Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

Note: This review contains spoilers for Batman: Mask of the Phantasm.

While Batman: The Animated Series (Batman TAS) is one of the more highly-acclaimed Batman series, it was not my first introduction to the Dark Knight (that honor goes to The Batman (2004)), since I was literally too young to watch it when it was on. I have, however, since gone back and watched a select handful of episodes and found it to have earned its reputation. While I was also too young to see it in the theater when it came out, I had also seen Mask of the Phantasm, the first film based on the series, after hearing how good it was, though the untimely passing of Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy led me to give it another look in his honor. After a second viewing, I can see how one could argue that it’s one of the best Batman films, especially of the animated variety.

As crime boss Chuckie Sol (Dick Miller) tries to sell off counterfeit bills for casino distribution, Batman (Kevin Conroy) appears to stop the sale. Sol attempts to escape in the confusion, only to be pursued by a mysterious figure, the Phantasm (Stacy Keach), attempting to take his life in a parking garage. Sol manages to outrun the Phantasm in his car, only to drive out and into a building to his death, with Batman being mistaken for the perpetrator. As Bruce Wayne investigates the crime, he ends up running into his former girlfriend, Andrea Beaumont (Dana Delany).

The Phantasm's (Stacy Keach) crimes are pinned on Batman.

Though Batman TAS is known for having a generally dark atmosphere, Mask of the Phantasm’s story leans more into that without being oppressing, exploring Bruce Wayne’s past in an intriguing way while also providing its own take on the origin of his Batman persona. Andrea Beaumont is an interesting character in her own right, with the famous twist of her being the Phantasm being well-paced and executed. The inclusion of Joker in a Batman film can sometimes feel forced, however that’s not the case here, as his inclusion feels justified by a backstory that ties him into the conflict and expands on the Batman TAS iteration of the character.

While the animation of Batman TAS is already good, Mask of the Phantasm takes it even further, with a larger budget allowing for much more fluid animation than a TV budget would normally allow. One point of praise is the film’s use of shadows, providing very effective mood lighting in addition to selling how intimidating Batman and the Phantasm are supposed to be. Amidst some of the more tense scenes, Joker’s animation is at times more comical, which, along with his design, help him stand out and leave an impression in a darkly humorous way. While there is some CG, it’s very subtly integrated and used more as a tool than a crutch.

As this film was made early in the original show’s run, the voice acting seems reflective of this, especially with how many of them would continue to reprise their roles for decades, however it still holds up well. The late Kevin Conroy has always put his all into the role of Bruce Wayne and this film is no exception, especially during flashbacks showing Bruce Wayne’s transformation into Batman. While Mark Hamill’s Joker has been refined over the years, it can be interesting going back and hearing a much younger Mark Hamill, and I have since grown to like this version of his take on the character. Dana Delany is also amazing as new character Andrea Beaumont, with her interactions with Bruce Wayne feeling very natural, while Stacy Keach makes her Phantasm persona sound appropriately threatening.

Although the film is often highly praised for what it is, it has since gained an unusual legacy in the form of the Joker’s Prank Calls meme, in which a screencap from the film is used to illustrate Joker making joke demands from different companies or groups.

The frame in question.

Great writing, atmosphere and animation make Batman: Mask of the Phantasm a must-watch for Batman fans, even those who have not watched Batman TAS, since only a passing knowledge of Batman lore is necessary to enjoy it. Those who aren’t fans of the franchise might consider taking a look anyway, if only for its storytelling and the superb animation that still holds up today.