We have now reached our Top 10 for the DC Animated films. Starting with…
10. Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (2010)
This animated feature is what I like to call bringing the gang back together. Apocalypse brings back many of the voices we all know and love from animated series of Batman, Superman and Justice League. Apocalypse centers around Batman’s discovery of a teen-aged girl named Kara with powers and a personal connection to Superman. But when the evil overlord Darkseid makes the same discovery, things get decidedly worst for everyone who stands in his way. When you get to this point in the rankings discussion, there really isn’t much that separates one from ten. Apocalypse combines some of the finest elements that show why DC Animation is far more superior to Marvel.
Voice actors: Kevin Conroy as Batman, Tim Daly as Superman, Susan Eisenberg as Wonder Woman, Summer Glau as Supergirl and Andre Braugher as Darkseid
9. Batman vs. Robin (2015)
Batman vs. Robin is the 23rd animated feature and this latest installment is partially based on the Batman: The Court of Owlsstory arc written by Scott Snyder. It serves as a sequel to 2014’s Son of Batman. This 80-minute feature centers on the father-son relationship between Damian as Robin and Bruce as Batman. As you may recall from Son of Batman, Damian was raised by his grandfather, Ra’s al Ghul. He was raised as an assassin with no mercy for the weak. This is a far cry from the way Batman conducts business. The setting is great and the story is well told by director, Jay Oliva. What has become a standard for better or for worse is the PG-13 presentation. But since these stories are rooted in the New 52, it’s no wonder that these animated features are grittier and more adult oriented. If you’re a Batman fan, you‘ll want to add this to your collection.
Voice actors: Jason O’Mara as Batman, Stuart Allan as Damien, Kevin Conroy as Thomas Wayne, Sean Maher as Nightwing, “Weird Al” Yankovic as Dollmaker and David McCallum as Alfred
8. Batman: Assault on Arkham (2014)
Batman: Assault on Arkhamis the 21st animated film released and it’s easily one of their best. Now despite the title, Batman is not the central character. This feature is a departure of sorts where the villains become the center to the storyline. Two villains in particular are Deadshot and Harley Quinn. Essentially this is a Suicide Squad story. Another misnomer is that Assault on Arkham is based on the popular video game series. While some of the looks and general feel is similar to the game, that’s pretty much where the comparison begins and ends. This PG-13 feature follows these villains as they break into Arkham, encounter The Joker and a motley crew of other villains all the while dealing with Batman and mistrusting each other at every turn. Like so many of the recent DC animated releases, this one is not for kids. The PG-13 rating has a lot to do with some sexual content between Quinn and Deadshot as well as some language. While I am not opposed to adult-themed animated features for our superheroes, it’s pretty representative of the comics that are being produced today, that being said, it would be nice to make a family friendly film for all to watch and enjoy.
Voice actors: Kevin Conroy as Batman, Neal McDonough as Deadshot, Troy Baker as Joker, Hynden Walch as Harley Quinn and Matthew Gray Gubler as Riddler
7. Justice League: War (2014)
With Justice League: War this is the first time our heroes become aware of one another. Batman seems to be the only one at the very least aware of Superman, The Flash and Green Lantern. As for Batman himself, he is thought to be a myth or an urban legend. That is until the Green Lantern encounters the Dark Knight in the opening sequence of JL:W which is very well done and looks spectacular in Blu-ray. The story centers on an alien invasion of Earth by the sinister Darkseid from the planet Apokolips. Extraordinary situation calls for extraordinary measures. Such measures will be in the names of Batman, Superman, The Flash, Green Lantern and Wonder Woman.
Voice actors: Jason O’Mara as Batman, Alan Tudyk as Superman, Sean Austin as Shazam, Michelle Monaghan as Wonder Woman, Shemar Moore as Cyborg, Justin Kirk as Green Lantern and Christopher Gorham as The Flash
6. Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009)
This animated feature is also loosely based on the popular comic book title of the same name. And yes Virginia, Batman and Superman have a long history of working together as allies. In one of the better DC Animated features, Lex Luthor is President of the United States and when a kryptonite meteor threatens to strike the Earth, Luthor sees this as the perfect opportunity to pin this threat on Superman. Batman, who shares a common distrust for Luthor, comes to Superman’s aid to not only clear Superman’s name but also help put a stop to the meteor. This is one of my personal favorites and highly recommended to all fans.
Voice actors: Clancy Brown as Lex Luthor, Kevin Conroy as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Tim Daly as Clark Kent/Superman, Xander Berkeley as Captain Atom, CCH Pounder as Amanda Waller and John C. McGinley as Metallo
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
