DC & Warner Bros. recently launched a new animated special featuring the feline fatale, Selina Kyle, a.k.a Catwoman. The recipe for success was clear, with the infamous cat burglar on the prowl and inserting herself into the latest criminal intrigue. But, as with other projects such as The Lego Batman Movie (2017), Warner Bros. worked to innovate and succeed.
This time, tackling the anime genre, there is an immediate distinction that sets Catwoman: Hunted (2022) apart from the rest of the DC library. We will examine what made this film a good fit for the genre. Tackling different aspects behind the story, the cast, and the production choices that brought it all together for the 78 minutes of non-stop excitement.
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The Animation
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
It’s in the name of the genre! No good anime can stand if the animation behind it is of lousy quality. And this film acquired the services of OLM inc., the animation studio behind one of the most successful anime of all time, Pokemon. And the quality shows. From the opening scene, where we get to see the details of all the background characters at an elegant costume party and the well-crafted visuals displayed by the action sequences, such as when Selina is attempting to escape her mark’s pursuit.
Even the color palette proves to be exquisite, with Batwoman standing out in particular. With the striking red that covers her armor and the wig that flows from her cowl, Kate Kane makes an imposing figure that leaves an impression on viewers the minute she’s onscreen. Add in the monsters and magic that dominate the film’s third act and the intense battle with the League of Assassins. This film has numerous examples of amazing scenes powered by beautifully done animation.
The Music
Throughout the course of the film, the soundtrack backing the scenes would bring forth familiar-sounding beats. With plenty of jazz beats that would remind anime fans of Cowboy Bebop, Yutaka Yamada would provide perfect tunes to help set the tone for every scene. Yutaka has plenty of experience composing music for anime, with a large amount of his work coming from Tokyo Ghoul.
Even the tunes of piano notes lilting along in the moments before our heroine is set to make a game-changing move feels nostalgic, calling back to the notes that would play as Jotaro would prepare to enter a fight in Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders. The strings and drums employed during Catwoman & Batwoman’s battle against the mob bosses are an audible undertone to the brutality of the mob versus the grace with which Selina fights.
The Voice Talent
Warner Bros. spared no expense when it came to seeking out star talent for their voice cast. Featuring Elizabeth Gillies in the lead role, the former Victorious star plays the sultry and beguiling Selina well. Stephanie Beatriz plays the authoritative Batwoman, fitting for the woman who is well known for playing Rosa Diaz in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Another key voice talent is Keith David. The man lent his voice to DC projects in the past, notably when he voiced Solovar in The Flash and set up his future in Stargirl, briefly appearing at the end of Season 2 as Mr. Bones. His deep voice was a perfect fit for the role of Tobias Whale. Keith made for a compelling recurring villain, while Kirby Howell-Baptiste would play Barbara Minerva. Keeping a calm demeanor, once Barabra transforms into Cheetah, the ferocity of Kirby’s vocals is on full display. Kirby is also set to star in a future DC project, currently set to play the role of Death in The Sandman.
The Narrative
Catwoman: Hunted features an exciting pace. Starting off slow but elegant, with a heist, we are introduced to Selina and her skills as a thief as well as her high-speed chase, fleeing Black Mask’s goons. After an interlude that introduces new players to both sides, we see Selina team up begrudgingly with Batwoman and agents of Interpol, Julia Pennyworth & King Faraday. We then see the team take on the crime unit, Leviathan’s bosses, such as Doctor Tzin-Tzin, La Dama, Moxie Mannheim, and more.
After defeating these bosses, who host magical abilities, extreme firepower, and martial arts skills, Selina is initially given a pardon and allowed to walk away. But Selina decides to continue the hunt for Barbara, angry that she would endanger and sell off young women. Batwoman joins Selina, and despite the sexual tension the two carry, they work together effectively to take down an entire army. It would be revealed during the battle that Selina had been targeting Leviathan from the start, having previously broken up their trafficking ring in Sochi. The story on display certainly makes for a fun ride, and one could see how the tale may grow if future entries are to be considered.
