Written by Brian Augustyn and illustrated by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, DC's special, A Tale of Batman: Gotham By Gaslight took the world by storm when it was released in 1989. There had been imaginary stories before, but none that really took a character completely out of their setting and retold their story the way this did. The book told the story of Jack the Ripper arriving in Victoria Era Gotham just after Bruce Wayne has taken up the mantle of the Batman. It was an immediately appealing premise, and the idea of taking well-known characters and putting them in unfamiliar yet fitting settings became the principal idea behind the Elseworlds series.
While the book was well-received like many of the earlier Elseworlds titles, the story didn't have time to breathe and felt rushed. Batman: Gotham By Gaslight, the DC Universe Animated Movie adaptation of the same story fleshes out the world, characters, and story while adding to the mystery of it all. This version makes no mention of The Ripper's previous exploits in London, in fact, it would seem that the entire incident has been moved to Gotham for the story, which makes it easier to tell and focus on Gotham, as there is no need to account for the killer's involvement in those murders. Writer Jim Kreig deftly weaves several red herring suspects among the mystery, as well as make note of some major historical movements about to start like the Suffragette movement and advance in forensic sciences like fingerprints. But it's the inclusion of characters like Selina Kyle, voiced by Jennifer Carpenter (Dexter), and The Robins, and Harvey Dent voiced by veteran voice actor Yuri Lowenthol, that truly add to the story. Sure, they're fan-service nods, but they're worked into the story in a way that feels natural.
Speaking of the voice talent, Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek) reprises his role as Brue Wayne/Batman from Under the Red Hood and Young Justice, Anthony Stewart Head (Giles from Buffy) voices Alfred, and rounding out the cast is Scot Patterson (Saw films) voices Commissioner Gordon. A great cast to be sure but these movies don't live on their voice actors alone, and the animation and art direction is spot on. Mike Mignola has a very dark style, and his backgrounds are atmospheric, to say the least. The team emulated the art style in a way that evokes the same atmospheric feel, but without all the shadows and yet it still has the characteristic darkness. The color palette is just the right rust and soot color to bring that gritty Victorian aesthetic to life. The period clothing, buildings, carriages, etc truly set the tone for this fast-paced adventure.
There is already talk of another well-loved Elseworlds book being turned into a film, Mark Millar's Superman: Red Son. If this movie does well I really hope that that book and a few others get the animated treatment. Two specific titles I think would make great animated movies suffered the same issue that Gotham By Gaslight did in comic form, not enough time to breathe. Superman: Speeding Bullets, told the story of Kal-El's ship crashing in the Wayne's backyard, while In Darkest Knight told the story of if Bruce had received a Green Lantern ring instead of a Bat flying into his study. These would both make great movies.
So if you're wondering if Old Timey Batman is for you, or is worthing checking out the answer is a resounding "Yes!" This movie is definitely in the company of Under the Red Hood, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern: First FLight, and Justice League Dark! Check out Batman: Gotham By Gaslight, out now!
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