Superhero Media: The Batman Vs Dracula

Most of the discussion I've come across of The Batman animated series is rather down on the entire programme, claiming it to be something of a sub-par take on the character. Now, I haven't seen much more than this film and a smattering of random episodes, but I strongly disagree with that statement. Sure, The Batman isn't as good as Batman the Animated Series, but by that logic, I shouldn't watch any films that aren't Citizen Kane, Seven Samurai or Breathless; The Batman is quite watchable on its own merits, and The Batman Vs Dracula is always a fun watch. The Batman Vs Dracula doesn't bother with any deep-lore diving, everyone knows who Dracula is and it doesn't matter how and why his coffin is in Gotham city, we're just here to see the Dark Knight battle the Son of the Dragon. The action ramps up pretty quick, with The Penguin being dominated into a Renfield role and helping Dracula spread his influence and track down Vicky Vale for a plot to bring Camilla, his bride, back to life. Or Undeath, rather. 

Camilla being Dracula's bride, rather than a lesbian inversion of his power dynamic, is a little odd, but I kind of don't care because Joker is now a Vampire! Kevin Michael Richardson plays Joker in this incarnation, which has more of an acrobat vibe with joke-shop gadgets, both factors diminishing his online reception, though I like Gadgeteer Joker as a contrast to all of Batman's "Wonderful Toys". Just be careful when looking up this version online, as racist rants about how Joker is "supposed to be white" are far too easy to come by. Using Joker as a guinea pig, Batman cures vampirism and sets about turning Gotham's citizenry human again with his serum and garlic-laced Baterangs. Of course, this doesn't work on Dracula himself, so Bats has to lure him towards a giant solar generator, carefully mentioned in Act One, and blast him with pure sunlight. All-in The Batman Vs Dracula runs a tight 80 minutes and is pretty satisfying, if disposable. 

One of the parts I like most about The Batman Vs Dracula (and, I suspect, the reason it's not terribly popular in the broader fandom) is that Batman is kind of out of his depth physically the entire time and has to rely on his cunning and detective skills. I mean, of course Batman can't beat up Dracula, he's freaking Dracula! In Captain Britian and MI:13, it takes Black Knight and the wielder of Excalibur to take Dracula down, of course a deranged orphan with a bat fetish can't take him down with throwing stars shaped like bats. I'm actually reminded of the big Darksied fight from the end of Justice League Unlimited, where Batman can't hurt Darksied, but is skilled enough to give him the runaround until Superman can cut loose. That's the kind of balance of responsibility in battle that makes the Justice League (and similar teams) work, I'd like to see more of it in film, including solo outings; from both DC and Marvel.