Paul Dini Explains Why Batman: The Animated Series Changed Art Styles

To this day, many fans still like to hold Batman: The Animated Series in high regard, thanks to sharp writing and great animation. While most of the series is loved, there was controversy when the art style was changed for season four, severely altering the character designs from previous seasons. Several years after said changes were made, Paul Dini explained why the decision was made.

Dini told CBR that Bruce Timm, one of the head artists of the series, wanted to experiment and try some new things. The artists were also hoping to make the series look more like Superman: The Animated Series, which debuted around this time. It's a topic that continues to be debated by fans, considering how every character's initial design was drastically changed.

Batman and his supporting cast were mostly fine, with fans enjoying Nightwing and Batgirl's designs in particular. However, the villains may not have benefitted from this change. Joker ended up looking like a character from Animaniacs and Catwoman's skin became too pale. Scarecrow, however, was given a massive upgrade thanks to the new visual style, looking more intimidating than his previous design.

Fans witnessed another change in art styles when Justice League premiered. It seemed like the perfect blend of the designs seen from Batman and Superman, featuring more colorful heroes and more defined character faces. Some would argue that the character's shoulders were too big, but it was a small price to pay for an excellent animated series.

While the DC Animated Universe has retired, it's legacy lives on. Kevin Conroy continues to voice Batman in a number of animated films and video games, including Batman and Harley Quinn.

Read:Paul Dini Said Fox Rejected A Black Canary And Catwoman Episode For Batman: TAS