The one-shot comic book Gotham by Gaslight is considered as the
very first Elseworlds story, in which DC characters are reimagined in alternate
universes or timelines. It sets the Batman
mythos in the late 19th century and pits the World’s Greatest Detective against
the serial killer Jack the Ripper. The
recent DC Universe Animated Original Movie, the 30th one, is an
adaptation of it.
However, what I appreciate about Batman: Gotham by Gaslight is that,
though it has the same “steampunk Batman” premise as its source material, it
has an entirely different plot. Thus, it
has a sense of surprise – there’s a legitimate mystery to be solved. Heck, Bruce Wayne/Batman even does some
Sherlock Holmes. Moreover, certain
characters and elements of the Batman mythology aren’t merely “19th
century versions” but are truly used differently. As a result, one’s familiarity with Batman
mythology doesn’t make the narrative predictable, especially when it comes to
the identity of Jack the Ripper.
Overall though, though there’s engagement
and enjoyment to be had from this animated film, I can’t really say that it’s
thoroughly good. The story, despite the
strong worldbuilding, is kind of weak. I
think it could have been executed much better to make it more thrilling and
leave a more lasting impression.
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight has paved the way for more DCUAOM adaptations of notable Elseworlds stories. There are even
rumors of an upcoming adaptation of Superman:
Red Son, probably my most favorite Elseworld story ever. I’m excited of the thought of it happening
(there was already an excellent Superman:
Red Son motion comic made some years back, but an animated feature would simply
be perfect). But in spearheading this, Batman: Gotham by Gaslight has merely shown
how deeply fascinating the idea of Elseworlds is – a fact that we’ve already
known ever since – but it doesn’t right off the bat demonstrates how exceptionally
great the resulting story could be.
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