Part of the first season of Cartoon Network`s The Brave and the Bold was released on DVD a few weeks ago {Aug. 17, Warner Home Video}. This show has had a major place in my heart since it came out. For years I was somewhat grumpy about any new Batman cartoon, maintaining a stubborn loyalty to the WB Batman series. But B&B broke through my resistance with its Silver Age-drawn characters, witty dialogue, and eye-popping colors. Voice talents are well matched, too, featuring Diedrich Bader as Batman and James Arnold Taylor as Green Arrow, among others.
One of my favorite guest voices was Paul Reubens as the grating yet fun Bat-Mite: now there`s a character you don`t always see on screen. He`s not the only lesser known one to appear. They have also had appearances by the Huntress, robot hero Red Tornado, Plastic Man, and Kamandi the famed last boy on Earth{nice to see my childhood books come to life on that one}.
This disc of Season 1, Part 1 has 13 episodes{which leads one to ask why the show is already being sold in 4-episode packages, but oh well-this is usually a problem with animated show releases}, and most are stand-outs. The two involving adventures with the Blue Beetle are among my favorites, since you don`t hear much about him unless you`re into the comics. They even refer to previous Blue Beetles. And he`s someone kids can identify with, as the Jaime Reyes version is a younger hero. Also good is “Invasion of the Secret Santas.” It seems to be a light-hearted holiday romp about the Red Tornado trying to understand Christmas. Then it turns a bit dark as Batman is struck by holiday memories of his parents.
Most episodes stand on their own, but some are two-parters or have recurring themes like conflicts with a particular villain. And there are things kids and adults can enjoy together. I notice that when watching this with my young nephew, it`s much easier to explain the backstories of the heroes than it is with many shows, since B&B doesn`t always assume fan familarity. Yet it`s also true to the material in a way that any DC fan will appreciate. Basically, we`ve got the upbeat fun of 80`s cartoons with movie-quality animation. I think it`s one of the freshest things to hit television in a long time.
Loading ...