7 Times DC And Anime Changed The World

2025 has been a phenomenal year for anime, arguably one of the best in recent memory. Numerous new and returning series have captivated audiences, and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has become a massive 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. Given the current competition between comic books and anime in theaters, it’s an ideal moment to emphasize the strong connections that DC Comics and anime have historically shared, fostering understanding and collaboration.

7.) The Bat-Manga

If you’re hoping for a grim and gritty DC anime, you might be surprised by the very first manga featuring the Dark Knight. Batman: The Jiro Kuwata Batmanga originally appeared in the 1960s and was inspired by the lighter, more comedic live-action TV show. Although it didn’t include actors Adam West and Burt Ward as Batman and Robin, creator Jiro Kuwata took the story in a unique direction that’s definitely worth exploring. Beyond offering a fresh and unusual take on Gotham City, the Batmanga also introduced brand new villains to Batman’s collection of enemies, such as the Human Ball and Dr. Faceless. This groundbreaking collaboration marked the first time DC and anime merged, and that fact alone makes it a story worth reading.

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 seen in his previous adventures in Gotham City. Instead of battling Batman, the Joker unexpectedly finds himself raising a baby Bruce Wayne after a strange accident. Beyond offering a fresh take on the Joker, this story is notable because it paved the way for DC’s current ventures into the world of anime.

5.) Superman Vs. Meshi

Superman Vs. Meshi debuted in 2023, following Joker: One Operation Joker by spotlighting a character other than Batman in a manga format. Instead of the usual battles against villains like Doomsday or struggles on War World, this funny manga features Superman traveling the globe to try out local cuisines. Written by Satoshi Miyagawa and illustrated by Kai Kitago, the series was short-lived, but fans of the iconic hero might find it enjoyable. 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 of Batman films, the animated movie Batman: Gotham Knight often gets forgotten. But this film is a great example of when DC Entertainment teamed up with some of the most famous anime studios to create new stories about Bruce Wayne. Released in 2008, it’s set between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight within Christopher Nolan’s Batman film series. The movie features different interpretations of the classic superhero from anime studios like Studio Madhouse, 4C, Production I.G., and Bee Train Production, and it paved the way for other DC animated projects to collaborate with different studios in the same way. And speaking of collaborations…

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, transporting Bruce Wayne from Gotham City to feudal Japan. To fit the setting, both Batman, his friends, and his enemies received redesigned appearances. Although Studio Madhouse and Production I.G. weren’t involved this time, 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 crafted a completely original story that suited the anime format perfectly, and its popularity led to the creation of a sequel.

2.) Batman Ninja Vs. Yakuza League

The unexpected follow-up to Batman: Ninja arrived seven years later, shifting 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 notably different from what fans are used to. Batman Ninja Vs. The Yakuza League once again features animation by Kamikaze Douga, and many consider it an improvement over the first film in nearly every aspect. This sequel is perhaps the best example of a movie that seamlessly combines DC Comics with the anime style, though when it comes to major crossovers between these two worlds, only one anime series stands out as the best.

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 getting involved with anime so far. Not only was The Suicide Squad Isekai animated by the talented Wit Studio, but it cleverly uses the familiar tropes of the isekai genre, which has become so popular in anime. Harley Quinn, Peacemaker, and the rest of the Squad unexpectedly end up in a fantastical world that feels right at home with series like Konosuba and The Rising of The Shield Hero. This anime project also marks one of the first times Warner Bros Discovery has seriously invested in the anime industry, and they’ve promised to increase their spending in this area going forward.

I’m really fascinated by DC’s surprisingly long history with anime! It’s been going on for quite a while, and I’d love to hear what *you* think about it. Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-10-04 16:48