I haven’t really been keeping up with the animated features that both Warner Brothers and Marvel have been churning out over the past few years, but clearly someone out there is buying them because they just keep on making them. One of the advantages of these direct-to-DVD comic book adaptations is that they can take their stories directly from specific comic book story arcs without having to cater to the whims of studio execs, secure in the fact that they are targeted at a niche audience. Indeed, one of the most recent Warner Premiere releases was All-Star Superman, based on Grant Morrison’s award-winning re-invention of the Man of Steel. Next up we have an even more highly revered title: Frank Miller’s Batman: Year One.

In theory, an animated adaptation of this comic sounds like a great idea, but in reality, I have some doubts. Warner has continued their recent strategy of casting relatively well-known actors to voice most of the characters, and while you’d think that would elevate the material, some of the choices are a little odd. Perhaps the most questionable choice is Ben McKenzie (The O.C.) as Bruce Wayne / Batman; I realize that the story features a younger Batman, but the voice over in this trailer was not cutting it for me. Other voices are provided by Bryan Cranston (James Gordon), Katee Sackhoff (Detective Sarah Essen), and Eliza Dushku (Catwoman). Batman: Year One hits stores on Oct. 18th; check out the teaser trailer after the jump and see what you think.