'Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero (1998)' is more of a continuation of 'Batman: The Animated Series (1992)' than a proper stand-alone feature and, as such, doesn't introduce or even really develop any of its characters. They're all close to their usual incarnations, though, which means even those unfamiliar with the show should find their footing fairly fast, if they know at least one previous version of these players. Mr. Freeze is really the star here, as the antagonist is given a clear motive and some nice characterisation that makes him more than the typical 'bad-guy' fare. This is usually the case, as the cold character has a clear driving-force that means he is just as likely to team up with the caped crusader as try to freeze him solid, and he has consistently been one of Batman's better villains - aside from in 'Batman & Robin (1997)' - ever since his character has been fully figured out. The overall narrative is a little messy, however. It's marred by frequent and long fade-to-black 'chapter breaks', from the piece's original television airing, and leans a little into the 'damsel in distress' cliché, though this 'damsel' does fight every step of the way aside from in the initial kidnapping sequence. It also features bizarrely little of the dark knight for a picture that bares his name. Emphasis is placed on the set-up and subsequent detective work, making for an unconventional structure that doesn't really feel so much a feature as an extended television episode. Still, the unconventional approach and less focus on fisticuffs is slightly refreshing; the piece remains and intriguing and entertaining watch throughout. The consistently noir-ish and sometimes awe-inspiring animation brings our hero, his friends and his foes to life with a beautiful verve that's only sometimes besmirched by odd and out-of-place, if occasionally slightly effective, 3D elements. This makes the flick a feast for the eyes even with its basic, slightly 'Scooby-Doo', art-style and adds a lot of value to the already engaging adventure. 6/10