Month: December 2020

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).   

SUMMARY:                                      Running Time: 11 Min.

Directed by Doug Murphy, this Halloween-themed episode first aired in the U.S. on March 18, 2017.  As ominously narrated by Cain the Caretaker, four 10-year old trick-or-treaters dressed as Batman, Zatanna Zatara, Doctor Fate, and John Constantine are deceived into entering the haunted House of Mystery.  Klarion the Witch Boy has devised this ghoulish prank to escape into the mortal world. 

As a fair exchange, he will gladly let these trapped kids be pursued by the House’s fearsome monsters before they are sucked into a mystical limbo at midnight.  Yet, there may be far more to the costumed children than it appears.

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                               

Batman (child) / Bully # 1: Tara Strong            

Zatanna Zatara: Lacey Chabert

Zatanna Zatara (child): Dayci Brookshire

John Constantine: Damian O’Hare                             

John Constantine (child): Paula Rhodes         

Doctor Fate (child): Erica Luttrell

Doctor Fate: No Vocals

Cain the Caretaker / Bully # 2 / Wolfman: Trevor Devall

Klarion the Witch Boy / Cat Boy: Noel Fisher             

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:

Writer Paul Dini conjures up Justice League Action’s most sophisticated (and likely its best-animated) episode.  Imagine the Justice League in a Tales from the Crypt-style plot mixed with familiar Halloween ghouls.  Playing Dini’s plot twists to perfection, the voice cast should be commended (especially, the actresses convincingly voicing the children). 

Yet, this episode’s most welcome surprise is that the normally chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, simply looks awesome this time.  Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, “Trick or Threat” proves a Halloween gem for adult fans, too.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             10 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 Curt Geda, this episode first aired in the U.S. on March 11, 2017.  Diana Prince and Clark Kent’s date night is interrupted by a mysterious villain wielding an impenetrable force field calling himself Repulse. Despite help from Hawkman, Superman & Wonder Woman discover Repulse’s true identity too late.  Infected by a destructive, electro-magnetic force field, Superman’s sole hope necessitates a dangerously close encounter with a black hole.     

Superman / Clark Kent: Jason J. Lewis                                    

Wonder Woman / Diana Prince: Rachel Kimsey

Lex Luthor / Repulse: James Woods                                       

Hawkman: Troy Baker

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:

Wisely giving Batman a much-needed episode off, this well-played tale also offers a charming look at Superman & Wonder Woman quietly giving romance a go.  Both Jason J. Lewis and Rachel Kimsey are superb innocently playing up the potential romantic angle for these iconic characters.  Kimsey, in particular, has a hilarious moment where her Wonder Woman reluctantly admits an unrequited desire to kiss the Man of Steel. 

Though it isn’t his best work in this series, James Woods’ condescending Lex Luthor adds an inspired touch.  More significantly, writer Jeremy Adams devises a suspenseful crisis affecting Superman while balancing it with Diana & Clark’s private lives.  Hawkman has too little to do, but he gets an amusing sight gag glimpsing his teammates’ mutual attraction.   

The chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, works to its advantage here, as the glowing pink force fields visually stand out.  Since the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, kids won’t likely complain about the mostly unimpressive artwork or the cutesy date scenes.  With an abundance of terrific scenes, the entertaining “Repulse!” should certainly satisfy Justice League fans, regardless of age.   

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, this episode first aired in the U.S. on March 4, 2017.  The diminutive Toyman raids the Justice League Watchtower for fun-and-games.  Batman, Cyborg, Wonder Woman, and Superman are soon taken captive and forced to engage in an arcade-styled, one-on-one fighting video game.  Egging Toyman into a two-player game, Cyborg’s challenge is complicated by his foe constantly changing the rules by whim. 

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                                       

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey

Cyborg: Khary Payton                                                                        

Toyman: Ken Jeong

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:

Writer Paul Dini pitches some fun gags spoofing video games, but his story is routine pap.  The voice cast (particularly Ken Jeong’s juvenile take on Toyman) complements this episode well, even though the flashy video game visuals dominate.  The chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, works to its advantage here, particularly the tongue-in-cheek video game graphics.  Since the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, kids should get a few thrills out of this amusing lightweight entertainment.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON 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 Doug Murphy, this episode first aired in the U.S. on February 25, 2017.  While battling parademons together, Batman & Big Barda witness Steppenwolf’s abduction of Superman.  Isolating the Man of Steel across the galaxy on a desolate alien planet beneath a red sun, Steppenwolf assumes that, upon rapidly losing his powers, Superman will be easy pickings. 

Seeking the high-profile glory of destroying the Man of Steel, Steppenwolf takes two parademons to hunt him down.  Meanwhile, Big Barda & Batman infiltrate Apokolips seeking to thwart Steppenwolf’s scheme.  A running gag is which Leaguer has taken down the most villains.    

Big Barda: Laura Post                                                                        

Steppenwolf: Peter Jessop

Superman: Jason J. Lewis                                                                  

Batman: Kevin Conroy

Virman Vunderbar: William Salyers               

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 like this episode’s plot is a cross between Superman: The Animated Series and Batman: Brave and the Bold.  The storyline delivers solid entertainment, in terms of balancing a resourceful Superman dodging Steppenwolf’s goons with Barda & Batman’s mission on Apokolips. 

Presumably, Barda’s unusually huge, buggy eyes in this episode are meant to help visually distinguish her from Wonder Woman.  Laura Post’s gruff vocal rendition of Barda is certainly well-played.  William Salyers’ amusing take on Steppenwolf’s DeSaad-like flunkie, Virman Vunderbar, is a nice bonus, too.

The episode’s chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, is barely noticeable watching this episode.  Somehow, the artwork even appears slightly upgraded.  More importantly, the satisfying “Under a Red Sun” somehow packs enough story for a standard-length TV cartoon.   

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).