Crossovers are a classic part of comic books, and DC Comics has featured some absolutely iconic team-ups over the years. One of the publisher's most famous heroes,Batman, has partnered with many unexpected figures. The Dark Knight has interacted with everyone from Scooby-Doo to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and he's also had the chance to work with other legendary detectives.
Batman may have originated in comics, but his animated series has also been incredible, and one series,Batman: The Brave & The Bold, is all about team-ups. In one Halloween-themed episode, Batman traveled back in time and had the chance to work with an iconic British character: Sherlock Holmes. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous detective was a part of the DC universe, and the episode has to be seen to be believed.
Batman and Sherlock Holmes Combined Their Detective Skills
In 2009,Batman: The Brave & The Boldaired an episode titled 'Trials of the Demon!' that had a spooky story to match its creepy name. The story sees Jason Blood, an occult and demonology expert, falsely accused of crimes he didn't commit. Desperate for help, he uses his magic to bring The Dark Knight to 19th-century London so that he can help find the real culprit.
After traveling to the London of the past, Batman meets Holmes and his assistant, Watson, who, determined to serve justice, have already agreed to help. Both detectives are at their best here, and it's a real joy to see the two great minds bouncing off each other as they work on the investigation. Batman is often called the world's greatest detective, and it's rare to see him evenly matched. There are even times when Holmes is one step ahead of Batman.
Unsurprisingly, it doesn't take long for Holmes to essentially figure out Batman's secret identity, successfully guessing every element of his backstory and only getting the name wrong. Of course, Batman is already an expert on Holmes himself due to his own extensive research. The pair make a perfect team, and it's fascinating to seeBatman: The Brave & The Bold'swriters create such delicious dialogue for two articulate, intelligent characters.
Not only does the episode show two incredible detectives at work, but it's one of thebest Batman animated horror episodes out there, with a spooky theme that's perfect for the Halloween season. Even though Batman and Holmes have to rely on good old-fashioned detective work, the true culprit is a supernatural foe who is stealing souls and framing blood for his mystical misdeeds.
The episode is also packed with cameos from other DC characters, which makes it even more fun to watch. There are appearances from creepier characters, like Scarecrow and Scream Queen, but other characters, like Jay Garrick, the original Flash, also show up. The whole thing is a blast from start to finish, and it's something any Batman or Holmes fan should watch.
Batman & Sherlock Holmes Have Worked Together Before
The original tales of Sherlock Holmes are in the public domain, so any fictional universe is free to use Holmes in its narrative, along with other characters like Dr. Watson and James Moriarty. DC and Marvel have both found several opportunities to use these characters, and given thatBatman has proven he's the best fictional detective out there, fans are always eager to see him team up with a like-minded sleuth.
While the TV crossover is the first time the characters met in theBrave and the Bold universe, Batman and Sherlock Holmes worked together all the way back in 1987, when Holmes appeared inDetective Comics#572. In this story, Batman and Robin are summoned to travel to London while working on a case. It's here that Batman comes face-to-face with an elderly Sherlock Holmes.
In the comic, Holmes is a real detective who served as an inspiration to Batman as he was building his detective skills. This version of Holmes is more than 100 years old, and Batman is shocked to discover that he's still alive and well. Holmes reveals that he was the one who summoned Batman and that he was easily able to deduce his true identity.
Batman himself was partially inspired by Holmes, along with pulp heroes like The Shadow and real-world figures like Robert the Bruce. Taking that into account, it makes sense that these characters would work together, and whether it's in comics or on the screen, it's a blast to see the two of them together, especially in a spooky story like this one.
