at The WB
BOP is best appreciated as an "Elseworlds" story; it exists in a continuity all its own -- apart from the comics, films, etc. (i.e., in this continuity, Joker is alive.)The show draws from several sources: the comics, the films, and "Batman: The Animated Series" (cf., Harley Quinn and the voice of Mark Hamill as the Joker.)
Blame the network for that one. According to executive producer Hans Tobeason, WB had "issues" with Oracle and her chair (what's more, they tried to freeze her out of the show altogether by limiting her screentime.)
Judging from the costume that is featured in the opening credits, we're assuming that the producers are basing their Catwoman upon the one featured in the 1992 film, "Batman Returns" (In the movie, Selina Kyle absorbs the essences of the cats -- nine lives, ability to always land on one's feet, etc. -- which revive her after Shreck pushes her off the building.)
"Birds of Prey" is not about either Batman or Batgirl. The show is about Huntress, Dinah, and Oracle (who used to be Batgirl.) The title of the show -- "Birds of Prey" -- pretty much says it all.It is stated in the show that Batman disappeared after the Joker killed Selina. Bruce Wayne left the city and is in an unknown location, but he is still alive.
In the comics, that was what led Helena Wayne to become the Huntress.
r73731
