7 Times DC And Anime Changed The World

by

The year 2025 has been a phenomenal period for anime, marking one of its most successful times ever. Numerous new and returning series have captivated audiences, and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has become a major box office hit. The Ufotable-produced film has even outperformed all superhero movies released globally this year, demonstrating the peak popularity of the Demon Slayer Corps. Considering the current competition between the worlds of comics and anime in theaters, it’s an ideal moment to build connections, foster understanding, and showcase the historical collaborations between DC Comics and anime.

7.) The Bat-Manga

If you’re hoping for a grim and gritty DC anime, you might be surprised by the very first manga series centered around the Dark Knight. Batman: The Jiro Kuwata Batmanga originally appeared in the 1960s and drew inspiration from the more lighthearted live-action TV show. Though the comic didn’t feature actors Adam West and Burt Ward as Batman and Robin, creator Jiro Kuwata crafted a unique story that’s definitely worth a look. Beyond offering a fresh perspective on Gotham City, the Batmanga also introduced new enemies for Bruce Wayne, such as the Human Ball and Dr. Faceless. This groundbreaking collaboration marked the first time DC and anime came together, and that fact alone makes it a story to explore.

6.) Joker: One Operation Joker Manga

Though DC’s connection with manga began decades earlier with Batmanga, Joker: One Operation Joker was the first manga to focus specifically on the Joker. Beginning in 2023, this manga presents a Joker story unlike any previously seen in his Gotham City adventures. Instead of battling Batman, the Joker unexpectedly finds himself raising a baby Bruce Wayne after a strange accident. Beyond simply offering a fresh take on the character, this story is significant because it paved the way for current DC projects exploring the world of anime.

5.) Superman Vs. Meshi

Superman Vs. Meshi debuted in 2023, similar to Joker: One Operation Joker, by shifting the focus away from Batman in a manga format. Instead of the usual battles against villains like Doomsday or escaping from War World, this funny series follows Superman as he travels the globe trying different national cuisines. Written by Satoshi Miyagawa and illustrated by Kai Kitago, the series was short-lived, but it could be worth a look for fans of the hero. Sadly, none of the three manga series we’ve discussed so far have been adapted into anime.

4.) Batman: Gotham Knight

When people talk about the Dark Knight era, the animated film Batman: Gotham Knight often gets forgotten. However, this movie is a great example of when DC Entertainment teamed up with some of the world’s most famous anime studios to create new stories about Bruce Wayne. Released in 2008, the film is set between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight within Christopher Nolan’s Batman world. The movie featured different interpretations of the classic superhero from anime studios like Studio Madhouse, 4C, Production I.G., and Bee Train Production, paving the way for future DC animated projects to do the same. And speaking of that…

3.) Batman: Ninja

Launched in 2018, Batman: Ninja built upon the foundation laid by Batman: Gotham Knight. This animated movie marked anime studio Kamikaze Douga’s take on the Dark Knight, moving Bruce Wayne from Gotham City to feudal Japan. To mark the occasion, both Batman, his friends, and his enemies received redesigned appearances. Although Studio Madhouse and Production I.G. didn’t return for this project, Kamikaze Douga had a strong background, having worked on series like Pop Team Epic and the opening sequences for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Batman: Ninja tells a completely original story that was well-suited for the anime format, and it proved so popular that a follow-up film was created.

2.) Batman Ninja Vs. Yakuza League

The unexpected follow-up to Batman: Ninja arrived seven years later, but it shifted its focus away from Batman’s usual enemies. Instead, it presented a dark reimagining of the Justice League. The Dark Knight ended up battling versions of Superman, the Flash, Green Lantern, and Aquaman that were very different from the ones fans are familiar with. This sequel once again featured animation by Kamikaze Douga, and many believe it surpasses the original in almost every aspect. Batman Ninja Vs. The Yakuza League is a prime example of how well DC and anime can be combined, though when it comes to the best crossover between these worlds, one anime series stands above the rest.

1.) The Suicide Squad Isekai

It’s still surprising that this show even happened, but it’s easily one of the best examples of DC venturing into anime so far. Not only was The Suicide Squad Isekai animated by the talented Wit Studio, but it cleverly used and poked fun at the common tropes found in isekai anime – the very tropes that made the genre so popular. Harley Quinn, Peacemaker, and the rest of the Squad end up in a fantastical world that feels right at home alongside series like Konosuba and The Rising of The Shield Hero. This anime project also marked Warner Bros Discovery’s increased commitment to the anime world, with plans to invest even more in anime in the future.

What are your thoughts on DC’s history with anime? Share your opinion in the comments below and become part of the discussion right now in the ComicBook Forum !

https://comicbook.com/anime/news/suicide-squad-isekai-anime-creator-interview/embed/#

Read More

2025-10-04 01:15