Welcome to Day 1 of Dark Knight Week here at Figures and More. To kick off this week-long celebration of all things Dark Kight, I am reviewing the newly released DC Animated movie Batman: Gotham Knight. Is it worth owning? Read on and find out.

Think of Batman: Gotham Knight as the Batman version of the Animatrix. Six interlocking stories chart the evolution of Batman in the period between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. Each story is overseen by a different celebrated animation director. The stories feature a wide range of characters, from the familiar (Jim Gordon, Alfred) to the first time appearances (Det. Allen, Cardinal O’Fallon). There are also some familiar villains for Batman to test himself against in the persons of the Scarecrow, Killer Croc and Deadshot. Let’s break down each story.

Have I got a Story for You is the first story. It focuses on a group of skateboard kids who meet up at a local indoor ramp. They each tell a story of an encounter with the Batman, but their stories are all radically different in their portrayal of Batman. It seems Batman is in pursuit of Firefly during this chapter. as the kids finish their stories, Batman’s battle with Firefly takes him to the ramp where the kids are gathered.

Crossfire, the second story, is centered on the differing opinion of the Gotham Police Department regarding Batman. Detective Crispus Allen believes that Batman is a vigilante that should be brought to justice. His partner, Detective Ana Ramirez, who has lived in Gotham all her life, has seen the chjange that Batman has brought and supports his actions. Their argument about Batman takes a back seat when they are caught in the middle of a shootout between the thugs of Mob kingpins “The Russian” and Sal Moroni.

Field Test, the third story, deals with Batman’s incredible arsenal, as developed by Lucius Fox. In this episode, Lucius develops a portable magnetic field which is designed to repel bullets. the device gets it’s field test when boats belonging to “the Russian” and Sal Maroni cross paths in Gotham Harbor. The device works well. In fact, it works a little too well, as Batman discovers when one of the Russian’s thugs is hit by a ricochet. There is also a subplot involving Bruce Wayne, as he attempts to get close to Ronald Marshall, a real estate developer with questionable motives.

Darkness Dwells, the fourth story, deals with the kidnapping of Cardinal O’Fallon, an important religious figure in Gotham. The kidnapping has been carried out by a large figure resembling a lizard, who we find out is Killer Croc. As Batman descends into the sewers after Croc, however, it is revealed that the kidnapping has been carried out on the orders of the Scarecrow, who makes his first appearance after the events of Batman Begins. While at Arkham, Croc had been the subject of some of Dr, Jonathan Crane’s experiments before he became Scarecrow. As a result, Crane’s toxins have infected Croc. When Croc bites Batman, the toxin is transferred and Batman must battle his own demons while searching for the Scarecrow.

Working Through Pain, the fifth story, turns back the clock and reveals some of Bruce’s early training In India. When the Fakirs refvuse to train young Bruce Wayne, he seeks the help of a mysterious woman known as Cassandra, who teaches him how to master pain, both physically and spiritually.

Deadshot, the final story, features an appearance by the deadly accurate mercenary, as he is hired to kill Batman and uses Jim Gordon to get to him.

The stories area ll well done, and I loved them all, except for the first one. The art style is a bit too strange in it and it makes the story harder to follow. I especially liked Field Test, Darkness Dwells and Deadshot.

The voice cast is superb, with fan favorite Kevin Conroy, who played Batman/Bruce Wayne in Batman: the Animated Series, Batman Beyond and Justice League, returing to the role. His involvement adds a sense of legitimacy and helps to tie all of the stories together. Also a nice surprise is the casting of Gary Dourdain, who played Warrick Brown on CSI, as Detective Crispus Allen.

The music is exactly what should be expected frima Batman film, and also harkens back to Batman: the Animated Series.

The second disc contains all of the commentary, documentaries and extras you would expect. In addition, it contains four episodes of Batman: the Animated Series specially selected by Producer Bruce Timm. They are: Heart of Ice, I am the Night, Legends of the Dark Knight and Over the Edge.

This is a great movie. I loved it. it is a perfect primer for the Dark Knight. It was great to hear Kevin Conroy’s familiar Batman voice again. I hope he can do some more voice work for the character soon. I highly recommend picking this one up. If not for the strange style of the first story, it would be perfect.

Batman: Gotham Knight gets a 4 out of 5.