Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons
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. Now they are bringing the younger heroes to the forefront with Batman and Superman: Battle Of The Super Sons featuring the voice talent including Jack Dylan Glazer, Jack Griffo, Troy Baker, Travis Willingham and Tom Kenny.
Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons follows 11-year-old Jonathan Kent who discovers he has superpowers, thus the half-Kryptonian gets thrusted into the complicated world of Super Heroes and Super-Villains, who are now under attack by a malevolent alien force known as Starro. It's a race against time as Jonathan must join forces with assassin-turned-Boy-Wonder Damian Wayne to rescue their fathers and save the planet by becoming the Super Sons they were destined to be.
I did read some of the comics featuring Robin and Superboy, but admit I was never a bit fan. Going into this film I was just ready for the fun and adventure, but didn’t know what direction it was going in. To my surprise it serves as an origin story for Jonathan Kent as he discovers his powers, meeting Robin and then pushed into being a hero. This made the film actually feel like much more than just another adventure.
I was initially not a big fan of the animation style here, but as it moved forward I kind of started digging it. I wish that they would stick to the same style that they do with most of the ongoing connected stories, but understand that they are trying to let the filmmakers and the film itself to have its own voice. It is much better than a couple of the more recents that use the bolder line work for me, but I am sure will be divisive for fans.
There are some great action moments throughout, but it’s the relationship between Damian and Jonathan that makes it work. It is dysfunctional out the gate and while it builds toward the friendship and respect we know they have. This makes it fun to watch and see them kicking butt, discovering powers and a partnership that mirrors that of their father’s own history. With plenty other DC heroes getting in on the fun and the always fun Starro at the forefront it is another fun addition to the DC original animated features library.
In addition to this film this release offers up bonus content including a featurette and two additional cartoons from the vault. Grab your copy of Batman and Superman: Battle OF The Super Sons available now on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD from Warner Bros Home Entertainment.