Breaking news on the Interwebs today is that Batman will be returning to the small screen with a brand new animated series in 2013! I think Batman has been on TV in some animated form or another since Batman: The Animated Series in the 90s. He jumped from that to his role in the Justice League cartoons. Then there was The Batman cartoon, followed by Batman: Brave and the Bold, and now the new show to be titled Beware the Batman!

My question is, where’s Robin?

Definitely not in this preview picture, which features Batman, Katana and a gun-toting Alfred the butler. I’m serious.

Why does Alfred have a gun?

From what’s been revealed so far, it will be a CGI cartoon starring Batman and some more modern villains. That guy in the pig mask in the background is Professor Pyg, who was created within the past year. Though they say the Joker will still be around, with other classic villains. Plus Katana will be in the sidekick role for now, I guess. Boo.

I’m more than willing to give new superhero cartoons a try. DC is usually fantastic when it comes to animation. Except that the “gun-toting Alfred” is just stupid. Batman and his allies don’t use guns!

According to information I’m gathering online, it’ll be part of a DC Nation block of animation, including other shows like Doom Patrol and one starring Batgirl, Supergirl and Wonder Girl. I guess we’ll find out in two years!

Here’s the video from France where they announced the animation. Fast forward to 30:30 to hear about the show.