Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero

SubZero is a good movie that plays almost like it was a three part episode of the series but it really doesn't rise to the level of epicness of the Mask of the Phantasm. That's not to say its not terribly enjoyable, because it truly is.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Batgirl Returns

Trouble in paradise? The episode opened with a slightly inappropriate fantasy in which Barbara rescued and then seduced Batman. Guess sidekicks just didn't cut it for her any more. Being a huge Batgirl fan, I loved this episode which truly gave Babs the spotlight.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Shadow of the Bat

 "What's next, weasel woman?" In truth, I am a sucker for Batgirl and this origin story is one of her best onscreen adventures, very much earning her a position in the Bat Family.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Heart of Steel

Although HARDAC was an unlikely villain for a two-parter, this story turned out to be a real treat with a slow build up of mystery leading to an action packed finale.This  may not be one of the first episodes people think of when they think of BTAS, but its a perfect example of why the series is so well remembered.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Batman No Man's Land Series Concept

Plans for another potential Batman animated series to debut in 2012 or 2013 have crumbled into a million shattered dreams. This series would have featured Nightwing as well as Cassandra Cain and Damian Wayne as Batgirl and Robin, but it made the mistake of being too dark. Huh!? Bat Mite would not be happy. According to character designer Coran Stone  at Deviant Art:

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Supergirls Series Concept

According to DC Women Kicking Ass,  the idea of a trio of super young ladies could have played out much differently in 2012. Ultimately, the superb Super Best Friends Forever shorts were made for DC Nation, but another pitch had Supergirl, Wonder Girl, and Batgirl teaming up as Supergirls.

Super History of Superman: The New Batman Adventures (1998)

Yes, this is a bit of a cheat since Superman isn't in it, even though he is mentioned. While Batman and Robin both appeared on the Superman animated series and Superman even traveled to Gotham City, Supes did not appear on either of the 90's Batman animated incarnations, but Supergirl did. In Girls' Nite Out, the Girl Wonder and Girl of Steel teamed up against Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, and Superman series original Livewire.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Super Best Friends Forever: Don't Fight Girls

I love the SBFFs and I love Solomon Grundy. The combination was not quite successful but I did muster a chuckle at Grundy's line after being mocked and beaten by the girls when he said he was reconsidering fighting girls after all. As of its airing, this was the last of the SBFF batch but I sure hope this charming series gets a much deserved follow up adding Starfire, and Harley Quinn to the mix.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - MAD Presents Batman Family Feud

From this point on, the MAD shorts are probably going to continue dipping in quality since the best have already been used. At least the DC Nation version of this MAD short cut out some of the weaker material for time including a Joker subplot and I will admit, Batman's answers were funny. "Name something a penguin does?" I really don't like the designs of this sketch either which doesn't help my distaste. Still, its not a complete waste (ala Worlds Funnest) though I would still prefer other original material.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Super Best Friends Forever: Name Game

SBFF churned out yet another cute short. I believe this was the first one produced, which makes sense as it gives an origin of the team name - which was driven by the spunky Batgirl. I also liked seeing the ultra-feline interpretation of Cheetah. The Batgirl focused short is still my favorite, but there was plenty to like here as well.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Super Best Friends Forever: Grounded

Since the first two Super Best Friends Forever shorts focused on Wonder Girl and Batgirl, the third time around was Supergirl's turn to shine. The spunky Kara Zor-El took the chance to give cousin Kal a super wedgie when he tried to enforce her grounding. Even if it didn't hit the high bar of the Batgirl episode, this was another cute short keeping SBFF at the top of the pack.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Super Best Friends Forever: Time Waits For No Girl

I adored this one. I love Batgirl and this was a really cute look at her spunky personality and lots of her gadgets. In particular, I loved the iconic pose in front of the moon. It was also great seeing Poison Ivy even if we didn't get to see her get beat up. This set the bar pretty high for the SBFF batch and for my money, this is the best DC Nation short so far...

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Super Best Friends Forever: Invisible Joy Ride

Super Best Friends Forever set a high bar for the DC Nation shorts by introducing a new animation style and tone to the genre. Even though these shorts were arguably aimed at girls, there was plenty to like for everyone. The trio of Supergirl, Batgirl, and Wonder Girl were all here, but the focus was on the honorable Wonder Girl (making her first onscreen appearance in 5 decades). As far as I am concerned though, the high energy, burrito craving Batgirl stole the show. 

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - The New Adventures of Batman

After the explosion of DC Filmation animation in the late 60's, the studio took a bit of a break from the superhero gig before returning to the well in 1977. The New Adventures of Batman was aired in blocks with Tarzan and the Super 7 which included The Freedom Force and imitation heroes Manta and Moray, Web Woman, and Superstretch and Microwoman. Although there were some similarities between these "New" adventures and Filmation's original 1960's adventures, there were also some striking differences beginning with a fellow named Bat-Mite.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Holy Bat Couch Gag!

Truly cementing its legendary status, the Adam West Batman series was immortalized by a Simpsons couch gag in 2003 during the series 15th season. The animated opening sequence featured America's favorite family sliding down bat-poles into their Simpsons cave dressed as members of the Bat-family.

Onscreen History of Batgirl and Other Bat-Women

There have been Batwomen and Batgirls, but none more famous than the Batgirl who grew up to be called Oracle, Barbara Gordon. Lets take a look at the onscreen history of Barbara Gordon and various other Bat-femmes Fatale.

Batgirl From Young Justice Revealed (and More)

Another day, another preview of Young Justice invasion and this one is a doozy. By the way, the season 1 finale was amazing. Anyways, this new preview (embedded) offered up some first looks at Batgirl and Beast Boy as well as better looks at Wonder Girl, Lagoon Boy, Blue Beetle and the updated Robin. It looks like season 2 is going to be pretty amazing. What new character is everyone looking forward to most? Check em out below.

Watch Full SBFF and Animal Man Shorts Now

What a week it was for DC Nation. Not only did we get the onscreen debut of Saint Walker on Green Lantern (along with an appearance by Mogo) but three fantastic shorts. Animal Man made his onscreen debut with two short shorts and Batgirl starred in the second SBFF short in which Poison Ivy made a quick appearance.What a time it is to be a DC fan, and here are the shorts in case you missed them:

Animal Man and Batgirl Tease DC Nation

Short previews for this week's DC Nation shorts are live and I am excited about both.Up first is Animal Man using gopher powers to save a damsel from a speeding train. Its only 20 seconds, but the animation is gorgeous.I assume this is from the short, Train.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Long John Joker

Batgirl became suspicious of Joker after he checked out a few too many pirate themed books from the library. Nice to know the Joker made good use of public services rather than just stealing the books.