Scarecrow is one of Batman’s most iconic foes, a master of fear who uses toxins and illusions to torment his victims. He first appeared in World’s Finest #3 (1941) and has since become a mainstay in the Batman Rogues Gallery. While not one of the most physically imposing figures, Scarecrow’s psychological tactics make him a truly formidable foe.
Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy played the character in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. However, before a live-action role, the villain had terrorized Gotham City in animation, thanks to his chilling voice.
Jeffrey Combs Was The Voice Of The Revamped Scarecrow In The New Batman Adventures
Dr. Jonathan Crane first appeared in DC Animated Universe in Batman: The Animated Series in the 1990s. He was voiced by Henry Polic II and was a former Gotham University psychology professor with a twisted agenda. Fired for unethical fear experiments on students, this vengeful professor turned to a life of crime and brewed a fear toxin to enact revenge, only to be defeated by Batman.
Polic’s Scarecrow was, no doubt, a solid villain, he lacked the true terror the character embodies. . Just a few years later, in 1997, The New Batman Adventures gave Scarecrow a complete overhaul. Both his design and personality were infused with a darker edge, drawing inspiration from horror movies. This resulted in a far more menacing Scarecrow, one that truly sent shivers down viewers’ spines.
The artist was also recast and Jeffrey Combs was brought in to voice the villain. Combs has been known for B horror movies including eight adaptations of H.P. Lovecraft’s story. This also included Re-Animator (1985), where he played the role of a medical student, a character somewhat similar to Jonathan Crane, making him a great choice for Crow.
Combs voiced the revamped version of the villain and did a fantastic job at it. Fans and producers were equally impressed by his performance with the makers Bruce Timm and Paul Dini discussing him in Interactive Arkham Asylum.
“He looked like a hangman who had been cut down and had gone off to terrorize people,” Dini said. “We weren’t even sure if there was an actual guy in the suit.”
The actor set a benchmark for what Scarecrow should feel like, and that benchmark is well, so high that it can be compared to the live-action version by Cillian Murphy.
Jeffrey Combs Did Only One Episode Ever For Scarecrow In The New Batman Adventures
Considering the legacy of Scarecrow in The New Batman Adventures, it is very surprising that the character appeared in only one episode. It was the sixth episode titled Never Fear. Here the villain unleashes a new toxin that doesn’t induce fear – it erases it altogether. This throws Gotham into chaos as citizens become recklessly bold.
Even Batman falls prey to the toxin’s effects, leaving Robin in the position of having to save his mentor and stop Crow’s nefarious plan. The episode was well-received by fans and critics alike. The New Batman Adventures can be streamed on Max.
