Category: TV Series

SUMMARY:                                RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Doug Murphy, this episode first aired in the U.S. on June 3, 2017.  Lex Luthor’s S.T.AR. Labs raid sets up a showdown against Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman.  Thwarting Luthor’s kryptonite gas assault, Superman becomes critically ill.  Shrinking to microscopic size to save Superman’s life, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the Atom enter the Man of Steel’s comatose body to stop Luthor’s scheme to kill him.  Playing the odds, Luthor infiltrates the Watchtower to personally terminate a vulnerable Superman.         

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey                                             

Atom: Jerry O’Connell

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                           

Superman / Red Tornado: Jason J. Lewis

Lex Luthor: James Woods                              

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

Despite this episode’s great premise, an uncharacteristic excess of Wonder Woman wisecracks and a few juvenile booger jokes grow tiresome fast.  Worse yet, a surprisingly weak effort by James Woods’ Luthor necessitates that fellow voice actors Rachel Kimsey, Kevin Conroy, and Jerry O’Connell make up the difference.  The good news is that they succeed (to some extent). 

The usually chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, looks pretty good when paired with this particular script.  Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans can appreciate this Fantastic Voyage-style adventure.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      6 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).   

SUMMARY:                                       RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on May 27, 2017.  Pursuing a snarky Killer Frost into Gotham City, Firestorm becomes smitten with his icy nemesis, as she eludes him.  Simultaneously, Batman’s failure thwarting Mr. Freeze’s latest scheme results in the Dark Knight saving himself from certain death. 

Despite her enthusiasm for a team-up, Killer Frost is double-crossed by Mr. Freeze, as he forcibly uses her to power an ice weapon-armed airship.  It’s up to Batman & a wildly enthusiastic Firestorm to save Gotham from a frozen fate and rescue Killer Frost from Freeze’s clutches.       

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                           

Professor Martin Stein: Stephen Tobolowsky

Firestorm: P.J. Byrne                                                               

Killer Frost: Mena Suvari

Mr. Freeze: Peter Stormare

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

It’s reminiscent of a Brave and The Bold comic book team-up from the mid-1980’s, but this story enjoys a terrific contemporary spin.  Mena Suvari’s feisty take on a hip Killer Frost (reminiscent of Catwoman’s personality) provides some great chemistry with P.J. Byrne and Stephen Tobolowsky voicing Firestorm’s dual personas.  Anchoring this story is an entertaining business-as-usual Batman vs. Mr. Freeze caper that voice actors Kevin Conroy and Peter Stormare carry out to perfection. 

The usually chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, looks pretty good for this episode.  Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans can appreciate this well-played adventure.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     8 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).   

SUMMARY:                                      RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on May 20, 2017.  Ingeniously pitting the Justice League vs. five foul-tempered Red Lanterns at the Watchtower, a scheming Lobo succeeds in swiping a mystical weapon.  It’s no surprise that Lobo obnoxiously likes his odds facing a 10-1 disadvantage. 

Lobo: John DiMaggio                                                             

Superman / Red Lantern Dex-Starr: Jason J. Lewis

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                            

Wonder Woman / Red Lantern Bleez: Rachel Kimsey

Cyborg: Khary Payton                                                            

Atrocitus: Michael Dorn

Red Lantern Zilius Zox: Armin Shimerman                                                                            

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

Aside from a Star Trek: Deep Space Nine reunion for voice actors Michael Dorn and Armin Shimerman, what stands out most is John DiMaggio’s grumbly Lobo.  Allotted plenty of screen time, it’s obvious that DiMaggio is merely recycling his Yosemite Sam voice from The Looney Tunes Show.  Still, the voice cast chemistry is otherwise terrific, including Jason J. Lewis doubling as the blue feline Dex-Starr. 

The normally chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, actually looks pretty good when paired with this comic book-worthy script.  The League’s action sequences vs. the Red Lanterns and against Lobo are excellent for this series.  Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans should like this top-tier Justice League adventure.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                               7½ Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).   

SUMMARY:                                            RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on May 13, 2017.  While conducting a tour of the Fortress of Solitude for the League’s teenage members, Superman is accidently sucked into the Phantom Zone.  Blue Beetle, Stargirl, and Firestorm are all that stands between desperate Kryptonian escapees Zod, Faora (aka Ursa), and Quex-Ul (aka Non) from breaching the Fortress to likely-unstoppable freedom under Earth’s yellow sun. 

Superman / Zod / Quex-Ul: Jason J. Lewis                                          

Stargirl: Natalie Lander

Firestorm: P.J. Byrne                                                                         

Blue Beetle: Jake T. Austin

Professor Martin Stein: Stephen Tobolowsky                                       

Faora: Fryda Wolff

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

Shining a decent spotlight on the League’s rookies, it’s a fun adventure for Stargirl, Firestorm, and Blue Beetle. Balancing the battle scenes with appropriate humor, all three teenage super-heroes get worthy moments.  Firestorm’s hilarious scene trying to grasp kryptonite’s complex chemistry is the show stealer.  Yet, there really isn’t anything else remarkable about this ‘Zod Squad’ episode. 

The chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, holds up fine, as the icy Fortress visuals stand out best.  As the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, kids won’t likely complain about the episode’s mostly unimpressive artwork.  For some lightweight entertainment, “Field Trip” will likely satisfy young Justice League fans.   

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING:                               5 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).   

SUMMARY:                                              RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Shaunt Nigoghossian, this episode first aired in the U.S. on May 6, 2017.  Brainiac threatens to swipe Metropolis for his collection of bottled cities before destroying Earth.  Standing against him are Vixen, Cyborg, Batman, and Superman.  Rebuffed by the League, Plastic Man takes it upon himself to thwart Brainiac by infiltrating the villain’s starship hovering above Metropolis.  Is the wacky Plastic Man willing to sacrifice himself to save Earth? 

Plastic Man: Dana Snyder                                                                  

Superman: Jason J. Lewis

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                                       

Vixen: Jasika Nicole

Cyborg: Khary Payton                                                                        

Brainiac: John de Lancie

Brainiac’s Robots: Fred Tatasciore                                                                             

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

Usually best in small doses, voice actor Dana Snyder’s grating take on Plastic Man holds up surprisingly well in this showcase.  Snyder is at his best playing up an undercover Plastic Man’s comedy bits aboard Brainiac’s starship.  The voice cast regulars (including Jasika Nicole’s Vixen) are further enhanced by the perfect casting of John De Lancie as a vintage Brainiac. 

The normally chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, doesn’t impact the entertaining script too much.  Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult Plastic Man fans should like this fun Justice League adventure.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            7 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).   

SUMMARY:                                    Running Time: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on April 29, 2017.  Overpowering Wonder Woman, Lex Luthor and Circe breach Themyscira’s defenses and swipe Queen Hippolyta’s mystical staff.  Accompanied by Superman & Batman, Wonder Woman pursues the two villains into the bizarre Forgotten Realm. 

Once claiming the Oculus of the Argo, Luthor gains the power of Zeus himself.  Even a showdown with DC’s three greatest super-heroes might not be enough to stop Luthor this time.    

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey      

Superman: Jason J. Lewis

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                                       

Queen Hippolyta: Julianne Grossman

Lex Luthor: James Woods                                                                  

Circe: Laura Post

Unidentified Amazonians: Uncredited                                                          

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

This high-caliber episode could easily be adapted into a storyline for Trinity (Superman / Wonder Woman / Batman’s monthly team-up series).  The voice cast is spot-on, including Julianne Grossman’s snooty Queen Hippolyta and James Woods’ fast-talking Luthor.  The normally chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, is nicely bolstered by the better-than-expected script. 

Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans should like this exciting Justice League adventure.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              8½ Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).   

SUMMARY:                                     Running Time: 11 Min.

Directed by Shaunt Nigoghossian, this episode first aired in the U.S. on April 8, 2017.  Deploying an army of monstrous mannequins as a diversion, Felix Faust swipe a distracted Zatanna Zatara’s magical top hat.  Tracing the villainous sorcerer overseas to a Scottish island, Batman, Zatanna, & Etrigan the Demon take the fight to him. 

Using Zatanna’s hat to open an interdimensional portal, a decrepit Faust releases the mystical giant insect, Ghast, in exchange for restoring his long-sought youth.  While Batman & Etrigan go on a monster hunt, an outnumbered Zatanna desperately faces off against Faust and his two stone henchmen.    

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                                       

Zatanna Zatara: Lacey Chabert

Jason Blood / Etrigan the Demon / Merlin: Patrick Seitz                      

Felix Faust: Jon Cryer

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

Devised by writer Duane Capizzi, this macabre episode is a second showcase for the team-up chemistry between Batman, Zatanna, and Etrigan (see also Episode 14: “Speed Demon.”)  Jon Cryer adds an ideal vocal element with his rendition of Felix Faust.  With well-timed bits of humor, the episode smartly balances Batman & Etrigan’s predicament vs. Ghast with Zatanna’s showdown vs. Faust.  Its best creative choice is Zatanna’s amusing gag re: her magical equivalent of GPS. 

The normally chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, appears surprisingly good this time.  Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans should be impressed by this exciting “Hat Trick.”

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     9 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).  

SUMMARY:                                   Running Time: 11 Min.

Directed by Doug Murphy, this episode first aired in the U.S. on March 25, 2017.  Zatanna Zatara & Batman thwart a magically-powered Harley Quinn’s hijinks.  Confronting her mystical benefactor, Brother Night, at his ghastly mansion-nightclub, Batman & Zatanna defy him.  They’re stunned to find that he has transformed the Batmobile into a monstrous spell on wheels.  To rescue a captive Zatanna, the Dark Knight must fight his demonically-possessed ride with a Demon of his own.

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                           

Zatanna Zatara: Lacey Chabert

Jason Blood / Etrigan the Demon / Merlin: Patrick Seitz         

Harley Quinn (cameo) / Ember: Tara Strong

Brother Night: Dan Donohue

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

Ingeniously written by Paul Dini, this macabre thrill ride is the JLA’s kiddie answer to Stephen King’s Christine.  Anchored by the voice cast’s spot-chemistry, this episode’s best element is Etrigan’s ‘game of chicken’ vs. the demonic Batmobile.  The normally flimsy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, gets an adrenaline boost from by Dini’s nifty script. 

Since the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, kids should welcome this wildly entertaining episode.  In terms of adult appeal, the wild “Speed Demon” likely rates among the best efforts for this series.  For more of Batman-Zatanna-Etrigan’s dynamite chemistry, see Episode 15: “Hat Trick.”     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    9 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).