"Batman: The Brave and the Bold" Review: A Fun Batman?

You guys know I love all things Batman…

But when I hear about a new animated series featuring the Dark Knight, I get a little concerned since “Batman: The Animated Series” is one of my all-time favorite shows.

However, I shouldn’t have worried because “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” is a completely new and imaginative look at the World’s Greatest Detective that in no way takes away from the efforts before it…

In this half-hour series, Batman teams up with heroes throughout the DC Universe including Green Arrow, Red Tornado and Plastic Man. The show has a lighter touch to appeal to younger fans, but adult Batman fans will enjoy it as well. “Brave” looks fantastic with its bright colors inspired by the Batman comics of the 40s and 50s and Diedrich Bader (best known as Oswald on “The Drew Carey Show”) does a nice job as the voice of Batman.

In the premiere, Batman teams up with the Blue Beetle (Will Friedle, who voiced Terry McGinnis/Batman in “Batman Beyond”). Batman is looking for help with an asteroid, but when the Blue Beetle has trouble controlling his powers, the duo ends up on another planet defending some aliens from a ruthless villain.

The biggest difference here is that this is not the Batman we’re used to. This Batman is just as quick with a wisecrack as he is with one of his gadgets and it takes a few minutes to adjust. But this more humorous take is a refreshing one that you’ll enjoy and Bader handles the balance between serious and humorous well.

Although we adults know Batman best as dark and brooding, it’s nice to see DC Comics and Warner Bros. find a way to let kids enjoy him as well. Plus, it’s fun for adults too…

“Batman: The Brave and the Bold” premieres Friday, November 14th at 8 p.m. on Cartoon Network…

Photo Credit: Cartoon Network