In this thread, we will be discussing each episode of the incredible "Batman: The Animated Series" in order. If you haven't dug into your DVD boxed sets recently, let's dust them off and go through them together episode-by-episode. (My album-by-album ICE thread for Joe Jackson lost steam, so I thought I would try something over here in the IMWAN section.) I'll do my best to keep the thread moving forward—introducing a new episode—as discussion for each previous one wanes, but that said, if it becomes that I am the only one contributing, I may give up! I really think the episodes are rich enough—between animation, writing, score, plot, character design and portrayal—to warrant some really good (and hopefully lengthy) discussions. I have this book on the way, so I'll quote from and reference it on occasion.

That said, let us begin with the amazing pilot episode, "On Leather Wings." It was very obvious from the start that this series was unlike anything previously created for TV and that the main inspiration were the incredible Fleisher Superman cartoons from 50 years earlier. This episode features the Man-Bat and also documents his origin. I was able to find some nice grabs for this episode so I'll hotlink them here. I doubt I'll find this images to link to on all of the episodes, but figured I might as well share them to jog your memory.










And a great Kevin Nolan sketch for the Man-Bat character design.

Love the fact that the very first shot, was the very last shot of JLU (or was it Batman Beyond? I can't remember), thus bringing it all full circle.

I checked Hulu and found a link to the WB site. These are available to watch online for free.

Hulu says "On Leather Wings" was the second episode. It says "The Cat and the Claw, Part 1" is the first episode, which sounds wrong on its face.

Here's "On Leather Wings."

http://dcbeyond.kidswb.com/video#/Batma ... 1b9d558f9b

Even better!

To keep it simple, we'll go in order of the DVD sets, which I believe is production order. Easier for people to play "along at home." They aired in an entirely different order than that though.

The Fleischer influence was clear from the get-go. I love this show. Great idea for a thread!

Thought it worth mentioning that there is a commentary for this episode on the DVD. I'll chime in with some of my personal thoughts soon, but overall this episode is amazing and set the bar very high for remainder the series. Shirley Walker's score is outstanding. I don't recall which was the first episode that I had ever seen of this show. (I was in college, and missed much of it during it's initial run.) However, I do recall being blown away and very excited that something like this was in production. I should also say, that this show is in my top-five all time favorite TV shows, and I'm including live action.

I watched it from day one. Saw the previews and was blown away. The show didn't disappoint ever. Great work from all involved. Kevin Conroy is forever Batman's "real" voice to me.

The original BTAS theme is one of the best ever. It really energizes me and gets me excited for show then it turns moody at the end and says BATMAN. Genius.

I've never been a Man-Bat fan. He's always been such a one-note for me, but it was certainly nice seeing him on screen.

Great idea for a thread!

my favourite interpratation of Batman.Conroy's voice is amazing

one of Nowlans designs for season 1

I like Nowlan's design better.

It's based off of Elfman's Batmans core, no?

After you get throught the entire series, you should go Superman: TAS, then Justice League, then Batman Beyond.

The best the DCU has ever been, as far as I'm concerned and the only time my interest in DC has equaled my interest in Marvel.

I'd watch Batman Beyond prior to Justice League. The epilogue of Batman Beyond is a JLU episode.

Oh yeah. I just meant timeline-wise, as that stuff happens in the future.

that book you reference in your first post is beautifull, every one should have one !

http://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JRb ... UjgwTVE9PQ

thats a pdf of the writers bible for the show, its only 5 mb

Thanks, Gerry! And I'm going to order that book.

This is a great thread idea, Duke! I have all the animated series collections. Such a labor of love.

Didn't know Nowlan did some designs for this show!

Here is the shot you're referring to which quotes the opening shot of "On Leather Wings." Is that Terry flying? I don't recall this particular episode.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiZJC0jcEjk[/youtube]

Also came across a couple more clips on YouTube, including this original promo for the episode on Fox...
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU_AGEIfvtY[/youtube]

And this short clip of the Man-Bat transformation in "On Leather Wings."
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHTZTJpNRc8[/youtube]