DC Animation has to once again, try and find a new path with their animated films. After the failure of the Tomorrowverse, new heads of DC James Gunn and Peter Safran decide to focus on quality over quantity as their vision unfolds. In what is the shortest release of films in recent memory, DC took chances. One has the potential for a hit, the other was a valiant effort. Check out my reviews below.

Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires *****

Starring: Luis Bermudez, Raymond Cruz, Omar Chaparro

This was a very enjoyable way to mix the Batman lore and history. Director Juan Jose Meza-Leon really made this movie feel authentic to its history by casting a full spanish speaking cast, and even having the default audio track be spanish. The Batman villains are present in the film as either gods, conquistadores, or important village members getting twisted by false moral compasses. Batman has a compelling back story and the way it is incorporated with Hernan Cortez (Two Face) is a great plot driver and makes you want to root for Batman to win. There is a sense that this could be the kick off to a sequel and that would be a huge hit. 

Batman Ninja vs Yakuza League***

Starring: Koichi Yamadera, Romi Park, Yuki Kaji

This film picks up right after the events of Batman Ninja (2018). While this film was able to continue with the animation style and same voice actors, the storyline did not capture my attention as well as the prequel. This film looks at the altered version of the Justice League characters. The Japanese inspired costumes for the Justice League members were eye-catching and creative. The main issue I took with this film is the overuse of the Yakuza. The reveal of the bigger villain felt too logical as well. Anime fans would enjoy this two-movie series, this just wasn’t my kind of film.