Batman: The Adventures Continue is a comic series set in the same universe as Batman: The Animated Series (BTAS), the iconic and popular animated show from the '90s. This comic series consists of six limited issues and it is co-written by the animated series' former producers Paul Dini, who also is the co-creator of Harley Quinn, and Alan Burnett.
BTAS has left a mark on Batman's devoted fans, which is why this continuation is very welcome; because the show is that important and well-done, some episodes are a must before getting into the world of continuity of the old show. Here are the most remarkable episodes to catch up on before reading The Adventures Continue.
"Nothing To Fear"
"Nothing To Fear" is the third episode of the first season, and the main villain is the infamous Scarecrow, alias Jonathan Crane. This episode is iconic for it introduces the Master Of Fear, a criminal who steals and commits crimes while intoxicating people with a fear gas that causes strong hallucinations and paranoia, a toxin that he created on his own.
Although he's criminally underrated, Scarecrow makes a pretty great antagonist; moreover, in this episode, Batman pronounces the iconic line: "I am vengeance. I am the night. I am Batman!".
"Pretty Poison"
The fifth episode of the first season introduces the popular supervillain Poison Ivy, also known as Pamela Isley, who's dating the infamous Harvey Dent. As expected from a femme fatale like Ivy, she poisons Harvey as she never had real feelings for him.
Her relationship with Harvey was a quite surprising move, moreover, in this episode Batman meets the eco-terrorist for the first time, and their fight was a sensational event; Poison Ivy's introduction in the universe cannot be missed.
"Two-Face: Part 2"
Harvey Dent becomes a villain and organizes his first crime in this episode of BTAS, which is the continuation of "Two-Face: Part 1". Two-Face's birth is pivotal in Batman's stories, for he's one of his most popular villains. In this episode, Dent aims to take down Rupert Thorne, a known mob boss from Gotham City.
To Bruce, Harvey's transformation is a terrifying nightmare, thus he swears to save him no matter what it takes; Harvey and Bruce's dynamic is beautiful and heartbreaking, moreover, the criminal truly challenges the Dark Knight, both physically and mentally.
"Heart Of Ice"
In the 14th episode of the first season, Mr. Freeze, alias Victor Fries, is trying to get his revenge against the rotten CEO who messed up his whole life, which is why Mr. Freeze isn't the only evil criminal of this episode. Batman sympathizes with him, especially for the terrible situation Victor's wife -Nora- is in.
His backstory is one of the most popular and heartbreaking ones. In Batman's stories, Victor often is more than a villain, thus this episode is not to be missed.
"The Cat And The Claw: Part 1"
In this episode, Batman and Catwoman - and Bruce and Selina - meet for the very first time and are instantly drawn to each other. Bruce and Selina's relationship is the most exciting element of this episode, as they start their iconic chasing after each other.
The dangerous terrorist known as Red Claw is the main villain of this episode, who turns out to be an enemy to Batman, Catwoman, and the GD; this terrorist leads to their iconic team-up, which is a must-watch.
"Joker's Favor"
"Joker's Favor" is the 22nd episode of the first season, and it is one of the most significant episodes from BTAS. An ant named Charlie Collins accidentally runs into the Clown Prince Of Crime and, to save his own life, promises the Joker he'd do anything for him if he spared the poor man's life; two years later, Joker goes to ransom the favor.
Another reason this episode's so important, besides the entertaining storyline and Joker's gags, is the first appearance and birth of the infamous jester Harley Quinn as the clown's sidekick.
"Mad As A Hatter"
This episode introduces Jervis Tetch, who's in love with his co-worker Alice. He decides to impress the girl and dresses up as the character from his favorite book Alice In Wonderland, the Mad Hatter; Alice appreciates the gesture, but eventually goes back to her boyfriend, breaking Jervis' heart.
His attempt to get the girl involved mind-control microchips that he used to brainwash the people of Gotham, which attired Batman's attention, and the kidnapping of Alice. The Mad Hatter is a peculiar but unforgettable villain, and fight in Wonderland is such a classic!
"If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?"
In the 9th episode of the second season, Edward Nygma makes his iconic debut in the BTAS universe. Nygma creates a computer game that makes millions for the company he works for; however, his boss fires him to gain all the profit.
After two years, Edward comes back as The Riddler with a devious plan to kill his boss. Batman and Robin have to solve his dangerous riddles and puzzles to save a life and Edward shows to be one of the smartest men in Gotham through his schemes.
"Trial"
This iconic and unforgettable episode features almost all of Batman's classic villains and the notorious psychiatric facility Arkham Asylum. The criminals manage to overthrow the situation and temporarily get control of the building, opportunity they use to bring Batman to trial.
The crime Batman is accused of is creating these supervillains, but luckily, Batman's defense attorney Janet isn't easily fooled by the criminals and gets to the conclusion that they created him instead. This episode is a true must and a classic, especially because it deals with a valid and recurrent argument of Batman's vigilante path.
"Harlequinade"
Harlequinade is the second season's finale of BTAS, and in this episode, Batman and Robin team-up with Harley Quinn, who still was Joker's sidekick and girlfriend. Harley promises the dynamic duo that she would lead them to him and help them save the city; however, once she saw him, she broke the promise to be with her "Mr. J".
This episode efficiently showed Harley and Joker's unhealthy dynamic and some deep traits of her personality. In the ending, Harley almost kills Joker; afterward, the two hug each other, making one of the most fascinating and iconic finales ever.
