What’s a world without Batman? That’s the question Batman: Bad Blood the latest DC Animated film addresses. This is the 24th animated feature that DC has produced and most have centered on Batman. This time around, Batman is more of a supporting character. Warning, spoilers ahead…
Like so many that have come before it, these latest run of films are loosely based on recent New 52 storylines and in this case, a combo of Batman Incorporated and Battle for the Cowl. Bad Blood serves as a continuation of the previous two Batman installments of Son of Batman and Batman vs. Robin. Here, this ne story centers on the introduction of Katherine Kane/Batwoman and Dick Grayson reluctantly taking up the mantle of the bat following the disappearance and presumed death of Batman. It is also about family and what it means to be part of one.
The appeal for many regarding the character of Batman is that he is the ultimate “I work alone” type. Other than Dick, Alfred and Commissioner Gordon, Batman has kept his inner circle very small. The irony with Bad Blood is seeing how much the Dark Knight has inspired so many to continue his fight against those who prey on the weak. In addition to Batwoman, we’re also introduced to Luke Fox aka Batwing. Luke is the son of Lucious Fox. Oh, and let us never forget about Damien Wayne as Robin because he certainly won’t let us.
As for the film itself the plot is relatively simple if not at times a bit clustered. When newcomer Batwoman arrives in Gotham, it doesn’t take her too long to get into the thick of things as she finds herself battling the criminal likes of Electrocutioner, Blockbuster, Firefly and Killer Moth. Batman arrives just in time and he and Batwoman come across the apparent leader named Heretic. Heretic than detonates the explosives that has been planted within the facility. Batman saves Batwoman by flinging her to safety just before the blast engulfs him presumably killing him.
With Batman gone and Gotham still in need of his presence, Dick Grayson dons the cowl and patrols the city as the new Batman. As it turns out, Heretic works for Talia al Ghul and is of all things an adult clone of Damien. Talia turns on him for bringing Damien into this conflict by kidnapping him. Meanwhile we also learn that the real Batman is alive but under the Mad Hatter’s mind control. There’s a lot to digest here from a storyline standpoint with the multiple baddies.
In the end Damien and Bruce are rescued with the assistance of Dick and Katherine who are joined by Batwing. A final showdown with Talia ends with her getting away on flying freighter but not before a confrontation with Onyx, a member of Heretic’s team takes place aboard the freighter and we see in the distance that the freighter crashes into the water leaving the fates of those onboard unknown.
The final scene shows the entire team being summoned by the Bat-signal. As each one arrives at the rooftop, without a word being said, the Bat-family takes to the streets of Gotham. The final shot showed Batgirl following. I would love nothing more than to see her star in her own animated feature in the near future.
With each passing film, the action scenes gets better and the influences of classic martial arts films can be seen through the choreographed fighting sequences. Bad Blood is on par with the most recent Batman related films but still not as good as Year One or Under the Hood. The next DC release will be their 25th called Justice League vs. Teen Titans due out later this Spring.
BATMAN: BAD BLOOD – ***1/2 (out of 5 stars)
Directed by: Jay Oliva
PG-13 72 min
Jason O’Mara as Bruce Wayne/Batman
Yvonne Strahovski as Katherine Kane/Batwoman
Stuart Allan as Damian Wayne/Robin
Morena Baccarin as Talia al Ghul
Gaius Charles as Luke Fox/Batwing
Sean Maher as Dick Grayson/Nightwing
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
