loving relationship against an earnest vow to protect others from the pain he weathers. He's fully aware of why he does what he does, but finds reasons to justify it. I can relate to that. I'm sure we all can. (Except for the dressing in tights part?)

There's been dozens of Batman films since its release, but MotP is still the best that I've seen.

Don't be put off by the CGI opening that takes you thorough a sprawling Gotham skyline. There's an occasional use of CGI throughout the rest of the film, but mostly it's traditional hand-drawn animation, and is all the better for it.

Batman: The Animated Series (1992–95)

Batman: The Animated Series (1992–95)

Dirs. Various | 85 Episodes (65 in S1 + 20 in S2), approx 22 mins each. [1]

Quintessential - that's what The Animated Series version of Batman is for me, outside of the printed page. Whether it be live action or animation, TAS is superior to every other onscreen interpretation of the iconic character that I've encountered thus far.

That same adjective applies to two of its most notable voice actors. Firstly, Kevin Conroy, who provides the voice of both billionaire Bruce Wayne and his pointy-eared and black-caped nighttime alter ego.

The other, mentioned second but no less memorable than the first is Mark Hamill, who brings maniacal life to The Joker. I've not enjoyed Hamill's work outside of TAS, but as the clown prince of crime he's a master.