ANN’s Coverage of Anime Expo 2024 Sponsored by Yen Press and Ize Press
Warner Bros. Japan has just released a teaser trailer, main visual, and character visuals for the highly anticipated CG anime film Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League. The unveiling occurred during their panel at Anime Expo on Thursday.
Directorial and Creative Team
Junpei Mizusaki, renowned for producing the opening animation sequences for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders, and founder of Kamikaze Douga, returns to direct the film. He is joined by Shinji Takagi, known for his work as unit director for Blood: The Last Vampire. Kamikaze Douga is once again responsible for animating the film. The returning creative team includes scriptwriter Kazuki Nakashima, character designer Takashi Okazaki, and composer Yūgo Kanno.
Voice Cast
Kōichi Yamadera reprises his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman, bringing his iconic voice back to the character in this new installment.
Background and Previous Releases
The original Batman Ninja anime film made its digital debut in April 2018, followed by a home video release in May 2018. It featured both Japanese audio and an English dub. The film premiered in Japanese theaters in June 2018 with the Japanese voice cast and later aired on Toonami in October 2021.
Synopsis of Batman Ninja
In Batman Ninja, Batman is transported back to Japan’s Warring States period where he confronts iconic villains like The Joker, who have taken on the roles of feudal lords.
Manga and Stage Adaptation
Masato Hisa launched a manga adaptation of the anime in Monthly Hero’s magazine in June 2018, concluding it in September 2019. The manga earned a Seiun Award in August 2020. Additionally, the anime film inspired a stage play that ran in November 2021.
FAQ
Q: Who is directing the Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League film?
A: Junpei Mizusaki is directing the film, with Shinji Takagi as co-director.
Q: Who is voicing Batman in the sequel?
A: Kōichi Yamadera returns as the voice of Bruce Wayne/Batman.
Q: When was the original Batman Ninja anime film released?
A: The original film was released digitally in April 2018, on home video in May 2018, and in Japanese theaters in June 2018.
Q: What is the plot of Batman Ninja?
A: Batman is transported back to Japan’s Warring States period, where he battles villains like The Joker, who have become feudal lords.
Q: Are there any adaptations of the original Batman Ninja film?
A: Yes, there is a manga adaptation by Masato Hisa and a stage play inspired by the anime film.
