Batman Ninja

Batman has become like Shakespeare, endlessly adaptable into varying forms, remaining identifiable while also offering new experiences. This Japanese production on the Batman mythos does a radical redesign of all things Batman yet captures the essence of the character and his themes producing a truly unique way to experience him.

And it is a wild ride. Director Junpei Mizusaki sticks true to his anime roots, eschewing western animation rules as he hijacks the Batman universe for a very eastern spin. Audiences who don't embrace the styles, the moods, the tropes anime relies on will likely be jarred by how un-western this film is in its presentation. Much of what would feel "silly" in a western film, but can be made glorious in anime is on display here. The story is wacky but that can be embraced by those who are ready for it.

The film is a gorgeous piece of cinema. Utilizing two distinct animation styles throughout, Batman Ninja is unlike most "superhero" animation out there. It is lush and rich, making it distinct from the more succinct and sparse art styles we're often used to in these adaptations. Most of the time I couldn't believe what I was seeing, both narratively and visually.

My only nitpick (and it is nitpicky) is I wish the story had simply started with the familiar characters living in feudal Japan and didn't feel the need to "time travel" them all to the setting. It could have, like another Batman animated film Gotham by Gaslight, which set Bruce Wayne and his cast of characters in a Victorian era Gotham, just had the characters exist in that era. The time travel parts felt wonky but they are minor and truly just there to get us to the divine spectacle of seeing Batman lead a ninja clan.

This is not going to be everyone's cup of tea but it is a special treat for those open to the experience.

Batman Ninja
Director: Junpei Mizusaki
Writers: Kazuki Nakashima, Leo Chu, Eric S. Garcia