‘Beware The Batman’ Reportedly Reexamining Weapon Imagery In Light Of Aurora Shootings

Cartoon Network's upcoming CG animated Beware The Batman series is reportedly under review by Warner Bros. following the July 20 shooting tragedy in Aurora, Colorado that left 12 dead and dozens injured. According to Variety, "An unspecified number of alterations were made to some designs and situations on the series to minimize the amount of weapon imagery deemed too realistic." These changes were reportedly made by order WB Animation executive VP and BTB executive producer Sam Register, who asked producers scrutinize weapon use by the show's cast of characters (likely including Batman's ally Alfred who was depicted using two handguns in early promotional materials for the series).Variety reports that the review process may include "changing the shape of gun barrels from round to square for the purpose of rendering the weapons in a more stylized manner reminiscent of sci-fi fare."

The move by Register and producers Glen Murakami (Batman Beyond) and Mitch Watson (Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated) is apparently proactive in nature and not under orders of higher-ups at Warner Bros. In other words, it's a voluntary measure by the creators behind the series rather than the studio.

Set for a more serious tone than its lighthearted team-up style series, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Beware the Batman will pit The Caped Crusader and his new sword-wielding partner Katana against new-to-animation villains like Anarky, Professor Pyg, Mister Toad and Magpie.

The series was originally set for an unspecified release in 2013. No word on whether or not any changes being made will result in a delayed release.

[Via Variety]