59. The Dark Knights Returns Part 1

After Batman: Year One I wasn't holding out much hope for this 'DC Universe Animated Original Movie'. I can happily report it's actually very good! I think this is more to do with the source materail than what the animators have done here but I cannot deny, it's a rollicking good ride!

As far as the animation is concerned, it's a step up from Year One and the all action narrative really suits the medium. For everyone that has read the book, there is enough here to recommend you check it out.

Quality!

11. Batman: Year One

An animated version of one my favourite comic books ever is always going to be a tricky one to pull off; and this doesn't do it justice at all.

The book had subtly, atmosphere and tension whereas the animated version has seemingly missed or ignored all of this. It moves far too quickly through a story that requires some delicate pacing at times. All this proves to me that the story itself is not really suited to the medium of animation.

It's worth mentioning that the animation is workmanlike at best and it feels like the whole project has had very little love from it's creators.

A shame.