Batman: Gotham By Gaslight - 10 Ways It Could Save DC's Animated Films

5. Gotham By Gaslight Is A Brilliant Book

Probably a given, considering DC are mounting an attempt to adapt it and all, but come on! No one can pass up a chance to eulogise this particular Elseworlds classic.

Regardless of the fact that Warner Bros. have managed to improve really poor story arcs from DC's library in the past (Under the Hood says hi), starting with a solid foundation (in this case the Augustyn and Mignola classic), is, well, a really good place to start. The premise of a Victorian era Batman working to apprehend a Gotham-bound Leather Apron is so effective, and plays tremendously well upon the more outlandish theories that Ripperologists have espoused over the years.

Said investigators have long suspected that Jack left for the US after his grizzly Whitechapel murder spree, and, while it is an unrealistic prospect to entertain, it's one that makes perfect sense for a comic book - especially one with Batman.

Mignola's art is, as ever, sublime, and his mastery of gothic architecture lends itself well to a steampunk-inspiredGotham. Augustyn's script is also brilliant, and compliments the atmosphere created by Mignola's pencils perfectly.

Needless to say, it's a great book to pick up if you haven't already. Given that the new film is promising some twists on the established story, you won't have to worry about spoiling the experience either, which is always a bonus.