While fans gear up for two new live-action Batman films (The Batman Part II and The Brave and the Bold), the Dark Knight is set to undergo a massive overhaul in style in the upcoming anime film Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League, which brings an electrifying animated twist to the character’s enduring legacy.
The upcoming follow-up to 2018’s Batman Ninja, which saw the Caped Crusader time-travel to feudal Japan, catapults the character into an all-out brawl against a sinister league of yakuza criminals, alongside a Multiverse-spanning Justice League.
Watch the first official trailer for Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League below, per Warner Bros. Entertainment:
The film features a star-studded lineup of familiar characters like Damian Wayne, Dick Grayson, and Jason Todd, alongside unexpected incarnations of legendary heroes such as Barry Allen/The Flash, Diana Prince/Wonder Woman, Arthur Curry/Aquaman, and a Superman variant going by Kuraku Hagane, all of whom make up a sinister new version of the Justice League — a far cry from the world-saving ensemble fans are familiar with.
The film’s striking aesthetics, showcased in the trailer, fuses traditional anime visuals with computer animation, resulting in a look that feels both familiar and unique.
Related: New ‘Batman’ Sequel in Development—Hints of a Returning Dark Knight
While many of us eagerly await the next live-action chapters of the Batman saga, which will arrive in the form of Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part II (2027) and the DC Universe reboot The Brave and the Bold, this anime venture offers a welcome detour—a creative playground where the rules of Batman’s world and reality are bent and redefined.
It’s a celebration of the franchise’s rich history and its fearless drive toward innovation. As Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League readies for release, it stands as a testament to DC’s evolving storytelling, promising an unforgettable ride for fans old and new alike.
Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League is scheduled for a digital debut on March 18, 2025, with physical copies hitting Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD on April 15.
The Batman Part II will be released on October 1, 2027. There’s no release date for The Brave and the Bold.
Will you be watching Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League? Let us know in the comments down below!
