The Batman recently hit theaters, and fans have been theorizing that Peter Sarsgaard's Gil Colson is based on Batman: The Animated Series' Gil Mason. It is fun to think that such a minor character could return in one of the biggest films of the year, but it is only a testament to the rich world BTAS created.
Mason is not the sole character introduced in the animated series that others have witnessed. The animated series not only created instant icons but also revolutionized established characters with new backstories. It is just further proof that Batman will always have more room for characters, no matter what medium.
The Sewer King
The Sewer King was known for being an under-dwelling aristocrat who forced orphans to steal for him. He used silence as a means of control, and if they would not cave to those methods, he had two alligators to back him up. His only appearance was in "The Underdwellers," but his attire and arrogant attitude were enough to bring him back to the comics recently.
Batman/Catwoman #1 brought him back almost thirty years later, with an interesting new hook. Selina used to steal for him; however, this would not last long, as he was killed refusing hip to Intergang not long after.
Summer Gleeson
Most fans think of Vicki Vale or Jack Ryder when thinking of Gotham reporters, but BTAS original Summer Gleeson has had her time to shine as well. Often finding herself in trouble by snooping in her pursuit of the truth, Gleeson usually found herself a target of Gotham's biggest capers.
Even in the 2000s, Summer was pinned as potential to integrate to the comics, finding minor success in Batman: Gotham Knights #33. Since then, she has found new life in the continued adventures of the animated series in its comic book follow-up. Hopefully, like others, she will be featured more in the comics and clash with Ryder once more.
Veronica Vreeland
The spoiled socialite first shocked viewers when she essentially tried to take advantage of Penguin's newfound moral com and "fall in love" with him as a prank. Clearly, this backfired, and the Penguin did not take too kindly to being embarrassed at the social gathering of the year, just when he was making progress too.
When she is not marrying a creepy plant or accidentally helping Jervis Tetch mind control Gotham's elite, she is often encouraging Bruce Wayne to connect with his elitist side. She makes an appearance in Sean Murphy's White Knight series in a way that is very much like she would. She nonchalantly s Pierce's profiting on the conflicts, and it is enough to make Bruce lose his cool.
Kyodai Ken
A fellow student alongside Bruce Wayne, Kyodai Ken often found himself the victor in their sparring, but he did not share Bruce's sense of principle or honor and found himself kicked out of their sensei's dojo. Years later, the two confronted each other after Batman attempted to foil Ken's assassination attempt. Swearing revenge, Kyodai would return in "Day Of The Samurai," challenging Batman in a duel to the death. It would not end well for him.
In what seems to be a trend happening in the past few years, Kyodai was made comic book canon in Detective Comics #996. Today's writers probably grew up with the influence of the animated series, as more and more obscure characters become ingrained in modern times. Here he is a more faithful student, but only time will tell.
Lock-Up
Sometimes, Batman's influence inspires the wrong types of irers. Lyle Bolton is the crux of that argument as he begins to roughhouse Arkham inmates behind closed doors. When outed by Scarecrow, Harley, and The Ventriloquist, Bolton is fired and takes up a new persona, Lock-Up. His expertise in technology and inescapable tools made him a scary foe to Arkham inmates in the series.
One of the first to cross over, Lock-Up found himself butting heads in 1996's Robin #24. Since then, he has proven to be a minor success in DC Comics, having arcs in No Man's Land and Villains United.
Condiment King
Condiment King just seems like one of those characters that would appear in the Adam West era of Batman rather than the dark 90s era. In fact, that was the intent behind his creation. His ridiculous nature first appeared in "Make 'Em Laugh," an episode that saw the comedian brainwashed into crime by the Joker in order to eliminate the competition, which made for some of the weirdest moments in the series.
He has since gone on to relish the spotlight, being the brunt of many ridiculous jokes in comics, TV, and even games. Sometimes, Gotham just gets caught in the strangest jams.
Nora Fries
Paul Dini's "Heart Of Ice" not only won the Emmy, but it changed the course of Mr. Freeze forever. Before Nora's introduction, Victor was just some petty thief exposed to a solution that made him susceptible to extreme temps, but Nora changed the course of his story by adding tragedy, purpose, and guilt. He needed to find a cure for her illness by any means necessary after cryogenically freezing her. Her fate in the balance kept Freeze ethical but cold.
Nora's inclusion in Mr. Freeze's story was so influential, it became canon in the comics and the new status quo. Not to mention her inclusion in films, games, and other media since then. This may be starting to become the norm now, but at the time was almost unheard of.
Phantasm
Although technically introduced in a BTAS movie, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, its story is considered canon to the show. A ghastly opponent chasing the same criminals as Batman holds a dark mirror to the world's greatest detective as he tries to deduce their identity. Like many of the best moments in the movie show, the Phantasm is just as smart, capable, and dangerous as Batman, providing a worthy fight all over Gotham.
Phantasm was later made canon alongside The Sewer King in Batman/Catwoman #1 in a shocking plot revolving around the Joker once more. It was a character fans had hoped would make the jump for years, and The Phantasm is here to stay. Even through Batman Beyond, revenge is still on the table decades later for the assassin for hire.
Renee Montoya
Montoya has had quite the journey since her debut. She was created for the show, but her first appearance to the public came in the form of a comic book before the first episode of BTAS featuring her was released. On the show, she was an officer who often butted heads with Detective Bullock, pointing out his sloppy police work. She was eventually promoted to detective herself in the follow-up series The New Batman Adventures.
She has since had her backstory expanded in the comics and with representation in the LGBTQ+ community. On top of that, she took over as superhero The Question, after Vic Sage's untimely demise. Aside from shaping the DC Comics universe, Renee is also becoming more relevant with today's issues as she not only influences the comics but films like Birds of Prey as well.
Harley Quinn
When Paul Dini created the role of Harley Quinn for his friend Arleen Sorkin in 1992 as just a filler gig, no one suspected that the character would go on to create her own brand that rivaled the series itself. A rambunctious and upbeat sidekick for the Joker to play off of, Harley Quinn held up to be one of the ultimate lackeys of all time. The acrobatic psychiatrist's journey from codependent lovebird to independent anti-hero has been heralded for years.
From comics to shows to games, she has easily transitioned to other Batman media and even built her own Harley Quinn lore. Beloved by cosplayers, collectors, and filmgoers, Harley has the most staying power out of any of the BTAS creations. She is not just another gem of discovery from the treasures of Batman: The Animated Series; she is the crown jewel.
