Top 10 Times Animated DC Shows Dealt With Serious Issues
#10: Harvey Dent’s Mental Health Struggles
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“Batman: The Animated Series” (1992-99) During the two-parter fittingly titled “Two Face”, audiences got to see a brand new side to already-recurring character Harvey Dent. The episodes explored his struggles with mental health and introduced “Big Bad Harv”. This alternate personality was prone to rage fits and other violent tendencies. Harvey’s clear struggles with dissociative identity disorder made his inevitable transformation into Two-Face all the more tragic. “Batman: The Animated Series” rarely ever shied away from exploring the real intricate issues that plagued its villains. But it was impressive to see the amount of care and time devoted to Harvey’s turn into darkness.
#9: Losing a Friend
“Superman: The Animated Series” (1996-2000) Few things ever hurt more than the loss of a loved one. When Darkseid’s forces invaded during the “Apokolips Now” two-parter, the entire world was in danger. Eventually, Superman and his allies were able to put a stop to the invasion. But before the big bad made his exit, Dan Turpin made his thoughts on the ruthless tyrant known. Darkseid retaliated by destroying the man with the force of his Omega beams. Despite all of Superman’s godlike abilities, even he loses people. The episode places special emphasis on mourning and paying respect to a dear friend. Additionally, this loss served as a way of paying tribute to Jack Kirby, the comic book legend who co-created Turpin and countless iconic heroes.
#8: Ace the Bat-Hound’s Harsh’s Upbringing
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“Batman Beyond” (1999-2001) Ace the Bat-Hound made his long awaited DCAU debut in “Batman Beyond”. Like the other members of the bat family, he also had a deeply tragic backstory. In “Ace in the Hole”, we see Bruce’s first encounter with the canine. Prior to their meeting, the dog was raised with brutality and forced to fight other animals. The inhumane conditions and cruel people at the heart of the illegal ring made this episode an admittedly tough watch. But in the end, we could at least rest assured that Ace escaped and found a good home. As an added bonus, the hound did get to see the man who mistreated him get some well deserved punishment.
#7: J’onn’s Survivor’s Guilt
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“Justice League” (2001-04) Throughout the “Justice League” cartoon, J’onn J’onnz’s shown suffering extreme survivor’s guilt due to being one of the last of the martians. He once had an entire life and family on Mars. But they all perished during a devastating war against the evil alien race known as the Imperium. In “A Knight of Shadows”, Morgan Le Fay capitalizes on J’onn’s insecurities and makes him hallucinate seeing his family. Even after the Martian is ripped from that fantasy, he struggles not to be consumed in desire for the past. The story ends on a sobering note when J’onn gives up his chance to be reunited with a version of his family. Despite feeling sad, he still reminds us he hasn’t lost his chance to be loved.
#6: Beast Boy’s Depression
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“Young Justice” (2010-) Given that it’s one of the most serious mental health conditions and issues plaguing the world, it can be a very tall task to be able to handle a delicate matter like this. “Young Justice” addressed the serious subject by taking its time. After believing Superboy died, Beast Boy entered into a downward depressive spiral. He becomes reclusive, avoids going on superhero missions, and self-medicates heavily. Beast Boy also damages his most treasured personal relationships over the course of numerous episodes. For many who deal with depression, being able to see a superhero experience the same issues as them was a great form of representation. You’re not alone, Beast Boy.
#5: Substance Use
“Batman Beyond” (1999-2001) When the incredibly addictive Venom compound starts flooding the streets of Neo Gotham in the form of “slappers”, the teenage Batman steps up to put a stop to it. It’s not long before these dangerous patches start finding their ways into the hands of high school athletes. The slappers give them physical strength and agility with no drawbacks at first. However, users find themselves developing substance use disorders and see their health decline. Even longtime user and martial artist Bane was left weakened due to venom dependency. On top of that, the episode showed how adults can push young people into self-destructive habits for bad reasons. Overall, the narrative made sure to explore every stage and all the dangers of substance use disorders.
#4: Robin’s PTSD
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“Teen Titans” (2003-06) After the dangerous Teen Titans villain Slade seemingly returns from death, the team prepares for anything. Robin in particular runs himself ragged in an attempt to bring the big bad down. But in a twist reveal, the audience discovers that Slade’s not actually back. In reality, a hallucinogenic chemical is making Robin believe he’s under constant attack. “Haunted” expertly portrays the trauma and fear that even heroes can feel outside of battle. While trying to cope with his stress, Robin pushes away the rest of the Titans and nearly works himself to death. This heavy Teen Titans episode reminds that fights can leave mental scars that aren’t easily overcome.
#3: Domestic Abuse
“The New Batman Adventures” (1997-99) Although we always knew the Joker was evil, “Mad Love” solidified him as a truly despicable villain. When Harley Quinn tries to set up a romantic night for her and “Mistah J”, it doesn’t exactly go to plan. She thought it would be great to use one of Joker’s elaborate traps to capture Batman. But Joker was so mad that she nabbed the hero that he raged at her. He hurts her before forcing her out of a window. This was an intense and uncomfortable moment to watch unfold. To make matters worse, an injured Harley still finds herself drawn to him. The Joker’s fictional actions are unfortunate mirrors to real events. It’s not always simple or easy for someone to leave a horrible relationship.
#2: Racism
“Static Shock” (2000-04) This groundbreaking superhero cartoon frequently addressed big social issues. In the season one episode “Sons of the Fathers”, the writers focused on racism. When Virgil stays over at his best friend Ritchie’s home, the patriarch of the house makes it clear the hero isn’t wanted there. We’re not going to repeat the disgusting things the dad said. It’s so bad that Ritchie runs away from home to get away from the hate. This was a loaded episode where the patriarch’s racist views were fully unpacked. Fortunately, Ritchie’s father learns the error of his ways and makes attempts to improve. But the show still makes it clear that the ugliness of racism can tear people apart.
#1: Captured & Manipulated Young People
“Young Justice” (2010-) “Young Justice”’s third season took the show into darker territories than it had ever gone before. Much of the season’s focus was on the Bedlam Syndicate and the problem of metahuman trafficking. After young people were taken from their homes, they were forcefully given superpowers. The strongest kids were then pressured or brainwashed into being soldiers for countries and societies around the universe. And even after being freed, many of the metas who were freed from the Syndicate still carried mental scars from the entire ordeal. This intense issue was treated with the seriousness it deserved over the course of an entire season. Even superheroes had trouble stamping out this widespread evil.
