Batman Battles the Justice League Yakuza-Style in Wild Anime Sequel

Absurdity, Action, and Style in Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League

The Dynamic Duel brothers dive into the direct sequel to 2018’s Batman Ninja, aptly titled Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League. Picking up after the events of the first film, this latest DC animated release turns up the absurdity from the jump. Within the first ten minutes, viewers are treated to jetpack-wearing, katana-wielding Yakuza gangsters raining down from the sky. From there, the movie leans heavily into its anime roots, maintaining high-stakes action, elaborate character designs, and self-aware storytelling that keeps the experience both surreal and entertaining.

English Dub Surprises and Artistic Direction

While fans were initially disappointed that the original Japanese audio wasn't available at digital launch, the English dub—produced by Sentai Filmworks—was surprisingly well received. The quality of voice acting exceeded expectations, effectively selling the emotional highs and bombastic flair typical of anime. Visually, the film showcases improved 3D animation over its predecessor. Characters are flatter in shading, with sketchy contour lines that enhance the artistic tone and reinforce the idea that these figures are manifestations of an altered reality. The complexity and Japanese-inspired aesthetics of the character designs further elevate the film’s immersive world-building.

Plot Twists and Multiversal Intrigue

The movie’s premise follows Batman and his allies as they investigate a mysterious inverted version of Tokyo threatening Gotham’s existence. Each Justice League member has been transformed into a Yakuza-style figure, shaped from birth by Ra’s al Ghul’s four-dimensional origami engine. Unlike the first film, which suffered from a jarring tonal shift midway through its runtime, this sequel starts off with high absurdity and maintains a consistent tone throughout. Superman—known here as Kuraku—serves as the film’s emotional anchor, undergoing a true character arc as he shifts from enforcer to protector. Other Justice League members like Wonder Woman (Diana), Aquaman (Asa), and Green Lantern (Zeshika) bring unique, culturally nuanced spins to their roles.

Highlight Moments and Anime Tropes

The podcast praised multiple standout sequences, including the Voltron-esque Bat Phoenix transformation, Diana’s karaoke moment, and the giant turtle messenger—each layered with anime homage and absurdist charm. Batman’s techno-savvy planning and utilization of science ninja techniques, from tornado-canceling to spectral conversion, serve as over-the-top but clever solutions to impossible odds. The battle sequences are intense and inventive, especially Batman’s fight against Kuraku, which culminates in a kryptonite-powered flaming punch. The justice delivered through anime logic is part of the film’s wild appeal.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

Both hosts agreed that Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League improved on its predecessor in terms of tone, story coherence, character depth (particularly with Kuraku), and visual fidelity. Despite being filled with exposition, the sequel fully commits to its identity, delivering a uniquely entertaining experience. They awarded the film a solid 4 out of 5 stars, praising its fun factor, intricate designs, and the sheer ambition behind its storytelling. Fans of Batman, anime, or just high-octane weirdness should definitely give this film a watch.

Listen to the full episode here: Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League Review.