Without a doubt, Warner Bros. Animation have been on a roll in 2017 when it comes to their direct-to-video line of DC animated films, already having impressed audiences with the R-rated supernatural adventure Justice League Dark and the long overdue Teen Titans: The Judas Contract. As for what lies ahead, well, it looks like they’re about to appeal to our nostalgic side with Batman and Harley Quinn.
I say that because this particular entry doesn’t conform to any one comic book artist’s style, nor does it to Phil Bourassa’s New 52 inspired template. Actually, it aligns perfectly with The New Batman Adventures – or “the revamp episodes,” as they’re often referred to – giving a generous nod to what Bruce Timm established two decades ago. Truth be told, it makes sense to go in this creative direction when you consider that Timm himself is one of the creative minds behind this project.
Last month, a sneak peek found its way online, but now, WB is ready to take it to the next level with the first full trailer. As we can see above, Kevin Conroy and Loren Lester haven’t lost a step as Batman and Nightwing, respectively, and newcomer Melissa Rauch (The Big Bang Theory) makes for a welcome addition as Harley Quinn.
Thankfully, not too much of the plot is spoiled aside from what we already know: Due to the threat presented by Poison Ivy and the Floronic Man, Batman and Nightwing seek out the help of the former villain’s “BFF,” Harley Quinn, making for the strangest of bedfellows. Granted, it could be the way the trailer is cut, but the film comes off as a bit more humorous than we may be used to seeing, which, quite frankly, suits Harley all the better.
As of now, Batman and Harley Quinn lacks a Blu-ray and DVD release date, but it stands to reason that it’ll arrive in late July or early August given Warner Home Video’s releasing habits of the past few years. Still, we wouldn’t rule out a limited theatrical run ahead of that, as was the case last summer with Batman: The Killing Joke.