‘Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League’ Review

Features the voices of: Koichi Yamadera, Daisuke Ono, Akira Ishida, Kengo Kawanishi, Yuki Kaji, Romi Park, Akio Otsuka, Ayane Sakura, Rie Kugimiya, Wataru Takagi | Written by Kazuki Nakashima | Directed by Junpei Mizusaki, Shinji Takagi

Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League, a sequel to the 2018 cult hit Batman Ninja, is a film that revels in its own absurdity while delivering a heartfelt tribute to both anime conventions and the DC Universe. Directed by Junpei Mizusaki and Shinji Takagi, with a screenplay by Kazuki Nakashima, this animated superhero romp picks up a day after the events of Batman Ninja, plunging Batman and his allies into a multiversal mash-up that’s equal parts thrilling, ridiculously gorgeous and surprisingly poignant. This new film doubles down on the over-the-top nonsense of the original, offering a wild ride that’s as much a love letter to Japanese culture as it is a playful riff on the superhero genre.

Our story kicks off with a premise so bizarre it could only work in a film like this – as long as you commit! Returning from their time-travelling escapades in feudal Japan (as seen in the first film), Batman and the Bat-Family, Bruce Wayne (voiced by Koichi Yamadera), Dick Grayson/Nightwing (Daisuke Ono), Jason Todd/Red Hood (Akira Ishida), Tim Drake/Red Robin (Kengo Kawanishi), and Damian Wayne/Robin (Yuki Kaji), discover that the world they’ve come back to is radically different. Japan has vanished from the Earth’s surface, only to reappear as a floating island called Hinomoto, hovering above Gotham City. Before they can process this, yakuza gangsters equipped with jetpacks begin raining from the sky in what’s dubbed a “Yakuza Hurricane” a concept so delightfully unhinged it sets the tone for the entire film going forward.

The Justice League, Batman’s usual allies, are nowhere to be found. In their place emerges the “Yakuza League”, an alternate version of the iconic team reimagined as goodies but also morally ambiguous criminals. Superman becomes a kimono-clad mob boss, Wonder Woman a mythic figure born from a flower, Green Lantern Jessica Cruz wields gambling-themed constructs, and Aquaman sports a fisherman’s headband. This reimagining isn’t just cosmetic; it’s a narrative hook that pits Batman against twisted reflections of his friends, forcing him to confront not just their might but their now screwed-up ideals.

The central conflict revolves around Batman’s mission to save Gotham from an invasion while grappling with the Yakuza League’s influence. Unlike traditional DC villains, these foes aren’t purely evil but they do operate under a distorted code of “ninkyō” (chivalry or honour), which Batman seeks to redeem rather than destroy. This adds a layer of depth to what could’ve been a straightforward slugfest, though the film never lingers too long on introspection, preferring to keep the pedal to the metal with its action-comedy blend.

Batman Ninja was a slower burn and took a while to reveal its goofy side, Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League wastes no time letting you know it’s in on the joke. From the opening scene of Gotham PD battling a gangster-filled tornado to Damian Wayne’s quips “This is so dumb. You guys are out of your damn minds”, the film wears its absurdity like a badge of honour. It’s a tonal shift from the first film’s gradual descent into chaos, opting instead for a relentless barrage of silliness that dares you to either jump aboard or get left behind.

Visually, the movie is an eyegasmic feast, blending CG with traditional anime aesthetics. The designs are vibrant and exaggerated, from Superman’s mafia-esque swagger to Wonder Woman’s singing interlude complete with karaoke subtitles—a moment so random yet perfectly executed it’s bound to leave audiences laughing. The action sequences are kinetic and inventive, with highlights like the Bat-Family piloting the Bat Phoenix (introduced via an in-universe Voltron’s YouTube tutorial narrated by Alfred, because why not?) and Damian getting trapped in a giant claw machine filled with plastic sushi toys. These scenes don’t just push the boundaries of plausibility—they gleefully obliterate them.

The Bat-Family takes centre stage, with Bruce and Damian initially driving the narrative before the focus shifts to the broader team in the second half. Bruce remains the stoic anchor, his determination to save both Gotham and the Yakuza League’s souls grounding the film’s wilder moments. Damian, ever the snarky wildcard, gets some of the best lines and a standout subplot involving his capture, which allows Nightwing, Red Hood, and Red Robin to shine as they mount a rescue. The interplay among the Robins is a highlight, their sibling dynamics adding warmth and humour to the chaos.

The Yakuza League, however, steal the show. Each member is a creative reimagining that uses menace and charm. Wonder Woman (voiced by Romi Park) emerges as somewhat of a standout, her blend of warrior gravitas and unexpected musical flair.. Superman (Akio Otsuka) exudes style and brashness as a yakuza boss, while Green Lantern Jessica Cruz (Ayane Sakura) brings a playful energy with her gambling constructs. The Joker (Wataru Takagi) and Harley Quinn (Rie Kugimiya) return as chaos incarnate, with Harley’s alternate heroic turn alongside Wonder Woman offering a fresh twist on her character.

The film’s greatest strength lies in its refusal to take itself too seriously (if at all) while still delivering on action and character beats. The fight scenes are a visual treat, choreographed with a flair that rivals top-tier anime, and the comedy lands more often than not, whether it’s Alfred’s Bat Phoenix Voltron video or Wonder Woman’s karaoke ballad. The mixture of Japanese mythology with DC lore is seamless and affectionate, making it a true cultural crossover.

The pacing is brisk, clocking in at 1 hour and 29 minutes, ensuring the absurdity never overstays its welcome. The animation quality is consistently high, and the voice acting is top-notch.

For all its strengths, Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League sacrifices a little bit of depth for spectacle. The first film had a moment of introspection, Batman’s crisis of confidence in feudal Japan, that grounded its zaniness. Here, that emotional weight is largely absent, replaced by a lighter, sillier tone. While this works for the film’s goals, it might leave viewers craving more substance, a little disappointed. The Yakuza League’s redemption arc feels underexplored and resolved far too quickly.

Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League is not a film for everyone. If you’re looking for a gritty crime drama or a traditional Batman tale, you’ll be left wanting. But if you’re in on the joke if you can embrace a world where yakuza rain from the sky, Batman pilots a Megazord, and Wonder Woman belts out a canny tune, then this is an absolute delight. It’s a love letter to anime, superheroes, and the sheer joy of storytelling unbound by convention.

So It’s not the deepest Batman story, but it’s one of the most entertaining. For fans of the Bat-Family or anyone who loved the first film’s audacity, Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League is a worthy sequel. Watch it, laugh at it, and marvel at its unapologetic weirdness – you won’t regret it.

****½  4.5/5

Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League has been released digitally in Japan and the US, with an America 4K and Blu-ray release scheduled for April 15th. There’s no word on a UK release as yet.