We all know the story of an eight year old boy and that tragic day when his life was shattered. But what do you know about the first year of Batman? Though writers like Frank Miller or animation talents such as Bruce Timm have gleaned into this tumultuous beginning, none have so much as one finds in Gotham Knight.
Circa 1992, co-producer Bruce Timm premiered Batman: The Animated Series. It went on to acquire cult status and spawned series' based on Superman, the Justice League and even a few original hits like Batman Beyond, set in the future. After the end of Justice League Unlimited, Timm went on to continue his producer and now overseer status to work on a new movie series venture that included an adaptation of the "Death of Superman" and the "New Frontier" comics lines. Gotham Knight is the third movie in this series of productions.
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A note-worthy appearance is the inclusion of several familiar faces such as Alfred, Commissioner Gordon, Scarecrow and Sal Maroni.
Writer Jordan Goldberg lends a hand in each of the six shorts; and writer Josh Olson begins the movie with a tale of several young Gothamites who share their Batman stories only to come a little too close to the action.
Greg Rucka brings viewers a pair of police detectives with differing opinions of Batman; Goldberg writes a tale that begs the question of Batman�s mortality; while David Goyer follows up on the Scarecrow. Additionally, Brian Azzarello explores Bruce Wayne�s training; and Alan Burnett pens the conclusion, a showdown between Batman and ace assassin, Deadshot.
The voice cast is always a mixed bag at first glance. Fan favorites Kevin Conroy (who reprises his role of Batman), Corey Burton, George Newbern, Scott Menville and many more return to the DC Animated Universe. In the grand tradition of using CSI personalities, Gary Dourdon lends his talents as the voice of Detective Crispus Allen, a skeptic of Batman, that is until he�s saved by him in a mob shoot out.
The story loosely follows weeks to months after Batman Begins (anyone notice a continuity gaff in the Deadshot short?). Along with tracking down remnants of the Arkham escapees, Batman has to deal with organized crime. If you recall, Carmine Falcone took a permanent vacation leaving a power vacuum begging to be filled. Along the way, Batman quickly comes to realize that there are several important aspects of his career that we tend to take for granted in previous incarnations: such as how far he�ll go to trying to protect himself or even the use of violence in reaction to what he sees (the end to "Working Through Pain" is an incredible metaphor).
Whether you�re a diehard fan who grew up on Bruce Timm�s work from the 20th Century or you�re just simply caught up in Bat-mania, you should add Batman: Gotham Knight to your watch list.
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: July 8th, 2008
Run Time: 76 minutes
Rating: PG-13
DVD Features:
"A Mirror for the Bat: The Evil Denizens of Gotham City" - A stimulating documentary covering Gotham City�s most nefarious of characters, combined with a look into the symbiotic relationship Batman shares with his enemies.
"Sneak Peek: Wonder Woman" -- DC Universe animated original movie
Audio Commentary -- Featuring the filmmakers of Batman: Gotham Knight.
"Batman and Me, A Devotion of Destiny: The Bob Kane Story" - The comprehensive chronology of the remarkable life of the creator of Batman. (two-disc special edition)
Batman: The Animated Series Bonus Episodes - Bruce Timm selects his favorite episodes from Batman: The Animated Series. (two-disc special edition)