“Batman Ninja” is part masked vigilante, part katana-wielding shinobi who’s debut on the big screen has largely flown under the radar.
From the creator of “Afro Samurai,” comes an interesting twist on the Dark Knight we know and love.
With Marvel taking the box office by storm, DC had to get creative.
Creative is an understatement when it comes to this 2018 release.
With unique, yet stunning animation quality and a cast of characters you only see in a DC lover’s dreams, “Batman Ninja” is an instant fan favorite.
I will try to avoid spoilers as much as possible because I think this film deserves to be watched blind, but if you are still unsure, watch the trailer and prepare to be swayed.
The audience follows Batman as he goes up against the usual cast of characters, though everyone looks straight from the Edo period.
The Joker is now a ponytail wearing, seaweed-haired maniac who seems to have read Ian Malcolm’s work, as his only goal is to sow chaos. Joker is not the only villain to make an appearance: Sumo-wrestler Bane, Deathstroke and even Penguin.
Not only does the film feature almost every Batman villain, but also characters like Robin, Red Hood and even Nightwing.
This might seem like the director throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks, but fortunately he crafted a narrative that perfectly weaves in our favorite heroes and villains.
Aside from the incredible amalgamation of Batman villains and sidekicks alike, I want to focus on the animation.
It sets itself apart from other recently released DC animated films, like “Batman: Gotham by Gaslight” or “Justice League Dark”.
The intricate details that will go unnoticed by most viewers, like the texture of the sky or small details on the costumes, bring this film together.
It adds another layer of depth that unknowingly sucks you in, and when you finally notice, it’s like watching the movie through a different lens.
Batman is not a franchise built on deep plotlines, it knows what it does best and that’s unique characters and badass fight scenes — an extreme strength of the movie. Not surprising since it is produced by Tetsuro Satomi, who also produced “Samurai Champloo,” a show full of incredible fights.
If you aren’t interested in seeing “Batman Ninja” now, then you probably won’t be swayed, and that’s perfectly fine.
I urge you, however, to check out other DC animated films like “Batman: The Killing Joke”, an R-rated animated Batman film starring Mark Hamill as the voice of the Joker.
There’s an entire world of animated superhero movies, and not just DC heroes, for caped crusader lovers to sink their teeth into. And “Batman Ninja” must just be the perfect first bite.
Griffen Winget can be reached at [email protected]