Batman: The Brave and the Bold

Batman: The Brave And The Bold
Genre Superhero fiction
Developed by James Tucker
Michael Jelenic
Voices of Diedrich Bader
John DiMaggio
James Arnold Taylor
Will Friedle
Tom Kenny
Corey Burton
Composer(s) Kristopher Carter
Michael McCuistion
Lolita Ritmanis
Country of origin United States
Language(s) English
No. of seasons 3
No. of episodes 65 (List of episodes)
Production
Producer(s) James Tucker
Michael Jelenic
Editor(s) Joe Gail
Running time 22 minutes
Broadcast
Original channel Cartoon Network
Picture format SDTV, HDTV
Original run November 14, 2008 (2008-11-14) – November 18, 2011 (2011-11-18)
Chronology
Preceded by The Batman
Followed by Beware the Batman
External links
Website

Batman: The Brave and the Bold is an American animated television series based in part on the DC Comics series The Brave and the Bold which features two or more super heroes coming together to solve a crime or foil a super villain. As the title suggests, the cartoon focuses on Batman's regular "team-ups" with various heroes similar to the most well-known version of the original comic book series. The series premiered on November 14, 2008 on Cartoon Network in the United States,[1] and ended on November 18, 2011.

Contents

Overview

Each episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold features the main character (Batman) teaming up with other characters from the DC Universe to thwart villains or to solve crimes. Beginnings usually have a small introduction and are usually not related to the remainder of the episode, apart from the regular appearances and reappearances of a villain who will figure prominently in episodes to come. In the first season, the villain was Equinox, who later returned in "Time Out for Vengeance!"; and in the second season, the villain was the alien Starro.

The show is split into two parts: A small adventure right before the theme song, and the main adventure right after that, similar to The Batman. The show's creator has said that if a character's guest appearance in the teaser is deemed successful, then it may warrant exploring the character further in a future episode's main adventure.[2]

The show has no overarching story, instead having most episodes stand alone.[3] The show is lighter in tone than previous Batman series,[4] depicting the Dark Knight as more lighthearted and playful with a "dry, ironic wit."[5] The show even features various references to the campy 1960s Batman TV series.[6]

While the tone is lighter, the series has touched on the subject of death with such examples as retelling the murder of Thomas Wayne and Martha Wayne at the hands of Joe Chill, the death of the Silver Age Blue Beetle, the assassination of Boston Brand, the death of the first Black Canary, the execution of "Gentleman" Jim Craddock, and the self-sacrifice and death of B'wana Beast and the Doom Patrol. The tone of the series was addressed in an episode of the show itself, when Bat-Mite broke the fourth wall to read out this missive from one of the show's creators:

Batman's rich history allows him to be interpreted in a multitude of ways. To be sure, this is a lighter incarnation, but it's certainly no less valid and true to the character's roots than the tortured avenger crying out for mommy and daddy.

Show creators have chosen to go with "lesser known" characters. In many instances, the characters are those that were repeatedly teamed with Batman in the 1970s run of the Brave and the Bold comic book, such as Green Arrow, Wildcat, Plastic Man, and even the Joker; thus, the characters have a look and feel akin to their Silver Age incarnations. Batman's five most frequent recurring partners are Blue Beetle III, Plastic Man, Green Arrow, Red Tornado, and Aquaman. While the show has featured major heroes such as the Green Lantern and the Flash, it consistently focuses on the lesser-known individuals to have carried the names, such as Guy Gardner and Jay Garrick, rather than the more popular, better known Hal Jordan or Barry Allen,[4] until Barry appeared in the second season episode "Requiem for a Scarlet Speedster!" (though this episode centers around Kid Flash and Jay Garrick), while Hal appeared in the first season episode "The Eyes of Despero!", as well as the third season episode "The Scorn of Star Sapphire".

Additionally, Batman's alter ego of billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne did not appear as an adult during the series in situations where Batman was unmasked. His face was kept hidden until the season 2 episode "Chill of the Night!" when Batman finally confronts Joe Chill.[5] From this episode onwards, whenever Bruce Wayne appears, his face is no longer silhouetted (as in "The Knights of Tomorrow").

It was announced at the San Diego Comic Con 2010 that Batman: The Brave and the Bold would end after season three, which had 13 episodes.[7] Production has begun on a new Batman animated series, set to return the character to a more serious tone.[8]

The series finale "Mitefall!" ended with Batman joined by most of the series' characters in the Batcave as it's being taken down. Breaking the fourth wall and addressing the audience, the hero said his farewells with the show's characters behind him.

Characters

Episodes

Principal cast

Special guest cast

Additional voices

Crew

Comic book

In January 2009, the first issue of Batman: the Brave and the Bold was released. The comic book follows the same format as the show, starting off with a brief teaser segment at the start of the book which features Batman teaming up with an additional hero for a short adventure unrelated to the rest of the issue. Several authors have contributed to the comic book series, including Matt Wayne, J. Torres and Landry Walker.

Some of the DC characters appearing in the comic have yet to appear in the show, or cannot appear at all due to legal reasons. Unlike the cartoon, the comic book tie-in does not share the limitations on which characters can be used.

Certain characters such as Superman, Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel Jr., and Mary Marvel made appearances in the comic prior to actually appearing in the show, while other characters, such as Power Girl, Kid Eternity, Brother Power and Angel and the Ape, appeared in the comic without ever actually appearing on the show. In addition, the depictions of several characters in the comic book (notably Katana and Talia al Ghul) do not match up with their television counterparts, something that Brave and the Bold director Ben Jones stated stems from the comic artists not being given character reference sheets from the show's producers.[23]

The Batman: The Brave and the Bold comic series began selling in the UK on 11 March 2010 and is being published by Titan Magazines.

In late 2010, the series was relaunched as The All-New Batman: The Brave and the Bold, with the new creative team of Sholly Fisch and Rick Burchett. In order to devote more pages to the actual story, the teaser segments from the first series were dropped.[24]

DVD releases

The series has yet to be released on DVD in full season formats, like previous Batman series. However, a series of DVD volumes, with each containing 4-5 episodes, has been released. A two-disc collection of the first 13 episodes was released on August 17, 2010.[25][26][27] Warner Bros. has listed on its website that Season 1, Part 2 was released on March 15, 2011,[28] making the first series available both as separate volumes and two-part sets. Season Two, Part One was released on August 16, 2011. It contained 12 episodes and did not contain "The Siege of Starro!".[29]. Warner Home Video has confirmed that Season 2, Part 2 will be released on March 20, 2012. It will contain 14 episodes, including the two-part "The Siege of Starro". It will also contain the unaired on TV episode "The Mask of Matches Malone".[30]

Volume Release Date Episodes
1 August 25, 2009 "The Rise of the Blue Beetle!"
"Terror on Dinosaur Island!"
"Evil Under the Sea!"
"Invasion of the Secret Santas!"
2 November 10, 2009 "Day of the Dark Knight!"
"Enter the Outsiders!"
"Dawn of the Dead Man!"
"Fall of the Blue Beetle!"
3 February 2, 2010 "Journey to the Center of the Bat!"
"The Eyes of Despero!"
"Return of the Fearsome Fangs!"
"Deep Cover for Batman!"
"Game Over for Owlman!"
4 "Mystery in Space!"
"Trials of the Demon!"
"Night of the Huntress!"
"Menace of the Conquerer Caveman!"
5 "The Color of Revenge!"
"Legends of the Dark Mite!"
"Hail the Tornado Tyrant!"
"Duel of the Double Crossers!"
6 "Last Bat on Earth!"
"When OMAC Attacks!"
"Mayhem of the Music Meister"
"Inside the Outsiders!"
"The Fate of Equinox!"
Season 1, Part 1
(2 discs, 13 episodes)
August 17, 2010 "The Rise of the Blue Beetle!"
"Terror on Dinosaur Island!"
"Evil Under the Sea!"
"Invasion of the Secret Santas!"
"Day of the Dark Knight!"
"Enter the Outsiders!"
"Dawn of the Dead Man!"
"Fall of the Blue Beetle!"
"Journey to the Center of the Bat!"
"The Eyes of Despero!"
"Return of the Fearsome Fangs!"
"Deep Cover for Batman!"
"Game Over for Owlman!"
Season 1, Part 2
(2 discs, 13 episodes)
March 15, 2011 "Mystery in Space!"
"Trials of the Demon!"
"Night of the Huntress!"
"Menace of the Conqueror Caveman!"
"The Color of Revenge!"
"Legends of the Dark Mite!"
"Hail the Tornado Tyrant!"
"Duel of the Double Crossers!"
"Last Bat on Earth!"
"When OMAC Attacks!"
"Mayhem of the Music Meister!"
"Inside the Outsiders!"
"The Fate of Equinox!"
Season 2, Part 1
(2 discs, 12 episodes)
August 16, 2011 "Death Race To Oblivion!"
"Long Arm Of The Law!"
"Revenge Of The Reach!"
"Aquaman's Outrageous Adventure!"
"The Golden Age Of Justice!"
"Sidekicks Assemble!"
"Clash Of The Metal Men!"
"A Bat Divided!"
"The Super-Batman of Planet X!"
"The Power of Shazam!"
"Chill Of The Night!"
"Gorillas In Our Midst!"
Season 2, Part 2
(2 discs, 14 episodes)
March 20, 2012 "The Seige of Starro! Part One"
"Requiem for a Scarlet Speedster!"
The Seige of Starro! Part Two"
"The Last Patrol!"
"The Mask of Matches Malone!"
"Menace of the Madniks!"
"Emperor Joker!"
"The Criss Cross Conspiracy!"
"The Plague of the Prototypes!"
"Cry Freedom Fighters!"
"The Knights of Tomorrow!"
"Darkseid Descending!"
"Bat-Mite Presents: Batman's Strangest Cases!"
"The Malicious Mr. Mind!"

Video games

Soundtrack

In a follow-up to the episode "Mayhem of the Music Meister!", a soundtrack for that episode was released on October 24, 2009.[32]

Track listing

No. Title Lyrics Music Performed by Length
1. "Batman: The Brave and the Bold Theme"       Andy Sturmer 0:32
2. "I'm the Music Meister"   James Tucker Michael McCuistion Neil Patrick Harris and Grey DeLisle 5:54
3. "Drives Us Bats"   Michael Jelenic Lolita Ritmanis Neil Patrick Harris and Various Artists 1:46
4. "If Only"   Michael Jelenic Lolita Ritmanis Neil Patrick Harris and Grey DeLisle 2:35
5. "Death Trap"   James Tucker Kristopher Carter Neil Patrick Harris and Grey Delisle 1:49
6. "The World Is Mine"   Michael Jelenic Kristopher Carter Neil Patrick Harris, Grey DeLisle, and Jeff Bennett 3:34
7. "If Only (Reprise)"   Michael Jelenic Lolita Ritmanis Grey DeLisle and James Arnold Taylor 2:03
8. "Drives Us Bats (Mayhem of the Music Meister End Credits)"   Michael Jelenic Lolita Ritmanis   0:31

The main theme has also been included on the Music Of Dc Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection soundtrack.

References

  1. ^ Harvey, James (2008-10-31). "Cartoon Network Announces "Batman: The Brave And The Bold" Timeslot Change". http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/news.php?action=fullnews&id=280. Retrieved 9 November 2008. 
  2. ^ a b c d "Animation News Discussion Cartoon Community - toonzone news - Toon Zone News Interviews the Brave and Bold James Tucker!". News.toonzone.net. http://news.toonzone.net/articles/29173/toon-zone-news-interviews-the-brave-and-bold-james-tucker. Retrieved 2011-01-02. 
  3. ^ Phegley, Kiel (2008-11-06). "Directing Batman: The Brave & The Bold". TV/Film. Comic Book Resources. http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=18715. Retrieved 9 November 2008. 
  4. ^ a b Phegley, Kiel (2008-11-04). "Making Batman Braver and Bolder". TV/Film. Comic Book Resources. http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=18681. Retrieved 9 November 2008. 
  5. ^ a b Murphy, Joel (2008-11-14). "One on One with Diedrich Bader". TV/Film. HoboTrashcan. http://www.hobotrashcan.com/2008/11/14/one-on-one-with-diedrich-bader/. Retrieved 9 November 2008. 
  6. ^ Worley, Rob (2008-10-27). "BATMAN THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD - Rise of the Blue Beetle". TV/Film. Mania. http://www.mania.com/batman-brave-bold-rise-blue-beetle_article_110719.html?gr_i_ni. Retrieved 1 May 2009. 
  7. ^ Dan Iverson (2010-07-23). "SDCC 10: The Joker Finally Kills Batman - TV News at IGN". Tv.ign.com. http://tv.ign.com/articles/110/1108206p1.html. Retrieved 2011-01-02. 
  8. ^ G-Man (2010-07-24). "Comic-Con: Brave and the Bold & Young Justice Panel". Comic Vine. http://www.comicvine.com/news/comic-con-brave-and-the-bold-young-justice-panel/141716/. Retrieved 2010-07-26. 
  9. ^ Harvey, James (2008-04-10). "Bader Confirmed As Batman For "Batman: The Brave And The Bold"". The World's Finest. http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/news.php?action=fullnews&id=123. Retrieved 9 November 2008. 
  10. ^ a b c "Interview with John DiMaggio". http://www.hobotrashcan.com/2008/12/12/one-on-one-with-john-dimaggio/. 
  11. ^ a b c "Interview with James Tucker". http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19678. 
  12. ^ a b "Interview with Michael Jelenic". http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/1002/08/batmanbrave.htm. 
  13. ^ a b "CC2010: Batman- The Brave and the Bold Interview with Andrea Romano | ComicsOnline 2010". Comicsonline.com. 2010-07-31. http://www.comicsonline.com/node/1255. Retrieved 2011-01-02. 
  14. ^ a b "The World's Finest – Batman: The Brave and the Bold". http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/bravebold/guides/reviews/17caveman/. 
  15. ^ a b "Full cast and crew for "Batman: The Brave and the Bold"". Internet Movie Database. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1213218/fullcredits. Retrieved 9 November 2008. 
  16. ^ "Animated Shorts – The Voice of CN's Batman Talks Season 2". Newsarama.com. http://www.newsarama.com/tv/090326-animated-shorts.html. Retrieved 2011-01-02. 
  17. ^ "Comics Continuum article". http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0909/17/index.htm. 
  18. ^ "Wil Wheaton Twitter". Twitter. 2008-04-14. http://twitter.com/wilw/statuses/789220120. Retrieved 9 November 2008. 
  19. ^ "Comics Continuum". http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0908/25/index.htm. 
  20. ^ a b "Comics Continuum Article". http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0901/27/. 
  21. ^ "The World's Finest – Batman: The Brave and the Bold". http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/bravebold/guides/reviews/13gameover/. 
  22. ^ "Comics Continuum article". http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0901/16/. 
  23. ^ IdiotStyle. "Do you know if the creators of the BATB comic are given character references or anything? I ask because the artist did a spectacular issue with Talia al Ghul as the lead villain, and she looked nothing like her tv counterpart. | Formspring". Formspring.me. http://www.formspring.me/IdiotStyle/q/173943116062028779. Retrieved 2011-04-08. 
  24. ^ "BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD Becomes World's Fisch-est". Newsarama.com. http://www.newsarama.com/comics/fisch-batman-brave-bold-new-100823.html. Retrieved 2011-04-08. 
  25. ^ "Worlds Finest Online". Worlds Finest Online. http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/news.php/news.php?action=fullnews&id=718. Retrieved 2011-01-02. 
  26. ^ "Batman: The Brave and the Bold - Season One, Part One: Batman, Green Arrow: Movies & TV". Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003M8NGLC. Retrieved 2011-01-02. 
  27. ^ ""Batman: The Brave And The Bold - Season One, Part One" DVD Now Available". Worldsfinestonline.com. http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/news.php?action=fullnews&id=824. Retrieved 2011-01-02. 
  28. ^ "Batman: The Brave And The Bold Season One Part Two DVD - Warner Bros.: WBshop.com - The Official Online Store of Warner Bros. Studios". WBshop.com. http://www.wbshop.com/Batman-The-Brave-And-The-Bold-Season-One-Part-Two/1000155395,default,pd.html. Retrieved 2011-01-02. 
  29. ^ "Batman: The Brave And The Bold Season Two Part One DVD - Warner Bros.: WBshop.com - The Official Online Store of Warner Bros. Studios". WBshop.com. http://www.wbshop.com/Batman-The-Brave-And-The-Bold-Season-Two-Part-One/1000155397,default,pd.html. Retrieved 2011-04-30. 
  30. ^ "Error: no |title= specified when using {{Cite web}}". http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Batman-Brave-Bold-Season-2-Part-2/16262. 
  31. ^ "Streets of Gotham: Full Throttle". Dcbeyond.kidswb.com. http://dcbeyond.kidswb.com/event/streets-of-gotham-full-throttle/game/batmanracinggame. Retrieved 2011-01-10. 
  32. ^ "Batman: The Brave and the Bold: Mayhem of the Music Meister! Soundtrack". Amazon.com. New Line Records. October 24, 2009. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002QQ8TWC. Retrieved January 2, 2011. 

External links