BTAS - Christmas with the Joker

If the last episode was steeped in dark realism, then this episode is the exact opposite. It's a perfect example of the "fun" side of BTAS, even if it goes a bit far.

Here, the Joker makes his first appearance, and attacks Gotham with his most evil plan yet: hosting an evil Christmas TV special.  He's captured three of Batman's friends and allies, and will drop them into a tank of acid—on live TV—unless Batman and Robin can somehow manage to hunt down the Joker in his hideout while simultaneously disarming a plethora of deadly disasters that he has set up all over the city.

This is Robin's first appearance, and he gets absolutely no introduction. It's not really a problem, though, and he will eventually get a great two-part origin story later in the show.

Kevin Conroy has the definitive voice for Batman, and Mark Hamill is the definitive Joker. Hamill's maniacal laughter is captivating, and his tone is absolutely perfect. There's really no way to accurately explain it in words; if you haven't seen a DCAU episode with the Joker, go out and find one. You'll be happy you did.

Overall, this episode wasn't exactly perfect, but it's one of my favorites, if only for the fun factor.

7.5/10

BTAS - On Leather Wings

Right from the start, it's obvious that this is a very, very different type of animated series. It doesn't feel like a show made for children; it feels like a real, adult story.  It's heavily stylized, yet realistic. Even the nameless background characters speak and act like real people, further adding to the strikingly deep and enthralling narrative.

The story is simple: a bat-shaped monster has been attacking pharmaceutical buildings across Gotham City, leading the Gotham P.D.--with the exception of Commisshioner Gordon, of course--to believe that Batman is behind the attacks.  Now Harvey Bullock--Gordon's second-in-command, who has never approved of Batman--has an excuse to start a manhunt on Batman, while Batman himself tries to solve the mystery of the bat creature.

It's slightly odd that this is the first episode, for a few reasons. First, this episode is not an origin story. In fact, the series never truly gets a full origin for Batman; we only get small bits and pieces later on. Secondly, this story deals with a rather unusual villain, Man-Bat, which seems an odd choice to make for the introductory episode of the series.

That being said, however, it's still an amazing episode, being equal parts crime mystery, science fiction, and horror.

Certain scenes with Man-Bat are truly terrifying; it's a wonder that this episode was actually allowed to air during a childrens' TV time slot in 1992.

This is absolutely an amazing episode, and definitely one of the best in the entire series. If you're trying to convince someone to watch this show, start here.

9/10