Bruce Wayne meets his son Damien for the first time in Warner Bros.’ Animation branch. How was the long awaited small screen arrival of the duo?

Son of Batman is a 2014 DC Animated film. It is produced and animated by DC Animation. It is currently available on DVD, Blu-Ray, and digital download.

Batman and the new Robin.

I’ve been a Batman fan for as long as I can remember, having it all start with the stellar Batman: The Animated Series. Since then I’ve tried my damnedest to get my hands on just about every piece of Batman animation that DC puts out there, and Son of Batman was no different. Before watching the film I decided on doing a ton of research on it’s source material, and found it to be pretty interesting. The film tries to get it right, and nearly does, but there was some definite issues. One of which being that fans of the franchise may not take to kindly to the Son of Batman movie being based in the New 52 Universe, like all future Batman/DC releases going forward.

Warning: The following review contains complete to near complete spoilers for Son of Batman. If you have yet to see the film, then avoid this review until doing so. You have been warned.

Slade is the main antagonist in a DC animated feature for the first time since Teen Titans (2003-2006).

THE GOOD: It was nice seeing Damien Wayne make his DC animated film debut and here’s hoping he’s included into future Batman releases from this point on. Slade being the main antagonist was rather surprising, but I enjoyed seeming him in a more mature light. The last time we saw him like this was during his run on the original Teen Titans series. Damien being a young kid with no problem murdering a person was an interesting thing to see as well. Despite the film being rated PG-13, but DC could have easily pushed for an soft R and gotten away with more than what was presented.

Talia is reduced to a damsel in distress.

THE BAD: There isn’t very much to dislike about Son of Batman, unless of course you’re the most anal DC diehard. However, one thing I feel I need to point out is that Talia Al Ghul, who in past Batman arcs had been depicted as an ultimate bad ass was reduced to nothing more than a damsel in distress in Son of Batman. Rather unfortunate as her character could have been expanded upon even  greater given the fact that she hands Damien over to Bruce come the end of the film.

Dick Grayson, Batman, and Damien meeting face to face.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Son of Batman is a solid entry into the DC Animation lineup from the New 52 initiative. Damien Wayne making his DC animated debut was excellently executed, and it was great seeing Slade in the spotlight again. However, the way they went about Talia’s role was quite disappointing compared to her role in previous Batman animations. Still, Son of Batman provided some great visuals and stellar action which outweighs it’s few flaws. Otaku Dome gives Son of Batman an 75 out of 100.