Get ready for a wild ride through Gotham City as Batman faces a threat unlike any he’s encountered before! Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League, the highly anticipated sequel to the anime film Batman Ninja, is set to stream exclusively on Max starting July 3rd, 2025. This action-packed film promises a fresh and visually stunning take on the Dark Knight, blending iconic characters with bold storytelling and the distinct flair of Japanese anime.
A Synopsis of Chaos: When Japan Vanishes
Following the events of Batman Ninja, where the Bat-Family traveled back in time to feudal Japan, they return to a Gotham City that is far from normal. The entire island of Japan has vanished, replaced by a mysterious island called “Hinomoto” appearing in the sky above Gotham. From this new island, countless Yakuza descend upon the city, wreaking havoc and chaos. To make matters worse, the Justice League has disappeared!
Batman, ever vigilant, detects a strange energy emanating from Hinomoto and sets out to investigate. What he discovers is a world where warring Yakuza factions battle for control, where brutality reigns supreme, and where a group of superpowered individuals known as the Yakuza League – who bear a striking resemblance to the Justice League – are the ones pulling the strings.
A Twisted Justice League: Meet the Yakuza League
The Yakuza League is composed of alternate, twisted versions of our beloved Justice League heroes, each with a unique Yakuza-inspired design and set of motivations:
- Kuraku / Superman: The leader of the Yakuza League and the lead protector of the Hagane Family (Steel Family), he appears to be a mindless brute following Ra’s al Ghul’s orders.
- Zeshika / Green Lantern (Jessica Cruz): A member of the Yakuza League and a gambler who stumbled upon the power of the Green Lantern ring.
- Ahsa / Aquaman (Arthur Curry): A second-in-command of the Yakuza League and a descendant of a race who lives at the lake of Hinomoto. He was a childhood friend of Daiana.
- Bari / The Flash (Barry Allen): A member of the Yakuza League.
Adding another layer of complexity, Ra’s al Ghul is revealed as the mastermind behind the chaos, manipulating events from the shadows with a plan to destroy Gotham.
The Creative Force Behind the Anime Action
Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League reunites the core creative team from the original Batman Ninja, ensuring a seamless transition in style and tone:
- Directors: Junpei Mizusaki and Shinji Takagi
- Screenwriter: Kazuki Nakashima
- Character Designer: Takashi Okazaki
- Music: Yugo Kanno
- Animation Production: KAMIKAZE DOUGA
- Produced by: Warner Bros. Japan
Koichi Yamadera reprises his role as the voice of Batman, bringing his signature gravitas to the character.
The Cast: Voices Behind the Masks
Here’s a list of the talented voice cast bringing these characters to life:
Japanese Cast:
- Koichi Yamadera as Bruce Wayne/Batman
- Yuki Kaji as Robin
- Kengo Kawanishi as Red Robin
- Daisuke Ono as Nightwing
- Akira Ishida as Red Hood
- Ayane Sakura as Green Lantern
- Akio Otsuka as Aquaman
- Nobuyuki Hiyama as The Flash
- Romi Park as Wonder Woman
- Wataru Takagi as Joker
- Hochu Otsuka as Alfred Pennyworth
- Masaki Terasoma as Commissioner Gordon
- Kazuhiro Yamaji as Ra’s al Ghul
English Dub Cast:
- Joe Daniels as Bruce Wayne / Batman
- Aaron Campbell as Superman
- Annie Wild as Jessica Cruz / Green Lantern
- Benjamin McLaughlin as Barry Allen / The Flash
- Bryson Baugus as Damian Wayne / Robin
- Cyrus Rodas as Arthur Currey / Aquaman
- David Harbold as Alfred
- David Matranga as Jason Todd / Red Hood
- Houston Hayes as Dick Grayson / Nightwing
- John Swasey as Ra’s Al Ghul
- Karlii Hoch as Harley Quinn
- Molly Searcy as Diana Prince / Princess Diana / Wonder Woman
- Nathan Wilson as Tim Drake / Red Robin
- Scott Gibbs as Joker
- Andrew Love as Ubu
- John Gremillion as Commissioner Gordon
What the Critics are Saying
Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League has garnered mostly positive reviews, with critics praising its unique blend of anime and Western superhero tropes, its exciting action sequences, and its visually stunning animation.
- IGN described the film as “equal parts exciting action and completely ludicrous comedy, making it a faithful, loving tribute to both anime and Western superheroes.” They lauded the character designs and surprisingly funny gags, calling it “delicious and tooth-meltingly sweet as far as junk food goes.”
- Inside Pulse called it a “must-watch for DC Animation fans and Batman/Justice League fans across the globe,” praising its strong pacing, intriguing story, and unique take on beloved characters.
- AV Nirvana noted that the film “expands upon the concept a lot more” than the original Batman Ninja, offering “more of everything,” including action, colors, and weirdness.
Some critics noted that the plot can be flimsy and that the characterizations can be bland, but overall, the film is seen as a fun and entertaining experience for fans of Batman, anime, and over-the-top action.
Where to Watch
Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League will be available for streaming exclusively on Max starting July 3rd, 2025. Don’t miss out on this wild and visually stunning adventure that puts a unique spin on the Batman mythos!
