Director: Sam Liu
Writers: James Krieg (as Jim Krieg), Brian Augustyn (graphic novel: “Gotham by Gaslight”)
Stars: Bruce Greenwood, Jennifer Carpenter, Chris Cox 

“Step into an alternate Victorian Age Gotham City with ‘Batman: Gotham by Gaslight,’ where the Dark Knight commences his battle against crime while delving into a chilling series of murders committed by none other than Jack the Ripper. After savouring ‘The Killing Joke,’ my curiosity led me to explore more of the DC Universe Animated Films from the past decade.

What intrigued me most about this film is the concept of familiar characters from a well-known timeline being transplanted into a different era, as though they were actors in a captivating play set in a world within a world. From the very first frame, ‘old Gotham’ exudes the atmosphere of a bygone London, invoking a distinct Sherlock Holmes vibe. I’d even venture to say that ‘Gotham by Gaslight’ pays homage to the classic English detective genre, a connection that becomes even clearer with the Jack the Ripper storyline.

As the enigmatic killer, Jack the Ripper, haunts the dark streets, targeting women, a masked vigilante known as The Bat stalks the night, determined to bring the murderer to justice. The burning question is whether Commissioner Gordon, with the assistance of Harvey Dent, can solve the case in time. The scenes involving the killer are surprisingly intense for an animated film, and the settings do justice to the Dark Knight series.

One aspect I relished in this film is the fresh take on familiar characters. Batman, along with Gordon, Dent, and Alfred, plays a role that’s quite distinct from their usual personas. Hugo Strange, Selina Kyle, and Poison Ivy are all reimagined, and even Batman himself shifts from being primarily a crime-fighter to a detective unraveling the mystery behind Jack the Ripper.

The film’s attention to detail is impeccable. The Victorian aesthetic of the cityscape and its inhabitants transports you seamlessly to that era. Even when a man dressed as a Bat makes his appearance, the film maintains the illusion of a bygone age. The animation, which some criticized as lazy, appealed to me, as it seamlessly blended a comic book feel with the style of the animated series ‘Archer.’ The storyline is well-crafted, and although it refrains from showcasing graphic violence, it masterfully conveys the edginess and darkness of the plot.

In conclusion, ‘Gotham by Gaslight’ pleasantly surprised me with its quality, and I’m delighted I gave it a chance. The cast, led by Bruce Greenwood as Batman / Bruce Wayne, delivers outstanding performances. Greenwood’s portrayal captures the essence of the character and the brooding aura that surrounds him. This film is akin to a meeting between Batman and Sherlock Holmes, and the clever plot twist at the end left me both astonished and applauding the writers for their audacious decision. It’s a bold and highly recommended addition to the Batman universe, especially for fans seeking a different take on the Caped Crusader. This ‘R’-rated gem delivers an excellent story that is not to be missed.”

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