For many fans, Batman: The Animated Series stands as one of the greatest takes on the character and his world.

Others have their place: the Nolan films, of course, were wildly successful, thrusting the Dark Knight back into the mainstream after the garish nonsense of Batman & Robin left audiences cold (ahem). The Arkham series of video games has blended elements from the films, comics, and animations into an irresistible mix, with serious mass-appeal. And, for those of us fond of Tim Burton’s flicks, Michael Keaton was a great Caped Crusader for the late 1980s/early 90s.

However, The Animated Series is still regarded as a breakthrough for the character. Not only was its bold visual style a genuine breath of fresh air back in 1992 (and still informs much of DC’s animated output today), but it also brought an unprecedented depth, maturity, and artistic integrity to cartoons about a guy in a cape and cowl.