The Batman mythos has been adapted into movie serials, multiple cartoon series, feature films, radio plays, and even live stage productions over the years, but for many fans the gateway to the franchise was the landmark Batman: The Animated Series in the 90s. The series paved the way for the beloved DC Animated Universe and has been called more influential than even the original comics to modern conceptions of the property.

As is so often the case with pop culture these days, everything new eventually gets an 8-bit or LEGO version at one point or another, and now Batman: TAS can officially join the club. Check out a new LEGO animated version of the series’ iconic intro.

The YouTube short from Kyle Roberts, which also incorporates animated elements and hand-drawn backgrounds as opposed to the 100 percent-LEGO aesthetic employed for the upcoming LEGO Batman Movie, faithfully recreates the famous opening sequence (complete with sound-alike musical score). And as in the series, the LEGO version opens with an explosive bank robbery and cross-cuts between Batmobile travel and the thieves’ attempted escape until they are confronted on a rooftop by Batman – though in this version one of the robbers looks to be The Joker.

The piece was painstakingly created by videomakers Kyle Roberts and Nathan Poppe, who described the workload of the undertaking on YouTube:

Created by Paul Dini and Alan Burnett (with subsequent major input from future DCAU boss Bruce Timm), Batman: The Animated Series famously benefited from unprecedented creative freedom granted by Warner Bros. The series is credited with redefining the depth and complexity of storytelling “allowed” on an ostensibly child-focused animated production, along with its iconic noir/art-deco production design initially created by painting backgrounds onto black paper.

“It took more than 1,000 photos, 40 hand drawn backgrounds and more than 300 hours of work to complete this stop motion project. Paired with Belgium composer Joris Hermy’s sweeping soundtrack, this tribute is a work of art and a fun, nostalgic trip for Batman fans of all sizes. Joris scored all of the ‘Bad Days’ animated episodes over at MarvelousTV. Tighten your utility belt and get ready to click “watch again” to catch all the Easter eggs.”

Right now, it’s full steam ahead for the Batman franchise, as The LEGO Batman Movie is due in theaters on February 10, 2017. Meanwhile, Ben Affleck will return as the live-action Batman in the upcoming Justice League feature, and was most recently seen in a supporting role in Suicide Squad. It is expected that Affleck will co-write, direct and star in a solo Batman feature sometime thereafter – though an official shooting date has not been officially announced by Warner Bros.

Source: Kyle Roberts

  • lego batman Release Date: 2017-02-10 Justice League Release Date: 2017-11-17 The Batman Release Date: 2022-03-04