Holy Guest Stars, Batman!

The newest animated incarnation of Batman has made its way to DVD in Batman: The Brave and the Bold Season One, Part One! These new adventures of the Caped Crusader feature team-ups with different heroes from the DC Universe on a weekly basis to stop evil. This new cartoon is very different than the previous animated series, as it is heavily influenced by the 1960's Batman Comics and Adam West television series.
 

Episode Highlights:
"Rise of the Blue Beetle": Batman teams up with Jaime Reyes, the new Blue Beetle (voiced by Batman Beyond's Will Friedle), to stop a new threat from outer space. While on their mission the two are diverted to an alien world which is under siege from the villainous Kanjar Ro. Jaime must help these new alien friends rise up against Ro and prove that he is worthy of the title of Blue Beetle.


"Evil Under the Sea": Batman pays a visit to the underwater city of Atlantis to visit Aquaman (voiced by Futurama's John DiMaggio). Together the two heroes must stop the threat of invasion from Aquaman's arch-nemesis: Black Manta! Can Batman help his aquatic friend fend off the attack? Can he also convince Aquaman that there is another threat that might come from his own family? This episode stands out heavily from the rest as it shows us a very different take on Aquaman. This new version acts more like a boisterous king than the reserved hero from the comics. The reception to the new Aquaman has been overwhelmingly positive, and has proven to be the most entertaining character of this new series.

"Fall of the Blue Beetle": Jaime is determined to learn the fate of the previous hero to call himself the Blue Beetle, and might have to defy Batman to do so! Jaime travels to Kord Industries to learn more about the history of the men who have upheld the mantle of the Blue Beetle. This episode gives fans a different take on the death of Ted Kord (voiced by Star Trek: The Next Generation alum Wil Wheaton), but it is still a heroic one worthy of the character.

"The Eyes of Despero": When the Green Lantern Corps are unable to stop the evil alien known as Despero from taking control of the universe, Hal Jordan (Green Lantern of Sector 2814) sends his ring in search of the one being who could save the day: BATMAN! Watch as Batman travels to OA and is forced partner with Guy Gardner, Sinestro and G'Nort in order to save all life from enslavement. Can a powered up Batman stop this incredible evil? This episode features many cameos of your favorite Green Lantern Corps members!

"Deep Cover for Batman" and "Gave Over for Owlman": This two part episode features the Dark Knight traveling to a parallel world  After Batman's alternate universe counterpart known as Owlman attacks Batman in the Batcave, Batman must assume the identity of Owlman and travel to the parallel world to stop the evil Injustice Syndicate from destroying his world! With the help of the mysterious hero known as the Red Hood, Batman must face off against evil versions of Aquaman, Blue Beetle, Red Tornado and Green Arrow. While Batman was pretending to be Owlman in the alternate world, Owlman was masquerading as Batman in his home-world. Batman must team up with the Joker in order to stop Owlman once and for all!

Special Features:
This release does not contain any special features.

Overall:
This happier, witty, friendlier version of Batman might be a shock to some fans, but is still very much rooted in the history of the comics and character. The new series is made to appeal to a much larger audience than the Dark Knight usually appeals to. It succeeds in being very entertaining and Diedrich Bader spouts off endless one-liners with spot-on, deadpan delivery. Even though it may at first put off the hardcore audience, if given the chance, Batman: The Brave and the Bold will win over even the most jaded Batman fan.

ComicsOnline gives Batman: The Brave and the Bold Season One, Part One – 4.5 out of 5 witty Batman one-liners.

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