I watched Batman: Caped Crusader and I liked it!

Batman: Caped Crusader is a brand new tv show (now available to watch on Amazon Prime Video) that offers a fresh take for audiences on the Batman mythology. Drawing inspiration from the 1940s and 1960s, the show offers a darker noir inspired take on Batman's early years as the titular caped crusader. The show's first season takes place over ten 25 minute episodes and is fairly episodic in nature, although it does build up to a wider larger narrative over the course of the show. Each episode focuses on a different villain, using either the traditional versions of their stories or a more modern take.

With the likes of Alfred, Jim Gordon, Barbara Gordon and Renee Montaya all working to support Batman in solving each episodes mystery, I think the show does a really good job of establishing the new universe for the audience in a fairly short time period. Each episode works to slowly introduce the origin stories of this universe's various villain catalogue, whilst also carefully weaving together the fairly wide spread nature of corruption amongst Gotham's Police, the relationship between Jim and Barbara Gordon and a darker grittier portrayal of Batman. By the end of the series, the dynamics of the universe are not only introduced but fairly established and as a viewer, there's a lot of really interesting storylines heading into a potential S2.

Outside of the story elements, I think the show is really well produced. The animation really adds extra layers to the universe as it helps to create an environment that this Batman lives in. The city of Gotham has its own unique art deco feel, and the stylised noir nature of the show continues into the outfits the characters wear. I am also a sucker for a nice looking title credits. I think it's a really useful way for a piece of media to establish the overall feel and tone of it's universe and I think Batman: Caped Crusader has a title sequence that does this so that's worth not skipping if you come to watch this show!

Unfortunately, there is a bit of an air of toxicity around superhero media at the moment, with DC undergoing a bit of a refresh after a series of mishaps in their cinematic universe and Marvel currently trying to win fans back on side with some bold/interesting casting decisions. However, with this and X-Men 97 (a revival of the X:Men Animated series) both coming out so far this year, I think there's a really strong case that some of these more maturely told animated superhero tv series could win parts of the fandoms back over.

4 out of 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐