'Batman: Soul of the Dragon' Delightfully Brings Together Some of DC's Best Martial Artists in a 70's Martial Arts Caper

Batman: Soul of the Dragon is the second post-DCAMU film from the DCUAOM.  This isn’t set in the same universe as Superman: Man of Tomorrow as I originally thought.  I guess the DCUAOM won’t be doing a shared universe replacement for DCAMU anytime soon.

The New DCUAOM Era Kicks Off with 'Superman: Man of Tomorrow'

Superman: Man of Tomorrow is the first DCUAOM offering since the DCAMU came to a powerful, poignant close.  I’m not sure if this movie is a standalone or if it’s the first installment of the new DC animated movie universe.  But signs seem to point that it’s the latter.

As another Superman origin story, the movie takes a crack at telling a new version of the story of how Clark Kent eventually took on the identity of Superman.  In this incarnation, Batman has been operating for a while now (Batman actually didn’t appear in the movie, but he got name dropped, which would lead to this inference); J’onn J’onzz a.k.a. Martian Manhunter plays a big role in Clark’s formative arc toward becoming Superman; and Lobo, Lex Luthor, and Parasite are the adversaries that a rookie Superman have to contend while undergoing the learning curve of being a superhero.

‘Justice League Dark: Apokolips War’ Brings the DCAMU to an Epic Close

It came as a shock to me when it was reported that the newest DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU) installment, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, was going to be its final one.  For seven years, the DCAMU has maintained an effective shared universe, and has been a quality source of adult-oriented DC animated content.  I don’t necessarily love all of its installments, but having followed it from day one, I’ve come to love the franchise in general.  Thus, it ending has kinda gotten me a bit emotional.

The DCUAOM Botches Up 'Superman: Red Son'

After adapting what’s considered as the very first Elseworlds story Gotham by Gaslight, wherein Gotham is reimagined as a Victorian era setting and Batman is pitted against Jack the Ripper, the DCUAOM (DC Universe Animated Original Movies) then adapts an Elseworld story centered on Superman – Superman: Red Son.  I had been greatly looking forward to this animated film adaptation since the source material is my most favorite Elseworlds comic book ever.

Wonder Woman Deserves a Better First Solo Movie in the DCAMU Than 'Wonder Woman: Bloodlines', Which Is the Worst in the Series

Wonder Woman: Bloodlines is the just the second Wonder Woman direct-to-video animated film in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies franchise – coming 10 years after 2009’s Wonder Woman – and the very first solo Wonder Woman film set in the DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU).  It explores the origins of Wonder Woman a.k.a. Princess Diana of Themyscira in the DCAMU, and then tells an adventure presumably set in the present time of DCAMU continuity that pits her against Villainy Inc, paving the way for her to go back to Themyscira for the first time since she left it.

'Batman: Hush' Is a Solid DCAMU Adaptation of an Acclaimed Comic Book Story Arc

The 13^th installment (14^th, if we count 2013’s Justice League: Flashpoint Paradox as the first installment instead of Justice League: War) of the DC Animated Movie Universe series is an adaptation of the comic book story arc “Hush.”  The film pits Batman against a mysterious new villain named Hush, who appears to be aware of Batman’s secrets, allowing him to be a step ahead of the World’s Greatest Detective.  The Dark Knight also has to deal with several notable members of his rogue gallery – Bane (performing the role that Killer Croc played in the comics), Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Joker, Scarecrow, Riddler, and Clayface – whom Hush has manipulated into carrying out his schemes.  Meanwhile, the film also explores the love triangle between Batman, Catwoman, and Bruce Wayne as well as Bruce Wayne’s friendship with the renowned brain surgeon Thomas Elliot.

Batman: Hush is a pretty solid adaptation.  It gives justice to its source material, which is widely regarded as one of the best Batman storylines ever.  It condenses the plot into its runtime without turning it into a sloppy and rushed translation.  It’s well-paced and well-scripted.

'Justice League vs. the Fatal Five' Is a Wonderful Treat for Fans of the Timmverse

The latest offering of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies is titled Justice League vs. the Fatal Five, and is a delightful return to the Timmverse (i.e. the DC Animated Universe), the setting of classic DC animated series like Batman: The Animated Series and Justice League Unlimited.

It features a Justice League lineup consisting of founding members Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman (with Kevin Conroy, George Newbern, and Susan Eisenberg reprising their iconic voice roles!), plus Green Lantern Jessica Cruz, Mister Terrific, and rookie Miss Martian.  This time, they are pitted against the Fatal Five, a team of powerful supervillains from the future.  Coming to the heroes’ aid is Star Boy, a member of the Legion of Superheroes from the 31^st century.  Unfortunately, he suffers from a mental illness that stifles his memory and coherence of thought, and the drug that he needs to stabilize his mind has not been invented yet in the present era.

'Reign of the Supermen' Is an Underwhelming Followup

Reign of the Supermen is the sequel to last year’s The Death of Superman, continuing the DCAMU’s take on the 90’s Superman comic book storyline.  (Warning: the following synopsis is a bit spoiler-y, but not really; considering that the source material is at least two-and-a-half decades old, the following information is basically out there already.)  Six months after Superman gave up his life to stop Doomsday, four different heroes have emerged claiming to be Superman – Superboy, Steel, Eradicator, and Cyborg Superman.  However, when one of them turns out to be working secretly with a vengeful alien invader, the remaining three “Supermen” must put aside their differences, and work together with the revived Superman – the real Superman – to save the world.

'The Death of Superman' Is DCAMU's Best Installment Yet

I described both of the past two DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU) films as “the best DCAMU installment yet” – meaning the franchise succeeded in outdoing itself in succession.  And with its latest movie, The Death of Superman, I’m once again going to state it: it’s the best DCAMU installment yet.  Yep.  That’s three in a row now.

'Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay' Is DCAMU's Best Installment Yet

In Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay, the 10^th movie of the DC Animated Movie Universe, Amanda Waller sends Task Force X – composed of Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Bronze Tiger, Captain Boomerang, Killer Frost, and Copperhead – to retrieve a supernatural item that holds power over the afterlife, as other interested parties are in pursuit of this McGuffin as well.

'Batman: Gotham by Gaslight' Features a Batman Tale in the Late 19th Century

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 19^th century and pits the World’s Greatest Detective against the serial killer Jack the Ripper.  The recent DC Universe Animated Original Movie, the 30^th one, is an adaptation of it.

'Batman and Harley Quinn' Is Batty

Animated in the same style as Batman: The Animated Series.  Helmed by Sam Liu, the director behind some of the best superhero animated films ever made, like All-Star Superman, Superman/Batman: Public Enemies, Hulk Vs., Justice League: Gods and Monsters, and the recent Teen Titans: The Judas Contract.  Bruce Timm, mastermind of the beloved “Timmverse”, doing the story.  Legendary Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy returning to his iconic role.  As well as Loren Lester as Nightwing.  And the adorable Melissa Rauch voicing Harley Quinn – which is seemingly perfect, especially if you’re familiar with her work as Bernadette in The Big Bang Theory.

These are the cool elements at play in the latest DC Universe Animated Original Movie Batman and Harley Quinn.  Thus, on paper, it has the potential of being great.  Unfortunately, it’s not.  Oh, it’s entertaining, I’ll give it that.  But it isn’t the even, delightful, well-crafted animated film I thought it could be.  In fact, I understand if others would think of it as a bad movie.

'Teen Titans: The Judas Contract' Doesn't Need Batman to Become the Best Film in the DC Animated Movie Universe So Far

It has been a long time since we had a film from DC Universe Animate Original Movies (DCAOM) that doesn’t have Batman in it.  Don’t get me wrong.  I love Batman.  Thus, I always enjoy his presence in a movie.  But it’s also now time for DCUAOM to trust their non-Batman properties.  It has been four years since Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox’s ending established this new, New 52-inspired DC Animated Movie Universe, and three years since it had its first feature with Justice League: War, and all movies set in this universe all have had Batman in it.  Even in Justice League Dark, which is about a team that doesn’t have Batman as a member in the comics, the character is shoehorned in with a prominent role (which I didn’t mind much because I thought it was brilliant).

The latest DCAOM movie, Teen Titans: The Judas Contract, is the first time in the DC Animated Movie Universe in which Batman doesn’t make an appearance (though Batman protégés Dick Grayson [ex-Robin and current Nightwing] and Damien Wayne [a.k.a. Robin] are among the central characters).  This could be a sign that DCAOM is going to do more non-Batman projects now (I would love to see a few Superman movies).  Or maybe not, since the next DCAOM feature is a Batman and Harley Quinn movie (note: not all DCAOM movies are set in the DC Animated Movie Universe).

'Justice League Dark' Is, Well, Dark... but Doesn't Do Anything Special from Being Such

Despite the current Justice League animated film series being mediocre so far, I was actually hyped for Justice League Dark.  The first reason is because Matt Ryan, who was fantastic as a live-action John Constantine in the short-lived Constantine TV series, is reprising the role, though through voice acting.  Secondly, though Batman isn’t a member of the actual Justice League Dark team in the comics, I thought that his seemingly de facto addition (as implied by the trailer and promo art) to this animated version of the team is brilliant.  Yes, DC tends to overexpose Batman, and he’s clearly only in this team so that the audience could see a more traditional face in this movie made up of second-tier DC characters.  But think about it.  He’s the Dark Knight.  He’s a grim, tortured character.  Though he’s not a supernatural-type of character like the other members of the Justice League Dark, he definitely has the “dark” vibes.  He thematically fits in the Justice League Dark.  As one joke from Justice League Action goes (in the episode, “Speed Demon”), Goblins tell each other Batman stories to scare each other.  I love the idea of him on the team.

'Batman: The Killing Joke' Is Creepy and Shocking... But Not in the Way Expected

The Batman: The Killing Joke graphic novel – written by Alan Moore (who I’m a big fan of) and illustrated by Brian Bolland – is widely considered as one of the best Batman stories of all time.  It’s an intelligent, visceral, and endearing – albeit also disturbing – tale about the Joker terrorizing Commissioner Gordon at length in an attempt to drive him crazy, in order to drive a point to Batman.  It’s particularly a fascinating character study of the Joker, and an analysis of the psychological parallels of Batman and Joker.  It also presents an origin story for the Joker, though its authenticity is questionable since he’s an unreliable narrator.  Another significant thing about it is that it brought about the paralysis of Barbara Gordon in the DC Comics continuity, which she had been for many years afterwards (prompting her to retire as Batgirl; becoming the super-hacker Oracle later on, until the New 52 made her Batgirl again).

Thus, as a comic book fan, I was thrilled when it was announced last year that such monumental comic story was going to be finally made into an animated movie.  And having Bruce Timm oversee the whole thing, and with the voice cast of the 90’s Batman animated series – Kevin Conroy (Batman), Mark Hamill (Joker), Tara Strong (Batgirl), and Ray Wise (Commissioner Gordon) – reprising their respective roles for the movie, there’s more than enough reason to expect that it would be great.

'Justice League vs. Teen Titans' Isn't as Fantastic as the Title Suggests

After the disappointing, cluttered Batman: Bad Blood, DC Animated’s second feature in 2016 is Justice League vs. Teen Titans.  Having these two teams duke it out is a fantastic idea for a DC animated film.  Unfortunately, the execution isn’t satisfactory at all.  And yet, I still pick it over Batman v Sup – uh, on second thought, not really.  This movie is as equally problematic and underwhelming as BvS.

A Terrific Concept Is Wasted on 'Batman: Bad Blood'

Batman: Bad Blood is the sequel to last year’s Batman vs. Robin, and completes the trilogy that started with Son of Batman.  Here’s what it’s about in a nutshell:

• Bruce Wayne a.k.a. Batman goes missing after saving Batwoman from a group of supervillains led by the enigmatic Heretic.
• Batwoman investigates on Heretic.
• Unsure of whether Bruce is alive or dead, Dick Grayson a.k.a. Nightwing decides to take up the cowl of Batman to fill up the void left in Gotham by Bruce’s absence.
• Damien Wayne a.k.a. Robin cuts his Himalayan sabbatical and returns to Gotham after learning of his father’s disappearance.
• Talia al Ghul is plotting to take over the world which involves the use of mind control, and it’s up to the Bat family to stop her.
• The son of Lucius Fox, Luke Fox, is drawn to the conflict and becomes Batwing.

Bruce Timm’s ‘Justice League: Gods and Monsters’ Is a Terrific Reinvention of the Justice League

Justice League: Gods and Monsters is the third of the three DC direct-to-video animated features scheduled for 2015.  On the other hand, the number of Marvel direct-to-video animated features released this year is… zip!  Seriously, I grow more disappointed with each DC animated movie being released without any Marvel response.  I understand that Marvel is already making serious money in the big screen that they can consider the direct-to-video market close to irrelevant, and they don’t need to compete with DC here.  But as a fan, I really, really wish Marvel would imitate DC in annually producing three or more animated movies a year.   Maybe they can continue exploring the worlds of their epic short-live animated TV series Spectacular Spider-Man and Avengers: Earth Mightiest Heroes through a couple of animated features.  Heck, Marvel can even create a shared universe for their animated movies.

Sorry, I got off topic.  Just needed to express that.  Anyway, back to Justice League: Gods and Monsters…

The movie is basically an “Elseworld” tale.  It is set in an alternate universe in which Amanda Waller is President of the United States; Lex Luthor is a super-scientist confined to a high-tech, levitating “wheel chair” (that will remind you of Prof. X); Superman is named Hernan Guerra, the son of General Zod instead of Jor-el, and was found and raised by a Mexican immigrant couple instead of the Kents; Batman is a vampire scientist named Kirk Langstrom (in the regular DC universe, Langstrom is the Batman villain Man-Bat); Wonder Woman is named Bekka, a New God outcast and the widow of Orion; and unique takes on some familiar DC scientists.  This universe’s version of the DC Trinity – Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman – forms this universe’s the Justice League.  They work closely with the US government, and do “fight evil and save the world” stuff, but their methods closely resembles that of The Elite (Read Action Comics’ “What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?” storyline or watch the DCAOU movie Superman vs. the Elite) rather than that of traditional Justice League.  They are violent, ruthless, and have no qualms on going for the overkill.  They even muse about taking over the world someday in order to better protect it.  Hence, it’s no surprise that a good part of the public and media fears and hates them.

A mystery engulfs most of the central plot of the movie.  Shapeshifting killer robots are assassinating several important scientists and making it appear that these were done by the Justice League.  Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman have to figure out what is the connection between the targeted scientists, why they are being framed for the murders, and who is the real mastermind behind them; as well as reflect if there’s a need to change their methods.

Coming into this movie, I admit that I was prepared to hate it.  The trailers for it never appealed to me, and I was never sold on the premise.  I thought that the legendary Bruce Timm – creator of the awesome and beloved DC “Timmverse” – was making a mistake for making this kind of film.  But, watching it finally, I found it surprisingly terrific.  In fact, among all of DC’s animated movies this year – this and JL: Throne of Atlantis and Batman vs. Robin – this is what I like the most.  Its utter Elseworld-ness abundantly adds intrigued and charm, not only to its world-building, but to its overall storytelling.  The plot isn’t flawless, but it’s nearly so, and it’s generally well-told and well-written.  Its Justice League roster, though small in size, has great dynamic.  The voice acting is compelling.  And I love the fact that the very appealing “Timmverse”-style of animation was used.

I’m happy that I was proven wrong for doubting Bruce Timm.  Justice League: Gods and Monsters proves to be another engaging and entertaining DC animated movie.  I love its world, characters, and premise, and I want to see more of them.  So I’m happy that a ten-episode season 2 of Justice League: Gods and Monsters Chronicles is set for 2016 (the first season, consisting of three very short episodes, was released earlier this year in Machinima’s Youtube channel to promote the movie).  But I want more than that.  I’m hoping for movie sequels or a web TV series.  Frankly, I prefer seeing more of Bruce Timm’s Gods and Monsters universe being explored in future projects (this or a series of Injustice: Gods Among Us animated films) than having the continuation of the New 52-style Justice League series of films.

In ‘Batman vs. Robin’, Batman Faces One of His Biggest Challenges Yet – Being a Father

Batman vs. Robin is set months after the events of 2014’s Son of Batman.  Damien Wayne – now permanently staying with his father, Bruce Wayne a.k.a. Batman, and serving as his Robin – is struggling with the paradigm change.  Raised and trained by his grandfather Ra’s al Ghul to kill without hesitation but is now being taught by Batman to avoid it – “Justice, not vengeance,” as Batman constantly reminds him – Damien has a difficult time keeping his grim, murderous instincts in check when dealing with criminals, but overcomes the temptation because of a sincere desire to honor his father. 

However, with both Bruce and Damien suffering from flawed and damaged personalities, friction between them is inevitable.  Bruce, concerned for Damien’s safety as well as the chance of him succumbing to the darkness inside him, wants to keep him in a tight leash.  On the other hand, Damien is deeply frustrated of his father’s lack of trust.

Batman and Robin’s strained, “powder-keg” relationship is inevitably set to explode.  All it takes is a spark.  And that spark came in the form of the Court of Owls – a sinister, secret society of Gotham’s rich and elite, who has manipulated the city from the shadows for generations to advance their agendas and preserve their power.  A part of their plans involves recruiting the rich Bruce Wayne into their ranks, but, ironically, also involves destroying his alter-ego, Batman, who they consider a great threat to their operations (I have no idea, though, why they didn’t do it sooner in Batman’s career).  The Court of Owls plans to attack Batman by exploiting the rift between him and Robin, and create conflict between the two (hence, the “Batman vs. Robin” title).  They intend to do this by sending their lead henchman, Talon, to win over Robin and manipulate him into joining their side. 

Batman vs. Robin’s plot made it possible for a compelling father-and-son drama unfold in its storytelling. And I believe the movie has successfully fleshed out what I think is the most powerfully unique thing about the whole “Damien Wayne as Robin”: the father-and-son drama it brings to the “Batman and Robin” dynamic – Batman struggling to be a father, Robin struggling to be a son.  Sure, Bruce Wayne also served as a father figure to Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, and Tim Drake.  But it’s different with Damien because he’s his biological son.  The connection between them is much significant – as well as any chemistry and conflict that can develop – due to being their own flesh-and-blood with each other.  Batman’s struggles as a father put additional depth to the unique “humanized” charm that makes him stand out in the DC superhero pantheon.  And Damien being tormented in his search for identity, acceptance, and redemption makes him distinctive above all the Robins that came before him.  Above its enjoyable action and beautiful animation, this aspect, for me, is what makes Batman vs. Robin a great film. 

Miscellaneous musings:

• Observation: Batman animated films > Justice League animated films.  So far, I haven’t disliked a Batman animated movie yet.     
• I would love to see Grant Morrison’s “Batman and Robin” – wherein Dick Grayson was Batman with Damien Wayne as his Robin – adapted into an animated film.  But since that happened pre-New 52 and DC is seemingly adapting New 52 concepts exclusively for their current direct-to-video animated features, I don’t see this a likely thing happening.  Bummer.
• I like Damien Wayne as a character.  The fantastic development of the character made him my choice as favorite Robin.  Yes, he’s an arrogant brat, but he’s a lovable arrogant brat.  However, I noticed that some annoyance was being provoked by the quality of the voicing of Damien in this movie.  The experience was like hearing Sarah Silverman’s Vanellope in Wreck-It Ralph.  
• The cameo of future Damien Wayne Batman from Batman #666 was much appreciated.
• Next on DC Universe Animated Original Movies: a dark, Elseworld-style story titled Justice League: Gods and Monsters, wherein Superman is the son of Zod (not Jor-el), Wonder Woman is a New God, and Batman is a vampire.  I recently saw the teaser trailer.  And it looks pretty godawful.  And the worst thing is that this is produced by Bruce Timm, the man who created the beloved “Timmverse” – the greatest animated adaptation of the DC universe.  I wish he opted for a more lighthearted project.

'Justice League: Throne of Atlantis' is the Least of All 'Justice League' Animated Movies So Far

At its core, Justice League: Throne of Atlantis is simply an attempt to introduce Aquaman to this animated universe since he was set aside for Shazam in Justice League: War (in the comics’ New 52 – in which this new DC animated universe is based on – the original seventh member of the initial Justice League line-up was Aquaman and not Shazam); the whole story merely served as the vessel and padding for it.  The movie also established the romance between Superman and Wonder Woman.  And aside from these two details, I find nothing appreciably special about the movie.  The overall narrative just feels so generic – it’s as if I’ve already seen this kind of story too many times before.  

I have a couple of nitpicks with JL: War, but I still found it better than JL: Throne of Atlantis.  The former has been more action-packed and had better character moments – both in quality and quantity.  In fact, if I’m going to rank all Justice League animated movies so far, JL: Throne of Atlantis is at the bottom (for the record, JL: New Frontier is still my most favorite). 

However, this is still the Justice League we are talking about, and the characters – and the team in general – is worth being excited about.  Watching all these superheroes interact is always worthwhile.  Heck, I would probably still watch a Justice League animated movie even if it’s just them hanging out in a café, trading banters and wisecracks for one hour.  Thus, JL: Throne of Atlantis is still entertaining enough, but only because it’s a film featuring the Justice League.      

Still, I consider this new Justice League universe a work in process, and I’m very much willing to give it more time to develop.    

Miscellaneous musings (some spoilers):

• Considering that they lacked chemistry in JL: War, I was hoping that the heroes would have already “warmed up” by now.  At the end of the movie, the Justice League is just only about to undergo the process of, as Batman puts it, “solidifying this team.”  But, once again, I’m willing to give time for improvement, including team dynamic.  Hopefully, by the next movie, they would truly be a perfectly compelling and thrilling team. 
• If all this actually leads to Lex Luthor joining the Justice League, as with the comics, then this “New 52” inspired DC animated universe might turn out to be a brilliant idea after all.   
• I understand that the DC animated features are more adult-oriented now.  But I still cringe whenever some expletives are spoken.  This is probably just the guy in me who considers the Timmverse, kid-friendly Justice League animated series as the definite animated take of the Justice League.   
• Though it seemed that he was underused here compared to other JL movies, Batman was still awesome in every second he was in.
• The thing I liked most about JL: Throne of Atlantis is Nathan Fillion returning to voice Hal Jordan/Green Lantern.  I had hated the A-hole Green Lantern in JL: War (voiced by Justin Kirk).  I don’t know if it’s just an illusion because I adore Fillion or if Fillion is genuinely just that perfect with the role, but it empathically felt like Green Lantern was suddenly perked up with charm and personality just because Fillion voiced him in this movie.
• Green Lantern’s vacuum “cleaner-mecha” construct is definitely inspired.  Two thumbs up. 
• Strange that Mera has been given more moments to be a badass than Wonder friggin’ Woman
• John Henry Irons a.k.a. Steel had a cameo.  I consider it a “cameo” instead of an “introduction” since, as far as this animated universe is concerned, I doubt that Steel is going to be featured further and become part of the Justice League in the future.  Cyborg makes Steel redundant.      
• The best moment of the movie is probably the part where Aquaman summoned a great white shark to devour Black Manta – Deep Blue Sea-style.  It was simultaneously hilarious and badass.  I never followed the New 52 Aquaman comics (where he has been redefined as a badass superhero after years of being ridiculed by comic book fans), but I know that the sequence was a reference to a similar moment in the comics.       
• Was there really a need for Ocean Master to kick every Leaguer’s butt so that Aquaman can be brought to a position to shine by being the one beating him?  Boo.  I know that this movie is Aquaman-centric, but still, I didn’t like it at all.  Felt too indulgent – the dumb kind.
• I’m tired of the idiocy of stories allowing underwater conversation through actual oral communication.  Unless the mechanics are explained, I always find it a distracting plot hole.    
• I applaud DC for continually kicking Marvel’s butt in the direct-to-video animated features category.  I still can’t believe that, up until now, Marvel still hasn’t figure out how to fight back.  They have plenty of good materials to adapt – but they don’t.  Marvel has more success and know-how in universe-building (as proven by its shared cinematic universe) but they aren’t applying it on animated features.  I’m just baffled.        
• Injustice: Gods Among Us is one of the most awesome comic book series right now.  And it’s the storyline/universe that I really wish DC would adapt next into an animated movie series. 
• Next from DC Universe Animated Original Movies this year: Batman vs. Robin.  Can’t wait.