Batman: The Animated Series is one of the most loved and acclaimed comic book adaptations of all time. Since debuting in 1992, the series went on to have a huge impact on the Batman mythos, with the show introducing the characters of Harley Quinn and Renee Montoya, while also giving Mr. Freeze a new origin that is now commonplace.
Despite debuting in 1992, the popularity of the show hasn’t diminished. As a consequence, a new comic book series known as ‘the Adventure Continues’ picks up where the animated series left off and includes new characters such as Deathstroke and Jason Todd.
10 Want: Doctor Fate
Doctor Fate may be one of the most underrated DC heroes. While the character hasn’t appeared in many adaptations from the comics, he has indeed appeared in the DC Animated Universe, so his appearance in the new Batman comic wouldn’t be out of place.
Additionally, the original Batman: The Animated Series also included a fantastic story with Zatanna, so the inclusion of magic on BTAS is hardly unheard of.
9 Don’t: King Tut
It would certainly be unlikely that this character would even be considered for an appearance in the new comic book, and for good reason. The King Tut character is most well known for his appearances on the 1960s Batman show, which instantly connects the character to a more light-hearted side of the Batman mythos.
The creators behind BTAS have leaned into the lighthearted side of Batman before, so it isn’t out of the question that they’d include characters of Tut’s ilk.
8 Want: Damian Wayne
Despite originally being disliked by large swathes of the Batman fan base, Damian Wayne has slowly started to become a fan favorite in the comics. Perhaps it is for this reason that he should be considered for an appearance.
In BTAS, both Talia al Ghul and Bruce Wayne shared a romantic bond, so it isn’t out of the question that Damian Wayne could exist in this universe. Introducing Damian Wayne into the new Batman comic could also set up some interesting storylines in a future Batman Beyond follow up.
7 Don’t: Sewer King
While Batman: The Animated Series has built up a reputation for being one of the best adaptations of Batman, this doesn’t necessarily mean that every single episode of the show was an incredible Batman story.
One episode that fans aren’t particularly fond of is the Underdwellers, which is essentially a retelling of Oliver. Bringing back the Sewer King would only lead to audible groans from fans.
6 Want: The Batman Who Laughs
The Batman Who Laughs is one of the most unique and interesting new Batman villains to have appeared over the last few years. A hybrid of both Batman and Joker, the character was created by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo.
It could be difficult to introduce this character in the new Batman comic as his appearance would affect the wider DC Universe. However, a figure of the Batman Who Laughs was released in the Bruce Tim style, so it seems like there’s hope at least.
5 Don’t: Tweedledee And Tweedledum
Tweedledee and Tweedledum are another Batman villain that has their roots in the Lewis Carroll story, Alice in Wonderland. Unlike the Mad Hatter, however, Tweedledee and Tweedledum are far less interesting.
Tweedledee and Tweedledum would just be an uninspired addition to the comic book series and would hardly be welcomed by the fan base.
4 Want: Hush
Hush is one of the most interesting new Batman villains to appear over the past few decades. The character’s identity is closely tied to that of Bruce Wayne, giving any story involving Hush a very personal connection to the Dark Knight.
While an appearance for the character may be some time off due to the current plot’s focus on Jason Todd, Hush would certainly be a worthy follow up to the Todd storyline.
3 Don’t: Terrible Trio
The Terrible Trio already appeared in BTAS, with the trio of villains appearing in an episode named after them. However, they are one of the most disliked villains in Batman: The Animated Series.
The dislike of this villain group isn’t exclusive to fans, even Bruce Timm (co-creator of BTAS) expressed his dislike of the Terrible Trio on a Warner Bros. message board.
2 Want: Court Of Owls
The Court of Owls may be the most popular new Batman villains to have been introduced this century. The villainous group is an underground organization that has been operating in the shadows of Gotham for centuries. The group also brings out some of the best in Batman’s character, with his detective abilities and sheer determination being required to bring them down.
Introducing the group to the DC Animated Universe would be incredible and welcomed by fans universally. Seeing how this group operates in the iconic BTAS Gotham would be fantastic.
1 Don’t: Victor Zsasz
While there isn’t anything inherently wrong with the character of Victor Zsasz, it could be difficult to include his character in the world of Batman: The Animated Series. Zsasz is essentially a maniacal serial killer, and this suits the gritty world of Batman far more than the more stylized world of BTAS.
Additionally, the world of BTAS has always hovered around a PG rating, so it would be difficult to truly capture Zsasz’ character with these restrictions.