Ultimate Pop Culture Wiki
Register
Advertisement

DC Animated Universe
DCAU
An image of several DCAU heroes from the Justice League Unlimited episode "Dark Heart".
Created by<templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
Original workBatman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
OwnerWarner Bros. Discovery
Years1992–2019
Print publications
ComicsList of comics
Films and television
Film(s)List of films
Short film(s)List of short films
Television seriesList of television
Games
Video game(s)List of video games
Miscellaneous
Based onCharacters 
by DC Comics

The DC Animated Universe[1] (DCAU; also referred to as the Timmverse or Diniverse by fans referring to the creators and producers Bruce Timm and Paul Dini respectively) is a shared universe consisting primarily of superhero-based animated television series, produced by Warner Bros. Animation and based on characters that appear in American comic books published by DC Comics. The shared universe, much like the original DC Universe in comic books, was established by crossing over common plot elements, settings, cast, and characters.

The DCAU began with Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995); it ended as a continuing TV series with Justice League Unlimited (2004–2006). The associated media franchise also includes theatrical and direct-to-video feature films, as well as shorts, comic books, video games, and other multimedia adaptations set in the same continuity. However Bruce Timm has repeatedly stated that all material apart from the theatrical and direct-to-video films such as the comic books and video games are not canon.

List of DC Animated Universe media[]

While there have been several animated projects based upon DC Comics characters over the decades, what is commonly accepted as the DC Animated Universe consists of the stable of TV series and films that spin off from the 1990s Batman: The Animated Series, the first TV show in this continuity. Two characters outside of the normal Batman canon, Zatanna and Jonah Hex, appeared on the series, but the first series to indicate a shared continuity with other well-known characters was the subsequent show, Superman: The Animated Series, in which the title character has encounters with heroes such as Batman himself, the Wally West version of Flash, the Green Lantern Kyle Rayner, Aquaman and Doctor Fate.

Older TV series such as Super Friends and newer ones such as The Batman, Legion of Super Heroes, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Young Justice and Justice League Action are not part of this continuity. The direct-to-video DC Universe Animated Original Movies, such as Superman: Doomsday, Justice League: The New Frontier, and Batman: Gotham Knight are also not considered part of the DCAU, despite utilizing similar character designs and several of them featuring much of the same voice cast as previous DCAU series, with the exception of Batman and Harley Quinn and Justice League vs. the Fatal Five, which are considered by Bruce Timm to be set within the DCAU, the latter two's canonicity is open-ended however due to Timm being unsure if they were canon by letter of law.

Television series[]

The DC Animated Universe consists of these animated television series:

SeriesSeasonEpisodesOriginally airedShowrunner(s)Connections
First airedLast airedNetwork
Batman: The Animated Series165September 6, 1992 (1992-09-06)September 17, 1993 (1993-09-17)FOXBruce Timm
220May 2, 1994 (1994-05-02)September 15, 1995 (1995-09-15)
Superman: The Animated Series113September 6, 1996 (1996-09-06)February 15, 1997 (1997-02-15)The WBBruce Timm
  • Crossovers with The New Batman Adventures: "World's Finest", "Knight Time", and "The Demon Reborn"
  • Introductions: Lobo ("The Main Man: Part I"), Wally West ("Speed Demons"), Doctor Fate ("The Hand of Fate"), Steel ("Heavy Metal"), Green Lantern Corps ("In Brightest Day..."), and Aquaman ("A Fish Story")
228September 8, 1997 (1997-09-08)May 2, 1998 (1998-05-02)
313September 19, 1998 (1998-09-19)February 12, 2000 (2000-02-12)
The New Batman Adventures124September 13, 1997 (1997-09-13)January 16, 1999 (1999-01-16)The WBBruce Timm
  • Crossovers with Superman: The Animated Series: "Girl's Night Out"
  • Introductions: Etrigan ("The Demon Within") and The Creeper ("Beware The Creeper")
Batman Beyond113January 10, 1999 (1999-01-10)May 22, 1999 (1999-05-22)The WBBruce Timm
  • Crossovers with The Zeta Project: "Countdown"
  • Introductions: Infiltration Unit Zeta ("Zeta") and Justice League Unlimited ("The Call")
226September 17, 1999 (1999-09-17)May 27, 2000 (2000-05-27)
313August 19, 2000 (2000-08-19)December 18, 2001 (2001-12-18)
Static Shock113September 23, 2000 (2000-09-23)May 12, 2001 (2001-05-12)The WBDwayne McDuffie
  • Crossovers with The New Batman Adventures: "The Big Leagues", "Hard as Nails; Justice League: "A League of Their Own", "Fallen Hero"; Superman: The Animated Series: "Toys in the Hood"; The New Batman Adventures and Batman Beyond: "Future Shock"
211January 26, 2002 (2002-01-26)May 4, 2002 (2002-05-04)
315January 25, 2003 (2003-01-25)June 21, 2003 (2003-06-21)
413January 17, 2004 (2004-01-17)May 22, 2004 (2004-05-22)
The Zeta Project112January 27, 2001 (2001-01-27)August 11, 2001 (2001-08-11)The WBRobert Goodman
  • Crossovers with Batman Beyond: "Shadows"
214March 23, 2002 (2002-03-23)August 17, 2002 (2002-08-17)
Justice League126November 17, 2001 (2001-11-17)November 9, 2002 (2002-11-09)Cartoon NetworkBruce Timm
  • Introductions: Metamorpho ("Metamorphosis")
226July 5, 2003 (2003-07-05)May 29, 2004 (2004-05-29)
Justice League Unlimited113July 31, 2004 (2004-07-31)January 29, 2005 (2005-01-29)Cartoon NetworkBruce Timm
213February 5, 2005 (2005-02-05)July 23, 2005 (2005-07-23)
313September 17, 2005 (2005-09-17)May 13, 2006 (2006-05-13)

Note: Teen Titans, The Batman, Legion of Superheroes, Batman: The Brave and the Bold and Teen Titans Go! are not considered as part of the DC Animated Universe despite being TV animated series adaptations of DC properties.

Feature films[]

The following animated feature films are also part of the DCAU continuity:

Film U.S. release date Director Screenwriters Release Notes RT
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm December 24, 1993 Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm Story by: Alan Burnett
Screenplay by: Alan Burnett, Paul Dini, Martin Pasko
and Michael Reaves
Theatrical[2][3]
Continuation of Batman: TAS 83%[4]
Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero March 17, 1998 Boyd Kirkland Boyd Kirkland and Randy Rogel Direct-to-DVD 92%[5]
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker December 12, 2000 (edited version)
April 23, 2002 (uncut version)
Curt Geda Story by: Paul Dini, Glen Murakami and Bruce Timm
Screenplay by: Paul Dini
Continuation of Batman Beyond, Batman: TAS, and The New Batman Adventures 90%[6]
Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman October 21, 2003 Story by: Alan Burnett
Screenplay by: Michael Reaves
Continuation of Batman: TAS and The New Batman Adventures 63%[citation needed]
Batman and Harley Quinn July 21, 2017 Sam Liu Story by: Bruce Timm
Screenplay by: Bruce Timm and Jim Kreig
50%[citation needed]
Justice League vs. the Fatal Five March 30, 2019 Story by: Eric Carrasco
Screenplay by: Eric Carrasco, Jim Krieg and Alan Burnett
Continuation of Justice League and Justice League Unlimited 100%[citation needed]

Note: Superman: Brainiac Attacks is not part of the DC Animated Universe continuity despite using the same animation style and voice actors as Superman: The Animated Series.

Episodes as films[]

Television series episodes released as direct-to-video films set in the DCAU continuity:

Film U.S. release date Directors Screenwriters Release Notes RT
Superman: The Last Son of Krypton September 6, 1996 Curt Geda, Dan Riba and Scott Jeralds Alan Burnett and Paul Dini Direct-to-DVD Compiles Superman: TAS three-part episode "The Last Son of Krypton" N/A
The Batman/Superman Movie: World's Finest October 4, 1997 Toshihiko Masuda Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Paul Dini, Jean MacCurdy and Haven Alexander Compiles Superman: TAS three-part episode "World's Finest" 80%[7]
Batman Beyond: The Movie December 21, 1999 Curt Geda, Butch Lukic, Dan Riba and Yukio Suzuki Paul Dini, Alan Burnett, Stan Berkowitz, Hilary J. Bader and Rich Fogel Compiles Batman Beyond episodes "Rebirth, Part I" and "Part II" N/A
Justice League: Secret Origins November 17, 2001 Dan Riba and Butch Lukic Rich Fogel Compiles Justice League episodes "Secret Origins, Part I", "Part II" and "Part III" N/A
Justice League: Starcrossed July 13, 2004 Rich Fogel and Dwayne McDuffie Compiles Justice League episodes "Starcrossed, Part I", "Part II" and "Part III" N/A

Short films[]

Film U.S. release date Director Screenwriters Notes
The Dark Knight's First Night 1991 Bruce Timm & Eric Radomski Story by : Bruce Timm
Teleplay by : Eric Radomski
A short film which acted as the developmental pilot for Batman: TAS.
Justice League: The First Mission 2000 James Tucker Story by: Bruce Timm A short film which acted as the developmental pilot for Justice League.
Chase Me October 21, 2003 Curt Geda Paul Dini and Alan Burnett A short film with no dialogue based on The New Batman Adventures.
Batman Beyond April 20, 2014[8] Darwyn Cooke[9][10] A short film based on Batman Beyond created by Darwyn Cooke for Batman's 75th anniversary. The short features the original voice cast of the show, as well as cameos of robotic batmen from The New Batman Adventures, The Batman, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Beware the Batman, The Dark Knight Returns, Michael Keaton's Batman, Adam West's Batman, and the original comic book Batman from 1939.

Digital series[]

SeriesSeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast airedNetwork
Lobo114June 15, 2000 (2000-06-15)[11]September 14, 2000 (2000-09-14)warnerbros.com
Gotham Girls111July 27, 2000 (2000-07-27)December 14, 2000 (2000-12-14)warnerbros.com
210June 5, 2001 (2001-06-05)October 9, 2001 (2001-10-09)
310July 16, 2002 (2002-07-16)November 19, 2002 (2002-11-19)

Cancelled projects[]

An animated series based on the Teen Titans comic books was planned for the DC Animated Universe during the mid-1990s, but was ultimately scrapped, however the team was confirmed to exist in the universe in the Static Shock (which was also not initially intended to be part of the DCAU until the second season) episode "Hard as Nails" with Robin confirmed to be a member by Batman.[12] Instead a Teen Titans series not related to the DC animated universe was released. Also, after the success of Batman: The Animated Series in the early 1990s, Fox approached producer Bruce Timm to create a spin-off series focusing on Catwoman, but the project never materialized.[12]

In 1998, writer John P. McCann had been tasked with coming up with a Lobo animated series in the DC Animated Universe, with Brad Garrett set to reprise his role as the character, but the show had been cancelled right before production. A few elements of the show would find its way in the 2000 Lobo webseries, an online Flash animated series starring Lobo, the galactic bounty hunter, however whether the webseries is part of the official DCAU is unclear. A wax statue with the same character design as Lobo in this series appeared in an episode of Gotham Girls which somewhat support that the webseries is part of the official DCAU, although this is still disputed. Unlike the other shows set in the DCAU, it has graphic violence, sexual content, strong profanity, and a lack of tie-ins with the greater DCAU.

Before the release of Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, a third animated feature based on Batman: The Animated Series was planned, entitled Batman: Arkham. The film was supposed to be a follow-up for Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero, and Boyd Kirkland was attached to write and direct; but the project was soon scrapped. A second Batman Beyond movie was planned for release but was finally scrapped due to the dark tones and controversies of Return of the Joker in 2001.[13] Around 2003, during the production of Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman, Warner Bros. approached Kirkland to write a Catwoman direct-to-video feature film as a tie-in with the 2004 live-action film. Although the script was written, the project was soon scrapped after the poor reception of the live-action film.[14]

Also, a direct-to-video feature-length animated film entitled Justice League: Worlds Collide was planned to connect Justice League with its follow-up Justice League Unlimited, but the production was finally cancelled in 2004, and the script was later rewritten for the animated film Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths, removing all connections to the DCAU.[15][16]

Comic books[]

Many of the DCAU productions have also had comic books created based on the characters of the various series, though their canonicity is disputable. The comics are:

Year Title Issues
1992 The Batman Adventures (vol. 1) #1–36
Mad Love
Holiday Special
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
Annuals (#1–2)
1993 Superman & Batman Magazine #1–8
1995 Batman and Robin Adventures #1–25
Annuals (#1–2)
Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero
Dark Claw Adventures
1996 Superman Adventures #1–66
Annual
World's Finest
Superman vs. Lobo
Exclusive Edition (Superman '64 prequel)
Two-Face: Two of a Kind[17] #0
1997 Adventures in the DC Universe #1–19
Annual
1998 The Batman Adventures: The Lost Years #1–5
Batman: Gotham Adventures #1–60
Batgirl Adventures One-Shot
1999 Batman Beyond (vol. 1) #1–6
Batman Beyond (vol. 2) #1–24
Return of the Joker
Claritin Syrup Presents Batman[18] One-Shot
2001 Gotham Knights #14 (backstory by Paul Dini)[19]
2002 Gotham Girls #1–5
Justice League Adventures #1–34
#1-8 (Burger King miniseries)[20]
2003 Batman Adventures (vol. 2) #1–17
Batman: Shadow of Sin Tzu #1–260
2004 Batman: Harley and Ivy #1–3
Justice League Unlimited #1–46
2010 Batman Beyond (vol. 3) #1–6
Superman/Batman Annual #4
2011 Batman Beyond (vol. 4) #1–8
Superman Beyond #0–20
2012 Justice League Beyond #1–25
Batman Beyond Unlimited #1–18
2013 Batman Beyond 2.0 #1–40
Justice League Beyond 2.0 #1–24
Batman Beyond Universe #1–16
2015 Batman Beyond (vol. 5) #1-16
Scooby Doo Team Up[21] #12, #17, #23, #24 (series uses DCAU character models but ignores the lore)
2016 Batman/TMNT Adventures #1-6
Batman Beyond (vol. 6) #1-50
Rebirth
Love is Love[22] Harley and Ivy story by Paul Dini
Harley Quinn[23] #17-26 (backstory by Paul Dini) (used the art style and character models but has been stated before its follow-up mini-series "Harley loves Joker" to be canon to the current main universe instead)
2017 Harley Quinn and Batman #1-5 (a prequel to the 2017 animated film Batman and Harley Quinn)
2017 Batman and Harley Quinn #1-7 (a sequel to the 2017 animated film of the same name)
2018 Harley loves Joker #1-2 (used the art style and character models, is also a follow-up to the Harley Quinn main series backstory but is then hinted to be canon to the main comic universe in Harley Quinn #42 with the "next issue" area and then is stated to be in the main universe by its official description)
2020 Batman: The Adventures Continue Season One #1-8 (print); 17 (digital)
2021 Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Two #1-7
2021 Justice League: Infinity #1-7

Recurring cast and characters[]

List indicator(s)

This section shows characters who have appeared in multiple DCAU media.

  • An empty, dark grey cell indicates the character was not in the media, or that the character's official presence has not yet been confirmed.
  •  C indicates a cameo role.
Heroes
Character Alter-Ego TV series Films
Batman:
The Animated Series
Superman:
The Animated Series
The New Batman Adventures Batman Beyond Static Shock The Zeta Project Justice League Justice League Unlimited Batman: Mask of the Phantasm Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman Batman and Harley Quinn Justice League vs. the Fatal Five
Bruce Wayne Batman Kevin Conroy
Richard "Dick" Grayson Robin

Nightwing

Loren Lester

Joey Simmirin (young)

Loren Lester C Loren Lester Loren Lester
Barbara Gordon Batgirl Melissa Gilbert Tara Strong Stockard Channing
Angie Harmon
C Mary Kay Bergman Angie Harmon
Tara Strong (flashback)
Tara Strong
Kal-El

Clark Kent

Superman Tim Daly

Jason Marsden (young)
C Christopher McDonald George Newbern George Newbern George Newbern
Timothy "Tim" Drake Robin

Joker/Joker Jr.

Mathew Valencia Eli Marienthal
Shane Sweet
C Dean Stockwell
Mathew Valencia (flashback)
Andrea Romano (Joker Jr.)
Mark Hamill (Joker)
Eli Marienthal C
Kara In-Ze

Kara Kent

Supergirl Nicholle Tom C Nicholle Tom
Wally West Flash Charlie Schlatter Michael Rosenbaum Michael Rosenbaum
Terrence "Terry" McGinnis Batman Will Friedle Will Friedle Will Friedle
Infiltration Unit Zeta -- Gary Cole
Diedrich Bader
Diedrich Bader
John Stewart Green Lantern Phil Lamarr Phil Lamarr
Shayera Hol Hawkgirl Maria Canals Maria Canals
J'onn J'onzz Martian Manhunter Carl Lumbly Carl Lumbly
Virgil Ovid Hawkins Static Phil LaMarr Phil LaMarr
Diana Prince Wonder Woman Susan Eisenberg Susan Eisenberg
Michael Holt Mister Terrific Michael Beach Kevin Michael Richardson
John Henry Irons Steel Michael Dorn Phil LaMarr
King Arthur Aquaman Miguel Ferrer Scott Rummell
Kent Nelson Doctor Fate George DelHoyo Oded Fehr
Orion -- Steve Sandor Ron Perlman
Zatanna Zatara -- Julie Brown C Jennifer Hale
Juliet Landau
Jack Ryder Creeper Jeff Bennett C
Jason Blood Etrigan the Demon Billy Zane Michael T. Weiss
Barda Free Big Barda C Farrah Forke Farrah Forke
Scott Free Mister Miracle C C Ioan Gruffudd (adult)
Zack Shada (young)
Kyle Rayner Green Lantern Michael P. Greco Will Friedle
Michael Jon Carter Booster Gold Tom Everett Scott Bruce Timm
Imra Ardeen Saturn Girl Melissa Joan Hart C Tara Strong
Reep Daggle Chameleon Boy Jason Priestly C
Rokk Krinn Cosmic Boy Chad Lowe C
Brainiac 5 -- C Matt Czuchry Noel Fisher
Rex Stewart Warhawk Peter Onorati Peter Onorati
Mareena Aquagirl Jodi Benson C
Kai-Ro Green Lantern Lauren Tom C
Rex Mason Metamorpho Tom Sizemore C
Jonah Hex -- William McKinney Adam Baldwin
Villains
Character Alter-Ego TV series Films
Batman:
The Animated Series
Superman:
The Animated Series
The New Batman Adventures Batman Beyond Static Shock The Zeta Project Justice League Justice League Unlimited Batman: Mask of the Phantasm Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman Batman and Harley Quinn Justice League vs. the Fatal Five
Joker -- Mark Hamill C Mark Hamill Mark Hamill Mark Hamill Mark Hamill
Dean Stockwell (Tim Drake)
Harleen Quinzel Harley Quinn Arleen Sorkin C Arleen Sorkin Arleen Sorkin Arleen Sorkin Melissa Rauch C
Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot Penguin Paul Williams C David Ogden Stiers
Edward Nygma Riddler John Glover C C
Jervis Tetch Mad Hatter Roddy McDowall C C
Pamela Lillian Isley Poison Ivy Diane Pershing Diane Pershing Diane Pershing Diane Pershing Paget Brewster C
Arnold Wesker Ventriloquist and Scarface George Dzundza George Dzundza C C
Jonathan Crane Scarecrow Henry Polic II Jeffery Combs
Bane -- Henry Silva C Hector Elizondo
Croc Morgan Killer Croc Aron Kincaid Brooks Gardner C
Mary Louise Dahl Baby Doll Alison LaPlaca Laraine Newman
Ra's al Ghul -- David Warner David Warner
Talia al Ghul -- Helen Slater Olivia Hussey Olivia Hussey
Victor Fries Mr. Freeze Michael Ansara Michael Ansara Michael Ansara C
Harvey Dent Two-Face Richard Moll Richard Moll C C C Bruce Timm
Temple Fugate Clock King Alan Rachins Alan Rachins
Hugo Strange -- Ray Buktenica C
Matthew "Matt" Hagen Clayface Ron Perlman Ron Perlman Ron Perlman
Rupert Thorne -- John Vernon John Vernon
Leslie Willis Livewire Lori Petty Maria Canals C
Brainiac -- Corey Burton Corey Burton Corey Burton
Winslow P Schott Jr Toyman Bud Cort Bud Cort Corey Burton Bud Cort
Sinestro -- Ted Levine Ted Levine Ted Levine
Lex Luthor -- Clancy Brown Clancy Brown
Darkseid -- Michael Ironside Michael Ironside
John Corben Metallo Malcolm McDowell Corey Burton Malcolm McDowell
Kalibak -- Michael Dorn Michael Dorn
Mark Mardon Weather Wizard Miguel Ferrer Corey Burton
Edward Lytener Luminus Robert Hays Nicolas Guest
Rudy Jones Parasite Brion James Brian George C
Claire Selton Volcana Peri Gilpin Peri Gilpin C
General Hardcastle -- Charles Napier Charles Napier
Bizarro -- Tim Daly George Newbern
Granny Goodness -- Ed Asner Ed Asner
Garfield Lynns Firefly Mark Rolston Mark Rolston
Roxanne Sutton Roxy Rocket Charity James
Doomsday -- Michael Jai White
Barbara Ann Minerva Cheetah Sheryl Lee Ralph
Felix Faust -- Robert Englund
Gorilla Grodd -- Powers Boothe
Mongul -- Eric Roberts
Copperhead -- Efrain Figueroa
Jose Yenque
Jose Yenque
Floyd Lawton Deadshot Michael Rosenbaum
Giganta -- Jennifer Hale
Killer Frost -- Jennifer Hale
Shade -- Stephen McHattie C
Solomon Grundy -- Mark Hamill Bruce Timm
Carol Ferris Star Sapphire Olivia d'Abo C
Morgaine Le Fay -- Olivia d'Abo
Mordred -- Soren Fulton
Hades -- John Rhys-Davies Bob Joles
George Harkness Captain Boomerang C Donal Gibson
Mirror Master -- C Alexis Denisof
John Dee Doctor Destiny William Atherton C
Inque -- Shannon Kenny C
Walter Shreeve Shriek Chris Mulkey C
The Stalker -- Carl Lumbly C
Delia and Deidre Dennis Dee Dee Twins Melissa Joan Hart Melissa Joan Hart
Chucko -- Don Harvey Don Harvey
Ghoul -- Michael Rosenbaum Michael Rosenbaum
Bonk -- Adam Baldwin Henry Rollins
Woof -- Dee Bradley Baker Frank Welker
Darci Mason -- Nancy Travis Nicolette Sheridan
Kragger -- Hector Elizondo
Emerald Empress -- Joanne Whalley Sumalee Montano
Tharok -- Tomas Arana Peter Jessop
Mano -- C Philip Anthony-Rodriguez
Persuader -- C Matthew Yang King
Validus -- C C
Hro Talak -- Victor Rivers C
Vandal Savage -- Phil Morris C
Dr. Achilles Milo -- Treat Williams Armin Shimerman
Preserver -- Sherman Howard C
Starro -- C Christopher McDonald (Superman)
Edgar Mandragora -- Brian Tochi John Rhys-Davies C
Chuckie Sol -- C Dick Miller
Salvatore Valestra -- C Abe Vigoda
Arthur Reeves -- C Hart Bochner
Bombshell -- Kate Jackson Kate Jackson
Others
Character TV series Films
Batman:
The Animated Series
Superman:
The Animated Series
The New Batman Adventures Batman Beyond Static Shock The Zeta Project Justice League Justice League Unlimited Batman: Mask of the Phantasm Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman Batman and Harley Quinn Justice League vs. the Fatal Five
Alfred Pennyworth Clive Revill
Efrem Zimbalist Jr.
Efrem Zimbalist Jr. Efrem Zimbalist Jr. Efrem Zimbalist Jr. Efrem Zimbalist Jr. Efrem Zimbalist Jr.
Commissioner James Gordon Bob Hastings C Bob Hastings Bob Hastings Bob Hastings
Detective Harvey Bullock Robert Costanzo Robert Costanzo Robert Costanzo Robert Costanzo
Renee Montoya Ingrid Oliu
Liane Schirmer
Liane Schirmer Liane Schirmer
Veronica Vreeland Marilu Henner Marilu Henner Marilu Henner
Hamilton Hill Lloyd Bochner Lloyd Bochner C
Selena Kyle
Catwoman
Adrienne Barbeau Adrienne Barbeau C C
Lois Lane Dana Delaney
Mae Whitman (young)
C Dana Delaney
Mercy Graves Lisa Edelstein Lisa Edelstein
Jonathan Kent Mike Farrell Mike Farrell
Martha Kent Shelley Fabares Shelley Fabares
Jor-El Christopher McDonald C Christopher McDonald
Lara-El Finola Hughes C
Lobo Brad Garrett Brad Garrett
Jimmy Olsen David Kaufman David Kaufman C
Perry White George Dzundza C
Inza Nelson Jennifer Lien Jennifer Hale
Katma Tui C Kim Mai Guest C
Kilowog C Dennis Haysbert C C
Salaak C C
Emil Hamilton Victor Brandt Robert Foxworth
Maggie Sawyer Joanna Cassidy Dana Delany
Andrea Beaumont
Phantasm
C Dana Delany
Stacy Keach (Phantasm)
Summer Gleeson Mari Devon C C Mari Devon
Kirk Langstrom
Man-Bat
Marc Singer
Frank Welker (Man-Bat)
C
Leslie Thompkins Diana Muldaur C
Queen Hippolyta Susan Sullivan
Amazo Robert Picardo
Snapper Carr Jason Marsden C
Solovar David Ogden Stiers
Dana Tan Lauren Tom Lauren Tom Lauren Tom
Matt McGinnis Ryan O'Donohue Ryan O' Donohue
Mary McGinnis Teri Garr C Teri Garr
Warren McGinnis Michael Gross C
Chelsea Cunningham Yvette Lowenthal
Rachael Leigh Cook
Rachael Leigh Cook
Kairi Tanaga Julia Kato Takayo Fischer
Rosalie "Ro" Rowan Julie Nathanson Julie Nathanson
Tamara Caulder Mara Wilson C
Ace Frank Welker Frank Welker
Ace (Royal Flush Gang) Hynden Walch
Carl Beaumont C Stacy Keach
Krypto C C
Simon Trent
Gray Ghost
Adam West C

The future of the DCAU[]

With the conclusion of the Justice League Unlimited animated series, Warner Bros has moved on to producing standalone films based on the various DC comics properties rather than reviving the DCAU counterparts.

The last script written for DCAU continuity was titled Justice League: Worlds Collide. This screenplay was created to bridge the several month gap between Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. The draft was eventually adapted into the February 2010 film Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths, with the removal of any references specific to DCAU continuity, replacing Green Lantern John Stewart with Hal Jordan, and the casting of different voice actors than those of the DCAU.

In 2009, Bruce Timm was asked at a ToonZone forum if the DCAU will return in the future, and he stated this:[24]

<templatestyles src="Template:Blockquote/styles.css" />

I very much appreciate that so many of you guys have so much love for the old series, from BTAS through JLU (I do too) -- but frankly, I doubt that we'll be formally, "officially" doing another movie or TV series set in that continuity (...) anything is possible, so conceivably that could change someday -- instead of saying "THE DCAU IS DEAD", maybe we can just say it's in a state of suspended animation until further notice...?

— Bruce Timm, 2009[25]

On June 8, 2015, during an interview with Nerdist about his new film Justice League: Gods and Monsters, Bruce Timm was asked if the DC Animated Universe will return someday. Although Timm stated that the DCAU continuity was unlikely to return, the possibility always exists.[26]

In 2018, Kevin Conroy said work on the DCAU had stalled because the writers ran out of ideas for stories and believed stopping was best, as they did not want to "compromise on the quality of what they had and start creating kind of silly stories".[27]

A revival of Batman: The Animated Series is rumored to be in development for HBO Max according to Kevin Smith.[28]

In Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021), multiple characters from DCAU appears in the film in non-vocal appearances. These characters include Aquaman, Batgirl, The Flash, James Gordon, Dick Grayson, Clark Kent / Superman, Selina Kyle, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Alfred Pennyworth, Harleen Quinzel, John Stewart, Arnold Wesker and Perry White.

The cast of Justice League has been vocal about wanting a revival of the series, while Bruce Timm has said he would return as well if they were asked.[29]

An audio revival of Batman: The Animated Series is in development with Conroy, Alan Burnett, and others returning.[30]

Comics[]

The Batman Beyond comic series is a loose adaptation of the Batman Beyond franchise, intended to fit the character and storylines from the series into the mainstream DC continuity. The miniseries began in June 2010, under the title Future Evil. In August 2010, the series was announced to continue following the completion of the first arc as an ongoing series.[31] That series concluded alongside the entire line of ongoing monthly DC Comics superhero books during the 2011 revamp and relaunch, titled The New 52.

Superman Beyond, a one-shot comic set in the same universe as Batman Beyond, was released in 2011.

Batman Beyond Unlimited, a title chronicling the adventures of the future Justice League introduced in the DCAU, was released in February 2012.[32] This series published monthly triple-sized issues, containing three stories of Terry McGinnis, Clark "Cal" Kent, and the future Justice League Unlimited, respectively.[33]

Batman Beyond Universe succeeded Unlimited in August 2013, condensing to double-monthly issues upon the elderly Superman's rejoining the future Justice League.[34]

Terry McGinnis was the central figure in The New 52: Futures End weekly series.[35]

In 2015–2016, DC Comics and IDW Publishing released a jointly produced, six-issue miniseries comic titled Batman/TMNT, where the New 52 Batman encounters the IDW incarnation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The success of this miniseries inspired a similar crossover story, with Batman's DCAU incarnation meeting the Amazing Adventures comic version of the 2012 CGI series' Turtles. Titled Batman/TMNT Adventures, the concept was first announced in late July 2016[36] and scheduled for a six-issue release starting November 9, 2016.[37]

A comic book continuation of seven-issues of Justice League Unlimited, called Justice League Infinity, was released monthly between July 2021 and January 2022; the series is set after the show's finale and explores the consequences of Darkseid's disappearance and the League clashing with alternate versions of themselves within the Multiverse.

Outside media[]

Video games[]

There have also been a number of DCAU tie-in video games released to correspond with the various animated television series and films. Some of these games have original plots, while others follow previous stories; their status in DCAU canon is unknown. The games are:

Year Title Platforms
1993 Batman: The Animated Series Game Boy
1994 The Adventures of Batman & Robin Super NES, Mega Drive/Genesis, Sega CD/Mega-CD, Game Gear
1997 Superman[38] Game Boy
1999 Superman Nintendo 64
2000 Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker Game Boy Color, PlayStation, Nintendo 64
2001 Batman: Chaos in Gotham Game Boy Color
Batman: Gotham City Racer PlayStation
Batman: Vengeance PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance, GameCube, Xbox, Microsoft Windows
2002 Justice League: Injustice for All Game Boy Advance
Static Shock (canceled game)[39]
Superman: Shadow of Apokolips PlayStation 2, GameCube
2003 Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu Xbox, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance, GameCube
Justice League: Chronicles Game Boy Advance
Superman: Countdown to Apokolips
2016 View-Master Batman Animated VR iOS, Android

Six of these games feature voice acting from the casts of the original shows. These are: The Adventures of Batman and Robin (SEGA CD/Mega CD version), Superman, Batman Vengeance, Superman: Shadow of Apokolips, Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu, and View-Master Batman Animated VR. The SEGA CD/Mega CD game, The Adventures of Batman and Robin, also features animation from one of the studios that worked on Batman: The Animated Series.

The Heart of Batman[]

A 90-minute documentary film was released on October 16, 2018, as part of the Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition[40] and Batman: The Complete Animated Series Blu-ray/Digital box set,[41][42] and was later made available on the official Warner Bros. Entertainment YouTube channel.[42][43][44]

Crossovers, adaptations, and references[]

TV series[]

Year Series Episode DCAU Reference
1995 Freakazoid Dance of Doom Batman appears, but is unable to help due to being on a different network[45]
1995 Animaniacs A Hard Day's Warners Paul Dini and Bruce Timm can be seen at the Batman booth in episode #73 with a Mask of the Phantasm poster[46]
2011 Batman: The Brave and the Bold Night of the Batmen Batman's TNBA design shows up among the Batmen of other worlds along with Batman Beyond[47]
2013 Teen Titans Go! multiple Meta-gags referencing the DCAU have been made[48]

Comics[]

Year Title Issue DCAU Reference
1994 Man of Steel #37 Batman appears in his BTAS design on the front cover[49]
1999 Fan Boy #5 Bruce Timm was a featured artist, lending his Batman to the issue[50]
1999 Superman/Fantastic Four One-Shot Superman's DCAU counterpart makes a cameo
2001 Catwoman #89 Harleen Quinzel pitches a TV series in the same style of The New Batman Adventures[51]
2005 Krypto the Super Dog #1-6 Artist Min S Ku draws many characters in their DCAU style.
2007 Teen Titans Go! #45 The Justice League is presented in their DCAU style
2008 Legion of Superheroes in the 31st Century #11 The Justice League appears in their DCAU versions
2013 Green Lantern: The Animated Series #13 Lobo shows up in his DCAU design
2014 Adventures of Superman #40 The Joker shows up in multiple styles, including his TNBA look.[52]
2017 Action Comics #975 Mr. Mxyzptlk and Superman appear in their STAS style.[53]

Characters adapted from the DCAU[]

Though the DCAU is an offshoot of the mainstream DC comics universe, it has also affected the DC universe in return. The following characters were originally created for their respective series in the DCAU, but were eventually adapted via retroactive continuity into the mainstream DC comic continuity:

In addition, the backstory of Mr. Freeze was adapted from his portrayal in Batman: The Animated Series, and the visuals and/or characterization of Green Lantern, Supergirl, Toyman, Two-Face, Parasite, Metallo, Clayface, and many others have been applied to their comic counterparts. On a different note, issue #22 of DC Comics' Superman/Batman series, which explores alternate realities, had Bizarro transported to an alternate version of Gotham City that was patrolled by a Batman using the Batman Beyond version of the costume. A version of the future of Batman Beyond made an appearance in Countdown to Final Crisis #21, as part of the new Multiverse in the wake of the Infinite Crisis and 52 series, and a Batman Beyond series had been planned. In January 2015, DC published The Multiversity Guidebook which revealed a universe inspired by the DCAU is Earth-12 in the DC Multiverse, and currently in the Batman Beyond era, while the Justice Lords Earth from those Batman Beyond comics has also been added to the canon as Earth-50.[54]

See also[]

References[]

  1. Crews, Devin (June 8, 2020). "DCAU: 10 Things You Never Knew About The Making Of This Animated Universe". Comic Book Resources.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  2. "Top 25 Animated Movies of All-Time". IGN. 25 June 2010. Retrieved 9 May 2022.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  3. "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on January 30, 2008. Retrieved 2008-01-21.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  4. "Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm (1993)". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on 2008-01-30. Retrieved 2019-04-09.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  5. "Batman & Mr. Freeze: Subzero (1998)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2019-04-09.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  6. "Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000)". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on 2009-10-22. Retrieved 2009-10-23.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  7. "The Batman-Superman Movie". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2021-10-21.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  8. "Video". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-11-03. Retrieved 2020-06-24.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  9. "'Batman Beyond' Returns in New Anniversary Short (Video)". The Hollywood Reporter. 21 April 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2022.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  10. "Watch New 'Batman Beyond' Short by Darwyn Cooke". /Film. April 21, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2022.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  11. "Warner Bros. Online Joins Forces With DC Comics And Warner Bros. Animation To Create Original Animation For Debut Of Redesigned Warner Bros. Online June 15". Warner Bros.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  12. 12.0 12.1 "Backstage - Rejected/Unproduced Series & Movie Pitches". The World's Finest. Archived from the original on May 21, 2016. Retrieved 2016-07-07.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  13. "Epilogue". Archived from the original on May 16, 2016. Retrieved 2010-01-02.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  14. Stu Hamilton. "Boyd Kirkland". Archived from the original on May 30, 2015. Retrieved 2016-11-18.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  15. "Worlds Collide". Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved 2010-09-13.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  16. "More "DC Universe Animated Original Movie" Titles Planned For 2009". Archived from the original on September 20, 2016. Retrieved 2016-08-31.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  17. "Two-Face #0". Comic Vine. Retrieved 2017-05-07.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  18. "Claritin Syrup Presents". Comic Book Database. Retrieved 2017-05-07.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  19. "Gotham Knights". Comixology. Archived from the original on September 9, 2015. Retrieved 2017-05-07.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  20. "JLA Burger King Mini". Comic Vine. Retrieved 2017-05-07.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  21. "SCOOBY-DOO TEAM-UP #12". DC Comics. Retrieved 2016-08-08.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  22. "Love is Love". Previews World. Retrieved 2017-05-07.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  23. "Harley Quinn". DC Comics. Retrieved 2017-05-07.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  24. Jordan, Darran (2015). Green Lantern History: An Unauthorized Guide to the DC Comic Book Series. ISBN 9781326139872. https://books.google.com/books?id=3CrTCAAAQBAJ&q=I+very+much+appreciate+that+so+many+of+you+guys+have+so+much+love+for+the+old+series,+from+BTAS+through+JLU+(I+do+too)+--+but+frankly,+I+doubt+that+we%27ll+be+formally,+%22officially%22+doing+another+movie+or+TV+series+set+in+that+continuity+(...)+anything+is+possible,+so+conceivably+that+could+change+someday+--+instead+of+saying+%22THE+DCAU+IS+DEAD%22,+maybe+we+can+just+say+it%27s+in+a+state+of+suspended+animation+until+further+notice...&pg=PA517. Retrieved June 15, 2017. 
  25. Timm, Bruce (September 18, 2009). "Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths News & Discussion". Toon Zone. Archived from the original on June 13, 2011. Retrieved June 15, 2017.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  26. "Interview: Bruce Timm Talks JUSTICE LEAGUE: GODS AND MONSTERS - Nerdist". June 8, 2015. Archived from the original on June 30, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2016.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  27. Bonomolo, Cameron (May 10, 2022). "Kevin Conroy Reveals The Real Reason They Stopped Making 'Batman: The Animated Series'". ComicBook. Retrieved May 27, 2018.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  28. "Batman: The Animated Series Reboot is Happening According to Kevin Smith". Screen Rant. 19 January 2021.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  29. "Why JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED Deserves a Revival".<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  30. "'Batman: The Animated Series' Audio Drama in the Works with Original Cast". The Hollywood Reporter. 4 December 2021.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  31. "Batman Beyond To Receive An Ongoing Series". Inside Pulse. August 28, 2010. Retrieved 2011-01-03.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  32. "DC Comics Launches Batman Beyond Unlimited". DC Comics. November 14, 2011. Retrieved May 10, 2022.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  33. "DC Comics' FULL June 2013 Solicitations". Newsarama. Retrieved July 14, 2013. ...don't miss the epic conclusion of Superman Beyond!<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  34. "DC Comics' FULL August 2013 Solicitations". Newsarama. Retrieved July 14, 2013.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  35. Arrant, Chris (May 16, 2014). "DC Reveals Creative Line-Ups For September's Futures End Titles". Newsarama. Retrieved May 16, 2014.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>[dead link]
  36. Press, Official (2016-07-22). "The Classic '90s Cartoon Batman Is Teaming Up With the Ninja Turtles for a New Comic". Gizmodo. Retrieved 2022-05-10.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  37. Press, Official (2016-07-22). "Animated-style Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover announced". Batman-news.com. Retrieved 2016-07-23.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  38. "Superman: Game Boy: Video Games". Amazon. September 21, 2013. Retrieved 2014-05-14.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  39. "Rent Static Shock [Canceled] Video Game for Game Boy Advance". Archived from the original on 4 August 2013.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  40. "'Batman: The Complete Animated Series' Swings Onto Blu-Ray This October". Movieweb. August 9, 2018. Retrieved May 31, 2022.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  41. "'Batman: The Animated Series' Blu-Ray Clip Explores 'The Heart of Batman'". MovieWeb. November 28, 2018. Retrieved May 31, 2022.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  42. 42.0 42.1 Silliman, Brian (November 2, 2018). "How Paul Dini and Mike Mignola changed Mr. Freeze forever, plus other revelations from the Batman: The Animated Series documentary". SYFY WIRE.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  43. Warner Bros. Entertainment. Batman The Animated Series | The Heart of Batman Documentary Livestream. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZLpDvQ6vFI. 
  44. "Watch the feature-length Batman: The Animated Series documentary The Heart of Batman – Animated Views".<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  45. "Video". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-11-03. Retrieved 2020-06-24.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  46. "You Crazy Fans!: Episode 73". Hello, Nice Warners!.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  47. "Archived copy". Wikia. Archived from the original on 5 February 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2022.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  48. "Video". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-11-03. Retrieved 2020-06-24.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  49. "Archived copy". vignette.wikia.nocookie.net. Archived from the original on 5 February 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2022.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  50. "Archived copy". vignette.wikia.nocookie.net. Archived from the original on 5 February 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2022.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  51. "Reading Comprehension Retry: Catwoman when in Rome | Capes and Whips: Where Justice is Blindfolded". Capes and Whips. Archived from the original on 12 September 2014. Retrieved 17 January 2022.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  52. "Bild: adventuresofsuperman6ogjni.jpg". abload.de.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  53. Lainez, Kevin (March 10, 2017). "Action Comics #975 Review".<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  54. Morrison, Grant (w), Wyatt, Jake (p). Maps and Legends 1: 35/1 (January 28, 2015), New York City: DC Comics

External links[]

Template:Warner Bros. Discovery franchises

This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors).
Advertisement