You have to hand it to DC when it comes to their Animated Universe. They continue for the most to part to put out quality features. Their latest, Son of Batman continues on that trend.
Son of Batman is based on writer Grant Morrison’s “Batman and Son” story arc of 2006. Although this is a pre-New 52 storyline, this 75-minute animated feature builds upon the last DC Animated Feature, Justice League: War, a New 52 driven origins film. For better or for worse this seems to be the direction that the creative forces at DC are headed. Jason O’Mara reprises his role as the Batman and David McCallum as Alfred and both do quite a good job. I like O’Mara even though he is no Kevin Conroy but then again, who is. Stuart Allan provides the voice of Damien and given the tone of the character in the comics, Allan’s voice work fits perfectly into what you would expect Damien to sound like. Spoilers ahead…
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| Slade Wilson AKA Deathstroke |
As for the film itself, it opens with Ra’s al Ghul and his League of Assassins battling a takeover from his former right hand man, Deathstroke (voiced by Thomas Gibbons). When Ra’s dies by Deathstoke’s hand, his daughter Talia al Ghul (voiced by Morena Baccarin), takes Damien Wayne back to Gotham for a reunion with daddy.
In a father knows best scenario Batman accepts Damien as his son but must control the revenge seeking and destructive path that Damien is on. Damien wants vengeance against Deathstroke for his Grandfather’s death but Batman/Bruce tries to teach him a better path to take. The banter between father and son as well as Damien’s “bossing” behavior with Alfred and his sibling like rivalry with Dick Grayson echoes the comics beautifully. It was thoroughly entertaining.
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| Damien’s destiny. |
The fighting sequences throughout is well animated and true to the source material. Which also means it can be quite violent. But more on that shortly. Damien Wayne has become one of the more compelling characters to hit mainstream comics and he helped breath new life into the Batman mythology. This new animated feature only adds to that.
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| Batman and Robin. Father and Son. |
Son of Batman, although a very entertaining film that will no doubt make die-hard Bat fans pleased, you would need to proceed with caution if your a parent. Even though the central character is a 10 year-old boy this by no means makes it kid friendly. Like so many animated releases by DC and to a lesser extent Marvel of late, these are meant for the above 13 age range.
Son of Batman: *** (out of 4)
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
