Batman: Caped Crusader is the latest animated series featuring the Dark Knight and while it is out in 2024, it goes back 30 years and takes its inspiration from Batman: The Animated Series. In the second episode, “And Be a Villain,” the series introduces this new take on Clayface, but it’s Renee Montoya that steals the show.

“And Be a Villain” kicks off when a glamorous movie star disappears, which leads to Batman and Detective Montoya tangled up in the dark web of a mysterious avenger haunting the soundstages.

Clayface is a classic animated series villain. His episodes, as well as the original toy, are some of my favorites. Batman: Caped Crusader takes the basic DNA of the character and concept and switches it up a bit. Still there is an actor whose experimentation leads to a horrible mutation. In this version, that horror stalks those who wronged him as well as those he obsesses about. There’s a Phantom of the Opera vibe to the episode, with a specter leading to chaos, in this case a movie set instead of an opera house.

But, the episode really is about Detective Montoya. In this series, Batman is still an unknown factor. He doesn’t have a relationship with the police and is still a myth in some ways. The episode has Batman and Montoya dancing in a way with the two figuring each other out and if they can trust each other. One has more faith than the other when it comes to that.

The voice acting is pretty good. Hamish Linklater is growing on me as Batman/Bruce Way. Michelle C. Bonilla as Renee Montoya is great. Dan Donohue as Basil Karlo/Clayface is solid too. The voices are slightly different than what I grew up with but two episodes in and I’ve settled pretty well into the differences.

The animation continues to be interesting with a look that’s clearly influenced by Batman: The Animated Series but with designs that at times would fit right into that series and others that are far different. This take on Clayface is far different than the hulking brute delivering a style that’s far more horror.

Overall, the series continues its excellence that has the DNA of the classic series but something new as well. It feels like both a fresh start as well as a continuation of what came before. It’s a welcome return that takes me back to the 90s.

Overall Rating: 8.5