Now THESE are some Super-Friends...

We talked about this rumor months ago, and this week Cartoon Network confirmed it. Though the CW has dropped its Kids!WB programming, Warner animation lives on.

And sure, The Batman reached its conclusion with Lost Heroes, the stirring two-part series finale. But as we suspected, the character lives on in a kid-friendly series coming this fall -- THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD!

Just like the classic DC series (and check out Mark Waid and George Perez' revival of it in comics shops, if you haven't already), the animated series will team Batman with a variety of heroes (and perhaps villains) in the DC Universe.

I could be cynical about it. Gee, what a clever way to create a varied line of toys. But heck, in the wake of this summer's The Dark Knight, there had better be a Batman for kids. Interestingly enough, take a look at that image -- the new Blue Beetle may figure prominently on the show. While it's a no-brainer if Warner was looking around for ethnic diversity, it also should serve as a reminder that the character absolutely rocks. Pick up the trade if you get a chance. You'll be glad you did.

Also in the announcements from Cartoon Network, a show from comics creator Jay Stephens -- The Secret Saturdays, which just sounds like a heck of a lot of fun.

From Cartoon Network:

Batman isn’t going at it alone this time! From Warner Bros. Animation comes the latest interpretation of the classic Batman franchise. Our caped crusader is teamed up with heroes from across the DC Universe, delivering nonstop action and adventure with a touch of comic relief. Blue Beetle, Green Arrow, Aquaman and countless others will get a chance to uphold justice alongside Batman.

Though still based in Gotham, Batman will frequently find himself outside city limits, facing situations that are both unfamiliar and exhilarating. With formidable foes around every corner, Batman will still rely on his stealth, resourcefulness and limitless supply of cool gadgets to bring justice home.

A new team to win our hearts...

Now about those Secret Saturdays...

In the new comedy-action series created by Jay Stephens, Doc, Drew and Zak Saturday are a family of world-saving adventure scientists called The Secret Saturdays. They live in a hidden base and are part of a network of scientists who protect against all the underlying evil in world. To the Saturdays, ordinary folk-tales aren’t just legends, but real-life mysteries and adventures. Traveling from the hot Gobi Desert to the icy Marianas Trench, they explore ancient temples and bottomless caves and tangle with twisted villains, including the masked madman V.V. Argost and his half-human/half-giant spider.

But aside from the adventures that span the globe, at the end of the day the Saturdays, along with their hyper exotic pets Fiskerton Komodo and Zon, are just a warm, loving family getting through everyday growing pains and squabbles.

Derek McCaw