Batman: The Brave and the Bold (Cartoon Network)

Batman has starred in many, many different comic books, TV shows, and films since he was first introduced in 1939, and though he's certainly one of the darkest heroes in the genre, he hasn't always been a brooding loner. He was one of the first heroes to take on a sidekick (the acrobatic Robin) and was one of the founding members of the Justice League. But ever since the landmark Batman: The Dark Knight Returns comic miniseries was released in 1986, detailing the Caped Crusader's inner demons and portraying him as a solitary hero driven by a thirst for revenge, it's been fashionable to focus on the Dark Knight's dark side. That's clearly evident in the big-screen adaptations of recent years, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, as well as other animated series aimed at kids that tone down, but don't always purge, his complex nature.

That's why BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD is refreshing for its efforts to show Batman's relationships with other heroes and would-be heroes. As they battle super criminals, Batman takes time to comment on why Green Lantern is one of his most trusted friends, or how Blue Beetle is finally coming into his own as a partner. Yes, Batman has a disturbing, complex backstory, but it's nice to know that even superheroes need a good friend. It's a lesson that should resonate with many kids.