Beware the Batman (Cartoon
Network)
Alfred is former MI-6? Yes! "Robin" is potentially
a girl? Yes! The villains are pure Batman (odd, psychotic, misunderstood
monsters, and/or ruthless) and offer ample challenge to Mr. Wayne. The
animation is crisp and angular – almost an homage to the art deco styling of
the early 90's cartoon.
There's a serial element to the show – A "previously,
on Beware the Batman" montage is at the beginning of each episode. Yet thus
far, the crime or danger of any given episode is always resolved. They're keeping
us satisfied in the short term, and getting us to come back for more. A good
addition to the DC Nation.
Hulk and the Agents
of S.M.A.S.H. (Disney XD)
This is the third show in Disney's Marvel Universe, joining Marvel's Avengers Assemble and Ultimate Spiderman (Spiderman works with
Nick Fury? Say Whaaat?).
The set up: One of Hulk's friends wants to do a web series
to prove to the world that The Hulk is not a monster. In the pilot, we learn
how Red Hulk and A-Bomb came to exist, and meet She-Hulk and Skaar. Together,
they are. . .see the title of the show
This Hulk is intelligent and aware – Bruce Banner really inhabiting
his Hulk form. Though I am a bit surprised at Red Hulk's relative
lunk-headedness, given his origin.
Later episodes will likely delve into Skaar's background; I
hope they do the same for She-Hulk. From what I could gather, she's Hulk's
sister, but the pilot expected us to accept her without any history.
Oh, and S.M.A.S.H. doesn't stand for anything. <sigh +
eye roll>.
The web series device provides the opportunity for the characters
to express their thoughts (directly to the camera) about the situation at hand.
Intercut with the action sequences, it's a nice touch.
