The success of Tim Burton’s live-action Batman series meant that a quality animated Batman series was finally possible. The animated Batman series, in turn, went on to create a version of the venerable character that was both truer and more artistically satisfying than that presented in any of the live-action films. Subzero, the second animated Batman film, is no exception.
Unlike the first animated Batman film (Mask of the Phantasm), Subzero is an unusual OAV for several reasons. Released the same summer as the disappointing Batman and Robin and featuring a vaguely similar plot, Subzero indubitably suffered from association with the live-action film. Subzero also fell between the cracks of two different versions of the Batman animated series. The character and background designs belonged to the superior Dark Deco look of the original Fox series, but the film was released just as the entire look and tone of the series was being revised at the Kids WB. Furthermore, neither Paul Dini nor Bruce Timm, the prime movers behind the animated Batman Adventures of the 1990s, had anything to do with the film. Finally, Warner Brothers didn’t promote the film very effectively.
This is a shame. While the animation (save for the stunning action sequences) is on the level of the regular TV series, the film boasts a tight plot featuring the sympathetic villain Mr. Freeze. Victor Freeze was played for laughs in Batman and Robin, but Subzero explores his unusual and melodramatic inability to withstand temperatures above freezing. Unlike the overlong live-action feature films, Subzero has a great deal of suspense. Most of this involves Mr. Freeze’s capture of Batgirl, who actually gets more screen time in her civilian identity of Barbara Gordon. There are also plenty of moments for character development for both heroes and villains, and many of these take place in the delightfully 1940s retro atmosphere of Gotham City. Subzero also boasts some nice big-band numbers, an extra treat if you listen carefully to the soundtrack.
Kevin Conroy’s voice work as Bruce Wayne and Batman is excellent as always. Conroy’s dark-throated menace is enough to make anyone forget the high camp of Adam West, or the miscasting of Michael Keaton.
Subzero may not qualify as High Art, but it’s one of the best superhero-derived films, either animated or live-action. Subzero is a treat for anyone who enjoyed Batman in any of his comic-book incarnations.
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Other NonAnime Reviews Prince of Egypt Review* Gotham Girls Review* Jackie Chan Adventures Review Titan A.E. Review Return of the Joker Review* |
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