A good portion of animation based on comic books ends up being a disappointment to the fans. That is especially true when it comes to the iconic character of Batman. Expectations are high and usually the result lets people down. Such is not the case with Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman. All the elements are there to make it a good feature length film like cool visuals, fun and multi-layered characters, atmospheric music and even a bunch of dark humour.
Director Curt Geda directs this like he is doing the animated version of a film noir. It is imaginative, clever and fast paced with a dash of darkness through in for good measure. The story is simple one about Batman (voiced by Kevin Conroy) having to investigate a new character who comes into his life that dresses a bit like him, but is in no way associated with him.
Batwoman (voiced by Kimberly Brooks, Kelly Ripa, Kyra Sedwick and Elisa Gabrielli) is a vigilante who is causing a whole bunch of trouble in Gotham City. She also tries to foul up The Penguin’s (voiced by David Ogden Stiers) plans then is captured by that evil guy Bane (voiced by Hector Elizondo) so it is up to Batman to rescue her.
True to the feeling of the comic books so that will make fans very happy. Of course, superhero tales like this one live or die with the quality of the villains. I’m happy to report that Penguin and Bane are very good. Penguin is sophisticated and wily whereas Bane is just frightening. I also like that they keep you guessing as to who Batwoman really is.
Special Features:
-Chase Me
-Nine Character Bios
-The Making of a Mystery
-An Interview with Curt Geda
-Batman: P.O.V.
-Bat Gadgets
-Making of a Scene
