In celebration of Batman's 80th Anniversary, LEGO DC Super-Villains has received a brand new DLC pack inspired by Batman: The Animated Series.
Available for $2.99, the Batman: The Animated Series Pack adds a new level and seven new playable characters: The Phantasm, Captain Clown, Man-Bat, Mad-Hatter, Batman, The Joker, and Harley Quinn. While some of these names are probably familiar to Batman enthusiasts, Batman: The Animated Series actually played a major role in modernizing their origins.
The Joker, for example, was the "mysterious mob member" who killed the father of Andrea Beaumont (Bruce Wayne's love interest priot to him becoming Batman), which ultimately led to her taking up the secret villainous identity of The Phantasm.
Man-Bat was the first villain to appear in the pilot episode of Batman: The Animated Series. Formerly known as Dr. Kirk Langstom, he was devised an experimental cure for an affliction that threatened to leave him deaf by merging the the DNA of humans and bats; it backfired, transforming him into a giant bat-like creature.
Captain Clown is a villainous robot with unique AI programmed to be a loyal subject to the Joker and enemy to Batman. The Mad Hatter was formerly a scientist at Wayne Enterprises who uses mind control technology to brainwash people.
The most recognizable villains in the pack are The Joker and his sidekick/love interest, Harley Quinn. Most are aware of these two villains' pasts, but in Batman: The Animated series, The Joker actually started off completing criminal jobs for the mob before being cornered by Batman at the Ace Chemical Plant where he fell into a vat of chemicals and became the villain we know him as today.
Finally, Harley Quinn, who began her career as a psychologist at Arkham Asylum psychoanalyzing Joker, made her appearance in the show when she and Joker attempted to plot against Commissioner Gordon, only to be stopped by Batman.
Batman: The Animated Series level pack is part of the Season Pass included in the LEGO DC Super-Villains Deluxe Edition. Alternatively, you can purchase it for $2.99.