Source: Batman Ninja via Facebook.
The future of the DC Extended Universe is filled with uncertainty, and fans of DC should have tempered expectations for their characters on the movie screen in the next few years. The good news for Batman aficionados is that in Batman Ninja they have a thrilling and unique interpretation of the character to tide them over until the live-action movies get their act together. Released earlier in 2018, Batman Ninja sees the superhero transported to the unfamiliar environment of Feudal Japan to deal with some very familiar foes.
The English voice cast brings together staples of the animated world, with Tony Hale (Arrested Development and Veep) adding his comedic pedigree to the role of The Joker. Casual Batman fans may be slightly surprised to see a Batman adventure set in Feudal Japan; most recent cinematic outings of the character have emphasised how the hero has abilities and threats that are feasible in the real world. Other than the otherworldly threats in the DC Extended Universe, Batman has largely found himself in gritty situations that pose questions of morality transferable to our world.
Source: Batman Ninja via Facebook.
Yet Batman is, well, Batman. If you could rely on any superhero to be transported to a world of ninja and samurai to pull off a convincing and gripping adventure, then it would be Batman. Iron Fist may have more natural ties to martial arts, but Marvel’s depiction of him in their Netflix show thus far wouldn’t encourage you to rely on him to do anything convincingly. The imagery of ninjas has always appealed to fans of action. The Lego Ninjago Movie brought ninjas to a new audience, while the unique style of ninjas attracts players in the world of gaming. The top-ranked casino bonus of September at Gambling Metropolis comes from Mr Play Casino, whose slot game Ninja Fruits transports players to a distant land in a similar manner to Batman’s experience in Batman Ninja. Legendary video games Street Fighter and Tekken also utilise characters versed in the art of the ninja.
Batman Ninja may well be the best thing that DC are involved in this year. It is fair to say that life has not exactly gone too smoothly for those behind the DC Extended Universe. Criticised for shrouding movies in an overtly dark tone and for trying to do too much too soon to match Marvel, the DC Extended Universe has so far provided more disappointment than excitement. Wonder Woman suggested that DC had found a more suitable tone, while Justice League was flawed but hinted at a more promising future for some of the most famous characters of all time. The last thing DC needed was to lose its actors for the two most iconic superheroes, with Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill rumoured to be hanging up their capes as Batman and Superman respectively.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of the DC Extended Universe will likely take time to subside, so fans of Batman should not hesitate to explore the rich world of his animated adventures. Taking Batman out of Gotham City gives the character a new dynamic and a new set of problems to solve, a refreshing means of escaping from the problems that plague the movies of the DC Extended Universe.
