What age is best for "Timm-verse" DCAU shows?

[Sgt. Sacrament]

Howdy,

I've never watched any of the DC comics animated universe shows, produced by Bruce Timm, but I've seen a lot of references to it around here. My brother asked me what I knew about it, about watching it with his kids, so I figured I'd ask here.

Many reviews of the DCAU shows have mentioned that they tend to be "dark" and "violent". The reviews I have read praise the shows, often noting that teens and adults will even enjoy them, but often debate the age range for younger kids to see them. My brother is thinking about starting with the "Superman: The Animated Series" and possibly the "Batman: The Animated Series" shows.

So, my questions:

• What age kids would you recommend these shows for (of course it will vary with maturity of specific kids at any age, but in general, what would you say)?
• Are some of the "Timm-verse" shows better than others to start with?
• Are there other "popular superhero" animated shows you'd recommend?
• Are there any ways to legally watch a few episodes online as a "sample"?

Thanks!

 

[Takeru]

What age kids would you recommend these shows for (of course it will vary with maturity of specific kids at any age, but in general, what would you say)?

I'd say not under eight although I'm sure some six year olds have enjoyed them.

Are some of the "Timm-verse" shows better than others to start with?

It doesn't really matter, all shows can be watched on their own, you're not lost if you start with Justice League for example. But if I had to chose I'd start with Batman, it was the first after all.
BTW, don't forget the movies, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker are the standouts, they're fantastic!

Are there other "popular superhero" animated shows you'd recommend?

The Spectacular Spider-Man, it only ran for two seasons but it's my favourite animated version of the character.