The concept of Batman typically resonates with a male audience, and Aztec Batman: Empire Clash (now available on various VOD platforms like Amazon Prime Video) pushes that framework further. This retelling of Batman’s lore takes place in 1500s Mexico, where the hero draws divine inspiration from the ancient bat god, Twinakan, symbolizing death and sacrifice. It’s an intriguing interpretation! Directed by Juan Jose Meza Leon, known for his work on Rick and Morty and Harley Quinn, the film explores several culturally specific themes. Some elements feel genuinely inspired, while others seem to be original just for the sake of novelty. I’m curious to see how all this unfolds.
Key Points: We first meet Johari Coatl (played by Holocio Garcia Rojas) in a dream sequence amidst a conflict between a divine bull and a massive bat. Awakening alongside his father, Toltecatzin (Jorge R. Gutierrez), Johari shares his troubling vision, foreseeing, “you will give our bats the respect he deserves.” Soon after, a white man appears on the coast, escorted by Spanish explorer Hernan Cortez (Alvaro Morte) and his enforcer, Pedro de Alvarado (Jose Carlos Irnes). History suggests caution with these figures, yet the father of Johari, acting as a gracious host, welcomes them with food. Cortez and his men boast of their firearms, treating it like a novelty, neglecting the ominous implications of their arrival.
Then, Toltecatzin politely requests directions to the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. This leads to carnage. Batman Roar witnesses his father perish, narrowly escaping into the rainforest, wounded. He loses consciousness in the water, only to revive before the Earth Mother Goddess draped in ivy. Meanwhile, Cortez’s conquest plows through cities and villages, all in the name of his Christian God, collecting both gold and glory, though at a hefty cost in blood.
Johari, still embodying the vision of the bat god Tsinikan, confronts Cortez in Tenochtitlan, warning King Muktezuma (Hambert Bust) of imminent danger. The king consults his shaman, Yoka (Omar Chaparo), who mistakenly advises that Cortez and his forces should be welcomed. It’s absurd, and Yoali struggles with the king’s blind faith in this misguided guidance. As chaos erupts, the lines between friend and foe get muddled, and you can’t help but notice that some characters bear a resemblance to familiar figures from other narratives. But, well, no spoilers!
What movies does that remind you of?: This invokes memories of other Batman variants like Batman Ninja, set in a faux-Asian aesthetic, and the Victorian-era Gotham by Gaslight, to even the Lovecraftian Batman: The Destiny of Gotham.
The value of performance: Rojas’ voiceover effectively captures Yohari’s transformation from naïve youth to someone grappling with the complexities of life.
Memorable conversation: Yohari conveys a deep-seated skepticism.
Sex and Skin: None.
Our Take: Unfortunately, Aztec Batman doesn’t quite fulfill the potential of its premise. Unlike Ninja Batman, which indulged in absurdity, this film presents an offensively simplistic retelling of Batman’s origins steeped in cultural lore. There’s a palpable tension between spiritual beliefs and practical choices in Johari’s internal struggle and the broader narrative. He’s increasingly confronted with the significance of dreams and divine messages, while Cortez grapples with his warped piety. There’s considerable narrative potential here, but it feels underdeveloped. It’s unclear if the creators intend for spirituality to lead to greater understanding, but the script muddles character intentions and thematic depth, introducing unnecessary complications.
The visuals, however, are striking, with beautifully crafted backgrounds and intricate details that somewhat compensate for the action sequences, which are often forgettable. The story connects back to broader Batman mythology, presenting a dynamic interplay of good and evil. Aztec Batman hasn’t fully revealed its potential yet, particularly in how it portrays divine interactions. Is this a setup for future sequels? Possibly. But what about this film itself? The overwhelming colors left quite an impression.
Our Call: Aztec Batman: Empire Clash is perhaps a recommended watch only for die-hard Batman collectors. It’s an interesting take, though a bit overcrowded and at times superficial. If that rings like faint praise, well, that might be accurate. You can probably pass on it.
