The DC Animated Chronicles: Batman Mask of the Phantasm Thoughts
There’s an old adage, you save the best for last, but why not kick it off with the best to get everyone in a great mood? Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is perhaps the finest animated endeavor by either DC Comics or Marvel to date, and as a partial Batman origins, we felt it was the perfect piece to kick-start this multi-month voyage!
The Summary
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (also known as Batman: The Animated Movie) is a 1993 animated superhero film based on the fictional DC Comics character Batman. Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm directed the film, which stars Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker, as well as Dana Delany, Hart Bochner, Abe Vigoda, and Stacy Keach. The film’s storyline introduces Andrea Beaumont, an old love interest of Bruce Wayne, who returns to Gotham City, restarting their romance. At the same time, a mysterious killer begins systematically eliminating Gotham’s crime bosses, and due to the person’s dark appearance, he is mistaken for Batman. Now on the run, Batman must apprehend the killer and deal with the romance between himself and Andrea.
Thoughts:
This movie relies heavily on flashbacks to tell the compelling story of how Bruce Wayne finally took up the mantle of Batman. This movie serves as both an origin to the Batman of TAS fame and as a love story. Both stories are interconnected and work so well, it truly is magic on the screen.
Where this movie works best for me is that it shows that Bruce had the chance for happiness even after his parents’ death, but as expected, the criminal world once again struck taking all that he held dear.
On the same hand, other than a climax appearance by the Joker, the story also doesn’t really focus on villains as there are an assortment of mobsters being picked off, but this is really Bruce/Andrea’s story.
Memorable Moments
This movie is clocked full of memorable moments, but the one that defines the movie for me at least, is the first time that Bruce dons the cape and cowl, just the way it is shot and Alfred’s reaction are excellent.
If you haven’t seen this movie, you owe it to yourself to check it out. It is hands down the best Batman movie animated or live action wise.
Next Up on The DC Animated Chronicles: Superman: Last Son of Krypton