There is a solid argument that puts DC’s animated work ahead of everyone else. There was a time that if you were looking for a great live-action comic book movie, you’d go to Marvel; however, if you were looking for something from the animated world, there was no one else to turn to by DC. While we have to wait to see if DC can continue the success that Wonder Woman started with Justice League, I have complete faith in their animated projects.
The animated movies are, in my opinion, the ideal place to tell Elseworld stories. Audiences understand that comic books and animation aren’t just for kids anymore and, compared to live-action, will cause less confusion. While seeing live-action adaptations of our favorite DC stories would be great, I’m glad that one of the newest, Batman: Gotham by Gaslight will be making its way to the animated universe.
The NYCC panel left attendees wanting more as panelists Sam Liu (Director/Producer), Bruce Timm (Executive Producer), and Jim Krieg (Screenwriter) teased the next full length animated feature from DC. The film will take inspiration from the original one-shot, where Batman is in a world of steampunk gadgets. This will be Batman like you’ve never seen before—all new gadgets without the conveniences of modern technology. “The greatest gadget is under the cowl,” Krieg says.
GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT
Originally written as a one-shot by Brian Augustyn with art from Mike Mignola and P. Craig Russell, the story features Batman in 1889 and pitted him against Jack the Ripper. While it won’t be a frame by frame adaptation, it will be borrowing story elements from both the original and its sequel, Master of the Future; while also containing a few surprises and additions. Timm says of the adaptation:
“None of the victims are the real victims, and the timeline is completely different. But we did want to incorporate Victorian London elements into Gotham City, including the famous pea soup-fog they had in London those days.”
One of the most interesting things to come out of the panel was an answer to a question from the audience. Someone asked about future Elseworld stories being adapted and the panelists took suggestions. Someone shouted the Superman Red Son story, written by Mark Millar and Dave Johnson. “Red Son is at the top of our list if we make another one,” Timm said. Does a successful Batman: Gotham by Gaslight mean we could see Red Son adapted next? Are you ready to see a Batman in an ushanka?
No official release date has been set, but expect to see Batman: Gotham by Gaslight in early 2018. Are you excited for this new animated feature? Or would you rather see another Elseworld story adapted? Sound off in the comments below!