While the live-action DCU struggles to establish itself with audiences, DC Studios is continuing to expand its animated television series slate.
During its first-ever joint presentation with Warner Bros. Animation at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the studio unveiled three new animated projects: a CG adaptation of Absolute Batman, an anime series centered on The Joker, and a family-friendly show starring Superman’s loyal dog, Krypto.
Variety reports that Warner Bros. Animation President Sam Register joined DC Studios Co-Chairman and Co-CEO Peter Safran on stage to make the announcements.
Absolute Batman Heads to Animation
Based on the bestselling comic by Scott Snyder with artwork by Nick Dragotta, Absolute Batman will be a fully CG animated series. Unlike the traditional version of Bruce Wayne, Absolute Batman reimagines the Dark Knight as a working-class hero without the Wayne family fortune, manor, or vast resources.
“It’s going to be a whole different tone and a whole different take again on Batman as well,” Register told the crowd.
A promotional image for Absolute Batman: DC Studios, Warner Bros. Animation
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Snyder will serve as showrunner and executive producer, while Dragotta joins the project as a producer, suggesting the adaptation will remain faithful to the comic’s creative vision.
The Joker Stars in DC’s First Anime
DC also officially greenlit Joker: Laugh Riot, the company’s first anime series.
Rather than revisiting the familiar rivalry between Batman and the Clown Prince of Crime, the series explores what happens after Batman is killed, forcing the Joker to confront a world without his greatest adversary.
A promotional image for Joker: Laugh Riot – DC Studios, Warner Bros. Animation, Sola Entertainment
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Deadline reports that the official logline reads: “When Batman is murdered, the Joker launches a ruthless crusade through Gotham’s underworld to find the killer who took away his greatest adversary. But as his violent quest for answers pushes him closer towards vigilante than villain, Joker is forced to confront the truth that without Batman, he doesn’t know who he is.”
The series will be executive produced by Jim Krieg and directed by Japanese animator Yasuhiro Aoki, who previously worked with Warner Bros. on The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. The project is described as an adult-oriented anime and will likely exist outside the continuity of the live-action DC Universe.
Krypto Gets His Own Series
DC also announced that an untitled Krypto animated series is in development from executive producer C.H. Greenblatt. The family-focused comedy follows Superman’s super-powered dog as he befriends a group of aspiring animal villains. Rather than becoming successful criminals, Krypto gradually inspires them to become heroes.
A promotional image for Krypto – DC Studios, Warner Bros. Animation
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“Krypto is really one of my favourite characters in the DC canon and we are thrilled he is finally getting his own show,” Safran said, noting that the project remains in the early stages of development. “It’s funny, it’s full of heart and because it’s Krypto, thoroughly chaotic.”
His comments suggest the series will take inspiration from the version of Krypto introduced in the live-action Superman and Supergirl—based largely on James Gunn’s dog—rather than earlier comic book and animated interpretations.
Something for Everyone
No release dates or streaming homes were announced for any of the three projects.
The lineup also reflects DC Studios’ increasingly broad strategy across all of its various properties. Rather than targeting a single demographic, the studio appears to be developing projects for children, anime fans, adult animation viewers, and traditional superhero audiences alike. Whether that approach proves to be a strength or leaves the brand feeling unfocused remains to be seen.
Are you looking forward any of these three series? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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