Kevin Conroy, best known for being the iconic voice of Batman for decades starting with Batman: The Animated Series and running through multiple animated shows, movies, and video games, sadly passed away on November 10, 2022, at age 66. But before he did, he recorded one last scene as the classic Batman: TAS version of the character, which is out now. And, no joke, it’ll bring you to tears.
The scene in question comes in Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Three, which is out today on Video on Demand (VOD) platforms. In the concluding part of the DC animated trilogy, as in the comic it is based on, a destructive wave of energy is ripping through the multiverse. As it tears through various universes, it obliterates them – and in the comics at least, the end result is nothingness thanks to villain the Anti-Monitor… Though the eventual result once the heroes win is one, unified universe.
Conroy’s final scene takes place in the ’90s DCAU, also known as the Timmverse or Diniverse. The scene cuts to Batman on a rooftop as Danny Elfman’s classic theme plays in the background. The Joker, once again voiced by Mark Hamill clambers onto the rooftop, and the duo fight. Or rather, Batman punches Joker a bunch.
“I must say, Batsy, I’m flattered,” Joker says. “The end of the world and you want to spend it with me? I didn’t know you cared.”
As the destructive energy wave begins to sweep over the city — and the entire DCAU Earth — Batman grabs Joker and delivers an absolutely perfect closing line… Both for the character and Conroy.
“I care, Joker,” Batman says. “About Gotham. About justice. And if it has to end, at least I go out like this. Being Batman.”
Then, Batman goes to punch The Joker as they are consumed by the wave. The minute-long scene ends with a shot of the Earth disappearing, with the Justice League satellite from Justice League Unlimited glimpsed hovering above. But that’s it for the DCAU.
It’s also the end of Conroy’s time as Batman, a role he played from 1992 to, posthumously 2024. The movie itself is dedicated to Conroy, as well, and the long-lasting impact he made on millions of lives throughout his career. It’s a beautiful send-off for a man who not only cared deeply about playing the Dark Knight but also what his work meant to his fans. And personally, I’m glad that if it did need to end, at least he went out like this: being Batman.
You can watch the clip on X (formerly Twitter), and the movie is now available to rent and own on most major platforms. It should stream on Max (formerly HBO Max) later this year.
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