Category: DC-Related

SUMMARY:                                          RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Doug Murphy, this episode first aired in the U.S. on July 22, 2017.  With Gorilla Grodd and his army of simian minions attacking the United Nations building, Batman, Superman, and a rookie Stargirl seemingly have the crisis well in hand.  The mischievous 5^th Dimensional imp, Mr. Mxyzptlk, decides to have some fun by body-switching the three heroes.  

Amidst the ensuing chaos, the League’s ‘Bravo’ squad: Zatanna Zatara, Flash, Plastic Man, Cyborg, Martian Manhunter, Shazam (aka Captain Marvel), and Firestorm enter the fray.  Further upping the ante, the imp plays another round of ‘Justice League roulette’ by body-switching them, too.  Who is left to bewilder Mxyzptlk proving that two can play this mix-up game?      

Stargirl: Natalie Lander                                                          

Gorilla Grodd: David Sobolov

Superman: Jason J. Lewis                                                      

Mr. Mxyzptlk: Gilbert Gottfried

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                           

Professor Martin Stein: Stephen Tobolowsky

Firestorm: P.J. Byrne                                                             

Shazam (Captain Marvel): Sean Astin

Flash: Charlie Schlatter

Plastic Man: Dana Snyder

Gorilla Minion: Uncredited     

Notes: Martian Manhunter, Zatanna Zatara, & Cyborg have non-vocal roles.  Also, 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 took two viewings to digest Gilbert Gottfried’s ratcheting-up of Mxyzptlk (there’s no mistaking that voice).  Still, as intended, his casting is perfect.  Complementing the imp’s wacky look, Gottfried’s grating take is a more entertaining fit than Mxyzptlk’s bland appearances in The Super-Friends TV series.  Suffice to say, the other voice actors are overshadowed, but David Sobolov’s Grodd and Stephen Tobolowsky’s Professor Stein add some extra shine.  This comedy relief episode makes good use of its cast, including the League’s ‘Bravo’ team in a glorified cameo.   

The chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, is kicked up an extra notch here.  Impressively, the artwork supplements the script’s Freaky Friday-style antics well.  Considering this episode’s target audience is for ages 10-and-under, there is still plenty for adults to appreciate in this delightful Justice League sitcom, i.e. the sight of Batman trapped in Stargirl’s body.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        7½ Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Battles from Beyond! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the series’ second half).    

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on July 15, 2017.  Amidst a routine League skirmish vs. the H.I.V.E. terrorist group, time freezes in place (including Wonder Woman in mid-battle).  Forced to trust the self-involved Booster Gold, Batman knows he’s the League’s only option against the energy creature known as the Chronovore.  Considering this giant insect-like monster and its smaller minions are literally eating up time, it’s up to Booster Gold to prove his heroic mettle. 

Booster Gold / H.I.V.E. Master: Diedrich Bader                                  

Batman: Kevin Conroy

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey

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:

Since Diedrich Bader was previously Batman’s voice for The Brave and The Bold cartoon series, it’s fitting that this episode is practically a homage.  The entertaining chemistry between Bader’s wonky Booster Gold and Kevin Conroy’s Batman is top-caliber.  Beyond its somewhat chintzy animation, this adventure’s minor problem is that the script relies on predictable twists.  “Time Out” is a fine episode showcasing Booster Gold, though it isn’t a memorable one.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           6½ Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Battles from Beyond! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the series’ second half).    

SUMMARY:                                     RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Doug Murphy, this episode first aired in the U.S. on July 1, 2017.  In deep space, Kanjar Ro and his minions have stolen a train-like starship.  Far behind are Batman & Cyborg chasing after the hijackers.  Recruiting Space Cabbie’s help for a hefty fare, the League sends him to retake the train.  Yet, he will need to quickly thaw out a cryogenically-frozen Western legend, (whose casket is in the cargo hold) to have any shot of thwarting Kanjar Ro.      

Jonah Hex: Trevor Devall                                                       

Cyborg / Kanjar Ro: Khary Payton

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                           

Space Cabbie: Patton Oswalt

Space Cabbie’s Robot Sidekick: No Vocal Credit      

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 its strange premise, this well-written sci-fi episode effectively melds Steven Segal’s Under Siege 2 with some reliable Western-style action.  Even more so, the odd couple chemistry between Space Cabbie and Jonah Hex vs. Kanjar Ro makes this story an unexpected thrill ride. 

The 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.  Featuring plenty of laser gunplay, the action sequences are outstanding.  Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans should appreciate 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 Shaunt Nigoghossian and written by Paul Dini, this episode first aired in the U.S. on June 24, 2017.  Poison Ivy’s fearsome botanical attack on Gotham City, includes pitting a mind-controlled Swamp Thing against his fellow Justice Leaguers.  While Vixen contends with Ivy’s gleeful cohort, Harley Quinn, Superman & Firestorm contend with Swamp Thing’s awesome organic powers.  Meanwhile, Ivy’s impending nuptials with her not-so-cooperative fiancé are set to occur within a rooftop greenhouse.            

Swamp Thing: Mark Hamill                                                               

Vixen: Jasika Nicole

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                                       

Firestorm: P.J. Byrne

Superman: Jason J. Lewis                                                                  

Harley Quinn: Tara Strong

Professor Martin Stein: Stephen Tobolowsky                                       

Poison Ivy: Natasha Leggero                          

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:

Reliable writer Paul Dini strikes again, as his pairing of Poison Ivy and Swamp Thing makes perfect sense.  Jasika Nicole and Natasha Leggero’s vocal renditions of Vixen and Poison Ivy add further luster to this episode, as does some great chemistry amongst cast regulars Kevin Conroy, Jason J. Lewis, P.J. Byrne, and Stephen Tobolowsky.  While Tara Strong’s giggle-a-thon as Harley Quinn works fine, Mark Hamill’s take on Swamp Thing, however, is too subdued this time to make an impact. 

The usually chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, actually looks impressive when paired with this comic book-worthy script.  Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans should welcome this entertaining 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 Shaunt Nigoghossian, this episode first aired in the U.S. on June 17, 2017.  At the Fortress of Solitude, Cyborg and the Atom oversee Superman’s microscopic visit to the bottled City Of Kandor.  Brainiac seizes an opportune time to stealthily invade the Fortress and reclaim Kandor for his collection.  With Cyborg immobilized, a resourceful Atom must ingeniously fight a running battle against Brainiac at the North Pole to recover Kandor  (not to mention, rescue a miniaturized Superman).      

Atom (Ray Palmer): Jerry O’Connell                                                  

Brainiac: John de Lancie

Cyborg: Khary Payton                                                                        

Superman / Chancellor Al-On: Jason J. Lewis                                                  

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:

Having voiced Captain Marvel/Shazam and Superman for other DC animated projects, actor Jerry O’Connell makes it a cool hat trick by adding an entertaining Atom to his repertoire.  Though John De Lancie is perfect casting for Brainiac, he isn’t given enough to do here.  Instead, the showdown between Brainiac and his lethal robotic sidekick vs. the Atom riding a decapitated Superman robot is an inspired action sequence.  Reliably voiced by Jason J. Lewis, Superman’s contributions late in this story are also well-played.    

The 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.  Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans should appreciate this exciting 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 Shaunt Nigoghossian, this episode first aired in the U.S. on June 10, 2017.  Hired by the Penguin, mercenary-assassin Deadshot seeks a bounty on a captive Two-Face.  Held prisoner by the Justice League while awaiting transport back to Arkham Asylum, Two-Face is impersonated by Plastic Man as a decoy to ward off assassination threats like Deadshot.  The League’s ruse, however, takes some dangerous twists. 

Plastic Man / Penguin: Dana Snyder                                       

Deadshot: Christian Slater

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                           

Firestorm: P.J. Byrne

Professor Martin Stein: Stephen Tobolowsky                           

Harvey Dent / Two-Face: Robert Picardo                    

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:

Ominously voiced by Christian Slater, the masked Deadshot (presumably, Deathstroke wasn’t available) makes an intriguing foe tangling with three Leaguers.  Robert Picardo’s vocal take on Harvey Dent / Two-Face adds further luster to this episode.  Some humorous bits from Plastic Man and Firestorm make for a fun contrast to the superb Batman vs. Deadshot face-off. 

The normally chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, looks pretty good when paired with this comic book-worthy script.  Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans should appreciate this well-played Justice League 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 Shaunt Nigoghossian, this episode first aired in the U.S. on June 3, 2017.  The League must find a hidden cobalt fusion bomb that the H.I.V.E. terrorist group intends to detonate in Metropolis.  From Olympus, the goddess Athena offers Wonder Woman a new job as the Goddess of Truth.  Wonder Woman graciously accepts, knowing it means she must resign from the League.  Joining Batman, Wonder Woman, & Green Arrow vs. H.I.V.E. Master’s stooges is an amused Athena. 

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey                                             

Athena: Jessica Walter

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                           

Green Arrow / H.I.V.E. Master: Chris Diamantopoulos

Superman: Jason J. Lewis                                                      

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:

A fun script showcasing Wonder Woman’s heroics is further bolstered by great comedy banter between Green Arrow and Athena.  Voice actors Jessica Walter and Chris Diamantopoulos deliver spot-on performances, but Rachel Kimsey’s congenial Wonder Woman deserves the episode’s MVP honors. 

The usually chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, looks pretty good this time when paired with this comic book-worthy script.  Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans should appreciate this comedic Justice League 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).