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Batman: Caped Crusader has stormed onto screens with a flair that only Gotham's own could muster, rekindling Batman's dark and moody essence for a new era. Crafted as a nod to the noir roots of the 1940s and the legendary Batman: The Animated Series, the latest iteration has managed to please longtime fans, while drawing in the new generation with its gritty aesthetic and jumbled-up storytelling.
While fans are busy discussing the unfolding of each episode on Prime Video, the treasure trove of DC references scattered throughout links the new series to decades of Batman lore. Good news for those who can't get enough, Batman: Caped Crusader has secured a two-season order which ensures that the shadows of Gotham will loom on our screens for the foreseeable future.
All the major DC references in Batman: Caped Crusader
1. Batman’s golden age costume
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The Caped Crusader’s attire in the series is a direct homage to his earliest appearances in the comics. The new design mimics the original suit from the 1939 debut, complete with the iconic cape and cowl.
The callback is more than just about style, as it reflects the show's return to the roots of Batman's vigilante justice, which further emphasizes a simpler yet profoundly intimidating silhouette that has struck fear into Gotham's criminals for decades.
2. The Gray Ghost
A touching nod to Batman: The Animated Series is the reference to the Gray Ghost. The character, originally voiced by Adam West, represented the hero that young Bruce Wayne idolized. In the new animated series, Alfred is spotted reading a book about the Gray Ghost, bridging generations of Bat-history and pointing out the timeless influence of heroism on Gotham's protector.
3. Map of Gotham
The detailed map of Gotham City featured in the Batcave is styled after the one used in the 1966 Batman TV series starring Adam West. The subtle yet major detail serves as a bridge that links various portrayals of Batman’s world and shows how the geographical consistency has been maintained throughout the hero's televised history.
4. Clayface’s origin
In a series that deeply respects its roots, the portrayal of Clayface goes back to his original comic book inception as Basil Karlo, an actor who is driven mad by jealousy and rejection. The show captures the tragic downfall of Karlo, aligning with the character’s golden age beginnings and offering older fans a slice of nostalgic villainy.
5. Catwoman’s introduction
Mirroring her golden age counterpart, Catwoman in Batman: Caped Crusader makes a grand entrance in both the sense of action and fashion. Her costume and motivations hark back to her earliest appearances, where she was portrayed not just as a thief but as a complex character with a deep connection to Gotham’s elite, further layering her interactions with Batman.
6. The Animated Series references
Each episode of the new series is riddled with moments that seem inspired by Batman: The Animated Series. From the architectural design of Gotham to the nuanced portrayal of characters like Barbara Gordon and Harvey Dent, the series feels like a tribute to the animated roots that many fans grew up with.
7. Superman easter egg
A surprising but welcome easter egg for DC fans is the subtle inclusion of Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, who are characters synonymous with Superman. The two have been seen in Batman: Caped Crusader among the crowd in a press scene. It hints at a larger DC universe, possibly suggesting potential crossovers or expansions in future episodes.
8. The Joker Venom
A disturbing and historically major DC reference is the introduction of the Joker Venom, the poisonous laughing gas formula seen in the testing phase during the season's climax. The direct link to one of the Joker's most infamous weapons throughout the comics sets the stage for his reign of terror in Gotham, reminding fans of the deadly creativity of Batman’s arch-nemesis.
You can watch Batman: Caped Crusader Season 1 on Amazon Prime Video.
