Category: DC-Related

JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: INSIDE JOB (Episode 21)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

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).

JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: FREEZER BURN (Episode 20)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

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).

JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: RAGE OF THE RED LANTERNS (Episode 19)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

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).

JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: FIELD TRIP (Episode 18)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

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).

JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: PLASTIC MAN SAVES THE WORLD (Episode 17)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

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).

MUSIC OF DC COMICS: VOLUME 2

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 21, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 64 Min.

Released from DC Comics’ vaults through Watertower Music in 2010, its twenty-nine tracks are the following:

The Baby from Krypton intro/voicover (Superman radio show)

Credit: Bud Collyer (1940) Running Time: 1:14

2. What Are You Going to Do When You Are Not Saving the World? (Man of Steel film)

Credit: Hans Zimmer (2013) Running Time: 5:24

3. Ruby-Spears’ Superman (TV cartoon series opening credits, with voice-over)

Credit: John Williams (1988) Running Time: 1:02

4. Superman: The Animated Series (TV series opening credits)

Credit: Shirley Walker (1996) Running Time: 1:03

5. The Flying Sequence / Can You Read My Mind? (Superman: The Movie)

Credits: John Williams & Margot Kidder Running Time: 8:06

6. Fight Night (Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice)

Credits: Hans Zimmer & Junkie XL (2016) Running Time: 4:20

7. The Batman Theme (1966-68 TV series opening credits theme, including vocals & sound effects)

Credit: Neal Hefti (1966) Running Time: 0:46

8. Batman: The Animated Series (TV series opening credits)

Credit: Danny Elfman (1992) Running Time: 1:03

9. The Ballad of Batman (Batman: The Brave and the Bold episode pre-credits scene)

Credits: Dynamic Music Partners and voice actor John DiMaggio (as Golden Age Vigilante) (2002) Running Time: 2:17

10. Batman Takes Over {intro} (Batman and Robin live-action serial}

Credit: Mischa Bakaleinikoff (1949) Running Time: 2:11

11. Why Do We Fall? (The Dark Knight Rises film)

Credit: Hans Zimmer (2012) Running Time: 2:04

12. Christmas With the Joker: Jingle Bells & Batman Smells (Batman: The Animated Series episode)

Credits: Shirley Walker & Mark Hamill (1992) Running Time: 0:35

13. Joker is Wild (inspired by Batman live-action TV series)

Credits: The Sensational Guitars of Dan and Dale: featuring Sun Ra and The Blue Projects (1966) Running Time: 1:57

14. Mischief – Harley Quinn’s Theme (Infinite Crisis video game)

Credit: Matthew Harwood (2015) Running Time: 0:51

15. Lex Luthor’s Lair (Superman: The Movie)

Credit: John Williams (1978) Running Time: 2:33

16. Penguin Makes Moves (Gotham TV series)

Credits: Graeme Revell & David E. Russo (2015) Running Time: 0:47

17. Penguin’s Umbrella (inspired by Batman live-action TV series)

Credits: The Sensational Guitars of Dan and Dale: featuring Sun Ra and The Blue Projects (1966) Running Time: 3:02

18. Challenge of the Super-Friends (TV cartoon series opening credits, with voice-over and sound effects)

Credits: Hoyt Curtin (1978) Running Time: 1:02

19. Justice League of America – Roll Call (novelty song)

Credit: Arthur Korb (1966) Running Time: 3:11

20. Supergirl (TV series opening credits)

Credit: Blake Neely (2015) Running Time: 1:11

21. Robin’s Theme (inspired by Batman live-action TV series)

Credits: The Sensational Guitars of Dan and Dale: featuring Sun Ra and The Blue Projects (1966) Running Time: 3:03

22. The Adventures of Superpup (unaired TV pilot theme)

Credit: None (1958) Running Time: 0:37

23. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (TV series opening credits theme)

Credit: Blake Neely (2016) Running Time: 0:50

24. Metamorpho (novelty song)

Credit: Arthur Korb (1966) Running Time: 2:13

25. Get Your Cape On (DC Super-Hero Girls theme)

Credit: Jordyn Kane (2015) Running Time: 3:34

26. Flash (1990 TV series opening credits)

Credit: Danny Elfman (1990) Running Time: 1:33

27. The Flash vs. Arrow (TV series crossover theme)

Credit: Blake Neely (2014) Running Time: 5:07

28. Wonder Woman (novelty song)

Credit: Arthur Korb (1966) Running Time: 1:25

30. Wonder Woman (TV Series – Season 3 opening credits)

Credits: Charles Fox (1978) Running Time: 1:05

REVIEW:

Surpassing its 2010 predecessor, this kid-friendly compilation meets every expectation. Like Volume 1, enjoying this album is a musical time machine. The historical value of Track # 1 is a treat, as are some groovy 60’s-style dance tunes by The Sensational Guitars of Dan and Dale. The same applies to the rare opportunity to hear rare TV cartoon themes, especially “Challenge of the Super-Friends.”

What’s also appreciated is the inclusion of more recent film and TV tracks. Curiously, DC doesn’t include the 1984 Supergirl movie theme, but its 2015 TV counterpart frankly sounds better, anyway. All that’s really missing is representation from the 90’s Batman live-action films: i.e. Seal’s “Kiss from a Rose.” Only can surmise adding such high-profile pop-rock tracks were omitted due to royalty issues.

As fair warning, though, Arthur Korb’s three novelty tracks (sung in barbershop style) are all overlong dreck. At best, Korb amusingly semi-spoofs the Justice League (including Plastic Man in the mix, no less). In that sense, then maybe his homage to Metamorpho doesn’t sound half-bad by comparison. Yet, Korb’s excruciating serenade of Wonder Woman belongs in the talentless Nick the Lounge Singer’s songbook (as once portrayed by Bill Murray on Saturday Night Live). A much-needed counter-balance (not to mention, a delightful close-out to this album) is the disco-flavored 3^rd Season theme from Lynda Carter’s live-action series.

Between an exclusive mini-poster and 25+ vintage tracks (subtracting Korb’s horrid contributions), The Music of DC Comics: Volume 2 is a must-have keepsake for super-hero aficionados.

PACKAGING:

It’s stellar! The back of the CD case lists the tracks and performers. Behind the CD itself is an exclusive New 52 JLA group portrait. The fold-out booklet insert includes more specific track info and technical credits. The insert’s flip side is an exclusive DC Super-Heroes (with Sinestro & the Joker, too) mini-poster, with each character produced by different DC Comics artists (including Brian Bolland, Jim Lee, Ed Benes, & Amanda Conner).

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

Note: Seen below is Volume 1 to the left of its sequel album.

MUSIC OF DC COMICS: THE 75th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION {Volume 1}

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 21, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 41 Min.

Released from its vaults by DC Comics through Watertower Music in 2010, the thirty-one tracks (grouped by super-hero) are the following:

Superman March/Intro (Fleischer cartoon series)

Credit: Sammy Timberg (1941) Running Time: 1:28

2. Superman March (movie soundtrack album version)

Credit: John Williams (1978) Running Time: 4:23

3. New Adventures of Superman (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1966) Running Time: 0:55

4. Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (TV series opening credits)

Credit: Jay Gruska (1993) Running Time: 1:01

5. The Adventures of Superboy (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1966) Running Time: 0:30

6. Superboy (TV series opening credits)

Credit: Kevin Kiner (1988) Running Time: 0:47

7. Smallville (TV series – Season 8 end credits)

Credit: Louis Zebre (2008) Running Time: 0:24

8. Batman: The Electrical Brain (live-action serial chapter intro)

Credit: Lee Zahler (1943) Running Time: 2:10

9. Batman Theme (movie soundtrack album version)

Credit: Danny Elfman (1989) Running Time: 2:38

10. The Adventures of Batman (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1967) Running Time: 1:00

11. Batman Theme (live-action TV series – extended instrumental)

Credit: Neal Hefti (1966) Running Time: 2:19

Note: For the actual TV theme opening credits theme (including vocals and the biff-pow sound effects), it’s Track # 7 on Music of DC Comics, Volume 2. Its running time is 46 seconds.

12. Batman: The Brave and The Bold (TV cartoon series theme)

Credit: Andy Sturmer (2008) Running Time: 0:31

13. Batman Beyond (TV cartoon series theme)

Credit: Kristopher Carter (1999) Running Time: 1:00

14. Batman Begins: Molossus (movie theme)

Credits: Hans Zimmer & James Newton Howard (2005) Running Time: 4:50

15. Justice League of America (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1967) Running Time: 0:31

16. Super-Friends (TV cartoon series – 1^st Season opening credits)

Credit: Hoyt Curtin (1973) Running Time: 1:02

Note: The actual voice-over is probably actor Ted Knight.

17. All-New Super-Friends Hour (TV cartoon series theme)

Credit: Hoyt Curtin (1977) Running Time: 1:00

18. Justice League Unlimited (TV cartoon series theme)

Credit: Michael McCuistion (2004) Running Time: 1:02

19. Legends of the Super-Heroes (live-action TV special)

Credit: Fred Werner (1979) Running Time: 1:35

Note: Gary “Space Ghost” Owens (the program’s MC) does the actual voice-over.

20. The Teen Titans (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1967) Running Time: 0:30

21. Aquaman (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1967) Running Time: 0:23

22. Swamp Thing (live-action TV series opening credits)

Credit: Christopher Stone (1991) Running Time: 1:02

Note: Dick “Swamp Thing” Durock does the actual voice-over.

23. Shazam! (live-action TV series opening credits)

Credit: Jeff Michael & Yvette H. Blais (1974) Running Time: 1:00

24. Flash (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1967) Running Time: 0:30

25. Green Lantern (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1967) Running Time: 0:32

26. Green Lantern: First Flight (animated film main theme)

Credit: Robert J. Kral (2009) Running Time: 2:04

27. Atom (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1967) Running Time: 0:32

28. Hawkman (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1967) Running Time: 0:31

29. Plastic Man Comedy-Adventure Show (TV cartoon series theme)

Credit: Dean Elliott (1979) Running Time: 0:59

Notes: Michael “Plastic Man” Bell does the actual voice-over. There’s no mistaking that Bell also voices Wonder-Twin ‘Zan’ on The Super-Friends.

30. Wonder Woman (animated film end credits)

Credit: Christopher Drake (2009) Running Time: 3:04

31. Wonder Woman (TV series – Season 1 opening credits)

Credits: Charles Fox & Norman Gimbel (1976) Running Time: 1:41

REVIEW:

Well-played by DC Comics, it’s a musical time machine that should inspire all-ages interest in the various cartoons, movies, and TV series represented. The nostalgia alone packaged on this CD is worth the price of admission. As one might expect, some tracks don’t age well (i.e. Tracks 5 and 8), but it’s still a treat to experience these rare tunes. Still, this album over-relies on tedious filler (i.e. John Gart’s stilted Filmation intros) vs. supplying more contemporary (and longer) tracks.

In fairness, the album’s evident priority was representing as many DC icons as feasible; the Filmation logic then makes sense as a homage to DC’s Silver Age generation. It’s just a shame that Volume 1 isn’t at least an hour, as a mere forty minutes short-changes this album’s awesome potential. Volume 2, however, does provide more bang for the buck, including more of an emphasis on recent material.

Still, between the terrific bonus artwork and thirty-one mostly rare tracks, The Music of DC Comics: 75^th Anniversary Collection is a must-have goodie for super-hero fans.

PACKAGING:

Excellent! The back of the CD case lists the tracks and performers. Behind the CD itself is an exclusive group portrait of DC’s heroes and villains. The fold-out booklet insert includes the track info, technical credits, and a how-to re: purchasing DC-themed ringtones, The insert’s flip side is an exclusive DC Super-Heroes mini-poster montage produced by a collective of DC Comics artists (including Ryan Sook).

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Note: Seen below is the album to the left of its even better 2016 sequel.