One of the best things about growing up in the ’90s is undoubtedly the many crossovers that would occur within cartoon and anime series airing at the time. Warner Bros., Hanna-Barbera, and Cartoon Network were notorious for not only airing episodic collabs but commercials promoting other series that combined the two or more of the most unlikely of fandoms.
Whether the networks had characters from multiple franchises come together to watch a movie in the theater or gather around the table for a Thanksgiving feast, the ’90s knew how to have fun with the series they licensed. One of the most infamous crossovers featured the Dark Knight singing the silliest songs fromPokémon, and it’s not the rap.
The Wildest Crossover at Warner Bros. Kids Featured Batman Singing The Jigglypuff Song
Right around the timePokémonbegan airing on Warner Bros. Kids, the network started marketing for the new show in the best way possible. One of the commercials that would air as part of the promotional material would featureBatman from the ongoing animated seriessinging to Dick Grayson right before bed.
As aPokémonepisode played in the background with the Pokédex labeling off Jigglypuff’s basic information, Batman would turn off the TV and tell Dick it was time for bed. Irate, the young boy would hold some sort of promise against Batman, leading to the Dark Knight singing thefamous lullaby sung by Jigglypuff.
There’s something truly hilarious about Bruce Wayne, in full Batman costume and persona, singing a lullaby just so that Dick could fall asleep. True to thePokémonanime itself, it even featured the serene scene of floating bubbles and images of people sleeping, like Brock, Misty, Pikachu, and, hilariously enough, Joker, which added extra comedy.
The ’90s Truly Heralded Some of the Best Crossovers in Animation History
Batman’s collaboration with Jigglypuffwouldn’t even be the first instance audiences see of the two franchises mixing it up. Warner Bros. Kids and 4Kids would often feature series together, such as in the case of the Thanksgiving dinner, where characters like Ash, Batman, Lois, Misty, Pinky, The Brain, Men in Black, and the Warner children all gather together.
The‘90s are remembered for many great seriesthat have become the cornerstone of adults’ childhood, from both anime and cartoons, with collaborative efforts to combine the two being a highlight. From movie crossovers to episodic spin-offs, down to a 30-second commercial, stations like Warner Bros. back then just knew how to catch a kid’s attention.
Pokémon
Cast
Pokémon follows Ash Ketchum on his journey to become a Pokémon Master, accompanied by his loyal Pikachu. Released in 1997, the series explores Ash’s travels through various regions, where he encounters new friends and challenges, underscoring the themes of adventure and teamwork.
Batman: The Animated Series
Batman: The Animated Series follows Bruce Wayne as he assumes the role of the masked vigilante Batman to combat crime in Gotham City. This acclaimed 1992 series explores his dual identity and features an array of iconic villains, while Bruce vows to avenge the murder of his parents.
