Dreher, R.  "Fox’s batman pioneers a genre: Toon noir ." (1992, September 5) The Washington (D.C.) Times.

OVERVIEW

"Batman, The Animated Series" distinguishes itself as different from cartoons of the past. Its somber, gloomy atmosphere copies Tim Burton’s Batman films. Warner Brothers Senior Animation Executive, Jean MacCurdy calls it an "animated drama" that "may be the only animated series ever that takes a dramatic, rather than a strictly action-adventure approach." It is ground-breaking because it is a darker, moodier than series of the past; it predominantly uses true black in the background, a color normally considered too harsh for animation. Much has been seen on television and movies, and in comics, about the "Caped Crusader," but this is his first television appearance on a new cartoon since 1981. Open your eyes and ears for this series; Hollywood has collected a notable group of voices for this series. Listen for Kevin Conroy, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Melissa Gilbert-Brinkman, Mark Hamill, Ed Asner, and Adrienne Barbeau.

Through this newly created style, adults are intended to be a targeted audience without alienating the younger following. However, its late afternoon time slot is not ideal for enticing an adult audience. Fox enjoys challenge; they are known to be on the edge of creative programming. Yet, one needs to cautiously determine if it is appropriate to embrace this new genre of cartoon.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. Young people are leading the way in campaigns to protect the environment. This trend towards environmental activism is reflected in schools: 99 percent now offer environmental education programs or have ecology clubs. Young people across the nation are taking up environmental causes and, in some cases, are winning huge battles for their communities.Some case studies here are some examples of students who have made a difference:Students at Georgeuse a clip from this because of its fast-paced action and drawing style. It can be used to initiate discussion of images seen on television. Themes to address include emotions, media images of women, and value placed on personal, versus media, images.
2. There are a lot of ‘new’ products marketed—particularly for younger children—based on reputable, carefree storylines. Parents tend to approve such recycled items and images without previewing them. This series is one of those old storylines.
3. Parents should regulate television for their children. Kids may distort fantasy and reality if their media viewing is not appropriately monitored.

Allison G. Everett cCYS