5 Moments We Want To See In Batman Vs. Robin

With Warner Bros.' trailer release of Batman V. Robin late last week, fans were treated to their first look at the adaptation of Scott Snyder's Batman: The Court of Owls storyline, arguably one of the best-received Batman tales in recent years.

Adapting the 11-part storyline into one cartoon feature is an ambitious task. While it's obvious that the film's team will have to leave or change some of the story's best scenes in the editing room, it shouldn't be too difficult to make an adaptation that distills the best parts of Snyder's arc. Below, we list out the key moments Batman Vs. Robin needs to make it not just a successful adaptation, but also a story worth watching

1) The Arkham Asylum Riot Opener

The opening pages of Snyder's Court of Owls story found Batman knee-deep amongst Gotham's worst in Arkham Asylum, prompting a playful and bombastic opening salvo that sucked audienes right into Snyder's new world. As a quick, no-questions-asked opener that's heavy on the action, a similar introductory scene could give Batman Vs. Robin a fun opener in the vein of James Bond movies. Plus, it would be great to see the new DC Animated Universe sneak in all those cameos from Batman's rogues gallery. It's high time that fans received a new animated  Joker.

2) The Court's Labyrinth 

The underground labyrinth scene from Batman #6 was easily one of The Court of Owls' finest. Trippy, creepy, and filled with more head-bending twists than Grant Morrison's dreams, Batman's trials through the labyrinth pushed him to his mental and physical breaking points. The issue is known for messing with the comic book storytelling medium by presenting its panels and pages in extremely unconventional ways. Batman Vs. Robin should get similarly experimental, trying different animation techniques to put in the viewers in the same twisted boots as the Dark Knight's for a truly unsettling experience.

3) Batman in His Thrasher Armor

There's no faster way to get viewer's hearts pumping than a Batcave beatdown, a moment that artist Greg Capullo and Snyder achieved spectacularly in The Court of Owls. When Batman dons a big Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em, Robot suit like the The Thrasher, it paves the way for bigger set pieces and action scenes than Batman stories usually accommodate. While the gritty, scaled-down brawls make for more dramatic confrontations, it's always a nice treat to see Batman cut loose. This rings especially true in the realm of animation. Judging from the trailer, when Batman says "Get the Hell out of my cave," it seems like the Thrasher suit might be incorporated in Batman Vs. Robin, so fingers crossed.

4) Batman and Robin

While it looks like Batman Vs. Robin will continue—and possibly progress—the adversarial nature of Batman and Robin's relationship, hopefully it will just be a way to put the two on a friendlier path. Batman and Robin are the Dynamic Duo, after all. With Son of Batman, and now this, viewers will grow tired of seeing the two constantly squabble and trade blows when it's obvious that they would work much better as a cohesive unit. The trailer indicates that Damian will be tempted by the Court's dark side, but hopefully that flirtation with evil will ultimately just draw him closer to Batman. That's not to say Batman and Robin have to be BFFs overnight. We just hope that their prickly nature smoothes over into the strained, but loving relationship that Peter Tomasi's excellent Batman and Robin series exposes. 

5) Just The Right Amount of The Court of Owls

While they are the film's main villains, The Court of Owls should only work as a catalyst to developing Batman and Robin's larger story. Granted, the film should still take the time to establish the Court as a credible entity worthy of The Dark Knight's attention, but it should leave it at that. With a run-time that probably clocks under 90 minutes, Batman vs. Robin simply doesn't have enough time to explore the Court's expansive history and backstory. The Court just comes with too many pieces to juggle, which is why they'd work best as a mysterious—but threatening--organization that just gives Batman and Robin a run for their money. It's a shame though, since their legacy illuminates some interesting points about Batman. But ultimately, it's a noble sacrifice that spotlight focused on the film's titular characters. 

5.1) Batman backhanding Nightwing

Because no one, not even DCAU Nightwing, talks sass to Batman and gets away with it.

But what do you think? Is there another Court of Owls moment that you'd like to see brought to animation? Check out the trailer one more time, then let us know in The Spoiler Room!

Batman Vs. Robin lands later this year.