Watch Batman: Gotham By Gaslight

In 2018, Warner Bros released "Batman: Gotham By Gaslight," an animated movie based on the Elseworlds graphic novel of the same name. The movie tells a steampunk version of the Batman story set in an alternate universe where Batman takes on Jack the Ripper in Victorian-era Gotham City. The movie opens with a gruesome murder of a woman in Whitechapel, London. The scene is shot using animation that resembles a graphic novel, with dark, muted colors, and gothic buildings. The police force is unable to find the killer. Meanwhile, the Gotham City police commissioner, James Gordon, receives a letter from Jack the Ripper, who claims to be coming to Gotham City. The story then transitions to Gotham City, where Bruce Wayne returns after studying criminology in Europe. As Bruce attends a masquerade ball, attended also by Selina Kyle, an actress, Jack the Ripper strikes again, killing a woman. The murder shakes the wealthy citizens of Gotham City, who demand that the police take swift action. James Gordon and his assistant, Harvey Dent, start an investigation while Bruce Wayne, with the help of Selina, gathers his own evidence. As the movie progresses, Bruce Wayne is revealed to be Batman, Gotham City's protector. The steampunk version of Batman is radically different from the traditional superhero. He wears a leather coat, a cowl with goggles, and relies on gadgets such as grappling hooks, smoke grenades, and his martial arts skills. He takes up the challenge of Jack the Ripper, who is revealed to be a prominent member of Gotham City's elite society. The movie injects grit and darkness into the Batman story, as Jack the Ripper targets prostitutes from the poor part of town, while the rich aristocrats turn a blind eye. Bruce's alter-ego, Batman, confronts the darkness of the city's elite society and fights to bring justice to their victims. The animation style is unique, and the narrative is driven by action scenes and plot twists. The soundtrack, which includes a violin and a harpsichord, perfectly suits the movie's Victorian atmosphere. The voice acting, with the likes of Bruce Greenwood playing Batman and Jennifer Carpenter playing Selina, is superb. The movie also features other famous characters, such as Pamela Isley (Poison Ivy), Ivy's best friend and Gotham's madam, and Hugo Strange, a physician and criminologist. Gotham City's rogues' gallery is present, but some get a steampunk makeover, like Mr. Freeze, who wears a diving suit instead of his traditional costume. The plot twist at the end of the movie is unexpected and satisfying. The animation, however, sometimes lacks fluidity, which detracts from the action scenes' impact. Some characters are underdeveloped, and the movie's pacing is occasionally inconsistent. Regardless, "Batman: Gotham By Gaslight" is a refreshing take on the Batman mythos, which fans of the Caped Crusader should enjoy. It retains the classic elements of the Batman story while injecting enough new elements to keep things fresh. Steampunk Batman is a different beast, but one that stays true to the character's motivations, albeit in a different setting. In conclusion, "Batman: Gotham By Gaslight" delivers on its promise of telling a steampunk Batman story set in Victorian-era Gotham City. It features an engaging narrative, excellent voice acting, and unique animation. It is not perfect, but it is a fun new take on one of DC Comics' most beloved characters.