Batman Gotham Knight DVD: Review By P.A.C.K. '75

Here is the latest spin on “The Batman” myth, brought to us by the team that gave us “Batman: The Animated Series”. We even get Kevin Conroy as Bruce Wayne/Batman, he is the voice of this generation’s animated Batman, still pitch perfect.

Told in six chapters, all done in Japanese anime, they are linked together telling the middle chapter of year one, between “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight”.

There are some heavy hitters involved in this project too…

“Have I Got a Story for You” – Oscar nom Josh Olson recounts Batman sightings by a group of youngsters leaving them with their own take on the Dark Knight. This one is a lot like “Legends of the Dark Knight” from around season 3 or 4 of the Animated Series.

“Crossfire” – Novelist Greg Rucka gives us the police-eye view. Gotham’s finest have to get over their mistrust of Batman, while caught between the Russian and Maroney.

“Field Test” - WayneTech arsenal from Lucius Fox, and the Batman must decide what he’s willing to do to win the fight..

The final three chapters is where it really gets going, better stories, animation, action…

“In Darkness Dwells”, - Batman takes on “Killer Croc”, after the Scarecrow and his fear toxin make an appearance. Written by David S. Goyer, co-screenwriter of “Batman Begins.”

“Working Through Pain” - Award-winning writer Brian Azzarello gives us a flash back of Bruce Wayne’s training. Showing how a mysterious woman helps him ignore the pain of his injuries, but there’s a lesson to be learned.

“Deadshot” - Emmy Award-winner Alan Burnett wraps it all up with Batman taking down Deadshot, gun for hire.

I think I would have preferred my animation old-school American. But like I said, the second half is really good so I’ll give the entire project a B.