Batman:
Doom That Came To Gotham
review by Bobby Blakey
Warner and DC Entertainment continue to have a strong game with their animated feature films. They have been bringing some iconic stories to life including The Killing Joke, The Dark Knight Returns, Batman: Soul of the Dragon and more recently Battle of the Super Sons. Now they are bringing the comic book series Batman: Doom That Came To Gotham by Mike Mignola, Richard Pace and Troy Nixey to life as an original animated movie. Does this film do the source material justice or will it get lost in the expedition?
Batman: Doom That Came To Gotham follows a 1920s-based tale that finds explorer Bruce Wayne accidentally unleashing an ancient evil, expediting his return to Gotham City after a two-decade hiatus. The logic/science-driven Batman must battle Lovecraftian supernatural forces threatening the sheer existence of Gotham, along the way being aided and confronted by reimagined versions of his well-known allies and enemies, including Green Arrow, Ra’s al Ghul, Mr. Freeze, Killer Croc, Two-Face, James Gordon and Bruce’s beloved wards. Prepare for a mystical, often terrifying Batman adventure unlike any other.
The film features a great voice cast including David Giuntoli reprising his Batman: Soul of the Dragon role as the voice of the Dark Knight and Tati Gabrielle who makes her DC animated debut as Kai Li Cain, Batman’s closest ally. Elevating the action and drama are DC animation veterans Christopher Gorham as Oliver Queen, Patrick Fabian as Harvey Dent, John DiMaggio as James Gordon, and David Dastmalchian as Grendon.
I have been a fan of the Elseworlds brand for years and always love anytime they threw Batman into the different time periods. The character just seems
to be able to fit anytime and everywhere along with his cast of heroes and villains to create some fun new stories. This tale is probably one of my favorites of them outside of maybe Gotham By Gaslight just because the time and direction is so perfect for the Dark Knight. It’s been forever since I read this series so honestly don’t remember it in and out, but can say I thought this feature is all kinds of awesome.
The story is simple enough as it infuses all kinds of H.P. Lovecraft mythology and style to the world, but add in the genius writing of Mignola and you have the makings of a compelling dark tale. This film brings all the to vibrant life offering up elements of both of these icons stylings to create a really cool flick. It showcases elements of horror, mystery and everything in between while still capturing the essences of Batman and his cast of characters.
The designs are all cool and well executed with one of my personal favorites being the visuals on Harvey Dent. Whether you have read this story or not it works to take you out of the usual world of the Caped Crusader and into the supernatural world of hell, magic and demons where he fits right in regardless. This is yet another prime example of the great work they continue to do in the animated feature department of DC Comics and Warner Bros and cannot wait for what’s next.
In addition to the film this release offer up bonus content including a commentary and featurette taking fans behind bringing this film to life. Grab your copy of Batman: Doom That Came To Gotham available now on digital, 4K, Blu-ray and DVD from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.