Month: January 2021

SUMMARY:                                       RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Shaunt Nigoghossian, this episode first aired in the U.S. on July 29, 2017.  At a secluded manor home, Courtney Whitmore/Stargirl’s routine gig babysitting little Timmy Anderson goes awry when Klarion the Witch Boy shows up.  Klarion resorts to malicious deception to obtain the absent Professor Anderson’s mystical spell book known as the ‘Magdalene Grimoire.’  Batman and John Constantine may be Stargirl’s only chance of thwarting Klarion.      

Stargirl / Courtney Whitmore / Timmy: Natalie Lander                        

Batman: Kevin Conroy

John Constantine / Professor Anderson: Damian O’Hare                    

Klarion the Witch Boy: Noel Fisher

Teekl: 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:

Besides doubling as ‘Timmy,’ voice actress Natalie Lander is terrific as Courtney Whitmore/ Stargirl.  In addition to Kevin Conroy’s reliable Batman, Lander receives solid support from Noel Fisher’s snarky Klarion. Hence, this episode is a satisfying follow-up to Klarion’s previous appearance in Episode 13: “Trick or Threat.” 

Only Damian O’Hare’s John Constantine is slightly off, as he’s too much of a British caricature.  Still, the gag re: Constantine repeatedly being called a ‘hobo’ is spot-on.  Further, an implied sub-plot re: Constantine’s demonic womanizing may be amusing for adults, but this minor gag seems ill-fitted for what’s supposed to be a kid-friendly script.   

The chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, works well enough for this episode.  Considering this episode’s target audience is for ages 10-and-under, kids should enjoy “Supernatural Adventures in Babysitting,” as it delivers a nice showcase for Stargirl.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7 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 15, 2017.  The Justice League sabotages Darkseid’s latest deep-space invasion, but Superman is captured.  After uneasily delivering his latest fare (a Mr. D. Seed) to a secret Apokolipian base, Space Cabbie realizes that he needs the League’s help fast. 

While Darkseid and DeSaad try forcibly interrogating a weakened Man of Steel, Space Cabbie picks up another questionable fare.  It’s readily apparent that Space Cabbie is going to have to ditch Darkseid’s stooge, Kanto, before his new passenger ditches him … permanently.    

Space Cabbie: Patton Oswalt                                                               

Darkseid: Jonathan Adams

Superman / DeSaad: Jason J. Lewis                                                    

Swamp Thing: Mark Hamill

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey                                                         

Roxie Rocket: Gillian Jacobs

Hawkman / Kanto: Troy Baker                                                           

Atom: Jerry O’Connell

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:

Sporting some terrific plot twists, this intergalactic sitcom is hilarious.  While Mark Hamill scores his best Swamp Thing vocal performance, the episode’s MVP goes to Patton Oswalt for making the most of Space Cabbie’s comedic potential.  Impressively, the finely-tuned script nails every target, as even Roxie Rocket’s sub-plot gets an amusing wrap-up. 

The chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, corresponds remarkably well with this comic book-worthy script.  Considering the target audience extends far past the age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans should get some laughs out of this high-caliber Justice League romp.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                                       8½ 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 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).