Review of Batman: Gotham Knight (2008) by Javier M — 24 Aug 2009

Subway Bum: Hey Bats, when your flying around above the city, whats it look like?

Batman: It looks dirty.

Similar to the Animatrix, this DVD is comprised of six animated shorts, written and directed by a different people. The overall connection of these shorts serves as a bridge between Nolan's Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. Besides serving as a good way to quell my waiting for The Dark Knight to come out, in terms of story, some are better than others, but the overall animation and music on each is wonderful. Its also nice that Kevin Conroy again stars as the voice of Batman/Bruce Wayne, seeing as how he's been doing it in animation form for nearly 20 years.

The first short is Have I Got a Story For You. (3.5 stars) It involves a group of kids each telling a story about their encounter with the Batman. All the kids have their own perspective on what the Bat looks like as well.

Crossfire is next (4 stars). This story involves two cops arguing over the effectiveness of a vigilante in the city during a drive back from Arkham, when they suddenly are in the middle of a mob shootout. Batman arrives in time to show how effective he is.

Next is Field Test (3 stars). This story shows Batman testing out his hi-tech gadgets. While effective, Batman decides to only go to certain lengths after a side effect of a device causes problems.

Bruce Wayne: I'm willing to put my life on the line to do what I have to. But it has to be mine, no one else's.

In Darkness Dwells another one of the best shorts (4.5 stars). This story involves Batman's search for a deformed criminal known as Killer Croc and the Scarecrow who still roams under the city and uses his fear toxin. He works with Lt. Gordon this time around as well.

The next story is Working Through the Pain (4 stars). This is a dual story involving Batman's struggle with an injury to get out from under the city and flashbacks involving an early part of Bruce Wayne's life where he works with a spiritual women in search of finding out how to conquer pain.

Alfred: Give me your hand sir.

[Batman standing in a sewer with handful of guns, further understanding the harsh reality he is apart of].

Batman: I can't.

The last short is Deadshot (4.5). This story involves Batman facing of against a deadly assassin targeting not only cops but Batman as well.

As mentioned, all of the shorts are very well animated and scored wonderfully, which makes this whole thing worthwhile. Nicely done.

Lt. James Gordon: [Batman's been bitten by Croc] Are you in pain?

Batman: I work through pain.