Directors: Yasuhiro Aoki, Futoshi Higashide
Writers: Bob Kane (creator: Batman), Jordan Goldberg (story)
Stars: Kevin Conroy, Jason Marsden, Scott Menville

Right off the bat, I’ve got to confess something about my journey into Batman: Gotham Knight. The opening five minutes left me so unimpressed that I contemplated hitting the pause button and calling it quits. Yep, I said it. Thankfully, I didn’t commit that cinematic sin. So, what was it that left me less than thrilled? My initial reaction was that the animation seemed like a half-hearted attempt at a Gorillaz music video, and the mishmash of perspectives from a teenage skate gang didn’t help my mood. But here’s the kicker: I missed the point of what Yasuhiro Aoki and Futoshi Higashide were cooking up here. It’s all about different takes and interpretations of The Dark Knight, served with a side of anime flair. With that off my chest, let me explain why I was dead wrong to dislike those opening scenes of Batman: Gotham Knight and why I’m thrilled I stuck around for this 2008 gem.

Batman: Gotham Knight is a captivating anthology, a collection of pivotal moments in Bruce Wayne’s evolution from novice to the Dark Knight. Picture it like a set of 20-minute Batman comic book stories, stitched together into chapters that don’t necessarily follow a linear thread. Believe it or not, I’m not knocking this style; I actually dug the uniqueness of this approach, quite distinct from the usual DC Animated Films. While it may not be a direct bridge between Batman Begins (2005) and The Dark Knight (2008), it complements those films superbly in its storytelling and should be viewed as a prelude to the latter. There’s a noticeable dash of Christopher Nolan’s influence here and a generous helping from the 1990s animated series.

Now, let’s talk casting choices for the DC Animated Films. They still catch me off guard with their level of talent. It’s a delight to see Kevin Conroy return to voice Batman. Jim Meskimen nails Jim Gordon and Deadshot, George Newbern brings Killer Croc to life, Corey Burton embodies Scarecrow, Gary Dourdan takes on Crispus Allen, and David McCallum, a fellow Scot, lends his voice to Alfred. Conroy, much like Mark Hamill, is synonymous with his role and is the soul of what we love about Batman in animated form. He truly understands the complex psyche of Bruce Wayne and the underlying fury of his alter ego. His tone is consistently on point, and along with Michael Keaton’s portrayal in 1989’s Batman, Conroy played a pivotal role in defining the Batman we know and love today—a far cry from the campy 1960s television version. As for Meskimen, Newbern, Burton, Dourdan, and McCallum, their screen time might be limited due to the segmented structure of the film, but I, for one, could have savored their talents for a bit longer.

Now, let’s talk animation. It’s a wild and immersive ride. After that rocky start I misjudged, I was pleasantly surprised by the styles throughout the rest of the movie. Each story boasts a different animation style, all executed with finesse while maintaining the same overarching tone. The inspiration is palpably drawn from the ’90s series and Nolan’s films. The action in this movie is nothing short of spectacular, delivering intense and visually arresting fight scenes that feel almost like live-action.

And let’s not forget the ever-present David S. Goyer, the secret sauce behind the writing and storytelling of Batman: Gotham Knight. With Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and Justice League Unlimited under his utility belt in this genre, he understands the Caped Crusader like no other. Teaming up with the likes of Josh Olson, Jordan Goldberg, Greg Rucka, Brian Azzarello, and Alan Burnett for the various story segments keeps the narrative fresh and invigorating.

All in all, Batman: Gotham Knight is a delight. The segments offer a tantalizing glimpse into the multifaceted life of Bruce Wayne and his transformation into Batman. I initially misjudged the animation style, which I wasn’t accustomed to in animated Batman movies, but ended up embracing it as a refreshing and intriguing approach to the genre. So, do yourself a favor and give it a watch. You won’t be disappointed.

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