Phil Roberts 
DC Studios Announces Three New Animated Series, Including Joker: Laugh Riot, Krypto, and Absolute Batman
We’ve got some exciting news from DC Studios at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Co-chairs Peter Safran and James Gunn have officially announced three new animated DC projects, developed in partnership with Warner Bros. Animation. The lineup includes a brand-new animated adventure for Krypto, a bold new take on the Joker, and an animated adaptation of a true Batman classic.
But what can we expect from these bold new swings from DC Studios? Join us as we unpack these instant DC classics.
ABSOLUTE BATMAN
First up is Absolute Batman, a new series based on the best-selling comic from writer Scott Snyder and artist Nick Dragotta. Absolute Batman reinvents the Dark Knight mythos for a new generation, reimagining Bruce Wayne as a working-class hero facing impossible odds. At its core, the series follows his mission to prove that even in a world shaped by wealth, power, and corruption, one good person can still make a difference.
This bold reinterpretation takes some daring creative swings, placing Bruce in closer orbit with some of Gotham’s most notorious figures before fate ultimately reshapes them into their more familiar, twisted versions. The result is a fresh and punchy take on Batman that looks to challenge expectations while staying rooted in the character’s enduring legacy.
Snyder is attached to the series as executive producer and showrunner, while Dragotta is also on board as a producer.
KRYPTO
Next up, it’s Krypto! That’s right—Kara’s adorably mischievous super dog is back in a brand-new, currently untitled animated series. This time, Krypto finds himself tagging along with a group of misfit wannabe criminals who live just down the block. As he gets pulled into their increasingly chaotic schemes and poorly planned heists, Krypto’s pure-hearted nature slowly begins to rub off on them—whether they like it or not.
The series is being described as funny, heartfelt, and, fittingly, completely chaotic. It’s still in the very early stages of development, but it already sounds like a very promising addition to DC’s animated lineup.
JOKER: LAUGH RIOT
And finally! Executive produced by Jim Krieg, Joker: Laugh Riot will be directed by Yasuhuro Aoki, who previously served as an animator on The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. The series follows the Joker as he faces an unexpected existential crisis after his longtime nemesis, Batman, is killed. Again, this bold new adaptation is a DC first, with the series being produced in Japan with director Aoki.
The official logline reads:
“When Batman is murdered, the Joker launches a ruthless crusade through Gotham’s underworld to find the killer who took away his greatest adversary. But as his violent quest for answers pushes him closer towards vigilante than villain, Joker is forced to confront the truth that without Batman, he doesn’t know who he is.”
RELEASE
What an incredible lineup. With this slate, DC’s animated offerings are starting to rival the company’s live-action projects, which is an exciting prospect for fans. Given the scale and ambition of this reveal, there’s plenty to look forward to from DC’s presentation at this year’s Annecy festival. It’s shaping up to be a strong showing, and one that sets the stage for an exciting new wave of animated storytelling. Bring it on!
Which of these animated projects are you excited about? Drop a comment in the chat below.
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
