Animated Batman films are among the most critically acclaimed animated superhero properties this side ofInto The Spider-Verse. DC’s legion of fans holds these films in incredibly high esteem, preferring them to many of the live-action Batman films.
However, just because these films received warm receptions from critics and fans does not mean all of them work as works of art.Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubzeroandBatman: Mask of the Phantasmare two sterling examples of what works. They were produced around the same time as several Batman live-action films as well asBatman: The Animated Series, swept up in a sea of Batman-mania.
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Then, there are films such asBatman: The Killing JokeandBatman & Harley Quinn. These films came during a time of Batman fatigue, and did not do well to weather the sentiment due to poor writing and tired acting. This overall mixed result is worth examining, especially considering thatanimated Batman films are produced extremely frequently.
Why They Work: A Memorable Rotating Cast of Characters
Of course, the one constant in each animated Batman film is the Caped Crusader himself. They are his movies, after all. However, the Dark Knight is always joined by a colorful rotating cast of characters.
From Batman’s son, Damian, to Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, the Joker, and more, the casts of these films are always memorable. Furthermore, they are mostly familiar to viewers. Occasionally films likeBatman Vs. Robinwill contain a somewhat lesser-known villain such as a Court of Owls’ Talon. But usually, sidekicks and villains are known to the broader masses, and not just DC super-geeks.
Why They Do Not Work: No Connective Tissue from One Film to the Next
Generally speaking, each animated Batman film is a standalone piece. There are no sequels or prequels. At best, there are parts one and two.
The lack of cohesive interconnectivity iswhat limits DC movies in general, not just the animated ones. This often leaves audiences, especially comic-book savvy ones, wanting for more and not receiving it. Meanwhile, at Marvel, there is an interconnected universe that marries over twenty films with several ongoing tv shows.
Why They Work: Iconic Actors for a Plurality of the Films
Each Batman animated film is generally well-acted. This is especially true for some of the older films, such as the aforementionedBatman: Mask of the Phantasm. The casting and acting are both superb in the 1993 project.
The most famous actors are cast asBatman, the Joker, and Harley Quinn. Respectively, they are Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, and Arleen Sorkin. These actors are so good in their roles and so well-known for them that they have reprised these duties in multiple television shows, films, and even video games.
Why They Do Not Work: Different Creative Teams
As previously mentioned, many of the DC Batman animated films feature actors who reprise their roles. However, this is not true for all of the films.
The same can be said for the creative team in general, from animation to producers. This leads to differing tones, character portrayals, and other inconsistencies from one animated film to another.
Why They Work: Animated Projects Have Greater Possibilities Than Live-Action Ones
There are simply some freedoms and luxuries that animated movies and shows have that live-action ones lack. For example, inThe Dark Knight, using only practical effects, stuntmen had the Joker’s truck flip over in the middle of the street in a climactic sequence.
While this was performable, it no doubt put set members in danger and cost a small fortune. To make this scene work in animation, all you need are talented and diligent artists and writers. It costs far less, and no one is put in immediate danger. Animated films also do not have to worry about the cost ofcomputer-generated imagery (CGI) or its potential pitfalls.
Why They Do Not Work: Over-Reliance on Source Material
Some Batman animated films, such asBatman: Mask of the Phantasm, are incredibly fresh and refreshing. However, others simply trod over old source material with few fundamental changes.
Films likeBatman: HushandBatman: The Killing Joketake entire swathes from the comics and leave them relatively unchanged. For audiences that are familiar with the source material, this is just running over the same old turf. Make no mistake, movies that are based on books should implement things likeethos, tone, and more from the source material. But, being over-reliant on source material uses it more as a crutch than as a tool of inspiration.
DC currently does not have any animated solo Batman movies slated for 2022. Although, it would be surprising if the Dark Knight did not appear inCatwoman: Hunted. When Batman returns in his own solo animated film, it will be interesting to see if the film follows the tried and true formulas or goes sideways.
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