In the second episode of Batman: The Animated Series we see that someone is setting out to frame Batman, attacking individuals at night while decked out as a flying bat. First instinct says it’d Man-Bat, but another genius crook pulling off such a stunt doesn’t seem to be out of the realm of possibility.

When Batman gets down to the hands on investigation, he makes a mistake in letting himself be glimpsed. Wouldn’t you know it, Bullock is gung-ho and hot on Batman’s trail, obviously convinced he’s the one responsible for all of these attacks.

Through the streets of Gotham he barrels. And… did I mention the vintage look of these cartoons has always been amazing, and one of the true elements that sets this animated Batman series apart from all others? Well, now I have.

Commissioner Gordon shows up just in time to inform Bullock that a pharmacy across town is in the process of being robbed. And, of course, it’s a bat committing such theft, thus proving that Bullock has the wrong guy – no doubt about it.

That’s Bullock for you… being… well, Bullock.

It doesn’t take long for Batman to learn that there’s something shady about Doctors March and Kirk Langstrom. You can bet your batarang he’s going to force the truth from these two in a hurry, just to ensure he keeps his name clear.

It takes but minutes for Batman to catch Langstrom in the act of transforming. And to be real, it’s a pretty damn frightening scene to behold, as the doc undergoes a surprisingly complex transformation before settling in to the role of the Man-Bat as we know him.

The story takes an interesting turn when Batman decides against turning the Man-Bat in to law enforcement, instead opting to bring him back to the Bat Cave, where perhaps something can be done for the man/monster.

Can the doc be saved? Is he doomed to transform for the rest of his days? How will his lovely wife handle the turmoil? Oh the drama!

This is a great episode, and I love that this animated series comes right out of the gate swinging big, looking for the homerun. It’s not some multi-episode, drawn out origin we dive into, it’s all out chaos with plenty of familiar and fan favorite Batman foes. Dissecting this entire series is going to be a blast!