The Penguin: "Batman, Batgirl, Batwoman. What is it about this city - the water?"

There’s a new player in town and neither Batman nor the Penguin is too happy about it. The Penguin along with crime lord Rupert Thorne and gangster Carlton Duquesne are in cahoots to sell illegal weapons. Not in Gotham City especially if this new Batwoman has anything to say about it. Batman: The Mystery of the Batwoman is a 2003 direct-to-DVD movie by the creative team who worked on The New Batman Adventures and Batman Beyond.

Batwoman’s appearance sparks a mystery as to who is under the mask. The obvious candidate would be Barbara Gordon, the one known as Batgirl, but even she is perplexed to the identity of this new vigilante. It’s obvious that this Batwoman has a personal vendetta against both the Penguin and Rupert Thorne. The question is why.

Batman’s investigation to Batwoman’s identity leads him to three possible candidates:

• Sonia Alcana is Detective Harvey Bullock’s new partner. She became a police officer after seeing the atrocities of Rupert Thorne’s handiwork, especially when it cost her parents their business and home.

• Roxanne “Rocky” Ballantine is WayneTech’s newest research and development expert. Her scientific knowledge has created some impressive new “toys”. She also has a vendetta against the Penguin for framing her boyfriend who is serving time in jail.

• Kathleen “Kathy” Duquesne is the daughter of Carlton Duqusene, the Penguin and Thorne’s hired muscle. His life as a gangster has cost him his wife in a fatal shootout, something Kathy is not forgotten nor forgiven.

Trying to uncover the identity of Batwoman has become an agenda for Batman, considering he does not condone her actions as she borders on the fence of crossing the line. It becomes even more complicated when Bruce Wayne becomes involved with Kathy, the new lady in his life. But things become even more deadlier when Penguin hires Bane to make sure that all bats in the belfry are exterminated.

I have to admit that have mixed feelings about this movie. It wasn’t bad but didn’t feel like it was that good as well. Keep in mind that this animated version of Batman started in 1992. At the time of the movie, that’s already eleven years worth of stories and makeovers. Was Batman running out of steam? I almost felt like that this movie was telling me just that.

There were elements that solidified its place in this animated continuity, things that tied this series with Batman Beyond, most notably the flirtatious nature of Barbara Gordon towards Bruce Wayne. The animation is still fluid as ever keeping in style with the previous episodes. And the voice acting is superb.

Kevin Conroy is, and will always be, Batman in my eyes. His gravel-like, scowling voice can still make me jump out of my seat. Absolutely classic! The sardonic Alfred Pennyworth, as voiced by Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., always cracks me up with his dry wit and deadpan humour. Kelly Ripa (Rocky), Elisa Gabrielli (Sonia) and Kimberly Brooks (Kathy) play the femme protagonists/adversaries. And Kyra Sedgwick is used to voice Batwoman to throw off suspicion from any of these women.

But the best line of the movie comes from an unexpected, insignificant, totally forgettable character.

Thug: "I miss working for the Joker."

The extras on this DVD is actually pretty good, considering that most of the time Warner Bros. barely gives the bare minimum. Out of everything featured, from the behind-the-scenes look to character bios, the animated short “Chase Me” is without a doubt an absolute treat. No voices are featured at all but the story is told through animation and music in a classic cat-and-mouse chase between Batman and Catwoman. It was from the music alone that I realized why this entire movie felt different: the producers are showing a lighter side of Batman.

Throughout the movie, and even the animated short, a jazzy-latino type of beat is heard throughout. It’s lively and upbeat, something that is a contrast to Batman’s world. If anything, this is more of a Bruce Wayne film as it is a Batman one, if that makes any sense. In other words, Bruce doesn’t play in the back seat to Batman; he’s there on equal footing.

Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman is really not a bad animated movie, but I think it definitely appeals more to an older crowd than it does for children. It’s safe to say that there is something sexy about the whole look and the way the actors interact with each other. I’m comparing this to more of a James Bond-type of atmosphere. I can see younger children becoming a bit bored with the whole mystery as it moves slowly. Speaking of the mystery, I think the revelation to Batwoman’s identity comes too soon for my tastes. I would have liked it if it dragged out for a bit longer. Still, all the clues to her identity fall into place, as contrived as it is. And it’s hard to deny that Batwoman fills out the spandex much better, animated or otherwise.


Related Reviews
from the Timmverse
• Television Series:
Batman: The Animated Series: Volume 1 || Volume 2 || Volume 3 || Volume 4 || The Adventures of Batman and Robin: Robin's Reckoning
Superman: The Animated Series: Volume 1 || Volume 2 || Volume 3
Batman Beyond: Season One || Season Two || Batman Beyond
Justice League: Season One || Season Two || Justice League: Justice On Trial
Justice League Unlimited: Season One || Season Two

• Movies:
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm || Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero || The Batman Superman Movie || Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker || Justice League: Secret Origins || Justice League: Starcrossed The Movie || Superman: Brainiac Attacks

• Books:
Batman Animated: The Book


Pre-Timmverse days
• Television Series:
Challenge of the Superfriends: The First Season || Attack of the Legion of Doom

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12