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| relatives =
 
| relatives =
 
| base = [[Gotham City]]
  
| base = [[Gotham City]]
−
| affiliation =
+
| affiliation = [[Arkham Asylum]]; formerly [[Gotham State University]]
 
| rogue = [[Batman]]
  
| rogue = [[Batman]]
−
| abilities = Professor of psychology, expert in fear
 +
| abilities = Master psychologist and chemist<br>Limited hand-to-hand combat
−
| weaponry = Fear-inducing chemicals<br />Limited hand-to-hand combat<br />Scythe
 +
| weaponry = Fear-inducing chemicals<br />Scythe
−
| voiced by = [[Henry Polic II]]<br />[[Jeffrey Combs]]<ref name="Never Fear">{{tnba}}, "[[Never Fear]]"</ref><br />[[Jeff Glen Bennett]] ''(uncredited)''<ref name="Over the Edge"/>
 +
| voiced by = [[Henry Polic II]]<br />[[Jeffrey Combs]]<ref name="tnba104">{{ep ref|tnba|104}}</ref><br />[[Jeff Glen Bennett]] ''(uncredited)''<ref name="tnba111"/>
 
}}
  
}}
−
{{quote|I am fear incarnate. I am the terror of Gotham. I am the Scarecrow!|source=<ref name="Nothing to Fear">{{btas}}, "[[Nothing to Fear]]"</ref>}}
 +
{{quote|I am [[Fear gas|fear]] incarnate. I am the terror of [[Gotham City|Gotham]]. I am the Scarecrow!|source=<ref name="btas03">{{ep ref|btas|03}}</ref>}}
−
'''Jonathan Crane''', the '''Scarecrow''', was a psychology professor turned supervillain.
 +
'''Jonathan Crane''', alias the '''Scarecrow''', was a psychology professor-turned-supervillain who created the [[Fear gas]] to terrorize his victims and make a name for himself in [[Gotham City]]'s criminal underworld.
   
 
== History ==
  
== History ==
 
[[File:BTAS Scarecrow 1.jpg|thumb|right|Professor Crane in his first "Scarecrow" costume.]]
  
[[File:BTAS Scarecrow 1.jpg|thumb|right|Professor Crane in his first "Scarecrow" costume.]]
−
As a young boy, Jonathan Crane had an interest in fear. Years later, he became a professor at Gotham University who then began experimenting fear on students. Terminated by [[Gotham University]] for his immorality, Crane hatched a plan to reduce the university to shambles by causing the professors and board to constantly experience their greatest fears. Dubbing himself The Scarecrow (and adopting a costume along a similar vein), he chemically bombarded the university members who opposed him, reducing them to a paranoid state. His plans, however, came to ruin upon the intervention of [[Batman]]. Though he was able to incite the same fear within the hero, the Dark Knight overcame it and imprisoned his foe.<ref name="Nothing to Fear"/>
 +
As a young boy, Jonathan Crane had an interest in fear, scared two girls of his school with two snakes on one occasion. Years later, he became a professor at Gotham University, where he began experimenting with fear on students. Terminated by [[Gotham University]] for his unethical experiments, Crane hatched a plan to reduce the university to shambles by causing the professors and board to constantly experience their greatest fears with the [[Fear gas]], a gas created he created that caused victims to hallucinate their worst fears or nightmares. Dubbing himself The Scarecrow, and adopting a fitting costume, he chemically bombarded the university members who had ousted him, reducing them to a paranoid state. His plans, however, came to ruin upon the intervention of [[Batman]]. Though he was able to incite the same fear within the hero, the Dark Knight overcame it and imprisoned his foe.<ref name="btas03"/>
   
−
Some time later, the Scarecrow escaped from [[Arkham Asylum]]. His funds all but dissolved, the scientist needed a quick source of cash. He created a chemical residue which turned adrenaline into fear; applying it to telegrams he personally delivered to star athletes, he gambled against those athletes (or their respective teams) and began raking in quick cash. The fear seemingly inexplicable, his plan progressed perfectly.
 +
Some time later, the Scarecrow escaped from [[Arkham Asylum]]. His funds all but dissolved, the scientist needed a quick source of cash. He created a chemical residue which turned adrenaline into fear; applying it to telegrams he personally delivered to star athletes, he gambled against those athletes (or their respective teams) and began raking in quick cash. With no clear cause behind the sudden fear from the athletes, his plan progressed perfectly.
   
−
Unbeknownst to the Scarecrow, however, [[Nightwing|Dick Grayson]] shared a room with [[Brian Rogers]] at Gotham University. Though Rogers underwent the same debilitating fear attack after receiving the Scarecrow's telegram, at a crime bust, [[Nightwing|Robin]] underwent a similar attack. To Batman, the events seemed more than coincidental, and the Dynamic Duo investigated the scene. Discovering the ploy, the two once again apprehended the Scarecrow and imprisoned him in Arkham.<ref>Idem, "[[Fear of Victory]]"</ref>
 +
Unbeknownst to the Scarecrow, however, [[Nightwing|Dick Grayson]] shared a room with [[Brian Rogers]] at Gotham University. Though Rogers underwent the same debilitating fear attack after receiving the Scarecrow's telegram, at a crime bust, [[Nightwing|Robin]] underwent a similar attack. To Batman, the events seemed more than coincidental, he and Robin investigated the scene. Discovering the ploy, the two once again apprehended the Scarecrow and imprisoned him in Arkham.<ref>{{ep ref|btas|24}}</ref>
   
−
While in Arkham Asylum, the Scarecrow discovered Arkham's water supply in an underground cavern. Using this, he managed to continue his criminal operations while still assuming the guise of a psychiatric patient. Unlike his previous schemes, this time, he prepared for Batman's intervention. The first plan was to contaminate the Gotham Health Spa's water, information the Scarecrow had leaked to the Gotham underbelly. A henchman (in radio communication with the Scarecrow) performed the deed, and as Batman tried to stop him, both were sprayed with a mind-manipulation gas. Batman began hallucinating, and after an accident, was checked into Arkham Asylum.
 +
While in Arkham Asylum, the Scarecrow discovered Arkham's water supply in an underground cavern. Using this, he managed to continue his criminal operations while still assuming the guise of a psychiatric patient. Unlike his previous schemes, this time he prepared for Batman's intervention. The first stage of the plan was to contaminate the Gotham Health Spa's water, information the Scarecrow had leaked to the Gotham underbelly. A henchman (in radio communication with the Scarecrow) performed the deed, and as Batman tried to stop him, both were sprayed with a mind-manipulation gas. Batman began hallucinating, and after an accident, was checked into Arkham Asylum.
   
 
[[File:Scarecrow2.jpg|thumb|left|The Scarecrow terrorizes a victim in his second costume.]]
  
[[File:Scarecrow2.jpg|thumb|left|The Scarecrow terrorizes a victim in his second costume.]]
−
With Batman out of the picture, the Scarecrow began the next phase of his plan: contaminate Arkham's water supply. From there, he would be able to study the effects of fear on a massive control group. Batman, however, escaped. Despite suffering constant hallucinations, he managed to halt the Scarecrow's operations and arrest the criminal once more.<ref>Idem, "[[Dreams in Darkness]]"</ref>
 +
With Batman out of the picture, the Scarecrow began the next phase of his plan: contaminate Arkham's water supply. From there, he would be able to study the effects of fear on a massive control group. Batman, however, escaped. Despite suffering constant hallucinations, he managed to halt the Scarecrow's operations and arrest the criminal once more, who became paralyzed with fear after falling victim to his own gas once more.<ref>{{ep ref|btas|28}}</ref>
   
−
The Scarecrow, like most of Batman's rogues, was present for the Trial of Batman as a member of the jury and a security guard.<ref>Idem, "[[Trial]]"</ref> Likewise, he was also one of the numerous villains who suffered under [[Lock-Up]]'s brief security regime at Arkham; indeed, he actually broke out just to get away from him. Later, when Lock-Up was apprehended, a pleased Scarecrow vowed to teach ''him'' new lessons in fear.<ref>Idem, "[[Lock-Up]]"</ref>
 +
The Scarecrow, like most of Batman's rogues, was present for the Trial of Batman as a member of the jury and a security guard.<ref>{{ep ref|btas|68}}</ref> Likewise, he was also one of the numerous villains who suffered under [[Lock-Up|Lyle Bolton]]'s brief security regime at Arkham; indeed, he actually broke out just to get away from him. Later, when Bolton was apprehended, a pleased Scarecrow vowed to teach ''him'' new lessons in fear.<ref>{{ep ref|btas|82}}</ref>
   
−
Much later, he developed a gas that did not cause fear; instead, it removed the essence of fear from the victim. After testing the gas on a few civilians and a disguised Bruce Wayne, the Scarecrow planned to hold Gotham ransom or the city would become chaotic with the absence of fear. Though Batman began ignoring his principles, [[Robin]] managed to subdue him and retrieve the antidote, and the two captured the Scarecrow.<ref name="Never Fear">{{tnba}}, "[[Never Fear]]"</ref>
 +
More than three years later, the Scarecrow returned in a much more fearsome costume, having developed a gas that did not cause fear, but instead rendered the victim incapable of it altogether. After testing the gas on a few civilians and a disguised Bruce Wayne, the Scarecrow planned to hold Gotham ransom or the city would become chaotic with the absence of fear. Though Batman began ignoring his principles, [[Robin]] managed to subdue him and retrieve the antidote, and the two captured the Scarecrow.<ref name="tnba104">{{ep ref|tnba|104}}</ref>
   
−
Shortly thereafter, the Scarecrow attempted another heist. Though he was once again caught, he managed to spray [[Batgirl]] with one of his gases; the heroine entered a deep sleep and began living her greatest fear: a war between Batman and [[James Gordon|Commissioner Gordon]] over her participation and her death in the Dark Knight's mission.<ref name="Over the Edge">{{tnba}}, "[[Over the Edge]]"</ref>
 +
Shortly thereafter, the Scarecrow attempted another heist. Though he was once again caught, he managed to spray [[Batgirl]] with one of his gases, and she entered a deep sleep and began living her greatest fear: a war between Batman and [[James Gordon|Commissioner Gordon]] over her participation and her death in the Dark Knight's mission.<ref name="tnba111">{{ep ref|tnba|111}}</ref>
   
 
== Abilities and equipment ==
  
== Abilities and equipment ==
−
For the most part, the Scarecrow was physically unimpressive. However, his psychiatric genius and some chemistry background often proved overwhelming for his opponents. He typically employed some form of fear inducing compound (most frequently a gas) in his schemes.
 +
For the most part, the Scarecrow was physically unimposing, with a thin, lanky build. However, his psychiatric genius and chemistry background often proved a deadly combination for his opponents. He typically employed some form of fear-inducing compound (most frequently, a gas) in his schemes.
   
−
In the battle following Batman's kangaroo trial, the Scarecrow was briefly seen wielding a scythe.
 +
In the battle following Batman's kangaroo trial at [[Arkham Asylum]], the Scarecrow was briefly seen wielding a scythe, which he used to try to kill [[Batman]] and [[Janet Van Dorn]] when they were escaping from the asylum. After adopting a new costume, the Scarecrow would take to carrying a simple, unvarnished wooden stick, which he occasionally used as a weapon.
   
 
== Background information ==
  
== Background information ==
−
=== Revamp ===
 +
=== [[Revamp]] ===
−
When Bruce Timm [[revamp]]ed the series as {{tnba}}, the Scarecrow received one of the most extensive redesigns, looking more like an undead being than a typical scarecrow. His new look resembled a puritan preacher with a long black wig, a skeleton mask, and hangman's noose around his neck. He was also found to be often carrying a simple unvarnished wooden stick which he uses as a weapon occasionally. This version of the character was voiced by actor Jeffrey Combs, who spoke very softly at all times as the Scarecrow.
 +
When [[Bruce Timm]] [[revamp]]ed the series as {{tnba}}, the Scarecrow received one of the most extensive redesigns, looking more like an undead being than a typical scarecrow. His new look resembled a puritan preacher’s outfit with a long black wig, a leathery, corpse-like mask, and a hangman's noose around his neck. This version of the character was voiced by actor [[Jeffrey Combs]] (instead by [[Henry Polic II]], Scarecrow's voice actor in {{btas}}), who spoke very softly at all times as the Scarecrow.
   
−
The broken noose that appeared around the Scarecrow's neck in his revamped version was popular enough that it was incorporated into later versions of the Scarecrow in other media, including the one played by Cillian Murphy in ''[[wikipedia:Batman Begins|Batman Begins]]'' and the gas-masked Scarecrow in the video games ''[[Batman: Arkham Asylum]]'' and ''[[Batman: Arkham Knight]]''.
 +
The broken noose that appeared around the Scarecrow's neck in his revamped version was popular enough that it was incorporated into later versions of the Scarecrow in other media, including the one played by Cillian Murphy in ''[[wikipedia:Batman Begins|Batman Begins]]'' and the gas-masked Scarecrow in the video games ''Batman: Arkham Asylum'' and ''Batman: Arkham Knight''.
  +
  +
The in-universe reason for the change is later revealed in DC and IDW's crossover comic book mini-series''Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures'' #5, where Crane caught sight of The Kraang wanted to modify his costume to look scarier.
   
 
=== [[Bat-embargo]] ===
  
=== [[Bat-embargo]] ===
−
There were plans to include Scarecrow in the [[Legion of Doom]] in the 3rd season of ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'', but due to the Bat-embargo, this was not possible. This would have been a tribute to the fact that he was one of the original 13-members of the Legion of Doom in the show ''Challenge Of The Super Friends.''
 +
There were plans to include Scarecrow in the [[Legion of Doom]] in the third season of ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'', but due to the [[Bat-embargo]], this wasn't possible.<ref>[http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/jlu/backstage/interviews/wayne01.php]</ref> This would have been a tribute to the fact that he was one of the original 13 members of the Legion of Doom in the show ''Challenge Of The Super Friends''.
   
 
== Appearances ==
  
== Appearances ==
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* "[[Trial]]"
  
* "[[Trial]]"
 
* "[[Harley's Holiday]]"
  
* "[[Harley's Holiday]]"
−
* "[[Lock-Up (episode)|Lock-Up]]"
 +
* "{{ep|Lock-Up}}"
   
 
{{TNBA}}
  
{{TNBA}}
Line 69: Line 71:
   
 
=== Video Games ===
  
=== Video Games ===
  +
* ‘’[[The Adventures of Batman & Robin (video game)]]’’
 
* ''[[Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu]]''
  
* ''[[Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu]]''
   
−
== Footnotes ==
 +
== References ==
 
{{Reflist}}
  
{{Reflist}}
 
[[Category:A to Z]]
  
[[Category:A to Z]]
  ⚫
[[Category:Arkham Asylum inmates]]
 
[[Category:Batman rogues]]
  
[[Category:Batman rogues]]
  ⚫
[[Category:Corrupt officials]]
 
[[Category:Individuals with above average intelligence]]
  
[[Category:Individuals with above average intelligence]]
  +
[[Category:Residents of Gotham City]]
 
[[Category:Scientists|Crane, Jonathan]]
  
[[Category:Scientists|Crane, Jonathan]]
 
[[Category:Teachers]]
  
[[Category:Teachers]]
⚫
[[Category:Arkham Asylum inmates]]
  
⚫
[[Category:Corrupt officials]]
  

Revision as of 00:37, 17 September 2019

Batman rogue

"I am fear incarnate. I am the terror of Gotham. I am the Scarecrow!"[3]

Jonathan Crane, alias the Scarecrow, was a psychology professor-turned-supervillain who created the Fear gas to terrorize his victims and make a name for himself in Gotham City's criminal underworld.

History

File:BTAS Scarecrow 1.jpg

Professor Crane in his first "Scarecrow" costume.

As a young boy, Jonathan Crane had an interest in fear, scared two girls of his school with two snakes on one occasion. Years later, he became a professor at Gotham University, where he began experimenting with fear on students. Terminated by Gotham University for his unethical experiments, Crane hatched a plan to reduce the university to shambles by causing the professors and board to constantly experience their greatest fears with the Fear gas, a gas created he created that caused victims to hallucinate their worst fears or nightmares. Dubbing himself The Scarecrow, and adopting a fitting costume, he chemically bombarded the university members who had ousted him, reducing them to a paranoid state. His plans, however, came to ruin upon the intervention of Batman. Though he was able to incite the same fear within the hero, the Dark Knight overcame it and imprisoned his foe.[3]

Some time later, the Scarecrow escaped from Arkham Asylum. His funds all but dissolved, the scientist needed a quick source of cash. He created a chemical residue which turned adrenaline into fear; applying it to telegrams he personally delivered to star athletes, he gambled against those athletes (or their respective teams) and began raking in quick cash. With no clear cause behind the sudden fear from the athletes, his plan progressed perfectly.

Unbeknownst to the Scarecrow, however, Dick Grayson shared a room with Brian Rogers at Gotham University. Though Rogers underwent the same debilitating fear attack after receiving the Scarecrow's telegram, at a crime bust, Robin underwent a similar attack. To Batman, the events seemed more than coincidental, he and Robin investigated the scene. Discovering the ploy, the two once again apprehended the Scarecrow and imprisoned him in Arkham.[4]

While in Arkham Asylum, the Scarecrow discovered Arkham's water supply in an underground cavern. Using this, he managed to continue his criminal operations while still assuming the guise of a psychiatric patient. Unlike his previous schemes, this time he prepared for Batman's intervention. The first stage of the plan was to contaminate the Gotham Health Spa's water, information the Scarecrow had leaked to the Gotham underbelly. A henchman (in radio communication with the Scarecrow) performed the deed, and as Batman tried to stop him, both were sprayed with a mind-manipulation gas. Batman began hallucinating, and after an accident, was checked into Arkham Asylum.

File:Scarecrow2.jpg

The Scarecrow terrorizes a victim in his second costume.

With Batman out of the picture, the Scarecrow began the next phase of his plan: contaminate Arkham's water supply. From there, he would be able to study the effects of fear on a massive control group. Batman, however, escaped. Despite suffering constant hallucinations, he managed to halt the Scarecrow's operations and arrest the criminal once more, who became paralyzed with fear after falling victim to his own gas once more.[5]

The Scarecrow, like most of Batman's rogues, was present for the Trial of Batman as a member of the jury and a security guard.[6] Likewise, he was also one of the numerous villains who suffered under Lyle Bolton's brief security regime at Arkham; indeed, he actually broke out just to get away from him. Later, when Bolton was apprehended, a pleased Scarecrow vowed to teach him new lessons in fear.[7]

More than three years later, the Scarecrow returned in a much more fearsome costume, having developed a gas that did not cause fear, but instead rendered the victim incapable of it altogether. After testing the gas on a few civilians and a disguised Bruce Wayne, the Scarecrow planned to hold Gotham ransom or the city would become chaotic with the absence of fear. Though Batman began ignoring his principles, Robin managed to subdue him and retrieve the antidote, and the two captured the Scarecrow.[1]

Shortly thereafter, the Scarecrow attempted another heist. Though he was once again caught, he managed to spray Batgirl with one of his gases, and she entered a deep sleep and began living her greatest fear: a war between Batman and Commissioner Gordon over her participation and her death in the Dark Knight's mission.[2]

Abilities and equipment

For the most part, the Scarecrow was physically unimposing, with a thin, lanky build. However, his psychiatric genius and chemistry background often proved a deadly combination for his opponents. He typically employed some form of fear-inducing compound (most frequently, a gas) in his schemes.

In the battle following Batman's kangaroo trial at Arkham Asylum, the Scarecrow was briefly seen wielding a scythe, which he used to try to kill Batman and Janet Van Dorn when they were escaping from the asylum. After adopting a new costume, the Scarecrow would take to carrying a simple, unvarnished wooden stick, which he occasionally used as a weapon.

Background information

Revamp

When Bruce Timm revamped the series as The New Batman Adventures, the Scarecrow received one of the most extensive redesigns, looking more like an undead being than a typical scarecrow. His new look resembled a puritan preacher’s outfit with a long black wig, a leathery, corpse-like mask, and a hangman's noose around his neck. This version of the character was voiced by actor Jeffrey Combs (instead by Henry Polic II, Scarecrow's voice actor in Batman: The Animated Series), who spoke very softly at all times as the Scarecrow.

The broken noose that appeared around the Scarecrow's neck in his revamped version was popular enough that it was incorporated into later versions of the Scarecrow in other media, including the one played by Cillian Murphy in Batman Begins and the gas-masked Scarecrow in the video games Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham Knight.

The in-universe reason for the change is later revealed in DC and IDW's crossover comic book mini-seriesBatman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #5, where Crane caught sight of The Kraang wanted to modify his costume to look scarier.

Bat-embargo

There were plans to include Scarecrow in the Legion of Doom in the third season of Justice League Unlimited, but due to the Bat-embargo, this wasn't possible.[8] This would have been a tribute to the fact that he was one of the original 13 members of the Legion of Doom in the show Challenge Of The Super Friends.

Appearances

Batman: The Animated Series

The New Batman Adventures

Video Games

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Berkowitz, Stan (writer) & Hachizaki, Kenji (director) (November 11, 1997). "Never Fear". The New Batman Adventures. Episode 4 (airdate). Episode 6 (production). Season 1. Kids WB!.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Dini, Paul (writer) & Yano, Yuichiro (director) (May 23, 1998). "Over the Edge". The New Batman Adventures. Episode 11 (airdate). Episode 12 (production). Season 1. Kids WB!.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Gilroy, Henry, Derek, Sean Catherine (writers) & Kirkland, Boyd (director) (September 15, 1992). "Nothing to Fear". Batman: The Animated Series. Season 1. Episode 10 (airdate). Episode 3 (production). FOX Kids.
  4. ↑ Joseph, Samuel Warren (writer) & Sebast, Dick (director) (September 29, 1992). "Fear of Victory". Batman: The Animated Series. Season 1. Episode 19 (airdate). Episode 24 (production). FOX Kids.
  5. ↑ Reeves-Stevens, Judith, Reeves-Stevens, Garfield (writers) & Sebast, Dick (director) (November 3, 1992). "Dreams in Darkness". Batman: The Animated Series. Season 1. Episode 31 (airdate). Episode 28 (production). FOX Kids.
  6. ↑ Dini, Paul, Timm, Bruce W. (story) & Dini, Paul (teleplay) & Riba, Dan (director) (May 16, 1994). "Trial". Batman: The Animated Series. Season 2. Episode 9 (airdate). Episode 68 (production). FOX Kids.
  7. ↑ Dini, Paul (story) & Isenberg, Marty, Skir, Robert N. (teleplay) & Riba, Dan (director) (November 19, 1994). "Lock-Up". The Adventures of Batman & Robin. Season 3. Episode 9 (airdate). Episode 82 (production). FOX Kids.
  8. ↑ [1]
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