Category: DC-Related

BATMAN: SUPER-VILLAINS STRIKE (A CHOOSE-YOUR-FATE ADVENTURE BOOK)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date February 15, 2023

Written by Michael Teitelbaum. Cover Art by Ron Zalme.

SUMMARY:

In 2012, DC Comics and Tom Doherty Associates, LLC (through its Starscape imprint) released this 144-page Bat-caper for elementary school students. With black-and-white illustrations echoing the fourth season of Batman: The Animated Series, Gotham City’s Dark Knight takes on a solo mission pursuing four escaped villains from Arkham Asylum: Catwoman, Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, and the Riddler.

Aside from deducing the shadowy mastermind behind this jailbreak, Batman may find himself outnumbered by his elusive foes. Helped by solving enigmatic puzzles, readers make the risky decisions as to what Batman should do next. With one ideal ending in sight, readers must tread cautiously to avoid leading the Dark Knight to failure, if not imminent doom.

REVIEW:

Author Michael Teitelbaum devises a fun storyline where young readers can fairly navigate the plot twists. Unlike most other titles in the choose-your-own-story genre, only a single path leads to victory. More specifically, the option of at least partial success (i.e., capturing one villain) isn’t available. Teitelbaum, in that sense, applies plausible realism to Batman’s mortality, so some younger readers might become frustrated thinking victory ought to be easier. Still, this storyline’s simplistic entertainment value holds up relatively well.

Batman: Super-Villains Strike isn’t a remarkable find, but its target audience won’t likely be disappointed.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

The first page is an introduction for readers new to the choose-your-own-adventure concept. Included throughout the story are a series of word searches, word scrambles, mazes, and hidden/coded messages. At the back of the book is the answer key, which includes an exact reading path to nab all four Bat-villains.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. THE FATAL FIVE

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 29, 2023

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1 Hr., 17 Min.

In 2019, DC released this original animated film reuniting the three primary voice cast members from 2001-2006’s Justice League/Justice League Unlimited TV series. Notably, virtually the same animation style is utilized, as are the related programs’ various musical scores.

In the 30^th Century, the Legion of Super-Heroes fails to stop three members of the Fatal Five from stealing a time bubble meant to take them back to the early 21^st Century. Star Boy (suffering from his century’s equivalent of paranoid schizophrenia), at the last second, pursues them and temporarily contains the villains within the bubble. Over the next ten months, without his medication, an amnesiac Star Boy is confined to Arkham Asylum.

In Portland, Oregon, Jessica Cruz (as Earth’s latest Green Lantern) copes with PTSD from her terrifying origin months before. She further resists Wonder Woman’s efforts to recruit her into the Justice League. Within the League, Batman reluctantly serves as teen Miss Martian’s probationary mentor. At the League’s HQ, Mr. Terrific inadvertently releases the three 30^th Century fugitives, who then critically injure Superman.

Along with Star Boy, the League (Batman, Wonder Woman, Mr. Terrific, Miss Martian, and Superman) converges on Portland to save Jessica Cruz from an abduction attempt. Jessica is subsequently forced to free the Five’s two remaining from incarceration on planet Oa. To thwart the quartet’s catastrophic endgame, the League risks ultimate sacrifice to save the galaxy.

Principal Voice Cast:

Batman: Kevin Conroy (in his final project)

Wonder Woman: Susan Eisenberg

Superman: George Newbern

Jessica Cruz / Green Lantern: Diane Guerrero

Thomas Kallor / Star Boy: Elyes Gabel

Mr. Terrific & Kilowog: Kevin Michael Richardson

Miss Martian: Daniella Bobadilla

Saturn Girl / Harley Quinn / Poison Ivy: Tara Strong

Two-Face: Bruce Timm

Brainiac Five: Noel Fisher

Emerald Empress: Sumalee Montano

Mano: Philip Anthony Rodriguez

Bloodsport / Salaak: Tom Kenny

Persuader: Matthew Yang King

Notes: Continuity-wise, this PG-13 animated film is deemed a sequel to the Justice League/Justice League Unlimited TV series. Still, only Green Lantern John Stewart and Hawkgirl’s separate absences are explained – it is not referenced why the League is otherwise short-handed. Though the entire set of bonus features may not be included, this title is also available digitally and on DVD.

REVIEW:

Reuniting Susan Eisenberg, George Newbern, and the late Kevin Conroy in a homage sequel to Justice League/Justice League Unlimited has a world of potential. The voice cast, the faithful animation style, and familiar musical cues are worth the price of admission. In particular, the League’s brief viewing of Legion Headquarters (i.e., Batman’s take on seeing his Hall of Fame statue) and the epilogue sequence are absolutely spot-on.

Overall, the storyline is very good but its logic unnecessarily falters down the stretch.. For instances, plot holes are a major gaffe throughout the film’s climax.

SPOILER ALERT: for instance, the fate of Oa’s Central Power Battery is unresolved, once all its power has been stolen. Why would Jessica’ power ring (let alone any faraway Green Lantern’s ring) still work? Worst of all, no matter how poignantly the ‘ultimate sacrifice’ scene is played, it makes no scientific sense whatsoever. If anything, the screenwriters chose the wrong character.

Their Final Night-like concept would have worked, only had Jessica Cruz repaired the sun’s fractured damage instead of someone else. Specifically, if Oan emerald energy has shattered the sun, wouldn’t comic book logic then dictate that Jessica’s considerable willpower controlling such infinite energy be the sole means of repair? It would also far better explain Star Boy’s admiring deference to Jessica as the mythical ‘Limelight.’ Ultimately, the film’s obvious homage to a classic Legion comic book scenario falls short, given this plot’s circumstances.

The only other detriment stems to the inclusion of the film’s PG-13 elements – i.e. Star Boy’s nudity, occasional profanities, and far more dark (real world) violence than one might expect. Attempting to reach an older target audience, DC throws in adult-friendly material that would not have passed responsible TV censors for Justice League/Justice League Unlimited.

Could have DC have gone PG and still delivered the same story – as a faithful sequel to the Justice League animated series? Absolutely, yes. Hence, parents of young DC fans should recognize why the film is rated as such and not presume the film is simply more of the TV series.

For Justice League fans, this showdown vs. the Fatal Five scores points in most categories. The only rub is that Justice League vs. The Fatal Five had the potential to be even better, had it been more kid-friendly.

BONUS FEATURES:

Language and subtitle options are in English and French. The optional commentary track includes executive producer Bruce Timm, director Sam Liu, and two other creative team members: Eric Carrasco & Jim Krieg.

Along with an ad hyping Ultra HD, trailers are included for the live-action Aquaman and the animated Reign of the Supermen. There are previews for two DC animated films, Justice League Dark and Justice League vs. Teen Titans. A sneak peek at the animated Batman: Hush is also included.

Including members of the production’s creative team and guests, such as Dr. Andrea Letamendi, one featurette examining Jessica Cruz’s Green Lantern and Star Boy is entitled “Battling the Invisible Menace.” A second production featurette is entitled “Unity of Hero.”

Both bonus cartoons explore the Legion of Super-Heroes vs. the Fatal Five. Legion of Super-Heroes’ first episode, “Man of Tomorrow” (6 Stars), has the 30^th Century Legion desperately recruiting a rookie Superboy’s help. The other is Justice League Unlimited’s “Far From Home” (8 Stars) in arguably Supergirl’s most pivotal animated appearance.

PACKAGING:

Possessing a standard casing, this Blu-Ray’s contents are accurately advertised.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 29, 2023

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1 Hr., 18 Min.

This 2018 DC animated film loosely adapts 1989’s Batman: Gotham By Gaslight graphic novel – DC Comics’ first Elseworlds project. Days before hosting the World’s Fair, a Victorian-era Gotham City is besieged after nightfall by a knife-wielding serial killer targeting the city’s perceived prostitutes. Simultaneously, the vigilante Batman is now protecting Gotham’s most defenseless from street crime.

Facing off against one another, the Dark Knight and the Ripper find that stage entertainer Selina Kyle has her own hellbent score to settle with the elusive killer. Worse yet, this fearsome adversary can successfully fend them both off in 2-on-1 combat. Other wildcards in play are Police Commissioner James Gordon, Police Chief Harvey Bullock, and District Attorney Harvey Dent in their efforts to thwart the grisly murders.

Personal tragedy strikes Gotham’s greatest philanthropist, Bruce Wayne, who finds himself framed for the Ripper’s murders, including a beloved friend. Mere hours before the World’s Fair’s opening, Batman races the clock to reach down his foe before the Ripper strikes the one closest to Bruce Wayne’s heart.

Note: Unlike the graphic novel, Batman’s tragic origin dating back to childhood is neither depicted nor re-imagined. The film only briefly alludes to why Bruce Wayne began his familiar obsession declaring war on street crime.

Principal Voice Cast:

Bruce Wayne/Batman: Bruce Greenwood

Selina Kyle: Jennifer Carpenter

Alfred Pennyworth: Anthony Head

District Attorney Harvey Dent: Yuri Lowenthal

Commissioner James Gordon: Scott Patterson

Sister Leslie Tompkins, Jason Todd, & Selina Kyle’s Singing Voice: Grey Griffin

Timmy Drake & Marlene Mahoney: Tara Strong

Dickie Grayson: Lincoln Milcher

Hugo Strange: William Salyers

Barbara Eileen-Gordon & Pamela “Poison Ivy” Isley: Kari Wuhrer

Police Chief Harvey Bullock & Big Dill Dust: John DiMaggio

Mayor Tolliver: Bob Joles

Note: Though the entire set of bonus features may not be included, this R-rated title is also available digitally and on DVD.

REVIEW:

Enhanced by impressive production values, this grisly animated adaptation surpasses its source material. Instead of transplanting Jack the Ripper from London as a ‘sequel’ to the killer’s historical notoriety, this version devises its own shadowy ‘Ripper’ to face Gotham’s rookie Dark Knight. Cleverly, the film adheres far closer to familiar Bat-mythology, including the presence of Selina Kyle, Poison Ivy, Hugo Strange, a trio of young Robins, and even a name drop of ‘Cyrus Gold’ (a reference to DC’s Solomon Grundy). Hence, this adaptation benefits from a welcome unpredictability in its plot twists.

Two caveats, however, should be considered. One: the film’s R-rating allows the Ripper’s bloody predatorial stalking of women to be visualized in multiple brutal deaths; the same applies to brief nudity and profanities. Two: deviating from Brian Augustyn’s graphic novel, the culprit’s identity has been changed, presumably for shock value purposes. The gamble mostly works, but it’s justifiable that Bat-fans may be unhappy at the desecration of an iconic character.

Ultimately, Batman: Gotham By Gaslight scores on all creative counts: spot-on voice casting (especially Bruce Greenwood & Jennifer Carpenter), high-caliber animation, and a haunting musical score. Despite a disturbing violence quotient, the animated Gotham By Gaslight fulfills its creative potential.

BONUS FEATURES:

Language options and subtitles consist of: English, Dutch, French, Portuguese, Spanish-Castellano, and Spanish-Latino. Optional audio commentary with executive producer Bruce Timm, screenwriter Jim Krieg, and director/producer Sam Lieu is available.

Aside from the trailer for the animated Batman vs. Two-Face (Adam West’s final Batman project), sneak peeks are included for upcoming DC animated films: Justice League Dark, Batman: Bad Blood, and Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay. There is also a featurette entitled “Caped Fear: The First Elseworld.”

The two bonus cartoons are: 1. Batman – The Brave and the Bold’s “Trials of the Demon!,” which includes appearances from Sherlock Holmes & Dr. John Watson; Jay Garrick’s Flash; Scream Queen (a purplish re-working of Silver Banshee); the Scarecrow; Jason Blood/The Demon; and the Gentleman Ghost; and 2. Batman: The Animated Series’ “Showdown,” which co-stars Ra’s al Ghul in Jonah Hex’s animated debut.

Re: “The Trials of the Demon!” (6 Stars), it is a fun supernatural caper where the Gentleman Ghost proves a most formidable Bat-foe. Still, this episode’s most glaring weakness is Holmes’ ludicrous instant ‘deductions’ confirming Batman’s intents and origin – no matter Holmes’ legendary observational talents, he is not that good.

As for the flashback-driven “Showdown” (8 Stars), pitting an adaptation of Jonah Hex vs. Ra’s al Ghul is an inspired Western action-adventure. This episode’s final plot twist is exceptionally well-played.

PACKAGING:

Possessing a standard casing, this Blu-Ray’s contents are accurately advertised.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

THE OATH: A BATMAN FAN FILM

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 19, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: Approx. 17:32 Min.

Released by Kaotica Studios in 2022, this film’s writing, cinematography, editing, and directing are credited to ‘Johnny K.’ Per the closing credits, the production was evidently filmed in Petersburg, Virginia.

Heavily inspired by the 1989 Batman movie’s opening sequence, “The Oath” depicts two Gotham City cops investigating the demise of low-level hoodlum Johnny Gobs in a rain-drizzled alley. Ordering his subordinate to watch over Gobs’ remains, Sgt. Frank Kelly (Morgan) departs on foot for another call. Instead, Kelly goes to a clandestine meeting with one of mobster Carl Grissom’s most notorious players: Johnny Atlas (Keenum).

Pressured by his wife’s skyrocketing medical bills, Kelly faces a moral pendulum whether to accept bribe money and join the long list of others on Grissom’s illicit payroll. Watching from above is the Dark Knight, who then makes his own ultimatum.

GCPD Sgt. Frank Kelly: Jerry Morgan

Jimmy Atlas: Oz Keenum

GCPD Officer Joey Barnes: Chris Konke

Batman: Guillermo Mejía

Transient: Chris Konke

Mary Kelly (voiceover): Paula S. Morgan

GCPD Dispatcher (voiceover): Heather Stone

Peter McElroy/newscaster (voiceover): Dan K. Anderson

GCPD cops: Uncredited

Johnny Gobs (corpse): Uncredited

REVIEW:

Despite its pedestrian script, this short film’s production values are impressive. The movie’s running time, in that sense, exceeds the simple morality tale it is depicting. At least, nothing seems rushed for budgetary purposes.

Kaotica Studios can be commended for conjuring up what is effectively a test reel that rivals DC/Warner Bros.’ own TV programs, quality-wise. Case in point: in limited screen time, Guillermo Mejía (deliberately reminiscent of Michael Keaton’s Batman) is effective in the role. Though short on conveying emotional reactions, the other cast members still deliver some relatively good work.

“The Oath: A Batman Fan Film,” if anything, demonstrates how effective live-action Batman can be when it is in the right creative hands – even outside of big-league Hollywood.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics DC-Related

BLACK LIGHTNING: YEAR ONE (DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date July 22, 2022

Written by Jen Van Meter.

Art by Cully Hamner; Laura Martin; Travis Lanham; Sal Cipriano; & Steve Wands.

Re-Issue Cover Art: Cress Williams as Black Lightning {CW Television Series}.

SUMMARY:

DC Comics released the original six-issue mini-series in 2009, which was subsequently collected as a 144-page trade paperback that same year. Popularized by the CW’s live-action TV series, this re-issued edition was released in 2017-2018.

Returning to the Southside neighborhood (aka ‘Suicide Slum’ in Metropolis), former U.S. Olympian-turned-educator Jefferson Pierce brings his young family (wife Lynn and nine-year old daughter Anissa) home to live with his mother in Pierce’s childhood home. His new job as a high school principal in a gang-infested, urban war zone mirrors a mysterious vigilante’s work protecting nocturnal Southside from thugs representing the ominous ‘100.’

Despite help from his loyal friend, tailor/tech wiz Peter Gambi, Pierce’s crusade against Southside injustice runs afoul of both the Metropolis police and The 100. A constant threat of grisly violence impacts both Pierce’s family and the skeptical kids under his supervision, as he gradually draws closer to The 100’s macabre kingpin. Gaining the trust of the Man of Steel, not to mention a familiar Metropolis cop, Black Lightning uncovers a grim, long-hidden truth dating back to the assassination of his own valiant father years before.

In the end, it’s up to a defiant Pierce to face both corpulent business tycoon/mobster Tobias Whale and a secret monstrous threat that even his electrifying powers may not be enough to vanquish. No matter the steep odds, Black Lightning intends to redeem his beloved Southside’s future or die trying. Guest stars include Clark Kent/Superman, Lois Lane, & Talia al Ghul.

REVIEW:

It’s a great read! Ignoring the ‘secret origin’ of Pierce’s super-powers, writer Jen Van Meter instead concocts a satisfying exploration of the ‘why’ behind Jefferson Pierce’s crusade as Southside’s guardian. Van Meter also delivers terrific work depicting the changes in how Pierce’s extended family reacts to his hellbent mission after dark. Including the shadowy villain’s origin, the presence of another sinister force behind his perennial arch-nemesis, Tobias Whale, also proves an inspired touch.

Working in equal tandem with Van Meter is the art squad’s consistently likable visuals. What this art team brings to Black Lightning’s saga is a fresh look that would help bolster any ongoing series. Accordingly, Black Lightning: Year One should be deemed a welcome prequel from DC Comics.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page format, each of Cully Hamner’s six covers precede its issue.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

LOVE THEME FROM SUPERMAN III (by Giorgio Moroder {& Helen St. John}: Ewok Celebration)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date July 22, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:15 Min.

Recorded for 1983’s Superman III film soundtrack, Giorgio Moroder supplied its instrumental love theme utilizing synthesizer romantic pop.

Note: Helen St. John is officially credited on the soundtrack as the love theme’s performer, though Moroder produced much of the long-out-of-release album.

REVIEW:

Given how Superman III explores Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve) & Lana Lang’s (Annette O’Toole) platonic Smallville reunion, this exuberant instrumental oddly has no place within the film’s storyline. At most, there may be a few faint strands briefly heard in the movie’s underwhelming background (or possibly it was meant for some subsequently deleted scene). More so, Moroder & St. John’s soaring tune doesn’t necessarily age well forty years later.

For its time, the theme’s lush sound serves up appealing ear candy, though nothing in the melody resonates with Reeve’s Superman whatsoever. Contemporary listeners, however, couldn’t be blamed for deeming this theme an excess of Early 80’s instrumental romantic drivel, as filtered through a synthesizer. Case in point: there’s at least on-line version (possibly a cover) credited to St. John that reeks of electronica dreck.

If one still wants to find a presumably authentic version, there’s an obscure source. Released in 1983, Meco’s Ewok Celebration disco novelty album includes Superman III’s dreamy love theme (credited to Moroder only) on its B-side. Unlike the on-line St. John track, this rare Moroder rendition is relatively enjoyable on its own merits – without linking it to the cinematic Man of Steel.

Notes: As of this writing, Ewok Celebration is still available as a vinyl. The album was also released in cassette form.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

THE BATMAN/SUPERMAN MOVIE

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date May 12, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 1 Min.

Released by Warner Bros. Home Video in 2007, this animated film is three Superman: The Animated Series episodes edited together. Specifically, Season 2’s Episodes 16-18 entitled “World’s Finest, Parts I-III,” were first televised on October 4, 1997.

In Gotham City, the Joker and Harley’s Quinn’s brazen theft of an antique jade dragon leads Batman to realize that this glowing antique is composed of radioactive kryptonite. The Joker soon prods an opportunistic Lex Luthor into swapping arch-enemies for a ‘bargain’ price.

Arriving in Metropolis, Bruce Wayne senses the Joker’s likely new accomplice is Lex Luthor. He soon feigns a tentative working partnership with LexCorp to probe Luthor’s involvement. Complicating matters further, Bruce’s judgment is compromised by an unexpected love affair with The Daily Planet’s Lois Lane, much to Clark Kent’s chagrin. With Superman & Batman now public rivals amidst the Clark-Lois-Bruce love triangle, the villains launch a nefarious strike. To make amends, Batman must put his guarded trust in the Man of Steel.

A game-changing discovery occurs, after Lois decides her romantic destiny lies in Gotham City as the presumably future ‘Mrs. Wayne.’ Unless the World’s Finest Duo settle their personal differences fast, Luthor, the Joker, & Harley Quinn edge closer to scoring ultimate victory. With Luthor’s nefarious power grab unleashed, Superman will need the Dark Knight’s ominous help to save Metropolis in time.

Clark Kent / Superman: Tim Daly

Lois Lane: Dana Delany

Bruce Wayne / Batman: Kevin Conroy

Lex Luthor: Clancy Brown

The Joker: Mark Hamill

Harley Quinn: Arleen Sorkin

Alfred: Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

Mercy Graves: Lisa Edelstein

GCPD Commissioner Gordon: Bob Hastings

GCPD Detective Harvey Bullock: Robert Costanzo

Perry White: George Dzundza

Dan Turpin: Joseph Bologna

Notes: As of this writing, this title hasn’t been released separately on Blu-Ray. Instead, it is included in various DVD and Blu-ray sets, including Superman: The Animated Series – for Season 2 and The Complete Series set. It’s also available digitally as either a film or as three separate episodes.

REVIEW:

Given its time constraints, this standard-screen, animated super-caper offers solid all-ages DC entertainment. Exploring the intriguing premise of Lois Lane dumping perpetual suitor Clark Kent for Bruce Wayne, the storyline’s various twists are good as one might hope for.

In that sense, the plot infers that the DC Animated Universe was inching towards 2001’s Justice League/Justice League Unlimited animated series. Bolstered by reliable voice acting, the TV animation still holds up relatively well. In particular, some close-ups (i.e. Lois wistfully contemplating a rose from Bruce) are unexpectedly stellar.

As compared to a similar three-part team-up opening The Batman: Season Five, the kid-friendly action sequences are of essentially equal caliber. However, The Batman/Superman Movie prevails on both its welcome storytelling depth and clearly higher-quality animation.

In the end, the practicality for buying this rudimentary DVD is a bargain price. Otherwise, there’s multiple superior viewing options now to choose from (per the above note).

BONUS FEATURES:

Available languages are English, French, & Spanish, with subtitles presented in English or Spanish (at least, for the main feature). The extras consist of: How to Draw: Superman; How to Draw: Batman; “The Joker’s Challenge Game;” basic cast and crew information, and some obligatory trailers.

PACKAGING:

The DVD has a standard casing, Of its advertised contents (per the backside of the case), the only item this reviewer couldn’t find was a musical montage. Otherwise, the DVD’s selection menu confirms it has what the case claims.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars

BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD – SEASON TWO, PART ONE

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date May 12, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4 Hours, 33 Min.

Originally airing on The Cartoon Network in 2009-2010, this double-disc set released in 2011 features twelve 23-minute animated episodes. Notably, some of their pre-credits sequences setting up the two-part Starro invasion storyline leading off Season Two – Part Two’s set. The matted widescreen episodes (and guest heroes) are the following:

Disc 1:

1: Death Race to Oblivion!

Guest Heroes: Captain Marvel/Shazam; Plastic Man; Huntress; & Green Arrow.

2: Long Arm of the Law!

Guest Hero: Plastic Man.

3. Revenge of the Reach!

Guest Heroes: Challengers of the Unknown; Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes); & Green Arrow.

4. Aquaman’s Outrageous Adventure!

Guest Heroes: Aquaman; Mera; Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes); Green Arrow; & Enemy Ace.

5. The Golden Age of Justice!

Guest Heroes: Detective Chimp; Hourman (Rex Tyler); Black Canary I (Dinah Drake); Black Canary II (Dinah Lance); Flash (Jay Garrick); Hawkman; Dr. Mid-Nite (Charles McNider); & Wildcat (Ted Grant).

6. Sidekicks Assemble!

Guest Heroes: The original Teen Titans (Robin, Speedy, & Aqualad); Aquaman; & Green Arrow.

Disc 2:

7: Clash of the Metal Men!

Guest Heroes: Aquaman; Dr. Will Magnus, & The Metal Men.

8: A Bat Divided!

Guest Heroes: Booster Gold; & Firestorm (Jason Rusch/Ronnie Raymond).

9. The Super Batman of Planet X!

Guest Heroes: The Metal Men; and Green Arrow.

10. The Power of Shazam!

Guest Heroes: Captain Marvel/Shazam; and The Wizard/Shazam.

11. Chill of the Night!

Guest Heroes: Zatanna Zatara; Spectre, and The Phantom Stranger.

12. Gorillas in Our Midst!

Guest Heroes: Spectre; Detective Chimp; Vixen; & B’wana Beast.

Note: This set is now included in a Complete Season Two on Blu-ray.

REVIEW:

With a single exception, the scripting and animation style of these dozen episodes remains consistently entertaining in all respects. For fans of the stylish Brave and the Bold TV series, this set is certainly worthwhile. Including Aquaman’s LOL family sitcom, several notable adventures rate among the program’s top-tier episodes, i.e. The Golden Age of Justice!; Sidekicks Assemble!; The Power of Shazam!; and the set’s peculiar dark horse: Chill of the Night!

Here’s the caveat re: Chill of the Night! The unrelated Batman/Zatanna Zatara pre-credits teaser is wonderful; however, the main plot darkly explores Batman’s vendetta against his parents’ cold-blooded killer: Joe Chill. Deceptively utilizing the usual kid-friendly animation, the harsh subject matter ought to have been deemed off-limits for pre-middle school kids.

Though it makes the most sense to acquire the full-season Blu-ray, this half-season is still plenty good by itself.

BONUS FEATURES:

Available languages are English & Spanish, with these subtitles to choose from: English, French, & Spanish.

PACKAGING:

The discs are safely encased on separate pages. The set’s contents are accurately listed on the back outside cover.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

THE WORLD’S GREATEST SUPERFRIENDS: AND JUSTICE FOR ALL

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 28, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2 Hours, 57 Min.

Originally aired on ABC-TV in 1979, this installment of Hanna-Barbera’s “The World’s Greatest Super Friends!” (aka Season 4) consists of eight episodes, each 22-23 minutes in length. The Super-Friends appearing are: Superman; Wonder Woman; Batman & Robin; Aquaman, and The Wonder Twins (with Gleek). The single-disc DVD consists of these adventures:

“Rub Three Times for Disaster”
“Lex Luthor Strikes Back”
“Space Knights of Cameleon”
“The Lord of Middle Earth”
“Universe of Evil”
“Terror at 20,000 Fathoms”
“Superfriends Meet Frankenstein”
“Planet of Oz.”

Note: Similarly packaged, the Season 5 DVD is dubbed “Dangerous Fate;” and the Season 6 DVD is “A Legacy of Super Powers.”

REVIEW:

Aside from these Super-Friends being too easily overpowered on a regular basis, these eight episodes deliver nostalgic super-fun.

Beyond taking obvious inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien, L. Frank Baum, Mary Shelley, Jules Verne, and Arthurian legend, the Lex Luthor caper even includes a Margot Kidder-like Lois Lane and his dim-witted sidekick, Orville, closely resembles Ned Beatty’s Otis. The unique sight of a super-charged Robin utilizing Superman’s powers is explored in “Superfriends Meet Frankenstein.” Another treat is the “Universe of Evil,” where DC’s first animated equivalent of Earth-Three’s Crime Syndicate is depicted. Hence, the inspired scripting powering several of these episodes is impressive.

At a minimum, these Saturday morning capers live up to the Super-Friends franchise’s legacy of kid-friendly entertainment.

BONUS FEATURES:

The DVD can be viewed in English, Spanish, & Portuguese, with available subtitles in either English or Portuguese. There are two DC Comics-related trailers: one for various DC animated titles and the other is ‘the real-world-needs-heroes’ PSA.

PACKAGING:

The DVD is solidly enclosed. For the most part, the contents are accurately listed.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars