Review of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) by David T — 26 Aug 2008

Batman mask of the Phantasm is truly an example for a comic book/ superhero movie done right. You can just feel that the creators had a true admiration and respect for the source material. As being a huge Batman fan, I feel that the Batman portrayed here (and in the animated series) is the best portrayal of the character and his world out of the comic books.

Nolan's films are incredible and love them to but this world is more fitting to the Batman mythos, taking itself seriously to the point where this world is believable, even though it has fantastical elements.

The story is great and fits the Batman legend perfectly- it's dark and violent and is filled with themes that are perfect for the character. The voices are great, you cant go wrong with Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, this movie is just another proof that these voices are the best, when I think of the characters I think of them.

The thing though that really always stuck to me though is the animation. The film has an art deco style, that the makers dubbed "dark deco" because of its dark style. It's filled with incredible lighting and shadows effect with awesome silhouettes that are visually striking.

I just loved this movie and I cant belived I loved it as a kid either, I don't think I understood it I just knew that Batman was in it.