Batman: Gotham Knight (V) (2008)

Batman: Gotham Knight (DVD). Just like Animatrix series of Japanese-style animes that linked Matrix (1999) and its subsequent two-part sequels (Reloaded and Revolution), Batman: Gotham Knight is a series of animation episodes that (apparently) linked Batman Begins (2005) and the upcoming The Dark Knight (2008).

Batman: The Gotham Knight is a collection of six titles: Gotham Knight, Cross Fire, Field Test, In Darkness Dwells, Working Through Pain, and Deadshot. Each recounted the tale of Batman from various perspective after the events in Batman Begins which arguably turns Batman from a novice crimefighter into the Dark Knight. From a bunch of kids recounting their tales of Batman encounters, each with their own version of spice to fantasize their tales thus rendered the Batman into more than just a simple human being, from the squad of Gotham Police Department, Batman's battle against Scarecrow and Killer Croc, his encounter with Cassandra (not Cassandra Cain, though) in what i'm guessing India, his and Lucious Fox's research to have another addition into his arsenal of gadgetry, and finally his fight against Deadshot.

If you asked me, Batman: Gotham Knight is a more of a gimmick than an essential link that bridged the two Batman films. Long time fans of Batman, and especially Batman Animated series would know most of the stories already. Added to that, here, Batman was voiced by Kevin Conroy, its original voice actor from Batman Animated series. As far as The Dark Knight film which was going to hit the theaters next week concerned, unless my ears deceiving me, not a brief mention of Joker, Harvey Dent, or even Rachel Dawes ever came up which made the episodes depicted in this film act more like filler episodes. Therefore, unless you're Batman fans, really hyped up toward The Dark Knight film, or a film buffs with a lot of time to waste, or all three, it's okay to skip this film entirely and anticipate for the release of The Dark Knight film sometime next week instead.