The beloved cartoon Batman: The Animated Series is coming back to give fans a new story set in the fan-favorite universe. As part of DC’s January solicits, the publisher revealed Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three, a new tale from the DCAU.
There were few fans of the Dark Knight in the 90s who weren’t aware of the hero’s highly popular cartoon show. Batman: The Animated Series was created by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski, and was developed by Timm, along with Paul Dini and Mitch Brian. Not only was it the first Batman cartoon in decades, it was the DC Animated Universe’s first entry. Batman: The Animated Series was loved for its rich artwork, bold storytelling, and outstanding performances from actors like Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Though the animated series ended in the mid-90s, fan got the chance to return in the form of the comic Batman: The Adventures Continue.
Batman: The Adventures Continue comes from writers Paul Dini and Alan Burnett, both of whom worked on the original cartoon. After two volumes, the pair is returning, along with artist Jordan Gibson for yet another romp through the iconic world. In DC’s January batch of solicits, information for Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three was revealed. According to the solicit, a villain named Muscle is being targeted by Batman’s rogues’ gallery. Before Muscle can inform on the worst threats in Gotham, someone plans to eliminate him, leaving the Dark Knight the only one who can protect him. That is, if Batman can figure out where the attacks are coming from. The first issue comes with a standard cover from Kevin Nowlan, with variants from Kelly Jones, Steve Beach, and Hayden Sherman.
Batman: The Animated Series’ Last Adventure?
While it’s nice that fans have the chance to revisit the DCAU, it may be their last time to do so. The recent DC Connect issue specifically refers to Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three as the “Third and final season”. Granted, there’s a possibility that the DC Animated Universe could be revisited down the line in another form or fashion. But for now, it seems that the upcoming 7-issue miniseries is the last time readers will see new stories set in Batman: The Animated Series’ world.
It’s bittersweet to hear that fans may have to say goodbye to DCAU once more. One of the most fun aspects of Batman: The Adventures Continue was seeing newer Batman lore like the return of Jason Todd as the Red Hood or the Court of Owls becoming part of the DCAU canon. There’s also just a comforting notion of seeing a familiar environment return to tell new stories. But nothing is intended to last forever, and it’s better to know going in that this is possibly the last time readers will be seeing this particular version of Batman and his allies. Fans can see what will become of the DCAU when Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #1 releases January 10th, 2023.
