Created by Bruce Timm, the 1992-released Batman: The Animated series is often recognized as the greatest animated offering of the DC character ever produced. The series, released in 1992, ranks high among the best-animated shows of all time, and actually gave fans a character that has come to be recognized as an integral aspect of the Batman fandom, in the form of Harley Quinn.
Regardless, in 2004, the Michael Goguen and Duane Capizzi-created The Batman animated series was released. The narrative in this one followed the titular character in his early years of crime-fighting, and only included the likes of Bruce Wayne and his famous butler Alfred Pennyworth, and actually had to alter a range of popular characters’ appearances in order to include them in the narrative.
Still, it appears as though the fan sentiment has somewhat changed in recent times, with one Twitter user’s post resulting in a bit of a divide amongst fans.
This fan is willing to stake his life on the claim that “THE BATMAN 2004 is BETTER THAN BTAS
The user in question, @nygmatweets, did not necessarily provide any reasoning for his take. However, they posted the following opinion on the social media platform, leading to a range of reactions from fellow Batman appreciators.
THE BATMAN 2004 is BETTER THAN BTAS AND I WILL DIE ON THAT HILL pic.twitter.com/hpKszd79K3
— clover/leo ☭ !!! (@nygmatweets) May 16, 2024
At the same time, when one user talked about how the costume designs are ‘unique,’ the fan agreed, claiming that it was Riddler’s costume that stuck out the most.
While the series in itself included a range of popular supervillains such as the Joker, the Penguin, Mr. Freeze, Bane, and the Riddler, all of the costumes had to be altered in order to include them in the series. That, however, instead of being a negative, appears to be one of the major reasons why some of the fans believe the series overtook even BTAS.
While there might be a plethora of reasons why some might not agree, the post in itself brought forth a range of fans who did, in fact, agree with the sentiment. People talked about the costumes of different characters and specific story arcs that they were especially fond of.
The Batman 2004 is my favorite Batman series of all time, but nothing is touching the Animated Series in terms of impact, voice cast, and making Batman what it is today.
— RetroWrites (@retrowrites_va) May 17, 2024
i wouldn’t say better. they’re both good and very different. i like them both for different reasons
— Frutiger (@versacesadboy) May 17, 2024
im so excited to watch this
— Fresho 🤡🍉 (@Professorfresh0) May 16, 2024
I think batman 2004 has *on average* better episodes but aside from Clayface’s arc there really isnt much there that beats BTAS’ best and most iconic episodes like heart of ice, two face and perchance to dream.
BTAS is good but there is so much mid…— Anne with an E (@4nnewithe) May 16, 2024
I liked it too, especially the Joker. I think this was one of the most combat-oriented Jokers we’ve seen. he could do insane acrobatics plus, SPOILER WARNING AHEAD…
— mtm1194 (@mtm1194) May 17, 2024
At the same time, a majority of fans appeared to be more conservative with their take. They claimed that while both the series had things to appreciate, they were far too different from each other and simply should not be compared.
Why BTAS is the best-animated depiction of Batman?
While a number of users seemed to be in some agreement with the sentiment, the post also gave fans an opportunity to defend their favorite Batman series. The Bruce Timm creation was directly inspired by the Batman movies of the 1980s and early 1990s and presented a noir depiction of the titular character with a vintage color scheme that fans fell in love with.
However, this was not the only contention that put BTAS right towards the top of animated Batman projects. The series came out at a time when it had no predecessors and set out to attract audiences with something that was entirely a new concept at the time.
Also good. Sure.
Unfairly judged? Absolutely
A wonderful alternate take? God yes.
Better than? Not by any stretch.
— Khan Delnoch (@KDelnoch) May 16, 2024
Aw hell nah we gotta fight now
— 🍉Quacker/Bun (CEO of Quackervolt)🍉 (@Bunnyfarmz) May 16, 2024
I did like this show…until they decided to bring in the JL without Wonder Woman and then I developed a grudge against it.😭
— Wonder Woman (@Diana_Prince41) May 16, 2024
Nooooooo way. Not even close. You may die on that hill but you are dying alone. Was it a good show? Sure. But BTAS had better everything. Music, voice acting, writing, animation, design. BTAS isn’t just a great Batman animated series, it’s one of the best animated ANYTHING.
— Mr. Gitz (@MrGitz) May 16, 2024
The series came to be known for its brilliant narration, voice-acting, visual effects, and its sheer faithfulness to its source material. It brought forth a number of characters to the mainstream and even introduced that of Harley Quinn, a Joker ally that continues to be integral to the overall Batman dynamics.
Hence, as the tweets suggest, even if some fans seemingly committed blasphemy by comparing BTAS to 2004’s The Batman, let alone any animated series out there, quite a few rushed to its defense, and rightfully so.
